They say you cannot truly know a person until you walk in their shoes. Today, we are putting on a pair of shoes from The Charleston Shoe Company, founded by Memphis’ own Neely Woodson Powell. This company now has nine locations, as well as stores within stores, an active online business, plus numerous trunk shows, and Neely is hands-on in every direction that Charleston shoes have taken her. She is vivacious and passionate, and her love of living an on-the-go, action-packed life is apparent in every comfortable pair of shoes she designs. Welcome our FACE of Memphis, Neely!
Neely Powell
How did you make your way from Memphis to Charleston, South Carolina, and, in turn, choose the name Charleston Shoe Co. for your design business?
I landed in Charleston 20 years ago as a freshman at the College Of Charleston. I applied to no other schools, as I was completely enamored by this beautiful city. A decade after graduation I found myself back in this magical town. A wonderful friend of my father had suggested I open a store here, and having faith in his vision, I said yes without hesitation. I landed back in the city that once inspired me and still does on a daily basis. Within six months I opened two stores here, and before I knew it the shoes had become a staple amongst locals and tourists.
The word is that you started your business when you were just a teenager—that is amazing! Please, tell us more.
I think I was fortunate as a teenager to learn from my parents unknowingly: growing up under the wings of two charismatic salespeople and entrepreneurs was really how I started. Isn’t that the real, lost art of apprenticing for your family? The main street bakers, milliners, cobblers—all teaching their children their trade within their families.
Technically, my mother and I stumbled into a shop in Mexico and purchased our first pair of shoes from the cobbler who’s been in my employ for 20 years now. Before long, I was bringing home suitcases full of shoes, then truck loads full of shoes. In college, I was selling shoes at my mother’s furniture markets across the country from under her display tables. Women were swarming to find anything comfortable to put on their exhausted, market-tired feet! Next thing I knew, I had wholesale accounts across the country, and 15 years later, my first store, which has now grown to 7.
Describe the customer who is an ideal “fit” for your shoes.
Really, my customer is timeless and ageless. I think any woman who wants to look like a woman, feel like a woman and walk like a woman. Get out of your flip flops, your tennis shoes, and your six-inch heels … be more graceful. Our shoes provide comfort in a variety of heights, from flats to four-inch heels, and are mixed with hundreds of colors that allow any woman of any age to express her creative, passionate, sexy, spirited side.
What is your personal favorite shoe from the most recent collection?
I still love the basic Monterey. Lug sole and comfort like no other. We have some fabulous new colors though: orange, pistachio, navy and red combo. All are very fun for summer.
Describe the customer who is an ideal “fit” for your shoes.
Really, my customer is timeless and ageless. I think any woman who wants to look like a woman, feel like a woman and walk like a woman. Get out of your flip flops, your tennis shoes, and your six-inch heels … be more graceful. Our shoes provide comfort in a variety of heights, from flats to four-inch heels, and are mixed with hundreds of colors that allow any woman of any age to express her creative, passionate, sexy, spirited side.
What is your personal favorite shoe from the most recent collection?
I still love the basic Monterey. Lug sole and comfort like no other. We have some fabulous new colors though: orange, pistachio, navy and red combo. All are very fun for summer.
Best advice you have ever received? Favorite quote?
I think my family has always instilled in me an appreciation for life and the magnificence and wonder of a sunset, a blooming flower, the sea — all the most simple aspects of life. This wonder inspires me to not to waste one minute of this precious life, to enjoy it, smile and laugh. I think the advice of going for anything under the notion that life is magical and short. We shouldn’t wait for things to happen to us, we should make them happen!
“There is no passion to be found in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.” Nelson Mandela
If someone is traveling to Charleston, what are the top three restaurants you recommend?
That is tough — I cannot stop at three; it has to be five! Chez Nous is a charming little restaurant in an old carriage house: no sign, no reservations and no choices, as there are only six items on the menu. But trust me, all six are DELICIOUS! Nothing better than steak frites with Béarnaise at Brasserie Gigi. I love a cheeseburger, and I would say go sit at the bar at Husk and you will find one. FIG to this day still holds my heart for the best pâté, beef carpaccio and freshest fish. Queen Street Grocery’s El Cubano … the best in the business.
Do you have a mentor or role model in life? How has this person influenced you?
I have mentors and role models, who are really one in the same: my parents—my dad (the late Ben Woodson), my mom (Lucy Woodson) and Bob Berry (a dear friend who’s been like a father to me). It’s three parts of history:
My father began inspiring me on every level from the first moment I can remember. His passion was unmistakable. From the heart-felt development and management of Overton Square in the 70s, to taking a moment to enjoy life by sailing on his beloved Chimera, to his all-encompassing fantasy that he turned into Little Palm Island. I watched a man with a huge smile on his face never settle for anything. He always looked at the opportunity not the problem, and did everything he put his heart and mind into.
My mother is a born retailer. She can sell a ketchup popsicle to a woman in white gloves. Her work ethic is like no other. She had a chain of retail stores in my childhood called Tallulah’s. I was raised there, just as I’m raising Gigi, my daughter, today. I watched my mother and learned from her charisma.
As the story unfolds, I have been mentored for the last two decades of my life by Bob Berry. His tough expectations definitely made us butt heads. However, in the end, his perseverance and determination to instill values made me who I am in the absence of my father.
We all needs parents or parent-like figures to look up to and respect, people who guide us in the right direction.
If there’s one place in the world you’d suggest someone visit, where would that be?
Well my heart leans towards Little Palm Island, as I have only the fondest memories and see my father’s vision while I watch the sunset over the Atlantic. So similar and a lot more authentic would be the island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas: the water, the beaches, the quiet. Travel should inspire us, and the colors of the crystal ocean, the pink sand and the bougainvillea of this island are unparalleled.
What books are on your bedside table right now?
Hemingway’s Boat. I grew up in the Florida Keys and am always inspired by anything Hemingway. I love his words … as an artist you are always inspired by life and how you see it. Hemingway, as an artist, can paint words into each page. His descriptions are captivating.
Are you partial to or involved with a particular charitable organization? If so, why?
Any animal shelter or humane society. I have three rescue dogs: Chewie, Tuffy and Roux. I am not allowed back in any shelters at this time for fear of upping my pack to four. But I am very proud to say that our animal society here in Charleston has just vowed to be a No-Kill shelter in 2015. That makes my heart sing.
What three lighthearted things could you not live without?
The ocean, my Wet Brush, my keys.
Thank you, Neely!
Check out The Charleston Shoe Company by visiting one of their brick and mortar locations, browsing online or attending one of many Cocktail Trunk Shows near you. For more information: charlestonshoeco.com
We also thank photographer Ashley Warnock for these fabulous photos of Neely, which were taken at the Charleston Shoe Co. headquarters on King Street in Charleston. See more of Ashley’s work, here: ashleywarnock.com
Ashley Warnock, photographer
