Old Town Alexandria's King Street is known for it's array of shops. Among this composite of store fronts is Pink and Brown, a children's clothing and toy store that specializes in the use of organic materials for it's products.
Store owner Lan Le has owned and operated the shop for the past 6 years, after spending 13 years in the accounting field. The mother of three thought of the concept of an organic children's clothing store, based on a vision to create environmentally safe, kid-friendly merchandise.
"The clothes and toys are made with vegetable, bamboo and organic blends," said Le. "Our furniture is handmade with non-toxic materials."
When describing her business, Le said it's akin to the movie "You've got Mail" with Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks. Hanks' character is a businessman for a company that owns a chain of mega-bookstores.
The fictitious company intends to open a new location around the corner from a small bookstore owned by Ryan's character. Both Hanks and Ryan's characters develop an online relationship, unaware that they're rival business competitors.
"I think this film best describes Pink and Brown," said Le. "To me, it's all about having that niche store in the community, successful enough to compete with the larger retailers."
With Christmas around the corner, Pink and Brown is bracing for a busy holiday season, which started in Mid-October. "Much of our business is word of mouth," said Le. "I have a close knit group of customers that will definitely come in to find those last minute gifts."
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