Calista Miakoda, a new boutique, opens on Ellicott Street

Posted by Howard Owens on April 22, 2009 - 4:32pm
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Calista Miakoda, a second-hand clothing and accessory boutique, opened today on Ellicott Street in Downtown Batavia.

Owner Kaitlin McGratf is 19 and spent her whole life in Genesee County, growing up in Bergen.

She's dreamed of owning her own clothing store since she was 12, she said, which is when she picked the name for the business. She doesn't remember which language the words come from, but Calista means "most beautiful" and Miakoda means "night sky" (roughly).

"My dad always owned his own business," Kaitlin said. "I don't like working for other people too much, and I thought it would be fun (to own her own business). It's (clothing) has always been a hobby of mine."

Posted by Beth Kinsley on April 22, 2009 - 5:01pm
Great idea with today's economy. I keep reading how second hand stores are thriving. Good luck with this new venture. Nice to see more businesses on Ellicott too.
Posted by Mark Potwora on April 22, 2009 - 5:27pm
Good Luck....
Posted by Lori Ann Santini on April 22, 2009 - 9:12pm
Best of luck to such a young but take charge business woman. You will be an inspiration to many people who just need a push to move their dreams along. The only question I would have is whether this is a consignment shop or does she own the products she is selling. Lots of people are selling through consignment shops nowadays. Lord knows I have a ton a kids clothes to part with. :)
Posted by Robin Walters on April 22, 2009 - 9:33pm
Best of luck to her! What an inspiration for other young people!
Posted by Howard Owens on April 22, 2009 - 9:47pm
Lori, I'm not sure if Kaitlin is taking consignment or kids stuff ... she has lots of room in the back of the shop and talked about having more merchandise back there at some point. But in case you don't know about it, there's a newish kid's clothing consignment shop over in the 4100 block of W. Main.
Posted by Dave Olsen on April 22, 2009 - 10:53pm
I am not positive but I think Calista & Miakoda are Greek words. Anyway, best of luck.
Posted by Loren Penman on June 12, 2009 - 4:49pm
This is a terrific shop run by a very ambitious young entrepreneur! I was there TWICE today -- and I will be back! This new endeavor deserves the public's support!