Xena Workwear Explained
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] In 2019, Xena Workwear was accepted into the accelerator program run by Madison-based gener8tor.[6] 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.
Description
Xena Workwear develops shoes for women working in non-traditional industries.[7] The company uses Leather Working Group (LWG) certified leather in their products.
Partnerships & Endorsements
Xena Workwear is an official partner and sponsor of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC)[8] 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:[9]
- 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.[10]
Xena Workwear is featured in the following publications, among others:
The company was listed as a top 20 Wisconsin startup to watch in 2020 by Wisconsin Inno.[15] [16]
External links
Notes and References
- Web site: Female Engineer Launches Fashionable Steel-Toed Footwear Company. May 10, 2019. Urban Milwaukee.
- Web site: This Milwaukee Startup Is Making an Industrial Work Boot Women Actually Want to Wear. May 22, 2019. Wisconsin Inno.
- Web site: Protective Footwear with a Fashion Sense by Xena Workwear. August 8, 2019. PCIAW.
- Web site: 8: How Stylish Steel-Toe Shoes are Empowering Women in Industry An Interview with Xena Workwear CEO Ana Kraft - Manufacturing Happy Hour. December 9, 2019. Manufacturing Happy Hour. 2020-04-21.
- Web site: How Frustration Led This Entrepreneur to Start a Workwear Company for Women in STEM. March 11, 2020. StartupNation.
- Web site: Milwaukee startup Xena Workwear completes $750,000 seed round. August 22, 2019. BizTimes - Milwaukee Business News.
- Web site: Xena Workwear designs footwear with a mission. January 16, 2020. Think-Make-Happen In Wisconsin.
- January 28, 2020. Introducing NEW Partner, Xena Workwear!. The Connection.
- Web site: Xena Partners. Xena Workwear. 2020-04-20.
- Web site: These Boots Are Made for WORKING. December 5, 2019. Society of Women Engineers - All Together.
- Web site: Firmer Footing for Women in Manufacturing. January 29, 2020. MetalForming Magazine.
- Web site: Quito. Anne. An engineer has finally figured out how to design stylish safety boots for women. 2021-03-31. Quartz. February 28, 2020 . en.
- Web site: Chemistry spotted on more belt buckles and model trains, and fashion-forward work boots. April 5, 2020. Chemical & Engineering News.
- Web site: Steel Times International - Vol.44 No4. 2020-07-14. Steel Times International. May 19, 2020 .
- Web site: 20 Wisconsin Startups to Watch in 2020. December 16, 2019. Wisconsin Inno.
- Web site: Workwear Digest. December 22, 2021. workweardigest.com.
