By Susan Manning

Staff writer

Opening a local business is never an easy task, but it’s especially difficult when a pandemic is in play.

But that didn’t stop mother daughter duo Baylee and Debbie Donovan.

Last month the pair celebrated its one year anniversary of its fashion store: Baylee Bee. Despite only being open in Natick for one year, business is going well.

Debbie said, “People are really starting to discover our little shop, especially with the holidays approaching.“

 

The pair has a simple mantra: “We all deserve fun fashion at affordable prices that will make you smile!”

Baylee Bee takes pride in finding unique, quality pieces that not every boutique offers. Part of what makes this shop different from many others is the price range for its clothing.

“People come into the store and expect prices to be expensive, but most of the time they are pleasantly surprised and become repeat customers,” said Debbie, who moved to Natick seven years ago with Baylee and family.

While most boutiques work on a high markup price, slow merchandise turnover principle, Baylee Bee has a low markup and quick turnover. 

“The store is always getting in new merchandise and customers often come to shop every week,” she said.

Donovan said some of the dresses they carry are especially popular with educators and pediatricians because the fun patterns are intriguing to the children. Clothing features owls, triangles, sloths and other large prints, which children love. 

And while the store is trendy, it’s also generation-spanning. They offer clothing for ages 8 and over. 

“We run the gamut of ages. Many of the customers are mothers shopping with their teenage daughters and that means the clothes are meant for every woman,” Donovan said.

Opening during a pandemic certainly caused some challenges, but the support from amazing friends, family and customers was tremendous. 

“When we had strict regulations in place, we could only have six customers in the shop at one time. People would lineup in the freezing winter weather and wait patiently to come into the store. Support has been so amazing,“ said Debbie.

The duo sources its products from online wholesalers, but hopes to be able to attend trade shows in the near future.

“Everything we sell is unique. You will not find it in the mall,“ she said.  

She said people seem to enjoy not only having a boutique in the center of Natick, but they enjoy the atmosphere too. They always have candy and snacks on hand, as well as hot cocoa, tea and even Prosecco for the over-21 crowd.

“We like to keep it cozy,” she said. 

Donovan said one way the boutique has filled a void in people’s lives is their private sip and shop events. 

“After hours, we would host a private event that included drinks and snacks, a couple of hours of shopping and a discount to those attending. It was really popular, especially during the pandemic months.“

In addition to the fashion items, there are also locally inspired products. Donovan said they sell a host of Natick swag such as blankets, mittens and masks all adorned with the Natick logo.

So far, the mother-daughter duo is enjoying its time in Natick.

“We love our storefront. We love Natick. And we love the community,“ Debbie said.

Baylee Bee is located at 19 Main St., Natick. It is open every day, Monday through Saturday, 10 AM to 6 PM. Sundays it is open noon to 6 PM. Find it online at: bayleebee.com and @bayleebeeclothing on IG and FB.