Today we’d like to introduce you to Angelica Rodriguez
Hi Angelica, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Becoming a mom has been the biggest challenge of my life, and even more so when you’re raising your child far from your family, traditions, and your home country. This experience pushed me to trust my instincts when making decisions, and one of those decisions was to start my own business. But the question was—what kind of business?
I knew I wanted something that would allow me to stay close to my son, take care of him, and at the same time, feel productive—both creatively and financially. Something that would help me expand my vision beyond the daily routine of motherhood. I think I wished for it so much that the inspiration finally came.
As moms, we understand the importance of keeping our babies barefoot for as long as possible. But when they start walking, how do we protect their feet? What kind of shoes are best for them?. Like a good millennial mom, I did my research, and after exploring countless options, I discovered the shoes socks is a type of barefoot shoes -designed to mimic the feeling of walking barefoot. They are flexible, lightweight, and have a wide toe box. The main purpose is to allow your feet to move naturally-. They were the closest thing to being barefoot while still offering protection. I bought my son 2 pairs of shoe socks, and to my surprise, he felt comfortable wearing them instantly.
Being Colombian, I wondered if this type of footwear was already available in my country. I realized there weren’t many brands promoting and selling barefoot footwear, and that’s when I knew this was the business I wanted to create—one that aligned with my values: respect for the body, freedom of movement, and overall well-being.
That’s how T-SHOES Kids was born—a brand inspired by my son Thiago (hence the “T”). We launched in Colombia two and a half years ago, and just a few months ago, we expanded to the United States. Today, thousands of babies have taken their first steps, played, and explored the world freely and without limitations, thanks to our barefoot shoes—designed to support the natural shape of their feet and promote healthy development.
Starting a business, as a mom hasn’t been easy, but seeing my son and so many little ones move with comfort and confidence makes it all worth it.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Wow, no. It hasn’t been easy because there are so many things you don’t know when you start a business, especially in a field where you have no prior experience. It’s not just about creating a brand and launching it. To be completely honest, I feel like we are raised to become employees, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. But if we were taught basic concepts of economics, finance, communication, and marketing from a young age, I think we’d be better prepared to face the world.
I’m a creative person—my professional background is in audiovisual production, which has been a huge asset in this digital era and for social media. As a visual artist, I understand the power of an image in attracting potential customers. But when it comes to numbers… that’s where I’ve had to rely on others, especially my husband, who is a finance expert, and my mom (who has been an essential part of this journey).
When you’re a solopreneur, you have to learn to do everything—sales, customer service, marketing, digital strategy, finance, accounting, PR, graphic design, and even legal matters. But all of this learning is necessary because when your brand grows, you need to be able to delegate tasks confidently and ensure that the person handling them truly understands and respects your brand values.
So no, my entrepreneurial journey hasn’t been smooth, It is a big challenge but it has been full of learning experiences that have strengthened me in so many ways. Thinking about that, that makes it fun and interesting though.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
T-Shoes Kids is a barefoot footwear brand for toddlers and babies, that through excellent customer service, up-to-date information, and an amazing Barefooters community, empowers families to make informed decisions when choosing the right shoes for their little ones—encouraging them to go beyond conventional footwear.
T-Shoes Kids is not for those who see barefoot shoes as just another fashion trend; it’s for those who dare to follow healthy trends for their families. Our brand is built on Commitment, Honesty, and Respect, all delivered with a joyful and colorful approach.
Our mission? To help more children around the world grow up with strong, healthy feet, feeling safe and free with every step they take.
We know that moms today don’t make random purchases—they carefully evaluate quality, research, compare options, and, most importantly, prioritize their family’s health. That’s why we understand that a baby’s first steps are a huge milestone. We want them to have the best experience wearing their T-Shoes—feeling comfortable, unrestricted in their movements, and fully supported in the natural growth of their little feet.
Walking barefoot is the healthiest option, but we also know that a baby’s delicate feet need protection, especially in uncontrolled environments. That’s where our shoe socks come in—the perfect, practical solution that allows babies to feel like they’re barefoot while keeping their feet safe.
What makes me most proud of creating this brand is knowing that T-Shoes Kids is part of a global revolution in the footwear industry. We’re not just thinking about how feet look in shoes—we’re protecting their natural shape and helping prevent future foot conditions that have affected generations: calluses, bunions, ingrown nails, foot pain, and even posture-related issues that can lead to more serious health problems.
If we look at most adult feet, we’ve come to normalize these problems. But with the availability of anatomically designed footwear that allows natural movement with every step, more and more parents are becoming aware of the importance of choosing the best for their little ones from the very beginning.
Another thing I’m incredibly proud of is that T-Shoes Kids is currently available in Colombia—my home country—and in the United States, where I’ve lived for the past eight years with my husband. It was here that we welcomed our son, Thiago—my greatest inspiration for starting this journey.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I love this question because I work every day to achieve my goals, and having a clear purpose is what gives meaning to everything I do.
Initially, T-Shoes Kids was created to join babies in their first steps. That’s why we currently offer three sizes, covering ages from 11 months to approximately 2.5 years. But my vision for the future is to expand our size range to accommodate children and teenagers, ensuring they have access to Barefoot footwear throughout their growth.
Honestly, I’ve become so passionate about this topic that through my research, I discovered that barefoot shoes exist for all ages! In the beginning, I was really curious about what my son—and all the babies wearing T-Shoes—felt when walking in them. So, I decided to buy my first pair of barefoot shoes for myself, and I have to say: going back to conventional footwear is hard. The comfort is incredible! For the first time, after hours of wearing barefoot shoes, I didn’t feel pain in my toes, the soles of my feet, or even my back. That experience was life-changing, and it’s the reason why in the future, I want to create my own line of barefoot footwear for women—designed for those who not only want to feel comfortable but also look great wherever they go. And of course I want my mom working next to me because she has supporting me since my first steps on this path.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tshoeskidscol.wixsite.com/t-shoes-kids
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tshoeskids/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tshoeskids/
- Other: tshoeskids.col@gmail.com
Image Credits
Angelica Rodriguez Franky
