ROCKVILLE CENTER, NY – A Freeport woman is using her fashion sense to create her first brick-and-mortar clothing boutique.
Patrice Fernandez has been running her business from home for 17 years, primarily for online clients.
However, Fernandez decided it was the right time to physically splash into the pool. After searching for the perfect location, “Stosh Boutique” was born on North Park Street in Rockville Center.
As for the name, Fernandez, who moved here in 2001, said it ties back to her Jamaican roots.
“It has two meanings. It has a lofty meaning, but the meaning I used was style, sophisticated and successful,” she told Patch. “So that’s what I want my customers to be.”
Working with a variety of designers in her shop, Fernandez says her expertise as an image consultant helps clients (both women and men) put together a winning collection.
While she has online options for her customers, Fernandez wants more, and that means opening a business under lock and key.
“It’s been a dream for about five years,” she said. “It was what I prayed for, what I manifested, what I longed for.”
She learned about the location in Rockville Center, which is busy with foot traffic near the LIRR station. The village was on her wish list.
“I just love the environment,” Fernandez said. “I love the vibe.”
Fernandez looked at her hometown at first, but Freeport didn’t work out for her.
“I’m glad it didn’t happen because it’s so much better,” she said.
She uses it on clothing, accessories, jewelry and handbags, but she says “Stoosh” isn’t just about making sales.
“Sometimes I say to a client, ‘This isn’t working for you,'” Fernandez says.
Fernandez, a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology, opened the store in late August. Last week was a “soft launch” with the official ribbon cutting and grand opening.
Although she eventually wants to bring Stoosh elsewhere, Fernandez says she prefers to expand the Stoosh brand.
“Having Stoos girls, ages 2-10, is my favorite thing to do,” she says of her thoughts on the future.
