In this age of social media, a trend can go viral and mainstream in a matter of days. A fashion item that looks like it could be part of a new trend can be reproduced by mainstream retailers in a matter of weeks. But there is an increasing group of people who want to wear something truly unique rather than something that can be found at the Gap, H&M, Abercrombie, etc.

Diana Ho, a talented artist, has been indulging in the arts for most of her life. In high school, she designed and sewed her own clothes, as well as, designed dance dresses for her classmates. During her senior year, she experimented on her first business venture by selling artful hand-sewn tote bags featuring her classmates’ favorite photo. After high school, she began painting on canvases and from there found a true passion designing and painting on shoes.

“I fell in love with designing shoes. I have an eternal connection with art and adore fashion. The thought of merging those two worlds together was perfection to me. I appreciate those who want to embrace their uniqueness, it shows courage that they’re not afraid to express and be their authentic selves.” –Diana Ho

Diana Ho Designs creates a special experience to purchasing apparel by offering a collection of hand-painted shoes exclusively designed by the artist herself. Diana has always been an outspoken trendsetter and recognized the need of personal expression and started designing to accommodate those with a love for art and fashion. She is driven by the passion and determination to provide a unique way for people to express themselves.

As you can clearly see, these shoes are stunningly beautiful works of art. It almost seems a shame to get them dirty! Fortunately, Diana uses sophisticated techniques to protect the shoes from the elements so that they can be worn on a regular basis. Anyone looking to express themselves no longer has to limit themselves to wearing the shoes they find in a store. Instead, they can order a Diana Ho Designs hand-painted original to complement any outfit and, more importantly, highlight their unique sense of self.

Diana is in the process of creating a website to showcase her collection. In the meanwhile, people interested in seeing her creations and purchasing her work can follow her via her Facebook fan page: http://www.Facebook.com/DianaHoDesigns

Dr. Atul Teckchandani is an Assistant Professor of Management at the Mihaylo College of Business and Economics, California State University, Fullerton. He teaches courses in entrepreneurship, provides student advising and is involved with the Center for Entrepreneurship within Mihaylo College. He has a PhD in Business Administration (Management of Organizations) from the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley, as well as an MBA from the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas, Austin.