Shop Seattle: The Chocolate Shoebox

Any vegetarian or vegan will tell you: there's no better feeling than being able to choose from any item on the menu.

Unfortunately, while cruelty-free cuisine has been picking up steam, many animal-conscious consumers still feel stuck when it comes to retail. Relegated to a selection of homely canvas options and Tom's, many vegans are stuck simply dreaming of trendy faux-leather boots, non-suede pumps and casual, classy leather-free loafers.

Or at least, that's what The Chocolate Shoebox's owner, Sadaf Hussain, ran into. "I think we definitely fill a niche in the market," she says.

The Chocolate Shoebox from our Flickr pool

A doctor as well as a vegan, Hussain told me that she "always knew - when I quit medicine, I'd open up a vegan chocolate shop." But instead of quitting, she expanded on the idea and remained a practicing physician. That's right - she still practices medicine "on the side."

Boasting fashionable, functional men's and women's shoes by Novacas, Neuaura, and Cri de Coeur, and tempting truffles, caramels, chocolate bark, and raw offerings by JJ's Sweets, Missionary Chocolates and more, The Chocolate Shoebox is truly a rare treat for vegans and others looking to expand their closet in an eco-conscious and animal-friendly way.

In addition to shoes and sweets, The Chocolate Shoebox, which is located near Herkimer Coffee in Phinney/Greenwood, also carries cute, stylish belts, bags, and wallets by Matt & Nat and The Vegan Collection.

And while many of these suppliers are entirely or mostly vegan companies, Hussain told me that she's also interested in fostering a community that supports vegan efforts.

"I like to work with companies that offer a vegan line, or animal-friendly products on the side. I think that by carrying those items, we can encourage larger companies to provide more options."

The Chocolate Shoebox from our Flickr pool