Ashley Houck and Ashley Lindquist. Photo: Chris Emeott
An area boutique offers retail and workshop experiences.
Women have busy lives—think of the perfect way to relax and calm the noise surrounding everyday life. Perhaps it’s some retail therapy, a cup of coffee or a fun do-it-yourself activity. What if all those things could be found in one location? That’s where Mama’s Happy comes in.
Mama’s Happy, a popular Twin Cities boutique formerly known as Mama’s Happy in the City, is at a new location under new ownership. Nestled on Maple Grove’s Main Street, the original version of the store for 14 years has offered a space where women can work, create and feel inspired. And while the staples of what made the store popular for so many years will continue, owners Ashley Houck and Ashley Lindquist have ideas to bring fresh, new offerings to the store.
“We love this store and have been longtime followers of Mama’s Happy [in the City],” Houck says. “We know it has a strong following and are looking forward to growing that.”
Lindquist says for years, she felt a lot of pride and love for the store owned by Amanda Ficek. She served as a furniture vendor for the shop and grew to love it as a familiar, welcoming space. When Ficek decided to sell the business, Lindquist says she opened her mind and heart to different possibilities.
“Ashley [Houck] and I got to know each other and instantly discovered we had almost everything in common,” Lindquist wrote on the Mama’s Happy website. “Over the next two years, we were constantly daydreaming about decorating, creating and combining our talents and passions. After sharing with her the news about Mama’s Happy In The City, it was only a matter of time before she, too, was on board. How amazing is it to get to share a business with one of your best friends.”
Mama’s Happy features clothing, home and seasonal décor, restored furniture, vintage finds, a gift shop and many one-of-a-kind pieces. To add to the retail experience, the duo is expanding services within the store to create a feeling of community by offering classes, workshops and events. In addition, Mama’s Happy has partnered with Flora 67 Coffee to have a pop-up coffee cart available in the store.
“We want to offer the ideal experience for mamas—or anyone, really,” Houck says. “We want people to feel comfortable when they come into the store.”
The friends, neighbors and now business partners have the perfect mesh of backgrounds to continue the legacy of Mama’s Happy in the City. Lindquist brings her history of working as a vendor and longtime customer of Mama’s Happy In The City to the table. Houck comes with more than 15 years of experience in the corporate retail world, with vast knowledge of merchandising and product development.
“I’m excited to partner with Ashley [Lindquist] on this,” Houck says. “She has such an eye for the art of this world and refinished furniture. I think we offer a great mix of both of our backgrounds to come in and bring this to Maple Grove.”
Lindquist agrees. She says the store will be the perfect blend of old and new, both literally and figuratively.
“When you come through our doors, you can find a brand-new outfit or discover ways to give new life to your grandma’s old dresser that you love, but it doesn’t match your vibe,” she says. “I love the concept of reusing and am passionate about cleaner living and salvaging what we can … We want to help others do that, too.”
Mama’s Happy
7804 Main St. N.
Facebook: Mama’s Happy
Instagram: @mamashappy
