It started with a personal problem—a pesky little bunion on her left foot—and turned into a global fashion success.
Lisa Kay, a shoe designer from Watford, didn’t just find a solution for her own feet.
She built a brand that’s now loved by royalty, Hollywood A-listers, and women all over the world who want comfort and style in their shoes.
And now? She’s been honored with one of the UK’s most prestigious business accolades: the King’s Award for Enterprise.
Queen Camilla Put Sole Bliss on the Map
Back in 2018, Lisa’s world changed overnight when an unexpected order came in from Clarence House.
To her surprise, Queen Camilla had taken a liking to her shoes.
Lisa recalls the moment she realized who the buyer was—saying it was “a complete surprise” and “hugely exciting.”
Since then, Camilla has become something of a brand ambassador without even meaning to.
She’s been photographed wearing Sole Bliss shoes more than 80 times and now owns at least 11 pairs, including her favorite: the £169 nude leather Ingrid heels she wore to the Royal Cornwall Show.
In fact, her royal collection is estimated to be worth over £2,000.
Hollywood Stars Are Loving Them Too
It’s not just Queen Camilla who’s fallen in love with Lisa’s creations.
Celebrities like Julia Roberts, Meryl Streep, Dame Helen Mirren, Olivia Colman, and Viola Davis have all been spotted in Sole Bliss designs.
The secret? Lisa figured out how to make beautiful shoes that actually feel good.
She knew that many women, like herself, struggle with bunions or wide feet—and yet still want to wear stylish footwear, even heels.
Fashion Meets Function with a Foot-Friendly Twist
Sole Bliss shoes don’t just look good—they’re engineered to feel amazing.
Lisa and her team developed a special in-shoe technology that contours to your feet, offering support and cushioning without compromising on style.
She even works with a podiatry professor to make sure the designs hit the mark.
“People are going to wear what they want no matter what,” she explained, “so we made sure our shoes are actually good for them too.”
It’s a philosophy that’s clearly working. Starting with just four styles in 2017, the company has grown into a global powerhouse with over 300 designs and a value estimated at £10 million.
Recognition Fit for a Queen… and a King
Despite her brand’s massive success, Lisa admits she was still shocked to be awarded a King’s Award for Enterprise in 2025.
Just 197 businesses received the honor this year, which celebrates exceptional achievement in British business.
She’ll be joining the likes of Jellycat and Deluxe Art and Theme Ltd—brands known for everything from adorable soft toys to theme park design—at Windsor Castle tonight to receive the award in person.
And yes, she’ll be wearing a pair of her own shoes, of course.
She’s chosen the Ruby heels—one of Sole Bliss’ highest styles—but don’t worry, she says they’re “so comfortable” with a proud smile.
Lisa Kay’s Success Is a Walk in the Right Direction
What makes Lisa’s journey so inspiring is that it blends innovation, empathy, and good old British craftsmanship.
She saw a problem that many women silently suffer through and created a stylish solution that didn’t compromise on comfort.
Now with royal and celebrity fans, a booming international business, and a King’s Award under her belt, Lisa Kay has proven that fashion can still be practical—and that great ideas can start from the smallest of aches.