International Association of Women Recognizes Jennifer Zimmerman as a 2020-2021 Influencer

NAPLES, Fla., December 1, 2020 (Newswire.com) - The International Association of Women (IAW) recognizes Jennifer Zimmerman as a 2020-2021 Influencer. She is acknowledged as a leader in entrepreneurship. The International Association of Women (IAW) is a global in-person and online networking platform with more than 100 local chapters, International Chapters and 1,000+ in-person and virtual events.

For a number of years, Jennifer Zimmerman worked as an Events Manager. She did a lot of traveling for work and when packing for trips, she didn't like having to store her shoes and their dirty bottoms with the rest of her clothes. So, she did something about it.

"I started sewing (by hand) covers to go over my shoes for packing," she said. "This kept my belongings clean and my shoes safe from getting damaged. A few colleagues saw them and suggested I start an Etsy site!" Ms. Zimmerman started the site five years ago and it has been very successful. But, recently, she has taken her business one step further.

"When COVID hit, I received a lot of requests for shoe covers that could be worn indoors," she said. "So, this summer I created a non-slip version of Heel Hoodies. These reusable covers have a nonskid bottom professionally applied to each pair and are perfect for indoor use. This has really started to take off, especially with real estate agents, interior designers, cleaning companies, daycares, NICU nurses, dental assistants and really anyone looking to cover their shoes and keep floors dirt and germ-free! It's been really cool!"

As with most Entrepreneurs, Ms. Zimmerman manages the bulk of her business on her own. When she first started, she did everything from cutting and sewing to packaging and marketing. "I now have them made in larger quantities," she said. "If it is a small custom order, I do still sew them. I love being hands-on as much as possible." Passionate about giving back, Ms. Zimmerman founded a charity for her company, Hoodies for Hearts, and donates 10% of her profits to the American Heart Association. "This was started after the unexpected loss of my father about a month after launching Heel Hoodies," she said. "He was an extremely amazing and giving man, so it feels good to be able to give back in his honor.

"It has been challenging being a small startup and a full-time working mom of a two- and three-year-old," Ms. Zimmerman added. "I'm juggling all the work/life responsibilities while trying to get a little sleep every once in a while!" she joked. But, sleep or no sleep, she has high hopes for the future.

"Moving forward I would love to go from my 'boutique shop' on Etsy, to an expanded web page that includes multiple styles of Heel Hoodies, as well as my new custom option," she said. "I launched the custom option a few weeks ago, where you can place bulk orders of custom (logo) Heel Hoodies for your corporation, starting at just 15 pairs! I'm already receiving orders, and it's really exciting. I can't wait to see what the future brings!"

Education & Accomplishments: Bachelor's in Events, Sales & Meetings Management

Source: International Association of Professional Women

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