SELF LOVE

by Elena Brennan January 18, 2021

Philadelphia Female Entrepreneurs

The Women of BUS STOP Boutique

We're more than a shoe store and it's bigger than just shoes.

BUS STOP is an international designer shoe store and specialty footwear boutique established 14 years ago. It has remained a destination store for new discovery & a shop for you to find new unique shoes, handbags, and accessories to fall in love with again and again.

But...we're more than just a shoe store. We are a team of womxn with our own personal histories, talents, backstories, successes, failures, heartbreaks, stories, and opinions. Yes, we love being the humans who scour for and offer you the best footwear options in Philadelphia & we get giddy every time you come to BUS STOP to devour all the shoes.

For all these years we've loved to personally help you pick the perfect pair of shoes, boots, sneakers, heels, bags, socks, and jewelry inside our brick and mortar and now online. We've had some other incredible folks over the years at our shop, interns & shop folks who have elevated our brand, our style, and our perspective.

And now, during one of the most challenging moments in US history that we've found ourselves in, BUS STOP remains & prevails....as a team of just three! Founder Elena & her two Aubrey/ie's make up BUS STOP today & we three continue to build together creatively while navigating the new opportunities & challenges presenting themselves to us in unprecedented times & ever evolving landscapes.

We began our BUS STOP Loves series as a way to highlight our favourite Philadelphians and to shed light on their unique & personal lives, perspectives, talents, hopes, and dreams during a time where the only thing that truly made sense to us was to come together as a community.

Now that it is 2021 and a brand new year, it made so much sense for the 3 of us to participate in our BUS STOP Loves series, practice SELF LOVE, and get a little more personal with our own reflections. This is the BUS STOP Loves / SELF LOVE edition with Elena, Aubrey, & Aubrie of BUS STOP!

#BusStopLoves

First up, Elena Brennan shoe designer and owner of BUS STOP shoe boutique in Philly.

Elena in her shop window on a day in April during Covid-19 lockdown. Photograph by Andrea Cipriani.

