Kifle Shoe Boutique

We visited the Short North's Kifle Shoe Boutique to talk shop. Here are highlights from our conversation with Aden Kifle, 33, an Ohio State alum who owns the shop with sisters Helen, 29, and Aba, 26.

Q: First off, how do you pronounce the shop's name?

A: It's Kif-leh.

Q: What inspired you to open a shoe boutique?

A: I lived in New York from 2003 to 2010. Went out there, worked at a shoe boutique and fell in love with it.

Q: You say you try to carry styles that are practical but playful. Nine months in, what lines are doing best?

A: Seychelles early on definitely was our bestseller. Corso Como-I think people are really liking that. The styles are classic, but people really like the comfort.

Q: You also carry clothing and jewelry made by local designers, yes?

A: Our main focus is shoes, but then we saw that there were so many talented designers, and we wanted to give them a space. And they've just been ecstatic.

Q: Can you tell me about your bags, which are also made by a local designer?

A: Tohni Bekka-she makes all leather handbags. And this season, she's playing with some really pretty floral fabrics mixed with the leather. They're anywhere from $55 to $175.

Q: How has working with your sisters been?

A: It's good! Throughout the process, we've gained a different level of respect for each other.