Over the summer I stumbled across the most aesthetically pleasing in-store installation of velvet Mary Jane-style shoes in the heart of the 6th in Paris. To attract the foot traffic that is necessary for expensive brick and mortar isn’t an easy feat. As Gene Pressman quips, stores without a soul are just real estate.
As I landed on a pair of bordeaux velvet flats, I wanted to learn who was behind this brand. Enter my surprise and delight to learn that Beatriz de los Mozos is a lawyer turned entrepreneur. Her story will resonate with anyone who needs a reminder to take the leap, but her thoughtful approach to growing her business step-by-step is refreshing in this instant dopa-gratification world that we live in.
If you haven’t stopped by one of her jewel boxes in Paris, Milan, London or NYC, you must, but first, meet Beatriz.

Let’s go back in time to your inception story. You’re now the founder and CEO of a global footwear company, Flabelus, but your path wasn’t exactly linear. What made you decide to make the pivot from M&A lawyer to entrepreneur?

I studied law and later worked as a sales director at an artificial intelligence company in London, but the true beginning of Flabelus started almost by accident. I was simply trying to solve a personal problem: I loved certain types of shoes but couldn’t wear them because of my back. While developing a prototype that combined elegance with real comfort, I realised the idea — and the early sales — had far more potential than I expected. That intuition was powerful, and following it led me onto this new path. That’s how Flabelus was born.

How has your legal background served you in starting a business, and what are some unexpected ways you’ve used that training to support Flabelus as it has grown?

My legal background taught me discipline, critical thinking, and persistence — qualities that truly shape my day-to-day as an entrepreneur. They help me dream bigger while still navigating challenges with clarity. And of course, the legal knowledge itself has been incredibly useful when creating and managing a company: it gives me structure, confidence, and a certain calm in decision-making that I still rely on today.

Since starting the brand five years ago, what has been a “pinch me” moment?

I’ll never forget that in the very first month, I earned what I used to make in an entire year as a lawyer in London. That moment was surreal — a true “pinch me”. It was the instant I understood that this little idea had wings… and that maybe it was ready to fly.

On the other hand, what has been the biggest challenge to date as an entrepreneur?

Every day brings challenges, but expanding into new countries has definitely been one of the biggest. You face new cultures, different market expectations, logistical realities… things you can’t fully anticipate in the beginning. But these challenges also bring growth, creativity, and resilience — so I see them as part of the adventure.

There is so much power in learning from our community. Is there a female mentor who has influenced your leadership style?

Throughout my journey, I’ve been inspired by many women — some close to me, others I’ve admired from afar, and even literary characters who have shaped my imagination. What they all share is a quiet strength, a sharp intuition, and an extraordinary generosity. Their influence has guided the way I lead: with empathy, curiosity, and the unwavering belief that there is always space for more women at the table… and that the table only becomes richer when we sit there together.

Recent history has dispelled the old mindset that there is only room for one woman at the table. And yet, in some professional fields, women are still coming up against the belief that women don’t support other women and a competitive rather than collegial spirit. Why do you think we’re still fighting this, and do you have any personal experience that supports or disproves this?

I think we’re still unlearning old narratives — stories that were repeated for generations and that take time to rewrite. In my experience, women support other women far more than the opposite. I’ve received help, advice and encouragement from women at every step of this journey. And I try to give the same in return. When women create together, something truly powerful happens.

How do you uplift other women in your life personally or professionally that we can all learn from?

I try to inspire by example and remind other women that they can absolutely build the life they imagine, no matter their background. To do that, you have to stay open to change, remain curious, adapt quickly — and above all, believe deeply in your own vision. Sharing that spirit with others is one of the most meaningful parts of my work.

What advice would you give to a younger Beatriz?

To keep dreaming boldly and to trust her intuition — those two forces can take you further than you ever expect. They have certainly guided me.

Finally, what is on the horizon for Flabelus?

We hope to continue growing with this magical, exhilarating rhythm. I would love to strengthen our presence in the markets we are already in, and also expand into new ones such as Japan and China — places where I believe our aesthetic and our values would resonate beautifully. The dream is to keep walking forward, one pair of Flabelus at a time.

Beatriz de los Mozos - Founder & CEO, Flabelus