Celebrating 10 Years of Elevate Your Sole

A Journey from One Budding Shoe Salesman to a Thriving Family Business

As we mark a whole decade of Elevate Your Sole, it's not just a celebration of 10 years in business; it's a reflection on a remarkable journey that has taken us from one eager budding shoe salesman to a thriving family business. This is a story of passion, persistence, and the incredible support of our amazing customers. So, let's take a walk down memory lane and revisit how it all began, how far we've come, and the exciting milestones that have transformed Elevate Your Sole into what it is today.

Opening of elevate your sole in Prestatyn August 2013 - Soles were truly elevated this day!

A Humble Start: One Fresh-Eyed Shoe Salesman, a Dog, and a Dream

Ten years ago, it was just me, a budding shoe salesman with a vision, my favourite *jokes* girlfriend, and my ever-faithful companion, Toffee – our loyal dog. I embarked on this journey with a love of shoes, a passion for colour, and a desire to bring a touch of fun into the footwear available locally. It was a dream nurtured within the confines of our cosy shop in our corner of North Wales; the beautiful coastal town of Prestatyn.

In those early days, I had the honour of serving our all of our first customers personally. Every shoe I carefully picked out, and every fitting session and conversation we had were the building blocks of the business I have today. It was a time of discovery and developing bonds that continue to inspire us to this day and for which I will be forever grateful.

From One Shop to Three: Expanding the Dream

The Opening of Rhos on Sea Shop

With its excellent array of independent shops, award-winning cafes, and fond childhood memories, the beautiful seaside village of Rhos on Sea marked an exciting new chapter. As I watched the local shops bustling with life, I couldn't help but feel that Rhos on Sea was the perfect canvas for Elevate Your Sole's vision. It was clear that this stunning location was more than just a new addition; it was a place where I could build upon the foundations I had built and bring our distinctive brand of premium footwear to a community I cared for.

elevate your sole opening in Rhos on Sea in September 2016 - Very grateful to be joined by the Mayor & Mayoress of Colwyn Bay

Taking Over 'Simon Baker' and Creating 'Simon Baker by Elevate Your Sole'

If the Rhos on Sea shop marked a new chapter in the story of Elevate Your Sole, then the takeover of the well-known business 'Simon Baker,' now known as 'Simon Baker by Elevate Your Sole,' in Llandudno took things to another level. This picturesque seaside town, nestled between the Great Orme and Little Orme, offered the perfect backdrop for a significant step forward in our journey.

With the acquisition of 'Simon Baker,' we were stepping into a town that has been attracting huge numbers of visitors for generations. Llandudno's charm, with its Victorian elegance and stunning seafront promenade, had long been a destination for those seeking relaxation and adventure. 

Our takeover of 'Simon Baker' was not just a business move; it was a recognition of the town's rich history and continued vibrancy. We wanted to preserve the legacy of this well-known establishment while infusing it with our passion for colourful, premium footwear. 'Simon Baker by Elevate Your Sole' became the embodiment of this vision, and allowed us to offer an much more extensive range of products than our humble beginnings.

This transformation was a significant leap forward, and a testament to the trust you, our amazing customers, had placed in us. It was a milestone that signalled the beginning of something bigger; a promise to keep growing, evolving, and sharing the joy of premium footwear with you!

Opening of Simon Baker by elevate your sole in Llandudno July 2019

From One Employee to a Team of 15: The Power of Teamwork

In the early days, it was a one-person show. I wore multiple hats, from being the salesman to taking on the roles of cleaner, accountant, marketing specialist, buyer, and more. The business was a labour of love and a testament to the passion I had for offering you, my amazing customers, an exceptional service and experience.

As the team began to grow, Elevate Your Sole was able to expand and flourish; this journey wouldn't have been possible without the dedicated individuals who have stood by my side. Some of them have been on this journey with me almost from the beginning, and their loyalty and unwavering support have been the cornerstone of our success.

Today, I'm thrilled and honoured to have a team of 15 dedicated and passionate individuals working alongside me. They bring not only their expertise but their genuine commitment to making your visits to Elevate Your Sole an experience that goes beyond just buying shoes. Our team is at the heart of everything we do, and each member contributes their unique touch and their own splash of colour, making us more vibrant and dynamic than ever.

These team members have shared the highs and lows of this journey. They are more than just colleagues; they are family. Their loyalty and dedication reflect the values we hold dear at Elevate Your Sole – trust, connection, and the joy of working together to provide you with the very best. We celebrate their role in making Elevate Your Sole what it is today, and we look forward to many more years of growth, collaboration, and creating wonderful memories together.

Love and Family: A Personal Journey Mirroring Our Business Growth

In the midst of all these professional milestones, our personal lives have also undergone significant changes. The relationship between me and my girlfriend (now my wife) has continued to flourish. We embarked on this journey together, hand in hand, and I can confidently say that without her unwavering support and belief, Elevate Your Sole wouldn't be what it is today.

Our family has also grown to include two wonderful children, who bring boundless energy and laughter to our lives. Their presence is a daily reminder to be curious and embrace the wonderful experiences that life has to offer. Elevate Your Sole has evolved alongside our family, and they are a constant inspiration.

Family values inspiring the future of elevate your sole

Our Brand Image: Discovery, Inspiration, Trust

Throughout this incredible journey, some things have remained the same. We are, and always will be, about discovery, quality and trust. Our shoes bring a touch of fun and a pop of colour to your life. They aren't just footwear; they're an expression of your personality and style.

The trust you've placed in us is the bedrock of Elevate Your Sole. It's a trust we've worked hard to earn, and it's something we'll never take for granted. It's this relationship that keeps us inspired to bring you the best in the world of footwear.

Help Celebrate Our Journey. Exciting news!

To mark this special milestone, we're thrilled to share an exciting development with you. During this celebratory month, we have a wonderful surprise: the launch of our very own collection of shoes.

Join us in celebrating this momentous occasion by stepping into style like never before with our exclusive new collection. This marks a significant chapter in our journey, and we couldn't be more excited to have you with us. Crafted from premium leather, our shoes epitomize luxury and comfort. They proudly bear our name, signifying our unwavering commitment to quality and style.

Keep an eye on our website, www.elevateyoursole.co.uk, navigating to our Brands menu and selecting EYS by elevate your sole. Visit our stores to be among the first to explore and experience our brand-new footwear collection. Your support has brought us to this point, and we can't wait to see what you think.

A Heartfelt Dedication to My Mum

Amidst the celebrations and reflections on this remarkable journey, I would like to take a moment to offer my thanks to an incredible woman, who has been close to hand and a source of support and inspiration throughout this decade-long adventure – my mum.

From the very beginning, she believed in my vision and dream, and her unwavering support has been a guiding light. Her words of wisdom and encouragement have been invaluable. She has played an integral role in Elevate Your Sole's growth and, more recently, she has taken on a permanent position within the business.

Mum, your presence and contributions are incredibly important to me, and I am so grateful for the love and strength you've brought into both my personal and professional life. You are an essential part of this journey, and I couldn't have done it without you. Thank you, for everything.

*Side note - you can be a little too encouraging, especially when it comes to buying and you see something you like!!

To You, My Customers

As I look back on these incredible 10 years, there are no words to express the depth of my gratitude to you. You've shared this journey with us, and you've played a pivotal role in our story. Without you, none of this would have been possible.

Here's to the next 10 years, where Elevate Your Sole continues to be your trusted destination for premium footwear, and a good old chinwag.

With a whole load of gratitude and shoe-tastic vibes, thank you!

Hal Holmes-Pierce (Proprietor: elevate your sole) and on behalf of the entire Elevate Your Sole Family