Friends open The Fitting Room on Main boutique in Smithtown
Melanie Karuschkat and Julita Mikolajuk fulfill their dream by opening The Fitting Room on Main, a fashion and bridal boutique in Smithtown. Credit: The Fitting Room on Main
Before The Fitting Room on Main opened in Smithtown in November, it was simply a dream that Melanie Karuschkat and Julita Mikolajuk shared. Both women — introduced through their NYPD husbands 15 years ago — always hoped to one day own their own business. After 10 years of mulling over the idea, they finally put their plan into action and opened their first store together — a women’s fashion boutique that doubles as a bridal alteration studio.
When Melanie and Julita first met, they instantly hit it off and although they came from different career backgrounds — Melanie worked in physical therapy and Julita worked at her mother’s bridal boutique for over 26 years — they both shared the same creativity and drive.
They bonded over their passion for crafting, gift-curating and fashion — becoming best friends and eventually, business partners.
"I always wanted something of my own, and so did Melanie," Mikolajuk says, and with the help of their husbands they were able to materialize their dream into physical reality.
For years, the duo hashed out possible business plans and although there is an "overwhelming fear with starting something so big," they found that once they took the leap, it was a surprisingly smooth process with everything coming together organically.
They started online, sharing their curated gift boxes with friends and family and hosting house parties where people could shop in person. After positive feedback from their community, they decided to take even further action — they dove completely into their dreams, and ultimately landed on a storefront.
The Fitting Room on Main is a women’s fashion boutique that "has something for everyone." The business owners pride themselves on being inclusive, in every sense of the word, including sizing and pricing. They offer women’s clothing, accessories, spa items, and of course, their famous curated gift boxes — a bundled package with about six to seven items, perfect for teachers, family members, graduates and seasonal white elephant parties. And while they sell special occasion accessories like bridal veils, formal purses and jewelry ($12-$238) — the shop offers full in-shop bridal and gown alterations.
The Fitting Room on Main, 118 W. Main St., Smithtown, 631-780-5213
