Hudson natives, sisters open women’s clothing boutique

by Michele Collins

Growing up in Hudson, sisters Carrie Cronkey and Emily Westlake often visited the storefront they now call their own. The entrepreneurs said that when the Grey Colt closed its doors earlier this year, they saw an opportunity they couldn’t pass up.

“We just knew we had to bring clothes that women in Hudson needed and wanted,” said Carrie.

Carrie had moved back to Hudson in 2019, with Emily following in 2022. The two lived in various places and worked in various businesses, but they both share a love of fashion and a desire to create a shopping experience that brings their customers back.

“We honestly get new things every week, working with our designers to have new items arrive monthly, so that when our customers come into the store, there is a new, fresh look,” said Emily.

Favorite Sister has already become a favorite store of the owners’ friends, neighbors and even friends of their parents.

“We really enjoy when people come in and tell us about their kids we went to school with and update us on their lives,” said Carrie.

She added that the name of the business, Favorite Sister, not only reflects their relationship but the experience they wanted to bring, one in which customers feel like they are “shopping with your favorite sister, the one that helps you try on things you might not try on yourself and tells you how great they look.”

When asked if either of them was their parent’s favorite sister, they laughed.

“We also have a younger sister, and I think maybe she is the favorite,” said Emily with a smile.

The duo said that their “favorite mom and favorite dad” even help out at the store. 

“Yesterday they were unpacking boxes of sweaters for us,” Emily shared. 

The shop at 150 N. Main St. offers what the sisters call upscale, classic, clothing “that is timeless.”

They also pride themselves on bringing in pieces from women-owned businesses. Many of the items are from Los Angeles-based designers. But there is a line of knit hats that come from an entrepreneurial mom in Indiana as well.

“One thing we really want to be is the place you find that perfect gift,” said Emily.  “We want the gift receiver to see its from Favorite Sister and say, ‘I love this!’”

The shop’s racks include party or holiday piece, leisure wear and sweaters that are emblazoned with the name of the local schools, Hudson and Western Reserve Academy, as well as the 44236 zip code. Favorite Sister also boasts accessories, including shoes, jewelry and beach bags with cheeky sayings.

The sisters are happy to help shoppers pull any kind of look together, be it evening out, work, running errands or anything in between.

“Women are incredibly busy, just like us,” said Carrie. “Between us we have five children, we want things in our closets that are easy to grab and put together and go. … We do that by offering quality, timeless pieces that you will turn to again and again.” ∞

Photo: Carrie Cronkey (l) and Emily Westlake are the duo behind the new Main Street store, Favorite Sister. Photo by M. Collins.