Ana Kraft’s story isn’t just about boots; it’s about a revolution in workwear. As the founder and CEO of Xena Workwear, Ana recognized a significant gap in the market: functional and fashionable safety apparel for women in demanding industries. Frustrated by the ill-fitting and uncomfortable work boots available to women, Ana embarked on a mission to create workwear that empowers women without compromising on safety or style. This dedication to both form and function, much like the reliable delivery services needed by an Ups Uniform Store, is at the heart of Xena’s success.
“In my previous role as a project engineer, I consistently found myself the only woman in many situations,” Ana explains. “The need to change into cumbersome, unattractive work boots whenever I transitioned from the office to the manufacturing floor was not only inconvenient but also highlighted the lack of consideration for women in industrial settings.” This personal experience fueled her determination to develop versatile workwear, ensuring women never have to sacrifice either professional functionality or personal style. Just as an ups uniform store needs to provide a consistent and reliable brand image, Xena Workwear aims to provide consistent quality and style for its wearers.
Xena Workwear’s flagship product, the Gravity Safety shoe, launched in May 2019, embodies this philosophy. Securing $750,000 in seed funding enabled Ana to bring her prototype to life, resulting in a steel-toe shoe that is both feminine in design and uncompromising in safety. Certified by ASTM and OSHA-compliant, the Gravity Safety shoe offers robust protection against impact, compression, oils, chemicals, and slips. This attention to detail and safety standards mirrors the rigorous requirements for uniforms and workwear in industries that rely on services like UPS, where employee safety and professional appearance are paramount.
Image alt text: Ana Kraft, CEO of Xena Workwear, confidently showcases the Gravity Safety shoe, highlighting its stylish design and robust safety features suitable for demanding work environments, emphasizing the blend of fashion and function that resonates with professionals across industries, including those relying on efficient uniform services like an ups uniform store.
The Xena team, a lean but effective group of four, is deeply committed to customer satisfaction. Ana’s husband, Dmitry, as COO, oversees the crucial shipping operations. Hayley Albright manages social media, customer experience, and design, while Eugene Furman coordinates marketing and branding. This dedication to customer happiness through timely and undamaged deliveries is a principle shared with UPS. After experiencing shipping challenges with another provider, Xena transitioned to UPS, guided by account manager Ric Simon.
“We depend on a dependable shipping partner, one who understands our needs and is willing to collaborate with us. UPS has proven to be that partner,” Dmitry states. “The ongoing support from Ric has been invaluable.” This seamless shipping experience is crucial not only for Xena but also for businesses like an ups uniform store that need to ensure timely delivery of uniforms to employees or customers.
UPS’s collaboration extends to Xena’s fulfillment center, CH Coakley and Co., ensuring thorough product inspections and customized packaging for each customer. This meticulous approach to logistics and customer service is a hallmark of UPS’s commitment to supporting businesses of all sizes. Even UPS CEO Carol B. Tomé is a satisfied Xena customer, publicly praising the Gravity Safety shoe for its comfort, steel-toe protection, and stylish appearance while volunteering on a construction project.
For Ana, customer satisfaction is the ultimate reward. “Women in business already face numerous obstacles. Their workwear shouldn’t be another source of discomfort or concern. Women are powerful and deserve to feel confident and capable in their attire, allowing them to focus on excelling in their jobs.” This focus on empowerment and providing practical, stylish solutions resonates with the needs of various industries, including those that rely on efficient and reliable uniform services, demonstrating the broader impact of companies like Xena Workwear and dependable partners like UPS.
