[An edited version of this interview first appeared in Issue 21 of The Fluevog Post for Fall/Winter 2023]
Monika Sanders, Fluevog San Francisco, Union Square Manager
Years with Fluevog: 22
Where are you from?
I was born in Warsaw, Poland. I’ve been in San Francisco since 1972, minus three years in Israel.
What were your first pair of Fluevogs?
The original Pilgrims in the ’80s. I was a starving student who spent all their money on fashion and records. When I joined the team in 2001, I bought Derby Swirls in burgundy and a pair of Unities called the Marnie.
What are currently some of your favourite styles?
My old grumpy feet are loving the Guardian Angels and Peacemakers. My internal young stylist would be rocking the Cubist Cupcake and the Classy family.
What was your first Fluevog experience?
Back in the ’80s, we had a “punk rock” shop in Haight-Ashbury called Daljeets that had all the John Fluevog for Dr. Marten shoes you could imagine. That’s where my love affair began. Ironically, the Haight St. store is across the street now.
Describe San Francisco in a nutshell:
A 49 square mile city where you pay $2500 for a small studio in the roughest part of town. We have amazing food, parks, music, and art everywhere you turn. Your neighbors may be from China, India, Mexico, the Philippines, Afghanistan, or Brazil. We are truly an international city. Also parking sucks and you better not have quick releases on your bicycle.
San Francisco favourites (food, entertainment, shopping, etc.):
Pizza: Gialina. Thai: Kin Khao. French: Mijoté. Mexican: El Buen Comer. Sardinian: La Ciccia. Splurge: Liholiho Yacht Club. Music: SFJAZZ Center. Shopping: Dark Garden, Nooworks, Zuri. All three are women owned independent stores that are size inclusive.
Something that would surprise people about San Francisco:
It’s hard to find a place to eat after 11pm.
Something that would surprise people about you:
I’m an outgoing introvert. I can talk to people all day long at work, but the minute I leave, I relish my time at home with my sweetheart and kitties.
What is your favourite Fluevog store (other than your own)?
Haight St. I worked there for over a decade and it’s my second home. It’s one of the OG stores.
Favourite part of working for Fluevog?
Getting to be my authentic self, having an amazing team I love working with and as corny as it sounds, I love our customers. Oh and being surrounded by amazing shoes!
Next top three travel destinations:
Corfu (Greece), Mexico City, and NYC, all this year.
Strangest pronunciation of Fluevog you’ve heard?
Flivig
