Mimi & Rae of Laguna Beach Bring Their Cool Coastal Styles To Old Town La Quinta
After opening their boutique on the Pacific Coast Highway in Laguna Beach in 2021, Mimi and Rae had so many requests to open another store in the desert they couldn’t resist when the opportunity arose this summer. We checked in with the mother daughter duo to see where the story began.
Mimi & Rae
Photo: Mari Verdugo Rae (left) and Mimi (right) in their Laguna Beach Store
A Fashion Journey of Mother-Daughter Duo
Mimi Lawhon’s journey with fashion began more than 30 years ago when she started working at the Nordstrom Café . She spent every break at the shoe department until they offered her a sales role at 16 years old and the love affair with fashion was born.
Eventually, her passion led her from serving lattes to managing private boutiques and big labels like Adidas, White House Black Market, and Talbots
Why the Courageous Shift from Mainstream to Boutique
Giving back to communities, specialty groups and causes was the driving force behind a desire to open her own business. Mimi switched from running large mainstream big-box retailers to the dream of owning her own store , where she is able to choose labels and causes that contribute in a tangible way. Committed to empowering women, Mimi & Rae focuses on endorsing women-owned brands making a statement in the industry. To that end, she opened the boutique with her 24-year-old daughter, Raechel.
Pushing Boundaries: Mimi & Rae's Popularity Sparks Desert Expansion
With a surge in popularity, Mimi & Rae's beach-inspired boutique soon became a hot spot for tourists looking to bring home a taste of made-in-California coastal fashion. Fueled by this demand, notably from communities amidst the desert valleys, a decision to expand their presence to Coachella Valley was a natural progression.
Happily, the universe conspired in their favor, with Mimi calling La Quinta her home and Raechel nestled in Laguna. When the irresistible opportunity in Old Town La Quinta presented itself, there was no question but to wholeheartedly embrace expansion.
Mimi & Rae Launched in La Quinta
A unique sanctuary of style, Mimi & Rae exudes a feeling of joyful calm - reflecting the colors of the desert and coasts of California. Nestled in the heart of Old Town La Quinta, this boutique is a fusion of classic West Coast vibes and contemporary minimalism.
Mimi and Rae opened their doors to the public in Old Town La Quinta on September 22, 2023 with a ribbon cutting and grand opening celebration. The pair didn't just want their new store to be a retail venture, but to reflect their shared values — sustainability, sophistication, and style with a big punch of fun and camaraderie. A place to meet your friends before you head off to brunch and all the other boutiques and galleries in the neighborhood.
*NOTE: While 75% of their inventory is picked especially for their background, Mimi & Rae does offer a few mainstream labels for a quick grab in case you’ve forgotten your jacket or slides!
In their own words,
"Mimi & Rae is more than just a shop; it's a passion project. At Mimi & Rae, we take pride in curating a collection of women's clothing and accessories that embody the essence of West Coast minimalist chic. We believe that fashion should not only make you look good but also make you feel good about what you wear."
About the Owners
Mimi and Raechel Lawhon
A vibrant embodiment of dedication and style, owner Mimi Lawhon exudes an infectious entrepreneurial spirit. Mimi's relentless passion extends beyond clothes to the core of local businesses. She is not just a successful small business owner but a woman profoundly driven by the desire to uplift and showcase the inspiring work of her fellow entrepreneurs. Mimi's essence is evident in her business, and her unwavering commitment to the surrounding communities. Happy to use her boutiques platform to highlight local causes, charities and artists, Mimi welcomes the community to approach Mimi & Rae with collaborations for the benefit of local communities both in La Quinta and Laguna Beach.
Raechel Lawhon was born with style. As early as grade school, she would stop into her mom’s work and try on clothes and help merchandise for fun. At 16 she couldn’t wait to start working in fashion and began her career with Francesca’s in La Jolla, CA. Moving north after high school , she completed her BS in Businesses Administration with a Specialty in Marketing at Cal State Long Beach, all while working at Gap in Crystal Cove in Newport Beach. At Gap she was a rising star and received multiple promotions as a leader, until the pandemic. Thus, her career had to take a break. The silver lining is she now hails as a small business partner with her mother and she has not looked back.
As Mimi and Rae prepare to create memories in their new store, they invite everyone to join them on their stylish and (mostly) sustainable adventure.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit
Mimi & Rae in La Quinta
Mimi & Rae is a unique sanctuary of style where fashion meets sustainability on a foundation of empowerment. The minute one steps in the store there is a feeling of joyful calm - reflecting the colors of the desert and coasts of California. Nestled in the heart of Old Town La Quinta, this boutique is an eclectic fusion of classic West Coast vibes and contemporary minimalism. You won’t leave empty handed - even if it’s a water and a lollipop!
1. Embracing West Coast Minimalism
At Mimi & Rae, they masterfully curate a selection of West Coast minimalist chic clothing and accessories. Each item reflects a commitment to effortless style, embodying a charm that easily compliments any wardrobe.
2. Supporting Women-owned Brands
Mimi and Rae firmly believe in empowering women in every way they can. This conviction extends to their choices of lines emphasizing small-batch, women-owned initiatives, further strengthening the culture of female entrepreneurship. A couple of their favorite lines so far are No Less Than LA and If She Loves and they are always looking to grow their unique sources.
3. Handmade in Los Angeles
The beauty of their collections lies in their roots. Predominantly handmade in Los Angeles, each piece is dedicated to craftsmanship and quality, providing customers unique and authentic options.
4. Hand-Curated Cozy Fabrics
They highly favor the joy of wearing something soft and cozy. Their pieces can be dressed up or down without compromising comfort and style.
5. Fun.
Mimi & Rae above all else, want your experience to be fun. Whether you’re out with a group of friends or getting in your ‘Me Time’, they want you to walk away refreshed and joyful.
Come Live The Fashion With A Heart of Mimi & Rae.
Discover the collection of handmade, luxurious yet affordable clothing that reflects West Coast minimalist chic. Feel good about every purchase you make, knowing it supports small, women-owned businesses, awaiting you with open arms at Old Town La Quinta, ready to help you find pieces that make you feel as beautiful and unique as you are. When you’re in Laguna Beach, make sure to stop in at Mimi & Rae, 664 South Coast Highway too !
