WHEN THE SHOE FITS
Inspired to be the next Jimmy Choo, actor Zain Saidin’s business of designing and making shoes for discerning men continues to boom,
IT’S been a year since he started out as a shoe designer and entrepreneur. For Zain Saidin, leaving acting behind to focus on business has never been more rewarding.
“My focus is solely on my business. While I do miss acting, it is more satisfying to see my designs on people’s feet,” said the husband of actress Rozita Che Wan, also known as Che Ta.
Last year, the 33-year-old founded his own shoe label, ZapatoS. He then took part in last year’s three-day Mood Republik’s KL Raya Fest, a shopping carnival, which saw overwhelming response for his shoe designs.
At the event at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC), he sold close to 500 pairs within a short period of time.
“That was the debut of my shoe collection. It was really chaotic as it was also my first time participating in a shopping carnival and I did not know what to anticipate.
“So, I hope this year, the preparations we’ve made would smoothen customer handling. We have put aside 3,000 pairs to ensure more people will not go home empty-handed,” said Zain when met at Mood Republik’s press conference at PWTC recently.
Zain’s label will be among 900 vendors participating in the carnival’s KL stop from June 16 to 19.
Che Ta will also have her own booth, peddling her health supplement products under the brand RCW by Rozita Che Wan.
Besides the celebrity couple, other artistes will also set up booths to sell their products. Among them are Deeja Cosmetic by Sherry Ibrahim, Superb by Zizan Razak, OLIcandy by Fattah Amin, Lerve Cosmetic by Fasha Sandha, Ziana Zain’s World by Ziana Zain, Izzuexclusive by Izzue Islam, and Maroon Parfum by Scha Alyahya.
Household brands like Naelofar Hijab, D’Herbs, Vida Beauty, Aidijuma, Jubah Souq, Fareeda, Sugarscarf and Minaz will be part of the carnival.
Zain said the idea that sparked his shoemaking business began when he couldn’t find comfortable yet stylish shoes to his liking.
“I figured I would come up with my own range of shoes with an affordable price range, appealing enough to regular Malaysians.”
The actor, best known for his role as English teacher Henry Middleton in Astro’s educational comedy Oh My English!, said he was looking forward to the event as it would be a good platform for him to meet his buyers, both new and regulars.
“We are expecting a larger crowd this year. It can be a little tiring, but I know it will end with satisfaction,” he added.
And, oh, for the first time, the couple’s fashionable and adorable toddler, Aaisyah Dhia Rana, who turns 3 in November, will make an appearance at their booths.