Howell Business Owner Combines Passions for Online Boutique

Julia Wood has seen a lot of things change during her life. Having been born in Ukraine before coming to America when she was 12-years-old, Wood has recently seen a long held dream come true as she operates her own online business.

Since launching the A&M Children’s boutique, Wood has seen her career path go from cleaning to selling children’s clothes through her own website and its accompanying Facebook page. She said the idea for the shop started when she had her son Maximus six years ago and really came together when she had her daughter Adelina last October.

Not only did her children inspire the initials for the name, she said seeing the options for clothes for her daughter helped her see what she wanted to do. “After having kids, especially a little girl, I told my husband I love to shop, I like beautiful things, what better way to do it than to sell cute stuff.”

The boutique may not have a storefront, but Wood said online sales have shown how successful she can be while looking to open a physical store at some point in the future. “I browsed, but it’s not that cheap, so my husband was telling me to start with this,” she said. “Maybe in a year or two when my little one is older we’ll open a store.”

Until that time, Wood said she is plenty busy not only running the online store but also making her own line of jewelry that she also sells as part of her business. “I stay at home with my two kids. When they’re sleeping or at school, I work,” she said with a laugh.

Since her Facebook page launched more than 1000 people have become a fan of her business, mostly through word of mouth endorsements. Wood said while she has enjoyed this new endeavour there are some drawbacks to the online working life. “It’s not easy because you have to connect with people without seeing their faces,” she said. “I’m used to smiling and looking at people and socializing with them. It’s kind of hard when you have to do everything electronically. Otherwise I enjoy it because it’s fun to shop and see what other moms like.”

With her husband Jeff by her side, Wood said it has been an exciting adventure to take. “I was familiar with the computer, but I made my own website. I learned everything on my own.” As for Jeff, “He loves it,” she said of the business. “He’s very supportive.”

To learn more about the boutique check out the Facebook page and the website.