Deb Wright

Inspiration: “It all started when I was getting ready to go out dancing,” says Wright. “I was wearing pants and a pair of backless shoes, and as I walked around the house, the pants kept getting caught between my foot and the shoe.” She took some of her daughter’s hair ties and created a makeshift wrap to keep her heel in place.

The Product: Wright realized that no one had created an attractive solution to this particular problem. She had visions of different variations—silk wraps, long leather strands, embellishments, and rhinestone buckles—that give one shoe multiple personalities. A basic inexpensive backless slide or mule easily looks designer. A plain boot instantly pops.

The Test: She took the Lizette to LA. “I thought if I can sell it on Rodeo Drive—I might have something here.” Her first customer was a retailer on Melrose.

What’s Next: Wright is currently selling the Lizette through a retail kiosk in the Fashion Show Mall in Las Vegas, her spring and summer collections are in production, and she hopes to franchise.

 “A young performer, Malina Moye, recently requested a certain style to wear to an awards show,” Wright says. “She has the same publicist as Paris Hilton.” Who knows what could happen.

Lizettes retail for $30 to $120.