How Carly Burnett Started TKEES: The Entrepreneur Behind the Global Sandal Brand
From one “lightning bolt” idea on a beach in St. Barths to one of the world’s most recognizable minimalist footwear brands.
If you’ve ever slipped on a pair of TKEES sandals, you’ve experienced Carly Burnett’s vision: footwear that’s so simple and comfortable it almost disappears on your feet. But behind the minimalist design is an inspiring startup story about recognizing an unmet need, trusting your instincts, and building a global lifestyle brand.
For Carly Burnett, the idea for TKEES didn’t come from years of market research. It happened in an instant.
While vacationing in St. Barths with her husband and business partner, Jesse, Carly walked barefoot along the beach as the waves washed over her feet. Looking down, she wondered why she couldn’t find a sandal that felt almost as natural as being barefoot.
“It was a lightning bolt moment,” Carly says. “I couldn’t find anything I liked. I wanted something that was simple, sophisticated, and would almost disappear on your feet.”
That single insight became TKEES.
In 2009, Carly and Jesse launched the company with one product: a minimalist leather sandal designed to be timeless rather than trendy. Their first collection, called Foundations, featured neutral shades inspired by skin tones, offering women a sandal that blended naturally with their complexion. It was a fresh concept that quickly attracted retailers, editors, and loyal customers.
Like every entrepreneur, Carly soon realized that having a great idea was only the beginning.
Building TKEES meant finding the right manufacturing partners, perfecting the fit, sourcing premium materials, managing inventory, and introducing a completely new concept to the marketplace. Every detail mattered.
“There was a lot of trial and error involved,” Carly explains. “That said, we wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Rather than chasing fashion trends, Carly stayed committed to creating beautifully simple products women would reach for year after year. That consistency became one of the company’s greatest strengths.
As the business expanded, so did its mission.
One of TKEES’ signature innovations was the Foundation Collection, which grew into a range of shades designed to complement many different skin tones. “We’re celebrating the beauty in diversity by offering nude sandals for all women,” Carly says. The collection reflected her belief that thoughtful design should make every woman feel included.
Authenticity has remained at the center of every business decision. When asked how she stays grounded while growing an international brand, Carly’s answer is refreshingly simple:
“By knowing who you are. That’s the heart of it.”
Today, TKEES is sold around the world and has become synonymous with understated luxury. Yet the company’s philosophy hasn’t changed. Every collection is built around simplicity, quality, and timeless design rather than fleeting trends.
Entrepreneur Advice from Carly Burnett
When asked what matters most in building a successful business, Carly doesn’t hesitate.
“Absence of fear—and a commitment to your idea.”
It’s advice she has lived herself. She didn’t invent a complicated product or try to create dozens of styles. She identified one problem, created one exceptional solution, and trusted that women would appreciate thoughtful design.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Carly’s journey is a reminder that successful businesses often begin with a simple question:
What do I wish existed that doesn’t?
Answer that well, and you just might build the next great brand.
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