A popular downtown Timmins business has moved to get more space to grow.
Bella’s Boutique is well known in Timmins for providing quality gifts and clothes for children and teens. It recently moved from Third Avenue to Pine Street South.
Holly Doyon, owner of Bella’s Boutique, began her business four years ago.
Born and raised in Timmins, she is a mother of three children, ages 13, 11 and nine. She recalled how she decided to open her own shop.
“I was a stay-home mom for nine years,” Doyon said. “I ventured out to work for a bit then saw a niche for communion…that’s when I started looking into kids’ clothing.
“Also, Kay’s Tot and Teen used to be here forever. So, I was trying to bring that back.”
She said the move came as she was looking to expand selection.
“On March 1, we moved in,” she said. “It happened quick enough. The previous tenant here, a hairdressing school, was leaving. We had the same landlord, who knows us.
“The gives us the opportunity to grow. That’s how we brought in maternity (wear). We have a section now that’s gifts, it’s off on its own.
“The other store was getting cramped. We were outgrowing where we were.”
Bella’s Boutiques offers a variety of styles and sizes for kids and teens.
“From preemies to size 14-16 it depends on the brands,” Doyon said. “Some brands stop at 12, others go to 14, 16. Other brands are just for infants.”
She was delighted to bring in clothes for mothers to be.
“We started bringing in maternity clothes,” she said. “The maternity we have now is also good for nursing. So, you can wear it during pregnancy and you can wear it after.
“It gives you easy access so you can nurse much better.”
Some of the items the store is known for locally are clothes and gifts for special religious milestones.
“We have gifts and apparel for baptism, communions and confirmations,” Doyon said. “We’re trying to get a little bit more religious stuff, but we have all the dresses, formal wear for weddings. We can also order in.”
Once the move is complete and she’s settled in, the next project will be revamping the store’s website. In the meantime, however, updates on the store can be found on Bella’s Boutique’s Facebook page.
“I’ll post a couple of times a day,” she said. “Then I’ll answer questions that way, People message me. That’s almost like my website, if you think of it.”
Doyon said customers will notice an advance coming to a special shop like Bella’s instead of a larger chain store.
“Sometimes it’s like I’m almost a personal shopper,” she explained. “I come and help you, if you want the help. It’s more one on one.
“Plus, the money stays in town, it stays locally.”
Running the shop, she has become close with her clientele.
“We care about our customers,” Doyon said. “Sometimes at a chain store you’re just a number. Here, we listen to you, we get to know the details about your grandkids, your children, we chat, it’s more of a one-on-one experience. We try to help (customers) and give them opinions.
“It’s almost like a family. I want people to feel welcome when they come here. A good experience is what we try to give out.”
Bella’s Boutique is located at 72 Pine St. S. in Timmins. The store is open Monday to Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call the shop at 705-288-2352 or check out their Facebook page .
