Fórea boutique opens in Plainview offering custom orders
Fórea boutique in Plainview specializes in custom orders for shoppers, bringing their visions to life through fashion. Credit: Fórea
The co-owners of Fórea — a women’s boutique in Plainview that opened this spring — became business partners serendipitously. Mimi Grabovenko and Paula Linardos were introduced by Linardos’ cousin nearly two decades ago and saw one another at weddings, christenings and milestone events. Years went by and they crossed paths again when Grabovenko's daughter and Linardos' son fell in love while working together at NOEMA restaurant in Huntington.
Fast forward a few years and their kids are in a long-term relationship and Grabovenko and Linardos have entered into business together.
“Recognizing our shared passion for creativity and a keen eye for style, we decided it was a new chapter we wanted to embark on and follow wherever it takes us,” says Grabovenko.
Fórea — which sells seasonal clothing and accessories — offers shoppers the option to customize various items including jeans, denim jackets, T-shirts, baby tees, bandeaux, shorts, sweats, hoodies, water bottles, game day apparel and accessories. Customers can fill out a form with their requests. Grabovenko and Linardos use custom designs or iron-ons to create each piece. They regularly create custom pieces for engagements, bridal parties and bachelorette parties.
“As customers began requesting different colors and designs, we embraced the opportunity to bring their visions to life,” Grabovenko says. “Today, custom orders have become a significant part of our business, especially during college and camp seasons, allowing us to create nearly any design our customers desire.”
The store’s name comes from a Greek word which, Grabovenko explains, “primarily means 'to wear' in the context of clothing. This verb is used to describe the action of wearing clothes. In ancient Greek literature, 'forea' can be found in various contexts, often related to garments and accessories.”
Prices range from $12 to $200, with the most popular items being loungewear, matching sets, denim and sundresses.
Some may wonder what it's like working with your child's significant other's parent. Grabovenko describes it as “amazing.”
Fórea, 1127 Old Country Rd., Plainview, 516-324-2842, shopforea.com.