Our Family of Stores
Lovely Paperie & Gifts, Babycakes Children’s Boutique, and belle: a shop for girls were built on a foundation of passion, purpose, and the belief that the best businesses begin with heart. Owner Kate Fortney Horne grew up in Westlake, Ohio, the oldest of four daughters in a busy, joy-filled home. Her mother poured love into raising four girls under four, and her father—an entrepreneur who built Fortney & Weygandt from $250 in a basement to a national construction company—taught her some of the most important lessons of her life: stay humble, work hard, treat people well, and, above all, find what you love to do, then find a way to make money doing it.
Those lessons stuck. As a child, Kate loved tagging along with her parents to choose special gifts at locally owned Cleveland shops around the holidays and birthdays, and she carried that love into adulthood. After graduating from Mount Union College, she moved to Chicago to pursue event planning, juggling wedding planning and nonprofit work, assisting an event planner, and a part-time job at a boutique in the West Loop. Little did she know that the boutique—her side job she picked up for extra money—would ultimately shape her future.
When her father’s health declined, Kate returned home to Cleveland. One afternoon, while having lunch with her mom in Rocky River, she noticed a “For Lease” sign on Detroit Road—and in that moment, everything clicked. She would create the kind of store she loved in Chicago: a warm, welcoming place filled with beautiful, meaningful gifts. She combined her passion for shopping, her love of connecting with others, and everything she learned from that part-time job in Chicago and applied it to a new career. She signed the lease the very next day.
In February 2014, Lovely Paperie & Gifts opened its doors. Originally envisioned as a stationery and invitation boutique, it quickly evolved into a curated gift shop as customers gravitated toward the heartfelt, handpicked items on the shelves. Within months, Lovely was named Best Gift Shop in Cleveland by Cleveland Magazine—a testament to both the community’s enthusiasm and the experience Kate worked tirelessly to create. From day one, her goal was simple: ensure every guest feels at home, finds something truly special, and leaves with an experience they couldn’t get anywhere else.
As Lovely grew, the baby section became a destination of its own. Listening closely to what her customers wanted—and inspired by her experience as a new mom—Kate expanded in 2017 by moving Lovely into a larger space and opening Babycakes Children’s Boutique in its original storefront. Babycakes quickly became a beloved resource for high-quality, thoughtfully chosen gifts and apparel for little ones—always guided by Kate’s personal philosophy: I only buy items I’d be proud to give as a gift myself.
In 2023, Kate expanded once more with belle: a shop for girls, created for the spirited, growing girls who deserved a boutique of their own. Now, the three stores spread out along Detroit Road in Rocky River, serving families through every milestone—from newborn snuggles to birthday surprises, big celebrations, and everyday joys. Between the three stores, you should be able to find a gift for everyone in your life.
Today, the shops have also grown into a true family business—something Kate is immensely proud of. Her husband, Chris, is in the stores weekly, helping with countless behind-the-scenes tasks that keep everything running smoothly. Her sister Megan manages Babycakes with the same warmth and care the shops were built on, while her sister Jessie partners with all three stores to handle the embroidery that adds such a personal touch to so many gifts. Kate’s mom attends market with her each season, helping choose the pieces that fill the shelves, and Kate’s children visit the stores often, eagerly picking out their favorite Jellycats and top gifts for kids at Babycakes and belle. Their interests, opinions, and enthusiasm regularly influence the way Kate buys—because the stores are not just for families, but shaped by one.
Kate lives in Rocky River with her husband Chris and their three children, Hudson, Ollie, and Isabelle. Motherhood continues to influence every decision she makes in the stores—what to carry, what matters most, and how to create a business her kids can be proud of someday. Her father passed away several years ago, but his lessons live on in every part of her work. He taught her to start slow, stay humble, learn from criticism, treat people better than they expect to be treated, and find joy in the journey rather than racing to the finish line.
What makes Lovely, Babycakes, and belle truly special isn’t just the curated selection—it’s the experience, the relationships, and the genuine care infused into every detail. Kate works with over 200 vendors, many of them small businesses themselves, choosing products with meaning and story. She still loves filling the shelves with treasures customers can give with pride.
These stores are more than boutiques—they are the realization of a dream shaped by family, community, and resilience. They are women-led, community-driven, and rooted in gratitude. And above all, they are places where every customer should feel welcomed, inspired, and excited to find something beautiful.
Kate often repeats something her dad used to say: that she’s never worked a day in her life—because she loves what she does. And she hopes that when you visit Lovely, Babycakes, or belle, you feel that love in every corner.
Babycakes Children’s Boutique
What we offer: Baby and children’s clothing, gifts, books, and accessories
Website: babycakeschildrensboutique.com
Location: 19315 Detroit Road, Rocky River, OH 44116
Babycakes is where it all started! We’re your go-to spot for cute, stylish baby and kids' clothing (newborn to age 6), plus sweet gifts, accessories, and personalized items. We love helping families find something special—whether it’s a “coming home” outfit or a first birthday dress. With a friendly team and a shop full of charm, Babycakes is a neighborhood favorite for a reason.
Lovely Paperie & Gifts
What we offer: Cards, stationery, gifts, home accents, and more
Website: lovelypaperieandgifts.com
Location: 19275 Detroit Road, Rocky River, OH 44116
Lovely Paperie is all about celebrating life’s little moments. You’ll find fun cards, cozy candles, keepsake journals, trendy jewelry, quality home décor, and just the right gift for every occasion. Whether you’re grabbing a quick birthday card or browsing for something unique, Lovely is full of treasures that feel good to give (and get!). Plus, we carry favorites like Scout and Lilly Pulitzer!
belle: a shop for girls
What we offer: Clothing, accessories, gifts, and fun for girls 5–14
Website: belleshopforgirls.com
Location: 19142 Old Detroit Rd, Rocky River, OH 44116
belle is our shop just for girls—designed with older kids and tweens in mind. From trendy outfits and cute accessories to room décor, school supplies, and fun little gifts, belle is a space where girls can shop, explore, and feel confident in their own style. It's fun, fresh, and full of color—just like the girls who shop here.
Why three stores?
Each shop has its own vibe, but they all work together to create something special. Babycakes is for little ones, belle is for bigger girls, and Lovely is for everything in between. We’re all about making people feel welcome, helping you find things you’ll love, and supporting the community that supports us.
Come visit us
All three stores are located right here in Rocky River, just steps from each other. So if you’re in the neighborhood, stop by and say hi—we’d love to help you find the perfect something.
Want to check out what’s new? Visit each store’s website for the latest arrivals, hours, and events: