"Let us not follow where the path may lead. Let us go instead where there is no path, And leave a trail."

- Japanese proverb

It refers to the road less travelled by today's women. A road that may or may not involve marriage and children. But, certainly will lead to adventure and global travel. You choose.

The shoes are handmade in Italy. The shoes are designed by you and women we admire, inspired by the world's most beautiful places. 

Stay tuned for the next chapter of the story. This is only the first step of the journey. And, the journey is never the destination. In the words of Robert Frost...

THE FOUNDER

VIAJIYU was founded by Nicole Still, co-founder of The Balmain Boat Company, storyteller and entrepreneur. 

Her story: From Loveland, Ohio to Sydney, Australia VIA TIME Magazine in New York City.

Why shoes?  Shoes create stories. Shoes make people happy. You can walk a thousand miles in an amazing pair of shoes. 

WHERE THE JOURNEY BEGAN…

FROM SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA TO A JAPANESE ONSEN, VIA TOKYO

I was a New York City gal, who was all about heels. But, then I started traveling for work 6 months out of the year to Asia. I would go to Bombay, Shanghai and Beijing every 3 months for my day job, as well as Tokyo, Hong Kong and Seoul.

It's impossible to take the road less traveled in a pair of high heels.

I learned the hard way in Tokyo in April 2012 when my friend LRay and I couldn't find a restaurant our first night in Tokyo after Google maps failed us.  And, I made the mistake of wearing high heels.

Now, I don't travel anywhere without ballet flats on my feet and high heels in my bag.

It's tough to walk the uneven sidewalks of cities like Bombay. Or, catch a flight on time when your 30 minutes walk from the departure gate in the biggest airports in the world.

Today's modern woman needs a stylish pair of flat shoes to see the world and take the road less traveled. And, Havaianas - which I love - aren't so great in winter or professional.

So this is the story behind the creation of a luxury, Italian ballet flats brand.

THE STORY BEHIND THE STORY...

In Tokyo, I started thinking about creating the perfect pair of ballet flats for the modern woman. The woman who travels for work and play.  Conceives businesses, as well as, children.

She's a doer and a creator and most of all a traveler. Sometimes a global nomad after a broken heart or between job or just because she can.

I started wondering about the great shoemakers and what their business would be like if they started in the Digital Age.

What if Ferragamo started his shoe business today? Not just for Hollywood starlets, but for today's modern business woman.

What would he post on Twitter and Facebook?

Would he have an online store?

After 15+ years experience in digital strategy on three continents, non-stop global travel and a preference for online retail, I'm launching my own brand.

The idea came to me in Tokyo.  The journey started in Italy.

And the destination is unknown...