Twin sisters open North Lakes Peppa Penny baby, kids boutique

They were regular faces at some of southeast Queensland’s biggest markets and now this twin sister team has taken a giant step to opening their own curated baby boutique in a key nappy belt suburb.

Twin sisters, Ashlea Soto and Lauren Rune, open new North Lakes Peppa Penny baby and kids boutique. Source: Peppa Penny

Twin sisters in Moreton have opened a baby boutique where parents can shop while their children play.

Ashlea Soto and Lauren Rune decided to become entrepreneurs at a young age.

“For many years we did markets together, then on a trip to New York in 2017 we decided to take the leap and open our own store,” Ashlea Soto said.

“We had many years of experience at markets, originally doing a stall together at Eumundi Markets when we were just 19-years-old.

“We did that for several years before going to university to do a degree in business management.”

Twin sisters, Ashlea Soto and Lauren Rune, open new North Lakes Peppa Penny baby and kids boutique. Source: Peppa Penny

The pair then worked the markets at Southbank in 2014 selling their own range of foil prints, which they also sold online.

“It was quite successful but we knew doing late night hours every Friday and Saturday once we had kids would not be easy.

“We had always dreamt of owning our own boutique store, so decided to take the leap whilst still maintaining the online part of our print business, which helped support the store in the beginning as we got it off the ground.”

The pair opened their first Peppa Penny Baby and Kids Boutique in March, 2017, originally opening as a homewares add gift store, and have now moved into their new store at North Lakes Junction at Mango Hill.

“We live in North Lakes ourselves, this is our community and we have so many amazing loyal customers here that we couldn’t move anywhere else,” Ms Soto said.

“Over the last five years we have kept increasing the number of brands we have on offer and we now stock over 100 of the best baby and kids brands.”

North Lakes Peppa Penny baby and kids boutique stock over 100 of the best baby and kids brands Source: Peppa Penny

The sisters said their products were for parents looking for unique and beautiful gifts.

“We also try to support other small businesses where possible — for example our unique party section which offers gorgeous party hats and cake toppers.”

North Lakes Peppa Penny baby and kids boutique stocks both big brands and small business’s products. Source: Peppa Penny

“We have also added a dedicated play section into our new store so your little ones are happily entertained while you browse.”

North Lakes Peppa Penny baby and kids boutique also have a dedicated play section for the kids. Source: Peppa Penny

The pair said they were inspired by another twin sister team from The Block.

“Our inspirations are Alisa and Lysandra who appeared on The Block and now have their own brand Al.ive, which we stock now too,” Ms Soto said.

Winners of the block 2013, Alisa and Lysandra Fraser. Picture: Antimo Iannella Adelaide Confidential

Peppa Penny will have its official grand opening on Saturday, October 22 from 9am to 3.30pm at Shop 8/1751 Anzac Ave, Mango Hill.

Twin sisters, Ashlea Soto and Lauren Rune, open their new North Lakes Peppa Penny baby and kids boutique. Source: Peppa Penny