She Steps Up: Anika Jaan

"She Steps Up" is a monthly recognition series that shines a light on women in the footwear industry. The theme for this month’s spotlight is "Creative Thinkers: Women whose imagination and fresh ideas spark new ways forward," and the spotlight centers on Anika Jaan, Founder and President of Stitchwalker Leather, her custom footwear business dedicated to crafting handmade leather shoes and boots. 

Anika Jaan

Title: Founder/President

Company: Stitchwalker Leather 

Tenure in Industry: 10+ years 

Why Anika is a creative thinker: “Making handcrafted, custom-fitted footwear here in the U.S. over the past 13 years has meant trailblazing in dozens of directions. From overcoming the odds as a small business and navigating multiple personal and world tragedies, to learning how to train and apprentice new crafters and entrepreneurs, my focus has been on improving the lives of my customers and our employees. My business has been juried into prestigious organizations like the Smithsonian Craft Show, Roycrofters at Large, and Southern Highland Craft Guild. I employ family and friends for crafting and sales help, but the majority of the business is run by myself, and I’ve often learned the hard way! 

I lived in a tent with no utilities through many disasters during my apprenticeship (shoemaking at renaissance festivals), including wildfires, hurricanes, and blizzards. My business was our family’s sole source of income through Covid and personal tragedy. I also kept our business afloat through Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina with very little financial help. 

It is important to me to show my employees, customers, and apprentices that you can do anything you set your mind to. You just have to be creative and flexible when solving the next problem that comes your way.”

Nominate a Colleague or Friend

Our next spotlight theme is: Trailblazers: Women breaking barriers and leading in new spaces. If someone comes to mind, please consider nominating them, or yourself, using the form below. The deadline to submit is March 13. 

About She Steps Up  

She Steps Up is a monthly recognition series from Two Ten’s WIFI Community that shines a light on women in the footwear industry whose leadership, creativity, and impact are shaping our community in meaningful ways. Whether they are driving innovation, mentoring others, making bold moves, or doing the often unseen work that keeps teams strong, these are the stories worth celebrating. 

Each month, the series features individuals from across the industry who exemplify leadership, collaboration, and community. Nominations are welcome across all roles, experience levels, and sectors of the footwear industry, including design, HR, production, marketing, retail, administration (such as finance, accounting, and legal), and beyond. While the series centers on uplifting women, we also welcome nominations for individuals of all gender identities whose work reflects these values.