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New Zealand footwear designer Kathryn Wilson has a fanbase that reaches as far and high as Beyoncé. 

In just a decade, she has grown from being a fledgling designer to becoming an influential business woman with a brand in high demand.

So what's her number one business tip?

"Celebrate your successes along the way... even the small ones, and share your vision and goals with the team to take them on the journey with you."

Wise words from a designer who, after graduating from Massey University and winning an AMP Scholarship, honed her design skills and set about creating her own line of footwear.

Since 2003 Kathryn Wilson has been one of the fastest-growing local fashion brands, expanding to sub-brands Miss Wilson, Little Miss Wilson for kids and most recently, Baby Wilson. Stocked in over 100 local boutiques and with an ever-growing online market, the label is on the front foot in the fashion industry.

Her acute business acumen means Kathryn is in demand as an international brand ambassador, collaborating with BMW, Veuve Clicquot, Orly, Sanpellegrino, Vodafone and MorrocanOil.

Locally, Kathryn is a driving force in fashion, hosting the first exclusive footwear runway show in New Zealand at Fashion Week in 2010, followed by a 2500 strong social media-driven show at the same event in 2011.

She tells us a bit about more herself in this TBI QnA. You can also catch Kathryn at Semi-Permanent Auckland this weekend.

During what hours of the day do you feel most inspired?

Definitely not first thing in the morning! I'm a night owl!

How would a good friend describe your aesthetic or style?

Simple, timeless, playful.

What aspect of your creative practice gives you the biggest thrill?

The joy my shoes brings others who are wearing them.

How does your environment affect your work? 

A quiet, calm room has a major influence on feeling focused and inspired ... I'm far too distracted by people and voices to work well in a busy room

Do you like to look at the big picture or focus on the details?

The devil is in the details... always in the detail!

What's your number one business tip for surviving (and thriving) in the creative industries?

Celebrate your successes along the way... even the small ones, and share your vision and goals with the team to take them on the journey with you.

Which of your projects to date has given you the most satisfaction?

Having Beyonce take home a pair of our shoes while touring NZ for herself and baby Blue... and then both Jay Z and Beyonce posting my shoes on their instagram accounts with millions of followers.

Who or what has inspired you recently?

Anyone who is building a career doing something they love

Tell us a bit about your creative background.

The Kathryn Wilson brand was launched in 2003, I wanted to become NZ’s premiere shoe designer offering innovative, quality leather shoes to those who wanted to wear something playful and unique. We now sell Kathryn Wilson, Miss Wilson, Little Miss Wilson and Baby Wilson to over 130 stores around NZ, Australia and Hong Kong.

Tell us about some of your recent and upcoming projects?

We have three Kathryn Wilson retail boutiques in Auckland and a growing e-commerce site... we are looking to expand in both local and international markets

We are currently working on a catwalk presentation in Queenstown as part of ‘Clicquot in the snow’ in August, along with designing our Winter ’16 collection in store next August.

What are you talking about at SemiP?

The joy of life... shoes

If you could go back and choose a completely different career path to the one you've chosen, what would it be?

A marine biologist... but I'm scared of sharks...

What place is always with you, wherever you go?

Tokyo... I LOVE Tokyo...the people, the music, the food, the fashion, the architecture... its my favourite place to visit.

What's the best way to listen to music, and why?

In the car with the volume loud... it creates memories of road trips and places you’ve been.

You are given a piece of string, a stick and some fabric. What do you make?

A tee pee.

What's the best stress relief advice you've ever been given?

Get some fresh air ... and have a laugh with friends.

What’s great about Semi Permanent?

Celebrating fresh ideas and clever minds.

What’s your big idea for 2015?

Take time to stop and smell the roses... I'm a new mum so have a shift in focus this year...

• Semi-Permanent Auckland 2015 is on July 3-4