Steel Magnolia Marketplace’s namesake film plays on repeat in a corner of the Lakeway store. The boutique is a gathering place for strong women and friends who will always be there for each other no matter what, manager Janey Richardson said.

“That’s what we’re about, and that’s what the movie is about,” she added.

Richardson and owner Linda Harman opened the shop together last December. The two became friends at Riverbend Church. They supported each other through life-changing events, and eventually Harman suggested they open a shop.

“I’d never been in retail, but I agreed and we did it,” Richardson said.

Two years ago the women opened a consignment store and boutique in Spicewood, and after a year someone offered to buy it.

“So we didn’t have a store, and then Linda [Harman] said, ‘I need a happy place; do you want to do this again?’”

Richardson said she did, and this time she wanted to open her dream gift shop in Lakeway. The shop sells clothing, jewelry, home decor, stationery, art and more. They seek out female vendors who give a portion of their profit to a charitable cause.

Stocking products from local vendors is also important to Harman and Richardson. Inventory includes soy candles from local business Stylish Rustic Living, and the pair even encouraged a friend to start selling necklaces she initially made for fun. Now, a portion from her necklace sales goes to Marbridge, which provides residential care to adults with disabilities. Every month 10 percent of overall sales goes toward a different charity. September proceeds will benefit the Highland Lakes SPCA.

“We like products with a good backstory,” Harman said, pointing at colorful dishes. “We met the woman who made those at the Los Angeles market. She overcame Stage 4 colon cancer. Now when we show customers her products we say, ‘She is a real steel magnolia.’”