I asked my customers last week on Facebook if they had any special requests for Winter 2020. I was curious as, in the next few days and weeks, I’ll be viewing hundreds and hundreds of shoes and boots, and carefully making my selection. I figure a checklist, therefore, can’t hurt. And while I had some […]
Specialists with heart
I love niche businesses. And yes, that’s because I am one, but I also believe that we serve such a special purpose. We provide our gorgeous customers with products that they can’t get elsewhere; usually products that most people take for granted, like shoes that fit and look fabulous. Along the way, we become a […]
Reflections
I guess major events in life make you look back and reflect and look ahead and wonder … and that’s what has been happening with me this past week. In terms of The Shoe Garden, I’ve realised just how much I love my little business, even though I can lay awake at night worrying about […]
A tribute to my darling mum
It has been a while since I wrote. I guess my Facebook post below says it all… I wondered for quite a while whether I should share this with you. And because she loved The Shoe Garden so much, I think I will. You see, my beautiful, beautiful, beautiful mum passed away nearly two […]
Time for a sale … stat!
One morning this week, I woke up and decided to have a quick sale. I love that I can do that without meetings, briefing notes and endless discussion. One of the many wonderful things about being a small business owner is that you can move fast. In this case, a few hours later I had […]
Sharing inspiration one post at a time
I’ve just added to my workload and I couldn’t be happier! As part of my role as voluntary Board Director for MicroLoan Foundation Australia (a title and responsibility that I’m still giddy about!), I have offered to look after this amazing charity’s social media. I love engaging with my gorgeous customers on The Shoe Garden’s […]
Three little words can say a lot!
I created a 24-hour competition on Facebook this week asking customers to describe their Shoe Garden shopping experience in just three words. It was a fascinating exercise. First, it made me feel wonderful, as the feedback was so positive and enthusiastic. But I also realised that my strategy of providing new gorgeous shoes every month […]
Seven years later, I have the answers!
Seven years ago this Sunday, I opened the door to The Shoe Garden for the first time and held my breath… Was anyone going to come? Was I crazy for leaving a successful 23-year career in journalism, PR and fundraising? Would the fact that I had no experience in business, retail or shoes have an […]
My customers are gorgeous, generous … and funny!
I posted on Facebook this week how I needed a mezzanine level for all the new shoes and boots that were being delivered. I was only half joking! Everything I’ve ordered for April appears to have arrived this week, so space is at a premium. What made me laugh out loud was when the lovely Anne-Marie […]
Something for everyone
I was asked the other week to view a new range of ballet flats and consider stocking them at The Shoe Garden. They were gorgeous. Hand-made in Europe, you could see even from the photos that they were high quality. The colours were rich and the designs were fun and contemporary. But I said “no […]