San Clemente is very lucky to have this hardworking Momtrepreneur in their community. Evet’s immigrant parents showed her early on how to be your own boss and changed her perspective on the 9 to 5 job for the rest of her life. Now she is changing one store front at a time into something she would love to see and enjoy in downtown San Clemente with her family. Her current endeavor is 100% focused around their latest addition, their adorable baby girl Zoe. Find out why she decided to open Lil Z’s baby boutique during a pandemic, the number 1 & 2 baby registration items every new Mom has to have and how this Mama still manages to practice self-care.
Can you please tell us a bit about your path to entrepreneurship?
I came to America after my parents escaped Iran for religious freedom. I watched my dad (who spoke no English and had no money) become a successful business owner in Fishers, Indiana from the moment we landed in America. I never saw him work the typical 9-5. I saw him constantly dealing with employees, issues with his store, covering for people who called in sick, inventory etc. so that was the norm in my eyes. I knew I wanted to do the same when “I grew up”. Instead, I graduated from Ball State University and moved to Silicon Valley and started a career with a start up company and became a marketing VP. The money was great, but I wasn’t fulfilled. I followed signs from the universe and lucky to have a husband who believes in me – we moved to San Clemente – bought a candy store on the beach – and 3 years later opened our own children’s boutique 🙂
Why did you decide to open a hip Baby store in San Clemente?
I delivered my baby girl during the first shut down – 3/25/2020. We were walking down our downtown street daily – passing our candy store and all the shut down restaurants, when we saw a big vacant space. Seeing as though our candy store would survive covid, I wanted to snag the spot ASAP because our downtown is something special. I quickly brainstormed what there was a “need” for and what I, myself, would enjoy. I wanted a store I could shop for myself and my baby at the same time – and Lil z’s was born!
Why did you name the store Lil z’s?
After my baby, Zoe
What would be the perfect baby shower gift from Lil z’s?
Dock a tot and Sophie the giraffe gifts are on almost every single registry – and I’ve got ‘em 😉
Can you give other Mom Entrepreneurs looking to launch their own business one piece of advice?
Don’t think – just do
Why did you decide to raise your family in South Orange County?
I don’t think there’s anyplace better in California to raise a family with good morals, safety, sense of community, family values, amazing weather, great schools than in San Clemente.
How do you practice self-care?
Running two stores and a baby it’s hard to find alone time. I do a LOT of self talks in my head. When I’m in a situation that causes me any type of anxiety or unrest, I run dialogue in my head and act as my own therapist – it works, really. And if it doesn’t – I drop everything and go shopping – that REALLY helps 😉 Doing a dance class at my gym also gets me feeling really good.
What is your go-to healthy family meal, that everyone loves?
We are middle eastern – we don’t have go-to healthy meals. Everything I Cook is carb heavy – and tastes so much better than healthy 😉
Favorite Date Night restaurant/activity in SouthOC? (pre or post COVID)
My husband and I LOVE going to Fig in downtown San Clemente at least once a month for a laid back steak dinner – one of the best steaks in town – then we walk up Del Mar for one of the many ice cream options
How can SouthOCMoms find your adorable store Lil z’s?
Find me on IG @thelilzshop or we are located at 231 Avenida Santa Barbara in downtown San Clemente.
