Xena Workwear
 | |
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Footwear / Apparel |
| Founded | 2019 |
| Founder | Anastasia Kraft |
| Headquarters | Milwaukee, Wisconsin |
| Products | Women's Steel Toe Shoes |
| Website | xenaworkwear.com |
Xena Workwear is a Milwaukee-based women's workwear company specialized in stylish women's steel toe shoes and apparel.[1][2] The company creates fashionable personal protective equipment (PPE) for women.[3][4]
History
In 2017, the founder of Xena Workwear, Anastasia (Ana) Kraft, came upon the idea to start a women's workwear company while working as a project manager in the manufacturing industry.[5][6] In 2019, Xena Workwear was accepted into the accelerator program gBETA run by Madison-based gener8tor.[7] In May 2019, the company launched its first ASTM-certified product, the Gravity steel-toe safety shoe. Shortly afterwards, Xena Workwear closed a $750,000 seed round led by Chicago-based Starting Line.[7]
Description
Xena Workwear develops shoes for women working in non-traditional industries.[8] The company uses Leather Working Group (LWG) certified leather in their products.[1]
Partnerships & Endorsements
Xena Workwear is an official partner and sponsor of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC)[9] and Women in Manufacturing (WIM).
The company also partners with organizations which further the mission of inspiring more women to explore careers in STEM and trades:[10]
- Reinvented Magazine - an organization focused on reinventing the general perception of women in STEM fields
- Beauty and the Bolt - an organization teaching that engineering and femininity are not mutually exclusive
- Her STEM Story - an organization sharing stories of female STEM professionals from around the world
In 2019, the company was endorsed by the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) FY20 President.[11]
Xena Workwear is featured in the following publications, among others:
- Metalforming Magazine - January 2020[12]
- Quartz - February 2020[13]
- Chemical & Engineering News - April 2020[14]
- Steel Times International - May 2020[15]
- Forbes - December 2020[16]
The company was listed as a top 20 Wisconsin startup to watch in 2020 by Wisconsin Inno.[17][18]
References
- ^ a b "Female Engineer Launches Fashionable Steel-Toed Footwear Company". Urban Milwaukee. May 10, 2019.
- ^ "This Milwaukee Startup Is Making an Industrial Work Boot Women Actually Want to Wear". Wisconsin Inno. May 22, 2019.
- ^ "Protective Footwear with a Fashion Sense by Xena Workwear". PCIAW. August 8, 2019.
- ^ "8: How Stylish Steel-Toe Shoes are Empowering Women in Industry | An Interview with Xena Workwear CEO Ana Kraft - Manufacturing Happy Hour". Manufacturing Happy Hour. December 9, 2019. Retrieved April 21, 2020.
- ^ "How Frustration Led This Entrepreneur to Start a Workwear Company for Women in STEM". StartupNation. March 11, 2020.
- ^ Spirer, Alexandra (February 23, 2020). "Anastasia Kraft of Xena Workwear: "Value honest and direct communication"". Medium.
- ^ a b "Milwaukee startup Xena Workwear completes $750,000 seed round". BizTimes - Milwaukee Business News. August 22, 2019.
- ^ "Xena Workwear designs footwear with a mission". Think-Make-Happen In Wisconsin. January 16, 2020.
- ^ "Introducing NEW Partner, Xena Workwear!" (PDF). The Connection. January 28, 2020.
- ^ "Xena Partners". Xena Workwear. Retrieved April 20, 2020.
- ^ "These Boots Are Made for WORKING". Society of Women Engineers - All Together. December 5, 2019.
- ^ "Firmer Footing for Women in Manufacturing". MetalForming Magazine. January 29, 2020.
- ^ Quito, Anne. "An engineer has finally figured out how to design stylish safety boots for women". Quartz. Retrieved March 31, 2021.
- ^ "Chemistry spotted on more belt buckles and model trains, and fashion-forward work boots". Chemical & Engineering News. April 5, 2020.
- ^ "Steel Times International - Vol.44 No4". Steel Times International. Retrieved July 14, 2020.
- ^ Vinoski, Jim. "'The Right Man For The Job May Be A Woman' Who'll Need Good Work Boots". Forbes. Retrieved March 31, 2021.
- ^ "20 Wisconsin Startups to Watch in 2020". Wisconsin Inno. December 16, 2019.
- ^ "Workwear Digest". workweardigest.com. December 22, 2021.