About the designer, Pauline Clifford
Pauline Clifford,founder of StarSparkles is a 27 year old creative girl who's hobby of customizing shoes has spiraled out of control.Starting her business from nothing,working in a shoe shop to now having her amazing designs adored internationally!
How it all started
"I grew up in a little village outside Glasgow and spent every summer in Los Angeles where I would watch my Dad run his Antique shop!It was then that I knew I wanted to be my own boss. I just didn't have a clue what my business would be. I've always been creative and loved things that were different.About 8 years ago I started customizing my own shoes with swarovski crystals,it was only a hobby and after a while I stopped. Little did I know what the future held!
After studying makeup artistry I accepted a job in a shoe shop to tide me by while looking for makeup work. This is where I met my supervisor named Tina Sparkle, who quite literally inspired me to Sparkle!Remembering that I had crystals left over from years before,we decided that I should customize a pair of Converse for him.The finished result looked amazing and Tina loved them,he wore them in the shop constantly.
Customers would endlessly remark on them and want a pair of their own, so I began offering a customizing service.Months later I was still inundated with orders. I then approached my local Business Gateway and Princes Scottish Youth Business Trust who helped me launch StarSparkles officially in 2006! I was determined to make my business a great success and being inspired by my time in Los Angeles I decided to Sparkle some shoes for celebrities to gain publicity. As they say the rest is history!
I'm really grateful and humbled that my designs have been so well received by everyone. I'm very passionate about my business and I hope that it shows in my work. I love to make my customers happy by creating their very own StarSparkles, each pair of shoes are hand customized with love and care. I'm excited about what the future will hold for my business and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that has supported me! I will continue to be positive and passionate and always believe in my dreams!"
One of Pauline's dreams came true when Paris Hilton was photographed wearing her pink Sparkle Converse. Since then StarSparkles has featured in many publications, and won many awards including, BT Scotland Young Entrepreneur Most Visionary Business, Shell Livewire Young Entrepreneur UK finalist, ROCCO award Most Promising Soletrader and also a nomination for Accessory Designer Of The Year at the Scottish Fashion Awards. StarSparkles have been sold in prestigious shops such as Selfridges and Harvey Nichols and can be found on the feet of many celebrities including Pharrell Williams, Fergie,Justin Timberlake, Audrey Kitching and Jeffree Star!
To contact Pauline email Pauline@starsparkles.com
Testimonials
"StarSparkles are the best thing that ever happened to my trainers! Pauline is extremely helpful and goes out of her way to help you get your designs(and is very patient for applying each crystal individually).The excitement of waiting for your StarSparkles to be delivered is unbearable but most definitely worth every penny"
FAYE PENMAN CUSTOMER
"StarSparkles really are the only place you can go for unique crystal customization for your footwear.We reckon Pauline's created her own lane when it comes to styling exclusive designs for shoes,we have come across many independent designers over the years trying to customize footwear but no one has reached the heights of StarSparkles"
LOUISE HOLLINGDALE RWD MAGAZINE
"I have been very impressed by Pauline's dedication to customer service.She makes a tremendous effort to make sure that on every occassion she meets or exceeds her customers expectations.This is important in every business but is especially vital in a customizing business like StarSparkles.I feel that Pauline's customers become almost like her friends."
JOHN MCDOUGALL PSYBT BUSINESS ADVISOR
"A friend recommended StarSparkles and I haven'tlooked back!I keep buying more pairs just so Pauline can work her magic!She is a pleasure to deal with and the job is executed perfectly"
ABIGAIL SEGALL CUSTOMER
"Pauline's shoes are world renowned and when we were holding a Stand Up For MS event themed around shoes we immediately thought of StarSparkles.Pauline designed a fantastic pair of unique MS Society Scotland shoes which even matched the charity's colours!They were the highlight of our auction,thanks Pauline,we couldn't have done it without you!"
KATY WILLIAMSON MS SOCIETY SCOTLAND
