Own Lane Shoetique

Heads up, footwear-lovin’ fashionistas. There’s a new boutique in town and it’s all about the stylish shoes.

Located in Over-the-Rhine, Own Lane Shoetique is a new women’s shoe store carrying a variety of styles in sizes 6-12. “Own Lane’s mission is to offer quality, name-brand shoes, and accessories in an assortment of sizes and styles to accommodate the chic in every woman who stays in her own lane,” explains Chanel Scales, Owner of Own Lane Shoetique. “We want to be the shoe destination for Cincinnati and the Midwest area.”

Scales says there are three keys to success for Own Lane Shoetique: establish a high-quality, high-value relationship with vendors and customers; ensure reliable and timely delivery of products; and to offer reliable administration within the organization.

Scales was inspired to launch her own shoe boutique after working for a top shoe retailer for five years. “I grew to love shoes and became passionate about helping women that wore extended sizes, especially my sister who would struggle to buy cute and trendy shoes in her size,” says Scales. “There were times when I would say to myself, ‘One day I’ll own a shoe store, and I’ll be able to assist women like my sister.’”

That day finally came for Scales. Now, Own Lane Shoetique offers shoes for a woman who wears a size 12, including the same fashionable options you can find in a size 6.

Scales says she’s had a passion for fashion since she was a young child. She recalls flipping through the pages of her grandmother Evelyn’s Vogue and Bazaar magazines. “Going to grandma’s house meant no television,” she says. “However, I enjoyed flipping the pages of magazines to see different models and their outfits.”

She says the most fascinating pages in the magazines were the ones that said “Chanel.” And as she got older, Scales was able to develop a modeling career and even gain spotlight in a magazine. “This path landed me jobs in major retail stores, allowing me to explore creatively,” she explains.

Ultimately, it was her eye for shoes and fashion that caught the attention of her customers. “They would come in and express that they loved how the mannequin in the window was dressed and wanted the exact outfit, and for me to help them find it,” she says.

When it comes to the store’s location, Scales says she chose Over-the-Rhine because there aren’t any shoe stores on Vine Street. And, more importantly, there aren’t any black-owned retailers in the neighborhood. “I grew up walking those streets as a child with my friends,” she says. “So I feel it’s only right to have a shop in an area I grew up in.”

Currently in the store, you can find shoe brands such as Cape Robbin, Qupid, Steve Madden, Yoki, and Chinese Laundry. Scales says she hopes to add other brands including Nine West, Jessica Simpson, and Nike.

In addition to the shoes carried in-store, you’ll also be able to shop Shingo clothing brand, which Scales designs. You can also plan on seeing more in-store events coming up, Scales adds.

Own Lane Shoetique is located at 1323 Vine Street in Cincinnati. To learn more about Own Lane Shoetique, visit http://www.weareownlane.com. You can also follow along on Instagram.