There is a children’s store again in the heart of Lake Highlands.
Photography by Yuvie Styles
It hardly takes a drive down the street to realize Lake Highlands is a place for families. Moms’ groups, social schedules, home values and even neighborhoods themselves revolve around the Richardson ISD schools which make it so attractive in the first place. But after Missfits closed in Lakeridge Village in October 2024, parents and grandparents were left traveling to big box stores and other parts of town.
Luckily for longtime fans, its replacement shouldn’t be too hard to find. After all, the former 1,100-square-foot Missfits space is exactly where Abbie Lynch opened JuneBugs Children’s Boutique in June.
Lynch’s parents, grandparents and even great-grandparents have lived in Lake Highlands, which made it only natural when she moved back from her childhood home of California five years ago along with her two daughters. There, she had launched an organic children’s store, EcoBambino, which focused on all-natural materials and sustainable products.
“When my oldest was born, I was really into all of the clothing, obviously, and all the cute stuff,” Lynch says. “After I had Ella, who is my 11-year-old, she had severe eczema, so she had very sensitive skin, so I was looking for something that was going to be non toxic and healthy on her skin. Very breathable, organic products. So that’s where that came to light, and it served the community well.”
She sold the business shortly before moving to Dallas and taking a job as a children’s merchandise buyer. But after a few months living in the L Streets, Lynch felt the need to fill the void left in the neighborhood with the closure of Missfits.
Photography by Yuvie Styles
Like EcoBambino, most of her products are non-synthetic and designed for comfort, with Lynch having retained the majority of her suppliers. The store sells blankets, stuffed animals, educational games, toys and clothes.
“As a mom, I really encourage people to come in and allow this to be a safe space. Allow it to be a place where they can shop freely without judgment, like if their child is crying or they’re fussy, and I’m engaging with them, I’m playing with them, and not because it’s for business.”
In addition to gift-y items, Lynch also wants JuneBugs to be a place where moms can go in a pinch for things like bibs ($12) and belly oil ($22.99).
“What I wanted was a store that wasn’t just a gift boutique,” Lynch says. “I wanted it where, if a mama was at home, and she’s like, ‘Oh my goodness, I ran out of something, or I need a bottle ($10 for a 5-ounce) real quick.’ She can run down and grab it.”
The store offers pickup and delivery through its website. Her father, a retired pastor, works as the delivery driver.
For Christmas, Lynch is planning to give the store a complete makeover and cycle in larger products as Santa season draws nearer.
“We’re going to be building a big Christmas tree and putting presents and puzzles and books and making it very big. So you’ll see the toy boxes, toolboxes, dollhouses, kitchens and the bigger toys and holiday wear.”
Photography by Yuvie Styles
JuneBugs is named after her 4-year-old daughter, June. While June isn’t quite able to play a more active role just yet, both of her older sisters stop by to lend a helping hand and Abbie’s mom works part time behind the counter while her husband drops orders off. Behind the counter sits a picture of Joanie Williams, Lynch’s grandmother.
The store has become a place for her family. Now, she wants it to be a place for the families of Lake Highlands.
“I wanted to create a place that the community can come to and play,” she says. “I want to have this be a safe place for families to come in and celebrate childhood.”
