Have you ever thought about how much your wardrobe distracts you throughout the day? From uncomfortable shoes to restrictive clothing, these seemingly small annoyances can add up and take a toll on your productivity, health, and even your happiness.
In this episode April Roberts chats with Dr. Steffie Thompson, a neuroscientist who has taken her scientific expertise and applied it to women’s fashion. Founder of Getaway Sticks, a shoe company built on the principles of comfort, functionality, and style, Dr. Steffie shares her journey from cognitive neuroscience to footwear design. She highlights how traditional women’s fashion, largely designed by men, often overlooks women’s comfort and physical health, leading to cognitive distractions that affect daily life.
Dr. Steffie and April dive into the importance of women being in the room for design decisions, the health impacts of poorly designed shoes and clothing, and how Dr. Steffie is disrupting the footwear industry with her innovative designs. They also discuss how you can simplify your wardrobe to improve your mental focus and reduce decision fatigue.
Learn more about the Vixen Founders Collective: https://vixengathering.com/vixen-founders-collective/
Key Takeaways:
- Women deserve better-designed fashion that focuses on comfort, functionality, and health—not just aesthetics.
- Cognitive distractions caused by ill-fitting clothing or uncomfortable shoes impact daily productivity and overall well-being.
- Dr. Steffie’s journey shows how women entrepreneurs can leverage their expertise in one field to revolutionize another.
- A well-planned wardrobe or capsule collection can help women simplify their daily routine and reduce mental fatigue.
- How wearing the right shoes can affect your overall body alignment, from your feet to your back, and beyond.
Mic Drop Moments:
“Women face cognitive distractions all day, like wearing uncomfortable shoes that hold us back. We spend so much mental energy worrying about whether we can walk comfortably from one place to another, while men don’t even think about their shoes once they’re on.” – Dr. Steffie Tomson
“It’s shocking that so many women’s shoes are still designed by men who never have to wear them. How can they understand the real needs of women’s feet when they don’t experience the discomfort or limitations we do?” – Dr. Steffie Tomson
“Comfort doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style. Women deserve shoes that are both fashionable and functional, allowing us to move through our day without the constant worry of discomfort.” – Dr. Steffie Tomson
“I didn’t just want to create another shoe; I wanted to innovate. My focus is on the midsole, the part of the shoe that absorbs the impact. Too many shoes are made with just a few millimeters of foam, which does nothing to support the force our bodies put on our feet.” – Dr. Steffie Tomson
“I’m on a mission to disrupt the industry by advocating for women’s overall health through better footwear. It’s not just about shoes—it’s about cognitive, physical, and mental well-being, and women deserve more.” – Dr. Steffie Tomson
Who Is Dr. Steffie Tomson?
Dr. Steffie Tomson is a neuroscientist in Houston who wore heels every day. Like the rest of us, Steffie suffered. As a scientist, she brought her heels into her lab and sliced them in half. She learned that heels are built on a foundation of plastic and metal, then padded with bits of foam here and there. Steffie wanted the opposite – a foundation of foam, with bits of solid here and there. Hence, her signature shoes were born. Dr. Tomson lives in Houston with her two smarty-pants girls, Tessa and Georgia, and her husband Ross.
Resources:
Getaway Sticks: Get 15% off with code VIXEN15 at Getaway Sticks | Instagram
Lululemon: April’s go-to for comfortable, supportive sports bras that look like traditional bras.
Athleta Leggings: Comfortable and stylish leggings, perfect for women on the go. April mentions having them in five different colors.
Lily Pulitzer Pants: April swears by these wrinkle-free, travel-friendly pants in multiple colors.
Hoka Running Shoes: Dr. Steffie’s inspiration for integrating more foam and comfort into women’s heels.
Vixen Founders Collective: https://vixengathering.com/vixen-founders-collective/
Book a free 20 minute call with me to talk about how you can see more success in your life:
Follow Us on Social!
Vixen Gathering Instagram: @vixengathering
April Roberts Instagram: @aprilrochelleroberts
Vixen Voice Instagram: @thevixenvoice
Vixen Gathering Facebook Page
Vixen Gathering on LinkedIn
Join the Own Your Worth: 3-Day Challenge
Learn more about becoming a founding member of The Vixen Collective here.
*If any links are not working, please contact team@vixengathering.com
