Pink Pump in Royal Oak

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Pink Pump

Pink Pump

Tawny Thieu, 29, of Pontiac, may not have had a lot of money growing up, but what she did have paid-off when she bought her first pair of Mary Janes with the chunky heels and later her very own store to house them in.

“I always wore hand-me-downs so when I bought me first pair there was no stopping me from there,” she says. “I always felt growing up I never had the right shoes and was teased about it so that’s why now I’m so committed to affordability.”

And you can most certainly tell just by stepping into one of her bright pink shoe palaces -- her favorite color of course -- filled with the latest shoe and accessory trends, stylish finds, hip must haves and things that truly are hard for us woman to resist (yup, that includes me who scooped up a fabulous bohemian handbag.)

“I love fashion and have such a passion for it so I look for people who want to be here just as much as I do,” says Thieu. “There’ll be one in Ann Arbor and Atlanta soon, too. The sky’s the limit.”

I need to let everyone know about Pink Pump…what’s it about?
And how there’s more than one location…I first opened Shoe Envy in Keego Harbor in 2006, but that wasn’t big enough, so in 2007, I opened another bigger and better store in Bloomfield Hills. In 2009, I opened the Birmingham location and changed the name to Pink Pump and in August the Royal Oak location will be open, too.

And in this economy, it’s fortunate that you can open new locations…Every woman still wants to indulge. We have good merchandise and prices that range from $30 and up. People come in and are surprised because we have a fun and funky environment. They think because of our location that it won’t be affordable, but that’s important to me that we are.

How is Pink Pump different from other shoes stores?
Our merchandise really makes us stand out and our great service. We teach you how to take care of shoes, how to wear them and how to coordinate them with outfits.

What is Pink Pump known for?
I work a lot so my vacations are buying trips. I buy things that I like and what every girl likes. We have things for that chic woman to the bohemian chick. I like to call it a baby department store. We also have our signature “Bug” that drives around for shoe emergencies called Heels on Wheels.

Heels on Wheels..hey, that’s pretty cool…We can come over to where you are and bring you a variety of shoe options. We also do gift deliveries. We go wherever you’re at.

What are the brands here?
L.A.M.B, Betsey Johnson, Velvet Angel, Pink Duchess, Jessica Simpson (which I have on right now), Puma, Michael Kors, Jeffery Campbell and other up and coming designers. You’ll find things you can’t find at other department stores, including one-of-a-kind jewelry.                        

And what’s this I hear about a “Sweet Feet” art opening?
It’s an art inspired by shoes show that celebrates women and the grand opening of our newest locations. It’s on July 23 from 6-9 p.m. at the Birmingham Pink Pump. Rick Manore’s the curator, DJ Jenny LaFemme will play house and chill and there’ll be pink champagne. Artists include: Cristin Richard, Laura Barnhard, Tracee Mae Miller, Gwen Joy, Jacx, Molly Jacques, Audrey Pongracz, Allison Vince, Lisa Goedert, Sunny Maniaci, Michell Danel, Joell Krista and Nicole Jarecz.

Why are you doing this and what makes it so sweet?
The industry is actually male dominated so as a woman going into the business it can be a little intimidating, but that’s why I’m franchising the business and the brand; it’s so fun.  It’s great to get together and do one big party. Plus, you’ll have access to amazing art for sale, like one artist is making a chandelier out of shoes. I totally want to buy that.

Pink Pump is located at 6606 Telegraph, Bloomfield Hills, 48301; 150 W. Maple Rd., Birmingham, 48009 and their soon-to-be-opened location at 309 S. Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067, www.shoppinkpump.com.