Meet Jodi Tormey of Emily & Addie

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jodi Tormey.

Jodi, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I didn’t have the talent to become a designer, but I knew I wanted to do something with fashion. So I started working in magazines in New York City doing photo shoot styling. I bounced around to different magazines, but my path veered towards the business side where I worked in marketing and advertising. Then in 2009, with babies on the brain, I decided I wanted to start my own business and thought a children’s boutique was perfect for me as it combined the fun side of working with clothing and business.

However, the economy thought otherwise and I decided to hold off on this dream … for about 8 years! I had my first daughter, Emily, in 2010 and continued to work in marketing at magazines. My husband and I then decided in 2012 to take a huge risk and sell our Brooklyn apartment, quit our jobs, and move to the Boston area. I had my second daughter, Addie, and played it safe by getting a job at another big company only to realize that getting a “safe” job at a big company is not all that safe and layoffs happened all the time.

So why not take an even bigger risk and finally open my own boutique? I was working at an advertising agency at the time when I decided to quit and open Emily & Addie in Dedham in 2017. It was a long journey to get here but I’m so happy I took the plunge.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
This is my first endeavor into retail and I’m still in my first year in business, so there are definite struggles. Getting money to open and knowing how much inventory to order was my biggest concern. Competing with online retailers is an ongoing struggle, but gift-givers and savvy Millenials are very much into shopping small business.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Emily & Addie story. Tell us more about the business.
Emily & Addie is a mom-owned clothing and accessories boutique catering to boys and girls newborn through 6/7 years. Whether in the store or shopping via social media or by phone, everyone receives personal service. Being a small mom & pop shop (well, just mom really!!!), allows me to work one-on-one with customers to help them find what they’re looking for.

I am proud to carry many organic items and a huge supporter of local designers. I have partnered with lovely woman-owned businesses and entrepreneurs to carry items in my store that cannot be found at major retailers. There are intimate events once a month, including free music classes, crafts, floral arranging, and mom’s night out.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Finding my location in Dedham Square was extremely lucky. I had looked in my hometown for a few weeks and decided to text a friend in Dedham one day to keep an eye open if she sees any spaces. She texted me back the same day saying she found a space, and I took it! Dedham Square is really up-and-coming with so many new restaurants opening, the movie theater, and boutiques. I am so pleased with the small town support.

Pricing:

• High-quality boutique brands under $100

Contact Info:

• Address: 570 High Street, Dedham, MA 02026
• Website: www.emilyandaddie.com
• Phone: 781-326-4100
• Email: emilyandaddie2@gmail.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/emilyandaddie
• Facebook: facebook.com/emilyandaddie
• Yelp: yelp.com/biz/emily-and-addie-dedham

Image Credit:
Chickey Little Photography, Jamie Isherwood Photography

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