Krista Nielson, SLCC Fashion Institute student, designed a “fun, flirty and sexy” red patent leather boot called “Krista” for the nationwide Steve Madden Shoe Art + Sole Design Contest. Madden chose a total of five finalists, and Nielson’s boot was one of them.

The online contest votes were really close between Nielson’s design and another competitor’s. The votes had to be recounted. Nielson ended up the runner-up in the Steve Madden Shoe Design Contest.

But Nielson’s boot became so popular that Madden decided to produce it, too. He is also giving Nielson the same prizes as the grand prize winner. The only difference is that she received a $250 shoe gift certificate instead of the $500.

Nielson, 44, is a mother of four kids and four step children. She is currently pursuing a Fashion Institute Certificate. She has been sewing since she was a little girl. Her first time in college, she earned her business degree and she worked in the stock market for 15 years. After retiring from the stock market, she was a stay-at-home mom for five years.

Via: Globe