Meet Fiorella Larissa Erni, Founder and CEO Cheetah Stories SA
Please tell us about Cheetah Stories
At Cheetah Stories, we make comfortable and wildly elegant vegan high heels. Cheetah Stories was founded with the vision to change how the world thinks about high heels. Our high heels – we fondly call them Cheelettos – are designed in Switzerland and handmade in Italy. We work with exquisite bio-based vegan materials, ensuring our shoes are both luxurious and sustainable.
Fiorella Erni and Martin Markovic founded Cheetah Stories in 2023 as an innovative start-up to combat the harmful impact of the fashion industry while empowering women to stand tall in exquisitely handcrafted heels. Fiorella is a former humanitarian worker and professional negotiator who has conducted negotiations and negotiation training for years. Martin is an experienced finance professional.
Tell us more about your plans for 2024 and what is your long-term vision.
Our first collection is available in a limited pre-sale from 18 July to 31 August. In the future, we will develop a base collection and limited editions available online and in various pop-up stores. Cheetah Stories is launching in Switzerland, Milan, and London, with plans for international expansion in 2025. Our long-term vision is to rekindle women’s love for high heels by crafting them with their needs in mind.
What has been the biggest success that you have achieved in your startup?
In the beginning, everyone doubted that we could make high heels comfortable. After 14 months of research and testing materials, we cracked the code and succeeded. So far, the feedback on our product has been fantastic! We hope our product launch will be equally successful.
If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently? What are your biggest learnings?
The biggest lesson we’ve learned is that doing things right takes time. Developing a physical product with a commitment to sustainability and a traceable supply chain is a long journey that requires endurance and patience. Another key insight is that while the product is crucial, branding, marketing, and communication are equally important, and it’s vital to allocate the budget to do them properly.
What motivates you to continue your business every day?
The perspective to create something that truly matters. Our heels are more than just footwear. They represent a step in the right direction, proving that responsible fashion is both en vogue and incredibly stylish. Our Cheelettos are designed to give women the confidence to stand tall, an essential stride towards gender equality. Finally, the thrill of building our own business according to our vision is also highly exciting.
One piece of advice for someone who is just starting out with their startup?
Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it. The world needs more courageous people who follow their hearts and dare to take on new challenges. This is the only way for the world to move forward.
Don’t be intimidated by the competition. Stay aware of your surroundings, but don’t let yourself be sidetracked or discouraged by what others do.
What does it mean to you to be a member of the Swiss Startup Association?
One thing we have learned is that if you venture into a new business, having a network of support is absolutely essential. We have been amazed at how many people—even those we had never met before—have been kind and supportive. Being connected to the Swiss Startup Association means being part of a strong network that creates an environment for startups to thrive.
Would you recommend joining the Swiss Startup Association? Why?
Although we have only been connected with the Swiss Startup Association for a few weeks, we have already experienced their support and the benefits of their network. Based on our initial experience, we would recommend joining. Their strong community and resources can be incredibly valuable for anyone venturing into a new business.
Have you ever visited the events of the Swiss Startup Association? If yes, which ones? Would you recommend them?
We have not visited any events as Cheetah Stories founders so far, but we are looking forward to doing so.
Is there anything that we haven’t asked you that you would like to share with the community?
Stay tuned by signing up for the newsletter on our homepage and follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn.
Connect with Fiorella on LinkedIn
________________________________________________________
About the Swiss Startup Association
The Swiss Startup Association (SSA) is the umbrella organisation and the voice of Swiss startups. As a sector-independent non-profit organisation, the SSA gives startups a strong voice vis-à-vis politics, business and the public and works to improve the conditions for startups in Switzerland.
Beyond its political engagement, the SSA fosters a community for startups, recognizing the unique challenges they face. Through networking opportunities, educational sessions, and practical services, the SSA collaborates with industry partners to offer tailored support and valuable resources to guide founders on their entrepreneurial journey.
Join the Swiss Startup Association! Tap into our member benefits, the comprehensive Investor List and get full access to our events. By becoming an SSA Member you enjoy discounted tickets to our Big Founders Dinners and the SSA Founders Day.
News
Other, related articles you may like