1. How long have you lived in Philly?
I've lived in Philly for 35 years! I moved here from London where I met Joseph (he was in the Marine Corps stationed at The American Embassy in London). He was the first American I had ever dated :) and after a long-distance relationship he proposed, we got married in St. John's Wood, London and I moved to Philly right after the wedding. We are no longer together but I can thank him for now calling Philly my home.
2. How do you describe yourself in THREE WORDS?
Loyal / Optimistic / Romantic
3. How would your best friend describe you in THREE WORDS?
Passionate / Determined / Positive Influence
4. How did you start your career?
Well, I've had two careers. After graduating college, I worked for J. Walter Thompson (J.W.T.) an international advertising agency in London with the hope that I would use the many languages I had studied - French, German and Spanish. When I moved to America, I continued with that field, until I lost the passion for corporate America, and I worked in advertising right up until I opened BUS STOP in April, 2007.
I've always had a passion for shoes, and while I was still in the advertising industry, I spent quite a bit of time researching how to become an entrepreneur and if there was a need for a shoe boutique in Philly. At the time I was a single mother (Joseph and I had divorced after 5 years of marriage) and I didn't want to start a new career until the time was right for Colin (my son). As it so happened, I signed the lease to my retail space on Colin's 18th birthday...it was destiny!
In 2015, I embarked on another career...as a shoe designer! I absolutely love designing shoes and my brand BUS STOP X keeps evolving. The shoe collections are limited edition, and are sold exclusively in my boutique and on my website. I just finished designing the Spring/Summer 2021 collection...so stay tuned!
5. Who's your mentor?
My dad was my mentor, unfortunately he passed away October, 2018 and his shoes have been hard to fill. He was so sage and believed in me, and it felt so good to have his undying support. He always guided me in the right direction, and he would look at things with a different perspective. I didn't always like what he had to say as it was different from my opinion, but in the end I knew he was right!
Since my dad's passing, Marty Rose my USA rep for All Black Footwear is my mentor. We meet four times a year, and he has so much retail experience (previously with J.W.T. coincidentally and more recently with Calvin Klein). Our relationship grows stronger every day. I miss our one-on-one face-to-face dinners and conversations!
6. What do you fantasize about?
I fantasize about living in a small cottage in the South of France, Tuscany or in a little village on the island of Cyprus. A bicycle (with a basket) as my mode of transportation, growing wild flowers in the garden, going to different markets in the surrounding towns and villages, eating fresh delicious food, sipping the local wine, reading books and writing.
7. What Keeps You Up At Night?
The current political climate, systemic racism, and social injustice. It has taken its toll on our local economy and our emotions. I often think "Will mankind make it? Will we make it? Will the other small businesses that I love make it?". Honestly, it's tough out there for most independent entrepreneurs. We have so many incredible creative and resilient businesses in Philly but it's been tough meeting our bottom line recently. That said, it's even tougher to be Black in America, so I am beyond grateful.
As we come together for a greater, crucial cause in this global crisis, we need the support of each other, and our local community more than ever. And I feel that we have the comfort of that in Philly, there are so many entrepreneurs that care and are willing to support each other in so many ways.
8. How Has The Pandemic Affected You?
Looking back to the temporary closure of the boutique due to the Covid-19 lock-down, I was forced to take undefined time to feel gratitude at every scale and re-prioritize my values. I'm proud to say as an entrepreneur, I've remained mindful of these goals. It is now exciting to look back and acknowledge that the period post-the shutdown has turned out to be one as robust with new ideas and new initiatives.
Don't get me wrong, it was the scariest time in the 13+ years of owning my business. It was an eerie feeling but at the same time so peaceful. With everything that was going on in the world, it gave me more time to reflect, as well as to commiserate on how this was going to affect us all emotionally, physically and financially.
As a shoe designer and a female-owned business, I understand that boutique shopping can feel like a luxury to some, but I believe that my presence in the local economy is crucial to the cultural landscape. My small space brings joy and offers respite and retail therapy to our community.
Our customers are our friends. The relationships we foster in my space builds community and unity throughout the city. I feel that it is invaluable to our quality of life and collective vibrancy. These small businesses add so much to the cultural landscape of Philadelphia.
A couple of good things came about during the lock-down. Firstly, it forced me to focus on my website, which at the time I had just soft-launched. During Covid, I worked diligently on my website each day to add every single piece of inventory in the boutique, and encouraged my customers to purchase online (while we were closed). This has kept my business afloat, and I am still working on the website, implementing SEO and making sure my website is as effective as it can be.
Secondly, I am selectively choosing who to partner with even more than I used to, streamlining the designers I carry in the boutique to make sure they are in sync with my morals and way of conducting business.
9. How Has The BLM Movement Influenced Your Life & Your Work?
Black Americans have been oppressed for centuries. Action to change this was long-overdue. I long deeply for every Black person to have the same rights, resources and justice as white persons.
I mourn with those who mourn. My heart and mind is open and I'm committed to Black Lives Matter. There's no "going back to business as normal". I'm committed in helping create a normal and a new world that's nurturing for all.
This is one of the most important global human rights movement of our lifetime. I believe in equity for the Black community and stand in solidarity to end racism. I'm committed to listening, unlearning and reeducating. My initial actions include supporting organizations and individuals who are working hard to dismantle systemic racism and changing my business model to support more Black designers, creatives and makers.
BUS STOP shoe boutique is a place of love and inclusivity for every person regardless of race, religion or sexual orientation.
As well as supporting Black Lives Matter organizations, I'm asking that we shop with local and national black-owned businesses.
10. What's One Thing Most People Would Be Surprised To Know About You?
On my first day of nursery school, I did not know a single word of English. My parents are Greek Cypriot and so at home we only spoke Greek. I learnt the English language when I went to school. I am fully bi-lingual, and can read and write in Greek. Does anyone know my maiden name? It was "Hadjioannou" (now you know why I kept my married name Brennan after my divorce)!
Bonus Q: What's Your Favorite Place in Philly?
Now that's a difficult question to answer, as I have so many fave spots in Philly but if I had to pick just one, I would have to say I love exploring all the tiny cobblestone streets, especially in the spring time when the blossoms have bloomed and the birds are chirping!

