About Auntie Bec’s Boutique
Up until 2021, Threads for Teens-MN provided a wonderful resource in the Twin Cities south metro. Inspired by the idea and saddened by the loss of Threads for Teens-MN, I decided to create something similar on my own.
I love being an aunt. It is one of my greatest joys. Auntie Bec’s is named for the love I have for my nephews and nieces. I wanted to include this in not only the shop name, but the feel of the boutique itself. It is my belief that all youth need “an auntie” that is there for them.
I wanted to create a unique space for teens to come and shop for clothes that they could feel good in and are proud to wear. My hope is that every youth that shops at the boutique feels welcome, seen, and supported.
Auntie Bec’s Boutique is a registered 501 ©(3) nonprofit organization that partners with communities to provide new and gently used, on trend clothing for youth with need. The boutique opened its doors in 2022.
Meet Auntie Bec
Becca Schroeder
Executive Director
She/Her
I am the Founder/Executive Director of Auntie Bec’s Boutique.
I grew up in Staples, MN, a small rural town in Central Minnesota. I moved to St. Paul in 1994 to attend college at Hamline University. I have lived in St. Paul since this time, and it has truly become my home.
After graduating from Hamline in 1998, I started my first job at the Wilder Foundation. I worked at Juvenile Horizons, which was a residential and day treatment program for teenage mothers. I had never worked with teenagers and admittedly I was a little (ok, a lot) nervous about how I would be able to connect with this population….Turns out I love them and they are some of my favorite people!
Fast forward 25 years and a few jobs later and here I am, still working with teenagers and trying to support them in any way I can.
I envision Auntie Bec’s Boutique as a place that could fulfill a basic need in a fun and supportive environment.
Meet the Board of Directors
Annie McCabe
Board Chair
She/Her
I met Becca, aka Auntie Bec, in 1999 and from the beginning we shared a common joy – being an Auntie. Currently, I am an aunt to 13 niblings and have even become a Great Aunt more than once! In my professional life I have worked in the social services field since 1999, mostly supporting individuals who are experiencing homelessness or serious and persistent mental illness. I am also a forever home to my adopted rescue dogs, Wayne, a beautiful Bloodhound, and Wilbur, a bashful Basset Home. Being a part of Auntie Bec’s Boutique has allowed me to spread the joy of being an aunt and support youth in finding a place where they can be seen and supported while spending time with a special adult in their life.
Board Member
Nicole Paradise
I am a Social Worker with over 25 years’ experience in mental health, social services, and public health. Over the years, I worked closely with
Auntie Bec serving youth and their families. in the community. I have a Master’s degree in Public Administration and Non-Profit Management from Metropolitan State University and a passion for supporting teenagers and young
adults to succeed, regardless of circumstances.
I believe strongly in Paul Wellstone’s mantra; “We all do better, when we all do better.” Being on the board of Auntie Bec’s Boutique gives me the opportunity to put this vision to action.
Ben Cooper
Treasurer
I grew up in the UK and moved to the USA for the second time with my wife Karen and children, Max and Imogen. The move to the twin cities 15
years ago has proved to be right one. How did an insurance agent by day become involved in Auntie Bec’s Boutique?
I was introduced to ABB as a mentor for the Dough Program. ABB was a recipient of a Dough grant. After 3-4 months of getting to know Becca and her passionate friends and board members, and hearing the stories of how
ABB positively impacts the lives of those it touches (me included), I wasn’t ready to cut ties. So here I am acting as Treasurer, but really just another advocate and cheerleader looking forward to the journey.
Desiree McDowell
Secretary
Desiree is a graduate of the University of St. Thomas and Mitchell Hamline School of Law, and practices environmental and energy law in Minneapolis, but calls St. Paul home. Desiree joined the board Auntie Bec’s Boutique in the Fall of 2023. With over a decade of public service work, Desiree is grateful to bring her experience and skills to the board. Inspired by Nelson Mandela’s message that “the true character of society is revealed in how it treats its children,” Desiree is excited to serve her community and looks forward to support Auntie Bec’s as it continues to grow and reach more youth.
