New children's boutique opens on Huntsman Drive in Aiken

Aiken Standard reporter

Little bows, shoes and mother-daughter outfits are some of the items available at a new children's boutique and consignment shop off the Aiken bypass.

Mia Mora Children's Boutique and Consignment is a new business in Aiken that caters to children and parents .

The store had a soft opening during the week of April 24, and store hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Located at 1864 Huntsman Drive, the new store offers affordable children's clothes, dresses, shoes, dolls and books.

The store sells boys and girls clothing in sizes from infant to about 7 or 8 years old.

Mia Mora's owner and founder Sarah Richards said her desire to have a children's boutique was because she likes how cute and dainty children's clothes are.

"I always enjoyed buying for the little kids," she said. "Everyone that knows me knows that kids' clothes make me happy. When I have to shop for kids, I am happy."

Richards said the idea to start the boutique began while she was working at Bridgestone making tires. After 18 years at Bridgestone, she left in order to open Mia Mora.

Richards said she made the decision on a whim.

"When I turned 50, I realized that I could not continue this job (Bridgestone) until retirement, so something was just stirring in me and it would't leave my mind," Richards said. "I was like now is the time."

Richards said used to work a swing shift at her previous job, and that having her own business allows her to be at home and spend time with her family.

Richards said the name of boutique comes from the name her grandchildren us for grandma, which is Mia. Mora means love so Mia Mora translated is grandma's love.

Richards rented the space for the business in February with only a building and a key, but with support from family the store became a reality.

Richards said the business is not located in the downtown area because she couldn't find a place, but wanted to start the business before she got too nervous .

"Normally, I would be too scared to make a move like this," she said. "I think it's great because it's right off the bypass and has a lot of great neighborhoods."

Since opening, she said people had said positive things about her business.

"It's a lot better than I expected," Richards said.

The store also serves as a consignment shop, as well. She said customers can bring clothing of all sizes and other items and can set the price.

Richards said she will tag them and put the items on display for 12 weeks and when they sell it's a 50/50 split.

Richards said she is looking to get more boys and adult clothes because people were asking about mom and me or dad and me outfits.

"I didn't want anything in my store to be over $50, and I want people to come in here and it's affordable," she said.

Mia Mora hasn't held an official grand opening, but Richards is planning to hold one.

"I was nervous, but I have not regretted it one bit," Richards.

For more information or to see products available in the store, visit Mia Mora Children's Boutique and Consignment on Facebook or call 803-645-9711.

Aiken Standard reporter

Bianca Moorman is a reporter for the Aiken Standard. She covers public safety, courts and other news in Aiken and surrounding counties.

Bianca is a Roanoke, Virginia native. She can be reached at @biancarmooman.

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