Bk’lyn Boutique, located at 13973 N.W. 67 Avenue in the Lake Patricia Shopping Center, officially opened on Saturday, August 30, with a grand opening celebration for the public which included a “story hour” for children from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. and snacks and refreshments.
Jennifer Cisne, new business owner but retail and graphic design veteran, is the force behind Bk’lyn Boutique. Cisne attended high school at Grand Street Campus in Brooklyn, New York and following attended a trade school, Wood-Tobe Coburn, in Manhattan where she studied Graphic Design.
Though growing up in Brooklyn, Cisne often visited her father in Miami Lakes. Upon seeing the town, Cisne already knew where she would like to raise a family, and a burgeoning business.
“I love the Town of Miami Lakes,” said Cisne. “As soon as I came to visit my father I fell in love. I think it’s such a nice family community and once I had my own children I knew I wanted to raise them here, so why not serve the community I admire?”
Her first job was working for a chain retail store in New York until she began her career in the Children’s Apparel Industry as a graphic designer for 10 years. Though working in the field she studied, she didn’t feel completely satisfied.
“I have always referred to my first retail job as my favorite job and always wished I could have stayed,” she said. “I enjoy working with and meeting new people so although being a graphic designer was fun it was more behind-the-scenes. I always thought in the back of my mind how I would love to be involved in retail again somehow.”
An unfortunate turn of events gave Cisne the courage to pursue her passion. Her mother, Evelyn, passed away from cancer in January 2014.
“She was still pretty young,” said Cisne, “and it really makes you realize how short life is and how we need to make the most of it while we are here. With that in mind, I decided to go for what I really knew what would make me happy which was still staying in the Children’s Apparel industry but also going back into retail.”
Bk’lyn Boutique was born. Pronounced “Brooklyn Boutique” the unique spelling of the store name combines “BK” which are the initials for Brooklyn, where Cisne and her mother lived, and “Lyn” a shortened version of Evelyn, her mother's name. Upon the creation of the store name, Cisne knew it was perfect.
“Every time I see my logo I always see my mother’s name,” she said.
Cisne considers Bk’lyn Boutique her newborn, an addition to her 5 year-old son Damian, and 3-year-old daughter Madison. The new children’s boutique will feature stylings hand-picked by Cisne for boys and girls including tops, bottoms, dresses, bodysuits, bibs, blankets, backpacks, hair accessories, organic options and more.
None of the items featured in Bk’lyn Boutique are bought in bulk so customers can rest assured they are purchasing an affordable, unique item. Bk’lyn Boutique has clothing from around the world including the United Kingdom, India, Poland, China, and from the U.S., especially Brooklyn.
“I want all the kids in Miami Lakes to look their coolest,” said Cisne.
Bk’lyn Boutique is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.