Today we’d like to introduce you to Lee Ann and Charles L Bradford, and Kaola Flor Chavez.
Lee Ann, Charles, and Kaola Flor, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
In 2008 we took over a very small mom & pop type dance shoe retail that started in a garage. At that time, the inventory was under a mere 500 pair of odd ball dance shoes. The company, unknown to us, was suffering from bad customer service and debt or bad sales to both customers AND to the vendors.
The first week we opened, the phone rang nonstop from unhappy customers wanting their paid orders, and vendors wanting their monies due. We hired my daughter Kaola Chavez to come in and answer phones. Eventually as customer service was provided, she stayed on as a valuable and capable asset excelling in customer service.
Core trio was formed!
We immediately re-invested every $ into buying more shoes, and now boast a healthy inventory of over 6000 pair of dance shoes and boots, and healthy clientele from most of the dance studios in the DFW areas, as well as a growing nationwide interest among dancers.
We excel in Customer Service, and aim high for integrity in all of affairs.
We service many Dancesports that include: Ballroom, Country Western, Square Dancers, Salsa, Tango, Swing, West Coast, Swing, Swing-Out, Contra Dance, Line Dancers, and many more!
We also sell consignment performance wear, and some new pieces.
Family owned business, now includes our most Jr part time ‘intern’, granddaughter Felicia Hoeppner – a West Coast Swing aficionado.
We also have our biggest re-seller as a point of contact in Fort Worth, Arlington/ Grand Prairie areas Terri Bordeaux. She is active both as an instructor on the Country Western circuits, and as a dance judge.
Another reseller Kay Frantz covers Frisco, Little Elm areas, with Sr Dances being her main attraction. 2 of our part-time employees double as re-sellers within the dance and theater events they prefer to attend:
Kit Tidwell and Linda Frank. And another Kerry Laverty has been heavily involved with her “hobby” in reselling ballroom dresses, also, is a fabulous way to save a trip to the store and purchase dance shoes from us through her!
That’s us at Karizmah! Dancers, Friends, Family. Point of Sale Destination to buy dance shoes & boots, and receive help on getting your proper fit.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Biggest obstacles was overcoming the dishonesty from previous owners. Getting the word out that we don’t take your money until the product is available. (There’s a tremendous turn around with some of these brands.)
Also, distinguishing ourselves from the 1 or 2 other smaller sellers in the area that also have similar practices of taking money upfront for a product that could conceivably take 6 mo. to 1 yr. to be delivered!
Last but not least, getting the word out and getting “in” with some of the tighter nit dance events. We are the local dance store that has an extensive inventory ready to supply the needs – and we carry the associated and necessary overhead of a store.
We are a brick and mortar store, and we also dance!
Please tell us about Karizmah Dance Shoes & Boots.
Integrity, Customer Service, Stock on hand for the last minute shoppers.
Our business IS Dance Shoes & Boots, and help with proper fittings!
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Ballet, beaches, hiking, and shoes.
Contact Info:
- Address: 10875 Plano Rd #140
Dallas, TX 75238
Hrs: Tues-Thur 12-6 / Fri 11-7pm /
Sat 11-5
*TIP: We are BEHIND the Pest Control place. - Website: Www.karizmahdanceshoes.com
- Phone: 214-221-4201 * 214-221-0442 ( also fax)
- Email: sales@karizmahdanceshoes.com
- Instagram: Www.instagram.comKarizmah.danceshoes
- Facebook: Www.facebook.com/KARIZMAH-DANCE-SHOES-136672246881
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/KarizmahShoes
- Yelp: Www.yelp.com/buz/karizmah-dance-shoes-and-boots-dallas
- Other: Shop.karizmahdanceshoes.com
Image Credit:
Vicki Wells : Photo Christina Dupuy
Dancing4Fun: Photo Elisa Caviezel & Arturo
Misc: Lee Ann Bradford,
Kaola Chavez, Felicia Hoeppner, Linda Frank, Michael O’Brien,
Rob Turner, Kerry Laverty
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
