“I was born and raised in Lake Highlands,” she said. “My father, Dr. Joe Lindley, was a veterinarian [here] for 48 years.”
The Calvins opened their boutique 20 years ago in Northlake Shopping Center. In 2019, they moved to the current location in Lakeridge Center.
“We needed to revitalize ourselves,” Cheryl said. “Our carpet was 17 years old. Our paint was 17 years old. ... I could not envision remodeling, but I could envision doing a new space.”
Before opening their business, Cheryl worked at The Store in Old Town Salado, which was co-owned by her mother, Becky McAulay. Cheryl helped in a variety of ways, including buying merchandise at markets.
She found herself bringing things from the Salado store to her friends in Lake Highlands.
“My daughter was in fourth grade; my son was in first grade,” Cheryl said. “I thought I needed something to do, and so I started investigating opening my own store.”
Originally, it was strictly a women’s clothing boutique. Today, The Store in Lake Highlands has grown to include baby and children’s items, candles, stationery, seasonal decor and much more.
The Calvins’ daughter, Allison Self, recently started helping at the family business. Cheryl said she appreciates her younger viewpoint and has seen upticks in sales when she follows Allison’s purchasing advice.
Cheryl said her customers’ ages span decades, and often women come in with their daughters and granddaughters. She said she has a nice array of shoppers from Lake Highlands as well as those who enjoy traveling to visit boutiques.
Some of her customers are childhood friends, while some she befriended as customers. Cheryl said she enjoys seeing their stages of life, and “to be there for them, give them hugs when they need it and pray for them when they need it.”
Cheryl said she believes a blend of sunny smiles, complimentary gift wrap and something new around every corner is what grows the ever-expanding base of repeat customers to her shop.
Top sellers at the store: baby items starting at $4.99; women’s clothing starting at $39.99; candles ranging from $2.99-$70.
The Store in Lake Highlands, 9850 Walnut Hill Lane, Ste. 226, Dallas. 214-553-8850. www.thestoreinlh.com Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., closed Sun.
