In Her Shoes - Celebrating Women Who Build Their Own Path Featuring Rainy Fu

In Her Shoes - Celebrating Women Who Build Their Own Path Featuring Rainy Fu

It’s been a while since our last In Her Shoes feature — a blog series celebrating extraordinary women, their personal journeys, and the stories behind their shoes. Every woman has a path that’s uniquely her own, and through this series, I hope to highlight the courage, creativity, and spirit that propel them forward.

This November feels especially meaningful to me. As the season of gratitude arrives, I find myself feeling extra thankful for one of my dearest friends, Rainy Fu — an extraordinary woman I’ve had the privilege of knowing since 2011, when we first met at the Savannah College of Art and Design.

Over the past 14 years, even though we’ve lived in different cities, we’ve always made it a point to reconnect — no matter where life takes us. Rainy has been one of my closest girlfriends in the U.S., a trusted confidante, and my go-to sounding board whenever I need advice or inspiration. Today, she’s the Senior Art Director at Spotify and the founder of Design Never Sleeps, a creative marketing agency helping businesses bring their visions to life.

For this month’s In Her Shoes spotlight, I’m honored to share Rainy’s stories — from the shoes that accompany her through life’s journeys, to the life lessons she lives by, and the women she’s most grateful for.

This feature is a celebration not just of her accomplishments, but of the friendship, creativity, and authenticity she embodies every day.

 

Rainy speaking at a recent OUTFORM Summit where
she shares her thoughts on how Gen Z create and experiment with AI.

 

1. Tell us about your all-time favorite pair of shoes.

My pair of Yvonne Liao ballet mesh flats add a touch of femininity and perfect posture every time I wear them. They’re comfortable, stylish, and durable enough for walking down the streets of NYC. It's a lovely city but a pair of comfy shoes here is a must! They mean so much because they are so comfortable, well-made by one of my best friends in the city and I get praises while wearing them through NYC to LA and all across the world to Singapore.

2. What’s your most cherished memory in a pair of shoes?

A speaker’s panel in Orlando, Florida, where I wore my favorite pair of shoes while speaking to the largest audience I’ve ever had, over 500 people on Design, Branding and Experiential Spaces for AVIXA. With cameras all around and my outfit shining under the lights, I felt both grounded and grateful for the opportunity to be on that stage and for how far I’ve come.

3. Do you have a “power shoe”?

Yes, a pair of burgundy mules from Stuart Weitzman that exude effortless sexiness, let me stride with confidence, and command the room!

4. Describe your shoe style in 3 words.

Feminine, fun and adventurous

5. What is the best piece of life advice you’d give to other women walking their own paths?

Carving your own path takes courage - it means tuning out the noise and not letting others’ opinions define you. Remember, you’re strong, you’re brave, and I’m cheering you on every step of the way!

6. What words of wisdom would you tell your younger self—one that you now carry in your shoes today?

Just keep swimming, everyone will have an opinion, but none of them are worth entertaining. Keep working quietly; that’s when you truly discover your own path.

7. Who is a woman in your life that you are most grateful for - and how has she inspired you?

My first inspiration is my mom, a lifelong learner and a constant source of positivity throughout my life and career. She embodies the light and strength of what it means to be a woman. She is my inspiration to be the best I can be as a woman, as a daughter and as a future wife.

I'm grateful to have know Yvonne as my friend in business, when we talk about our business journey and how you are constantly working on yourself and putting yourself out there. The braveness is unmatched and that keeps me motivated every step of the way. 

8. Can you describe a small act of kindness from someone who made a lasting impact on you?

A farmers' market owner learned it was my first week in the city and surprised me with a welcome gift, a reminder that warmth and small acts of kindness can be found anywhere if you step out of your comfort zone.

(photo credits: Rainy Fu)

 

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