From the origin story of their businesses to the ways they allowed themselves to grow as entrepreneurs, our Female Founders series gives a view into the lives of successful women from a variety of industries. Join us for today’s feature, Christina Durante offering a behind the scenes look at some of what she has done to succeed so far, advice for those starting off, and plans for the future.
What’s your business and how did you get started?
Femmes Sans Peur, or FSP, is a woman-owned and operated business that translates to “Fearless Women.” With a commitment to redefining footwear, we create styles that playfully redefine empowerment through luxury and fashion-forward designs.
Our designs feature Swarovski crystals, memory foam cushioning and flexible slip-resistant soles that allow women to express their personal style without sacrificing comfort for fashion. Each style is handcrafted, featuring sculptural heels with opulent details inspired by art history and nature, and the finest Italian leathers. We also integrate recycled and eco-friendly materials, ensuring both comfort and sustainability and are adorned with their signature metal lotus flower ornament for added beauty.
Adored by A-listers and celebrated by women across the globe for our unique approach to style and sustainability, FSP brings together the best of footwear, offering a glamorous collection that embodies confidence, elegance, and environmental consciousness.
On my second date with my now-husband, I slipped on black ice and fractured my face and skull. I had a blood clot on my brain, a severe concussion, and my left eye swollen shut — all because I was wearing luxury shoes with zero traction.
That moment is the reason I started my own luxury footwear brand, more than 10 years ago. It’s a long story, but it’s the one that changed my life. That accident didn’t just end with one concussion either. Because of the depth-perception issues, I’ve had 15 concussions since. It changed everything about how I move through the world — including how I think about shoes, safety, and design
My hope is that every woman I encounter takes away something from my journey and shares my story with the women in their life who love heels too.
What is the boldest thing you’ve ever done in business?
When I first launched the brand, I purchased a professional Sony camera and organized all of my girlfriends together for a photoshoot in Soho in Manhattan to shoot the shoe collection for our first campaign.
It was a freezing cold morning in November. They were chilled to the bone, noses running, wind whipping us and I lay down on my stomach in the middle of the cobblestone street to capture a shot of the back of our black and gold Aurora sandals while cars were honking at us to get out of the way. This has become my brand’s hero image, my best ad and my bestselling shoe!
What’s one thing you’re currently excited about for the future of your business?
Last June I took advertising in-house, and since we been scaling the business month over month, allowing us to expand our offerings into handbags and hopefully jewelry too.
What’s your best business advice you would give to other women?
To be fearless in your choices and take risks. Fearlessness does not mean the absence of doubt — it means following your gut instincts, which can be your greatest advantage.
I would love to see a future where young women feel empowered to take risks, pursue big ambitions, start businesses, ask for what they deserve, and move confidently through the world. If we instill that mindset earlier, we can change industries, leadership, and culture for generations to come.
What’s your favorite thing about being a business owner?
I love being my own business. I was always a team player, but I’m also a risk taker. Many “corporate” bosses don’t make bold moves because they can’t. I have no one to answer to except myself, which always allows me to have complete creative freedom in every aspect of my business.
