Motherhood has a way of reshaping everything, from the pace of our days to the passions we pursue. For Rowena Chien, becoming a mother in a new country inspired not just a new chapter in her life, but the creation of a very special space for families in Milan.
Otto Kids Boutique is more than just a shop; it’s a reflection of Rowena’s journey, her love of timeless Italian children’s fashion, and her belief that every parent deserves a welcoming place to feel supported and at home. In this interview, she shares how Otto was born, what makes it unique, and the heart behind building a boutique that’s as much about community as it is about clothing.
Can you tell us the story of Otto Kids Boutique? What inspired you to first open a baby & children’s clothing store in Milan?
Before becoming a mother, I worked in the finance department of an international company. When personal health challenges came my way, motherhood felt like a true blessing — and I knew from the moment I had my child that I wanted to spend as much time with him as possible.
For the first six years of his life, I was a full-time mom — and I loved it. But as he grew older and began to build his own world, I realized I needed to rebuild mine too. That’s how Otto Kids Boutique was born: out of my journey as a mom, my love for timeless children’s fashion, and my desire to make shopping for little ones a joyful, stress-free experience.
What makes Otto unique, both in terms of the products you offer and the atmosphere you’ve created?
Like every mother, I researched and tested countless brands. At Otto, you’ll find many of the same ones I trusted for my own son — chosen for their comfort, quality, and fair price.
Having been born in Taiwan, raised in Canada, and later moving to Italy, I’ve always been aware of how culture shapes the way we live — and dress our children. I wanted to create a boutique that reflects this: a warm, welcoming space where every parent, no matter their background, can find style, quality, and guidance in one place.
During my pregnancy, I remember how overwhelming it was to figure out what to buy and where to go. In Milan, I couldn’t find a place where I could simply walk in, feel at ease, and get advice in my own language. That became the heart of Otto: a boutique that feels like a home.
How do you choose the brands and pieces that you stock?
In the beginning, I chose brands because I had used them with my son. He has always been my best “client” — if something didn’t let him move freely or didn’t survive the wash, I immediately knew it wasn’t right.
Today, our curation is enriched by the families who shop with us. Clients share the brands they love and their experiences, and together we create a selection that blends comfort, quality, and timeless style. And yes, my son is still our in-house tester — nothing gets past him! 😉
You’ve mentioned that Otto is more than just a shop. Can you tell us more about that?
Being a new mom in a new city taught me how important it is to have a place where you can simply walk in and talk — about schools, pediatricians, playgrounds, or even just the challenges of daily life. I didn’t have that when I first moved here, and I wanted Otto to be that space for others.
Our boutique is not a “don’t touch” store. I believe in the Montessori method, so many of our clothes are designed so children can dress themselves. We wait for little ones to pick their first shoes or pants and try them on by themselves. When children feel capable, mornings become easier for everyone.
How do you make the boutique welcoming for international families and visitors?
In our store, we speak English, Chinese, Spanish, and of course Italian. We do our best to speak your language — both literally and culturally.
For visitors, Otto offers something special: beautiful Made in Italy pieces to take home as keepsakes. For expat families, we provide practical guidance to help them settle in and find clothing that suits their new everyday life. Above all, our goal is to make every family feel understood and at home.
What do you hope people feel when they visit Otto for the first time?
I hope they feel welcomed, embraced, and at ease — like they’ve entered a little world created for families. Otto is a place where children are free to explore and try things on themselves, and where parents can feel calm knowing every piece has been chosen for comfort, quality, and timeless style.
I want them to leave not just with a shopping bag, but with a sense of connection: to Milan, to the Made in Italy tradition, and to a community that understands the everyday moments of childhood. 💛
Can you tell us a little more about your background, and how your move to Italy came about?
I was born in Taiwan, raised in Canada, and studied in the United States. My career in finance and project management was international, but when I became a mother, my priorities shifted. I wanted a life that was not only about work, and not only about my son, but a balance of both.
