In Zella's Shoes

In Your Shoes

We're often asked, "Who is the Cocorose Woman"? But the truth is, our customers aren't a marketing persona and so we don't just have one. Our campaign "In Your Shoes" tells the wonderful stories of our Cocorosers, from all walks of life and from all around the world. Strong, beautiful and completely unique - we can't wait to introduce you to each other.
#InYourShoes
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"I feel as though we're all living in a surreal nightmare," says Zella, referring, of course, to the current coronavirus situation. "My husband and I have been self-isolating since last Tuesday and I'm feeling scared, frustrated and anxious during these very sad and uncertain times."

To be honest, that could have been me saying that. Zella absolutely hit the nail on the head for me, as she described every emotion that I, too, have been feeling. Scared of the unknown, infuriated by the relaxed approach that so many have adopted and anxious for family, friends and business.

For the vast majority of the global population, the sudden onset of the coronavirus has impacted our lives in a way that no-one had expected and changes to our daily lifestyles have had to be made. But for Zella, making changes and adjustments to life isn't something new. She was diagnosed with MS shortly before her 21st birthday and, as she says, "it wasn't quite the 21st birthday present I had in mind!" It's clear that Zella, despite being thrown some challenges with her health, has a wonderful sense of humour that's underpinned by a quiet confidence and inner strength that she holds.

"For many years of my life living with MS, I've HAD to make changes to my lifestyle and although it's been really difficult, I've done it for a very good reason, which is to help." One of the biggest changes that Zella made was that she chose to retire from work about 8 years ago. This wasn't a decision taken lightly but it was the responsible thing to do, so that she could help herself to lead a better lifestyle.

'Social distancing' has been a phrase that's been repeated countless times over the last number of weeks and Boris, along with his expert panel, have been trying to bang home the message of socially distancing yourself from others. When I saw the images of so many people out and about over the weekend, despite Boris' pleas for people to stay at home, it angered and frustrated me that people just don't seem to care and aren't taking the matter seriously.

"I just wish that more people would take more responsibility and make the changes during these unprecedented times, which in turn would help everyone," says Zella. "I wish that everybody worked together more to support each other."

When I started this campaign, In Your Shoes, just a couple of months ago, it was all for a bit of fun, but now, with the current-day situation, I feel that this has evolved to have a deeper meaning and to give You, our Cocorosers, a platform to share your voice and story. I hope that by sharing, we'll be able to provide a network of emotional support and hopefully glimmers of positivity in what can only be described as worrying times. As Zella says, "It's the not knowing that's the hardest thing to deal with," so just feeling that you're not alone in what you're experiencing can go such a long way.

On a lighter note and speaking of not feeling alone, I've heard a number of stories whereby our Cocorosers have told me that their dogs have chewed their Cocorose shoes. If this has happened to you, then you're definitely not alone! Zella has two whippets (Brin and Willow) and she fondly recalls the laugh-and-cry moment when she discovered her puppy Willow chewing her beautiful Clapham Pewter pumps. "She clearly has good taste!" says Zella.

Since discovering Cocorose, Zella has had the joy of owning around 12 pairs of Cocorose shoes. "I have good days and bad days with my MS, and one of the reasons that I love my Cocorose shoes is that they grip my feet and so help with my balance. High heels are sadly a distant memory." Her favourite is her navy and coral Bayswater pair, as they remind her of her first whippet Walter 💙, but to be fair, she does love all her Cocorose shoes.

Being in self-isolation, Zella has been spending a lot of time in the garden with her two dogs, throwing the ball around for them to chase, which they love, especially when the lawn's been freshly mowed. "It's little things like this, that we either overlook or take for granted, that we should stop and appreciate." Another favourite for Zella is being able to snuggle on the sofa with her two cuddle monsters, as she calls them, whilst listening to a good audio book and burning a gorgeous scented candle. Bliss!

Zella lives in Derbyshire with her husband and the whippets and loves spending time with family and friends, going on holiday and curling up on the sofa with hubby and the whippets and enjoying a good box set. And she loves food full stop. "My husband and I got married in Italy and I’m very partial to enjoying a big bowl of Parmesan and garlic pasta with zucchini - yummy. I also love going out with friends for tapas and I do love to graze." Zella, I know exactly what you mean on the food front!

I love Zella's warm and bubbly personality, her positive outlook and her love for laughter and smiles. When I ask about her favourite films, she says it's hard to beat a good old Disney, or something romantic and uplifting. "I do love a happy ending," she says.


Zella, you're an inspiration and it's been an absolute pleasure to share your story. Thank you for being so open, so honest and just such a fabulous Cocoroser.