Some things just work better in pairs. For Megan Papay and Cristina Palomo Nelson, creators of the cult footwear line all the cool girls covet, its their creative partnership and supportive friendship that has allowed these two mothers of young kids to keep up with both family and the demands of a skyrocketing brand (Megan is mom to Piper, 8; and Cristina is mom to Luca, 2 and Lola who is 4 months). They launched Freda Salvador in 2011, working out of a shed in Megan's backyard. just five short years later, they have a flagship retail store on Fillmore Street in San Francisco, and office on the Sausalito waterfront, a rolling showroom dubbed Diego that just wrapped up an East Coast tour and a gaggle of celebrity devotees like Gigi Hadid, Taylor Swift, Olivia Palermo, Jessica Alba and Kristen Stewart. And while major retailers such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Shopbop.com and American Rag were eager to carry their shoes in the brand's early days, Megan and Cristina have recently decided that they will opt for running their own retail operation versus continuing to sell wholesale to larger outlets. That of course means new retail locations to come, including LA, Austin, Portland and Nashville.
Proud Moment
Megan: "All things FRĒDA! To start a brand from scratch is such a blast. To put yourself out there over and over, while staying true to the brand and people liking it, is the most rewarding thing in the world."
Cris: "Seeing FREDA out in the wild! It's the most surreal feeling to see a complete stranger wearing your shoes."
Words of Wisdom
Megan: "I think the moment I realized that Piper seeing me work so hard, be so happy and live out my passion is just as important than me being with her all the time. After I let the guilt go, I refocused my energy on the time we do spend together and make sure it is quality."
Cris: "People in my life like Megan have shown me through example how important it is to think about quality over quantity. So I try to be completely disconnected from work when I am with my babies and weekends in my family are sacred—we spend every moment we can together! Also, I try to be easy on myself. I realize I can't do it all. Some days I win at work, some at home... remembering I am human and it's okay to have good days and not so good ones."
