Getting to know Mary Sheldon
Inside the Lab is a series meant to share the stories of the creative individuals behind Deckers X Lab. This month we are meeting with Mary, a design intern within the innovation team.
What did you do before starting your internship at Deckers?
Before starting my internship at Deckers, I have been rotating semesters of in class work with working internships in the industry – just as I am doing now. Before Deckers, I was researching and designing replacements for single use plastic, and working on a outdoorsman goods startup for a class with two friends. Before that, I was working as a designer at a CrossFit apparel/footwear startup called NOBULL, based in Boston.
Where is your hometown and what is your favorite thing about it?
My hometown is in Louisville, Kentucky. I grew up wanting to just get away from my town – to move on to bigger and better things. I have always loved Louisville, though – and have gained a new appreciation for it since moving away.
If you could meet anyone in the world dead or alive who would it be and why?
I think if I could meet anyone in the world – dead or alive – it would honestly have to be Michelle Obama. I think that she is the physical representation of kindness – she is compassionate, and she is always looking to make everything around her better. I would love to talk to her about how she approaches life, leadership, and career develop as a woman. She has so much wisdom to give and I would love to just soak that in.
What has been your favorite project at Deckers?
My favorite project is working directly with industry counterparts to utilize new materials and construction methods for new shoe designs. Since Deckers X Lab is an experiment, I get to test out new product ideas and really let my creativity run free – and then go back and substantiate it with research and performance driven findings. I love getting to create delight with Deckers X Lab.
How do you usually style your KO-Z Sport?
The KO-Z Sport shoes are some of the most versatile shoes in my closet. I love to wear them with a cute t-shirt or slip dress, or just to pair them with my favorite pair of denim and band tee. I like to coordinate the colors of my Sport shoes with my look too.
