A tiny new shop in Ypsilanti's Depot Town district aims at distinctive, underserved customers. Screamin' Hot Shoes sells women's footwear, but not the kind found in malls, national chains or designer boutiques.
The month-old store, where a grand opening celebration ends today, specializes in transgender and stripper footwear.
Paula Filek, the owner, tells Tom Perkins of AnnArbor.com that she serves a large Metro Detroit customer base.
“There are more of them around here than anyone knows,” she said. “They need shoes, too.”
The 57-year-old Romulus resident hosted a fashion show at McShane's Pub in Detroit’s Corktown and learned more about what transgenders need in a shoe, Perkins writes. Some styles have metal rods to strengthen high heels and extra support on the soles.
Screamin' Hot's shoes for that demographic are mostly purchased from one of several California distributors. .
The freelance journalist also quotes a customer who modeled at the Corktown promotion, transgender punk rock singer Jenna Talia of Harper Woods -- a former Notre Dame football team defensive end and wide receiver. She praises Filek and her small business as "a big deal for people who are different.”
“Having people be sympathetic goes a long way to help you be true to who you are.
“They will travel when they find out there are stores where they can feel comfortable and people treat them respectfully. It’s really hard to find venues like this where you can feel comfortable walking in.”
