Mother Knows Best: Duck Duck Goose Boutique Offers Style and Substance

Whimsical play clothing, enviable toys, the softest baby blankets, a rainbow of hair bows and picture-perfect items for cherished family photos. At Duck Duck Goose children’s boutique, the products are irresistible whether you’re 6 or 66.

A mother of 3, Sarah Rama knows what her customers want. Her ability to choose the right products from the marketplace, combined with a high level of customer care, has shoppers returning year after year.

“We specialize in quality, unique items combined with personalized service,” she says.

Before becoming a shopping staple in Columbia’s Devine Street district, Duck Duck Goose started on the family’s dining room table in 2017. Rama felt the tug to leave her job in corporate sales after the birth of her second child, Salley, and saw the opportunity to open a locally owned boutique. The early days consisted of hosting pop-up shops for Duck Duck Goose and other small businesses without a brick-and-mortar store.

“I’ve always loved children’s clothes, and I knew Columbia needed something new and fresh,” Rama says.

Duck Duck Goose opened its first location on Devine Street in 2018 and, within 18 months, needed to move to a larger space to accommodate in-store and online sales.

Cute Clothing Carefully Curated

It only takes moments of walking around Duck Duck Goose to see the care Rama and her staff put into the store. They’ve created a welcoming space where customers can celebrate many of life’s important moments such as a first birthday, a christening, 10th grandchild or first day of school. It’s no surprise the store is Columbia’s go-to destination for a baby gift.

“Baby gifts are our bread and butter. With registries and gift wrapping, we try to personalize for each shopper,” Rama says. “We find joy in being a part of an exciting time in a family’s story.”

If you’re overwhelmed with the beautiful options at Duck Duck Goose, Rama recommends a monogrammed keepsake item that can be passed down to other children or a hooded bath towel that can grow with a child. Favorite brands include Kissy Kissy, 3 Marthas, Bailey Boys and Little Giraffe. As any playful child needs, Rama says these brands offer timeless style that can stand the test of time on the playground.

Don’t fret if you’re not able to visit Duck Duck Goose in person. The store features a robust online shopping experience with brands that can’t be bought elsewhere, perfect for those looking for unique gifts.

“The business never sleeps,” Rama says. “We are there for that nursing mom who’s awake and shopping at 3 a.m.”

Committed Banker Meets Busy ‘Mompreneur’

When it comes to her banker, Rama didn’t have to start from the beginning. Business Banking Relationship Manager Jeff Manning has known the Rama family for several years through their children’s sports. When Rama decided to move her business from a national bank, SouthState was the ideal choice.

“I wanted to get a person on the phone and have a one-contact source,” Rama says. “Jeff is local to the community and knows this area.”

Manning has proudly watched his friend’s success over the years.

“We used to shop here when my kids were younger. It’s a famous stop for Columbia parents and grandparents,” he says. “It’s amazing to see a small business that’s thriving.”

SouthState serves Duck Duck Goose with cash flow management and a line of credit. Rama and her staff visit large vendor markets twice a year, each winter and summer, to buy their stock for the coming seasons. Having a dedicated line of credit makes this possible, as does Manning’s availability.

As Rama manages the Devine Street store, fills orders from online sales, cheers on her sons at baseball games and everything in between, she’s grateful to have a friend and banker to count on.

“The personal service at SouthState is unmatched,” Rama says.

Just like a keepsake item with a deeper meaning, Rama desires to pass down life lessons to Salley and her brothers Walter and Teddy. She hopes they see their mother’s work ethic and how she’s built relationships with longtime customers.

“It’s hard work, but there’s great reward in working for yourself. So much heart goes into a business you start from scratch,” Rama adds.

Visit Duck Duck Goose in person or online to outfit the little ones in your life. Learn more about how SouthState supports small businesses or contact a banker today to get started.