Mauve Shoppe owner Samantha Hernandez joined Episode 60 of the Money Hungry Mama Podcast to share how a side-hustle at her dining room table grew into a thriving boutique community in Point Pleasant, NJ—and how that growth helped her reclaim her identity as a mom of three and an entrepreneur.
Below are the biggest takeaways from the episode, plus easy ways to shop in-store and online.
From Cricut tees to a curated boutique
Samantha launched Mauve in 2020 shortly after the birth of her second child. What began as hand-made tees and home items quickly evolved as she discovered her real passion—curating apparel, accessories, shoes, and giftable finds for women.
- Name story: “Mauve” won out because the color felt modern and elegant—and, after “Indigo” was taken, it stuck.
- Category mix: Women’s apparel, accessories, shoes, and gifts—seasonally refreshed so shoppers always find something new.
What you don’t see on Instagram
The podcast dives into the real labor that fuels a boutique:
- entering and tagging inventory
- merchandising the floor
- sourcing at wholesale markets
- photographing, listing, and launching new arrivals
- serving customers in-store and online
Samantha has built long-term relationships with trusted wholesale vendors by attending Atlanta Market, Dallas Market Center, and MAGIC New York, which lets her deliver consistent quality to customers even when she’s buying remotely.
A zoning setback that became the turning point
Early on, Samantha showcased Mauve from a small retail space attached to her home. A visit from the local zoning office forced a choice: spend on legal fees or invest in a true storefront. She chose the leap.
Today you’ll find Mauve Shoppe at:
2801 Bridge Avenue, Point Pleasant Borough, NJ 08742 [Directions]
The boutique sits on a visible corner and has grown into a community hub for shopping events, workshops, and private parties. That “detour” became the breakthrough.
Small-batch shopping: buy it when you see it
Mauve Shoppe is known for small-batch ordering. Samantha typically brings in one run per style. Once it’s gone, it’s usually gone—by design. The goal is to keep outfits feeling special, not overplayed. If you spot a piece you love during a visit or live sale, grab it.
“Rose,” the customer muse
Inventory decisions follow a clear north star: a customer avatar the team lovingly calls Rose. She’s fun, social, and stylish—someone who enjoys a martini with friends, a golf day, or a night out in Asbury Park. That clarity keeps the racks consistent and wearable for Mauve’s core audience (shoppers span from 30 to 80, with Rose right in the middle).
Why the shop matters to moms
The conversation gets personal as Samantha describes how opening a brick-and-mortar helped her feel like herself again after postpartum depression and the identity shift many moms experience. The boutique isn’t just a store; it’s work she loves, a space where customers feel seen, and an example of possibility for her kids—especially her seven-year-old budding “business owner.”
Community first: events, networking, and local support
Samantha credits face-to-face networking and women’s groups for much of Mauve’s growth. You’ll often find Mauve hosting girls’ night events, pop-ups with local makers, and private shopping parties at the boutique. She also stays active in regional networking communities and co-hosts events that bring business owners together.
Shop Mauve—locally and nationwide
- Visit the boutique: 2801 Bridge Avenue, Point Pleasant Borough, NJ 08742
Make a day of it in Point Pleasant—stop by the boutique, grab coffee nearby, or head to the boardwalk after shopping. - Shop online: mauveshoppe.com with shipping across the USA
Enjoy $8 flat-rate shipping or free shipping on orders $75+.
New to Mauve? Join the email list at checkout for a first-order discount. - Stay in the loop: Follow @shoppemauve on Instagram and request to join the VIP Facebook group for live sales, early peeks, and event announcements.
Episode highlights at a glance
- Starting a boutique from home with young kids
- The unglamorous work behind a beautiful retail floor
- Turning a zoning obstacle into a storefront opportunity
- The power of buying small-batch for unique wardrobes
- Building confidence and community through entrepreneurship
- Practical growth tips: wholesale markets, vendor relationships, and local networking
Watch and listen
We’ll embed the episode on this page so you can stream it here on the site. It’s a candid, encouraging listen for any mom who’s curious about starting something of her own—or for anyone who loves a good behind-the-scenes retail story.
Ready to shop?
Stop by Mauve Shoppe in Point Pleasant for a personal styling experience, or browse new arrivals online and have your order shipped in time for your next event. Questions about fit, gifts, or private events? Contact the shop—we’re happy to help you find the perfect pieces.