2:14 p.m., Dec. 4, 2009----Ruthie Davis lives by a few simple rules: Take charge of your career, live your dreams and always wear fabulous shoes.

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Shoe designer-to-the-stars Ruthie Davis, CEO of Ruthie Davis shoes, recently delivered the first message in a series of entrepreneur chats sponsored by the Office of Economic Innovation and Partnerships. She provided her audiences with a series of “shoe stories,” providing insight into what it takes to start and run a business, while continually innovating to ensure the sustainability of the brand.

“The key is to do your homework, know your business, learn through experiences and once you have all of your ducks in a row -- you have to be passionate about your goals and you have to be willing to take risks,” Davis told students.

“And part of taking risks is to think out of the box, cover new ground, do things that have never been done before -- and do them your way,” Davis said.

If anyone is qualified to talk about passion, business and taking risks, it is Davis. Her uncompromising obsession with producing some of the most provocative footwear in the world began as a child. Armed with an MBA and extensive experience in the fashion industry -- from Reebok, to UGG to Tommy Hilfiger -- she introduced her own brand of handcrafted Italian-made shoes in 2006, overseeing every aspect of her company, from design to production, marketing and public relations.

Her brand has been featured in hundreds of publications such as Cosmopolitan, Glamour, InStyle, Harper's Bazaar, and Marie Claire, and has celebrity fans including Beyonce, Hilary Duff, Penelope Cruz, and Alicia Keys.

While on her visit to Newark from New York City, Davis delivered two presentations to students from the UDress and Fashion Merchandising clubs and presented the keynote session at the 19th annual Business Women's Expo at Clayton Hall.

“My whole brand, vision and all that I do is about girl power and everything it stands for,” Davis said. “I have never been afraid to express my creative visions and ideas. And I am here today to say, 'Go Girl!'”

Shahera Williams, a fashion and apparel studies graduate student in the College of Education and Public Policy, said she was “thrilled” with the opportunity to meet Davis and said she admired her ability to make her dreams into reality while maintaining her individuality.

"I am very inspired by Ms. Davis' confidence in her vision and her continuous innovation that has propelled the brand -- be the sizzle," Williams said.

As part of her thesis research Williams plans to interview Davis about the use of social networking in apparel product development.

For information on future entrepreneur events, visit the Office of Economic Innovation and Partnerships Web site.