Checking in with...LANIS Boutique:

Stephanie Hsu, 32, found her calling in the fashion world. But being fashionable doesn’t stop her from recognizing the need to help others. LANIS Boutique in Costa Mesa opened two years ago. The shoes, handbags and accessories sold there feature some of the best names in business.

What does LANIS mean and how did you come up with that name?

I pondered on a name for the store for a long time. I wanted it to be something that was meaningful for me. My sister, who passed away pretty much right after my birth was Lanelle, and I was born in Paris. After sitting there for hours, I finally came up with LANIS: ’Lan’ for my sister, and ’is’ for Paris.

I thought it was a beautiful way to remember both my sister and my birthplace.

Why did you start your boutique?

I actually came from a different industry. I came from the technology industry. I was a techno geek that sat in an office all day and all night, I barely slept and always worked. I loved what I did, but there was something about fashion that I was drawn to. I left my well-paying job and I went out and wanted to go to the fashion industry and I had no idea what I wanted to do, I just wanted to be in fashion.

So, what did you do?

I went to work for a little boutique on 17th Street, and I found my calling.

And how did you start your own?

I wanted to stay in this area, because I absolutely love it. It’s flooded with so much clothing; I wanted to complement everyone and do shoes and accessories. And it happened so fast. I signed the lease in March 2007 and opened the store one month later. I had to go find all the lines and research the designers. A lot of the stuff I carry in the store I personally wear, so I had an idea of what I wanted to bring into my store.

Who are some of the designers you carry?

We do anything from Stuart Weitzman, Cole Haan, Coclico to modern vintage.

This year you’re doing something different for the holidays. What is that?

I wanted to participate in a charity that complemented the store because I could’ve done a food drive, I could’ve done anything, but I wanted to do something different, something that related to the business. I partnered with Sole4Souls. They help disaster victims and people all over the world that don’t have shoes to wear during the cold and any time of the year. There are so many kids out there that are so unfortunate.

Why did you decide to help this year?

Everyone has been struggling so much, and a lot of people can’t afford today what they used to do this season. If we are already struggling, people that are less fortunate must be having it so bad.

What can people do to help you?

We are accepting men, women and children shoes as long as they are gently worn or new. Something to be put on somebody else’s feet. The shoe drive is from now until the end of the year. If you donate a pair of shoes, you will be entered into a raffle to win a bangle set from an Earth-conscious designer. And you don’t have to purchase anything, but if you want to purchase anything, you get 25% off.

Do you plan on continuing this?

This will be an annual thing. It makes me feel so good to do it because if you are blessed, you better be a blessing to other people.

LANIS Boutique

270 East 17th St.

Costa Mesa, CA 92627

(949) 515-3888

www.lanisboutique.com