HousingWireHousingWire
The Hispanic Organization of Mortgage Experts (HOME) on Tuesday announced the launch of La Reina, the first-ever shoe created for women in mortgage.
La Reina, which is Spanish for “the Queen,” was designed in partnership with AliveShoes and manufactured in Le Marche, Italy.
Nicole Yelland, HOME’s chief communications and strategy officer, told HousingWire that the shoe pays homage to women in the mortgage industry who often have to resort to heels at business events.
“We were on Capitol Hill a few weeks ago, and I saw all of these women walking around doing incredible work and lobbying for a policy and meeting with all of these incredible policymakers. And then at the end of day, they were hobbling because they felt like they had to wear these impossible heels with a suit,” Yelland said. “And that sucks. Men were wearing Jordans. Like, where’s ours?”
Each pair of shoes features a metallic gold sole to honor Hispanic and Latino culture. Besides the sole, the shoe is black and “high-end leather intended to go well with a suit,” Yelland said.
“The other part of wanting to have a shoe that honors Hispanic and Latino culture is just to help people see it right. But people can’t know what they don’t see.”
La Reina is available as of Tuesday in limited quantities at TuNuevoHome.com and retails for $239.
“It has always been my vision to marry culture and cause,” said Rogelio Goertzen II, founder and CEO of HOME. “As a son, brother and advocate for extraordinary women, I am proud to honor those who shape our families, industries and futures. La Reina celebrates them by finally offering a shoe to match all the hats they wear, inspiring strength and confidence with every step.
“Inspired by global voices like Bad Bunny, who use their platforms to push culture forward, we are shining a light on these powerful forces and giving them the recognition they deserve,” he added. “Launching during Mother’s Day week, La Reina will continue celebrating them throughout the year.”
