ST PAUL, Minnesota — The footwear company Crocs saw its business boom during the pandemic. At the same time, a St. Paul woman saw her venture — centered around the casual shoe — take off.
"I just never thought in a million years that it would be this. A shoe that I didn't even like," said LaTishia Bradley, laughing.
Bradley has more than 25 years of experience as a property manager. But even with a secure job during the pandemic, Bradley said she went into survival mode. She decided to go to school online to become a nail technician.
"I started getting sick and I later found out that the chemical was affecting my lungs," recalled Bradley, who dreamed of opening her own nail salon.
"But it wasn't meant so I was a little sad for about a week until I clicked on my Instagram," she said.
Bradley saw a post from a social media friend, showing off a pair of custom Crocs.
"I was like, 'Wow, I can take my nail tech skills and customize Crocs and now I got a larger canvas to practice on," Bradley said.
Using only the materials that she had from her nail collection, she customized her first clogs and posted them on Facebook. 10 minutes later, she received her first order.
"I had no clue what I had just done," Bradley said.
Two years later, Bradley is still booked up. She has yet to create herself a new pair of custom Crocs.
"I place bead by bead onto these shoes and every bead that I place is with love. You can tell that I create my shoes out of love," Bradley said.
Bradley launched TB'z Customz Boutique in February 2021.
While she also has apparel that can be customized, she's been so busy with the Crocs that she hasn't been able to do anything else.
Customers will tell her a theme or an idea of what they want on the Crocs. Bradley will come up with the design and embellish the Crocs. with a mixture of charms, patches and beads on the shoes.
"It's very relaxing and soothing. It just takes me to a whole other world," Bradley said. "I just love creating."
A custom pair can take four to 10 hours to complete. A typical project takes about four to six hours. Custom Crocs for adults range in price from $300-$600 while children's shoes are around $150-$350.
"If I'm having a little tough day or stressed out or something like that, I can start doing this and instantly begin to feel at peace," Bradley said.
In April 2023, Bradley opened a storefront for TB'z Customz Boutique on Selby Avenue in St. Paul.
Born and raised in the Rondo neighborhood, Bradley always dreamed of opening a storefront.
"I definitely can create your soul on the soles of your shoes," Bradley said. "Life is too short for boring shoes."
Those interested in getting their own custom pair can call TB'z Customz Boutique or stop by the store to get on the waitlist. Bradley said she's backed up with orders until January.
Bradley also offers classes as a more affordable option. She recently hosted one for kids and her next one will be for adults. Details on the next class will be posted on TB'z Customz Boutique's social media.
TB'z Customz Boutique
854 Selby Ave.
St. Paul, Minn. 55104
Know a local business we should feature for our Behind the Business segment? Email Heidi Wigdahl at hwigdahl@kare11.com.
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