A paradigm of femininity, Melissa’s mother radiated empowerment in her sleek suit and high-heels. While taking in the aesthetics of her mother’s bravado, Melissa realized the physical and mental challenges her mother faced as a businesswoman juggling her many responsibilities on a daily basis.
On a sunny day in Toronto, Melissa’s mother balanced her youngest in one arm and groceries in the other. She moved swiftly to catch up with her daughter crossing the street and lodged her heel in an unforgiving sewer grate. She crumbled under the weight of her cargo and let the groceries sprawl out on the pavement in order to save her child. The accident left her with a bruised face and chin; however, she continued to prioritize her children until she could take off the necessary three days from work to recover.
The image of her unyielding mother stuck with her, and she knew something needed to be done so she could safely wear heels while tackling the inevitable challenges of womanhood. Krippits were born.
Krippits are innovative, 3D printed high-heel protectors that provide much-needed reinforcement on uneven surfaces and prevent damage to your favorite shoes.
During the process of launching her product, Melissa was faced with the isolation of entrepreneurship and researched female founder communities that cultivated support and guidance. She found EnrichHER in Atlanta, GA and was immediately drawn to the diverse community of women, as well as available resources such as the calendar of accelerator programs.
Through the EnrichHER pitch competition, Melissa was able to present Krippit to an exclusive group of top leaders in Washington, DC on the Halcyon Incubator Platform, which led to signing her first big subscription client. Melissa even made the trip to Atlanta from Toronto to support her fellow EnrichHER family and provide insights on her experience as an entrepreneur.
We couldn’t be more proud of your hard work, Melissa, and appreciate you accelerating our power and stride in heels!
Founder Advice:
- I strongly advice joining an inclusive platform for support and validation of your product or service. We are always reassuring ourselves as women and it’s nice to know other women founders who are trying to create something
- Keep an open mind and accept feedback.
- If you want to make a product, check out a local maker’s space to use their 3-D equipment to create a prototype. Here in Canada, we have 3-D printing at our public libraries that anyone can take advantage of.
Katie Shannon is a team member of EnrichHER, a platform that helps women get funding to grow incredible ventures through ecosystem building (EnrichHER Spark) and capital (EnrichHER Funding). EnrichHER enables accredited and non-accredited investors to lend to women-led businesses
We are…
The world’s first and only, women entrepreneur-focused, debt-based funding platform.
A groundbreaking movement to unite founders and funders who share a vision for sustainable women-led ventures.
AS SEEN IN
What we do?
We help women get up to $250,000 to grow their business
Our Mission
We believe in inclusive economic growth and disrupting traditional and predatory access to small business financing. To create opportunities for women-led businesses, we focus on social change, empowerment and creative uses of monetary value. Through EnrichHER Funding, EnrichHER Society, and EnrichHER Spark, we are an ecosystem of entrepreneurs and capital providers who have pledged to support 10,000 women grow incredible ventures.
How you can participate in the EnrichHER Community?
Apply for funding here.
Invest in a female founder here.
Make a donation here.
Join our online community here.
Follow & Engage with us on social.
https://www.instagram.com/ienrichher
https://twitter.com/ienrichher
https://www.linkedin.com/company/ienrichher