Internationally renowned shoe designer and entrepreneur Stuart Weitzman, whose luxury footwear brand became famous for combining style with comfort over his five-decade career in the industry, dazzled students, community members, and staff during his visit to Davidson College on February 25, 2025. The event, co-hosted by the Betty and B. Frank Matthews II ’49 Center for Career Development, the Davidson Entrepreneurship Club, and the Hurt Hub@Davidson offered attendees a unique opportunity to learn from one of fashion’s most innovative entrepreneurs. Lindsey Dolan, Assistant Director for Career Development, Arts, Entertainment, & Technology, introduced Weitzman to the eager audience.
An Intimate Welcome
Prior to the official talk, Weitzman took time to personally welcome students entering the venue. Excitement rippled through the crowd when Barbara Kreger, his former colleague and retired vice president of Stuart Weitzman Holdings, approached several students to inquire about their shoe sizes, offering them the opportunity to showcase some of his signature footwear designs. This personal touch set the tone for an evening of meaningful connection and inspiration.
Entrepreneurial Insights from a Luxury Shoe Design Pioneer
Weitzman shared valuable insights from his remarkable journey building a global luxury brand that spans over 70 countries. He emphasized his unique approach to entrepreneurship and uncompromising commitment to prioritizing function as an integral element of fashion.
A particularly memorable moment came when three students modeled some of his most iconic designs, including his famous “million dollar diamond shoes,” bringing his creative vision to life for the audience.
Stuart Weitzman’s “Stu-isms”: Principles for Entrepreneurial Success
Throughout his presentation, Weitzman shared several “Stu-isms” – personal philosophies that guided his successful career in the competitive fashion industry:
1. Risk: Your Entrepreneurial Best Friend
“Risk is not a four letter word – it’s your best friend,” Weitzman emphasized, challenging conventional business thinking. He explained that calculated risk-taking was essential to his success, pushing innovation forward in an industry often resistant to change.
“Risk is what moves things forward,” he continued, while advising students to approach it strategically. Weitzman stressed the importance of measuring potential risks and ensuring you can afford potential losses before taking the leap.
This balanced approach to risk-taking resonated with the entrepreneurially-minded students in attendance. For any entrepreneur across industries, Weitzman’s perspective offers a refreshing counterpoint to risk aversion – suggesting that calculated gambles, when properly assessed, can be the catalyst for breakthrough success and market differentiation.
2. Imagination: Recapture Childlike Creativity
“Bring back your childlike imagination,” Weitzman encouraged the audience. To illustrate this point, he shared a memorable Halloween poster advertisement that appeared in Vogue magazine, featuring a pumpkin uniquely carved with footwear-inspired eyes and mouth.
This creative approach to marketing demonstrated how Weitzman’s playful imagination translated into memorable brand moments that helped distinguish his designs in a crowded marketplace. The audience was visibly delighted by this example of thinking outside the conventional fashion advertising box.
Entrepreneurs in any field can apply this principle by reconnecting with uninhibited creative thinking that often diminishes with adulthood, using fresh perspectives to develop distinctive products, services, and marketing approaches that capture attention in increasingly competitive markets.
3. You Can’t Do It Alone: Team Building and Problem-Solving
Weitzman emphasized the importance of building a strong support team and focusing on solving real problems. He advised “hiring nice, then hiring smart,” noting that preserving a company’s culture is paramount to long-term success. This philosophy highlights the human element of entrepreneurship that often gets overlooked in discussions of business strategy.
Student Entrepreneurs Inspired by Stuart Weitzman’s Mentorship
The impact of Weitzman’s visit extended beyond the main presentation to an intentional dinner with a small group of students:
- Jacary Lightsey ’27, a shoe customizer, found inspiration to expand his business: “My favorite moment of this event was the one-on-one conversation I had with Stuart at the dinner table, and he encouraged me to keep doing my shoe customizations and even ‘expand it.’ This one line inspired me to take my customization ability to the next level of clothing, wearable accessories, and even creating my own shoes, as Stuart has done all throughout his career.”
- Anna Carroll ’25, who modeled a pair of Weitzman’s shoes, described feeling “a little bit starstruck” and appreciated his personal approach during dinner: “Mr. Weitzman spent time talking with each of us individually about our hopes and goals for our careers. He asked personalized questions and provided a lot of very valuable advice that I will take with me as I navigate my career journey.”
- Odysseas Koufos ’25, President of the Davidson Entrepreneurship Club, expressed gratitude for the collaboration opportunity: “We are pleased to have the opportunity to co-host with the Career Center… Mr. Weitzman as a speaker was really engaging with his presentation and all the examples he shared during it… He touched the hearts of many young entrepreneurs.”
A Lasting Impact
On behalf of the Matthews Career Center, the Hurt Hub@Davidson, and the Entrepreneurship Club, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Mr. Weitzman for his time, thoughtfulness, and creativity that he brought to the room that night. His approachable demeanor, kindness, and the incredible wisdom he imparted left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of attending. The genuine connections he formed and the inspiration he provided reflect not only his success as an entrepreneur but also his character as a mentor and leader.
About Stuart Weitzman: Designer, Entrepreneur, and Philanthropist
Weitzman’s innovative designs have adorned the feet of countless celebrities including Beyoncé, Kate Middleton, Selena Gomez, Taylor Swift, and Jennifer Lopez. Beyond his business success, he is deeply committed to charitable causes, supporting hospitals, medical research centers, youth organizations, and cultural institutions. His diverse interests, including being an avid tennis and ping-pong player, exemplify the varied paths to success in entrepreneurship and life.
