Mi bebe: A True Westchase Original

Ten years ago while pregnant, Westchase resident Ana Maria Baldor-Bunn recognized the lack of boutique shopping for babies and children.

So she decided to do something about it.

Enter one of Westchase's best kept gems,, a baby and child boutique featuring some of the most unique gifts, decor, toys and apparel exclusively for little ones.

By the time the store opened in December of 2001, Baldor-Bunn who had given birth to a son named William, was battling a rare form of stomach cancer. After seeing the store through it's infancy, she lost her fight with cancer on April 19, 2002. Her parents, Liana and Carlos Baldor, Sr., have kept the store going in their daughter's memory. And it has since flourished into both a shopping destination in the area, but also a favorite among Westchase residents.

Ana's childhood friend and mi bebe' manager, Michelle Mendez, recently sat down with Westchase Patch to share her reflections on being in business for the past decade.

Patch: How long have you worked as the manager of mi bebe?

Mendez: Since day one! Ana and I were friends since the age of three. When she decided to open a store, she asked me to join her. I was more than happy to comply.  In light of her illness, I wanted to be a part of making this dream come true for her.

Patch: What is your typical day like?

Mendez: Our typical day is very much like any other retail store. We receive deliveries in the morning. We respond to email, internet and phone inquiries. We work with customers in many ways, from designing crib bedding sets to picking out the perfect gift for a new baby.

Patch: What are the children's clothing merchandise trends that you see as most popular in Westchase?

Mendez: Accessories are very hot right now. It’s all about the hair! From tiny bows for newborns to large flower clips for 'tweens.  The Terra Traditions custom photo albums seem to be the gift to give. They’re beautiful and personal and make a great keepsake.

Patch: What's the best part of your job?

Mendez: The best part of this job is watching our customers grow from infants to teens. In a way, we have been able to be a part of so many lives: from coming home from the hospital to first birthdays, to kindergarten graduations, to middle school.

Patch: What's your most busy day of the week?

Mendez: Our busiest days tend to be Thursday through Saturday. The weekends bring baby showers, christenings and birthday parties, so people are more likely to shop the days right before an event.

Patch: What is your favorite memory of your time at the boutique? 

Mendez: Our grand opening party is probably my favorite memory. Family and friends were here to celebrate the coming to fruition of Ana’s dream. She was able to see her vision realized.

Patch: Mi Bebe just reached its 10 year anniversary. What does this milestone mean to you?

Mendez: We feel very fortunate that in today’s economy, we are able to celebrate 10 years in business. We are very grateful to have received so much support from the wonderful residents of Westchase and neighboring communities. We are proud to be one of the few remaining original businesses in West Park Village.

Mi bebe's hours of operation are Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., closed on Sundays. You can visit their website at www.shopmibebe.com or contact them at (813) 792-7988.