The MAD Shoes vs. the suppliers - trust your intuition, it never disappoints
I believe that without reliable suppliers, any product-based business is at risk of failure. However, finding the right suppliers is a journey in itself. For MAD Shoes, the first supplier we sought out was the shoe designer who could understand the vision I had. Fortunately, the stars aligned and after weeks of intense research, I found a small shoe factory in Bucharest that met my quality standards.
Why did we choose to produce the MAD Shoes in Romania?
Before we talk about why I chose to produce the MAD Shoes in Romania, let’s discuss some of the reasons many local shoe ventures go straight to Italy or Spain (or even China). One of them is that they have a long-standing tradition of skilled craftsmanship in footwear. These countries have artisans with generations of experience in producing high-quality, handmade shoes, which is essential for luxury brands aiming for precision and detail.
Another reason is cost efficiency. Despite the focus on luxury and quality, producing shoes overseas, even in countries with premium craftsmanship, can be more cost-effective due to lower labor costs, access to materials, or established supply chains. This allows brands to maintain profitability while still delivering high-quality products.
An established infrastructure is yet another reasons shoe brands go overseas. Some countries, particularly in Europe and Asia, have well-established manufacturing infrastructure for luxury goods, including footwear. This allows for streamlined production, faster turnaround times, and easier access to premium materials.
During our research phase, it did cross my mind to search for a supplier in Italy or Spain. But I felt that culturally and logistically things would be a lot easier in my home country. The long tradition of craftsmanship in the country was an added bonus. Also, we had a very limited budget and couldn’t afford to place large orders, which is often required by factories overseas.
Many of these factories expect brands to commit to significant production volumes upfront, creating stock we didn't have the resources to maintain. This was a major factor in deciding to stay local, where smaller, more flexible orders allowed us to grow steadily without overextending our budget or holding excessive inventory.
My take for you if you feel unsure about your manufacturing decision: think about what truly matters for your brand - whether it's preserving craftsmanship, controlling costs, or having the flexibility to scale at your own pace. For MAD Shoes, staying local was the right choice because it aligned with our standards of quality, personal relationships with artisans, and sustainable growth. Trust your intuition, weigh your options carefully, and choose the path that makes the most sense for your journey.
Where timeless craftsmanship meets innovative natural materials
A beautiful collaboration started when I met the talented shoe designer behind Traces of Heels, a made-to-measure shoe atelier that values quality and craftsmanship above all else. Finding a supplier that is open-minded, creative, and supportive is not something that happens every day.
If you’re just starting a product business - whether it’s a shoe business or something completely different - I would advise you to go all in on finding THAT supplier you dream of, and not settle for anything less. The right supplier isn’t just about production; they become your partner in bringing ideas to life with creativity and a shared vision.
This relationship will shape the essence of your brand, so it’s worth investing the time and effort to find someone who shares your values. Trust me, when you find them, your product will make a difference and your customers will notice.
Beyond the ordinary: handmade accessories that tell a story
Choosing a supplier to handle the accessories I envisioned for MAD Shoes is yet another interesting story. I didn’t want mass-market accessories that other brands already use. I wanted something unique, something different, something handmade.
After spending a couple of weeks exploring (and admiring) the works of many local jewelry brands, I was finally introduced to the beautiful creations of Diana Cojocaru. Her heirloom pieces were breathtaking, and although I didn’t know much about porcelain or how it would fit on a shoe, I had to give it a try. The result was The Very MAD, which, I must say, is still one of my favorite models.
Word of mouth turned out to be the best way to find suppliers for the MAD accessories. The internet is a great resource, no doubt, but it’s something else when a friend recommends someone. That’s how I found our second supplier, Cezar Petryan, the visual artist and artisan behind our signature MAD glass hearts with 24k gold foil leaf. Once again, I felt lucky—what were the chances of finding such a talented artist in my very own town?
To this day, I remember talking with Cezar about glass and the many ways it can be manipulated when creativity and technique join forces. I wanted the MAD glass hearts to symbolize strength (and if you’re wondering, they don’t break at all) and resilience but at the same time, softness and grace - much like the women who wear the MAD Shoes. Cezar understood this vision immediately and brought his own artistic vision, incorporating subtle yet powerful details that made each heart a statement piece.
It’s these personal connections and shared creativity that make collaborations like this truly special and allow MAD Shoes to offer more than just high heel shoes; a story in every piece.
Buying a pair of MAD Shoes is an experience
Last but not least, I wanted to make the process of buying a pair of MAD Shoes a complete experience for our customers. To achieve that, we spent considerable time designing the perfect MAD Shoes box. Believe it or not, finding a supplier to handle the packaging wasn’t as easy as I had anticipated. What I thought would be the simplest part of the process turned out to be one of the most challenging.
I wanted to offer something unique - packaging that looks and feels luxurious without thinking of the price. When you pour your heart and soul into your brand, you want every single step of the buying process to reflect that same passion and attention to detail. From the moment our customers receive their shoes, they should feel the care and craftsmanship that went into every element, including the packaging. With MAD Shoes what you see IS what you get, and not the other way around.
Closing thoughts & lessons learned
As I reflect on the journey of searching for suppliers, there are a few key lessons that have shaped both the process and my mindset. First and foremost, carefully assess costs from the start - expect everything to cost at least twice as much as initially planned. From sourcing materials to production and packaging, things often end up more expensive than anticipated, so budgeting with a buffer is essential.
Delays in production are inevitable, especially when you are committed to quality and craftsmanship. Rather than being disappointed, I've learned to practice patience and focus on the bigger picture. Rushing often leads to compromises, and with MAD Shoes, maintaining quality has always been the priority.
Finally, trust your intuition when choosing suppliers. If something doesn't feel right, listen to that inner voice and keep searching for a partner who aligns with your vision. Strong relationships built on trust and shared values are the foundation of a successful brand. Having patience in these decisions has always paid off for me, and it’s something I would advise anyone starting a product-based business to embrace.