Shoe La La, a new locally owned footwear and accessories retailer, celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday, Oct. 30, welcoming community members, local officials and business representatives to the Garrett County business community.
Owned by Nazira Mukhamejan, Shoe La La represents a new retail investment in Garrett County, adding to the county's diverse mix of locally owned businesses and expanding shopping options for residents and visitors.
Connor Norman, business development specialist with the Garrett County Department of Business Development, led the ceremony, recognizing Mukhamejan's entrepreneurial investment and welcoming the business to the local retail community.
Shoe La La offers men's and women's footwear, with selections ranging from versatile shoes designed for all-day comfort to rugged styles suited to a country lifestyle. With products available across a variety of price points, the store aims to accommodate a broad range of customer preferences and everyday needs.
Beyond footwear, the shop features a curated selection of accessories, including an exclusive collection of Kazakh accessories and distinctive statement jackets that reflect Mukhamejan's personal vision and offer customers something different from traditional retail selections.
“I wanted Shoe La La to be a place where people can find comfortable, stylish shoes and discover something unique,” said Mukhamejan. “It means so much to celebrate this milestone with the community, and I'm excited to welcome customers into the store.”
Commissioner Paul Edwards joined the celebration, emphasizing the importance of entrepreneurship and locally owned businesses in strengthening Garrett County's economy.
“Every new business represents an investment in Garrett County and an opportunity to strengthen our local economy,” said Edwards. “Entrepreneurs like Nazira bring new ideas, products and experiences to our community while contributing to the diversity of our business community. We appreciate her decision to invest in Garrett County and wish her continued success.”
Also attending the ceremony were Chris Funk, business loan officer with Tri-County Council; Corey Heyman, representative of the Western Maryland Small Business Development Center; and Mark Malec, former Western Maryland SBDC representative. Garrett County Chamber of Commerce Diplomats were also present, including Chair Macy Wells and Julie Mead.
The ribbon cutting marked an important milestone for Mukhamejan and another addition to Garrett County's locally owned business community. Shoe La La's combination of everyday footwear, distinctive accessories and international influences brings a unique retail offering to the McHenry area.
Shoe La La is located at the rear of the building at 23789 Garrett Highway, McHenry, Maryland 21541.
