Mama Llama’s opens in Washington

WASHINGTON — A new boutique has opened in Washington. Called Mama Llama’s, the store is run by owner Karisa Mellinger, who launched it as an online service and pop-up outlet in 2017, but decided to open the brick-and-mortar location when her family moved to Washington over the summer.

“We decided it was the perfect opportunity with the perfect location, and did it on a whim,” she said. “Honestly, we have been waiting for this moment, and for all of our cards and stuff to finally align.”

Mellinger credited the store’s unusual name was a conscious choice.

“Everyone says their boutique is a boutique,” she said. “I wanted something that would stand out and catch everybody’s eye and it needed to be different! And I love llamas.”

The store is geared toward young families. In addition to a “Mommy and Me” line with matching clothes for mothers and kids, the store also has a play kitchen for children. She is generally accompanied at the store by a handful of her own six children.

While Washington already has a handful of boutiques, Mellinger said it would stand apart.

“Every time you walk in there is going to be something else and something new,” she said.

After a grand opening Thursday afternoon, Mellinger said she was excited.

“Honestly, I love shopping,” she said. “I love being able to dress the kids, I love being able to be fashionable but cute and trendy with a mom style, and I don’t want to break the bank for everybody … I just really like it.”

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com