Meet the Owner is a weekly column that features business owners in the town of Los Gatos. Los Gatos Patch asks each owner the same 10 questions every week so the community can get to know the people behind our local businesses.

Jill Stapleton was heading down a different career path when she realized there was no perfect time to fulfill her dream of owning a shoe boutique. So she decided to just go for it, despite all the reasons not to. She She Shoes opened in April 2009 and has since become the go-to-spot for shoppers in Los Gatos to find fashion-forward contemporary shoes.

With brands like Toms, Kate Spade and Juicy Couture, She She Shoes delivers a wonderful selection of shoes while offering the best customer service possible. As if that wasn't enough, Stapleton and her staff put on several events and sales each month to give shoppers great deals on some name brand shoes. 

10 Questions, Shoot!

Los Gatos Patch: What did you dream of being as a kid? 

Jill Stapleton: Owning a shoe store. It's been my dream since I was 13. Always shoes.

Patch: How does your personality play into your business? 

Stapleton: Oh wow, I think it plays a huge part, on a lot of different levels. I love interacting with people and helping people. This plays into the customer service aspect quite well. From the fashion perspective, I love fashion from the creative side, which is greatly important for the merchandising side, what to put in the store and more.

Patch: At what moment did you decide to open a business? 

Stapleton: I've been wanting to for a long time. I grew up in Los Gatos, went to school in Texas, and moved to San Francisco to work as a corporate event planner. I realized there was never a right time, so just decided to to get my business plan going. It was like, something just clicked. We opened when the economy wasn't doing very well, in April 2009. 

Patch: What inspired you?

Stapleton: I think it had a lot to do with the fact that I am surrounded by so many influential women that have been successful. This was important, because it gave me the opportunity to believe I can do whatever I want and achieve that. On a more practical level, I saw a need for a fashion-forward contemporary shoe boutique in Los Gatos. 

Patch: Describe the biggest challenge of owning a business in the Town of Los Gatos?

Stapleton: Finding ways to be creative. Finding ways to keep them interested and coming back. Finding staff that have the same care for customer service as I do can be challenging. But with everything comes challenges, no matter where you are.

Patch: Describe the best thing about owning a business in the town of Los Gatos?

Stapleton: The amazing community. Being able to be a part of it is amazing. Helping the people that come into the shop find what they are looking for and making sure they are happy when they leave is really fulfilling. Also, being able to do what I always dreamed of doing is fulfilling.

Patch: What is one thing you would never change about your business?

Stapleton: Our mission statement of making sure each customer has an exceptional experience. I feel very, very strongly about that as a business owner as well as a shopper, because I feel like it's about building that relationship and being honest as opposed to making the sale.

Patch: What is your business' greatest asset?

Stapleton:  My staff. 

Patch: What is your favorite spot in town?

Stapleton: I love the farmers' market. I also love the Los Gatos trail.

Patch: What's one thing the community should know about you?

Stapleton:  When I was in high school, I worked at a shoe store that was actually in the location that my shop is now in. I find it really funny that I have come full circle.