tions, law, finance and accounting, I felt that
I had the necessary tools to begin my journey
of business ownership.”
When asked what advice she has for
those in mid-management who are striving
to ascend the corporate ladder, Rawls said,
“Always be open to new ideas and better
ways to achieve results. The ascension will
not happen overnight but you must be willing
to put the time in to learn the business. You
must be able to demonstrate to upper management that you are qualified for the position
and capable of handling additional responsibilities. You must also be able to sell yourself
as it relates to what it is that you can bring
to the table to enhance the processes. Being
able to lead, supervise, manage, delegate and
hold others accountable are necessary skills
that will help to make you successful.” For new
entrepreneurs, Rawls offered this advice, “You
must have a plan and be willing to work your
plan. Success definitely will not happen overnight and there may be times the future may
appear bleak but you must persevere and not
give up.”
Rawls, who is very involved and supportive of her community, has received
unprecedented recognition since opening
her Italian Shoe Boutique. She is an official
judge for the Miss North Carolina-USA and
MIs. South Carolina-Miss America pageants
and her Italian shoe boutique was the fea28 HimPower May 2015
tured business during the 2014 Super Bowl
half-time show. And in 2014, her boutique
was Voted “Best Women’s Shoe Store” by the
readers of Columbia Metropolitan Magazine
and Best Ladies Shoe Store by readers of The
State Newspaper.
Although a trip to Milan may not be
in the foreseeable future for most, there is
another way to enjoy the quality and construction that can only be found in these
finely crafted shoes. Rawls loves sharing her
knowledge about the quality in construction
of Italian made shoes, and offers accessibly
elegant Italian shoes and bags that are limited
in quantity to ensure a customer can build
their own signature look. Buying a shoe from
GWEN RAWLS gives customers a unique purchase that can help elevate their own sense
of style and create a bold statement. “I want
my customers to feel empowered with their
purchase and to give them a renewed sense of
elegance, says Rawls.” Most of the designers
she features will not be seen anywhere else
in the country. She has selected the crème de
la crème of famed Italian designers: Roberto
Cavalli, Luciano Padovan, Cesare Paciotti, Luis
Onofre, Baldan Luxury Shoes, Loriblu and
Ballin, and her own GWEN RAWLS signature brand. Offering exclusive service before,
during and after the sale, Gwen Rawls Italian
Shoe Boutique can help create the experience
for you.