Here at The Bedford Mom we love sharing about and celebrating local businesses! This month we are so excited to feature Peridot, a clothing boutique founded by longtime friends Danielle and Melissa, brings a fresh, inviting shopping experience to Downtown Manchester. Combining Danielle’s creativity from her NYC beauty career and Melissa’s 20+ years in corporate retail, the boutique offers curated, on-trend clothing to empower customers through effortless style. Named after the August birthstone symbolizing joy and individuality, Peridot is dedicated to creating a welcoming space for shoppers. Learn all about Peridot and its owners Danielle and Melissa below!
Our story and how the boutique got it’s start:
Melissa and I have been friends for over a decade! We first met in NYC when she came to my hair salon as a client, but we quickly connected over our shared love for fashion, food, and football. The football part has been a bit of a challenge since I’m a proud Patriots fan (Go Pats!), and Melissa, being from Buffalo, is all about the Bills. Despite the rivalry, our friendship has stood the test of time—over 10 years and counting!
During Covid, I moved back to Manchester and noticed the need for a cute shopping spot in Downtown Manchester. Melissa had always dreamed of opening a boutique, and after visiting a few times, she saw the potential too. Hanover St. sealed the deal—there’s something so magical about it in the winter, especially with a little snow. It felt like the perfect setting!
About Melissa:
Melissa is originally from Buffalo, NY, and graduated from Fordham University in NYC with a degree in Economics and a Business Minor. Although she initially planned to pursue a career in finance, a single internship interview shifted her path, leading her into the fashion industry. Over the next 20+ years, Melissa held various senior leadership roles in fashion retail, including more than a decade at Saks Fifth Avenue and Century 21 Department Stores. Outside of work, Melissa enjoys traveling, exploring new restaurants, attending concerts and sporting events, and spending quality time with her nephews.
About Danielle:
Danielle, a Manchester native, has always been drawn to art, fashion, and beauty. After high school, she moved to NYC to study fashion design at FIT but soon shifted her focus to the beauty industry, attending the Aveda Institute. She built a successful career as a hair color specialist and eventually opened her own salon in the city. During the pandemic, Danielle returned to Manchester to be closer to family. She rekindled her passion for fashion after recognizing a need for a women’s clothing store in Manchester, NH. In her free time, she loves traveling, trying new restaurants, and spending time with her dog Wylie and her family.
The meaning behind the name, Peridot:
Peridot, the birthstone of August, represents feeling good, embracing simple wishes, and recognizing our divine birthright. During a pivotal moment in her life, Melissa was searching for this special stone and found it in a jewelry shop on the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, Italy.
When it came time to name our boutique, we wanted something that captured the essence of color, as that’s what our store is all about. After exploring many options, the meaning of Peridot stood out to both of us. It felt like the perfect fit—as if the name had been waiting for us all along. And that’s how Peridot Boutique came to life!
The style and vibe of the boutique:
At Peridot, we’re all about creating a warm, inviting vibe where you feel right at home while you shop. We look to make the shopping experience as easy and enjoyable as possible-because finding something you love should never feel like a chore. Our goal is to offer our customers quality, on-trend clothing at fair price points. We strive to curate effortless, day-to-night, looks that are easy to shop for in an approachable environment. We want out customers to feel empowered to express their individuality through fashion while at the same time enjoying their shopping experience.
A day in the life:
Our days are always varied and exciting. One week we might be unpacking new shipments, tagging products, and re-merchandising the store. Another week, we’re focused on buying for the upcoming months based on business needs. We also dedicate time to planning events. But what we enjoy most is helping our clients shop and pick out styles that make them feel empowered and confident!
Goals for our business in the next 3-5 years:
Our vision for the next 3-5 years is focused on expanding our customer base throughout the area and growing our online store. Beyond that, we hope to open additional locations in and around New Hampshire—and possibly elsewhere in the country. We’re also exploring the idea of launching a men’s store in the area. It’s all very exciting!
Our advice for anyone looking to start a business:
The best piece of advice we could offer someone looking to start a business is to follow your passion, but set yourself up for success first. Start by identifying if there is a real need for what you want to offer and where that need exists. Take the time to dive into market research-it’s the foundation for making informed decisions and building something sustainable.