Here at The Bedford Mom we love sharing about and celebrating local businesses! This month we are excited to feature Ellie and Piper, a party boutique with all of the decor you need for your next celebration. It’s owned and operated by a local mom, Tina Marchand. Learn all about her and her business below!
Tell us about yourself!
Hi there! My name is Tina Marchand, and I come from sunny Southern California, but spent my childhood in Texas. I fell in love with a wonderful guy from New Hampshire, and we spent four adventurous years exploring Europe together. After becoming parents, we decided to move back to New England. In my free time, I enjoy immersing myself in historical fiction and dramas, and I love experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen – it’s my therapy.
Tell us about your business!
Ellie and Piper is an online party boutique that offers an exquisite selection of on-trend party goods, seasonal home decor, and unique, high-quality gifts sourced from various corners of the world. I launched this business back in 2018, starting from scratch at my in-laws’ dining table, and storing inventory on three modest racks in the basement. Little did I know then that the small shop I was creating would grow and blossom into what it is today. I’m immensely grateful for how far we’ve come and excited for all the possibilities that the future holds.
What is the story behind your name?
Our brand’s story Behind The Name is one that touches the hearts of many moms who have experienced the pain of pregnancy loss. In 2016, my husband and I were thrilled to be expecting our first child, and we had chosen the names Ellie and Piper as our top favorites. Sadly, our joy was shattered by two heartbreaking miscarriages. Yet, instead of giving up, we decided to channel our grief into something beautiful and meaningful. That’s how Ellie and Piper, our business, came to be – as a tribute to our angel babies and a celebration of life’s precious moments with our customers.
What does a “day in the life” look like for you?
One of the things I cherish most about my job is its variability. Each day presents a fresh set of problems that require innovative solutions. Whether I’m engaging with our customer base on social media, collaborating with influencers, curating seasonal collections, training our team, or streamlining our operational processes, there’s never a dull moment. As a working mother, I appreciate the challenge and enjoy utilizing my skills to propel our business forward. It’s hard to do it all, but I love it.
What are your goals for your business in the next 3-5 years?
Dreams are limitless, so I’ll go ahead and manifest this answer. I would start out by building a bigger team. Then, I would open a local brick and mortar store to serve our local community. I envision it to offer such a different shopping experience that kids will ask their parents to go to every Saturday! It’s also my long term goal to develop Ellie and Piper into a global party goods brand and see our own line of signature products that you can find in boutiques all over the world.
What are your favorites local spots in town?
Whenever we’re craving pizza, 1750 Taphouse is our go-to spot. And when we need our caffeine and pastry fix, Flight Coffee’s coffee and cronuts are a match made in heaven. At Pressed Cafe, the menu is simply outstanding – my daughter can’t get enough of their mango smoothie. As for grocery shopping, we love hitting up Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods every week – they just have this magical way of turning a chore into a joy! Martin School of Dance has been an amazing place for my daughter to grow as a student dancer, and the sense of community there is simply delightful. We feel so grateful to have found such a wonderful dance school!
What is your best piece of advice for people looking to start a business?
Taking the leap into entrepreneurship requires deep reflection and soul-searching. It’s important to ask ourselves the hard questions, such as why we’re embarking on this risky venture. Building a business from scratch involves making personal sacrifices, like time away from loved ones, investing in ourselves, and putting finances on the line. Success requires a wholehearted belief in what we’re doing, along with a willingness to work harder than ever before. During tough times, it’s essential to reconnect with our “why” – our driving purpose – to stay motivated and push through the obstacles.
How can people connect with you and follow your business?
Come shop with us at our studio warehouse in person from Tuesday to Friday between 10am to 2pm, or browse our online store at ellieandpiper.com 24/7 and select local pickup. For party inspiration and tips, check out our Instagram account @ellieandpiperco, where customers from all over the country share their party stories with us. Watch us create party guides for trending themes, and see us in action as we put together stunning party setups that are sure to impress!