It's New to Us by Jean Stratton

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Dreamin' Mimi Shop in Kingston Specializes in Dolls of All Kinds

Dolls of all sizes, shapes, and styles fill every nook and cranny at Dreamin' Mimi, the new shop at 4577 B Route 27 (Main Street) in Kingston. Owners Cathy and Barry Pavelec have created a special place for doll enthusiasts.

Indeed, Dreamin' Mimi is every little girl's – or big girl's – dream.

"We wanted to create a little peaceful haven for people," says Ms. Pavelec. "A reminder for them that there are still nice things and nice places to be."

The desire for this particular store and its warm atmosphere was the result of Ms. Pavelec's experience on September 11, 2001. Employed in the Office of the Secretary of the Port Authority for 21 years, she was in her office on the 67th floor of the North Tower of the World Trade Center when the attacks occurred.

Ms. Pavelec managed to walk down 67 flights of stairs with a group from her office, and was near the Brooklyn Bridge when the buildings collapsed.

"We got caught in the debris cloud and were covered with ashes and dust," she recalls. "It was like being covered with a layer of talcum powder. You couldn't see anything, and it was as if the cloud was alive. Luckily, we were far enough away from it, and we could walk away."

Ordinary Day

In fact she walked all the way to 93rd Street.

Returning to work in less than a week, she says, "We were all on automatic pilot. It was easier to work than to think. It was, after all, such an ordinary day. Then in the blink of an eye, everything in the world changed.

"A few months after 9/11, when things calmed down, I found I needed something to help me regain my peace."

As a girl, Ms. Pavelec had never been especially fond of dolls, she explains. But, "When I grew up, I found I liked them and also marionettes. Now, after 9/11, I began to collect dolls. The first ones were by Annette Humstedt. They are limited editions and very hard to get."

Her collection expanded, and she began to think about what to do when she retired from the Port Authority.

"My husband said, 'Why not open a doll shop?'"

And last September 18, three years and one week after 9/11, Dreamin' Mimi opened its doors.

The name stems from the nickname her four grandchildren bestowed on her – Mimi. "My husband thought of the name," she explains. "I wanted something with Mimi, and in many ways, with the dolls and this kind of shop, you are appealing to people's 'dream' side."

A complete variety of collectibles, play dolls, and fashion dolls is available, including baby dolls, bride dolls, ballerinas, and rag dolls. Many of the dolls are porcelain or very fine vinyl.

In addition to the highly favored Adora dolls, the very collectible Madame Alexander dolls are offered.

Treat for All

Customers, who are both adults and children ("kids from under five to moms, grandmothers, and great-grandmothers"), seem to like everything, reports Ms. Pavelec.

"Coming into the store can be a treat for everyone, and especially the little ones. Kids often come in, pick something up and walk around with it the whole time they are here. We're a very 'touchable' store.

"Also, I want every little girl who walks in here, no matter what her race or ethnic background, to see a doll that looks like her. We also have boy dolls."

Knowing that she has created a happy place for people is a great source of enjoyment for Ms. Pavelec. "Last Christmas, it got back to us that a couple of our little customers in their letters to Santa said 'We want dolls from Mimi!' That made me so happy.

"Also, I enjoy seeing the kids' faces when they're here. One day, a little 3-year-old girl walked out with a little Adora baby doll. If you could have seen her face! It made my day. She was so happy. Really, what else is there? To have one moment in your life that can make someone that happy."

And it is not just the pint-sized customers who are delighted when they visit Dreamin' Mimi. Adults can experience moments of special magic too.

Fairy Doll

Ms. Pavelec tells of a friend who came into the shop recently. "She had never really been into dolls. But she came in and saw this beautiful fairy doll. She looked at it and looked at it. Then, later, she came back and said, 'I have to have her.'

"It is almost as if you become consumed with it," continues Ms. Pavelec. "You look at the doll and look at it, and it becomes alive. You give it a soul!"

Doll clothes, tea sets, and paper dolls are also on hand, and Ms. Pavelec reports that a big selection of Easter items will be available.

"We will have a lot of Easter outfits for the dolls, including bonnets, and also a lot of stuffed animals, including rabbits, lambs, and ducks."

Stuffed animals are also favorites at the shop, and there are many friendly furry choices. Lots and lots of Gund, including Baby Gund, and also the very appealing Hanson Collection, featuring whimsical kangaroos with baby in pouch, ducks, rabbits, lambs, leopard cubs and beavers – all are irresistible.

"In addition, we are one of the few places to carry the very special line of Boyd's bears, including Bride bears," adds Ms. Pavelec.

Wonderful Selection

Other Dreamin' Mimi specialties are sterling silver jewelry with teddy bear motif for girls, handmade quilts, and candles. "I also just started carrying fabric bags from Ganz," says Ms. Pavelec. "They're in great spring colors and prints and available in handbags and totes.

"I also have a wonderful selection of special greeting cards that you won't see in other places."

Prices cover a wide range at the shop, with dolls starting at $14.99; some baby dolls at $32, Adora dolls typically at $60, and other collectibles up to $200. Little bears can start under $10.

A Kingston resident, Ms. Pavelec is enthusiastic about her new venture, and looks forward to becoming a fixture in the community.

"I really want Dreamin' Mimi to become a 'destination.' My husband and I are very committed to this community, and we want the shop to be an important part of it, and to help the community enhance the village center, and help Kingston realize its potential."

Moreover, for her personally, she adds that the shop has meant so much. "In an oral history of the survivors of 9/11, I said that one of the things I know is that from September 11 until the day I die, every day is a gift. Dreamin' Mimi is really a joy. It is everything I hoped it would be."

Gift certificates and gift wrapping are offered, and hours are Monday through Friday 10 to 5, Saturday and Sunday 10 to 4. Closed Tuesday. (609) 683-8257.