While working as Nicole Miller’s southeast sales rep, Whitney Dunn Daniel, realized “all of the major cities had cool options when it came to smaller scale shoe stores.” She loved the lines those stores carried – Calleen Cordero, Coclico, Liberty Black – and made it her mission to bring this type of unique retail to Nashville. Luckily, opening her own boutique had been her goal when she studied fashion merchandising in college, and Whitney had spent high school and college working in retail. Once she had the concept for The Perfect Pair, Whitney jumped in two feet first.

So you kept falling in love other city’s shoe stores, but where did your love of shoes come from?
From a young age, I was in love with shoes. I would play dress up for hours in my mother’s awesome closet. I enjoyed making clothes for my Barbie’s and wanted to style my own outfits for as long as I can remember. Even my younger brother was tortured by my endless games of dress-up.

It’s a big change to go from working retail and representing a line to everything involved with starting a business. Once you decided to make the plunge, how did you design a space that represents your brand?
I am slightly obsessed with interior design, and almost chose that as my college major. I also adore travel and find that the two go hand-in-hand. When I created my space, I wanted to create a warm, inviting, clean and individual space using a bit of a Moroccan touch. I ultimately wanted my product to be the main focal point among a gorgeous clean crisp space. I called my dear friend and designer Rachel Halvorson. She and I worked out the details over wine! My small space really did turn out to be just perfect- and I got my Moroccan arched doorways!

We may be getting ahead of ourselves, but all this snow has us itching for spring. What pair of shoes are you looking forward to wearing once spring is here?
The JonI wedge sandal by Coclico. It’s sexy, strappy, a tad edgy, and perfectly comfortable!

Adding it to the top of our wish lists. Thank you, Whitney! For our readers, be sure to check out The Perfect Pair the next time you’re in Nashville.