NM Designs — Local services in Minneapolis

I can NOT say enough good things about Aunty Jean 🥰 She is the nicest, most honest, and truly caring person. My husband is Indian, obviously none of the rest of us are. Lol. We had an Indian reception after our American wedding and all needed appropriate attire, to say Aunty hooked us UP would be an a understatement.

Originally I went, I got my saree (it was expensive [$600+ 😖], but she brings all her fabric back from India, and it’s silk, so I think $600 is justified). Then I sent my husband to get his sherwani (again, $300+, but quality justifies the price people). My parents, brother, and parents’ friends then went and got kurtas and salwar suits (these were all $150-275 depending on embellishments/fanciness haha).

Aunty also altered my saree and when she found out no one near our reception knew how to properly wrap a silk saree, she had me bring it back so she could prep it. She was going to just come to our reception and do it for me until she found out it was 4 hours away! How stinkin sweet!?!! She taught me how to do it, pleated and pinned it so literally all I had to do was wrap it for our reception. She never hesitated to provide a ton of education to us about tradition, attire, etiquette, etc… some of which my husband didn’t even know! She wanted to make sure everything we were getting was ok with my in-laws and what they preferred given tradition, which was quite thoughtful. She also was trying to get us all in outfits that didn’t clash badly in photos and had this in mind without me even saying anything. TIP - If you’re going to her shop on the weekend, be sure to call ahead or make an appt to make sure she’s there as she’s often at weddings on the weekends. She’ll see you outside of her posted hours if you need and is super accommodating.

As Aunty will tell you, she won’t let you leave in something she doesn’t like. So just listen to her and she won’t fail you 😂❤️ ALL of our outfits in the photos are from Aunty’s place! We’ll definitely be going back to Aunty for life whenever we need...

recently visited NM, an Indian boutique, to find an outfit for a Hebrew gala and left very disappointed. From the moment I walked in, I wasn’t greeted—something basic I normally expect when entering any store. There were only two parties inside: me and a Caucasian family. The owner gave that family her full attention while never acknowledging me. In fact, one of the customers had to tell the owner to come help me.

When she finally approached, her first question was about my budget, which felt abrupt and off-putting. As I looked around, I asked to see men’s outfits and to take photos to share with my sister (who was helping me choose). The owner discouraged photos and acted inconvenienced about showing additional items. Meanwhile she went back to serving the other family.

The boutique does have beautiful pieces (most over $100), but the service I received made me feel unwelcome and undervalued. Based on this experience, I will not return or recommend KW. Quality products mean little if customers aren’t treated with equal respect...

As soon as we walked in to NM Designs, we were greeted by a wonderful woman (whose name I've of course forgotten) and my best friend (who was the bride) was asked about her wants/needs. The lady was incredibly knowledgeable, caring, and respectful of the budget. She spent a good hour or so with us, and filled us in on Indian culture and the significance of different colors (white is purity, gold is richness, red is light, black is NEVER worn at a wedding). We laughed a lot, and ended up buying a custom tailored top and a full outfit (hand made!) for $500. She threw in a few freebies as well. As newbies to the culture she put us under her wing (even though we're white as can be!) and guided through the whole process. I would recommend again and again. Don't go to Shanty Plaza. It's a rip off and a scam. That lady even has her underage kids working! Seriously. GO HERE FIRST. And no, I wasn't paid...