it'sher business

When Tootsie’s

Children’s Boutique opened in September of 2017, owner and founder McKenzie Kjos saw something of herself in all of her customers. “I love seeing the excitement on people’s faces when they come to the store for the rst time,” she says. “I grew up loving everything to do with clothes.” As a kid, Kjos admits she would change her out ts multiple times a day, despite upsetting her mother, her number one shopping companion. “Shopping trips with my mom are some of my favorite childhood memories. I could never sleep the night before, I was so excited.”

Kjos started by working in various local retail and boutique shops, building a foundation on which the idea of opening her own boutique grew. A er years of watching her little nephews and nieces grow up, Kjos knew she wanted to work with kids clothing. Tootsie, a loving nickname from her grandparents, helped solidify the opening of the business.

From clothing sizes preemie to 7, shoes, and basic infant necessities, Kjos hopes Tootsie’s will be a one-stop-shop for all of your children’s needs.

“I love helping people nd the perfect picture out ts, everyday wear, or gi s for special occasions, like baby showers or birthdays,” says Kjos. She continues the tradition of taking shopping trips with her mother by going to market, where Kjos says she hand picks everything that comes into the store. "I listen to my customers closely. If there's a certain style or brand that people are looking for, I try to pick them up when I go to market." With a new location in Fargo’s BLU 32 development, Tootsie’s inventory has expanded to include even more styles for your little ones. The move has also allowed Kjos to develop a new boutique for a slightly older demographic.

“When Tootsie’s opened, I always had customers asking when I would open up a new store for older kids,” says Kjos. “With all the wonderful support from the Fargo community, I was able to open up a second location that o ers those next-in-line sizes.” Kenzie + Co. o ers clothing in the sizes 6-16 range, along with fun accessories like backpacks, sunglasses and beauty products. Looking to the future, Kjos has a few more business ventures in the works that she cannot wait to share with her customers. In the meantime, she is excited to continue growing her businesses to t the needs of local mothers and families.

“I wouldn’t be here without the support and love from my family and friends,” says Kjos. “Especially my mom and dad. From building product displays, setting up until 6 a.m. before a grand opening or helping me move merchandise for a pop-up shop. I am very grateful.”

Tootsie's Children's Boutique

SIZES PREEMIE TO 7

4600 32nd Ave S, Suite 100, Fargo tootsiesfargo.com.

Kenzie + Co.

SIZES 6 TO 16

5670 38th Ave S, Suite E, Fargo kenzieandcofargo.com.