No place like home

“There’s no place like home” is a sentiment that truly resonates everywhere, especially in Mariposa.

One of Mariposa’s newest shops, the Donetta Jean Boutique, embraces that sentiment like no other.

“I want people to feel at home here,” said Sammi Freitas, owner of Donetta Jean Boutique.

The new shop opened earlier this month at 4998B 7th Street, were The Lemon Drop was previously located.

“I do hair full-time and I have clients who live in Mariposa,” Sammi explained.

“They kept telling me I should open a boutique in Mariposa. I always said if they could find me a spot along Highway 140 that’s affordable I would give it a go.”

Originally from Merced, the Donetta Jean Boutique isn’t her first business.

Her other endeavors include UN.RAVEL salon + spa (1804 Canal Street) and the first Donetta Jean Boutique (1806 Canal Street), both of which are located in Merced.

“I wanted to build a business that is focused on the Mariposa local but also tourism,” Freitas said.

This can be home

Another catalyst for the business coming to light in Mariposa was an important person in Sammi’s life — her mom.

Jenni Freitas moved to Mariposa about a year ago and some health concerns were discovered along the way.

“I don’t want my mom to live a life of worry which is why Mariposa came to be,” Sammi said.

“I want to make sure my mom is taken care of and this allows her to have a space that is purposeful to her but also close.”

What’s in a name

The inspiration behind the boutique and it’s name comes from another special person in Sammie’s life.

“The name Donetta Jean is my grandmother’s birth name,” said Sammi.

“She made everything beautiful and created the best memories. To be able to sell things that share that to honor her is pretty meaningful.”

Sammi’s grandmother was all about holidays.

“Seasons were my grandma’s thing,” she said.

“Seasonal is really big for us here, we just finished with Mother’s Day and we’re getting ready for the Fourth of July. This place will be decked out for Thanksgiving and Christmas.”

Something for everyone

“What I hear is that there’s nothing for Mariposa locals.”

The boutique carries all sorts of products which are focused on “making a house a home,” Sammi emphasized.

“We have things that are about making memories with a large focus on children.”

The store carries a wide variety of clothing, toys, jewelry, home decor and most important of all, seasonal decor.

Affordability is important.

“Somebody can come in and buy a $6 pair of earrings or they can buy a $100 beautiful decanter,” Sammi continued.

“We have a range of prices and there’s really something for everyone.”

Sammi appreciates the smaller communities and the lifestyle of Mariposa.

“Kids get the best childhood when they’re in the country and the mountains,” she said.

“I appreciate the smaller communities, there’s a lot of love there.”

Donetta Jean Boutique is located at 4998B 7th Street in Mariposa.

Store hours are subject to change but are currently Monday 10 a.m. -2 p.m, Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Saturday Sunday 10 a.m. -3 p.m.

Online shopping is also available at www.donettajean.com where items can be shipped or picked up in-store.