Today we’d like to introduce you to Alysa Cascio.
Hi Alysa, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always had a passion for fashion and for helping women feel their best. After raising my kids and helping my husband with his business, I found myself ready to build something of my own. I knew I wanted to create a career that was both creative and personal, and retail was the perfect fit.
I had worked in boutiques in high school and college, and after my divorce, I took on two retail jobs at once just to gain more experience and reconnect with that world. Eventually, I took a leap and opened my first boutique in downtown Lee’s Summit, Missouri. After a year, I expanded to Park Place in Leawood, Kansas — a spot I specifically chose because of its strong community of local businesses. Once that store took off, I made the decision to close my Lee’s Summit location and focus fully on Leawood. Eventually, I expanded into a larger space within Park Place and now, fifteen years later, I’m proud to say I’ve built a brand that continues to evolve — just like fashion itself and, honestly, like me.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been without challenges, but I’ve learned that every obstacle comes with an opportunity to grow. The most difficult time was during the pandemic, when we had to completely rethink how to serve our customers. We shifted our focus to online shopping and private appointments, and that personal connection really carried us through.
Another tough moment came during the winter storm of 2024, when our pipes burst and we had to close for six weeks. It was stressful but our customers truly rallied around us. That support reminded me why I love being part of this community.
And even though expanding our Park Place location came with its own set of challenges, it was also incredibly exciting. It felt like the next chapter for the store and for me personally.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Customer service is truly at the heart of what we do. We don’t just focus on a certain age range, we focus on each woman as an individual. When I go to market, I’m thinking about specific customers and what they’d love—their style, lifestyle, and preferences.
I’m also on the board of the Apparel and Accessories Market at the Dallas Market Center which gives me valuable insight into trends and what’s working for retailers. It helps me make smart decisions and keep the store looking ahead.
Our boutique is often described as a mini department store because we carry so many categories—clothing, jewelry, handbags, shoes, outerwear, intimates, fragrances, and gifts. My goal has always been to help women build complete looks in one place, with stylists who understand them and can work with what they already own.
We’re also known for our curated jewelry collection, featuring both local designers and national brands. And I’m most proud of how much our business has grown through word of mouth. When a customer tells her friend, “You have to shop here,” it means she trusts us and that means everything.
We keep our relationships personal, from texting new arrivals to offering private appointments. We even host private parties for groups like book clubs and moms’ nights out. It’s such a fun way to shop, relax, and connect. We provide the snacks, drinks, and style advice. The ladies just get to enjoy themselves.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
The best way to support us (and really any small business) is to stay connected and engaged. Of course, shopping local makes a huge difference, but it’s also about the small things that add up: telling your friends about us, tagging us in your photos, liking and sharing our posts, or enjoying one of our events. Those gestures mean more than most people realize.
We also love when customers share feedback like brands they’d love to see us carry or trends they’re excited about. This allows us to make smarter choices when we go to market. Supporting a small business isn’t just about the transaction; it’s about being part of its story. And we feel so lucky to have a community that does exactly that.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://alysarene.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alysa_rene/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alysareneboutique
