WITW Interview: Wife, Mom, and Boss of Development and Design, Abigail Kilian
Prepare to be inspired by a woman who dominates the world in the workplace everyday and still manages to maintain her values and life at home.
At Naked Feet, we want to empower women to conquer their day in effortless sophistication. Women are a force of nature, taking over the workplace more than ever before. We’d like to take this opportunity to celebrate some inspiring bosses by giving women a seat at the table.
Welcome to a new series, Women in the Workplace (WITW) where we'll be interviewing real women and sharing their stories of success in hopes to inspire you to be the powerhouse you are.
First up, meet Abigail Kilian, part of our very own team at Naked Feet. A thirty-something mom and wife, Abigail has worked in the footwear business for 9 years slaying product development and design. (You can thank her for some of the beauty we see today in our collections).
Want to know how she manages a full-time career, family and social life? Here’s her story.
Q: WHAT DOES YOUR TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE?
"My typical workday begins bright and early with my beautiful 10-month old son. We enjoy our sunrise breakfasts together before daycare drop-off. Then, the real fun begins.
I get to my desk with a hot cup of coffee and re-write today’s to-do list on a fresh piece of paper (I’m old school). Once my priorities are in order: I attack. Emails, phone calls, virtual meetings, prototype corrections, and suddenly it’s 5:00pm!" – Abigail Kilian
Q: WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENTS – AND FAILURES, AND HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THEM?
"A recent accomplishment was raising $60,000 for my synagogue. Our community was hit hard by the pandemic, so two friends and I rolled up our sleeves and created three fundraising events. The fundraisers were incredibly well received by the community. On the flip-side, I failed to keep the momentum going by continuing our fundraising efforts. Balancing work, family, mental health, and volunteer work can be exhausting. However, by taking a break from volunteering, I was able to catch my breath, get organized, and launch our latest fundraiser with full steam ahead!"
Q: WHAT DOES BEING A WOMAN IN THE WORKplace MEAN TO YOU, AND HOW DO OU ASPIRE TO GROW AND DEVELOP YOUR CAREER?
"Being a woman in the workplace means paving the way for our daughters and granddaughters. It is up to us to “fight the good fight” so future generations won’t have to. One day the idea of gender equality in the workplace will be a distant memory."
Q: TELL THE READERS WHO YOU ARE.
"My name is Abigail Kilian, a thirty-something mom and wife, living in northern New Jersey. I have worked in the women’s footwear business for 9 years doing product development and design.
I was able to merge my love of shoes, my artistic abilities, and my business education into my dream job. I pinch myself every day. This career has also taken me all over the world.
It has fulfilled my craving for exploring new cultures, meeting new people, trying new foods, and learning new languages. I have also been fortunate to work alongside my spouse for the past 9 years doing something we both love. We live and breathe shoes!"
Q: WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO YOU, AND WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR PASSIONS AFTER WORKING HOURS?
?The pandemic has really shown me the importance of family and friends, and time spent together. I make it a priority to see, whether in person or virtually, my friends and family at least once a week. It is so therapeutic being around people you love.
I absolutely love having dinner with friends and family after work. There is nothing better than having a glass of wine, good food, and great conversation after a hard day’s work."
Q: HOW IMPORTANT IS OUR PERSONAL STYLE TO YOU, AND HOW DO YOU REPRESENT THAT DURING AND AFTER WORK HOURS?
"My personal style is huge part of my identity. Dressing myself in clothes and shoes that make me feel amazing is a daily priority. Feeling great leads to better productivity and output!
Everyday I put on clean, comfortable, temperature appropriate work attire that achieves that “amazing” feeling. Depending on my afterwork plans, I will either change into something a little edgier for dinner plans with friends or into something more relaxed for dinner at home with my family."
Q: LASTLY, HOW DOES NAKED FEET FIT INTO YOUR OWN LIFESTYLE?
"Naked Feet has consistently been my go-to brand for shoes that make me feel amazing. Each style is so perfectly designed to be worn day-to-night. Lately I have been wearing the Geo and the Flow. The platform wedge is so lightweight that I forget I’m even wearing shoes.
The flex grooves in the wedge are such an innovative touch. I really appreciate thoughtful design. I also love that comfort is priority for Naked Feet.
Not ever having to worry about painful feet during the day allows me to focus on my day’s tasks. A shoe that allows me to look and feel amazing while letting me conquer my day, is a shoe for all girl bosses!"
Thanks so much for sharing Abigail. You know we love you, and you are a truly inspiring member of our team. Have your own story or know someone you want to shout out for their gusto in taking over the world boss-mode style? Hit us up, you may be featured next as we continue our series of Women in The Workplace #WITW