WATCH REPLAY: Dawn Badolato of ‘Swanky Sole’ Offers Ever-Changing Collection of Fabulous Shoes From Top Brands

fills void in Brevard’s retail landscape

ABOVE VIDEO: Dawn Badolato, owner of Swanky Sole in Suntree, sits and talks with Space Coast Daily Fashion Editor Gina Zlotorzynski about her gorgeous store and what it takes to be one Brevard’s premier boutiques. Swanky Sole is located at 6395 N. Wickham Road.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – “I wear your shoes all the time” is a compliment Swanky Sole owner Dawn Badolato never tires of hearing.

As the founder of the Suntree shoe boutique, Badolato has set out to fill a void in Brevard’s retail landscape by offering an ever-changing collection of fabulous shoes from top brands.

“In Brevard County’s retail world, I found a noticeable void. Locally, it was hard to find beautiful shoes that spoke to what we refer to as ‘ladies in the middle,’” Badolato said.

She combined her determination with 20 plus years in the real estate business and her knowledge of Space Coast’s demographic makeup, and Swanky Sole was born.

Swanky Sole focuses on modern, stylish footwear at affordable price points for their target demographic, from around $100 to $600 per pair. They also offer a brilliant collection of handbags and jewelry.

“For something trendy in an affordable price range, our Sam Edelman line speaks to that,” explains Badolato.

For a classic look, their LK Bennet line fits the bill. Comfort also plays a big part of their selection process, and they carry comfort brands like Fly London, L’Amour Des Pieds and Vionic.

Badolato goes the extra mile by trying on every shoe before deciding to carry it, to see how the shoe feels, moves and what it looks like.

Swanky Sole expanded to offer men’s shoes by Donald J. Pliner.

“We are testing that market to learn what exactly Brevard’s ‘Swanky Sole Man’ is looking for,” she said.

Badolato took the leap to open the retail store when she and her husband, Dr. Craig Badolato, wanted to build something they could potentially share with their children.

ENJOYS BREVARD ATMOSPHERE

Raised in the Midwest, she moved to Brevard County in 1993 after her father passed away. Badolato feels Brevard is reminiscent of the small-town atmosphere in which she grew up.

She holds fast to her father’s influence to do the right thing and give back to the community. Badolato has found being involved with local charitable boards to be quite rewarding.

“Serving on the Cancer Care Foundation Board for nine years led me to my husband, who is my best friend,” said Badolato.

“I’m grateful for my amazing blended family, which includes my daughter and three stepsons.”

One of her favorite quotes is “If you aren’t growing, you’re dying.”

“Swanky Sole grew out of our downtown Melbourne storefront after just one and a half years,” she said.

In February of 2016, the store relocated to a larger location in the Pineda Landing shopping center on Wickham Road. She said the relationships they build with customers fuel her to keep Swanky Sole going – and growing.

Badolato feels that it’s important to really provide customers an experience, and not just a pair of shoes.

“Today’s consumer has a choice, and we are grateful that many continually choose to shop at Swanky.”

For more information, call 321-428-4915 or visit MySwankySole.com

ABOVE MAP: Swanky Sole is located at 6395 N. Wickham Road. Swanky Sole brings a metropolitan flavor to the central coast of Florida. They are committed to offering the Melbourne area smart fashion – with a pinch of sass and a dash of soul! From staples in fashion to the sexy must-haves, including unique shoes, accessories, handbags and gift items, Swanky Sole has it all in the heart of Suntree.

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