Why I Started Doodlebugs...Taking It Back to the Beginning.

For the new faces here at Doodlebugs and the OG's who may not know the full back story...

When I was a little girl growing up in the small town of Greensburg, KY, shopping was pretty much dead on arrival. The nearest "shopping" was the local Walmart 20 minutes down the road, but boutiques were something we only saw in the big city. I remember Mom and Daddy letting me take a day off from school maybe once a year to drive to Nashville or Louisville or Lexington to shop. Anyone remember United Colors of Benetton? That was my FAVORITE. My point is...early on, I realized boutique shopping wasn't just neat, it was an experience all of its own and one to be treasured. 

Fast forward to my adult self with a newborn baby girl back in 2005...Lexington had its share of children's boutiques (Animal Crackers? Hopscotch? Those were the days...) but they were slowly but surely closing their doors. The personality and personal experiences found in those locally owned shops couldn't be duplicated in the mall or online, and the excitement of the shopping experience in real time got lost with each store closing.

Over a decade ago I was a momma of two little girls and a precious shih tzu, my Abby “Doodlebug” (this will be important later) with a burning desire to open a children’s boutique in Lexington, KY. For reference, here we are back when this dream started:

Momming is a busy job though and my most favorite one, so that dream of opening a children's boutique settled on the back burner for years. In 2017, my sweet Abby died at the age of almost 17. My heart just hurt. Through the sadness and grief for her I continued to get little winks from Heaven in the form of ladybugs - in my car, on flowers on her grave, randomly landing on my finger - like silent whispers that my Abby was with me. 

Years passed and I always missed my Abby, and I wanted to honor her memory forever. Further, still on that back burner was that dream I mentioned. I knew, if I ever made it a reality, I would call it Doodlebugs and I would make sure my store brand included a sweet ladybug in my Abby Doodlebug’s memory… Fast forward to 2025. 

The idea of Doodlebugs was still a constant in my mind, and now those little girls are a junior in college (UK Nursing!) and an 8th grader super busy with cheer and all things social. In May 2025, I told my husband I was tired of just talking about the possibility and was ready to do something with my passion, and in June 2025 I found out space was available in Chevy Chase (Thanks Carrie @JamesC!!), and I signed the lease for said space on July 31 and opened my doors one month later. What a whirlwind! Just like that, Doodlebugs Children's Boutique was born. Located at 824 Euclid Avenue, #103, Lexington, KY 40502, Doodlebugs carries clothing for newborns to tween girls, newborns to size 6/7 boys, baby and toddler accessories and toys, UK apparel for babies to tweens, and, last but certainly not least, “Abby’s Corner” for precious pet toys and accessories.

The icing on the cake is that those two "little" girls of mine are now a huge part of Doodlebugs. My youngest, Molly will pop in from time to time, and she just might be the one bagging your purchases if you come in on a day she's in the store. And Preston, my oldest, is also my employee and has been lucky enough to help so many of you with your shopping needs. And that sweet man in the picture below is my husband, Cory, who wears the hats for door dasher - clothes rack installer - trash taker outer - and sanity keeper around here. It's truly a family affair, and that means everything to me.

My Abby Doodlebug may not be with me physically, but I feel her with me every day inside my Doodlebugs. Aside from home, it's my favorite place to be, and meeting you and your families there brings me so much JOY. 

Lexington, KY has been home to me for nearly three decades, and I love the close knit community feel of the whole city. Doodlebugs Children's Boutique is nestled in the popular Chevy Chase area, right next to Graeter's Ice Cream. Come see me, and let's be friends.

Sidenote: Parking in the garage is free with license plate validation. Just remember to provide your plate info when you come in, and then let the shopping begin!