Mahopac Shop Started By High School Seniors And Mom To Help Women

MAHOPAC, NY —On May 13, Secondaries Boutique in Mahopac held a ribbon-cutting ceremony that attracted 50 community members and local officials. The event celebrated the opening of a business that is unique for many reasons.

The store, which is located at 593 U.S. Route 6 and sells stylish second-hand clothing, is the brainchild of Julia Maher and Samantha Jinek -both seniors at Mahopec High School - and Jennifer Maher, Julia's mother.

While it is a for-profit business, Secondaries has more of a mission than just making money. According to a release, 20 percent of the boutique's profits will go to Dress for Success, a nonprofit organization that empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and development tools to help women thrive in the workplace and in life.

Additionally, the boutique will help clothe clients of the Putnam/Northern Westchester Women's Resource Center and The Hope Chest Sisters, both of which are dedicated to helping victims of domestic violence. Secondaries Boutique will collect donations for other local charities, as well.

"Julia, Jennifer and I love our community and want to play a role in making it a better place for everyone," Jinek said. "We believe this boutique can be transformative for those who bring in items, those who benefit from them, and for us, too. We know we can make a difference in others' lives, and that means a great deal to us."

Concierge appointments currently are available at Secondaries Boutique, and website shopping will begin June 15. Those interested in selling or purchasing clothes and accessories, and those who may need a helping hand, are encouraged to visit shopsecondaries.com or email the store at shopsecondaries@gmail.com to make appointments.

"I could not be prouder of Julia and Samantha, who are both budding entrepreneurs and philanthropists," said Jennifer Maher, Julia's mother. "Instead of succumbing to the challenges of the pandemic and turning inward, they looked for a way to better themselves and the community. They took a leap of faith and are now discovering how much they can do. The future is bright for Secondaries Boutique and these young women."