UB Alumna Valarie Gasiewicz started her own business selling shoes that aren't often found in regular shoe stores.

A woman walks into the mall, her heart intent on buying a new pair of stylish winter boots. The feeling of disappointment floods over her as she realizes that none of the latest styles fit around her calves.
Valarie Gasiewicz has experienced this scenario more times than she cares to admit.
But a year and a half ago, Gasiewicz made it her mission to find a solution to end this foot-fashion fiasco. The UB alumna from the class of 2008 channeled her love for shoes to open her own shop.
On Oct. 29 The Shoe Suite, located at 4446 Main St., had its grand opening.
The Shoe Suite is a women's shoe shop that sells everything from formal heels to wide calf boots, handbags to all natural soaps, lotions, and more.
Gasiewicz was inspired by her personal experiences to start a business that provided wide-calf boots for women. She used to go shopping with her mother for boots and found it difficult to find the perfect fit, according to Gasiewicz.
"We just have thicker calves," Gasiewicz said. "We would go to the mall and have so much trouble finding one boot and then we would spend up to $250 on the only pair of boots that fit us, even if the style wasn't great."
This is a problem for many women today. Boots are in fashion, but some designers create them so that they only fit a specific type of leg.
"I typically stay away from boots because they are so tight in the calf area," said Sarah Smith, a freshman mathematics major. "I think this store will do well because usually boots come in ‘one size fits all,' so they will reach [out to] new customers."
Even though there is an obvious need for these types of shoes, they seem impossible to find on the market and in popular shoe stores. Gasiewicz hopes to change that.
"I have talked to a bunch of vendors and designers and they said finding a wide calf boot can be very difficult," Gasiewicz said. "It turned out to be such a need in the community. I know my friends and people I work with have the same problem. We would go shopping but we would never find boots that fit."
The boots that are sold at The Shoe Suite have an elastic band in the top of the shoe so that the part that fits around the calf is able to stretch to fit over jeans and on any size leg.
The Shoe Suite isn't limited to just boots. The store sells an assortment of shoes, including designer brands that can't be found elsewhere in Buffalo. Heels for all occasions are also available.
Gasiewicz doesn't take her success for granted. She gives back to the community through the organization Soles 4 Souls. Soles 4 Souls is a charity that takes gently used shoes and donates them to impoverished communities all over the world, as well as to victims of natural disasters.
Gasiewicz encourages her customers to participate in this cause by giving them 15 percent off of their purchase when they donate a pair of gently used shoes.
"It is one of the most fulfilling feelings in the world because you make such a difference," Gasiewicz said. "You don't think one pair of shoes could make any difference, but these could go to women, men, and children who have nothing to wear on their feet…It's a great way to clean out your closet and an even better way to give back to the community."
Although Gasiewicz graduated with a bachelor's in science for nursing, she's found herself doing something completely different from her original goals.
"Ever since she was a child she knew she wanted to have her own business," said Gasiewicz's mother, Claudia. "She never knew what it would be until recently, and now look at her. She did it."
Gasiewicz considers herself a "shoeaholic at heart," so opening a shoe store seemed the most rewarding for her personality and calves. With the powerful support and encouragement from her mother, Gasiewicz was able to start up the business.
But the journey hasn't been easy. The current economy was a major source of struggle for the new business owner. But she doesn't let the economic situation of the country stop her from pursuing her dream.
"The biggest struggle was hearing people say that it would never be possible," Gasiewicz said. "I think it's just getting back to the basics. No matter what, people are going to buy shoes. People need shoes. Women will always love shoes."
Luckily for Gasiewicz, she has had a strong support system throughout the entire process. Her family has suppoted her when things weren't looking good.
"I know women and they love to shop," Claudia said. "They may not be spending as much now as they did two years ago, but they still love to shop. As a woman, I know if I want a pair of shoes I'm going to get those shoes. Maybe right now I can't afford them, but in a week when I can afford them, I'm going to buy them."
Since The Shoe Suite has been thriving, Gasiewicz encourages anybody to start his or her own business.
"Go for it," Gasiewicz said. "Anything is possible, anybody will tell you that because it's true. I took a lot of my own advice and just dove into it."