At Babbidge Construction, we love helping local businesses thrive. We recently had the pleasure of working with Kimberly Pedrick, owner of retail shops idiom and dwell, on a renovation of her Chapel Street boutique in downtown New Haven. We caught up with Kimberly to learn more about her story and her experience working with our team.
A Journey Fueled by Passion and Purpose
Kimberly’s path to boutique ownership was anything but traditional. After earning a psychology degree from the University of Maryland, she initially pursued graduate school in Boston before realizing her heart lay elsewhere. Following advice from her entrepreneurial father, Kimberly found her way into the retail world through Lord & Taylor’s management training program.
Over the next decade, she built a strong foundation in both customer service and store operations, with experience at prestigious retailers like Lord & Taylor and Neiman Marcus. These formative years shaped Kimberly’s passion for retail and her commitment to building customer relationships.
Ready for her next big adventure, Kimberly discovered a little boutique in New Haven which she later renamed idiom —a beloved New Haven staple with more than 30 years of success. Though she had only visited the city once before, she was drawn to the community’s vibrancy and the charm of Chapel Street. At just 29 years old, Kimberly took a leap of faith and became the proud owner of idiom.
Breathing New Life into a Beloved Space
After decades of welcoming customers, the boutique’s interior was ready for a refresh. Aging floors and worn jewelry cabinets signaled it was time for an update. Kimberly envisioned a more open, inviting space—and trusted Babbidge Construction to bring that vision to life.
“We wanted a fresh new look while keeping the spirit of idiom intact,” Kimberly shared. “Babbidge’s team was amazing to work with—professional, detail-oriented, and so approachable throughout the entire process.”
Kimberly was deeply involved in selecting every element, choosing natural tones to brighten the space while adding vibrant pops of color in the artisan jewelry area. The result? A boutique that feels as fresh and timeless as the curated pieces it showcases.
A True Partner in the Process
When asked what stood out about working with Babbidge, Kimberly had nothing but praise. “The experience was seamless. Every contractor was courteous, thorough, and committed to doing excellent work. I couldn’t have asked for a better team.”
A Champion for New Haven’s Downtown
Beyond her businesses, Kimberly is deeply invested in the local community. A proud downtown resident for over 20 years, she currently serves as President of the Chapel Merchants Association and sits on the Boards of the Town Green District and the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce.
“New Haven has such a vibrant heart, and it’s important to me to support and nurture this community,” she says.
We’re honored to have played a small part in idiom‘s next chapter and are excited to see Kimberly’s businesses continue to flourish.