“Beauty is pain.” It is an old saying that dates back centuries, passed down like a mantra from mothers to daughters in nearly every culture across the globe. But Jenny Yang, owner and founder of JENNYANG, disagrees.
“Comfort is life,” she says, and the times of sacrificing it for beauty’s sake are over. Instead, Jenny believes that if you give the right pair of shoes to a woman, she will conquer the world.
The motivated and enthusiastic Jenny Yang is empowering women these days by bridging together her experience in image consulting, marketing and design to create a one-of-a-kind high heels brand that showcases pumps that are classic, colorful, and – most important – comfortable.
Jenny brings fashion and style to the forefront as a tool to connect and empower women, allowing them to gain confidence, whether it be at work or for a night out.
Since launching her shoe brand in Hong Kong in 2018, her shoes have already been featured in Hong Kong, New York and Shanghai Fashion Weeks, endorsed by Vogue, Bazaar, Forbes Italy, Elle, Sassy Hong Kong and CCTV, and worn by numerous international celebrities, first ladies and royalty across the globe. The end of 2020 saw Yang’s shoe launch in Shanghai.
We caught up with Jenny, a friendly and dynamic entrepreneur that is determined to succeed with her business.
How did you get into the shoe industry?
My career started out in hospitality, working for prestigious five-star international hotel brands. After working in the corporate world and travelling extensively between Asia and Europe, I built up my professional network, which afforded me the opportunity to gain experience in image consulting.
After receiving training from one of the world’s leading image consulting brands, I became the first Chinese image consultant based in London.
From here, my career only blossomed further as I began leading women empowerment workshops focusing on the cross-section of fashion, design and marketing.
I’ve led workshops for all of Calvin Klein’s China store managers, for the Four Seasons in Hong Kong, for British Councils across the country, and so many more – teaching about ambition, energy and empowerment through fashion.
It’s important for successful women to learn about themselves, their best color and style, and how this can benefit them in their careers. I wanted to connect with my fans and clients through a product that embodied the perfect mix of power, chic style and elegance – and I found this in shoes.
I also realized there are no high-end famous shoe brands coming out of China, and I knew then and there that I wanted to build the most successful international shoe brand coming from China.
What kind of shoes do you specialize in?
Pumps! It’s all about shoes that will “elevate your journey” and make you feel your best. I offer the widest variety of high heels shoe sizes out of any Chinese high-end women’s shoe brand.
I wear a size 40, which is considered “big” in China, but when launching my brand I conducted a survey and found that many women have feet larger than me or much smaller than me, but are embarrassed thinking their shoe size is not “normal.” They cram their feet into shoes that are too small, making them all the more uncomfortable.
I want to be the brand that gives women the freedom they deserve, no matter what size feet they have. This is why I offer heels in size 33-43 and customizable widths that can help accommodate women that fall in between sizes.
How do your heels differentiate themselves from other high-end high heel brands?
We differentiate ourselves with the three Cs:
Classic – all of our high heels are classically elegant with a stiletto shape and thin heel that still provides arch support with extra stability at the ball of your foot where the pressure resides when wearing heels. We have over thirty styles, with options like slingbacks, ankle straps and booties, all in varying heel height (7cm, 9cm and 10.5cm) to accommodate both corporate life and evening attire.
Color – with my background in image consulting, I use my knowledge of color and fashion and apply that to my shoe brand design. With over 100 color and pattern variations to choose from, there is something to fit everyone’s preferences. Most heels have a python design, but we also have patent leather and suede leather heels.
Comfort – Using human body engineering science, we have worked with shoe experts from around the globe to create a design that is most stable on the ball of your foot. We only use 100% real Italian leather on the outside and advanced shape leather on the inside for the ultimate in breathability and comfort on your skin.
Our heels are noticeably lighter than other heels, making them easier to wear for extended amounts of time. Because I wear my brand of heels every day, I literally put myself in my clients’ 'shoes,' ensuring they are absolutely perfect.
What is the inspiration behind your brand?
I want to create a product that expresses that elegance is timeless. I want to use that expression to empower women around the world.
When you list off the top five luxury shoe brands in the world – Sergio Rossi, Chris Louboutin, Roger Vivier, Jimmy Choo, Manolo Blahnik, etc., they are all owned by men. These men do not wear their own shoes on a daily basis.
I do. I know women better and what they want in shoes because I, myself, desire that same thing. By 2024, I aim to have my shoes in the hands of over a million women and be one of the top luxury shoe brands in the world.
How much does a pair of JY high heels cost?
Our standard line of pumps starts at RMB3,780, and limited edition pumps retail for up to RMB5,580. However, we have a very exciting project in the works with two other luxury brands to design some spectacular heels that will sell for about RMB8,000. More details on this collaboration to come soon!
Are high heels the only product you currently offer?
We primarily focus on high heels, but we are already branching out into clutch purses that match the high heels. These purses sell for about RMB4,000 and can be coordinated to pair with whatever shoe pattern is selected – creating a one-stop style shop for our clients.
In the future, we hope to expand further into accessories, but our main product line will always remain shoes.
How can people in Shanghai buy your high heels?
Customers can purchase online through our mini program (see QR code below) or in our physical shop on Changle Lu.
Our high heels are also sold in many 5-star hotels, such as the Langham and the W all around the country. We are also extremely excited to kick-start our K-11 popup store on March 1. This store is on the second level of K-11, next to Jimmy Choo, and will run for at least three months, but probably longer.
Scan the QR code below to follow the JENNYANG Official WeChat Account:
Scan the QR code below to elevate your own journey with the sexiest yet most elegant high heels by JENNYANG:
See a listing for JENNYANG. [All images provided by Jenny Yang]
0 User Comments