In an area filled with expensive designer boutiques, cookie-cutter department store chains, and very little in-between, finding a fashionable, unique wardrobe without breaking the bank can be a real challenge.  But Ronda Chowaiki, a 25-year veteran of the retail, wholesaling and merchandising industries, made it a bit easier October 2004 when she flung open the doors of Ronda’s Closet.
            Ronda’s Closet is a women’s and girls’ fashion Mecca filled with affordable treasures retreived from as nearby as Los Angeles and as far away as New York and Paris.  Highlights range from a wide variety of denim and tops, to dresses in every color and shape.  “It” brand jeans and adorable tunics for children size 4 to14.  There’s also a complete line of distinctive accessories, such as Liquid Metal mesh bracelets, purses of every size and an abundance of earrings and necklaces you can’t get enough of.  Archipelago candles and Cucina lotions fill the air with scents you have to have. 
            Some might say that this retailer is an extension of Ronda’s own closet: it is full of reasonably priced, contemporary pieces.
            “I know what I like to spend on myself and my kids, so 90 percent of the items in the store are under $100,” said Ronda, who has three daughters who shop at the Closet.  “My mission is to find the best quality at the best price and to pass that on to my customers.” 
            Of course, anyone who knows Ronda knows that they are in knowledgeable, trustworthy hands when they visit her shop.  In fact, many of them have been seeking out her fashion expertise for years.
            “When I moved here from LA five years ago, I sold clothing out of my home on an appointment-only basis.  It was the perfect career for a stay-at-home mom,” she said.  “Soon, I built a name for myself in Carmel Valley.  I had 500 customers after a while.”
            When a 1,200-square-foot retail space opened up within walking distance of Ronda’s home, she pounced on it and her loyal customers followed her. 
            “I really wanted to find something close to home, and when I saw this place, it was like I started meditating right on the spot,” she said, adding that she called the broker about once a month until she secured a lease.  “It was the place for me, I thought.  I knew it was meant to be.”
            Ronda’s Closet has been extremely well received, especially considering that Ronda did virtually no advertising for her shop-no flyers, no newspapers ads, no word-of-mouth beyond her telling her closest friends about her venture. 
            “But people go to the local stores- they’ll go to Vons, or the mothers will drop their daughters off at the dance studio next door and then come in and shop,” she said.  “Then, after class, they’ll try on things together.  And that’s what I wanted to create, a mother/daughter atmosphere.”
            However, Ronda stressed, the shop is not just for mothers and daughters.
            “Sometimes when people walk in the door, they’ll think that there is nothing in here for them,” she said.  “But we’ve got something for everyone, even grandmothers.”
            Ronda holds events in the store for a number of different charities, including The Children’s Hospital and Team in Training.  She provides wine and appetizers and gives a percentage of the proceeds to the charity.  
            “I love to donate.  Our events are so much fun.  It gives women a chance to get away and have fun with their girlfriends, and it’s for a good cause!”