She Steps Up: Caroline de Baere

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 “Independent Professionals: Freelancers, consultants, and entrepreneurs navigating footwear on their own terms,” and the spotlight centers on Caroline de Baere, a consultant in the footwear industry. 

Caroline de Baere

Title: Footwear consultant, professor and expert witness

Experience: Caroline’s 30-year footwear career has spanned roles in design, merchandising, product development and sourcing. She’s worked with brands like Ariat, Esprit, Sperry, KEEN, Birkenstock, Red Ring Shoe Co. and QUADSis.

Tenure in Industry: 30+ years 

Why she was nominated:  “I am nominating Caroline because her guidance over the past year has been life-changing. She has coached me every step of the way in building an incredible cowgirl boot brand, Desert Bloom, and I couldn't have done it without her unwavering support and wisdom. 

Caroline has been my guide and mentor every step of the way. She taught me everything I know about building a brand, from sourcing materials, developing, designing, brand photography, understanding market trends and creating a brand that resonates with customers. Her advice on staying true to the brand's mission and focusing on quality has shaped how I make every business decision.” 

-Kristen Decker, owner of Desert Bloom 

“Caroline was recommended to QUADSis Footwear by Andy Polk of FDRA when we were building our brand before we launched. Caroline worked with us from conception all the way to product delivery, guiding us along the way. She is very knowledgeable of the industry, is well-known within the industry and was very easy to work with along the way. We traveled to Brazil together to see our production and meet with our vendors. She is a great encourager and pillar of strength.”

-Janet Ward, CEO and co-founder of QUADSis footwear

Nominate a Colleague or Friend

Our next spotlight theme is: Mentors and Educators: Coaches, trainers, and people developers who invest in others.” If someone comes to mind, please consider nominating them, or yourself, using the form below. The deadline to submit is Friday, January 9. 

About She Steps Up  

She Steps Up is a new 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 will feature 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.