niko+ava is a thoughtful curation of clothing, shoes, accessories and lifestyle novelties that both kids and adults will love. We’re two DC mamas with three kids under three between us (and one more on the way!) niko+ava is the result of a pooling of our talents, time and passion to find stylish alternatives to massproduced, throwaway children’s apparel. Everything we stock, we love and put on our own children. Each item is chosen with an eye for quality, longevity, functionality, ethical production, and style. We are constantly seeking out and collaborating with small designers from around the world. Every season we carry clothing and shoes for ages up to six, decor that is just as at home in your living room as it is in the kids’ room, imaginative gifts, and creative toys that you don’t mind lying around the house.
About the founders:
Luisa and Kelly were brought together by the magical friendship of Niko and Ava that was forged at a playgroup in Georgetown, DC. Alongside the craft tables, the idea was born.
Originally from Venezuela, Luisa Kerdel Blatnik has over 10 years’ experience in consulting and marketing in the US and abroad. While her strengths are in operations, nary a detail escapes her eye from the size of a button on a romper to the mechanics of a zipper on a jacket. Luisa divides her time between DC and Europe with her husband and son, Niko. She loves a good red wine, spreadsheets, juicing, and traveling.
Kelly Dougherty Stavish has over 10 years’ experience in residential and hospitality interior design, most recently in Hong Kong, Shanghai and New York. Her passion for design transcends interiors as she has a keen sense for melding color, patterns and textures that shows through in our collections. Kelly currently lives in DC with her husband and daughters Ava and Liv. She loves red zinger tea, vintage jewelry, beautiful stationery, and occasional quiet time.