Tamara Thomas, owner of My Addiction Shoe Boutique. Photo: Urban News

by Johnnie Grant

Tamara “Tammi” Thomas admits she was quite the tomboy growing up, and basketball was her sport of choice. At first glance one would wonder why this svelte, six-foot-tall young lady had not captured the attention of top designers and fashion houses, but sports was Tamara’s main focus during her teenage years.

“While other girls my age were experimenting with clothes and lipstick, I could always be found on the courts!” says Tamara.

Tamara’s grandmother (Helen), and her mother (Linda) were known for their trendy fashion couture; they both “set the standards” on what to wear. Linda even modeled professionally in the late 1960s and early ’70s for a modeling agency in Michigan, and did runway modeling in New York. Locally, Linda sponsored fashion shows in the Asheville community, and Tammi and her brother Ronald, Jr. were usually in them.

However, it would be years before Tammi gave up her love for basketball and developed an interest in the fashion industry. And she is quick to admit that her fashion interest morphed easily into a shoe fetish. “Imelda Marcos had nothing on me when it came to shoes!” she laughs, admitting that her shoe closet contains hundreds of shoes for every occasion. “It’s just my addiction.” she mused.

Panaramic view of the city of Guangzhou, China.

And that became the name of her business. Four years ago Tammi opened My Addiction, a trendy shoe boutique in the historic business district, the Block. She continues to feed the fetishes of the customer who is looking for unique and trendy footwear. When she makes buyers trips to buy at shoe conventions, Tammi focuses on quality, style, comfort, and uniqueness in any shoe that she wants to sell to her costumers. “My customers’ requests for footwear and styles are varied, and I try to accommodate their requests,” said Tammi.

Recently Tammi began searching for a designer who could fashion her own “My Addiction” line of fashionable footwear. Last October, she and her brother Ronald flew to China with sketches in hand, and with the help of an interpreter she begin looking for a shoe designer. “On the day we arrived, it was the “National Day” holiday in the city of Guangzhou. “We were able to enjoy some of the festivities, which was a welcome treat,” recalls Tammi. “Then it was back to work!”

Now Tammi has brought back her premiere signature line of “My Addiction” footwear. The styles are unique, trendy, and quite eye-catching, and – the good news for fellow shoe addicts – the prices are also quite addicting!

My Addiction Shoe Boutique is located at 12 Eagle Street in downtown Asheville. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Consultations by appointment only.

For more information contact My Addiction Shoe Boutique at (828) 225-5006.

City of Guangzhou decorated for the National Day celebration.
Photos courtesy Tamara Thomas