Mod Neni products now available at Boarderline

Mod Neni style is light, boho-inspired, and gives you the island feel. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

Baby clothes? They’re a dime-a-dozen and you can easily fill up a cart with bland, cookie-cutter products that will fit your little prince or princess. But tropical-inspired baby clothes? Now that’s a whole different ballgame and finding one can be very challenging. That’s where Mod Neni enters the picture.

Started by husband-and-wife duo Manny and Jane Cabrera, who are originally from Saipan but currently live in the U.S. East Coast, Mod Neni clothing and accessories for babies and youth are now available at Boarderline in Garapan.

Manny Cabrera said that many of their products at Boarderline—their first foray in the CNMI—are mainly boho-island-inspired straw hats, swimwear, and accessories. All items are exclusively designed by Mod Neni.

Cabrera said they decided to enter the CNMI market by going through Boarderline, which he said is well known for carrying top-notch quality and brand name items. “We’ve seen Boarderline support local small businesses and it is an honor to work with them to share our items back home,” he added.

Manny Cabrera said the styles and design of Mod Neni speaks loudly of their grassroots—the islands.

“It was all my wife’s idea. Jane searched for neutral, tropical-inspired clothing and accessories for our son but did not find them fitting her expectations, so she decided to design them on her own. Her mother, Lorie, is an important member of our small business because as a seamstress she is able to help craft Jane’s ideas into tangible products,” Manny Cabrera said.

Mod Neni offers free shipping for every purchase of $35 and above from their website. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

The first batch of items has already arrived at Boarderline. Cabrera said their target market are expectant parents, new parents, and even longtime parents who appreciate art and are big supporters of small businesses.

“Our brand is run by Asian and Pacific Islanders, while we are sharing our products to our Saipan people. We are also showcasing our culture and heritage to people all over the world. …We have shipped orders to many corners of the world—the United States, Korea, Spain and even Canada,” he said.

“…Initially, we are sending limited quantities and sizes to Boarderline. …We are hoping that our first launch with Boarderline is a success so we can introduce more products in the future,” he added

When you go to their website, modneni.com, you will fall in love with the light and earthy feel their items evoke. Jane Cabrera mentions in the website that she is a lover of all things boho, neutral and pastel. Currently, they are showcasing their autumn collection.

Mod Neni’s best sellers are their straw hats and “Shaka Territory” rashguards.

“We want you to be happy and proud when you use our products. …We are looking into adding more baby accessories, clothing and also nursery decor. Our fun and quirky Chamorro/Chamoru onesies didn’t make it to this launch but we are hoping it will for the next run,” Manny Cabrera said.