STRAP
Cheryl Taylor, Editor, talks to Footwear Retailer Samantha Tarbit, of Shoedini, Milton Keynes. Q&A:
Name: Samantha Tarbit Shop: Shoedini
Brands: Bobux, Pediped, Bo-Bell, Camper, Froddo, Hummel, Hush Puppies, Noel, Petasil, Start-Rite, Biomecanics, Skechers, Lurchi, Chipmunks, Slipfree. Frugi Clothing.
Home town: Milton Keynes
Family: Husband Neil and daughter Katie aged 5, plus 3 freeloading felines (don’t judge me).
How did you get into footwear? Tell us about your background and current business. I began working in fashion and then footwear retail shortly after leaving school. I loved retail but following the loss of both parents at a young age, I was forced to secure a role with greater earnings potential. So began my time working for marketing then technology giants in Operations / Sales functions.
38 • FOOTWEAR TODAY • JANUARY 2020
Fast forward to November 2017, I’m still working in the safe corporate world (and daydreaming of being back in footwear), when I begin experiencing breathing difficulties and struggle to walk 100m without gasping for air. It’s discovered I have 52% lung function across both lungs and need immediate major surgery. In January 2018, I was taken into Harefield Hospital, survived a complex 5-hour operation and told I had a ruptured diaphragm, severely damaged phrenic nerve, and part of my bowel had been sitting in my chest cavity. The Thoracic team looking after me were so shocked they published a thesis. All of this was believed to have been the result of a car accident over 16 years ago! I left corporate life to recover. Thankfully, my life’s mini hurdles have enabled me to embrace life and
begin my shoe shop dream of 25+yrs. During my recovery I worked to obtain my Society Of Shoe Fitters Qualification, which for me was mandatory. How could I measure little feet without knowing exactly what I was doing? I then began finding a location, setting up and launching the shop. I wanted to create a stress-free fittings experience for all children – particularly those suffering developmental conditions. To create something that had inclusion for all at its core was crucial for me, hence the sensory experience and thoughtful layout at Shoedini.
Tell us about your shop, team, the local area, your customers and their requirements. Milton Keynes is a vibrant town with a population close to 230k and growing! We are located in a brand new site in Broughton Gate between junction 13-14 (M1) surrounded by other bustling independent retailers.
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