Getting to Know Amy Strother of Sweet Pea

Amy Strother has been a longtime resident of the community. She was a teacher at Sonoma State working within the Child Development program for many years and more recently is the owner of Sweet Pea Children's Boutique in downtown Cotati.

Sweet Pea is a consignment store that focuses on gently used clothes, toys, and accessories for infants up to teens. They have a selection of maternity clothing and parenting books as well. Sweet Pea is also the home for numerous local crafts and creations for children such as one-of-a-kind dolls, hats, and so much more.

Many parents and customers have gotten to know Amy from visiting her store over the years, but we felt it was time to share a bit more about her with the rest of the community.

How long have you been running Sweet Pea?

It will be six years in January.

How did you end up owning this shop?

At the time I was ready for a change. I happened to be shopping here one day and heard that the business was for sale and that made me sort of go...hmmmmm. My husband was very encouraging about the idea, so here we are.

What is your favorite thing about the business?

It is definitely being a part of the community. I get to see people and their families grow and change. Really this is a blend of things that are important to me: recycling items, organization, working with families and local people.

Do you sell any new stuff?

Most everything is consignment items. We do have new Melissa & Doug items. Then there is also a big selection of local artist creations. I have become kind of a home for all of these really cool things people design and I feel lucky to show them off.

(Some of the local stuff she has in stock includes Mend by Ruby Grace, Just One Designs, Hazel Nut Stuff, Stiches by Julia, NinjaCraftyMoms, and Aunt Coco's Creations)

If you weren't doing this, what would you be doing?

I would be working with kids in the classroom at the pre-school level.

What are your favorite family activities?

We like to go hiking and camping. Another favorite is our family movie night when all four of us (Amy is married with a son and daughter) pick a movie to watch together. Muir Woods is one of our preferred local spots to spend the day at.

What do you and your husband like to do on those rare free nights?

We like to go out to dinner. Recently we had a chance to do some wine tasting in the afternoon and that was great too.

The best thing about Sonoma County is....?

There are so many things. I would have to say the people, the weather, and the proximity to so many great places for food, cool stuff, and fun.

If you could sit down with any one person, alive or dead, for a conversation, who would it be?

I would really like to meet Marie Montessori. As a parent with kids in a Montessori program and an educator it would be interesting to learn more about her. (Having a glass of wine with Dave Matthews was a close second).

You just recently conquered Mt. Whitney by hiking to the top, what is next on your bucket list?

I really don't have a bucket list, but one thing I really want to do is travel to Europe with the kids before they get too old. Also it would be fun to visit all 50 states.

What sparked your interest in child education?

I was studying psychology at college and took a Family Relations class and everything just sort of went from there. I have a natural curiosity and interest in people's backgrounds, where they come from, and that just lead towards learning about where it all starts from.

If you want to check out Sweet Pea Children's Boutique you can visit them in downtown Cotati. They are located at 15 Charles Street. The regular business hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. You can give them a call at (707) 794-1215 or visit them on Facebook.  

Amy is always more than happy to look over goods to be consigned but asks that people make an appointment for dropping off items.

If you are a local business owner who would like to sit down for a chat and be featured in our 'Getting to Know' column, please contact us at carlos.villatoro@patch.com.

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