May is a time for blooming flowers, fresh beginnings, and of course, celebrating the incredible women-owned businesses that make our community shine! At Park Place in Leawood, a vibrant group of female entrepreneurs has carved out spaces that bring style, creativity, and joy to the local scene. Here’s the rundown:
Alysa Rene Boutique
Owner: Alysa Cascio
Alysa fell in love with retail in college, fascinated by the way fashion could empower women. "After years of learning from incredible mentors, I started with a small shop in Lee’s Summit before expanding to Leawood," she says. Alysa Rene Boutique offers a carefully curated mix of brands that focus on quality, fit, and style. "We’re more than just a boutique, we are a team that listens, styles, and curates with care," she explains. Alysa’s motivation is her customers, "I am driven by the relationships we build and the opportunity to help women feel confident, empowered, and completely themselves in their personal style."
Bella Bridesmaids
Owners: Angela Schell & Carolyn Schell
For this mother-daughter duo, opening Bella Bridesmaids was a dream come true. "We share a passion for fashion and always wanted to own a business together," they explain. Their boutique offers exclusive dress lines for weddings, black-tie events, prom, and more. "We love seeing our customers light up when they find the perfect dress!" With personalized service and stunning selections, they make every dress-shopping experience feel magical.
Bruú Café
Owner: Ananya Louviere
Ananya always loved boba tea, but she wanted to create something more than just another tea shop. "I wanted a place that felt warm, welcoming, and a little different, a space where people could enjoy authentically crafted drinks and good company," she says. At Bruú Café, every drink is carefully made using high-quality ingredients and unique flavors. "We put a lot of thought into each drink, making sure it’s something special," Ananya explains. She continues, "The people, our customers, our team, and the little community we’ve built keeps me motivated. Seeing someone take their first sip and light up makes it all worth it."
clair de lune
Owner: Natalie Thayer
When Natalie’s favorite bra boutique closed, she saw it as an opportunity to bring expert bra fitting back to the community. "I had always talked about opening my own store, and when I saw the original clair de lune was closing, I reached out and started negotiations to reopen it," she shares. Now, the shop specializes in expert bra fittings, carrying sizes 28-54, AA-O cup, but clair de lune offers more than just products, it’s a place where women feel heard and supported. "We do more than just put you in a bra; we listen to your concerns and help you find a solution."
Everyday Beaut
Owner: Juliana Cavender
Juliana started as a solo esthetician and now leads a team of over 20 professionals across three locations. "I never knew what my journey would turn into, but leading a team and an organization has been one of the greatest gifts," she says. Everyday Beaut specializes in lashes, brows, skin, and artistic nail design, all in a cozy, eclectic, plant-filled space! "We strive for professionalism and continual growth within a team-based environment," she explains. What keeps her going? "Being perpetually growth-minded, staying aligned with mentors, and remaining engaged in personal and professional development."
Flowers by Emily
Owner: Emily Fyten
Emily’s love for floral design began in her early 20s while working part-time at a flower shop. "I started designing wedding flowers on my own in 2006 and then opened my first retail shop in 2007," she shares. Now, with over 18 years in the business, Flowers by Emily has built a reputation for stunning garden-style arrangements using unique blooms. "You don’t need to know exactly what you want when you order from us, we love getting a few preferences and then designing something special based on what’s fresh that day," she explains. The best part of her job? "Being a part of brightening someone else’s day.”
Lalli’s Boutique
Owner: Susan Hatten
After a 30-year career in advertising, Susan found herself ready for a new challenge. So, she turned to a new passion—fashion. "A friend of mine who had left the industry to open a women’s boutique encouraged me to do the same," she says. Lalli’s Boutique is now a go-to destination for trendy, affordable fashion. What truly sets it apart is the sense of community. “The relationships I’ve built with our loyal customers as a result of creating a welcoming vibrant
community, along with the excitement of bringing in fresh styles, is what keeps me motivated
day to day to make the boutique the best it can be.”
Maison de Marnie
Owner: Stephanie Richardson
For Stephanie Richardson, opening Maison de Marnie was the realization of a lifelong dream. After years in retail furniture and design, the perfect opportunity finally came together, allowing her to create a space that reflected her vision. "I set out to create a destination for one-of-a-kind gifts and décor, something our area was missing," she explains. Stephanie’s carefully curated collection is always evolving, ensuring that every visit to the shop brings something fresh and exciting. But beyond the beautiful pieces, it’s the people who make it all worthwhile. "I love meeting new faces, reconnecting with regulars, and hearing their feedback," she says. "The excitement and kind words inspire me to keep pushing forward, always striving to make this the best little store it can be."
Owen & Graham
Owner: Lauren Barber
Lauren always knew she wanted to be in retail. "Growing up, I had multiple family members who owned their own businesses, so that lifestyle was familiar to me. I always wanted a store of my own someday" she shares. After studying visual display design in college, she discovered her true passion—curating collections for a children's boutique. "After having my own kids, I became interested in children’s fashion and knew that was the type of store I wanted to open." Owen & Graham specializes in outfits for baby showers, birthdays, and special occasions. "We love to be a part of those special times," Lauren says.
Pink Antlers
Owners: Julie Wenger, Erica Kellenberger, Morgan Campbell & Claire Kempin
For these three sisters and their mother, opening Pink Antlers was more than just a business venture, it was the fulfillment of a dream that had been passed down from their mom. Today, the boutique is a celebration of paper goods, party supplies, home decor, and gifts. "We buy what we love; our inventory is a true reflection of things we use in our daily lives," they explain. The shop is also special because it's a women-led, family-owned business, carrying forward a legacy of entrepreneurship. The motivation? "Truly enjoying what we do keeps us going every day."
Don’t Miss These Additional Women-Owned Gems in Park Place:
- Aqua Penny’s / Bamboo Penny’s – Penny Mufuka
- Creative Culture – Dell Ann Upp
- Engel and Volkers – Angie Ripley
- Ice Cream Bae – Jacqueline Sichampanakhone
- Mon Cheri Nails – Taylor Ho
- Moshiri Jewelry – Simone Moshiri
- Mother Clucker – Kylie Foster
- Panache Chocolatier – Julie House
- Perspire Sauna Studio – Leena Bhakta
- The Bar Method – Lizzy Rudd, Amy Bryant
Whether you’re looking for fashion, fitness, florals, food, or a fresh cup of boba, Park Place is filled with inspiring women-led businesses that bring passion and personality to the community. Be sure to visit and experience the magic for yourself. See you there!