For mother-daughter duo Jen and Jennifer Arpaia, shopping has always been more than just a pastime; it’s been a shared passion and a source of joy. What began as countless shopping trips together evolved into a lifelong dream: opening their own boutique. That dream became a reality on December 7, 2024, when All There Boutique opened its doors right in the heart of Freehold.
Blending timeless pieces with trend-forward finds, All There Boutique offers an inviting, down-to-earth shopping experience that feels more like visiting a friend than browsing a store. Known for its inclusive sizing, community spirit, and warm atmosphere, the boutique has quickly become a local favorite. As they celebrate their first anniversary, Jennifer reflects on the journey she and her mom have shared, their inspiration, and what’s next for their growing business.
What inspired you to open All There Boutique?
From a young age, my best memories with my mom were spent shopping. We always had the dream to open a store together. My mom is my biggest advocate and always encouraged me to follow my dreams and do what makes me happy. Owning a boutique was something we always talked about, and we decided to make our dreams a reality.
What made you choose Freehold as the location?
Freehold is a very inviting town with a strong sense of community and many small businesses, which is very important. I am a member of LeTip Freehold and am very lucky to be a part of the Freehold community.
How did your journey in retail or fashion begin? Is this a field you’ve always been part of?
My background is in accounting. I graduated in 2014 with an MBA and worked in corporate auditing for a few years, but my true passion was always retail. I dreamed of opening a boutique. I started out online and would do school fairs and vendor markets, ultimately building it up to what it is today.
Blending timeless pieces with trend-forward finds, All There Boutique offers an inviting, down-to-earth shopping experience that feels more like visiting a friend than browsing a store.
What’s the story behind the boutique’s name?
A name is one of the most important things to a business, and it tells its own story. We knew our boutique would carry a mix of everything, and “All There” was the perfect way to describe this.
How would you describe the vibe and personality of All There Boutique?
Boutiques are often known as expensive, unfriendly, and not size-inclusive. We wanted to break these stereotypes. The overall vibe is shopping with a friend. We welcome everyone who comes in, and offer honest opinions on outfits. We carry a wide variety of styles and sizes, from small to 3X, and are sure to have something for everyone.
What are some of your best-selling or most-loved items right now?
POL is one of our best-selling brands. All our customers are big fans of their jackets and sweaters. The Little Words Project Bracelets are another big seller and make the perfect present.
How do you choose what to carry in the boutique — do you go with your gut, follow trends, or listen to what your customers are asking for?
We love keeping up with trends, but we also value being different, so our collection is a mix of trendy, timeless, and one-of-a-kind pieces. We listen closely to our customers and are always open to feedback, which is how we expanded our sizing to include 1X–3X. While we stay aware of what’s popular, we trust our instincts when buying, and our range of perspectives helps us curate the unique selections our customers love.
What do you love most about running the boutique?
I love being able to connect with so many people on a daily basis. I love putting together outfits, and helping people feel confident. Clothes are a big part of any important life event, and it’s a big honor to be included.
What’s been one of your proudest or most memorable moments since opening?
Since opening, we’ve been fortunate to experience many memorable moments, but the proudest one is being able to support the community. It is very important to give back, and we love sponsoring community events, including Liv Like a Unicorn, a pediatric cancer foundation based in Freehold.
It also makes us proud to hear how confident and beautiful our customers feel in their clothes, and how we impacted many life milestones, such as birthdays, anniversaries, engagements, and new jobs, to name a few.
What’s the biggest challenge of owning a boutique, and how have you learned to navigate it?
The biggest challenge is figuring out what styles to carry, and how to appeal to a wide range of customers. We learned to navigate it by trusting our own instincts on picking inventory, and listening to customer feedback.
What’s next for All There Boutique? Any new projects on the horizon?
All There Boutique is always proud to support our community, and we’re thrilled to announce that we now carry Beloved Bath, a candle and skincare company that employs adults with autism. As we head into the holiday season, we’re especially excited to offer a wide selection of gifts for every age and budget.
