Smarties, we’re thrilled to introduce you to the latest shoe diva in the north, Danielle Frye, owner of the Shoe Zoo in Davidson. Shoe Zoo is the only children’s shoe boutique in the Lake Norman area and they are dedicated to making your shopping experience the best ever, catering to all things kids!
Smarties, let’s meet Danielle!
Danielle’s Smarty Mom Stats:
Mom of: 2 daughters, Addison (8 ¾), Emerson (6)
Married to: My best friend, Jay
Years in Charlotte/LKN: 12
Hood: We live way out in the country on some land that we like to call Deep Fryed Farms!
Hometown: Pell City, Ala.
Occupation: Prior to becoming a mom, I worked in public relations/communications in the NASCAR arena, as a publicist for a few drivers and then as a Sr. Mgr of Communications for NASCAR; I got married, and worked as a radio announcer/pit reporter for the Motor Racing Network; after dragging our girls to races all over the country, my husband and I decided to ease up their travel schedule! Currently, I along with my husband, am the owner of a new children’s shoe boutique in the LKN area, Shoe Zoo!
Tell us about Shoe Zoo.
Shoe Zoo is a place where kids and their families can shop for some unique, quality shoes in a zoo-like atmosphere. We have snakes coming out of the ceiling (fake ones ☺), stuffed animals coming out of walls painted like the beach, an African Serengeti, the Amazon and a Redwood forest! It’s almost 2,500 sq ft so it allows room for the kids to run around and put their new shoes to the test. Our sizing ranges from infants to youth size 6 in girls and youth size 7 in boys. In addition, we also offer unique gifts and accessories for boys and girls.
A sampling of the brands we carry for both boys and girls include Cole Haan, Kors Michael Kors, Weitzman, Small Frye boots, Zipz, Sperry, Jessica Simpson, Keen, Pediped, KensieGirl, Havianas, LelliKelly, KSwiss, WeeSqueak, Robeez, and more!
What made you decide to open a children’s shoe store?
Primarily, out of frustration. It seemed like I always had a last minute event for our daughters to attend and I would find myself scrambling for shoes. After polling several of my friends, I found, they too felt my frustration. Sometimes we didn’t have the time to run into Charlotte to pick up a pair of shoes. And ordering online became a hassle too…
What are the hottest trends in kids shoes this fall?
It appears the timeless classics are always in, whether it’s the saddle oxford for boys or the basic mary janes for girls. But those mary janes always catch the girl’s eyes when they have some sparkle to them! Riding boots are also a must. In the spring, look out for those neon colors, they are back!!
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Ugh, I don’t agree with the aging process but… ☺ In 10 years, I hope our business is still thriving, my daughters will be 18 and 16, so I will be dealing with them turning into young women. I hope I’ve done a great job getting them prepared to enter life on their own, along with showing them that yes as a wife and mother you can be successful in your home life, as well as in your career. You just have to be willing to sacrifice yet maintain a balance and don’t cave into the guilt all the time!
What are your favorite activities to do with your family?
We really enjoy being with each other. Sure, we have the occasional “you’re getting on my last nerve” moments, but I would rather sit around and play board games with them than anything else! We love being outside, either in the pool, playing some type of ball or going on nature walks. Our oldest rides horses so I enjoy watching her ride and compete in shows, and our youngest is all about ballet/tap, so I love watching her flourish in the dance studio. And of course, we like taking vacations to warm/hot destinations!
First thing that pops into your head when I say “mom”?
What an absolute precious gift that term is.
Happiest part of the day?
Picking the girls up from school, going home and eating dinner as a family.
Best book you’ve read lately?
True Colors by Kristen Hannah. I also enjoy all of Anne River Siddons work as well as Erin Hilderbrand. I’ve now shifted gears and am tackling Rod Stewart’s autobiography.
Guilty pleasure?
When the “hot n’ now” sign is on at Krispy Kreme. I’m a sucker for that!
I couldn’t live without my…
…family. They continue to shape and mold me each day on this path I’m living!
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