BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – ABOUT one year ago, a bold step was made to start a small business and what originally began as a simple idea has blossomed as LaToya’s Shoe Boutique continues to attract hundreds to its Cayon Street store.
Nestled opposite the Basseterre Police Station, LaToya’s Shoe Boutique offers hundreds of the most fashionable footwear bearing internationally renowned brands including Michael Antonio, Anne-Michelle and Richard Armani. The store also offers many accessories which can add a touch of elegance and even transform the average woman into a fabulous diva.
Proprietor Latoya Connor was born and raised in the town of Cayon and completed her tertiary-level education at the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College. She subsequently migrated to the United States where she is currently pursuing a degree in International Business Management at the University of South Florida.
In early December 2006, Connor was offered the opportunity to work in a small shoe store where her passion for fashion became even more solidified and her dream of entrepreneurship a bit closer to be fulfilled. There, she gained much knowledge of sales and purchasing, customer service and business operations, and took time out to network with clients and suppliers. The opportunity provided a breeding ground for many dreams for the young fashionista. Since then, Connor has helped to manage and operate two outlets of her mother’s store, Blondell’s Fashion.
In an exclusive interview with SKNVibes, Connor said while overseas, she is “capturing new, exotic ideas which allow her to further supply the high demand for quality footwear for the females of St. Kitts”. She stated that she has observed Kittitians’ interests in the newest fashion trends and that she would ensure that the high quality of female shoes offered locally is maintained.
“My fashion consciousness led to my love – dealing with customers, outfitting my friends in the latest clothing and recommending the best accessories and shoes for people. And I thought to myself ‘What if LaToya can be synonymous with fashion, service, product and price on the island of St. Kitts?’ That question prompted me to act quickly in a special effort to accomplish my goals.
“As a young entrepreneur in our society, I am very focused and have a clear vision of exactly where I want to be and what I want to achieve. Through LaToya’s Shoe Boutique, I intend to continue giving islanders the taste of the ever-evolving fashion world. Everybody does not have the opportunity to travel abroad and buy high quality shoes, so I wanted to offer a wide array of high-end shoes to everyone. The people love the shoes; I’ve received unbelievable reviews from locals and tourists alike! They get the satisfaction with the fashionable and comfortable shoes I offer. There are no look-alikes to those offered in other stores because we want to ensure that each customer gets a unique look.”
In encouraging more young persons to become entrepreneurs, Connor said, “Starting a business is something that any young person can do once they have the passion for that area. All they need to do is to settle down, be determined and disciplined. You have to focus on what you want; you must clearly set out your objectives and work hard to achieve them. This has been my dream since I was a child and I just worked toward it.”
One visit to LaToya’s Shoe Boutique is bound to “open your eyes to a world of fashion” and “offer a taste of stylish shoes not found anywhere else on island”.
