Oban mum’s fix for shoes heads to US
An Oban mum who created a solution to loose fitting shoes has signed a Statesside deal and won a top business award.
Laura Birrell, who now lives in Glasgow, created Sticky Heelz – an anti-slip pad that helps with fitting, rubbing and blistering.
The product is on sale in 500 Superdrug stores across the UK but now Ms Birrell has signed a distribution deal with TSB Sales Service which will see her products hit the shelves of American stores.
The entrepreneur launched Sticky Heelz in 2015 after buying a pair of Christian Louboutin shoes that were half a size too big.
Last year she secured private investment from Hillington-based Wilson Imports and was part of a trade mission to Manhattan.
Ms Birrell, who also created a teardrop arch pad to make shoes comfier, got help from Business Gateway Lanarkshire. Last week Ms Birrell posted: ‘Delighted to win Entrepreneur of the Year at the Scottish Women’s Awards.’
This month Sticky Heelz also won an Innovation in Business Award at the Inspiring City Awards 2018 in Glasgow.
She told The Oban Times: ‘The day I decided I wouldn’t wait for someone to come up with a solution for my shoe problems was a game changer. I am excited about scaling my business globally and growing a brand.’
‘I am excited about scaling my business globally and growing a brand.’