After first year, boutique continues to evolve

It has been more than a year since a pair of Valley Stream sisters opened a women’s clothing boutique on Rockaway Avenue, and in that time, the store’s offerings have expanded from items for adults to include fashion for all ages.

“We want our customers to feel comfortable, without being aggressive,” said Gabriella Mosti, 25.

She said she found the transition into business ownership fairly easy due to her years of experience at Ask Alice, the boutique that occupied the space at 125 Rockaway Avenue for 30 years. She started working there when she was 15, and when the shop closed she decided to try her own venture. She collaborated with her sister, Michelle, 26, and they opened LUXE on Aug. 22 of last year.

In the time since, customers’ demands have shaped the shop’s inventory. Prom season brought a flurry of business, and they added seating in the back of the store where mothers could wait as their daughters searched for the perfect dresses. Women would bring their younger children, too, so Gabriella and Michelle started ordering a more diverse range of apparel that would appeal to them.

The sisters apply their own fashion sense as well as staying on top of trends, like the bohemian style, or “boho.”

“Our biggest summer sellouts were rompers and two-piece sets,” Michelle said.

A graduate of Queens College with a pre-law degree, Michelle said her education has helped her navigate the ins and outs of owning a business, which compliments her sister’s years of boutique experience.

Gabriella emphasized the value of building relationships with customers, and matching each with clothing that meets their specific needs. “We know what everyone should be wearing for every occasion — at least we try,” she said.

Many of their early customers were relatives, friends and former classmates. The lack of options for women’s clothing on Rockaway attracts business from neighboring nail salons and other stores, the women said.

Gabriella said that the street’s parking meters are a frequent source of customer ire. Enforcement will resume on Jan. 5, once the holiday shopping season is over.

The women took their business online in April, creating their website, Shopluxebtq.com, where customers can place orders to be shipped to their homes. They said they hope to open a second boutique in a different location on Long Island in the near future, but are focused on their current endeavor. Their investment on Rockaway Avenue has lead them to hope that other new businesses will make it a more enjoyable destination.

“We would like to see more boutiques and restaurants here, because there isn’t much,” Gabriella said.