Bedford Small Business Spotlight: Expect Natural Children's Boutique

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. And that’s the belief behind this exciting series — to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

• Business: Expect Natural Children’s Boutique
• Owners: Ayo Hart
• Website: www.expectnatural.com
• Address: 774 Bedford Rd, Bedford HIlls
  

How did you come up with the name?

I have been in the children’s industry for four years now having started Dolphin Organics with my husband. So much has changed in just those four years. Parents are more aware not just of the food they are feeding their children, but the ingredients in their skin care and the materials used to make their toys and cloths. When we launched Dolphin Organics, it was sometimes a hurdle to show parents why their skincare should also be organic. Now, the families who walk through our door looking for gifts and clothing have come to expect natural.

Why start a business in this town?

I have lived in Pound Ridge for fifteen years. While I continue to enjoy running Dolphin Organics, I was keen to have a brick and mortar shop of my own where I could meet customers face to face and build relationships right here in my own community. We have been open for a year now, and it has been a treat watching some of the children grow here in our store.

What business are you in?

We have curated a wide selection of lovely gifts for children 12 and under. From handmade wooden toys, games and crafts to organic layettes and fun tween clothing we have a great selection for birthday and holiday gifts or just because. We also have a beautiful community room where we host birthday parties, playgroups, game night for older kids 8 - 12 and frequent meetups. We’re thrilled to host monthly La Leche League, Babywearing and Post Partum Depression Support groups as well as occasional Scouts meetings, Holistic Moms Network and Mothers of Multiple.

What’s the most difficult challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?

The most difficult challenge has probably been our location. While we are lucky to have great parking and easy access off the Saw Mill and 684, our store does not face the street, and we don’t have the luxury of a great deal of foot traffic. We’re a small family-run business with limited marketing budget so getting the word out is tricky. We rely heavily on our events and word of mouth. Some of our families refer to us as the best kept secret in the area.

What’s been your proudest achievement since opening?

We celebrated our one year anniversary last month. I’m thrilled that in the short amount of time, despite our tricky location, we have grown a strong community here at Expect Natural. Parents and their children have made new friends at our playgroups, we’ve been able to provide resources for local families, and I love seeing the smiles on the kids faces when they pick out a toy or when someone is excited about the gift they’ve chosen for the special little person in their life.

How does your business give back to the community?

We recently started a charity of the month club thanks to the commitment of Julie Moskin, a local mom who spearheaded a back-to-school drive for Friends of Karen and a fun afternoon for Ben’s Bells. We also make our community room available to non-profit groups as a meeting place or fundraising location at no charge.

Would you like to see your small business showcased in this series? Email wendy.mitchell@patch.com.