About Me

Hi, I’m Laurie Torres a mom, minded entrepreneur, and the founder of Raising Astoria. Back in 2012, along with my dear friend and fellow Astoria mom Kimberly Rossignol, I launched what would become a heartfelt project rooted in real needs and everyday parenting.

We started Raising Astoria as a cozy, family-centered boutique offering eco-friendly toys, maternity and baby clothing, and a curated blend of new and consignment items. But more than that, we built it as a gathering space a place where new and expecting parents could connect, learn, and feel supported.

We hosted classes on everything from infant CPR to baby massage and early childhood music. Our storefront at 26-11 23rd Avenue quickly became a home base for families throughout the neighborhood. In 2015, we took things a step further by transitioning into the Raising Astoria Community Center expanding our offerings to meet the evolving needs of our growing parent community.

Sadly, in 2020, like many small businesses, we were deeply affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Rising commercial rents and financial uncertainty made it impossible to keep our physical doors open. But Raising Astoria was always more than a place it was a spirit, a mission, and a community. And that, I wasn’t ready to let go.

Laurie Torres
Laurie Torres

In 2025, I gave RaisingAstoria.com a new life transforming it into an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. Drawing from years of hands-on experience as a mother, entrepreneur, and community organizer, I now use this space to share honest insights on the products and tools that actually make a difference in daily life. From parenting essentials and home gear to wellness finds and educational toys, I cover the things that matter most to families like ours.

This new chapter allows me to continue doing what I love connecting with parents, building trust, and sharing real-world knowledge that empowers better choices. Whether you’ve been with us since the beginning or you’re just discovering Raising Astoria now, I’m so glad you’re here.

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Laurie Torres
Laurie Torres is a mother, entrepreneur, and the heart behind Raising Astoria. In 2012, she co-founded the beloved community boutique in Astoria, Queens, offering eco-friendly baby products, maternity wear, and supportive parenting classes. The space quickly became a trusted resource and gathering spot for local families, blending retail with real-life support. Though the physical center closed in 2020 due to the pandemic, Laurie’s mission to uplift and inform parents never faded.

In 2025, she brought Raising Astoria online as an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews. Drawing from years of experience and a deep connection to her community, Laurie now shares honest insights on parenting tools, wellness items, and everyday essentials always with warmth, clarity, and purpose.
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