CouCou Children’s Boutique | Interview with Taryn Pratt Photography

CouCou: A Children’s Clothing and Lifestyle Shop in Norwood, MA

Curating the cutest nursery and children’s rooms can be difficult in this day and age when stock photos are AI generated and ads for cheap clothes and toys are being thrown at you at every scroll. When I found CouCou, a children’s clothing and lifestyle shop in Norwood, MA, I knew it was something special and something I wanted to share with my clients. New moms can even have a personalized shopping experience with CouCou which is something incredibly unique and special. Astrid, the owner, was kind enough to answer a few questions so we can all get to know her adorable shop a little bit better and I hope this helps you as you are planning your own nursery or children’s room!!

1. Tell me a little about how and why you started your business and the passion behind it.

I opened CouCou a bit impulsively during a period in my life that was going through a lot of change. I had moved from London to Boston for my husband but continued in my career as creative director of the World Photography Organisation, with my staff mostly in London and my projects all abroad. After having my daughter it became harder and harder to leave her, for sometimes weeks at a time, and I decided to do something crazy and local. I also kept coming back with suitcases filled with toys and clothes for my daughter because I found what Boston had to offer for kids was not what I grew up with and lacked beauty, style and quality.  So after about a year of building and shaping a business plan, CouCou was born and I took the dive.

2. I see you offer personalized appointments and even virtual appointments, can you tell me more about that?

After moving from our 8+ year brick and mortar in the South End to a more remote studio location, I knew that our locals making the trip out would be few and far between. Personal appointments are there to give our customers all of my attention and the gorgeous studio to themselves. And virtual appointments we do a lot with local and national customers, especially during launch season. They can see products and clothing up close and we can prep a good collection for them based on their needs. Even though we are mostly online now, personalized and local service is key.

3. What else makes your store unique from other children’s stores or boutiques? 

Certainly the products are unique and hard to find — all made by small label brands that pour love into their designs. But there is something about the physical space of CouCou that has always had a special kind of magic. It’s our happy place and even if you don’t come to visit, I think it ships out in every order. We LOVE presentation, so each order is packed with CouCou touches.

4. What kind of feedback or stories from customers have touched you the most? Can you share a memorable customer interaction?

Too many over the years. I think the best feedback we get is returning customers again and again. That’s the biggest compliment for a shop. We are by far not the cheapest choice to make for your kids, so the fact that customers come back for years, is huge.

5. What would you want to tell a first time mom? Any advice or thoughts? 

A first time mom? Don’t listen to all the hype and go with your instincts. There is WAY too much opinion out there about how you should parent and what kind of mother you should be. Make your own mistakes, say no sometimes and take time for yourself.

Thank you Astrid for sharing!! I visited this adorable shop and I can testify of the magic that can be felt there! I was greeted by Astrid’s mother and she was so loving and kind and my daughter especially loved the sweet swing that she was allowed to play on as I took photos! If you want to visit CouCou, it is locaated inside the converted Winsmith Mill Market in Norwood, MA Monday through Friday 10:30-5:00 and weekend appointments are availabe by request! You may call or text 617-936-4082.

If you’re new here, Hi! I’m Taryn, your Central Massachusetts photographer specializing in timeless, true to life, vibrant images that are full of true confidence and joy and I am dedicated to help you experience that as we take photos together. The blog is where I showcase some of my recent work, tips and tricks of new motherhood life, and I share about local resources to help you on your journey!

Make sure to keep an eye out as more blog posts highlighting local resources for new moms will be coming soon!!