By James Peacemaker Jr., The Hopewell News
HOPEWELL — For Shayla Nelson, shoes are more than just a business idea, they are a passion.
“I absolutely love shoes. I have closets full of shoes and a lot of my friends were asking me ‘Where do you get your shoes from? I want a pair,’” Nelson said.
She decided maybe it is a business she should get into and started Shay’s Shoe Haven.
The store opened recently just off of Oaklawn Boulevard in Hopewell but has been selling shoes and accessories online since 2013.
This is her first shop and she hopes to one day open more.
Many shoes in the store don’t appear to be for the timid. They have high heels, bright colors and bold patterns. Some have animals prints or even metal studs.
But Nelson said she has shoes that are more for business wear or even for kids too.
The store specializes in women’s shoes but has recently added some men’s shoes and accessories like custom, handmade bow-ties. It also carries handbags and some dresses.
The store does some business with large parties who are looking to coordinate outfits for weddings or other events.
“The bride can have her favorite pair of shoes and match it up with her bridesmaids, and the groom can get his custom bow tie to match her shoes,” Nelson said.
She said she offers some hard-to-find items and she can order shoes of they don’t have what you are looking for in stock.
She worked with a company to design her own shoes as well. The high-heeled shoes with a British flag are featured on her banner and in other advertisements.
“I just fell in love. I’ve got to do this,” Nelson said.
Store hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Shay’s Shoe Haven is located at 910 Sycamore Ave., Suite A, Hopewell.
For more information, call or 804-479-5898 or visit www.shaysshoehaven.com.