Mom With 'Passion For Fashion' Opens Manalapan Kids Boutique

MANALAPAN, NJ - For one Manalapan mom, opening a children's clothing boutique in town reflects a passion she's had since childhood for fashion.

"My passion for fashion started since I was little. My mom used to sew all the clothes for me - handmade and one of a kind," recalls Olesya Bogdasarova, who also lives in the township.

"I still remember how we went to the market to pick out a fabric, and all the details that would go with it. Sometimes it took her long, sleepless nights to finish up the dress or a blouse," said Bogdasarova, who is from Uzbekistan and has lived in the U.S. since 2002.

Now, this mother of a boy, 6, and girl, 4, is expressing her creative side once again in her recently opened children's clothing shop Kidz Fashion Boutique. It's in Summerton Plaza, 335 Route 9 south.

While she's not sewing clothes, her background gives her an awareness of European fashion sources that distinguish her selections.

"We carry unique European-style outfits that aren't presented in U.S. markets - for very affordable prices," she adds.

Most of the products are made of organic cotton material that she considers essential for kids at any age. "We carry clothes in sizes to 14 years old - stylish, comfortable and unique," she says.

Bogdasarova has a business marketing background and used to work in a corporate setting.

"But after I had my kids, my passion was to start up my own kids boutique," she says.

And that's just what she is doing.

Her new shop had its grand opening Feb. 3, attended by Mayor Mary Ann Musich and other officials, as well as her husband and two children. Her children got to hold the ribbon.

Bogdasarova and her family moved to Manalapan from New York three years ago. "We love our community. It was the best decision we have ever made!" she says.

So, far, the Manalapan boutique is is her only brick and mortar store, although the business has an Instagram presence at @kidzfashion_boutique, where new arrivals or outfit ideas are posted. A website is in the works, too.

And a visit to her store puts an emphasis on fun - and freedom of choice, providing quality without being intimidating or overpriced, she says.

"Kids enjoy the vibrant colors of the store and they can try on the outfits and take pictures. When a child enters our store, they love to pick outfits for themselves that they enjoy wearing," Bogdasarova says.

And she notes that most of her customers are delighted that their children picked out outfits themselves. Wearing clothes they choose everyday is another childhood milestone in independence, after all.

Although Bogdasarova has her husband's "full support" in the venture, she is the sole owner of the shop - and has a lot of responsibility. It is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and to 6 p.m. on Sundays.

But despite the hard work, Bogdasarova finds lots of satisfaction, she says.

She says that, since she had her children she always enjoyed dressing them up and always received compliments on how they’re dressed well and with great taste.

"I was constantly asked where did I get this outfit from? The idea to open a boutique was sparked right away, to bring stylish and affordable clothes to our local community," she says.