Italy felt like the right place to build that life. I admired its tradition of craftsmanship, its slower rhythms of family life, and its deep connection to beauty. Moving here was a challenge, but also a chance to align with values that mattered to me: quality over quantity, care over speed, and style that lasts beyond a season.
What does a typical day look like for you, balancing motherhood, running the boutique, and life in Milan?
A typical day is a little like Otto itself — full of movement, warmth, and many small details.
Mornings begin with my son: breakfast, school drop-off, and those everyday rituals that ground us. Then Otto takes over. No two days at the boutique are the same: one moment I’m steaming new arrivals, the next helping a mom find the perfect outfit for a baptism, or answering a WhatsApp from a client who can’t make it to the store.
Afternoons are a mix of work and motherhood: picking up my son, homework, maybe a walk, then emails, social posts, or preparing the shop for the next day. Evenings are our pause — dinner, stories, and a quiet moment before it all begins again. It’s busy, but it’s the life I chose, woven with love for my family and for the little community Otto has become. 💛
What was it like settling into life in Milan? What initially helped you feel at home here?
At first, it was difficult. I arrived not yet a mother, but as someone learning a new culture, a new rhythm, and especially a new language. There were times when I felt like I was starting from zero.
Slowly, by learning the language and understanding the nuances of Italian life — the importance of family, the warmth of community, even the simple ritual of coffee — I began to feel less like an outsider. Later, motherhood deepened my need for connection and inspired me to create Otto: not just a boutique, but a place where families could feel supported and at home.
Have there been any unexpected challenges or learning moments, especially navigating parenthood as a business owner?
So many. Parenthood and running a boutique both demand everything, and balancing the two has been one of my greatest challenges. At first, I felt guilty — for not always being present at home, and for not always being present at Otto.
The turning point was learning to ask for help. Relying on my team, on family, and on friends wasn’t a weakness but a strength. It allowed me to be more present in both roles.
Another lesson was letting go of perfection. With children — and in business — nothing ever goes exactly as planned. Learning to adapt, and to accept that some days will be messy, has made me stronger as both a mother and an entrepreneur.
What advice would you give to other international mums thinking about relocating and starting a business in a new country?
Give yourself time and grace. Moving abroad is already a big step; adding motherhood and business makes it even more complex. Don’t expect to have all the answers right away.
Build connections — other mums, neighbors, even the shopkeeper on the corner. These small relationships are what make a new place feel like home. Be open and curious: learn the language, embrace the culture, while keeping your own roots alive. It will help you, and it will help your children too.
Most of all: don’t be afraid to start. The challenges are real, but so are the rewards. Your perspective as an international mum is unique — it allows you to see opportunities others might miss. Trust it, and let it guide you.
Do you have any exciting plans or hopes for Otto’s future?
Yes. From the beginning, the name Otto has carried a special meaning — the number 8, a symbol of luck and infinity. It reminds me that possibilities are endless when guided by love and purpose.
Today, Otto is a children’s clothing boutique, a place where families come not just to shop but to connect. My hope is that in the future Otto will grow beyond clothing — expanding into new projects that always keep family at the center. Whether through events, collaborations, or other ventures, I want Otto to remain a space that celebrates the small but meaningful moments of childhood and parenthood.
Otto is more than a shop. It’s a beginning — with infinite possibilities. 💛
Community Commitment
From the very beginning, Otto has been rooted in women’s strength and motherhood. Behind the boutique is a network of extraordinary women: our architect, a mother of three; our sales team, made up of mothers and grandmothers; and our suppliers, many of them long-standing Italian family businesses led by women entrepreneurs.
We are also proud to collaborate with Fondazione Arché, a Milanese non-profit that supports women and children in vulnerable situations. Through this partnership, we provide clothing and essentials, while Arché offers shelter, guidance, and training to help women rebuild their lives with dignity and independence.
For us, this is not just charity — it is Otto’s philosophy in action: women supporting women, families uplifting families, and love woven into every detail of what we do. 💛
Read more articles about our community of international families navigating parenthood and entrepreneurship on the MumAbroad blog
Leave a Reply