Photographer / Ellie Sophia Photography
For Gabby Piccarreta Chaves, owner of Millie Ann’s Boutique at 7149 Whitestown Parkway, names are extremely important. Not only does the name Millie Ann have a four-generation history in her family, but she also shares her own first name with her husband, Indy race car driver Gabby Chaves. As Millie Ann’s Boutique approaches its one-year anniversary, the couple is enjoying their first year of marriage.
“Gabby and I got married on November 2, 2019, and I am changing my last name to Chaves – Millie Ann is a family name that has been passed down through generations,” Chaves explains. “My great grandmother was named Emily, my grandmother was Millie Ann, which is the nickname for Emily, my mother was Teresa Ann and my middle name is Emily.”
Chaves and her husband were both raised in South Florida and met through mutual friends while she was attending college in Orlando.
“We came to Indiana in May 2013 for my husband’s job in racing,” she says. “In May 2014 we returned to the Indianapolis area and decided to stay. We fell in love with the Whitestown/Zionsville area.”
Chaves has always enjoyed fashion and shopping. However, the idea of opening a boutique initially came from her mother, Teresa Ann, who was retired and wanted a new adventure. Sadly, she passed on before Millie Ann’s Boutique was open, but Chaves continued with their plans as a tribute to her mother.
“We picked this location mainly because of the windows,” she says. “We loved the natural light to show off the clothing. We completely designed everything together, from the wall placement to the ceiling height to the paint color. We took about six months to plan everything out and went full speed ahead after that. Unfortunately, our plans to open by the holidays last year were put on hold when she became sick and passed away. I continued with her dream by opening Millie Ann’s in her honor in February 2019.”
Millie Ann’s Boutique carries a variety of unique clothing lines with sizes ranging from small to triple-extra-large. The boutique used to carry children’s clothing, but the shop’s focus now is entirely on affordable and stylish women’s fashions. Other items available are shoes ranging from size 5 to 10, and gifts such as candles, cards, picture frames and bath bombs. Customers also enjoy the accessories and jewelry the shop carries.
Millie Ann’s Boutique also offers clothing alterations. Although bridal and bridesmaid dresses are excluded, the shop’s in-house seamstress is skilled at altering everyday and special-event garments. Appointments are required for this service.
“We always post new products and fun events on social media,” Chaves says. “Our one-year anniversary event will be held on Saturday, February 8th. We will have sale items, giveaways, champagne and more. Our customers have been so supportive and we can’t thank them enough. We strive for every shopper to have a relaxing experience, and love when they find items they love.”
Visit Millie Ann’s Boutique at 7149 Whitestown Parkway in Zionsville. Call 317-769-0047 or visit facebook.com/millieannsboutique for more information.
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