CHATHAM — Shoetique owner Contessa Houston is doing more than simply selling fun, funky shoes that compliment every color of the rainbow.
She’s also invested in the community where her shop is located.
The 30-year-old shoe lover opened up Lure Chaussures, 319 E. 79th St., in June and said she has big plans to engage with the community.
She’s hosting a vision board party, where participants create a board with images that reflect life goals, from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Chatham neighborhood Wednesday. Tickets are $25, which includes the board. Light refreshments will be served. Register online here.
Houston, a Woodlawn resident, who has lived in Englewood, Roseland and Schaumburg in the past, attended a vision board party a few years ago. She discovered that it helped her put her business goals into perspective. Now she wants to help others.
“I’m here in the community, I believe, for a reason,” she said. “I feel that a lot of people don’t live up to their full potential, either because they’re scared or they don’t know how to.
“Whatever you’re trying to do in life, put it in front of you. That’s what you have to do. You have to write it down, make it clear and see it. That’s the first step to doing anything you want to do.”
The entrepreneur ended up designing shoes after a push from a close friend. Houston has always loved heels, but one day, after not finding the particular style she had in mind, she decided it was now or never.
“I started doing my research on the industry and May 1st of 2013 I put tunnel vision on, wrote down a few goals that I wanted to see happen, and the rest is history,” she said.
Houston officially launched her business in 2013, but it was strictly online. Now she has the website and boutique.
She said customers find unique shoes through Lure Chaussures.
“I like to be different so we use colors that most people are afraid to stock in their stores,” Houston said. “Our motto is to be bold, be courageous be you, be lured.”
The store sells shoes, accessories and clothing. Customers receive one-on-one attention and Houston says she enjoys taking shoppers out of their comfort zone with her flashy, yet chic heels and accessories.
"We play with the colors other stores are typically afraid to play with," she said. "We give you a more edgy look.
Visit the website at www.lurechaussures.com.
Store hours are Tuesday through Thursday noon to 6 p.m., Friday noon to 7 p.m. and Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. The store is closed Sunday and Monday.
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