Thursday, March 19, 2009

Store Owner Staying Busy in the Community

Starting a business is a busy time for anyone, but Kelly Ellis of Lyndon, Washington has been able to do that while also getting very involved in the community.

Ellis started Sole Obsession Footwear at 105 3rd St. in Lynden almost five months ago, selling shoes for men, women and children. Along the way she's found time to get herself elected vice president of the Lynden Downtown Business Association, become involved in the upcoming Relay for Life in Lynden that benefits the American Cancer Society and work with Soles4Souls by collecting gently worn shoes.

"One thing I've learned about becoming a business owner is there are so many causes to support," Ellis said.

She said the 1,000-square-foot store is focused on service, including a children's play area and one-on-one interaction, such as shoe fitting. Sole Obsession is also a drop-off point for Soles4Souls. Customers can donate their gently worn or new shoes in the big blue and white boxes. Those shoes will be cleaned, bound and distributed to those need in the U.S. and abroad.

The store is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. For more details about the store, call (360) 392-8659.

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