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

Hi Nataly, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
O wanted to create something that went beyond just selling shoes. For me, it was about designing pieces that make women feel confident, elegant, and empowered every time they wear them. After moving from Venezuela to the U.S., I knew I had to build a brand that reflected my passion for craftsmanship and my belief that every woman deserves to feel special in her everyday life.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is creating timeless designs that make women feel confident, elegant, and empowered. What sets my brand apart is that every piece is designed with real women in mind, their busy lives, their dreams, and their desire to look and feel special every day. I’m proud that we’ve built a community of more than 40,000 clients who don’t just buy shoes; they connect with a brand that truly understands them.

Getting here wasn’t easy. I started over from scratch after leaving Venezuela and moving to the U.S. no connections, no established network, just a vision and a lot of determination. There were moments when I questioned everything, but every challenge taught me resilience and the importance of consistency.

What I’ve learned along the way is that success is not just about talent or luck, it’s about discipline, authenticity, and staying true to your purpose even when things get tough.

What I want the world to know about my brand is that Nataly Méndez Shoes is more than a fashion label. It’s a love letter to women to their strength, their elegance, and their everyday victories. Every pair we design is meant to walk with them through all the beautiful moments of their lives.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Miami has so much to offer, and I love showing my friends the mix of style, culture, and good vibes that make this city so special.

We’d kick off the week with a healthy and delicious brunch at Honest Roots it’s the perfect spot to enjoy fresh flavors and start the day feeling amazing. Then we’d head to Merrick Park for a relaxed afternoon of shopping and strolling; it’s one of my favorite spots for a little retail therapy in a beautiful open-air setting.

For dinner, I’d make a reservation at Soya e Pomodoro the sushi there is incredible and the vibe is just perfect for a night out.

Of course, a beach day is a must. I’d take them to Key Biscayne for that more local, relaxed feel, or South Beach if they want to experience the full Miami energy.

And because shoes are part of my world, we’d definitely stop by my stores in Doral or Kendall for a little “dress-up” session and to find the perfect pair for our next night out.

To end the week, nothing beats a sunset cruise on Biscayne Bay, the skyline as the sun goes down is pure magic.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Absolutely! My biggest shoutout goes to my family, my husband, my parents, and my siblings, who have always believed in me, even when my dreams sounded too big or too risky. Their love and support gave me the strength to start over in a new country and to keep going when things got tough.

I also want to recognize my incredible team and our clients. My team works tirelessly to bring each collection to life, and our clients are the heart of everything we do. Every message, every visit to our Miami stores, every photo they share wearing our designs reminds me why I started this journey in the first place.

Website: https://bynatalymendez.com

Instagram: @natalymendez

Twitter: @bynatalymendez

Other: TikTok; @bynatalymendez

Image Credits
Fotos By María Gabriela Montilla

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