Today we’d like to introduce you to Patti Bloomer.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Tiddies Sandals started in 1973 in Pasadena, Texas. They were all the rage in the ’70’s and 80’s. Unfortunate circumstances put the company out of business in the 90’s. Fast forward to 2016! I heard that the brand was up for sale. Having sold my previous company, I was looking for something that would be really fun to do. I purchased the brand and set up production.
I had the great pleasure to design new styles and colors over the years. We try to stay very tuned into our customers so we know what direction this little shoe factory should be headed in the future.
These days we are mostly and online business, shipping Tiddies Sandals worldwide. However, it is still a tradition to come into the factory and have your sandals custom fitted to your feet. We have vacationers from all over the country stop by the factory when they’re in the area.
We take the Tiddies on the road occasionally…. the Pasadena Strawberry Festival being one of our favorite venues! We try to do one or two other shows annually.
Making Tiddies every day… what a fun job!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The company that manufactured our foam for years went out of business. Unfortunately that left only two American rubber factories to choose from. Establishing a new supply chain was difficult for a company that had been out of business for over a decade.
Getting the word out that we are back in production with almost no advertising budget has been quite a challenge. We have had a very successful word of mouth campaign. We always ask our customers to tell their friends about our little shoe factory!
Some people object to the name “Tiddies”. We have been unable to advertise in High School yearbooks, football calendars, the Houston Chronicle annual sandal feature, etc. Finding an appropriate venue for advertising with a good return has been quite a challenge.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Tiddies Sandals – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Being an all American shoe is very unusual! Not only are our sandals made here in Houston, all our materials are manufactured in America as well.
We are best known for our “Ledgendary Softness”! Comfort is the thing with Tiddies. Our latex straps are adjustable to fit almost any foot size. We make styles up to a men’s 17/18 in multiple sassy color combinations.
Our sandals are made from closed cell foam so they always float!
The biggest difference in our sandals compared to others… Rubber! We make an all rubber sandal with no synthetic materials.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
We have been working on expanding our line into t-shirts, hoodies and other wearables. No big changes on the horizon at this point… but being a small factory we are able to make changes in a very quickly. When we have a new idea we execute within weeks!
Contact Info:
- Address: 927 Crosstimber St
Houston, TX 77022 - Website: www.mytiddies.com
- Phone: 713-316-0097
- Email: info@tiddiesinc.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tiddiessandals
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/tiddies-sandals-factory-houston
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