Have you ever been upset because that pair of shoes you loved just didn’t come in your size? Well, that’s what happened to Michelle Soo, but instead of dwelling on a constant problem she faced (her feet are a tiny US size five and a half!), she took matters into her own hands. At 18, Michelle started her own online-based independent fashion label, Kiss & Tell, and has since sprouted a loyal fan base of shoe lovers and fashion fanatics alike. When I was back in Malaysia during winter break, I met up with Michelle who spoke on all things Kiss & Tell, her latest collection’s must-have items and her hopes for this local fashion label.
Name: Michelle Soo
Role: Owner & Founder, Kiss & Tell
College Fashionista: When did you start Kiss & Tell and what inspired you to do so?
Michelle Soo: I started Kiss & Tell back in 2008 as a hobby when I was still in college, but I put it on hold because I went to Australia to further my studies. After graduating, I thought why not go back to Malaysia and do Kiss & Tell full-time? Then, I decided to manufacture my own shoes. This was mainly inspired by my own difficulties of finding shoes in US size five and a half and I wanted to help others who faced similar issues.
CF: What do you think makes Kiss & Tell shoes and apparel different from other brands?
MS: We have a team that designs the shoes, sources the fabrics and, of course, we manufacture our own shoes. Mostly, I think our selling point is that everything you see on our website is exclusive and can’t be found elsewhere.
CF: Based on the latest collection, what’s one must-have shoe and one must-have apparel?
MS: The must-have shoes are definitely the Ashleigh Pumps. We’ve received feedback that it’s one of the most comfortable heels, despite it’s four and a half inches. Recently, we even had a pregnant customer who said she wore it all day! As for the must-have apparel, I would pick our soon-to-be launched Kerri Dress.
CF: What’s the best part of owning your own fashion label?
MS: The best part is definitely the recognition you get for all the work you’ve put in. For me, being an entrepreneur isn’t about earning money; it’s about helping people, like petites like me who have a hard time finding clothes or shoes.
CF: Where do you hope to see Kiss & Tell in the future?
MS: Everywhere! For the next few years, we’re going to expand more offline locally. In the next five years, we really want Kiss & Tell to be international but we’ll probably focus on neighbouring countries first.
Learn More: If you love the dresses and heels worn by Michelle (they’re all Kiss & Tell!), be sure to check out the website for even more fashionable finds. As of now, Kiss & Tell has a 14 dollar flat shipping rate to the United States.
