I had the pleasure of interviewing and having Kasey of Naya Shoes as a guest on Green Ar Live! I found the interview to be insightful.
ESS: “Naya Shoes is an extension of the Brown Shoe Company Natulizer brand, which epitomizes comfortable quality women’s shoes. So what was the conception story behind Naya?”
NS: “Naya is a brand of Brown Shoe, just like Naturalizer, Dr. Scholls, Via Spiga and many others. To create Naya, Brown Shoe utilized its worldwide sourcing network, as well as Naturalizer’s comfort and fit expertise, executive leadership, and several other corporate elements. However, Naya is a distinct brand, with its own point of view and a different proposition for customers. Brown Shoe’s first eco-friendly brand, Naya, meets consumers’ desire for beautiful, comfortable footwear that leaves a softer footprint on the planet.”
ESS: “Please elaborate a bit on the Renewing Body, Spirit, Earth and how that correlates to the brand?”
NS: “Naya means renewal. We are committed to renewing women’s body, spirit and our earth with comfortable, beautiful footwear and the commitment to choose natural and earth-friendly materials whenever possible, including: vegetable-tanned leathers and linings, fabrics made with natural or recycled materials, foot beds containing natural cork, outsoles made with recycled materials, water-based cements, shoe boxes made with 80 percent recycled paper pulp, soy-based inks and water-based glue. Naya is changing perceptions among eco-friendly footwear brands, as the shoes meet women’s desire to look good, feel good and do good.”
ESS: “My readers are very concerned about sustainability; tell me about the sustainable practices that go into manufacturing Naya Shoes?”
NS: “Naya is committed to softening our global footprint. We choose natural and earth-friendly materials whenever possible, including: vegetable-tanned leathers and linings, fabrics made with natural or recycled materials, foot beds containing natural cork, outsoles made with recycled materials, water-based cements, shoe boxes made with 80 percent recycled paper pulp, soy-based inks and water-based glue.”
ESS: “I know that there is a challenge when it comes to making leather shoes that are eco –friendly. Can you explain how Naya Shoes leather process differs as it pertains to producing earth-friendly shoes?”
NS: “Naya’s leather is sourced from two longstanding Brown Shoe partners in China and India. Our leather is vegetable-tanned, therefore eliminating the use of harsh chemicals to tan the material.
Additionally, Naya utilizes scrap leather for linings. Leather linings are part of Naya’s comfort promise, as they make the shoes feel smooth on the foot.”
ESS: “I love the way that Naya Shoes have captured comfort, classical styling and feminity. Can you describe the design elements that goes into creating your shoes?”
NS: “Naya shoes are created with the belief that shoes should be beautiful on your feet, soft on your step and gentle on the environment. Naya’s shoes are trend-conscious, infused with vibrant colors, feminine silhouettes and creative details. The concepts for Naya start with our designers in St. Louis and include collaboration with our international design team based out of Italy. The beautiful shoes feature wearable heel heights, leather linings and plush cushioning for premium comfort.”
ESS: “What is the inspiration behind the current collection?”
NS: “Naya’s Fall 2010 line features flats, pumps and boots that incorporate fashion trends including clogs, peep-toe booties, lug soles, shearling leather, platforms and lace-up boots.”
ESS: “Who is the Naya Woman?”
NS: “The Naya woman is someone who wants to look good, feel good and do good. She is a woman that wants to make eco-conscious choices without sacrificing style or comfort.”
ESS: “I know you’re on Twitter, because that’s where we connected. Where else can customers connect with you and purchase Naya Shoes?”
NS: “Naya is available nationwide through shoes.com, Zappos.com, Piperlime.com, PlanetShoes.com, select Naturalizer stores, Nordstrom (and Nordstrom.com), Dillard’s stores, Anthropologie.com and more than 60 popular independents. Naya is also available in 16 countries outside North America, including China, Japan and Australia. Visit NayaShoes.com for a full list of retail and online locations. You can also follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/nayashoes) for eco-friendly tips, updates and contests.”
ESS: “I love sharing shoe stories with my friends and I love that your website Nayashoes.com has an interactive section on the Green Room page in which shoppers can share their Naya experiences. Can you share with us more about the Naya Community?”
NS: “The Naya Green Room is a blog that provides eco-friendly living tips and regular features on notable women and how they “Naya,” (renew their body, spirit and the earth). We love the Green Room because women actually share their tips for eco-living and provide feedback on the Naya line. It has been a great way to connect with and learn more about Naya women.”
ESS: “I also found it impressive that Naya had a tree planting campaign. What other socially responsible activities is the company doing?”
NS: “During April, Naya partnered with Plant It 2020 for the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. For every pair of Naya Shoes bought on shoes.com, a tree was planted. We met our goal of planting over 5,000 trees in one month.
This fall we are planning a campaign where women can return old pairs of shoes to be donated to people in need or if the shoes are at the end of their lifetime they will be recycled. We will provide you more information on this campaign as soon as possible.”
ESS: “What is in store for the future of Naya Shoes? Do you see the line expanding or merging into the Naturalizer line thereby all the shoes being produced in an eco-friendly way?”
NS: “Naya is Brown Shoe’s eco-lab and we’re really pleased with the progress we have made so far. We see this as a journey, with Naya as the first step. We’ve made a lot of progress in finding earth-friendly materials and components and we’re excited about the changes and our ability to make them affordable for women. What we learn with Naya could have applications across other Brown Shoe brands, including Naturalizer. However, Naya is and will remain a distinctive brand in the Brown Shoe portfolio.”
You can also watch the broadcast of the show on Green Ar Live!. It’s archived under Naya Shoes November 10, 2010.
More shoes,
~Ar
