Henrico Small Business Spotlight: Sweetest Stitch

By Julia Smith, Special to the Citizen

Sweetest Stitch, a Near West End clothing store, began online in the spring of 2015 while owner Niki Kong juggled another job. Kong had dreamed of owning her own store since childhood, often finding herself flipping through books on entrepreneurship in local bookstores, envisioning a future store of her own. 

When she finally made the leap and opened her storefront in the Tuckahoe Shopping Center, it was not without challenges. 

“Every little thing is a challenge, I didn’t have any path set for me, so I’ve been figuring it out as I go,” Kong said, though she emphasized the importance of seeking guidance, recalling the mentorship she received from another local entrepreneur. 

The COVID-19 pandemic presented a significant challenge to the boutique, forcing it to close temporarily. 

“Things were going great before COVID; we didn’t know what was going to happen after,” Kong said. 

During the closure, the boutique relied on its website and support from the community to stay afloat. Despite the challenges, Sweetest Stitch did not waver. 

When asked for her advice for other female entrepreneurs, Kong said, “Don’t go into it thinking anything is going to be easy. It’s nothing but hard work. But if you put in the effort every day… it’s worth it to have something of your own.” 

Looking ahead, Kong is optimistic about the future of Sweetest Stitch. 

“We take it day by day,” Kong said.

Though she has considered expanding to other storefronts, she is hesitant to rush the process.

“I don’t want to force anything if it’s not going to be right,” she said. 

As the store prepares to celebrate its eighth anniversary during the first week of November, Kong is excited to connect with the community that has supported her journey. 

An anniversary celebration will take place on Saturday, Nov. 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with discounts, a permanent jewelry and charm pop-up bar, giveaways for facials and massages, a raffle for gift cards and a heartfelt thanks to the boutique’s loyal patrons. 

Other upcoming events include a Black Friday sale, during which customers can pick a discount from the register; a holiday friends-and-family event; and potential seasonal pop-ups to further strengthen community ties. 

“Being here and being the face of the store is important to me,” Kong said. “It feels more like family than customers; we get used to the same people shopping with us and get to know them. It’s a sense of family.” 

As Sweetest Stitch continues to weave its story into the fabric of the Henrico community, Kong is committed to her vision: a space in which everyone feels welcome and valued. 

“We’re here for the community,” Kong said.