TSR's Hall of Fame: Kathleen and Kristina Cucé

Many great business ideas are born from taking something that already exists and making it better. That's exactly what identical twin sisters Kathleen and Kristina Cucé did when they started Cucé Shoes. Their inspiring story earns them a spot in TSR's Hall of Fame for transforming an existing product into something extra special for female sports fans looking for superior comfort, quality and style.

As dedicated Indianapolis Colts fans, the Cucé sisters decided to start a tradition of attending a home game at Lucas Oil Stadium at least once every year. In 2010, they traveled to Indy to cheer on the Colts against the New England Patriots and bought new game day outfits for the occasion. Dressed head to knee in team gear, they were stumped when it came to choosing shoes to wear. Comfort and warmth were essential, but they needed to look great, too. During the game, they talked about the idea of fan footwear and brainstormed about stylish, functional boots decorated with team logos. The pair knew they were on to something, so once they returned home, they decided to look into it further.

The Cucé twins researched the availability of fan boots and when they came up empty, they sprung into action.  They contacted the NFL by phone, e-mail and fax for months until a licensing director finally returned their call and asked, "What do you want? What is it that you need to show us so badly?" The sisters begged for a meeting and scored the opportunity of a lifetime - 30 minutes to make their pitch. Armed with samples, images and a winning concept, Kathleen and Kristina left the NFL's NYC office with a resounding "yes" from the licensing department. They were officially the youngest NFL licensees in the league.

Four months later, they presented their 2011 collection to stadium shops and national buyers at the NFL Consumer Products Summit at Gillette Stadium. Production followed in April and the boots hit retailers in September. The collection also appeared on the Home Shopping Network on Labor Day and was the featured item in the 2011 NFL Shop commercial.

"That was the happiest moment for us and our family...to see our product as first year licensees in a national campaign," said Kathleen Cucé, co-founder of Cucé Shoes.

Cucé Shoes are available for the NFL and select NHL and NCAA teams. MLB and NBA styles are on the way, so there's certainly much more to come from this dazzling duo. Thanks to their determination and passion, female fans have access to fashionable and comfortable footwear that celebrates their favorite teams.

Check out the 2011 collection from Cucé Shoes:

The Devotee Suede and Faux Fur Boots - Indianapolis Colts

The Supporter Suede Knee High Boots - Virginia Tech

The Supporter Suede and Faux Fur Boots - Detroit Red Wings

The Enthusiast Waterproof Rain Boots - New Orleans Saints

The Aficionado Patent Rubber Rain Boots - Pittsburgh Penguins

Want to stock up on a new pair of boots for next winter? You're in luck - Cucé Shoes is currently offering 50% off site-wide. Visit lovecuceshoes.com to get your pair!

XO,

The Style Ref