Switchflops- A secondary school art project turned large enterprise

Sandals and casual style footwear are two terms that are rarely associated. Lindsay Phillips, 25, wanted to change that. As part of a high school art project in Tampa, Fla., Phillips designed a special kind of sandals that boast interchangeable straps for high style. Just a couple of years later, Phillips’ Switchflops business was born. The company expects to generate $ 30 million this year.

Switchflops – From a simple concept springs many options

With Switchflops, customers who can’t afford a closetful of shoes can make a trend forward step into being fabulous. Lindsay Phillips’ creation gives consumers numerous different fashion combinations from which to choose, thanks to a wide variety of available straps. From buttons to bangles and beads, it’s all there. The sandal itself costs $ 35, and additional straps are $ 12 each. Each new strap makes for a fashionable, affordable new adventure. And Switchflops also offers other shoes like wedges and additional accessories. Phillips’ fashion inventions are sold in more than 4,000 stores worldwide.

'Everyone wore flip-flops to school, all the time’

One of the most innovative enterprises comes from situations where there is both a need and the human will to address that need. Phillips was there to fill the trend breach with Switchflops. ”Everyone wore them all of the time,” said Phillips to AOL. But she noticed where her style sense could make them better. Not all people could afford to purchase a pair for each day of the week. With Switchflops, need and idea meshed perfectly. Phillips began the patenting process for her idea, and the patent became official in 2004. Three years later, with the assistance of businessman Jeffrey Davidson – who knows what it takes to grow a business – Switchflops was on the business trail. Growth has been rapid; soon, the business will have an overseas office.

Provide them with options and they will come

AOL Small business cites studies indicating that companies that offer their customers the greatest customization possibilities – whether those businesses are in retail or a different sector – are more popular than ever. Phillips has proven ready to capitalize.

”Everyone wants to be just a little unique, and when we may have the very same bag, we do not want it to be exactly the same,” said Phillips.

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