makeway

This new boutique on Bathurst is a haven for sneaker-loving women

Makeway is an inclusive space for anyone who loves streetwear

Sneakers and streetwear have traditionally been male dominated where retail spaces are concerned. But Abby Albino and Shelby Weaver are aiming to change that with Makeway, their aptly named shop putting the focus on women who love sneakers.

โ€œThere are a lot of barriers for womxn who are sneaker lovers, and as sneaker lovers ourselves, we wanted to hopefully create a space that addresses the barriers,โ€ Albino says.

Some of the barriers she describes include lack of sizing, representation from the decision-making level and, specifically for Canadians, a lack of accessibility.

โ€œSneaker culture has been a very male-dominated industry for so long, and weโ€™re excited to break those barriers,โ€ explains Albino, adding that, โ€œSneaker culture can sometimes be very intimidating, and we want womxn to feel welcome and that they belong.โ€

So far they have had an overwhelmingly positive response from not just women, but the sneaker community in general.

โ€œMany have expressed how overdue a place like Makeway is, and we couldn’t agree more,โ€ says Albino.

 

makeway
Abby Albino and Shelby Weaver โ“’ Rick Madonik / Toronto Star

When it comes to what they choose to stock, the main focus is on representation and ensuring consumers can see themselves in the products they carry.

โ€œWeโ€™re proud to offer so many products that are made by BIPOC [Black, Indigenous, people of colour] womxn, both local and global,โ€ Albino says. โ€œFor example, we have various skin care brands made by local BIPOC womxn, and our BIPOC consumers know that those products were made to address their specific skin type.โ€

In terms of opening up in the midst of a pandemic, both Albino and Weaver say they knew they were going to have challenges but they were up for it.

โ€œWe always said, if we can launch a brick and mortar sneaker boutique in a pandemic, we can do anything,โ€ says Albino. โ€œIn a sense, the lockdown has allowed us to focus our energy on our online store, and weโ€™re grateful to see the continued support from our community.โ€

Once the lockdown ends, shoppers can expect a welcoming, inclusive in-store experience at Makewayโ€™s brick and mortar location within Stackt Market on Bathurst Street.

โ€œOne pillar of Makeway is to provide a space for the female sneaker community to be seen and celebrated,โ€ Albino says. โ€œIt’s been great to see womxn feel seen through Makewayโ€™s product assortment.โ€

For those looking to get their hands on the streetwear products and sneakers, the online store is accessible at shopmakeway.co. And once in-store shopping is allowed, customers can head over to 28 Bathurst St., Unit 2-101 to see the retail space come to life.

Article exclusive to STREETS OF TORONTO