Meet “Feel Good Shoes”

At QiDZ, we believe in the power of community and the importance of supporting local businesses, especially those led by inspiring women like you.
As part of our “Empower Her” campaign, we are excited to feature women-owned businesses in the UAE on our platform.
We would love to learn more about your business and share your story with our community.

To get started, we kindly ask you to answer the following five short questions. Your responses will help us showcase your business in the best possible light.

1. Can you tell us a little about your business and what inspired you to start it? 

In 2018, about three years after having my second child, I found myself unable to return to my previous corporate job. Seeking a productive way to spend my time, I was inspired by a friend who was starting an online shop. This led me to the idea of selling quality medical and arch-supporting shoes for children from my home country, Slovakia.

2. What unique products or services does your business offer that you believe set you apart? 

I believe I am the first online shop where parents can buy all three types of toddler sandals: barefoot sandals, those with mild arch support, and specialized orthopedic sandals with high arch support, usually found only in specialized stores. Parents often start with barefoot sandals to allow their first walkers maximum freedom of movement. Later, they may notice the foot shifting sideways and seek sandals with a firm heel counter and a mild arch support for gentle support. To prevent flat feet, many opt for sandals with the highest arch support. 

3. What has been the most rewarding aspect of running your own business? 

The fact that I am my own boss is probably the most rewarding aspect, but it is a blessing and a curse. I fondly remember how I got guidance from my manager if I got stuck in my previous office job. As a business woman in an eshop area, I either outsource many activities, which costs a lot of money, or I had to learn a lot, which costs a lot of time. Marketing at the time I studied it and how we do it now is completely different. However I still enjoy it, after 6 years, and am grateful for the flexibility this business gives me. I appreciate the flexibility I have, the free afternoons during which I serve as a free taxi to my children

4. How do you see your business contributing to the local community in the UAE? 

Many of my returning customers appreciate the variety of sandals I offer. They like being able to choose between barefoot sandals, those with mild arch support, and orthopedic sandals, which makes my shop special. This gives parents peace of mind, knowing they can find the right shoes for their child’s needs. The good balance between price and quality also makes my products more attractive, allowing families to get proper shoes without spending too much. I believe this helps improve children’s health and supports the local community by offering a reliable place for specialized footwear.

5. What was the biggest challenge you faced when starting your business, and how did you overcome it?

Hard to say which one is the biggest, as I have a few 🙂 As I mentioned above, the dilemma between outsourcing and doing things by myself. I think I have found a reasonable ratio. Another big challenge is to figure out what types of shoes customers would be most interested in, so I had to do thorough reporting of which type of shoes I should invest the most, as I have to buy the stock directly from the manufacturer. But I think this is the daily bread of every business. Probably the biggest challenge is which advertising and sales channels to use to be actually discovered by the potential customers. Here I am diversifying my sales channels.
Alongside my eshop www.feelgoodshoes.ae I can be also found on Amazon and Mumzworld with the products brand name Protetika.

6. What message or advice would you like to share with other aspiring women entrepreneurs? 

My advice is to find what you are passionate about. There will be disappointments, so your drive must be bigger. Find out how much money you are willing to invest into your business and allocate money for advertising. Definitely reach out to UAE influencers. Be prepared to learn a lot, and be patient. I am wishing all aspiring women lots of courage, and luck.

We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to feature your business on QiDZ and look forward to hearing your story!