Alyssa Ridenour
reporter@greenepublishing.com
Caelynn Suarez is the 12-year-old daughter of Frank and Christynn Suarez. While looking around in Daisy and Dukes, next to Norris Cafe, Caelynn became excited as she looked at all the clothing and different types of fashion. At one point, she told her parents that she wanted a fashion store, too. In November of 2020, her parents decided to surprise her with an early Christmas present; a new fashion store that would be family owned and operated. However, there was still a lot of work left to do, and the grand opening wasn't held until Friday, March 26, with their first official full day of business on the following Saturday.
Caelynn enjoys working in the fashion industry and loves helping customers, too. She is often working the register or guiding customers to their perfect blouse or dress. At the moment, the store offers primarily female clothing. However, they are working on a back area, called the “Man Cave,” where they will stock men's clothing as well. This area will be dedicated to current service members and veterans. They hope to create a business where anyone can come in and find what they are looking for; young girls, men, women, plus sized and slim built individuals. The family's goal is to bring people together by creating a place to shop for clothes for any occasion.
Caelynn hopes to one day become a psychiatrist. However, as of right now, she is enjoying her role in the family store that was opened by her parents in her honor. “Even if she is a psychiatrist one day, she can still have her store,” said her mother, Christynn. Caelynn's parents reiterated that Mimosa is Caelynn's store.
Being involved in a family business gives Caelynn the opportunity to learn critical life skills that will help her get ahead in life. She will gain experience in business management, inventory, finances, stocking, accounting, etc. Having run her own store will provide her with a running list of qualifications when applying for future jobs.
Caelynn's parents hope that other children her age will be inspired by her to one day open their own businesses and chase their dreams as well. They also plan on encouraging education by one day awarding a $500 scholarship to a graduating senior in honor of their daughter.
Originally from Clermont, Fla. the family stumbled upon Madison coincidentally. As they were traveling through one day, they fell in love with the small town and the plethora of local family-run businesses. As they stopped by Daisy and Dukes, Caelynn felt inspired by the clothing section, and her family decided Madison was the place for them. After returning to Madison County, they opened Mimosa Fashion Boutique, where customers can enjoy a refreshing Mimosa while they browse. The mimosas are made with passion fruit juice, which is traditional in the family's Cuban culture.
Mimosa is located at 114 SW Range Ave., in Madison. For more information, visit their website at mimosafashionboutique.com, or call them at (850) 757-0023.