The Baby Shopkeeper . . .

Picture courtesy of Joe Barr

by Colleen Kappeler

Bella Ancora, such a catchy little name for this adorable boutique. In you walk and see gorgeous brick walls, a tin ceiling and wood floors. All refinished. You look around and see everything from elegant dishware to adorable handmade bows for little girls’ hair. As you begin searching the store for that unique item that just fits your personality, you feel two tiny arms wrap around your legs and look down to see the littlest shopkeeper in Kenosha – twenty-month-old Aurelia!

Not only will Aurelia hand out hugs to unsuspecting shoppers, but she’ll babble her “hellos” and light conversation as you shop. Need an opinion on what colors little girls are into? Ask Aurelia. Need something special for a friend’s newborn? Ask Aurelia. She’s her mother’s little helper, and biggest gift.

Only eighteen months ago, when Aurelia was two months old, her mother, Tina, got the opportunity to buy Bella Ancora. When her husband asked if she could handle a baby and a business she simply said, “I don’t know. I never had a baby or a business before.” Owning a boutique was a dream Tina had if her acting career didn’t take off. “It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.”

It hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth it. Breast feeding while handling customers was no piece of cake, nor is Aurelia’s increasing milestones like walking around and getting into everything. From it all Aurelia has learned to be comfortable with people and Tina gets to spend these early years with her daughter by her side. “Trying to regulate meals and snacks, bottles and diaper changes, and the occasional temper tantrum all while the public is roaming around is enough to long for daycare occasionally. I would be lying if I said different.” But bringing Aurelia to work is both a choice and necessity. Day care is too expensive in the end, and it’s hard to imagine not “giving each other hugs” all day long. “I hope Aurelia realizes that the decision to bring her to work is for both of us. I WANT to be with her. We are lucky that I can do it.”