Business & Tech
10 Questions for Shoe Candy Owner Lucille Mendes
Inspired by family and friends, Mendes followed her dream of owning a business in Los Gatos.
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.
Lucille Mendes opened her shoe and clothing store, , in 2009, and she couldn’t be happier. For Mendes, running her own business is hard work, but it’s also a dream come true. And she finds the town of Los Gatos, with its natural beauty and friendly people, the perfect setting to live her dream.
Los Gatos Patch: What did you dream of being as a kid?
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Lucille Mendes: When I was growing up, I hoped and dreamed of becoming a lawyer.
Patch: How does your personality play into your business?
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Mendes: I love the everyday interaction of meeting new individuals. I’ve always enjoyed the company of meeting people of all different personalities.
Patch: At what moment did you decide to open a business?
Mendes: I was laid off from my job and decided that it was time to go after my dreams of owning my own shoe store. I talked to my family, and they were supportive of my decision to get my store going. I got my ideas together, and here I am today, living my dream, which has been hard work but definitely worth the challenge.
Patch: What inspired you?
Mendes: I have always been inspired by my family and friends who have always told me to go after my dreams. My children have also inspired me, because I’m definitely showing them that your dreams are possible as long as you work hard.
Patch: Describe the biggest challenge of owning a business in the town of Los Gatos?
Mendes: The biggest challenge has been trying to be unique from all the other shoe and clothing stores.
Patch: Describe the best thing about owning a business in the town of Los Gatos?
Mendes: The beauty, the small-town feel and the friendly people of Los Gatos.
Patch: What is one thing you would never change about your business?
Mendes: The friendships and connections that I have established with my customers.
Patch: What is your business' greatest asset?
Mendes: My greatest business asset is that I absolutely love what I do.
Patch: What is your favorite spot in town?
Mendes: My favorite spot is .
Patch: What's one thing the community should know about you?
Mendes: I love what I do. I can’t imagine not doing this, of owning my own shoe and clothing store, especially in the charming town of Los Gatos.
