For Zoya Sakr, Dubai-based founder of The Flower Society, putting her best foot forward meant accepting the parts of herself that don’t suit the norm. Zoya Sakr Growing up with big feet was both a quandary and an unexpected blessing for me. From an early age, I realized I didn’t fit the typical mold, literally and figuratively.
By the time I was 13, my feet had already reached a US size 12 (43.5 European), which was much larger than the average for girls my age. This trait led to a series of experiences that shaped my outlook on life and self-acceptance , including having trouble finding suitable footwear and ultimately discovering a career in the fashion industry where my uniqueness would be both an advantage and present hurdles – but each obstacle became a stepping stone to success.
In Lebanon, where I grew up, access to fashionable shoes was limited, especially for someone with my size. I often wore men’s styles or had pieces custom-made at local factories, which were never quite perfect. Unlike my sister or parents, who had average-sized feet, I always felt a bit out of place.
Being tall added to my challenges – standing at 183cm, I often sensed I was conspicuous. However, height also runs in the family: My brother is 197cm and my niece shares my height and shoe size, so we’re always exchanging tips on where to shop. The fashion industry, where I eventually established my career, was a double-edged sword.
While it provided me with opportunities to meet designe.
