Local St. Johns Mom Starts online Clothing Boutique

Happy Bug Boutique

happybugboutique.com

​Local Mom Rachel Ford recently decided to open an online clothing shop, Happy Bug Boutique, to share her love of unique children's fashions. Rachel is the Mom of 3, two teenagers and a 4 year old.  

​How did you come up with the idea for Happy Bug?
My youngest daughter was my inspiration for this whole thing.  I have always liked buying her clothes online because you can find such cute things that are different from what you get in stores.

Earlier this year I just got the idea one day to start my own online boutique.  My husband was on board and fully supported this idea so I started doing a LOT of research and we decided to make it happen.

What makes Happy Bug unique? 
I have styles of clothing that you can't find in most stores. I'm able to work with my suppliers and customize outfits, patterns and mix different materials to come up with different unique designs.

What do you enjoy most about owning your own business?
Being able to work on my own schedule is definitely a perk of owning a business out of my home.  I always like to get creative with everything that I do so just being able to be creative and make it my own is fun.

What is your background?
I am a Florida native, born in Jacksonville and moved to St. Johns county when I was 3 years old.  I worked for a local builder in the interior design department until I had my first child.  I stayed home with my first two until they were both in school and then decided to go back to work.

Do you have another job?  Doe it help you when creating new ideas for Happy Bug?
           I am in my 9th year as a teacher at a preschool here in St. Johns county.  I do think that being around young kids every day and seeing the style of clothes that they are wearing definitely helps me with ideas.

What do you love about St. Johns?
          I love that I get to raise my kids in the same area that I grew up in, although it has grown so much since then. We love being close to so many nice beaches.  The schools here are great and we have the best neighbors.