Bella Grace Boutique opens in Mattituck
(L to R): Jodi Kral and Stephanie D’Gracia in Bella Grace Boutique in Mattituck. Credit: Bella Grace Boutique
Bella Grace Boutique hit the ground running with a devoted fan base already in tow from its former location when they opened in Mattituck in early May.
For three years, the shop ran as rental space tucked inside a home-decor store in Bellport. Co-owners Stephanie D’Gracia and Jodi Kral, friends and mothers in their 50s, say they outgrew that setup.
“When this new store popped up, we just went for it,” says D’Gracia, who was struck by the community’s cinematic curb appeal. “The town is like walking into a Hallmark movie.”
“It’s a busy walking town, and with a store like this, you need that kind of traffic,” she adds. “Everything we could have dreamed up, this location has it.”
The sunlight-drenched store specializes in women’s clothing, accessories, jewelry and bags, with prices to fit every budget. Along with the expanded space, are plans to get into home decor, baby and wedding merchandise.
D’Gracia grew up in Patchogue and studied fashion merchandising and buying at Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan. She has worked in various capacities in retail. Kral is from Blue Point and went to Suffolk Community College. She has taught preschool and worked in a surgeon’s office and in retail.
D’Gracia has two sons, 21 and 14, and a 24-year-old daughter (Bella). Kral has two sons, ages 27 and 14, and a 20-year-old daughter (Grace). They looked close to home for inspiration in naming their joint venture.
Both entrepreneurs live in Manorville, where they met as neighbors. Their youngest kids became fast friends in kindergarten and the women’s relationship followed suit. “We just clicked,” Kral says.
In addition to women’s clothing such as summer dresses ($60-$115), the shop features gifts and personal indulgences. Some of the popular items include Voluspa candles ($18-$40), tote bags ($30-$80) and silver and gold costume jewelry ($18-75).
Just like at the end of a Hallmark movie, shoppers leave with purchases on an upbeat note. “We put everything in a pretty bag with ribbon,” Kral says, “so customers don’t even have to go home and wrap it.”
Bella Grace Boutique, 90 Love Lane, Mattituck, 631-298-7182, Instagram: @bellagraceboutique56.
