Tori Soudan
Women's Footwear Designer and Manufacturer
By Rodney Wayne Branche
Copa Style Magazine's Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
Copa: Where are you from?
Tori: I was born and raised in Stratford, Connecticut. Copa: Have you always had a thing for fashionable footwear? If so, why?
Tori: Before shoes, I designed clothes. As I child, I loved to wear dresses, and still do. Easter was the one time each year that my mother would buy me a new dress and I always anticipated it. When I was 9,she told me that the only way I could get a new dress was if I made it myself, so she taught me how to sew. There were at least three previous generations of seamstresses in my family and, perhaps she wanted to pass down the tradition. Over time, I began to make all of my clothes because she would buy me as much fabric I wanted, but only a fewoutfits. After a while, people began to take notice of the clothes I made for myself and I started to sew for others. By the age of 13, I began making clothes for adults. I had a customer, Ms. Bonita who had a standing appointment with me. I created an outfit for her just about every week. In high school, I had a successful prom gown business. After high school, I went on to attend Spelman College and decided to study abroad in Paris. Growing up, my father had encouraged me to read books about all the luxury Parisian designers, so naturally I always wanted to travel to Paris. One weekend while abroad, I went to Venice with a friend. We ended up staying at a convent in Venice and one of the nuns suggested that we attend a local artisan’s shoe-making demonstration. He gave us a breakdown of the Italian shoe-making process and a tour of a last maker’s studio. This was my first introduction to the shoe industry, and it was the moment that I decided to pursue my own brand. |
Tamron Hall
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Tori Soudan Footwear gets featured on the Tamron Hall Show!
Copa: What schools have you attended?
Tori: I graduated from Spelman College, attended Parsons School of Design, and earned an MBA Degree in Finance from Northeastern University.
Tori: I graduated from Spelman College, attended Parsons School of Design, and earned an MBA Degree in Finance from Northeastern University.
Copa: When did you decide to undertake the task of opening your own Shoe Store?
Tori: For the Tori Soudan Brand retail strategy, I tested different distribution channels to best optimize the brand exposure including field engagement with customers. This included temporary retail locations (starting in 2017), branded events, and partnering with organizations. In addition, we have always had a presence online with our e-boutique, ToriSoudan.com as well as our Instagram and Facebook @ToriSoudan.
Tori: For the Tori Soudan Brand retail strategy, I tested different distribution channels to best optimize the brand exposure including field engagement with customers. This included temporary retail locations (starting in 2017), branded events, and partnering with organizations. In addition, we have always had a presence online with our e-boutique, ToriSoudan.com as well as our Instagram and Facebook @ToriSoudan.
Copa: Would you say you have a signature style which is all your own?
Tori: I use primary sources as my inspiration, so my designs are the embodiment of my own unique creative perspective. I choose not to limit myself in terms of a particular style. However, since my perspective is influenced by my mindset and experiences during any given time, I think certain style similarities might be recognizable.
Tori: I use primary sources as my inspiration, so my designs are the embodiment of my own unique creative perspective. I choose not to limit myself in terms of a particular style. However, since my perspective is influenced by my mindset and experiences during any given time, I think certain style similarities might be recognizable.
Copa: What type of footwear you offer?
Tori: For Tori Soudan Brand, we create upscale shopping experiences which feature my women’s footwear line. Style categories include flats, stylish slides, kitten heels, mid-heels, statement boots, and four-inch pumps.
Tori: For Tori Soudan Brand, we create upscale shopping experiences which feature my women’s footwear line. Style categories include flats, stylish slides, kitten heels, mid-heels, statement boots, and four-inch pumps.
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Copa: Let’s discuss your philosophy to fabulous footwear design.
Tori: Made in Italy, the Tori Soudan Brand is a collection of timeless statement styles that will take you from the Beach to the Boardroom. 
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Copa: What does the future hold for Tori Soudan and her world of fabulous footwear?
Tori: In the future, we will expand our distribution, broaden our product mix, and grow our international customer base.
Tori: In the future, we will expand our distribution, broaden our product mix, and grow our international customer base.
