A Muswell Hill mum who pioneered foldable shoes as an alternative to uncomfortable heels has been named among Britain's 'Most Inspiring' businesswomen.
Janan Leo, Founder and MD of luxury comfy footwear brand Cocorose London also won gold for Best Customer Service at the awards ceremony last Friday.
The Best Businesswomen Awards 2024 recognise the achievements of female entrepreneurs from a wide range of industries, with an independent judging panel praising the mum of two, saying: "Janan clearly places her customers at the heart of Cocorose London.
"There is acute attention to detail, not only to products, but to the entire experience of purchasing from Cocorose. This is consistently evident in customer feedback. This is an amazing company, striving to offer the very best of the best footwear allied to total customer satisfaction."
Janan, who took silver in the Most Inspiring Businesswoman category, said she was "delighted" to be recognised for the hard work and innovation behind the Wood Green-based company, which also sells plant based trainers made from cactus 'leather.'
“The truth is, this business has been built not just by the Cocorose Team, but with our customers," she said.
"Since the day we started, we’ve been passionate about putting our Cocorosers first and building human relationships with them, rather than AI-driven ones. We shall continue to listen, pick up feedback and introduce innovations in the coming years.”
Leo had a background in developing new products for the likes of Starbucks and Virgin Trains when she founded Cocorose in 2007 as a side hustle.
Eager to solve a problem that she had personally experienced - the discomfort of wearing heels - she had an ambition to deliver supremely comfortable luxury footwear.
She launched the business with a pioneering foldable shoe, and has gone on to develop a range of ballet flats, and trainers designed for both work and weekend.
In 2023 they set another benchmark in the industry, launching vegan trainers made from innovative cactus leather.
The ‘Kew’ range has proved hugely popular enabling eco-aware customers to buy trainers that help the planet by encouraging carbon-absorbing cactus plantations.
Awards organiser Debbie Gilbert said, “This is the 10th year of these awards, and despite tough trading conditions businesses have faced over the past few years, these businesswomen have powered forwards."
Find the full range of Cocorose London shoes at www.cocoroselondon.com
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