From Tie Dye Dreams to Boutique Reality
- Christina
- Jul 2
- 4 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
A Fashion Girl at Heart
As a young girl, I always wanted to be a fashion designer. I would spend hours sketching outfits on cartoon characters and making clothes at fashion camp during the summer. I’ve always had a creative streak, and fashion gave me a way to express it.
My Nanny (grandma) played a big part in this love story too. She was a true fashionista—always having the cutest outfits, always put together. She taught me strength, she battled multiple cancers for many years but you wouldn't have known it looking from the outside. Even through her sicknesses she tried her best to get dressed because it was her favorite thing to do (that & shopping lol).
Starting in the Fashion Industry
Before opening my own boutique, I worked in the corporate fashion world. One of my first big moments was landing an internship at Kleinfeld Bridal—yes, the same Kleinfeld from Say Yes to the Dress. It was a dream come true. I even met Randy and got to play dress-up with the wedding gowns!
From there, I became the assistant buyer in the children’s department at Century 21. That job gave me real-world experience and also taught me what I didn’t want out of life. I had a boss who constantly tried to tear me down, but that experience taught me a valuable lesson: don’t let anyone dull your sparkle. Eventually, I quit without another job lined up. I just knew I deserved better.
That decision led me to a new role as the private label buyer for a well-known Long Island children’s store. I was designing and prepping their line for the next summer camp season—but once again, I hit a wall. The owner let me go on Valentine’s Day of 2020 because I “didn’t have the style they were looking for” (even though I was the only person there under 45). A month later, COVID hit, and everything changed.
How a Cricut Machine and Tie Dye Sparked a New Beginning
After getting let go, I made a promise to myself: I was done working for people who didn’t value me.
I bought a Cricut machine, started tie-dyeing sweatshirts, and launched an Instagram account with 10 custom styles. People loved them. They picked their decals and color combos, and I made each one by hand. That’s how my business began—one tie-dye sweatshirt at a time.
Over the next two and a half years, I took custom orders, created new designs, and slowly built a following. Eventually, I realized I was ready for more. That little voice inside me—the one from childhood—was telling me it was time to open my own boutique.
The first sweatshirt I made with my cricut, the first tie dye sweatshirt I made and
the day I made my business official!
Opening My First Storefront in Long Island
Opening the store was one of the most exciting and overwhelming decisions I’ve ever made. I wanted a space that reflected everything I stood for: creativity, comfort, confidence, and fun. Half the store was dedicated to my custom items, and the other half became a boutique filled with pieces I personally curated—items that I would wear myself.
I built everything from the ground up. I was the buyer, the cashier, the merchandiser, the social media manager, and the gift wrapper. I handpicked inventory, steamed every garment, styled customers, and even took personalization orders on the spot. It was nonstop, but it was mine.
What My Boutique Looks Like Today
Today, DCD Boutique is more than just a place to shop—it’s a space for women to feel good. We specialize in casual, trendy styles for the on-the-go woman, and we also offer personalized gifting for bridal events, baby events & much more.
Over time, we’ve built a loyal local community and continued to grow our online presence. The store reflects me—my style, my story, and my passion. I’m not just selling clothes; I’m building confidence, joy, and connection through everyday fashion.
What’s Next for DCD Boutique
My dreams are still growing. I’m working on expanding our website, reaching more women across the country, and continuing to create a boutique that feels like your stylish best friend’s closet. I want to keep making fashion fun, easy, and effortlessly cool.
There are exciting things ahead—and if you’re reading this, you’re part of it. Whether you’ve been here since the tie-dye days or just stumbled upon us recently, I’m so grateful you’re here.
Want More Behind-the-Scenes?
I’ll be sharing more blog posts soon, including:
What it’s really like to run a boutique behind the scenes
How I pick the pieces you see in the store
A deep dive into why small boutiques charge what they do
Style tips for dressing confidently and comfortably
Have questions or something you want me to write about? Drop a comment or DM me on Instagram @dcdboutique , I love hearing from you.
Until next time!
With love,
Christina
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