Thank you so much for sharing my journey of being a proud shoe shop owner for so many years. I have loved letting you into my world, once a newbie unsure of how the industry worked and her place in it; now more accomplished and sure of herself. I’ve shared the good times and the bad; the funny and the tragic. And I have appreciated so much your ongoing readership. Don’t worry … The Shoe Garden isn’t going anywhere and nor am I, yet it’s time to say goodbye to this blog. I have so many plans for the future and have had to make some tough decisions on my workload and time. I would love if you co ..read more

Everyone who has visited The Shoe Garden these past few weeks has asked me how I have been faring due to COVID19. As I answer each time, I realise how tremendously lucky I am. I tell them: I am fortunate to be a niche business. I am fortunate to have such loyal and amazing customers. I am fortunate that I have an established website. I am fortunate because I have been around for eight years and have the confidence that I can make it through this. I’ve had customers come in to purchase shoes because “they don’t want me to go anywhere”. I’ve also had customers order online for the first time and ..read more

I have a lot in common with a billionaire who I admire … except actually being a billionaire, that is! It has been fabulous to recently learn more about the dynamic, down-to-earth woman behind Spanx, Sara Blakely. Sara started Spanx in 1998 because she realised there was a need that wasn’t being fulfilled. Tick. She self-funded her business. Tick. She didn’t have any experience in business or her chosen industry. Tick. She quickly realized that this was her greatest strength because, having no idea how it was supposed to be done, means you are going to do things differently and stand out from ..read more

Two years ago this month, I announced that I would be shaking things up. My pledge was that I would have gorgeous new stock arriving each and every month … not just when it suited suppliers … but when it suited me and my beautiful customers! It had been working splendidly and then a global pandemic happened. In the scheme of things, I acknowledge it’s not even on the radar of concern when it comes to people’s lives and health and livelihoods. But it’s something that I have tried to preserve amidst all the craziness. It hasn’t been easy. Some suppliers are now insisting on payment before delive ..read more

I’m back in the shop with normal trading hours and I’m back in your Inbox. And… I’m grateful I’m relieved I’m still scared But I’m optimistic I’m adapting I’m focused I’m determined I’m hopeful And I have to say it again: I’m grateful … that I live in Australia, that I’m healthy and so is everyone I know and love, that I have such amazing and supportive customers and that I’m back where I belong. A lot of the feels today. Stay well and take good care. Carol & CCx The post I am back! appeared first on The Shoe Garden ..read more

What a year we’ve had already … devastating fires, floods and now a worldwide pandemic. Sounds more like a bad horror movie than our real world. It is easy to feel completely overwhelmed and defeated in the face of such adversity, even if we haven’t been directly affected. I am deeply sad for all those who have and worried for all those who may be. It’s unsettling to think that there are is so much that is unknown and out of our control. Although we still do have some control, I keep reminding myself: to look after ourselves and those we love and keep supporting community and bus ..read more

Good morning! This blog is all about life as a proud shoe shop owner. I’m coming up to my eighth year in business (phew, where did that time go?) and I’m spending some time reflecting on what I’ve needed to do and be in this time. So here are my Top 10 things “to be” in business. Be kind Be different Be alert Be brave Be inspired Be flexible Be proud Be loud Be humble Be you It’s a list I aspire to each day in business. Until next time, Carol & CCx The post To be or not to be? appeared first on The Shoe Garden ..read more

Here’s a headline that’s hard to forget: the Retail Killing Season. Ugh! Nearly every month, sometimes more frequently, it seems another retail chain or business has collapsed across a broad spectrum of industries. It makes for depressing reading as the media “shout” about it with disturbing headlines. I have a healthy scepticism for what appears in the media, given my years as a journalist and the downturn in quality I believe has taken place since the advent of the 24 hour news cycle and social media. But the media is clearly not to blame for the demise of these businesses; alth ..read more

Whoosh … that’s the sound of a new boot leaving The Shoe Garden at record speed! I’ve never nearly sold out of a boot (or shoe for that matter) in just a few hours. Such is the power of Facebook and Instagram and, of course, such is the power of a beautiful boot! I’m particularly chuffed as no one else in the country will have the “Banyan” boot by Isabella in a floral stretch pattern. When I saw the Isabella range last year for this Autumn/Winter season, they had the floral pattern only available for the ankle boot. That looked a bit busy to me, so I asked if I could have the materia ..read more