Howell High School senior, Aspen Pyle, is taking a big step in beginning her life alongside HHS alumni Emily Jewell with their up-and-coming hand-painted shoe business “Last Resorts”.

“It’s giving my life some purpose right now,” Pyle says.

Through mutual friends, Pyle and Jewell strengthened their friendship by teaming up as creative entrepreneurs. Pyle was inspired by an idea she came across while scrolling through Pinterest, the online version of a bulletin board.

Pyle and Jewell are selling canvas shoes which are hand-painted to the customer’s preference. Determined to start a new chapter in her life, Pyle hopes this innovative recreation will bring in a few extra dollars to help her on the way.

“My favorite part is hanging out with the girl I’m doing it with,” says Pyle.

“Last Resorts” was named by the assumption that most high school students want inexpensive shoes that are simultaneously stylish. Pyle and Jewell’s goal is to provide a creative and affordable pair of canvas shoes that anyone can enjoy wearing.

A pair of shoes averages about 26 dollars per pair. Although the process is time-consuming and requires tedious work, customer satisfaction is not only important to the

duo, but rewarding as well. Since starting the business just a few weeks ago, Jewell and Pyle have received plenty of orders.

High school English teacher, Luann Haskins, is ordering a pair for herself and her granddaughter.

“Aspen knows I am a Wizard of Oz fan so she suggested that design for me. I am going to order a pair for my granddaughter with the theme of princesses,” Haskins says.

Contact Pyle at [email protected] for your own custom pair. This new idea is a shoe-in for sure.

“I want to be successful for myself,” Pyle says.