A Winter Park boutique has become a hub for charitable initiatives and community empowerment, hosting runway shows for animal rescue organizations and pageant events that build confidence in aspiring queens.
The owner of Bebe’s and Liz’s boutique for forty five years, who currently serves as Classic Universe Woman, has transformed her Park Avenue storefront into a platform for supporting various charitable causes throughout Central Florida and beyond.
The boutique recently hosted the Purrrfect Bites, Bark and Bubbles event, featuring a runway show where Classic Universe queens modeled fashions to raise awareness for Pet Rescue Charity. The organization supports animals through rescue and adoption services in the Winter Park community. During the event, Mrs. Classic Universe Queen Stephnye Weiss emphasized the importance of pet adoption with her message: “Adopt! Don’t Shop!”
In response to recent natural disasters, the boutique owner collaborated with both the Asheville Humane Society and Forsyth Humane Society, organizations severely impacted by hurricanes. The fashion runway served as a platform to bring attention to their recovery efforts and ongoing needs.
Community celebrations have also taken center stage at the boutique, including a Mad Hatter Tea Party designed to empower local residents. The whimsical event featured treats and character appearances, creating an inclusive atmosphere for the Winter Park community.
The Park Avenue boutique expanded its role in the pageant community by hosting and sponsoring the Royal International Miss & Starstruck Pageant. The owner provided mentorship to contestants through mock interviews and photography sessions, helping build their confidence for competition.
Beyond Winter Park, the boutique owner traveled to Mar-a-Lago alongside Stephnye Weiss to support Big Dog Ranch Rescue, demonstrating a commitment to animal welfare causes across Florida.
The boutique has also served individual clients with custom designs, including creating a personalized dress for a young customer named Penelope for her first middle school dance. The shop provided custom attire for Sharon Aguilar, who wore the designs while receiving a Grammy nomination for the album Rock for Children. Additionally, the boutique styled the World Imperial Beauties for a photoshoot, featuring exquisite furs from the collection.
Alongside her two boutiques Mrs.Liz has recently established an online & instore custom hat company named Derby Hats by Shan & Co. Where she creates eclectic hats with matching dresses and purses worn by her global clientele.
Most recently, the boutique supported Kids Beating Cancer by donating a custom-made hat for the organization’s silent auction. While the owner was unable to attend due to surgery, fellow queens Stephnye Weiss, Jackie Barboza, and Janet Barnard represented the boutique at the fundraising event.
Through these various initiatives, Bebe’s and Liz’s has established itself as more than a retail destination, serving as a cornerstone for women’s empowerment and charitable activities in the Winter Park community. The boutique’s involvement in pageants, animal rescue efforts, and children’s charities reflects a business model that prioritizes community engagement alongside fashion retail.
