Z and Q – A Children’s Boutique

A couple of months ago, I had the idea to create the blog segment Small Business Spotlight. So naturally I reached out to a couple of friends to get their opinion. The wheels in my brain started spinning and I had lots of ideas for future collaborations. One of my friends told me that my visions and energy were similar to one of her friends and I must contact her immediately. This amazing, woman entrepreneur named Stephanie Milfeld is also from Central Florida. She is the proud owner of Z and Q – A Children’s Boutique located right in the heart of Downtown St. Cloud, Florida.

I have to be honest. I am not the one to normally reach out to a stranger and throw all my business ideas at them! This has never even been a thought to me but, for some cosmic reason I felt drawn to the idea and I instantly sent Stephanie a message. She was so professional, kind, and energetic. I could tell right away she too, loves to see other women win and thrive! I told her my ideas for Small Business Spotlight and asked if she wanted to collaborate to launch the segment. Being the incredible person that she is, she welcomed all my ideas without hesitation. It did not take long for us to pick a date and finalize our collaboration. We picked a date at random and it happened to be the same day as the Downtown Easter Egg-Stravangza.

Stephanie and I teamed up with 2 other brilliant, business women (Brandi Crain, Central Florida Realtor and Emily Anderson, Beauty Guru/ Mary Kay superstar). The 4 of us put together a beautiful Easter basket raffle. Stephanie was so generous, she offered us to set up a table in front of her gorgeous boutique for the Egg-Stravaganza. It was a great day to network and soak in the small town vibes. I’m so ecstatic to have Z and Q – A Children’s Boutique be the first business feature for Small Business Spotlight.

Z and Q – A Children’s Boutique is so modern and chic. This visually aesthetically pleasing boutique naturally draws you in to do some shopping. The friendly staff and hometown vibes are electric. This boutique has all the trendy feels! Not only is the establishment pristine but, the owner, Stephanie, is genuinely sweet and cares about her community. She is an advocate for abuse survivors and safe placement when a victim needs to be relocated. She is truly an inspiration and small-town hero!

Tiffany: What is your business and/ or product?

Stephanie: I own a Children’s boutique that carries clothing and accessories for children where every brand gives back to a cause, community or organization

Tiffany: Where are you located?

Stephanie: 1037 New York Ave St. Cloud Florida 34769

*Website: www.zandq.com

*Instagram: @zandqboutique

Tiffany: What made you decide to start your business?

Stephanie: There are not very many places in our hometown to shop for Children’s items that is not a big chain store. As a female entrepreneur and mother of two young girls, I wanted to not only be setting a great example as a business woman but also as a humanitarian. It is important for my children to understand that not everyone is as fortunate as we are and we need to give back when we are able to, to help those in need. Whether that is donating money, products or even time, I want them to know they NEED to help others. I don’t care if you are just opening the door for someone, helping carry a bag or sharing your snack with someone who forgot theirs at school, just be a good person. By shopping at Z and Q customers are able to pick up unique items while also feeling good about your purposeful purchase as every brand gives back to a cause community or organization. We give back to the Education Foundation of Osceola County and their Gift for Teaching program as well as donate to Help Now Osceola to those who are leaving domestic violence situations.

Tiffany: Where do you see your business in 5 years (goals)?

Stephanie: Oh gosh that’s a hard one. My main goal is to not only see my business grow but, the downtown community as a whole because we all rise together. No matter how hard I work on my own business, if we don’t work together for our downtown community we will all suffer. So while I would like to expand in both online and in store sales and on my social media, I would really love to see our downtown thriving with more boutiques and restaurants and help create a destination for our little corner of the earth.

Tiffany: Who are you besides business owner?

Stephanie: This is also a very good question and one I try to ask myself regularly haha because sometimes it is VERY HARD to get out of the business mindset for a few minutes its consuming because it is so intertwined with my daily life. I am constantly thinking about how to improvise checking in on what’s going on when I’mbnot there etc.. Besides being the owner of Z and Q. I am a wife to my husband of almost 8 years. We went to college together and have known each other for 15 years. I live the fire wife life and for those who have spouses that are first responders I know yall understand the unpredictability of it, but we just roll with all the punches. I am also mom to two beautiful girls Zoe (7) and Quinn (4) …hence Z and Q. Along with being an Uber driver to their activities I volunteer at their school as a member of their PTO. I also am secretary of the Downtown Business Group and one of the chairs of our Monthly Market Committee so that keeps me pretty busy. I enjoy time with my family, traveling, spending time with friends and honestly being outside. When I am not at work I am enjoying time with my family.

Tiffany: What are you most proud of in your life?

Stephanie: I am most proud of the person I continue to become. I am proud of the journey that has gotten me to where I am today. I am proud of the things I am learning along the way because I know that I am far from where I need to be but if I keep putting one foot in front of the other good things are bound to continue.

When you come to the Central Florida area, make sure you stop by Downtown St. Cloud, grab a mimosa to walk around, and checkout Z and Q – A Children’s Boutique!

T.