Gloria Williams otherwise known as “The Footnanny” was originally just Oprah Winfrey’s best kept secret, but now with her own beauty line selling on HSN, new products in production, and with her winning attitude plus all of her hard work, this one and only Footnanny is making her dreams come true and healing feet everywhere, one foot at a time.
Her mottos are, “I always wait 24 hours before making a decision. Go with your gut feeling. Know your brand. Look at your business every six months to keep your focus. Make sure to get everything right. And, dream BIG.” And as it relates to her relationship with HSN and her target market, she says, “They are identical, so we work well together. HSN also opened Footnanny.com to a broad national audience.”
During our interview, I was inspired to learn that her parents played an important role in her own life and in fact, her mother inspires her, “It made me realize that my childhood played a big role in where I am today due to the influence of my mother,” she smiles. “I never thought that following her around giving “Old Fashioned Rub Downs” would create the exact person I am today.” The fact is, her mother inspired her to create and nurture her own ability to help others feel better. Gloria lives in gratitude of her encouragement to nurture her own healing art and ability to craft wonderful skincare for the feet. From scrubs, creams and products that help heal feet and cure the problem of tired toesies, her healing art provides tender loving care for women and men.
Yet, Oprah Winfrey also inspired Williams to take the necessary steps for her to become the business woman she is today. She shares her gift with people of all ages, not just celebrities and VIPs, albeit there is definitely a VIP Special that William makes specifically customized as per the client’s needs.
With the gift of wisdom she gained from her mom at an early age, along with the nurture provided by Winfrey, this provided the perfect blend of success. However, when asked, whether Winfrey has been her greatest mentor and inspiration, Williams graciously responds with, “Yes she has and I am grateful daily.” Gloria, adds, “I care and love my customers’ happiness and brand. My journey has made me what I am today and I know why I was put here on earth.”
Williams who recently expanded her brand to include foot soaking salts with therapeutic properties of essential oils of rose and lime combined with a blend of four salts: Himalayan, Dead Sea, Foaming Sea Salt, and Epsom is constantly creating and promoting health and wellness for feet. This is her mission.
Where were you born? Dixmoor, Illinois; a very small town.
What’s your favorite style of clothing, homes, cars, people? Jumpsuits, condos, BMWs, Americans.
What inspires you? Waking up to California’s sunshine.
Are you a spiritual or religious person? Both.
What is your favorite color? Black [it is very slimming].
What is the most important thing in the world to you? Peace.
Who is your favorite fashion designer? RL; Ralph Lauren.
What is your favorite food? Healthy soul food.
If you could have lunch with anyone in the world, who would it be? Warren Buffet
What is your favorite music? Favorite song? R & B… No favorite; love it all.
Who inspires you? What inspires you? The memory of my parents and hard work.
Do you think humanity is living in a peaceful time? What would you do to bring more peace? Yes and no; I would ask others to do five kind things per day.
What is your one-year goal? To open my first Footnanny Relaxation Lounge.
What is your five-year goal? To have Footnanny Relaxation Lounge franchises available.
What is the most important message you want to communicate to Chispa readers? Foot care is very important and take just one day out of your week to soak your feet and relax.
What is the greatest accomplishment in your life? Creating a powerful brand name.
Where is your favorite place in the world? Maui.
Tell me about your products? Footnanny is a yummy line of foot care products that relate to my childhood.
What motivates you the most? Each scent tells a story and makes your feet feel nurtured plus answering questions about foot care.
Has Oprah been your greatest mentor and inspiration? Yes she has and I am grateful daily.
How has working with a living legend affected your life? This makes me work harder.
What is your favorite part about sharing your products on HSN? Shopping is easy with HSN. Footnanny products are available across all of HSN’s platforms, including HSN.com or by calling 800.284.3100. HSN is also a great match for my brand because we both provide great customer service. I am also proud to be able to touch people with my products in the United States through HSN. They reach approximately 94 million homes (24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year).
What is your most special memory about your journey of creating your brand, and who you are today? The Footnanny brand’s popularity was the result of a tweet sent by Oprah Winfrey that went viral. Making the O Magazine’s List for an unprecedented third year in a row has been phenomenal and humbling.
Sonia Tita Puopolo
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- Interview with Gloria Williams, The Footnanny - July 6, 2017
