How to market my shoe line for sales on an open market besides the web?

[zipzoom]

Instead of chasing after large retailers, I suggest you build your brand first through word of mouth and online sales. Online marketing is the trendy thing to do nowadays, whether through social media sites like FB or Twitter or through online listing websites, you can really expose your business to the right consumers who would be interested in enrolling in a make-up academy. The best part about online marketing is it's free, if done correctly. Also, since you're not outgoing, you can communicate with potential customers through the computer screen, eliminating the need for one on one marketing.

Create a Facebook page for your business to increase awareness. Also, you should list your business online, specifically on websites that direct users to local businesses in their area. Zipzoom.com is actually a pretty cool online service; it is an online shopping website where users/customers can search for local businesses that offer products and services ranging from babysitters to electricians to flowers. Users can communicate directly with businesses they choose to buy services/products from after getting recommendations from zipzoom.com, and from there, your business can gain business. Usually, I believe they charge vendors for signing up, but since they're new, they are offering a special promotion for vendors who are interested: register as a vendor for free. It's a good option for those who are on a tight budget but still need exposure to grow their business. If this is something that appeals to you, you should just try it out and see what happens.

Once you have enough brand equity, you will have a much easier time persuading retailers to carry your brand of shoes.

Good luck!