Anna Baird was a podiatrist for six years. And as a woman who loves fashion, she grew tired of recommending to her client's shoes that she wouldn't be caught dead in.  Anna knew that if she could combine comfort with fashion she would be onto something good. The only problem was, designing a  shoe that's both fashionable and comfortable is actually really tricky, which is why most companies won't do it. So Anna reduced her workdays and spent three years developing her first range of shoes. And she won't sugarcoat it, those first years in business were reallyhard.  Today Bared are leaders in footwear. Anyone who has ever tried Anna's shoes will tell you they're the comfiest shoes they have ever owned. And, importantly they're fashion-forward. So how did Anna survive those first years in business when her company just wasn't profitable? And what has she learnt in her thirteen years of business?  LINKS You can keep up with all things Bared Footwear on Instagram or online at bared.com.au You can find out more about Mia's Clear Space Challenge online at ladystartup.com.au Tell us what you think about Lady Startup Stories via our survey and you could go in the running to win a $100 Gift Voucher! CREDIT  Host: Shazzy Hunt Guest: Anna Baird Producer: Mikayla Floriano Executive Producer: Elissa Ratliff Are you busting to start your own business but you don’t know where to start? Get info about The Lady Startup Activation Plan here... https://www.ladystartup.com/pages/waitlist/ Want insider tips and tricks for your business direct from Mia Freedman each week? Get the free Lady Startup newsletter here... https://www.ladystartup.com.au/ Want to help lift other women higher and maybe get a boost for your biz? Follow us on Instagram… https://www.instagram.com/ladystartups/ Looking for a community of kickass Lady Startups (and other women who want to start businesses)? We have a free one for you right here... https://www.facebook.com/ladystartups/ Need more lols, info and inspo in your ears? Find more Mamamia podcasts here... https://www.mamamia.com.au/podcasts/ Feedback? We’re listening! Call the pod phone on 02 8999 9386 or email us at [email protected] Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.