Name:
Jenny Belushi
How your clients refer to you:
Jenny
Company:
Poppy Store
Contact Info:
Email: info@poppystores.com, Website: www.poppystores.com
How many years have you been in business in LA?
Poppy Store has been open in Santa Monica at the Brentwood Country Mart for ten years. We opened our second store at the Marin County Country Mart in Northern California seven years ago.
How did you get your start and what was your initial inspiration?
When I had my little ones, I was so frustrated with the assortment of children’s clothing in stores. I was constantly looking for classic, well-made clothing that kept children looking like children and not like tiny adults.
What do you feel differentiates you from others in your field?
Poppy Store has classic style with a bit of an edge. I have worked hard to discover brands from all over the world that keep our selection different and special.
What do you feel gives you longevity in this big city with so many options?
I have the most incredible clientele and very loyal shoppers who love a well-curated boutique. I am also very blessed with an unbelievable location. The Country Mart has really become a destination for families, no matter where you live in L.A. Moms come for lunch with their kids, then they get to shop in Poppy, while their kids play on the coin rides just outside the store.
How do you positively impact your clientele?
I really want the atmosphere in Poppy to be fun for both Mom and child. I have birds and always have my signature Swedish Fish, which the Moms love too! My main goal is for both my customers to walk away having had the best overall experience.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I enjoy seeing my regular customers, as well as meeting new people every day in the store. I love the treasure hunt during my buying trips and then seeing kids around Los Angeles wearing the outfits I styled. It’s just really joyful to watch people get excited to buy beautiful clothing for their own kids, or to find a gift for someone special.
What is your favorite secret LA spot?
Oh boy… this is hard. I am an LA native, so I have so many good spots. I shop for everyday clothes at Market, Elyse Walker, and Jill Roberts. The best kept secret for a great meal is Locanda Portofino in Santa Monica. They have the best pasta and the perfect setting.
How do you benefit mamas?
I think back to when my kids were young, and how hard it was to find clothes that didn’t have sequins or leather. Helping moms dress their kids in gorgeous, sophisticated, well-made merchandise is the main focus. I work hard, so their experience can be easy and fun! We also do events throughout the year at the store that bring the community together. It’s another way to create opportunities for young families to have fun and stay connected.
What is the most memorable feedback a client has given you?
Kids are growing up faster than ever, and my clients are grateful to be able to dress their kids in a way that they can just be kids. There is plenty of time to look like a grown-up, and such a short window to be a little kid!
Pay it forward and name your top colleagues in the same field or related field:
I have to give credit to Barbara Bartman, who started Auntie Barbara in Beverly Hills. I shopped from her when I was little and found clothes for my kids there too. My other favorite stores and owners are Julia Molnar, who owns Isola Bella Kids in Vancouver, and Christina Villegas, who owns Yoya in New York. I also got a ton of advice when opening from Emily Goldstein from Madison in LA and Jenn Jones from Market in LA.
What is the best advice anyone's ever given you? Or what is your "mantra" / words to live by?
Love what you do and success will follow.
As moms, the day can escape us, what is your best time-saving trick?
Dry Shampoo or a good blow dry, and a glass of wine!