.
Aubrey Loftus, creator of Modern Misfits

1. How long have you lived in Philly?
I’ve lived in beautiful, messy Philly for 12 years.
2. How do you describe yourself in THREE WORDS?
Loving, curious, and silly.
3. How would your best friend describe you in THREE WORDS?
Fun, loyal, and creative.
4. How did you start your career?
I started my creative practice, Modern Misfits, with my best friend Camille Moser in 2013 by curating themed Pop-Up shops selling vintage, up-cycled, and handmade clothing created by Camille and I, as well as a variety of primarily female artists. During this time I was working as a curator at James Oliver Gallery as well as at BUS STOP Boutique, both of which introduced me to the amazing creative arts & fashion communities Philly has to offer. I started honing in on the passion that was growing within me since I was a child, making my own clothes and accessories. Cultivating serious sewing skills is challenging so it’s been about 5 years of PRACTICE and patience. I still love curating and connecting with other artists, showcasing their work and voices so I look forward to how that can play a role in my creative life again.
5. Who's your mentor?
Elena & Aubrie for showing me how doing what you love translates into business! My mom for showing me love and excitement for others is a worthy cause. My Grandma and Camille for inspiring me to sew and teaching me how to perfect my craft. My sister who keeps me constantly thinking of new creative ideas. These are all parts of my creative practice and life. And so many more…I love watching all the great Philly entrepreneurs I know progress and grow. It’s truly taught me so much.
6. What do you fantasize about?
I find myself fantasizing about starting a fashion/comedy podcast, seeing live music again, and clothes I want to make. I fantasize about buying things from every cool artist & maker I know. My Instagram folders are filled with fantasy outfits and interior design. Honestly I live in fantasy-land.
7. What Keeps You Up At Night?
The health of my family, making “it all” happen, and curating the perfect wardrobe. Every night I try to think of something I’m grateful for from my boyfriend or myself and express that. It sounds silly but it helps me go to sleep happy despite the stresses of life.
8. How Has The Pandemic Affected You?
Like many people, my perspective on reality has flipped upside down. I live for making meaningful connections with others and the ways that could happen really shifted and it took a toll on me emotionally. Coming back to BUS STOP Boutique helped me to be able to reengage with people. which I am so grateful for. I am still making masks and was lucky enough to be able to sell them in my partner’s cafe and I get to see a variety of people wearing something I’ve made. It’s not the thing I have always wanted to make for the masses but it’s amazing to be supported by your community and people who don’t even know you. It’s also nice to see people compromising their comfort for the greater good!
9. How Has The BLM Movement Influenced Your Life & Your Work?
Having a chance to learn more about how I can evolve and make changes in my everyday actions has been incredibly valuable. I’m so grateful for the education and evolution this movement has instilled in myself and others. Demanding that our country better serve our communities of color is not only important but FUNDAMENTAL to the success of America. There are parts of these disparities I grew up seeing first-hand but I’m aware that there is so much happening outside of my scope of understanding, which inspires me to learn to be a better ally and reconcile my own wrongs.
I feel it’s forced me to slow down and rethink my own work. I’m aware making handbags is probably not saving the world. So why do it? I live with this question a lot. My brand Modern Misfits has always been centered around being an unabashed version of yourself and embracing what that looks like through personal style and lifestyle. I’m inspired by Prince and Betty Davis (and countless others) who emulated that idea while facing incredible adversity. That’s the idea I often return to when remembering why I am doing what I do. There’s strength in confidence, understanding, and remaining undaunted.
10: What's one thing most people would be surprised to know about you?
I don’t know if this would surprise anyone who knows me, but I do a mean karaoke of It’s Raining Men. My dad became a college radio DJ when I was in High School and introduced my family to the world of blues music (and so many other genres) and would let us sit in on interviews and imitate performances. He didn’t get paid but it engulfed our lives. I’m musically obsessed. In 2019 I went to see Patti Smith and Lizzo by myself. I cried at both concerts.
BONUS Q: What's your favorite spot in Philly?
Tattooed Mom, Philly Aids Thrift, Gleaners Cafe, and of course 4th Street! They all share an essence of what Philly is: unique, open-minded, honest, and a little bit weird.

.
Aubrie Costello, Artist

1. How long have you lived in Philly?

On + off for 15 years

2. How do you describe yourself in THREE WORDS?

Introspective, Kind, Evolving

3. How would your best friend describe you in THREE WORDS?

Sensitive, Loving, Talented (and if I can add a 4th, *neurotic* lol)

4. How did you start your career?

I started honing in on what interests me & began making art about vulnerability, softness, sensuality, & intimacy in 2007. I discovered the emotive and humanistic quality of fabrics & silk when I was creating assemblages of silk bound & wrapped objects which I collected. These installations were extensive and the piles of objects in silk always correlated with my series of pastel drawings. My drawings felt like film stills and depicted an imaginary world I created in my head, a sort of dreamlike dystopian society where childlike innocence was lost and womxn were neglected, sexualized, & objectified. There was a lot of pain in the drawings and I believe it was a reflection of how I was feeling at the time, a commentary on the times/American culture, and an unpacking of personal & shared trauma(s).

