Q&A
Independent Footwear Retailer of the Month
Jack Cheeseman talks to ladies’ and children’s footwear retailer, Teresa Hutchinson, of Soles with Heart in West Malling, Kent.
Q&A
Name: Teresa Hutchinson Shop: Soles with Heart, West Malling
Brands: Ladies: Vionic, Tamaris, and Lotus. Children’s: Ricosta and Froddo
Q: How did you get into footwear? Tell us about your background and your current business? A: My first job when I was 15 was working in the shoe shop Freeman Hardy Willis in my hometown of Canterbury. I worked there for nearly three years and ended up running the men’s department. It was from there I knew I enjoyed working with shoes, although I left to train to become a chef, which is a career I stayed in for another 30 years on and off. Whilst working in a pub in West Malling I became a frequent customer
of Soles with Heart and got to know the owner and the staff very well. So, it was no surprise when the previous owner told me her plans to move
abroad and that she was selling the business. I knew instantly this was my opportunity to get back into the job I truly love. So, in September 2019, with the help of the Society of Shoe Fitters and months of training I was ready to make my dreams come true and run my very own shoe shop.
Q: Tell us about your store, your staff, and the local area and your typical type of customer? A: My shop is in the heart of West Malling in Kent, which offers other independent outlets and this makes us a little bit different from the normal towns around. Whether you need shoes, clothes or gifts, or to get your nails or hair done, or you want to go out for a lovely meal, West Malling offers it all!
Q: How did COVID impact your business? Tell us about your experiences, the difficulties you encountered and how you have managed to overcome these? A: The pandemic very nearly made me lock the doors for good; after just buying my first business in 2019 to have to survive something like that is nothing you can be prepared for. The most frustrating part was not being able to fit and look after children’s feet and make sure they were wearing the correct shoes. Once restrictions were eased slightly, I offered a doorstep fitting service,
32 • FOOTWEAR TODAY • OCTOBER 2025
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