With its selection of women’s clothing, Mainstream Boutique holds wide appeal

For an ambitious Olathe businesswoman, it was more a hop than a hurdle to move from a career in real estate to one as owner of Mainstream Boutique.

Carol Culkin quickly lists the skills common to both professions: determination, creativity and an artistic touch.

When Culkin moved with her husband from New York’s Hudson Valley, she first thought she’d go back to selling real estate, a job she enjoyed.

“But my heart wasn’t in it, so with the help of my husband, I looked into a couple of different franchises,” Culkin says. “I looked at food and home décor before finally settling on this woman-run and -owned business.”

Mainstream Boutique, with around 40 stores in 16 states, appealed to her. She could use her fashion eye to find the best selections for Kansas City women of all ages in the franchise’s broad selection of clothing lines.

“We pride ourselves on making women of all ages feel good and look great,” Culkin said. “Girls will come in here looking for homecoming dresses with their moms and grandmas, and everyone comes out with something.”

That multi-generational appeal is reflected in her clientele on a recent busy morning. Stylist Leah Abbott was offering advice and jostling Ashley Suddock’s 6-month baby, Kaylynn. Suddock’s mom, Kathy Edwards, and mother-in-law, Janet Suddock, were trying on dresses and flowing tops in the changing area.

Comfortable seating allows one to relax and admire racks of trendy dresses, long sweaters, leggings and other wardrobe basics.

“This is a darling store,” said Edwards, before calling out to stylist Carrie Serrano. “What else do you have that would look good on this body?”

She paused to laugh, before gesturing to shop’s team. “I want to look as cute as you girls do.”

These will be repeat customers, all three women agreed. And that’s exactly what Culkin is looking for. She changes her stock frequently, to draw those women who want to stop by once a week to see what’s new.

Culkin pointed to some of the best-selling pieces, figure-flattering dresses and loose-fitting long tops that can be paired with leggings. “We want to help women with those problem areas.”

Though open only since mid-July, Culkin is delighted to recognize many of those stopping in.

“We have a customer, an older woman, who comes in every week and just brought us cookies,” she said.

“People who are waiting at the orthodontist’s office next door might drop by, or we’ll get someone who is heading to Peachwave pop in.”

The location has been ideal, she said, adding that they’re attracting clients from near and far.

“We’re not just making new customers,” she said. “We’re making new friends.”

This story was originally published October 8, 2014 at 8:18 AM with the headline "With its selection of women’s clothing, Mainstream Boutique holds wide appeal."