As the new school year fast approaches, so does the need to buy new, comfy or just stylish shoes to jump start the coming semester. So it’s no wonder that On The Run shoe store in Santa Ynez has been full of customers lately.

Opened in December 2006 by Taylor and Suzie Bernhardt, On The Run carries and offers an assortment of shoes for just about every style and personality

Opened in December 2006 by Taylor and Suzie Bernhardt, On The Run carries and offers an assortment of shoes for just about every style and personality. Customers can find high-end athletic shoes, stylish Ed Hardy slip-ons, comfortable business casuals and even a large variety of kid shoes.

Before opening On The Run, Taylor attended Pepperdine University and majored in English literature. After graduating he worked as an executive assistant at New Line Cinema and Lions Gate. He began to explore the world of shoes after his best friend Joe Aquino offered him a job as manager in his shoe store. As for Suzie, when not traveling all over the world, she worked as a Nanny for celebrities.

“I love the shoe business,” Taylor said. “It’s something that I would have never predicted myself getting into. I had always liked shoes but never had a real passion to go into the industry. Once I started doing it though, I really enjoyed it.”

Yet after years of being discontent with their employment in the Los Angeles area, the Bernhardts settled on starting their own venture in Taylor’s hometown, Santa Ynez.

“We would often take trips up to the Valley for a little bit of R&R,” Taylor said. “And it dawned on me that there really wasn’t one, a local shoe store, and two, a shoe store that accommodated the entire family.

“That’s why we took a ‘something for everyone’ approach towards the store.”

 “I thought it was a great idea to start a shoe store,” Suzie said. “Taylor’s mom would always mention things you couldn’t get in the Valley and shoes were one of them.”

“Coming back to the Valley and owning a business has definitely been the best decision I’ve ever made in my life,” Taylor said. “Granted it’s a lot of work, but it’s incredibly gratifying to be doing something you truly love.”

The couple said they enjoy the aspect of working together and the idea of offering what they see as a much needed service to the Valley.

“I really hold a lot of value with customer service. I love having the opportunity to make our customers feel welcomed and taken care of,” Taylor said.

“Suzie is great with all the women’s and kids lines whereas I have a knowledge of running shoes. We take our time with our customers. We get them measured and fitted. You don’t see that anymore in shoe stores.

“There’s a lot of satisfaction in being able to make a living and make people happy.”

Like Taylor, Suzie also likes the personal customer service she is able to provide to Valley residents.

“Everybody is so friendly,” Suzie said. “I love having repeat customers come in the store. You know them by name and it’s like they become your family. It’s nice to see how they are doing and being able to catch up.”

The Bernhardts also feel privileged to have the opportunity to provide a service that many customers may not only have to pay dearly for but also travel far to get.

 

“Being a local’s first store, Suzie and I both agreed that everything in the store needed to be priced at retail or below,” Taylor said. “It’s great saving people the long trip to Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, or Lompoc, but it defeats the purpose if we can’t save our customers money.”

On The Run even has a store companion, Samson, who is the couple’s black and white Pomeranian puppy. Taylor and Suzie attribute some of the store’s success to Samson.

 “Everyone who comes in to the store loves him immediately,” Suzie said. “Samson loves to interact with the customers and is great with kids. We have people who stop by all the time just to spend some time with him!”

Likewise, customers can’t stop raving about the store’s customer service and quality products.

“The service has been absolutely wonderful and very welcoming,” said customer Robin Smith, who visits the store every couple months. “The service is very family oriented. It’s like the old days where they sit you down and measure your shoe and find what fits you best. They will even try to let you know when the sale is coming and that’s great since I have three children.”

Ava Goldberg, who is an employee of On The Run, not only enjoys working with the Bernhardts, but also the Valley community as well.

“I love shoes, and Taylor and Suzie are great,” she said. “Plus the people who come in here are very nice.”

Since there is always a need for shoes, whether for athletic reasons, comfort reasons, or style, the future of On The Run seems to be on the horizon.

“Our goal is to open a second store that would sell apparel and sporting goods,” Taylor said.

But no matter how much they expand, one thing’s just about certain, the Bernhardts will always be humble and thankful to the community that supports them.

“Suzie and I both feel that a lot that has occurred with this store and us getting here is from answers to prayer, and from the help of a lot of people. We are just incredibly happy and lucky to be here.”

For more information about On The Run call 805-688-6005 or stop in the store at 1050 Edison St. Suite A in Santa Ynez.