kassie has a thriving washington, d.c. based shoe business, but this is not the company she thought she was going to start. that business was launched by someone else. >> they took the lease and almost took the same name. it was one of these things where, you know, is this reality, did i really just about open this store and have someone take this idea from me? >> it all started in 2003, when kassie quit her job as an accountant to follow her passion and open a specialized shoe store. >> what i was planning to do then was offer something that's unique and offer this edited collection, which a lot of people go to boutiques specifically for that. >> even before the launch, kassie was sharing her idea with friends and family. >> i was very proud, very excited. >> at a wedding, kassie told some folks of her idea and those people shared the idea with others. soon after, her dream was a nightmare. she quickly realized her business idea may have been lifted. >> i went to meet with one of the designers and i had already previously