Pritchett’s popular shoes have been featured in And Magazine, New York Newsday, Vogue Italia, Nawja Moses’ Styleaholics, Plus Model Magazine, and a myriad of fashion blogs. After learning about her motivation, education, and drive, it’s clear that Pritchett’s business is heading upwards and onwards, her forward thinking designs gaining serious momentum in the industry.

So, without further ado, Meet the Designer:

1. Some might say that leaving a steady corporate job is risky business. Was there a defining moment for you when you realized you wanted to make the leap into shoe design?

I thought about doing something different with my career for over five years before I made the leap. It was time to do something different. My current work situation was awful and I was becoming disillusioned. I always said I wanted to do something in fashion, but I didn’t know what. I thought maybe clothes or blue jeans. I had a few false starts but then I realized that the one thing that I most struggled with was shoes. I have a large foot and I can never buy what I like. Rarely can I wear the shoes that all the other women are wearing. So my collection came out of necessity.

2. Where do you find your inspiration? Is it spontaneous or do you have staples that you consistently turn to?

I find inspiration in music, movies, magazines, graphic design, and even furniture.

3. What advice would you give to somebody just starting out in shoe design?

I would let anyone starting out know that creating any business is not for the faint of heart and it will probably be one of the hardest, most rewarding accomplishments you can complete.

4. Who are your favorite designers?

I admire Nicholas Kirkwood, Camilla Skovgaard, and my mentor Hester Vlamings. They do such wonderful heel treatments and their uppers are so innovative.

5. Where do you see Jessica Pritchett Footwear in 5 years?

I plan to build Jessica Pritchett into a full accessories line starting with handbags for SS 2012.

6. What are you most proud of?

I am most proud of the fact that I have been able to stick with and pursue my dream even in our current economy. Many days I just wanted to give up, but after being in business for two years I believe I see my company turning a corner. I am so excited to see what 2011 brings for JESSICA PRITCHETT.

7. Why do you think there’s a lack of fashionable plus-size shoes for women when it’s so obvious that there’s a market for them?

Well I think the cost variable goes into the reasons behind not having larger sizes. Most factories go up to a US 11 or 12 with the current lasts they have. A designer would have to spend extra money to develop larger lasts for the larger sizes. If you are trying to make a quality shoe the cost can be very expensive. Doing a cost analysis might make a designer realize that they’d have to charge too much money to leverage the cost of the development, however so many women need this and I think it’s worth the risk.

8. If you could pick up and leave for a week-long vacation right now, where would you go?

I would definitely go to Italy. I’m obsessed with all things Italy these days and hope to attend footwear classes in Milan to develop my craft.

9. From start-to-finish, how long does it take to design and manufacture a well-rounded collection?

From design to having samples in hand can take a few months. Then after the samples arrive you must test them on the foot and make corrections if necessary. I’m a new designer so this process takes a little longer than it should. Right now I’m down to four months.

10. Be honest, how many shoes do you have in your closet?

Honestly, I don’t have many because of my shoe size. I hope to change that starting with my own collection.