MOD Boston botique brings a bit of Newbury Street to the residents of Dorchester with a sleek looking boutique that stands out amoung the businesses on Washington St. I stopped by botique to chat with Owner Vanessa Targete and Store Manager Janeen Williams to learn more about what makes MOD Boston a fab!ulous addition to the city.
BostonFab!: So how did MOD Boston come to be?
Vanessa: This is a family owned business, that started with my brother and my cousin who wanted to bring a bit of Newbury street to the neighborhood. We already owned the location so we thought this would be a great addition to the community. I took the business over from my brother about a year ago.
BostonFab!: What you think changed in the community by brining MOD into the area?
Vanessa: We brought into the community something that they didn’t have by bringing upscale fashion into the community.
BostonFab!: I noticed that you do a lot of sponsorships, I even see that you’re getting ready for an event right now! What events to do have coming up? And what do you look for when collaborating with other businesses?
Janeen: We really look for a business or group with a similar outlook on business and similar, look and style. And that we share the same basic philosophies.
Vanessa: As for what’s coming up, we’re really gearing up for Boston Fashion Week September 24th – October 1. We have a fashion show that we’re gearing up for so that is taking up most of out time right now.
BostonFab!: What does MOD Girl look like?
Janeen: A MOD Woman is18 – 45, all shapes and sizes, trendy - yet classic, sophistated, ahead of her time and on the cusp of everything.
Vanessa: Music, watching what frequent customers are wearing, TV, movies, using the environment.
Janeen: You also have your own vision; to be a visionary you have to have your own vision.
BostonFab!: What makes MOD unique from other boutiques in the area?
Vanessa: We really seek out unique and interesting pieces and only carry 2-6 pieces per style. We get shipments in about three times a month which allows us to keep the styles rotating and fresh. Each month we feature a local designer. This month we feature Mewah and Chandler Jewlery. We are always interested in working with local designers and working with the community.
Janeen: We are not really known as much for the designers we carry, but for our styles and our service. We have a great selection of well-fitting jeans and going out tops. We also sell a lot of dresses. Our customer service is also a key component that makes us stand out from other botiques. If a customer can’t purchase a whole outfit here or needs a similar look, but a little less expensive, we will let you know where to find it. We also hire fashion majors to work in the store as inters. They are very knowledgable and they are able to give a lot of first-hand knowledge to our customers as well as gain hands on experience for themselves in customer serivce, styling and merchandising.
BostonFab!: Let’s talk a little about the desigin of the store. It really stands out from other buildings you typically find in this area. How did you come up with the concept?
Vanessa: We wanted to give the space a bright, inviting, warm, different, urban city look. We really wanted the space to have work on every sense; your eyes, your nose, your ears. We aim to make people feel comfortable, like it’s their store.
Janeen: We wanted to make it stand out. Just because everybody else is doing it one way doesn’t mean you have to do it in the same way, too.
BostonFab!: What advice do you give to other young entrepreneurs?
Vanessa: Think outside of the box and stay true to your vision.
Janeen: You mold and train your customer, and you can do your business anywhere. Never feel you can do it all on your own, you need help. You always will have a competitor, so be humble, always at the cusp of what’s new and always be looking for ways to improve your business. If you don’t, you will fail.
To find out more about MOD Boston visit their store at 184 Washington St, Dorchester. Hours of Operation are 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. daily. You may also visit their website
