Weddings, baby showers, family reunions and other milestones in life sometime require more class and flare than supplies from a big-box store can provide.
Molly Mae’s Party Connections opened near Main Street and Roger Smith Avenue on Monday, hoping to fill that niche with supplies to make an event memorable.
If you would like Mickey Mouse to guest star at a birthday party or to bring the flavor of an elegant English tea party to Mother’s Day, Molly Mae’s can help.
“We’re trying to give them something a little more elegant for an affordable price,” co-owner Peggy Samora said.
Sisters Susie Frantz and Samora have been in the party business for about five years. Samora started out doing custom cakes, and Frantz specialized in flower and table arrangements.
They gradually expanded their services, and a storefront on Main Street seemed like a logical step.
“If we didn’t have a storefront, we weren’t going to grow any further,” Frantz said.
The two will still offer custom baking and arranging services, but they hope their store will spark the idea for a party theme that they can help execute with all the necessary items. Or in some cases, the store might just help supply one piece of glassware that will add a finishing touch. Everything in the store is both for rent or for sell.
They plan for a seasonal inventory. The store opened with a garden party theme, and new customers will be welcomed with baked goods for the first few days. As school approaches, the two will offer wigs and hairpieces with school colors.
For the sisters, the store is extension of their love for party planning.
“Hopefully when people come in here, they will have fun as well,” Frantz said.
The two were born and raised in Cortez and branded the store with the old-fashioned name, Molly Mae’s.
“We wanted to them to think of old-fashioned girls, that did a little bit of everything,” Frantz said.
In time, the two hope to make connections with other people who may specialize in certain aspects of special events, like photography, and help connect their customers with other services.
mshinn@cortezjournal.com
