by Nina Welch

When looking in the window of Em & Tess Clothing and Accessories at 220 Ave. Del Mar, one would probably think high-end. However, moderate pricing of the high-quality merchandise is a nice surprise. Tesse Canfield and Emily Schoenig have owned the business for nine years, five in Talega and four on Del Mar. When asked why the store is only open on Thursday through Sunday, they respond in unison with two words, “Mommy hours.” 

The duo started selling out of their homes twice a month and eventually were able to extend their hours when they moved their store to Del Mar once their kids became teenagers.

Em & Tess customers are smart women who appreciate value and want to look like a million but are budget-minded.

“Our customers become friends. They enjoy the environment, and have fun. In fact, women bring groups in the store to shop,” says Emily.  

Regular customers also include moms and tweens. On cue, a woman comes out of the dressing room in a bronze and cobalt blue leopard dress. She looks stunning, and her young daughter admires her style. Popular purchases run the gamut from party dresses, to vacation wear, to wedding, graduation, and any special occasion attire. This popular boutique is also a great place to buy gifts from their accessory table. 

According to Tesse, their employees consist of seven women that they affectionately call their “girls.” They are helpful to the customer; know the merchandise and the fit for individual shoppers. Three other “girls” in the store are the much-loved mannequins. Rachel is the sexy one, who graces the window always attired in a dynamite dress. The window is changed once a week and Rachel is a hit to passers-by. Then there’s Phoebe stationed near the dressing room. She’s the wild one. Monica is the more demure one and is situated in the main store.

Both women live in San Clemente. Tesse and her husband Dave have two sons, Noah and Ryder and dog Lucy. Emily and her husband Todd have two teenagers, Elijah and Ella and dog Sage.