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Michelle puts soul into award-winning shop
THERE was never any suggestion that Michelle Lane would simply “stick her toe in the water” when she decided to open a shoe shop in West Malling. She was definitely going the whole nine yards. And in a crazy year, in which the
44-year-old was diagnosed with breast cancer just two months be- fore opening the business, Soles With Heart has claimed a national 2014 industry award as new inde- pendent retailer of the year. Speaking after the Footwear In- dustry awards ceremony in Birm- ingham, where winners included Hi-Tec, Hush Puppies and Maid- stone’s Golden Boot in Gabriels Hill, whichwas named men’s inde- pendent retailer of the year, Michelle said: “It certainly hasn’t been the best year, but if I can achieve all this with cancer, just imagine what I will be able to do next year.” This enthusiasm, along with sup-
port from family, customers and staff, has helped the mum-of-one, from Bradbourne Park Road in East Malling, through a double mastec-
Michelle Lane and her team from Soles With Heart receive their national award from
industry leader Charles Plinkard
tomy and a programme of chemotherapy and radiotherapy over the past year and to develop her business. Her girls from the Swan Street children’s shoe shop, Louise Wilt- shire and Denise Chealsey (pic- tured), were with her to collect the award. Michelle added: “When I was told I had cancer, I thought: “Something has to give, and it’s got to be the cancer because it’s cer- tainly not going to be me. “But without the girls I never
would have been able to do it. If I’m feeling terrible, they simply turn me around and send me home.”
Michelle, who was a hairdresser
for 25 years before opening the shop, said the awardwas “the icing on the cake”.“We’ve now branched out into selling ladies shoes, clothes and accessories,” she added. “Life is no dress rehearsal and if I
want to try something I just get on with it. The award recognises the effort that we put in to make this a friendly, helpful and interesting place to be.” Michelle, whowas receiving hos-
pital treatment on her birthday on March 18, was planning to raise a glass to her latest success the fol- lowing day.
News Lingerie store
closes down APOPULAR lingerie shop inWest Malling High Street has closed after four years in the town centre. Joyce Pearce, owner of Josh Lin-
gerie, has opted for semi-retire- ment but has no plans to close neighbouring boutique Number 39, which she also owns. While moving out of the Josh Lingerie premises, she has launched the business online so that customers can order from the website and use a click and collect service from Number 39. Joyce (66) worked as a secretary
before running her first shop at Rainham for four years and then moving on to Meopham for seven years. She is looking forward to more relaxation and family time.
Easter activities
YOUNGSTERS in Tonbridge and Malling can sign up for a fun- packed holiday programme. Easter Activate, from Monday,
April 7 to Thursday, April 17 and includes archery, windsurfing, kayaking, fencing, dodgeball, magic, Chinese circus skills, drama, cookery and trampolining Details are on Tonbridge and Malling Council’s website.
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