When Emily Alberts founded Dearly Baby and Children’s Boutique in October 2022, she had just had her second child. Frustrated with the lack of highly-curated baby garments and wares she was searching for online, she decided to pull all her favorite brands into her own boutique storefront.

The overview

Located in Davenport Village, Dearly Baby and Children’s Boutique offers a wide selection of hand-selected clothing, gifts, toys and decor designed for children ages 0-6.

The business’ brick and mortar location, which features racks of children’s garments and shelves stocked with baby-friendly toys and accessories, was opened in December 2023, following a year of the business operating exclusively online.

“I wanted to bring all of the baby brands that I loved under one roof, physically and online,” Alberts said. “Originally I just started bringing in all the brands that I had found that I loved for my kids.”

Following positive feedback, Dearly Baby began hosting at local markets around Austin. When customers began asking about a brick and mortar location, Alberts decided to look for a space, leading to the opening of the business’ Davenport Village shop.

What they offer

A few brands offered at Dearly Baby include:

• Austin Baby Co
• The Blueberry Hill
• Konges Sløjd
• Mon Ami
• Snuggle Me Organic
• FIXONI

The business’ team is small, consisting of only Alberts and two of her staff members.

“I always say this is the best job that I've ever had,” Alberts said. “It's such an honor to be a part of people's journeys—they come in when they first find out that they're expecting and then you see them come back with their baby and then it's the first birthday. ... It's just such an honor to be a part of that, and so fulfilling.”

The details

Many of the boutique’s brands are ones that Albert found herself through social media, like Instagram or TikTok.

“I love following moms, just moms on Instagram and on TikTok and [seeing] what brands they love,” Alberts said.

In addition, Alberts said, she often attends Playtime, a children's fashion and lifestyle trade show, in New York City to meet new vendors.

What’s next?

While a second location may be possible in the future, Alberts said she is currently focused on growing her business’ current location, hoping to expand size offerings and bring even more brands into the boutique.

• 3801 N. Capital of Texas Hwy, Ste. G207, Austin