From selling sweets at her aunt’s church to launching a premium footwear brand, the founder Jadeen Verme of Vermé Shoes has always had an entrepreneurial spirit. Frustrated by the lack of stylish, size-inclusive heels on the market, she took matters into her own hands—literally—by designing luxury footwear that blends fashion, function, and comfort for women who have long been overlooked by the industry. In this exclusive interview, she shares how faith, perseverance, and an eye for design helped her create a brand that’s breaking barriers and setting new standards in fashion.
FEMI: From Selling Sweets to Luxury Heels – Your entrepreneurial journey started at a young age, from selling sweets at your aunt’s church to running a brownie business in high school. How did these early experiences shape your approach to building Vermé Shoes?
JADEEN: My early entrepreneurial experiences taught me the importance of supply and demand—selling what the customer actually wants. Whether it was selling sweets at my aunt’s church or running a brownie business in high school, I quickly learned how to identify what was in demand and market it effectively. That same principle now applies to Vermé Shoes, where I pay close attention to the styles and designs my customers are looking for. Additionally, as someone who struggled to find stylish heels in my size growing up, I have firsthand knowledge of what’s missing in the market.
These early ventures also helped me develop strong customer service and marketing skills. In high school and college, I promoted my businesses not just through word of mouth but also by leveraging social media and physical marketing, like flyers. Learning how to effectively put my brand in front of the right audience has been essential in building Vermé Shoes into what it is today.
FEMI: Fashion Meets Function – Many women struggle to find stylish yet comfortable heels in larger sizes. What was the biggest challenge you faced in designing size-inclusive footwear, and how does Vermé Shoes stand out in terms of comfort and craftsmanship?
JADEEN: One of the biggest challenges I faced in designing size-inclusive footwear was creating heels that truly accommodate wide feet. Finding a manufacturer was difficult because many factories, especially those in China, don’t typically produce wide-width heels since they’re not as common in the industry. It was a struggle to find a company that could not only execute my vision but also deliver high-quality craftsmanship rather than just offering a cheap, mass-produced shoe. Thankfully, I was able to secure a manufacturer willing to work closely with me to develop something new.
Since many of the molds for wide-width heels didn’t previously exist, we had to open new molds from scratch, which meant taking extra time to design, refine, and get the measurements just right. When you widen a shoe, other structural adjustments need to be made to ensure the perfect fit, so this has been a highly hands-on process between me and the manufacturer. Right now, we’re fine-tuning these molds to ensure they’re perfect for the upcoming collection.
What makes Vermé Shoes stand out is, first, the exclusivity—stylish, high-quality heels in larger sizes simply aren’t widely available. It’s rare to find fashionable designs that truly cater to women with big feet, and I wanted to change that. Second, we prioritize premium materials. I’ve gone the extra mile to source the best raw materials, even paying more to ensure durability, so these shoes won’t wear down after just a few uses. My manufacturer, with over 20 years of experience, has reassured me that quality remains at the forefront of production. Lastly, comfort is a major focus. With this first collection, every heel is designed with extra support to help distribute weight properly, making it easier to stand in them for longer periods.
FEMI: Breaking Industry Norms – The fashion industry has long overlooked women who wear extended shoe sizes. What has been the most rewarding part of creating a brand that fills this gap, and how do you hope Vermé Shoes will influence the industry?
JADEEN: The most rewarding part of building Vermé Shoes has been creating a brand that younger me would have been so happy to see. She would have felt seen—not as an afterthought, but as the main focus. Growing up, I didn’t have a brand that truly catered to my needs, and I remember having to settle for the one pair of shoes I could find in my size, wearing them with every outfit because options were so limited. Now, with Vermé Shoes, I’m changing that narrative.
It’s incredibly fulfilling to see the impact this brand is already making. When I see younger girls commenting on my posts with excitement or older women saying, “I’ve been alive for 50 years and have never seen anything like this,” it reminds me why I started. Women deserve to feel seen, no matter their shoe size.
I pray that Vermé Shoes helps open doors in the fashion industry—where brands no longer overlook women with larger feet, but instead recognize us as an essential part of the market. We exist, and we want stylish, high-quality shoes just like everyone else. We deserve to have the same shopping experience as any other woman walking into a store, and I hope Vermé Shoes helps push the industry toward that change.
FEMI: Faith & Business – You’ve built your brand with strong biblical principles like Habakkuk 2:2 and Matthew 6:33 as guiding forces. How has your faith influenced your journey as an entrepreneur, and what role does it play in your business decisions?
JADEEN: Matthew 6:33 says, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.” That verse has been foundational in my journey because as I seek God and pursue my passions, He has guided me to this path of creating my own business. Vermé Shoes wasn’t something I forced—it came as a result of following God, trusting Him, and allowing Him to reveal my purpose. Through this journey, He has shown me who He wants me to reach, not just through my business but also through my content, which uplifts and inspires women to live a godly life.
I view Vermé Shoes as an extension of ministry. I believe God created His daughters in His image, and He wants them to know they are seen, heard, and catered to—even in something as simple as finding beautiful shoes in their size. That belief shapes every decision I make. I consult God on everything, from the names of the shoes to which styles I should launch first. In every step, He is my guide—my ultimate business partner.
Habakkuk 2:2 reminds me to “write the vision and make it plain,” and that principle has given me the faith to move forward with this business. I write down my goals, the milestones I want to reach, and then take action, knowing that if God is backing me, I have all that I need. My faith isn’t just a part of my business—it is the foundation of it.
FEMI: The Future of Vermé Shoes – What’s next for Vermé Shoes? Do you have any exciting plans for expansion, new designs, or collaborations in the near future?
JADEEN: I see so many great things in store for Vermé Shoes, and I’m praying that God continues to show me just how good it can get. Ultimately, I would love to see Vermé Shoes in stores, selling out and flying off the shelves. But right now, my main focus is on this first spring/summer drop and getting my name out there.
Looking ahead, we’re already working on a fall collection, which I’m really excited about. I can’t say too much just yet, but I will say—be expecting to see and hear some great things coming soon!
With Vermé Shoes, the goal is bigger than just creating stylish heels—it’s about making women feel seen, valued, and included in an industry that has long ignored them. As the brand prepares for its highly anticipated spring/summer drop and future expansions, the message remains clear: luxury and inclusivity can go hand in hand. Stay tuned, because this is just the beginning of a fashion revolution.
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