Determination: the act of coming to a decision or of fixing or settling a purpose.
Ask most business owners what drives them and many will answer, “Determinationâ€.
Erica Doucet is no different in that aspect – except that she took her determination to find a product and parlayed it into a unique and successful business model – Phat Pheet.
Ms. Doucet is a young entrepreneur whose presence in the marketplace continues to grow. She is a graduate of the University of New Orleans and Delgado Community College, and has earned degrees in Real Estate, Finance, and Business Administration.
As owner of Phat Pheet, a premiere online shoe and accessory boutique based in New Orleans, Louisiana, Ms. Doucet caters to fashion forward clientele around the globe. Her clients include women who wear large size shoes, along with men who “cross dressâ€.
The Heat Magazine recently had an opportunity to speak with Ms. Doucet. As purveyors of fashion, we were ecstatic when she agreed to allow us to feature her business. Here’s what she had to say:
THE HEAT MAGAZINE: How long has Phat Pheet been in existence?
ERICA DOUCET OF PHAT PHEET: “Officially†a year, but “unofficiallyâ€, about two and a half years.
THE HEAT MAGAZINE: Tell us a little about Phat Pheet.
ERICA DOUCET OF PHAT PHEET: Phat Pheet is an online shoe store catering to women who wear large size shoes. Phat Pheet also caters to men who cross dress and to transsexuals.
I got into this business because I was having trouble finding shoes in my size. That frustration led me to start Phat Pheet.
THE HEAT MAGAZINE: What size & style of shoes does Phat Pheet offer?
ERICA DOUCET OF PHAT PHEET: Phat Pheet offers designer shoes between sizes 7-14. Our shoes range in style from casual, dress, work, sandals and boots.
THE HEAT MAGAZINE: Do you have any plans for the business in the future, such as to sell any items besides shoes?
ERICA DOUCET OF PHAT PHEET: I plan to sell jewelry and handbags and also to have fixed locations in the Magazine Street/Uptown/French Quarter areas of New Orleans. For right now, I have the website in order to get my brand out there and to build up my clientele.
THE HEAT MAGAZINE: Does Phat Pheet currently have any specials?
ERICA DOUCET OF PHAT PHEET: Yes, we are running a Mother’s Day Special of 25% off. Clients can enter coupon code MOTHERSDAY25 in order to receive a 25% discount. The sale runs through May 8th.
THE HEAT MAGAZINE: How can our readers find Phat Pheet on the internet?
ERICA DOUCET OF PHAT PHEET: We have a Facebook page – www.facebook.com/phatpheet.  We are also on Twitter – www.twitter.com/phatpheet.
People from all over the globe now have a place to go to shop for and purchase larger sized, stylish shoes at affordable prices.
If you are seeking some fabulous footwear, make sure to visit Phat Pheet’s website at www.phatpheet.com. The discriminating buyer will not be disappointed.
