Footwear-OCT20-P30-32 Retailer Of The Month_Footwear_Jan10_p30 19/11/2020 19:44 Page 30
Cheryl Taylor, Editor, talks to independent children’s footwear retailer, Tracey Hodgkinson, of Colourful Soles Ltd., of Lutterworth, Leicestershire.
Q&A:
Name: Tracey Hodgkinson Shop(s): Colourful Soles Ltd.
Brands: Ecco, Geox, Start-rite, BO-BELL, Lurchi by Salamander, Young Soles, Primigi, Lelli Kelly, Birkenstock, Crocs, Chipmunks, Hush Puppies, Kickers, Inch Blue, Noel, Bopy
Hometown: Lutterworth, Leicestershire Family: Husband and 2 Children Ella aged 7 and Thomas 3
How did you get into footwear? Tell us about your background and your current business? I’m a mum of two wonderful and spirited children, from the minute my daughter was born my perspective on life changed completely. This change in me inspired the opening of our Independent Children’s shoe shop in Lutterworth, Colourful Soles. Up until November 2012 I had spent all my working life dedicated to a
large ‘Blue Chip’ business and became accustomed, if not somewhat addicted to, the long hours, travelling the world, discovering new experiences, the people, the salary and the rush of landing new contracts. On the 22nd of November my daughter, Ella was born and from that moment on I knew I had changed. I went through the motions for 5 years, going back part time after maternity leave, working long hours, answering e-mails at 1am, being away from home for numerous nights, knowing deep down though that my heart was not in it. Being a mum was my priority and the compromise was getting too much for me.
When my son Thomas was born, I decided there and then that I no longer wanted to be number in a big business, I wanted my family to come first. I started training and learning about the development of the foot inspired by the fact that I couldn’t find the right shoe for my daughters’ narrow ankle and foot. Re-enforced by my sons’ wide foot and high step and inclination to pronate I decided I wanted to offer footwear for children that I couldn’t find. Finally, two years later the perfect unit turned up in our local town and
we made an offer, I handed my notice in and started contacting suppliers that I trusted and believed in. 6 months later the icing on the cake I found the perfect partner, Sarah, to work alongside me who has experienced a very similar journey. Now I love coming to work and I love what I do, I like meeting new
wonderful customers and having time for family and friends without secretly checking my phone for an e-mail or message. It’s fun! Don’t get me wrong it doesn’t come without worry, but it is absolutely worth it. My family and friends have been more supportive that I could’ve hoped for and without making you want to reach for the sick bucket, couldn’t imagine better.
Where are your premises located and how many people do you employ? Do you have a high turnover of staff? Tell us about your shop(s), the local area, your customers and their requirements? Our shop is located in the small market town of Lutterworth which borders Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Warwickshire. There is myself and Sarah, who between us run the business, Sarah is my Creative extraordinaire.
30 • FOOTWEAR TODAY • OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020
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