What happens when God puts two women full of life and ambition together? Nicole Garner and LeAnn Wade have the answer to that— you get the Sole Sisters! This dynamic duo, perfect pair, and two peas-in-a-pod knew that God strategically placed them in each other’s lives for a purpose far greater than they could have possibly imagined. That purpose was for the creation of Sole Sisters and for God to be glorified and edified through their business.
About Sole Sisters
Sole Sisters is located in Seminary, MS at 248 Hwy 49. They are open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and closed Sunday. They sell clothing, shoes, and accessories for men, women, and children. There’s something for everyone at Sole Sisters!
10 Years Ago
A lot can happen in a decade. Nicole and LeAnn have experienced this first hand. What started as merely being acquainted in church turned into a business partnership, but more importantly— a friendship. A sisterhood. A Sole sisterhood (if you will). “The timing was perfect! Nicole was the pastor’s wife, and LeAnn’s husband led the music, and instantly we started to do life together,” they report. Initially, LeAnn worked for the original owner, as an accountant, which gave them the advantage in knowing the ins-and-outs of the company. One night, after having a bite to eat at Mugshots, they began discussing business names. After much deliberation, they agreed on the name “Sole Sisters”. Their goal was to create a business that incorporated caring for both the soul of the person and the soles of their feet.
The Importance of this Company
The business partners believe that this business is important because it brings families throughout the South together on their way to the beach. “We get to see all our families stop yearly as they include us on their vacation trip. We have friends stretching from Arkansas, Texas, and many more states.” Additionally, this establishment is known for the large watermelon that is proudly perched outside, which serves as a unique landmark— setting them apart from anything else people may see during their travels.
Dealing with Challenges
Although living the life of an entrepreneur is great, the pair has endured some harsh feedback. “Our worst feedback is probably from our radio commercials,” they reflect. “I remember learning early on from a wise person, that we would be the face of the store, and from that small piece of advice, we tried to write all our radio ads and tv commercials.” While they enjoy being creative and having fun with their marketing, they quickly learned that not everyone has the same sense of humor. And unfortunately, some people have taken it upon themselves to let the ladies know they were displeased with the commercials. “We have gotten several ugly phone calls to the store asking usto stop being on the radio because they were annoying. We just laugh to ourselves and both agree that the person needs to have some fun.” Like ducks in the rain, they allow negative feedback to roll off of their wings. Their response to negativity is always succinct, kind, and lighthearted.
In addition to the harsh criticism, another challenge LeAnn and Nicole face is dealing with the ever-changing economy. Creativity and thinking outside of the box is their answer to this concern. By reevaluating what inventory they purchase, ensuring their items are cost-effective for shoppers, and (most importantly) keeping God first, they know they can both survive and thrive in any economic situation. “When we are centered in our God, clear on our mission for the store, and keep a lot of BIG FAITH we continue to walk in peace,” they state.
The Future of Sole Sisters
Going forward, this dynamic duo plans to keep Sole Sisters “steady and true.” Witnessing close friends and loved ones close the doors of their businesses has motivated them to improve their online presence by promoting items they know will sell.
LeAnn and Nicole’s Advice
If you’re looking to start your business, the Sole Sisters’ advice is to “always know your story and your ‘why’ for starting a business”. Having this in mind is crucial to keeping your business going forward when the going gets tough. “Keep the Lord in the center for when the noise of chaos tries to derail your mission (because it will) and to know your numbers,” they advise. “Keep up with your sales and your type of customer.”
Remaining Steadfast
The world of entrepreneurship can be quite unpredictable — yet extremely joyous. With each complaint comes a slew of satisfied customers. Each tear falls into a cup that runneth over with the joy that comes with operating a Christ-centered company. It seems like the Sole Sisters have figured out that the key to managing a business is keeping their souls pure and their soles anchored on the Solid Rock— God!
