Upscale Online Baby Boutique To Open Store At The Hip OC Mart Mix in Costa Mesa, CA

In 2006, Orange County, CA mom Wendy Navarro combined her business experience in retail and organizational development with her mothering skills with three kids to create SaigeNicoles.com, a successful on-line baby and toddler boutique.

Fast forward almost 5 years; Now, Wendy and her family is involved in taking the children’s boutique to the next level, a brick-and-mortar location at The OC Mart Mix, a hip warehouse-style shopping mall at 3313 Hyland Ave. in Costa Mesa, CA that provides independent boutiques an affordable location to showcase their unique merchandise.

The Orange County mom had worked at the Superior Court for 13 years when she resigned to stay at home with her son and daughter. After three years she wanted to get back into business, so she and husband, Rick, an IT expert, brainstormed about family-friendly businesses to start. Wendy had some experience in retail management so they decided an online baby and toddler boutique would fit their wants and skills.

SaigeNicoles.com, named for the Navarro’s daughter, went live in 2006.

Wendy looked for unique, high-quality and functional baby products from independent companies.

“About 90% of our designers are moms who have gone into business for themselves. This makes for a fabulous business relationship since our common ground is our children and the products well; they’re superbly made and truly beautiful.” Wendy says.

While many small businesses have struggled to survive in the recession and slow recovery, Saige Nicole’s has boomed. In 2010, sales grew 54% from 2009. Their secret, “We have great customer rapport and didn’t waiver on the quality of our products,” Wendy says.  “At the beginning of the economic down-turn I discussed with my husband, ‘do we find lower quality/price items or stick with high quality?’ (Growth) confirmed what we knew in our hearts — that our customers want quality and this was something we could do really well.”  Wendy seeks customer feedback through the stores Facebook and Twitter Pages and finds that people are usually willing to give their opinions on what they want and need for their children.

“I wasn’t even thinking about opening a retail location when I initially visited The OC Mart Mix,” Wendy says. “I loved the concept. It’s not the expense of a stand-alone store. But each business owner has a store under one roof and shares expenses. It’s really a brilliant arrangement for small businesses”

The timing seemed right because her youngest child is going into first grade so Wendy will have more time.

“The business is a total family effort, says Wendy, who calls herself “owner and mom in charge.” Son Quentin, 15, helps husband Rick with the website. Son Vaughn, 6, occasionally models boys’ clothing for the website photos. And the store’s namesake Saige, 16, will work at the shop after school and on weekends.

“We do everything together,” Wendy says. “It’s important for us to provide our children with a head start in life and Saige Nicole’s is key.”

Wendy is still putting the finishing touches on Saige Nicole’s at the OC Mart Mix for an August 2nd official opening date. But she and her daughter were working at the shop last weekend “and people were so supportive. We’re already seeing some traffic through word-of-mouth and hearing their excitement.  It’s an exciting time for us.” Wendy said.

About Saige Nicole’s:

Saige Nicole’s is an online, upscale boutique for baby, toddler and child; family owned and lovingly operated since 2006; based in Orange County, California. Designed for parents of children 0-5 years who have an eye for detail, want unique, fresh styles and demand quality, Saige Nicole’s baby and toddler boutique clothing, accessories, decor and gifts capture the essence of childhood frolic and whimsy and are selected believing that childhood is a time to cherish, play and live freely.