photo by steed media service

After spending 15 years in the finance world, Tiffany Bullock learned the best way to achieve financial success was to invest in herself. Forever the girly girl, Bullock needed to look no further than her closet to find the inspiration for her new entrepreneurial endeavor.

“I decided on shoes because that’s what I’m truly passionate about and what I love,” explains Bullock about her motivation to open her own boutique. “I felt that gave me an opportunity to go out and choose an eclectic mix, and be able to travel as well.” Equipped with the knowledge that most start-ups fail within their first three years, Bullock didn’t quit her day job and decided to moonlight as a sales associate at Nordstrom’s.

“I learned the whole inventory process, unique styles, sizing types and everything,” says Bullock. “I also went and interviewed several other business owners to get an idea of how to strategize and plan everything.”

Two and a half years later, Bullock opened House of Sole in Chicago’s trendy South Loop. The store’s European feel matches the style of its unique shoes, most of which are imported from Spain, Italy and France.

“We carry a lot of unique styles and have an eclectic mix for the unique individual, going from extremely flat to high heel,” says Bullock. “A woman’s shoes say a lot about her. We carry shoes that are designed by architects. They don’t do your traditional round or pointy toe. They may funk it up a bit on the heel and the toe. When a woman chooses that, it’s truly an expression of herself.” -adam jones

For directions and store hours, call (312) 834-0909.


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