By Jimmy Lawton

It’s not a secret. If you have a degree and some good old fashion ambition you can make a living doing what you like.

Erin Habes graduated from Buffalo State College with a degree in fashion merchandising in 2003. Hoping to make her way in the world Habes moved to New York City for two years, where she worked as a shoe designer.

Habes began traveling around the country selling and showing her shoes to various boutiques. These small and fashionable shops inspired Habes to open her own shop on Elmwood Avenue, which she managed to do in 2005.

“I saw what Buffalo was missing so I decided to bring it here,” Habes said.

To finance the “Sweet and Dirty” boutique, Habes took out a loan from the HSBC Bank. As a former student Habes utilized help from the BSC business center.

Getting the shop up and running did not mean her work was over. Habes said although its amazing to have her own business she did not realize how much work it would be.

“The store is my life, I might as well toss a bed in the corner and move in,” she said.

As the owner of a fashion store, Habes travels to fashions shows to stay ahead of the fads.

Though things are hectic, Habes is happy. Until recently her store was a women’s and men’s clothing store. However her boyfriend, Joe Jordan, is taking over the Men’s half and starting his own store called “Stache,” as in mustache.

Habes said Jordan came to her with the idea and she liked it.

“It gives me more room to expand my women’s line,” Habes said.

Jordan’s store opened Aug. 5 and was financed by Jordan.

Cherry Searle, associate professor at BSC, was Habes’ adviser and instructor. She said Habes comes in to lecture her students about how to start a successful business.

Searle said she watched Habes develop over the course of her college career.

“When she first entered the program as a freshman she was quiet and shy but she really found herself by the end,” Searle said.

Habes and Jordan received help from BSC’s Small Business Development Center, which provides advice to locals interested in opening their own business. The SBDC is funded by U.S. taxpayers. It exists to encourage small business growth and offers tips for marketing, managing and financing.

Contact Jimmy Lawton @ Ripbrutus@hotmail.com