As I worked through this pain and embraced healing, I began practicing meditation & minimalism and decided to challenge myself to work differently, non-traditionally (outside of the four walls of my studio) and a lot more minimally. This resulted in years of street art installations which consisted only of silk, chiffon, pins, and a huge collection of words/phrases pulled from the world around me & from my own personal writings, texts, and emails. That silk graffiti work moved me into where I find myself now, still working minimally but even more intentionally & collaboratively. After I made silk graffiti flags for every episode of SMILF Season 2 on Showtime, I confirmed that I never want to create work non-collaboratively again.

I am currently planning my biggest collaborative project to date called The Erotic Project (@theeroticprojectxo) which is a multi-phase, multimedia inclusive & accessible art project which explores eroticism as self care for our collective healing. The Erotic Project includes a multitude of diverse contributors whose work will be featured in an erotic zine, a prompt card deck, an audio book, and a short film, produced by me. (Shameless plug) Please follow & consider donating! https://aubriecostello.com/donate

5. Who’s your mentor? I have had so many over my lifetime, some who are loved ones & some I don't even know but have taught me so much & guided me through my life. Right now my mentors are: Elena Brennan, Amberella, Conrad Benner, Sarah Magazzo, Kei Kucera, Ann Lewis, Keiko El and at least 30+ IG accounts run by Black womxn, Black scholars, non-binary and transgender activists, sex-positivity practitioners, racial justice leaders, and Black creatives. Most I don't know personally but their work is incredibly personal, transformative, illuminating, & important to me so we're friends in my head. :)

6. What do you fantasize about?

Comfortably living by the sea or overseas with a small adorable dog and loving, sexy partner & creating a body of work that deeply resonates, is accessible, beautiful, authentic and clear in its vision & execution, and really touches folks.

7. What keeps you up at night? Drinking too late, overthinking about money, mistakes, capitalism, the lack of humanity in oppressive American systems, art projects, & my lovely unique anxiety.

8. How has the pandemic affected you? I now realize how crucial solitude, rest, slowness, stillness, nesting, eroticism, and cultivating simple acts of joy alone & with loved ones is to my whole being. I hate hustle culture & societal expectations. Open space & time are essential to process trauma & collectively heal. I now will be more decisive in my moves & not feel guilty for saying "no" and respecting myself, who I am, and my new boundaries. The pandemic offered me what my body/mind/heart has been craving for years: time, quiet, and space. I also realize my privilege in saying this, as many others have not been offered this opportunity. We should all have the time & space we need and deserve & receive this in abundance. That is our human right.

9. How has the BLM Movement influenced your life and your work?

I am unlearning and reeducating myself. Everything is penetrating deeper. I support the movement for racial justice, abolishing the police, giving resources & reparations to Black people in this country and beyond, admitting and investigating the inhumanity at the core of this country's history and getting to work creating an equitable society. We need revolutionary healing. I've always felt this but this year, given the time & space to really process and see crystal clearly, I can't unsee and ignore the urgency. I want to be an effective co-conspirator and a real ally. I understand the importance of mindful, considered support and the danger of performorative activism & allyship. I'm currently giving my $ to Black businesses and individuals, creating with (and paying) Black artists, and decentralizing myself and listening more. My current project, The Erotic Project, is inclusive and is really intersection of many diverse perspectives.

10: What's one thing most people would be surprised to know about you? I won the Little Miss Hemisphere competition when I was 2 years old by doing a curtsy on stage. That won over the judges. :) I still have my tiara.

BONUS Q: What's your favorite spot in Philly?

PHILLY PARKS! They bring me so much joy. In no particular order: FDR, Mario Lanza Park, Dickinson Square Park, Jefferson Square Park, Malcolm X Park, Cira Green, Schuylkill River Park

Hope we've shed some light on the three women that make up BUS STOP Boutique, and that you've learnt something new about us.

We have more interviews from the #BusStopLoves Series to share with you...so stay tuned. If you would like to be interviewed for our series, just reach out to us!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!