Z And Q A Children’s Boutique is our local business spotlight in St. Cloud FL. Jeanine Corcoran broker for The Corcoran Connection is your host and she is joined by her co-host Kristin Macari owner of Studio Nine 13. Welcome to the 18th episode of Discover St. Cloud Florida.
Jeanine will be interviewing Stephanie Milfeld who is the owner of Z And Q A Children’s Boutique in St. Cloud, FL at 1037 New York Ave. Z And Q’s Boutique will be the first business spotlight for this segment of our podcast.
Jeanine began the interview inside of the Z And Q A Children’s Boutique store by asking Stephanie how long the store has been open and the reason she opened her business?
They have been open for just short of four years now she replied. Stephanie explained the reason that she opened her store was beside the major retailers there weren’t a lot of options for children’s stores. Stephanie wanted to contribute to her local community by giving back and as a result, every brand she brings into her store must give back as well to a community, organization, or cause.
Jeanine asked Stephanie what organizations she contributes to personally? She replied that Z and Q A Children’s Boutique contributes to the Osceola Education Foundation. They have a gift for teaching program that she contributes to. They help restock school supplies at the Gift For Teaching store. This store is for teachers at Title One schools for their classrooms specifically. She said our boutique donates extra clothing to the Help Now Osceola organization. Their focus is on helping victims that are part of domestic violence situations and attempting to leave them.
Stephanie was asked by Jeanine to share a bit of her background. She said she is a native of Osceola County. She grew up here and graduated from high school here as well. Stephanie is the mother of two girls named Zoey and Quinn. The initials of their first names represent the name of the store. She is married to a firefighter/paramedic. Her husband was recently promoted to Captain. Stephanie is a member of the local PTO and donates her time there as well.
Jeanine wanted Stephanie to share how it is that she is serving the people in the community of St. Cloud FL? She is a member of the downtown St. Cloud business group. Stephanie also serves on their board. She is involved with many of the downtown activities which include the monthly market committee.
Jeanine then asked if the monthly market downtown is held on the last Wednesday of each month? Stephanie answered that yes, the market is held on the last Wednesday of each month. She continued that during the summer months of June and July the only vendors allowed are those of age 21 or younger. This is called the “young entrepreneurs’ market”.
August is the one month when we take a break. We start back up in the month of September. The time for each market is from 5-9 PM. Stephanie stated they have music, many different vendors, and food trucks. The local stores remain open until late to accommodate the people attending. It is a fun time for all.
Jeanine inquired about the number of vendors that attend each market. Stephanie said that they average over 100 vendors each month and that number continues to grow. Jeanine commented that she even moved the staff meeting she holds each month so it didn’t overlap with the timing of the monthly market so her staff could go and enjoy.
We hope you enjoyed this podcast featuring Z And Q A Children’s Boutique as our very first local business spotlight In St. Cloud FL. This will be a monthly focus for the Discover St. Cloud Florida podcast.
