About Me
I’m Tara, a footwear designer and product developer with over 20 years of experience bringing shoes from idea to reality. I’ve worked across women’s, men’s, and kids’ categories for brands ranging from national retailers to fast‑moving private label teams, and I’ve learned how to balance creativity with the practical realities of production, timelines, and commercial goals.
Throughout my career, I’ve worked across a wide range of brands from contributing to the design and development process at Taryn Rose, a comfort‑driven luxury label, to leading design for Chinese Laundry, EDL, and JC Penney private label teams. That mix of luxury, mid‑tier, and high‑volume commercial environments taught me how to build product that works for real customers at every price point.
My background spans concepting, technical design, factory communication, sample management, and full assortment strategy, which means I understand the entire lifecycle of a shoe. I know how to translate an idea into something a factory can actually build, how to solve construction challenges without losing the aesthetic, and how to shape a line that feels intentional, cohesive, and commercially sound.
I’m especially passionate about supporting founders and emerging brands. Footwear development can feel overwhelming when you’re new to it, and I enjoy making the process clearer, more approachable, and aligned with your vision. Whether I’m helping refine a brand direction, building out an assortment, or guiding a startup through their first round of samples, my goal is always to give you structure, clarity, and a partner who understands both the creative and commercial sides of the industry.
Creatively, I’m drawn to retro influences, nostalgia, and representation. Themes that show up in my personal work and the way I think about storytelling through product. Professionally, I adapt to whatever your brand needs: modern, classic, trend‑driven, or category‑specific.
If you’re building a footwear brand — whether you’re just getting started or expanding what you already have — I’m here to help you move forward with confidence and a clear plan.