Star-Studded Celebration Planned for Sole's 10th Anniversary

When Anna Mastroianni began selling shoes out of her brother's bakery, , 11 years ago, with the help of  her sister Lina Isolda, she only hoped that one day she would have a successful business of her own.

Thursday, April 19, Mastroianni will celebrate not only the 10th anniversary of her store, , but also the launch of the shop's own line of handmade footwear, which ranges from classic looks to cutting edge styles. The new Sole line has been designed exclusively for women and children. Men’s styles will be available in Fall 2012.

Mastroianni explained that the store's unique beginning is a testament to the support of her family.

"I'm just very fortunate to have such great siblings to help me along the way," the business owner said. "I started selling shoes about 11 years ago after hours in my brother John's bakery at the time, Bovella's. My sister Lina and I covered all the counters and set up our shoes. We positioned my 10-year-old niece outside the door with flyers to let passersby know we were selling shoes inside.

"You can imagine people's reactions; shoes out of a bakery? But they came and they bought. Now we have a beautiful location and our own line. It's been feeling a little surreal. I'm just so very grateful." 

To help celebrate these accomplishments, Mastroianni, a with an impressive list of accomplishments, is hosting a special event and is pleased that several celebrities will be joining her at Sole for at the April 19 launch party.

The lineup includes the following renowned Broadway stars, actors and producers: Sean Patrick Reilly, currently starring as Al Cleary on the CBS drama 'Blue Bloods,' Thomas G. Waites, iconic actor about to direct the feature film 'Rife Machine' starring Joe Montegna, Andrea Boehlke, fifth-place winner on the CBS reality show 'Survivor-Redemption Island,' Ricardo Kahn, Tony-award-winning Artistic Director and Producer, Peter Bucossi, stunt coordinator for many TV series including 'Sopranos' and 'Sex and The City' and Dan Grimaldi, Patsy Parisi from the hit HBO series 'Sopranos.' 

"The event looks like it's shaping up to be quite an evening," Mastroianni said. "We already have 150 RSVPs, not including many of our customers that have been telling us they're coming for the last several weeks. Everyone is so excited to come and help celebrate these two great milestones. The reaction to the Sole shoes themselves has been incredible! We watch people do double takes all day through the windows. They are also, thankfully, selling well, too. The most common reaction is, 'I've never seen shoes like this before!'"

In addition to celebrating beautiful shoes, the party wouldn't be complete without delicious food. True to the family's spirit of helping one another, Mastroianni's mother "Mamma Maria" will be cooking up a feast for hungry guests. Entertainment by Winds of Anatolia will be provided from 9 to 10 p.m. and DJ Sam will start spinning tunes at 10 p.m.

The event coincides with the Downtown Westfield Corporation's Girls' Night Out, which offers ladies a chance to shop and enjoy complimentary refreshments provided by local merchants from 5 to 9 p.m. 

For more information about this event or to RSVP, please visit http://italiansole.com/ or http://www.facebook.com/#!/events/133815380081226/