By Sydney Leyerle

Special to the Sentinel-Tribune

PERRYSBURG — A former New York City fashion designer recently opened a home décor and baby boutique at Levis Commons.

Madison Paul is a gift, home décor and baby boutique that specializes and supplies items for different occasions and celebrations.

Store owner Madison Geroski recently returned to Ohio after living in New York City for the past 13 years. While in NYC, she worked as the head designer for the Nine West brand at Kohl’s.

Having grown up in Fostoria, Geroski said she decided it was time for her to return to Ohio to be with family and hopefully bring something new to the area.

“I just was looking forward to being back in the area and felt that I could bring something that felt contemporary and new and different for the area,” she said. “So, it felt like the right place for me to start the business.”

Hoping to provide new and unique items, Geroski said she is excited to bring more options for baby products to the area as she felt there was a void. She said she believes her store will fill that void with unique products made from organic materials.

The products sold at Madison Paul come from small businesses around the world. Geroski said one of her biggest vendors is based in the Netherlands and doesn’t sell to big retailers. She also has a vendor located in Sandusky, as well as many others from other parts of the country.

“What I think helps make my business even more unique is that a lot of the products that are gifts within the store I’ve sourced by just finding small businesses and entrepreneurs around the globe,” she said.

Geroski also handpicks each item in her store, which she said allows her to know the quality of the items and trust that what she’s selling is a good product.

“I’m very passionate about the details and making sure that whatever’s in the store tells a story,” she said. “So, if it’s made by someone, I like to understand their passion for the product. The vision for creating it.”

Madison Paul opened on April 14 and Geroski said there are a few things that haven’t launched in the store yet. She said she will shortly be releasing products designed for baby mothers and their self-care. These products include oil to prevent stretch marks, all natural body lotions, after care for nursing mothers and much more.

Activities will also be introduced to the store shortly. Champagne Saturdays will soon begin, in which customers can come into the store and post a picture of themselves with their favorite product and champagne will be provided. In June, Geroski said Madison Paul will be having a beer tasting with the Maumee Bay Brewing Company.

Madison Paul is open Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sunday from noon-5 p.m.

“People should come to Madison Paul because it’s all part of having an experience,” Geroski said. “You’re not just going in to purchase stuff, you’re going in to purchase something that you’ll have in your family for years or that you know is going to have meaning and good quality. It’s not things that you’re just going to have sitting around your home, their conversation starters.”