From left: Mamie Caldwell, Daphney Skelton and Nancy Cox work at the boutique, which opened in May 2013.[/caption]Since opening in May 2013, Daphney's Boutique in Magnolia strives to offer customers a friendly atmosphere, a wide array of products and unique gift ideas to keep them coming back to the shop.
"Customers love the boutique," owner Daphney Skelton said. "We've been closed on and off for about three months because of the construction in the area, but when we opened back up, they all came back."
Four other employees work with Skelton at the boutique, including three sales associates and an interior decorator. One common thread of the boutique's success is its warm atmosphere conducive to a friendly shopping experience, Skelton said.
"We are always ready for anyone [who] walks in [and offer] cookies and coffee when we're not too busy," Skelton said. "There's always conversation going on."
Skelton originally opened the boutique after her husband began producing custom-made benches and antique headboards. Skelton said she started displaying the trendy, hand-designed products on-site.
"[The benches and headboards] still are trendy now, but back then I decided that I would go to market in Dallas where we started to see things that we liked and started ordering certain brands," Skelton said. "We added lines of clothes and jewelry, and it just sort of grew from there."
Skelton said she has picked up many design ideas for the boutique by attending fashion shows, though she said she always had an eye and love for the clothing and accessories industry.
"I've always loved pretty clothes, fashion boots and putting together different outfits," Skelton said. "It sort of comes natural for me. When we decided to [open the boutique], I had a lot of help from other interior designers and decorators."
The boutique carries an assortment of women's clothing, jewelry, handbags and belts ranging in price from $50–$200, as well as rodeo attire including cowboy boots and Western-themed outfits. The store's best-selling products include French Lysse high-quality tops and designer pants from brands, such as Urban Mango and Sassy Bling, Skelton said.
"Working in the boutique is a lot of fun," sales associate Nancy Cox said. "People that come in always enjoy the conversation."
The boutique added a home decor department last May in addition to carrying designer clothing brands, such as Trinity Ranch and Lady Noiz, Skelton said. The boutique's strong suit is its full selection of unique gift items for every gender, age and style preference, including gift certificates, custom pillows, signs or baby clothing, she said.
"No matter what [customers] are looking for they can always find a gift," Skelton said.
With about 10 years of experience, Kerri McGinty was hired to work as an interior decorator at Daphney's Boutique six months ago. McGinty said she designs and helps deliver an estimated 20 to 30 gift baskets to customers each week and offers in-home decor consultations.
"It's been wonderful meeting the people of Magnolia," McGinty said. "I think the collaboration of Daphney's experience with retail and my experience has been good."
Another factor of the boutique's success is that it offers a local shopping experience for Magnolia residents, Skelton said.
"They don't have to travel to Houston [to shop]," Skelton said. "Our customers know they can shop local—[being] that we are [located] on the Stroll is convenient. They don't have to travel anymore to Conroe."
