Today’s post written by Angela
For me shopping is much more than a store or products: it’s about the story behind them, how they came to be, what inspires and motivates them. It’s these things that imbue the experience with warmth and meaning and make me feel good.
I had the pleasure of chatting with Vikki McIntyre, proprietor of luxe baby and kids store The Infant Boutique – www.theinfantboutique.com.au- recently, and wanted you to meet her too – she has the most exquisite taste, which makes her bricks and mortar boutique in Adelaide, and the companion online boutique, a wonderful experience to shop, as I have numerous times!
Vikki lives in Adelaide, South Australia, with her husband Peter (fact: Peter is a former cricket pro who played for Victoria and South Australia and represented Australia in two Test matches!) their children Caitlin 6 ½ years and Jacob 20 months, Bronson the Cocker Spaniel, Molly the Russian Blue, and a pair of goldfish whose names change weekly.
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Tell us a little about your background
I pretty much travelled the country growing up as my Dad was in the RAAF (I went to 8 schools in my 12 school years), but I have been settled in Adelaide now for over 16 years. I have a tertiary background in both Accounting and Interior Design.
I undertook a great deal of research, attended extra business courses and committed a great deal of time into developing a concept for The Infant Boutique. My daughter was 3 when the shop opened and only 7 months later I was expecting her baby brother! Fortunately I have a supportive network of family, friends and neighbours and have managed to keep my head above water!
I have concluded that there is no such thing as ‘work life balance’, but just ‘hang on tight’!

Above: Vikki and children Caitlin and Jacob
How long have you owned the Infant Boutique, and what motivated you to start the business?
The Infant Boutique celebrates its 3rd birthday at the end of this month – the shop opened on November 1st 2006, and the online e-boutique followed 12 months later.
My story is typical of many mums who begin their own business because they couldn’t find what they were looking for. I had a great job and retail experience, but felt ready to move on and take the plunge to create a new shopping experience in my own local area. Norwood is a fantastic shopping precinct, but was missing a baby and children’s shop that stocked the vast array of products that we do now. I source brands and labels from Australia and overseas and look for products I would happily purchase for my own children.

Above: Inside The Infant Boutique store in Adelaide, South Australia
Although owning a business and raising a family is a constant challenge, the reward is being my own boss, having the flexibility to choose when I spend time at the park or work at my desk and having two little people to inspire me. I personally select and review every product and many I take home to test so I know how they feel, look, wash, wear and stand up to normal every day use. We have about six ride on toys at the moment so my kids are constantly zooming around the house!
It still amazes me how the store has grown and our website has developed a life of its own now too – so it’s twice as busy! I love sharing the excitement of buying a gift for a new baby – helping dads pick out a new toy, choosing a special receiving blanket or new outfit with Grandma to bring baby home in, or just chatting to an excited new mum about their new little bundle. There is also a sense of satisfaction too in packing up an online order and sending it out, knowing our customer will open their parcel to find a lovely Infant Boutique product of quality and style.
What are your top 5 baby and kids products right now?

- Sophie the Giraffe – she is our best-seller!
- Anything by DwellStudio – I especially love the Cot Sets – my son has the Choc Dots set in his nursery and the new fabrics just released are simply stunning.
- Mae – these fabric wall stickers are just perfect for decorating a nursery or bedroom – the Critters are my favourite, plus the tree of course, oh and the Deer is divine….
- The Magic Klorofil Tree – not a day goes by that someone doesn’t squeal in excitement at seeing this tree on display. It seems every girl knew about this toy way back when and either had one or wanted one! Now Mums are buying them as gifts for their own children!
- Cuski Comforter – created to provide parents with a stylish, natural and compact alternative to dummies or bulky blankets, this little snuggle buddy is the perfect gift for a new baby.
What, or who, inspires you?
I recently read a book my husband brought back from a conference where John Maclean was a guest speaker. This man has an amazingly inspirational life story that needed to be told and his second book, Full Circle, will have you completely in awe of what the human body can do. Not to mention how powerful your mind can be if you have the spirit to drive it.
Any hobbies?
Hobbies – what are they?? Owning and running a business doesn’t allow for a lot of spare time, so I can only dream about having the time to do more exercise, hitting the gym and getting back on my road bike. I dabbled in triathlons a few years back and loved the challenge. These days I try to take a long walk with the pram in the morning before or after school drop off to clear my head for the day.
If you didn’t run The Infant Boutique what would you be doing right now?
I guess I would be a very restless stay at home Mum, re-arranging the furniture everyday and looking for a new creative outlet. If I had the talent I would love to paint, or perhaps take up photography.
Luckily for me I love what I do and hope it continues for some time yet!
Visit The Infant Boutique online or, if you’re in Adelaide, The Infant Boutique bricks and mortar
store at 6/136 The Parade, Norwood, South Australia.