by Nina Welch

Lumiae Beibi & Kids opened at 239 Avenida Del Mar on June 1 of last year. Owner Diane Lee’s inspiration for her unique boutique was to introduce good quality, vintage traditional style Korean clothing to the San Clemente community. With the support of her husband, John Han, contractor and designer, the building was transformed from a vape shop into a luxurious K-children’s store complete with two chandeliers. 

Lumiae means Light of Children in French. In this fashionable boutique, one can find traditional, colorful apparel from newborn to seven years-of-age at good prices, ranging from $10 to $75. The variety of choices, for the younger set, include: 

Newborn: Just in time for Easter, newborn layettes such as pin coat bunny suits and bonnets plus white eyelet suits.

Girls: Blossom pink Easter dresses and outfits adorned with red hearts for Valentine’s Day. A young lady can model a Celine blouse and skirt set with style. In fact, many a customer has said they would like some of these clothes in their size. Voila! Mommy and me clothing can be purchased at this traditional shop.

Boys: These little guys can sport checked suspender leggings or checkered shirts, and they will look smart in suspender shorts and collar shirt sets.  

There’s also a wide selection of boys’ and girls’ shoes from lavender-colored boots to Crocs in all colors and styles.

According to Diane, a customer can marvel at the quality of the clothes, especially after the wash. All the clothing is KC-certified. Other fun items include books and dolls and tiny clothing for those dolls along with dolls made in Ukraine during the war. 

San Clemente residents have whole-heartedly welcomed this charming boutique to the community. Once they visit, they become repeat customers, which is a good idea because every two weeks, Lumiae Beibi & Kids receives new products. John says that dogs love the store. They come in and wander around, but they ignore John, who is the dog lover. Instead, they make a bee-line to Diane, who is afraid of dogs.

Diane and John are Korean Americans, who have lived in California for 40 years. They now reside in Lake Forest with their two kids Ken and Ruby. John is coordinator for the African Medical Mission. They attend every year with doctors to help the people and to build churches in West Africa. 

When strolling along the avenue, stop by to see what’s new and luxurious at this unique K-children’s store on the Avenida.