For a lesson in how to seriously work the Upstate’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, keep an eye on LaShonn Edumunds. We are. The founder of CAIRS Shoes is on a mission to make life more stylish for women whose health challenges make good looking, well-fitting shoes impossible to find.
And she’s tapping into some of the area’s best resources along the way. GVL Innovates met LaShonn in February at GVL Starts, one of several programs at Furman University’s Hill Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. (Obviously, our kind of thing.)
The true story of starting a business is one of missteps and miscalculations, changed plans and small wins. It's an underrated form of continuing education, as the Furman folks like to point out. So, we invite you to learn along with LaShonn as we follow her journey, which starts - as most innovation does - with a problem.
In 2018, after years of living with lymphedema, a condition that causes swollen legs and feet, LaShonn is tired of hiding her feet under long pants and skirts. She designs a shoe that finally allows her to step out with confidence, and incorporates her company: CAIRS Shoes.
She pitches the distribution company she works for, thinking they might carry her product. “I went and bombed,” she says. She’s kindly told to make some sales, and then come back and talk.
A local business accelerator program rejects her application, saying she’s too early in her process. But as a result, she catches attention of Beth Veach, who happens to have experience starting a motorcycle shoe company – and is a great mentor.
An experienced cobbler informs her that her mechanical design is unsafe. And she if continues with this approach, “lawsuits will be waiting.”
The public library 3D printer she’s used for prototyping breaks, so she’s directed to Synergy Mill community workshop space. She’s sometimes there working on her shoes until 2 a.m.
May 2021
Programs. LaShonn signs up for Village Launch (Mill Village Ministries) to solidify a business plan. She meets a speaker, Bryan Davis, Managing Director of Furman’s Hill Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and decides her next step will be their GVL Starts program.
Oct 2021
She’s an official graduate of GVL Starts’ first cohort. Among other things, she’s learned how to cultivate a network that moves her business forward. "As an African American woman born and raised in Greenville, they opened up a whole lot of circles I would have never been a part of.” Doors keep opening. She’s telling everyone she can about the value of being willing to raise a hand and ask for help.
In May 2021, LaShonn signs up for Village Launch (Mill Village Ministries) to solidify a business plan. She meets a speaker, Bryan Davis, Managing Director of the Furman’s Hill Institute and decides her next step will be their GVL Starts program.
By October 2021, she’s an official graduate of GVL Starts’ first cohort. Among other things, she’s learned how to cultivate a network that moves her business forward. "As an African American woman born and raised in Greenville, they opened up a whole lot of circles I would have never been a part of.” Doors keep opening. She’s telling everyone about the value of being willing to raise a hand, and ask for help.
Feb 2022
It turns out CAIRS shoes are a medical device, according to the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA). “I had no idea I had to get FDA approval. Did you know a toothbrush has to get approved by the FDA?” She credits that knowledge to guidance from the South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA).
But the bigger hurdles lead to bigger goals. Now she’s planning a “smart shoe” that can connect to health platforms, giving clinicians better insight into lymphedema. It could help improve diagnosis and treatment of a disease for which there’s not much existing data.
What's Next?
LaShonn plans to connect with South Carolina’s life science community now that she’s officially in the healthcare space. And, like any small business, find a really good lawyer.
It turns out CAIRS shoes are a medical device, according to the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA). “I had no idea I had to get FDA approval. Did you know a toothbrush has to get approved by the FDA?” She learned that, thanks to some guidance from the South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA).
But bigger hurdles lead to bigger goals. Now she’s planning a “smart shoe” that can connect to health platforms, giving clinicians better insight into lymphedema. It could help improve diagnosis and treatment of a disease for which there’s not much existing data.
What next? She'll connect with South Carolina’s life science community, now that she’s officially in the healthcare space. And - like any small business that wants to stick around - find a really good lawyer.
Do you have an entrepreneur story to tell? A point to make? An idea to share? We want to hear from you!