The best businesses are started out of necessity, and for one Boyertown couple trying to make ends meet, that meant transforming ordinary pieces of fabric into something special.
With the help of her husband and kids, Danni Balasa, owner of Peanut and Tot, cut the ribbon on her new store front in Boyertown. The ceremony was presented in part by the TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce and Building a Better Boyertown.
For Balasa, the journey of building an online empire began seven years ago with the birth of her first daughter, Bella. Balasa’s problem? She couldn’t find anything cute and affordable for her daughter to wear for her first birthday. Balasa’s unique solution was to break out the sewing machine.
It didn’t take long for others to notice her work, that’s when Balasa opened an online store on the popular crafting website, Etsy. In 2011, Peanut and Tot was born! Originally selling birthday outfits for girls, Balasa quickly expanded her clothing line to include boys, eventually offering outfits for every occasion from Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, 4th of July, to Christmas and Easter.
Fast forward to January of this year, Balasa found herself with a new, but good problem. Space. Operating the business out of her home worked for the several years, however Balasa knew she couldn’t do it forever. Living and driving through Boyertown the answer was simple, find a store front on Philadelphia Ave that could both double as a warehouse and showroom.
Stocked with products designed by Balasa, the store also features handmade items from other local moms. “Although not a consignment store, my goal is to keep producing handmade items, and help other women try to make an income.” Balasa said.
Looking to expand beyond simply stocking new outfits and accessories, Balasa is hoping to turn her store into a classy events venue for kids. In fact, Balasa already has a Princess Tea Party lined up for June 23rd.
To celebrate the new store, Balasa will be hosting a grand opening party on Saturday (June 2nd) from 10am – 6pm. The day includes free face painting, 10% off the store, and the first 5 customers get free personalization on any item ($10 value).