Founded by Chiso Osuji, footwear brand Zena Ziora is dedicated to creating shoes that allow women to embrace their individuality, exude elegance, and walk with confidence. Each pair of Zena Ziora shoes is meticulously crafted to offer not just beauty but the transformative power of self-expression.
Inspired by a personal experience that began with a pair of Italian boots, Chiso understood that quality footwear is about more than design — it’s about the feeling of empowerment. This vision lies at the heart of Zena Ziora, where timeless elegance is blended with bold, contemporary design to create heels that make women feel unstoppable.
Chiso’s journey from a luxury footwear collector to an entrepreneur was sparked by a transformative encounter with her first pair of designer shoes. These shoes didn’t just look beautiful; they made her feel powerful, confident, and ready to take on the world. “That pair of Italian boots quite literally changed my life,” says Chiso. “I felt like I had finally arrived; not only did the boots look good but they also felt good. For the first time ever, my shoes caused a 17-year-old me to walk with a little more pep in my step.”
With Zena Ziora, Chiso seeks to translate that transformative experience for women everywhere. “I want our designs to evoke that same sense of empowerment and transformation for our wearers — to be more than just footwear, but a source of confidence and self-expression,” she says.
Chiso’s commitment to impeccable quality led her to partner with an Italian atelier renowned for its centuries-old craftsmanship, ensuring that every pair of Zena Ziora shoes is a masterpiece of art and engineering. With sustainability at the forefront, the brand’s made-to-order model reduces waste and ensures that each pair is handcrafted to meet the highest standards of luxury and durability.
Zena Ziora’s shoes are crafted in collaboration with master artisans in Italy, bringing together centuries-old craftsmanship with modern design innovation. This partnership ensures that the brand remains rooted in authenticity and luxury, while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in footwear design. Each pair is made with meticulous attention to detail, from the selection of premium materials to the finishing touches, ensuring that the shoes are as durable as they are beautiful.
The brand’s use of distinctive elements, such as Maiorca pearls, adds a fresh, unexpected twist to classic designs. “Pearls have a reputation for being old-fashioned,” says Chiso, “but I wanted to show that they can be sexy, edgy, and fresh — just like the Zena Ziora woman.”
At the heart of Zena Ziora is the woman who wears them. She’s a trendsetter, effortlessly stylish, and always ready to make a statement. Zena Ziora designs for the tastemaker — women who command attention without needing to be the loudest in the room. The brand embodies the belief that a great pair of shoes can transform how a woman feels, giving her the confidence to take on whatever comes her way. But Zena Ziora is not just about creating beautiful shoes. It’s about inclusivity and empowerment. With a commitment to offering a wide range of sizes, the brand ensures that luxury is accessible to women of all shapes and sizes. “Luxury should be for everyone,” says Chiso, “and we are here to democratize it.”
Zena Ziora’s shoe collection is named after the most influential women in Chiso’s life: her mother, great aunt, and grandmothers. These remarkable women epitomize the Zena Ziora ethos—timeless elegance with a bold, confident twist. Each design is an homage to their grace, strength, and individuality, blending classic silhouettes with unexpected details that make each pair truly unique.
Every design choice is deeply personal for Chiso, and the brand’s creations reflect a combination of style, comfort, and functionality. “Shoes are interesting because they have to be beautiful and functional,” Chiso explains. “We iterate a lot to make sure the shoes look stunning but are also comfortable and durable.”
Zena Ziora is more than a brand, it’s also a community. Chiso is deeply engaged with her customers, valuing their feedback and bringing them along on her entrepreneurial journey. She has been transparent about her experiences, sharing her story as a Wharton MBA student building a luxury brand from the ground up. Through brand activations, pop-ups, and collaborations, Zena Ziora aims to foster a community where tastemakers can influence the future of fashion.
“The Zena Ziora woman sets the stage for what’s next,” says Chiso. “I want her to feel a sense of ownership over the brand. We listen to our customers, and their feedback informs our designs and future collections. This brand is just as much theirs as it is mine.”
