Broadway in Saratoga Springs is known for its eclectic restaurants and retail shops.  It’s always been a great place for adults to find unique outfits and designer threads, but what about the kids?  Aside from a few stores that have a rack or two of babies and kids clothing, Saratoga’s grand avenue has few options.  Until now… Zola Kids, an earth-friendly boutique for kids, just opened their doors in March this year, and with little fanfare, has become a bit of a sensation on Broadway. 

Zola is of Italian origin which means “little piece of earth.”  For owner Nicole Wilke, it’s an extension of her desire to offer “green” and locally crafted clothing and accessories that don’t exist at the usual big-box stores.

The idea for Zola Kids came from Wilke’s own two children.  They both had excema, and she wanted to find natural ways to treat it.  When seeking alternatives, Wilke found a whole niche of natural and organic oriented products for children, but none available locally.  Incorporating these and other products into her family, Wilke was very pleased with the results, and with their earth-friendly characteristics.  “I thought that more moms should be aware of these products, and when given the choice, they would choose the healthier, greener options,” said Wilke.  Being “green” minded, Wilke was inspired by her discoveries and decided to open a shop dedicated to earth friendly products for young children. 

Zola features skin care that is natural, hand-made specialty dresses, baby essentials – rattles, organic cloth blankets, cloth diapers.  The cloth diapers have been very popular Wilke said. “I’m on a wait list for two different suppliers, because they can’t keep up with the demands.” 

At Zola Kids, you’ll find things that you won’t find at every big box store in the country. It’s the only child’s shop in the region that is dedicated to specializing in on organic fabrics.  But what really sets Zola Kids apart from any other kids clothing boutique is the custom made dresses for little girls.

Zola specializes in girl’s party dresses that are exclusive designs, and available for special order. The unique, on-of-a-kind items outfits give the store a very personal touch.
Zola Kids has several ladies that sew the unique designs, all are home-based and made in the USA.  So when you buy that great looking dress, you know that you are also helping out the American cottage industry.   Linda Slezak, a Saratoga native – does the custom embroidery and dresses for “A” Babies Originals.  These dresses are made to order, according to your wishes and desires, making them unique to your child.

Recently added, there’s American Girl doll outfits made by Slezak’s 83 year old mother.  According to Wilke, they’re a hot seller.  “The little girls like to shop for their dolls,” she said.  Dresses can made to match dolls and even moms.  Wilke calls that her “mommy and me” line.  Both mom and daughter can have matching dresses, which are a hit at any gathering.  “They’re real popular at the track,” Wilke mentioned.  


Like Saratoga Springs itself, Zola Kids has become a  social place.  Mom’s have conversations while the kids shop.  Many of the racks are at kid eye level, so they can pick out the style s that they like. With such unique and fun kids clothing, Zola Kids has become the talk of the town.  Wilke replied, “It really has!  I had a guy who worker at Prime at Saratoga National for a wedding reception, and two little girls - sisters, were running around in their Zola dresses that matched.  He loved them so much that he asked the mother, Where’d you get them; and she replied, They’re Zola Kids.  So he called and asked when we were closing, and he came right over and bought a dress for his daughter.”

Zola Kids carries it’s custom-made and eco-friendly message into their toys and accessories, too.  You can even find jewelry that matches the dresses.  Hand made in Latham, the jewelry is custom made for Zola.  They even have “mommy and me” matching bracelets!  Many of the jewelry items are made from recycled materials.

“We have safe and natural toys at Zola Kids,” Wilke said.  “Everything is made from recycled materials and even reclaimed wood – a sprig wood.”  None of the toys require batteries, they’re kid powered!  There’s a little guy that has a USB port that attaches in the cabin, so that when the child revs up the engine by pushing the toy, it lights up the little man.  They even have “the fuzz that was” – plush bears made from recycled plastic bottles.  They are amazingly soft and cuddly.  Ands when the child has grown out of the toy, you can return the toy back to the company and they will recycle it back into a new toy!  It never hits the landfill.  It’s a perfect example of cradle-to –cradle manufacturing!

Zola Kids has been developing a unique angle for expecting moms – a baby registry.  It’s a one stop shop for unique and original items.  You can get a lot of great gifts for the baby shower here too. Zola has just started offering christening dresses.

Zola Kids is obviously a great place for little girls, but there has great outfits for little boys too.  Again, Wilke tries to find high quality and unique brands that tie in with her store’s message.  Speaking of ties, the boys can get ties made of the same fabric as sister’s or mommies dress, so that they all match! 

It’s seems that people have become very receptive to the eco-message of Zola Kids.  Wilke already has plans to expand to a larger store, but right now she is just taking baby steps to get the store established.  “We’d like to grow our baby registry side of the business, as well as offer more of the baby gear – like strollers and car seats that go with out earth friendly theme,” said Wilke.

Zola Kids is a refreshing change from the usual kids clothing shopping experience.  They give the Customer an alternative to the mass-merchandising stores.  Prices are competitive when comparing similar quality elsewhere and the custom items will become family heirlooms.  Based on its early success, the local and earth-friendly message of Zola Kids is resonating well in the community. 

Zola Kids can be found at 380 Broadway, in Saratoga Springs.  Call 518.583.2050