New Mamaroneck Boutique Offers Outfits for Youngsters

George and Martha Contreras—who currently operate M&M Hair Salon—jumped at the opportunity to rent the store next to their hair studio. The Mamaroneck residents quickly turned the vacant shop into a clothing boutique for youngsters.

The new business, M&M Children Boutique, opened in May, and the couple is excited for the store to grow.

"Sometimes I have to go to three different stores to find a nice dress for my daughters," Ms. Contreras said. "Our boutique is convenient and accessible for the residents of Larchmont and Mamaroneck, and there are few stores like us around here."

The shop specializes in dresses for an array of events, including christenings and baptisms, first communions, confirmations, Bat Mitzvahs, sweet sixteens and quinceañeras. Five-piece suits, shoes and hair accessories—such as tiaras, headbands and crowns—are also sold. Dresses for babies as young as six months are available, and customers can also buy gifts like photo albums and stuffed bears.

As a child growing up in Venezuela, Ms. Contreras frequently visited her aunt and uncle's clothing store, which inspired her to open the boutique. She wanted to try something other than hair styling, and believes the store is a relaxing escape from her salon.

"I wanted a change and to run my own place," she said. "I didn't want to work for someone else my entire life."

The Contreras spent two days at a trade show researching which designers to buy clothing from, finally settling on companies Zoe and Hollyworld, among others. They also sell pieces from Colombian and Mexican designers that cater to the Spanish community, Ms. Contreras said.

"We can also order clothing for our customers, especially specific flower girl dresses," she added.

Mexican-born Mr. Contreras is aware that many people buy these special occasion outfits online, and he views this medium as competition. However, he believes that customers like to see and hold garments before making a purchase.

"Kids are growing and they wear these outfits once, maybe twice," he said. "We offer reasonable prices because we don't believe people should be throwing away their money."

"We plan to expand in the future and sell holiday dresses as well," he added.

M&M Children Boutique LLC is located at 343 Mt. Pleasant Ave., and is named after the Contreras' three daughters, Melanie, Michele and Madeline.