ASHLAND – The Clothes Minded Boutique is a contender in an international award competition.
The clothing shop with Ashland, Mansfield and Wooster locations was recently named as one of six Ohio-based finalists for the Boutique Hub’s 2017 “Storefront Boutique of the Year” award.
“We are truly humbled to be in the running for this prestigious award. Being nominated by our customers and in the finals against the best of the best is a tremendous honor,” said owner Ali Amato.
Her husband and co-owner Jimmy Amato Owners opened the Ashland location six years ago and have since expanded into Wooster and Mansfield. Ali says it’s because of “loyal customers and hardworking staff” that this expansion is possible. The 827 Lexington Ave., Mansfield location opened about two months ago.
The Boutique Hub’s annual awards include boutiques from the United States, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom.
Customers nominated the Ashland-based boutique.
“It came as a huge surprise to us,” Ali Amato said. “We didn’t even know we were in the running for it. I got an email about a week and a half ago saying we are a finalist.”
Through personal-styling sessions and in-home parties, the Clothes Minded Boutique is open to unique customer service ideas. During the in-home parties, an employee brings some best-selling items and helps to style everyone in attendance.
Amato, a mother of three children – all age 6 and under– knows her look needs to be functional and stylish. She also likes pieces that will “stand the test of time” and offers this advice to her customers.
“I don’t want customers to get one thing for one time,” she said. “I want people to make it multi-seasonal and multifunctional.”
The boutique carries clothing, shoes, jewelry and accessories.
To learn more about Clothes Minded Boutique or to shop online, visit clothesmindedohio.com. Stores are located at 149 W. Main St., Ashland, 827 Lexington Ave., Mansfield and 140 S. Market St., Wooster.
Customers can vote for their favorite boutiques once per email address. The final voting period ends Monday, Aug. 21. To vote, click here.
