That girl was me!
Posted by Naomi Dixon on
Once upon a time there was a young girl who had long feet.
To find some school shoes, her parents took to her to an old shoe shop in the western suburbs of Adelaide.
That shoe shop was Angels Shoes . That was the late 60s. That girl was me.
During my twenties, Angels relocated to Henley Beach Road. I would often drive there in my tired lemon coloured VW. I would always find something, even though I thought the range of shoes were a little old looking and unfashionable.
By that time, I had completed studies at Art School and Interior Design. Subsequently , I became an Interior Design consultant which I cherished.
At the age of 30, a baby girl entered my life. I thought it appropriate to become a stay at home Mum. That lasted for 6 months. I received an offer to work as a production manager for a clothing company.
Following the unexpected passing of my father that year, my mum was absolutely thrilled to look after her granddaughter 3 days a week. This position ended up being a 50 hour a week commitment. The business flourished, producing F1 Grand Prix apparel in South Australia, which was exported worldwide. They were giddy days, exhilarating times, pressure and deadlines , yet incredibly rewarding.
At 40, baby number 2 arrived. I brought her into work every day when she was just 3 weeks old. The business was eventually sold, prompting me to join my then husbands embroidery business. I operated a 15 head machine ,creating logos for corporate wear, schools, sporting clubs etc. Once more after a decade, that business was sold.
I found myself unemployed for the first time at age 57. After 4 months of frantically looking for job, my eldest daughter (who also has long feet)said “Come on Mum, lets go to Angels in the city ; I need new boots”. We did, and 3 days later, I was employed at Angels.
I started out knowing nothing, but over time I acquired all the knowledge I needed. Before long I discovered a real passion for the job. Once again in my life, it seemed the business was closing its doors.
But this time I ended up purchasing the business. A brave scary move for me at 60. A nerve wracking time, relocating the shop and learning the ropes to run a business. All the while hoping for loyal customer support, which thankfully occurred.
You may think, my goodness, this lady has done so much. Not really, my greatest achievement are my 2 daughters. They are beautiful human beings, my best friends. It's incredible how much we women face throughout life. Ups and downs, births, deaths, marriages, divorces, money problems, depression and illness.
Through it all, we continue to stand tall and greet every new day. They call it resilience.
Love Naomi (Owner of Angels Shoes)