When Sara Beth Norrell graduated from Samford University in 2013, she imagined a career in the classroom — not behind the counter of a beloved children’s shoe store. But after eight years of teaching and the birth of her second child, Ruthie, Sara Beth felt God nudging her toward something new. That nudge turned into an unexpected opportunity when Shannon and Chad, the previous owners of If The Shoe Fits, approached her about purchasing the store. “It was an unexpected opportunity that felt like a perfect fit,” Sara Beth says, “and I’m so grateful for where that conversation led.”
Nearly five years later, Sara Beth is approaching a milestone anniversary in business — and reflecting on just how much the journey has taught her. “These past five years have taught me so much,” she says. “One of the biggest lessons has been just how loyal and supportive the Cullman community is. Small businesses truly thrive because of the people who choose to shop local, and I never take that for granted.” For Sara Beth, the relationships built along the way have been the most rewarding part of ownership.
Step inside If The Shoe Fits, and you’ll find a store thoughtfully divided into two sides. One side offers a wide selection of women’s shoes along with OluKai footwear for men. The other is dedicated entirely to children — shoes, clothing, and accessories in sizes ranging from newborn all the way through youth large. “What sets us apart is the quality and variety of the products we carry,” Sara Beth explains. “I want everyone who walks through our doors to find something they love, whether they’re shopping for a special occasion or everyday essentials.”
With this issue spotlighting kids, Sara Beth lit up talking about dressing little ones. “There’s something so special about children’s clothing,” she says. “Childhood is such a short season, and I love helping families celebrate it.” Some of her favorite moments in the store are the small, meaningful ones — fitting a child for their very first pair of shoes, finding the perfect outfit for a special occasion, or helping an expecting mom build her baby registry. Right now, she’s especially excited about the shop’s newest line, The Beaufort Bonnet Company, known for timeless, classic styles that pair beautifully with more playful, everyday pieces.
But ask Sara Beth what keeps her going, and the answer has little to do with inventory. “What keeps me passionate is the people,” she says. “I love seeing familiar faces, watching children grow over the years, and getting to know the families who support our store.” She’s quick to credit her team — “an amazing team of women who show up every day with servant hearts” — and especially her manager, Emily Klair Brown, whom Sara Beth calls her right hand and one of her closest friends. “If The Shoe Fits simply would not be the same without her.”
At the heart of it all, Sara Beth’s mission is simple. “Our goal is to serve others well, build lasting relationships, and honor the Lord through the way we treat people,” she says. It’s a mission Cullman families feel every time they walk through the door — one well-fitted pair of shoes at a time.
If The Shoe Fits
108 Clark St NE, Cullman, AL
(256) 739-0262
www.iftheshoefitsal.com