To go along with our stories of Gen-Y Magic, we are also getting some exclusive interviews with some of the biggest Gen-Y leaders that are making a huge impact on the business world ad in the lives of others. Today we are pleased to feature Katie Kerrigan, the young professional behind Kathryn Kerrigan, Inc which runs a shoe ecommerce juggernaut for women who "stand tall." Katie's company has been featured on Inc's 30 Entrepreneurs Under 30 List. See what Katie has to say about customer service and the future of ecommerce as driven by Gen-Y!

Gen-Y Magic: Everyone is talking about the economy. Gen-Y gets broken into 2 slates for you, the ones that buy their own shoes and the ones that have their parents supply their fashion habits. Have you seen a shift or a difference in the spending habits of Gen-Y recently?

Katie: Yes, I see more Gen-Y consumers spending on brands that mean something to them. Whether it’s well-known brands like Chanel or lesser known brands like Kathryn Kerrigan, Gen-Y spends dollars on companies that mean something to them. Gen-Y wants to be part of something, be involved in community. We are a generation that was raised with “Group Think” and the level of community and group involvement plays out in their consumer habits as well.

GYM: The younger generation has grown up in eCommerce. How do you see that evolving as they get older and start to increase their incomes?

Katie: As Gen-Y gets older, they will seek out companies that they can grow with. Kathryn Kerrigan Footwear, for example, sells shoes to 20-somethings, but also sells shoes to every age group. We have generations of families stalking our website everyday. Mothers who are 40-something and their 10-14 year old daughters share in the shoe excitement at KathrynKerrigan.com. Gen-Y has the expectation that internet technologies will be more intuitive and comfortable to shop worldwide.

Gen-Y is teaching older generations how to interact positively with eCommerce, which brings more people into the online marketplace. Online shopping is all about trust and it’s important for my online shoppers to trust KathrynKerrigan.com 200%.

GYM: What does it take to be a leader at Kathryn Kerrigan, Inc?

Katie: First and foremost it’s the ability to see the big picture – i.e. our customers. Are our customers happy? What can I do today to WOW them and give them an offer they can’t refuse? Other leadership skills include ability to multi-task and a strong sense of loyalty. I’m loyal to my customers and to my employees, which in turn makes them loyal to us. Leaders know there will be setbacks, disappointments, but can overcome them and learn valuable lessons.

GYM: As a part time educator at Loyola, how can we help motivate students to be leaders right now, even if they are not in a “leadership role?”

Katie: Be positive. Get back to what it means to be an individual living in America. I ask my students to help others, be a positive role model to younger generations and do what’s right. Life falls into place if you’re a good person. Students will seek out and observe today’s leaders to be their mentors, even vicariously.

GYM: A big part of Creating Magic is in customer service and getting those repeat customers. How do you Create Magic for your customers?

Katie: We go above and beyond. We will ship 20 or 30 pairs of shoes to a customer if they don’t want to shop online or can’t determine their size, etc. Our best customers that buy shoes each month may just receive a few free pairs without warning. My mantra this year at KK, Inc. is

“to expect the unexpected.”

We give our customers attention & services that Nordstrom, Zappos or even small companies choose not to. For example, “ShoeTube” is a service we provide that lets our customers try on shoes before they buy them. Our success rate is 98%, which means that 98% of the customers who receive ShoeTube end up buying that particular shoe!! They LOVE it! It’s a great opportunity to show off our customer service, beautiful shoes and craftsmanship that takes our website to an interactive level.

GYM: Thanks Katie, you are off the Gen-Y Hot Seat.

*Visit Katie's shoe world at www.kathrynkerrigan.com*