In Conversation with: Isabel Musiniwa

Isabel Musiniwa is a God-fearing Zimbabwean girl who loves family, shoes and short hair. Find out more about her limited edition Italian made shoe ‘Sole Food’.

How did sole food come to be?

It was just all in my head at first. The initial plan was to resell some pretty, online shoes and get extra income but then I kept wondering how Giuseppe Zanotti (favourite designer) keeps on designing amazing shoes. His imagination is an impelling force to me. Then the idea grew, I wanted that too. I had to start and so the Sole Food design was conceived.

What made you choose to design shoes and not clothes, etc?

I love shoes. They are the first thing I look at whenever I look at any person. I feel like no matter how good your outfit looks, if your shoes are not as equally good, then that outfit was a waste. Shoes bring everything together.

Where do you get the inspiration for your designs?

This will sound a bit weird, but honestly, from my soul. If I were to hold out my soul in my hands for everyone to see, I am sure it would look like my designs. My urge for creativity and my deep imagination brings everything together.

Who are your rocks in life?

My parents and my Grandma.

What are the most important tools one should have when becoming an entrepreneur?

A support team that has great marketing skills, an open mind to constructive criticism and knowledge of the target market.

What have been the highlights of your life so far?

Launching my shoe line! No doubt about that.

What is the future vision for Sole Food?

I look to expand Sole Food to become one of the biggest designer brands that offers not only sports shoes but also luxury man and women shoes of all types.

Where can people buy one of your shoes?

People can buy the shoes using our online platform, here.

What’s a typical day in your life like?

I live a very typical adult life. Work mostly, eating when its’ necessary and sleeping whenever I get the chance (or is it really the typical adult life?). I do sketch here and there, when I have ideas of shoes or just when I am in my own zone.

What is the soundtrack to your life?

Funny enough, it’s the Huawei Brand song, Dream it possible by Jane Zhang.

Where in the world would be your dream destination?

Everywhere in the world. The few places that I have travelled to have evoked so many different feelings in me and I have experienced adventures, each one different to the next. I concluded that the world was given to us to make unique memories in unique places, it would be unfair if I picked a favourite.

What are you most proud of about being Zimbabwean?

Knowing that I belong to a people who believe in freedom, freedom in its entirety.

What is the best advice that anyone has ever given you?

Never wait for someone to push you, just jump. ~Grandma

How would you like to be remembered?

As a person who loved people and cared for the under privileged. A soul that sought not oblivion.

Social media

Instagram: izzyntini

Sole Food weblink: https://www.aliveshoes.com/sole-food-1