If you ask Jane Earl where she sees Happy Fit Footwear in 10 years, she’ll tell you, ‘Melbourne, New York, Milan …’ although her multitasking skills may not be able to get her to all those places at once. At least, not yet.

Tell us about your career path. What led you to where you are now?

“Having developed bunions at the age of 12, I was introduced to the specialised field of podiatry at an early age!

“I was prescribed orthotics and experienced pain whenever I didn’t wear them. This didn’t become a problem until I wanted to wear something other than runners to go dancing with my friends. Back in the day, the best I could hope for in a shoe was one that I could get my foot into and still be able to walk, and I paid the price the next day.

“I have been a podiatrist for over 20 years now; footwear is the keystone to so many of the conditions we treat. Happy Fit Footwear was born from my dream to give women what they want … footwear that looks great, and feels better!”

What inspired you to start this organisation?

“So many women hate buying shoes, and for good reason. The big department stores and major footwear chains are inspired by fashion – without considering the vital role footwear has on our health and wellbeing. Fortunately, the world of podiatrist-approved and orthotic compatible footwear has grown in the last 10 to 20 years, and new brands are popping up all the time. I wanted to put the joy back into shoe shopping by putting the best of these brands under one roof.”

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

“The feedback we receive from our customers is the greatest affirmation we can get! We have had customers who burst into tears of joy when they finally find a shoe that fits, that doesn’t look like a small house boat or ages them by 40 years!”

To make your feet glad, visit Happy Fit Footwear at 10/146 Scollay Street, Greenway or online at happyfitfootwear.com.au, or call Jane at ACT Podiatry on 6287 4889.

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