CROWE BOOT & SHOE: Owner, Holly Crowe
How many years have you been in business?
6 and a half years.
What inspired you to start/purchase this business?
We started Crowe Boot & Shoe because we saw a need in the community for a good quality shoe store.
Are you originally from Carlinville, or did you relocate here. (If relocate where from?)
My family relocated to Carlinville in 2005 for my husband's job at MJM Electric. We lived in Virginia, IL before we moved here but we were both born in Beardstown, IL.
What services/products do you offer?
We sell a wide variety of footwear for the family. Work boots, athletic shoes, comfort shoes, dress shoes, casual shoes, lifestyle footwear and some apparel.
What is your company’s mission/vision?
Vision: Supporting the local community by providing local access to quality footwear for the family.
Mission: To foster a positive customer experience in every encounter, making shopping for footwear fun and easy.
What has been your biggest success to date?
That we made it past the "5 year in business" milestone and survived repercussions from COVID at the same time!
What has been your biggest challenge?
Balancing all of the demands of growing a business with a small staff and modest budget. Making every decision. And correcting every unfruitful decision.
What inspires/motivates you to hit the ground running each morning?
Looking forward to seeing familiar faces and meeting new people every day. Continually improving our business and creating a stable, sustainable environment for our employees to thrive in and for our community to enjoy.
What’s an interesting fact about your business that most people don’t know?
We were turned down for our first business loan! I look back and think.... how things would be different if we had let that discourage us from opening the business anyway.
Does your business give back to the Carlinville community? If so, how?
We provide discounted shoes, fitting and delivery services to foster children participating in Royal Famiy Kids Camp and students with hardships through Carlinville school district. We donate product, gift certificates, and money to many fundraisers, sports teams, and other community organizations.
What’s your favorite part about owning a small business?
I love making people happy. Owning this business gives us freedom to create an environment where we can make a difference in people's lives by being genuinely helpful and caring. And, this business helps me feel more connected and part of the community.
Do you have any advice for new business owners?
Write a thorough business plan, thinking through every part of the business and various scenarios. Ask another business owner to read it and provide feedback. Be open-minded to suggestions that can help make the plan better and avoid pitfalls.
If you could go back to the beginning knowing what you know now, what would you have done differently?
I would have invested in an experienced Assistant Manager years ago... even though I felt like we weren't profitable enough at that time to do it. I wasted a lot time, money and effort by waiting so long to hire a good employee for that position.
What are some other Carlinville business that inspire you?
Starr's Primal Meats. Hawthorn. My Sister's Closet. D&D Fitness. Brave Hazel. All of our restaurants. There are too many to list!
What’s your favorite part about owning a small business in Carlinville?
Carlinville has been a very supportive community from the beginning. We couldn't have made it this far without the commitment of local people changing their shopping habits and giving our store a chance to serve them. And so many people give us kind comments and encouragements from the day we opened and still do today. That makes a big difference to know we're appreciated and that people like having our store in town. Business gets really difficult sometimes and our supportive community makes all the difference.
Chamber Member Questions:
How long have you been a member?
Since the beginning of opening our store 6.5 years ago.
Why did you join?
Being part of an active Chamber of Commerce is essential to growing a thriving business community. I love business. I love seeing others succeed in business and it's fun to be part of a group of motivated and inspiring people.
What’s your favorite part of being a member?
So far, the meet-ups and guest speakers have been enjoyable and valuable. I have always loved the annual meeting / awards banquet. That has always been the #1 thing I look forward to as a Chamber Member. In my early years as a business owner, it made a powerful impact motivating me to continually work towards improving our business. It is so fun, inspiring and heart-warming to take time to celebrate the successes and accomplishments of other business owners and leaders in the community. And it also gave us an opportunity to meet, cheer on and encourage new business owners.
What advice would you give someone considering joining the chamber?
Do it and don't think twice about it. The value provided through an active Chamber of Commerce far outweighs the minimal cost of membership. And get involved. It's all about creating an environment and culture that's beautiful, convenient and helpful; continually striving to make Carlinville one of the best small towns to live, work and own a business in. It will have a positive impact on you and your business, if you participate.
