The Montclair Girl Team 
There’s a brand-new small business in Maplewood, ready to deliver a unique shopping experience to those looking to refresh their wardrobe. Ceru is a carefully curated women’s clothing boutique located at 1877 Springfield Avenue. Co-owners Megan Sanders and Diego Carranza have given considerable thought to the concept behind their business and the pieces they’ve selected to include in the shop. The Montclair Girl visited Ceru recently and can confirm that this new Maplewood fixture is just as charming in person as it appears online. Continue reading to learn more about Ceru and what it has to offer for your wardrobe.
About Ceru + Co-owners Megan + Diego
Ceru founder Megan Sanders and her husband and co-founder, Diego Carranza, opened CERU after moving to Maplewood from Brooklyn. The couple both have backgrounds in film and TV costume design.
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“Some of my favorite moments while traveling have been stumbling into independent boutiques and finding handmade pieces, learning the stories behind the artisans, and discovering something totally unexpected,” Megan told us. “Everything had meaning. I wanted to bring that feeling home of curating small-batch, thoughtful pieces and sharing them with our community.”
With their roots in costume design and love of travel, the couple has assembled a collection of clothing made by independent designers with a story. Some of these designers include Mirth, Kowtow, Rachel Comey, Proche, and Atelier Delphine. Many of the pieces are also ethically sourced.
The couple decided not only to find a home in Maplewood, but also a place for their newest creative endeavor. When asked about why they chose Maplewood to open CERU, Megan said, “Maplewood has this genuine, creative energy and a strong sense of community. People support the locals, they show up for each other—it feels like the right place to plant roots and grow something meaningful.”
The Montclair Girl: Where is your hometown? What drew you to Maplewood, and how long have you lived here?
Megan Sanders: I grew up in a small town called Broomfield, Colorado. Nature was always part of life — no matter where you stood, the Rocky Mountains were right there in view.
We moved to Maplewood four years ago from Brooklyn. We were drawn to the sense of community. My husband and I work in film, so creativity matters to us, and it was immediately clear that art matters here too. Maplewood just felt right.
MG: What’s something about you or CERU that neighbors might not expect?
MS: What makes CERU different is how personal it is. Every piece in the store has a story — that’s the beauty of independent fashion and home decor. Many of our items are handmade and small-batch. It’s thoughtful, sustainable, and deeply human.
When you walk in, you’ll feel that right away—not just in the vibe, but in the people. We want you to feel at home, because you are.
MG: For non-fashion folks: What do you mean by “independent and emerging designers”? How do you find them, and what makes someone a good fit for CERU?
MS: Independent and emerging designers are brands you won’t find at the mall. Their pieces aren’t mass-produced—many are handmade, often using sustainable practices. The quality is higher, the design is intentional, and the details—from tailoring to fabric—are more considered. The pieces are unique, just like you.
We discover most of our brands while traveling. I make it a point to explore boutiques wherever I go. Meeting the designers gives us a direct connection to their stories and communities, which is something we love sharing with ours.
MG: What does Ceru mean or stand for?
MS: Ceru comes from “cerulean”—my favorite crayon as a kid. That’s probably when I first realized I cared about design… and maybe had a slightly pretentious side.
MG: Can you talk about how your background as a costume supervisor influenced your decision to open CERU?
MS: Opening a boutique has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. My work in film, especially as a costume supervisor, shaped how I approached making that dream real. Film is fast-paced and deeply collaborative; you have to constantly solve problems, adapt, and work as a team. I brought a lot of that mindset into CERU, from the way we design the space to how we curate and collaborate with designers. It’s all about telling stories through clothing, whether it’s for a character on screen or a customer walking out of the shop.
MG: How did you become a costume supervisor? What kind of education or experience does it take? Have you worked on any projects we’d recognize?
MS: I studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology, where I was drawn to the psychology of design and how what we wear communicates who we are. That interest in expression and identity naturally led me to storytelling, and FIT’s production and film classes sealed the deal for me. I was hooked.
I started at the very bottom, literally working for free as a Costume Production Assistant, and just kept showing up and working my way up. It was a grind, but I loved every second of it.
Some of the projects I’m most proud of include A Complete Unknown, And Just Like That (Season 1), and Halston. I also worked on Happy Gilmore 2, which was probably the most fun I’ve ever had on a set.
MG: What can shoppers find at CERU?
MS: We carry a mix of elevated everyday wear and special pieces for when you want to step it up. Personally, I love finding clothes that are both smart and cozy—it’s kind of my thing.
We also have beautiful home decor that people often overlook: handwoven baskets from Mexico, ceramics from France, and other one-of-a-kind finds.
MG: What are you proud of or excited to share with the community through CERU?
MS: We’re excited to be part of Maplewood in a real way. There’s a big table right in the center of the store—it’s there for people to gather, hang out, connect. We’re planning events like book clubs and wine nights. CERU is a store, yes, but we also want it to be a space where community happens.
MG: Anything else you want neighbors to know?
MS: Come say hi. We want to help you feel confident. And if you’re looking for something specific, let us know—we can often special order pieces just for you.
To keep up with Ceru, you can follow the business on Instagram.
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