Shoe Queen – Kristen Brown

Kristen Brown, founder of Happy Hour Effect, is a widow mom, writer, speaker, radio host and founder of Happy Hour Effect®, an award-nominated stress management company and creator of its namesake health supplement that she developed to help protect the whole body from the damaging effects of stress. She inspires audiences and clients using her professional expertise and personal story to demonstrate ways to manage stress thus improving wellness. She is a certified member of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, a member of the National Wellness Institute, has been nominated for multiple American Business Awards and is a volunteer for the American Heart Association. She attends and showcases her company at Hollywood events and has been on the CBS news, featured on the cover of March magazine and on television, radio, print and online.  She is pursuing her master’s degree in Integral Theory and lives in Minneapolis with her four-year-old daughter and dog. Her key message: Stress Management…Made Simple! Continue reading to read more about this Shoe Queen!

FG:  Who is the designer/What is the brand of the stiletto you submitted and where (i.e. Macy’s etc…) did you purchase your shoes?

KB: These fantastically amazing shoes are Calvin Klein. I discovered these gems on the clearance rack at DSW.

FG: Is there a story behind them (why did you purchase them)?

KB: I had a period of time when I admit I was a bit of a shoe addict. I used retail therapy as a healing “technique” after
my young husband died unexpectedly of a heart attack when our daughter was just an infant. I know it sounds silly, but these shoes (and so many others) gave me confidence and a tiny bit of happiness during some very dark days – and now, I have a fabulous shoe collection that brings me joy every day!

Stiletto Madlibs..
Finish these sentences with your own phrase…

FG: A good pair of stilettos make you feel_______________

KB: confident, modern and cool._There is nothing better than slipping your feet into a pair of shoes that pulls together an outfit and amps up the attitude going into a long work day, a fun night out or a princess-themed dance party at home with my four-year-old.

FG: If we could walk a mile in your shoes ______________________

KB: you would know the secrets to managing stress and change. I walked miles and miles in my shoe collection while getting through grief, changing careers, starting a business and writing my debut book, “The Best Worst Thing.” Only by taking those steps have I been able to grow and transform into who I am today – a role model for my daughter who also happens to have an amazing shoe room! (yes-a whole room!)

FG: Stilettos are like _________________ everyone _______________________

KB: wonderful, comforting, fun indulgences that everyone should make a part of their life every single day! (and splurge on often)