This past Saturday, May 30, the Maplewood Village Alliance and the Township of Maplewood participated in a grand opening ribbon cutting for Kimaya Kama, an “eclectic” boutique that recently relocated to the Village from South Orange.
Shoppers enjoyed with free mimosas for the day.
While in South Orange, Kimaya Kama became known for its selection of unique and beautiful items with an international flair.
Owner Kimaya Salaskar said she moved because she was seeking a larger space (the store was previously located at 108 West South Orange Avenue).
But after she was unable to find the right location, she decided to make a new home at 168 Maplewood Avenue, next to Lorena’s Restaurant. The new shop opened earlier in May.
“My husband Manoj and I live in South Orange and love being part of this great SOMA community,” said Salaskar. “It was unfortunate that we were unable to find a space that met our size and location requirements in South Orange but we are thrilled that we now have our ideal space in the heart of Maplewood village. We look forward to being active participants in events and festivities that make up the fabric of this vibrant village.”
“We are delighted to have Kimaya Kama opening in Maplewood Village this spring,” said Julie Doran, manager of the Maplewood Village Alliance. “The unique merchandise offerings from around the globe will provide an exciting addition to our retail mix.”
“I like to think of Kimaya Kama as a collection of all of my favorite clothing and accessories for everyone to enjoy,” said Salaskar. “Some of our items are handmade by artisans in remote villages like our embroidered leather sandals. Our sterling silver jewelry, tunics and kaftans are exclusively designed by us and are unique in every aspect.”
Salaskar plans to begin offering men’s cuff links, pocket squares and ties, brass and wooden artifacts and statues as well as hand-painted ceramic and glass knobs. In addition they will expand their clothing line to include dresses, pants, tops, men’s tunics besides the embroidered cotton and silk tunics, kaftans and scarves they currently carry.
“We will continue to evolve and add to our product line this year,” she said.
Click on any image to see a slideshow from Saturday’s grand opening. Photos courtesy of Julie Doran of the Maplewood Village Alliance.
