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by pltm
(PLTM) - Blue soles were once a dream for this soul, who kicked her way into action, turning her passion into a career; a dream made a reality. Stella Maze, born Athnia Wendy Jack, is a shoe designer from the British Virgin Islands, now living in the vibrant and ever famous, New York City.
Maze is the founder of Stella Hues, a shoe company that designs and creates foot pieces for women of class, with a hint of BVI flavour.
BVI Platinum News reached out to Maze, who spoke about her journey, how she uses her talent to promote the BVI and encouraged her countrymen to never give up on their dreams.
Maze, who was always passionate about footwear at a very young age, has been designing shoes for the last 7 years. Prior to this, she dabbled in the entertainment industry as a DJ and an Event Planner. This profession, along with many other factors, served as motivation on her path of owning her own shoe company.
“In this profession, I wore a lot of heels and my feet would hurt a lot. That helped me to focus and make my own shoes that myself and others can wear for more than an hour.”
Maze began interning for some of the major names in the shoe industry, where she learned the ins and outs of the craft. She also collaborated with these shoe giants on several projects for celebrities.
After years as an understudy, Maze launched her line in 2012. Stella Hues is a collection of footwear made from some of the world's finest materials, where its intricate crafted details will make any woman feel confident and powerful, according to Maze. The collection provides the customer with an experience and story rarely given with shoes.
As Maze explained, each of her shoes is designed with different shades of blue soling to represent the different color shades of the British Virgin Islands' waters.
“Growing up I spent a lot of time on the beach. I saw its beauty and the many different shades it had. This is something that stuck with me. This is something I wanted everyone to experience.”
Maze said, “I tell my story through my shoes. I love the islands where I am from and my shoes and their designs are about comfort and relaxation, as if you're on my islands. They are comfortable shoes that makes a woman feel powerful and gives her the motivation she needs.”
The patterns and color choices of her shoes also resemble various aspects of BVI life and culture.
Notably, Stella Hues has caught the eyes of the First Lady, Mrs. Lorna Smith and her sister, who, along with other locals, attended this season’s launch of Stella Hues at Jay Z’s 40/40 club in New York.
Stella Hues has been showcased at some major fashion events, including the New York Fashion Week and the Mercedes Benz Fashion Show. The collection has also attracted major celebrities and their stylists.
Maze noted that her journey has not been an easy one and encouraged others in the BVI to never give up on their passions and dreams.
“Everybody is not going to see what you see. You have to know and have the confidence within yourself to say that no matter what any one says, it's your dream and when the right time comes, everything will fall into place.”
Maze added, “It takes courage to step out in faith and be who you're supposed to be. Life is filled with mistakes and setbacks, but you have to be willing and able to be a servant of your journey. Some give up too easy and too quick, but take these down times as lessons and learn from them. Never give up, even if you're sixty years old; die trying.”
