Lilly Pad Boutique
Rochester Store Boasts Wide Range of Apparel and Specialty Items
Writer / Matt Keating
Photographer / Tony Straw
When Keitha Kunkle, owner of Lilly Pad Boutique, initially purchased the building her business is housed in, she wasnt completely sure what she wanted to do.
She had a wide variety of fun options to choose from. Kunkle decided to think about which one appealed to her the most, and come up with an idea that would best suit her personality.
I bought the building and decided to either open a boutique or to open an ice cream shop, or maybe a restaurant, Kunkle says.
The boutique was her favorite choice. It also sounded like a lot of fun.
Kunkle is happy with the decision she made, and says customers enjoy the high-quality items she has for sale.
I have apparel for men, women and children, Kunkle says. I also have some specialty items. I have a lot of Lake Manitou shirts, cups, and some cheese cutting boards, blankets and sweatshirts.
Lilly Pad Boutique also carries other items that have been popular with customers. Kunkle is very pleased that many people have become familiar faces. They have enjoyed her merchandise so much that many have asked what kind of other great clothing items she has.
I tell them we also carry some shoes, Kunkle says. For summer we have sandals, flip-flops, bathing suits, cover-ups and some SPF shirts.
Lilly Pad Boutique also has a selection of souvenirs, jewelry, jeans, leggings and Lake Manitou hoodies.
Kunkle notes that Lilly Pad Boutique has a convenient lakefront for shoppers to dock their boats.
Since we opened on November 2, 2021, we are looking forward to using our large deck to stop in and see us, she says. We are also hoping to have some fun things to do on the deck including yoga and some art shows.
Kunkle says there are some other potential upcoming fun things to do at the shop.
Perhaps all of the boutiques could have a day where we can have our apparel in one area, with a lot of surprises, Kunkle says. We also have street parking.
Kunkle adds that customers have been very complimentary.
A lot of people like to come in for all of our Lake Manitou sweatshirts, she says. We try and come up with new designs, and new colors and styles.
Kunkle also enjoys the items for sale, and doesnt have a particular favorite.
I love all of my apparel, she says. I love clothes and have always loved to shop. I listen to my customers and find out what they love.
Kunkle has enjoyed getting to know her customers and making new friends.
Rochester is a small community, and a nice place to live for families and retirees, she says. Living at Lake Manitou is a plus, not only in the summer, but all year round. Rochester is a great community. I have been so happy with how welcome I feel, and the positive comments they all have.
Lilly Pad Boutique is located at 2317 East State Road 14 in Rochester. For more info, call 765-419-7883.
