Meet Kristie Hartsfield | Teacher, Founder Kristiletto’s Closet Foundation Inc., and Owner of Kristiletto Shoetique

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kristie Hartsfield and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kristie, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The thought process behind starting Kristilettos Closet Foundation Inc. was when I came to a point where I realized we all have something to give that can help or serve others. As I self reflected, I asked myself the question how am I loving my neighbor, how am I showing love, how am I serving others. And then the question became what can I give and how can I gift.

Now, as a woman who has a love for shoes, I started to think about how Wearing your favorite pair of shoes can make a woman feel confident, it changes her posture, her walk, her attitude, etc. How’s something that’s an external item, like a pair of shoes can convert into something that causes positive internal changes.

So, needing to clean out my shoe closet I had the idea to gift women with a pair of new or gently worn shoes in order to encourage her and remind her that every journey begins with a single step, to walk boldly in faith knowing that her steps are ordered, and that she is seen and loved. Yes, one pair of shoes can change a woman’s life, just as Cinderella! Our model is there’s nothing more beautiful than the sole of a woman.

From these thoughts and ideas Kristilettos Closet Foundation Inc. was born. I reached out to my friends and ask them to donate new and gently worn shoes that were taking up space in their closet. I also reached out to those who I knew who were part of community service organizations and shared with them my new mission.

Since 2017, Kristilettos Closet has grown and the way that we serve the community has expounded. We now not only provide new and gently worn shoes to women who may be caregivers, cancer survivors, women in domestic violence safe houses, single mothers, teens attending prom, etc, but we also have been able to grow in order to have a positive long-term impact on not only women but communities as a whole.

For example, during the pandemic in 2020 we were able to feed hospital essential workers in Orlando Florida as a thank you for their sacrifice, determination, dedication, and service.

The thoughts of to grow Kristiletto’s Closet Foundation Inc. are continuous. We are adjusting and ever-growing as the needs of our community changes, especially during COVID-19.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I have been a teacher for the past 17 years. I have had the opportunity to pour into the life of so many young, talented, troubled, uncertain, confident, creative, brave, determined, you name it.. and I’ve taught that type of young person and have gotten to know their home life and families.

I have had the opportunity through donations given to Kristilettos Closet to be able to assist The mothers of some of my students. When your student sees that you not only care for them, but their mother as well it fosters relationships between home and school. Which in return has allowed for my students to feel safe, valued, and seen in my classroom.

Now in march 2021, I decided to expand my brand Kristiletto. I launched my online women’s Shoe Store, Kristiletto Shoetique. During the pandemic I temporarily stopped collecting shoe donations. However, I still have people reaching out who had a need for shoes. So I decided to become a resource for my nonprofit. When someone purchases from Kristiletto Shoetique, their purchase has purpose. I donate 10% from every sale to Kristiletto’s Closet Foundation. Also, I am able to use my inventory from the Shoetique to meet needs of shoe requests.

For example, from the proceeds that Kristiletto Shoetique donated from April’s proceeds, Kristiletto’s Closet was able to gift 2 single mother’s gift cards for Mother’s Day.

Kristiletto the Brand is becoming known and growing in the Nonprofit and for profit world. Although Kristiletto the Brand is only 4 years old, we are definitely just getting stated. Learning and growing as we continue to serve the community through Kristiletto’s Closet Foundation and as we provide dope footwear for women to purchase with Purpose through Kristiletto Shoetique.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oh my goodness, I’m new to the South Florida area so I would have to go off of word-of-mouth from my friends. I moved here two years ago, and one of the years were spent inside during quarantine. However, I am a foodie and we would definitely have to visit Mexican food places, the best mom and pop barbecue spots, etc. of course the beach would be a part of the visit. As far as specifics I don’t have any favorites yet, I still need suggestions! What and where do you recommend?

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to shout out every strong woman of faith who has poured into my life and lead by example. Starting with my mom, my sister, my aunts, my grandmothers, and to the women who became like a second moms, and my friends. All who walked in faith and never gave up no matter how hard the challenges became. Each woman playing their specific role in different seasons of my life. I am who I am because other women who surrounded and continue to surround me.

Website: Www.Kristilettoscloset.org Www.Kristiletto.com

Instagram: @kristilettoscloset @kristiletto_shoetique

Linkedin: Kristiletto’s Closet

Twitter: @KristilettoSho1

Facebook: Kristiletto’s Closet Kristiletto Shoetique