Jamie Carlton, owner of the Turquoise Door off Main Street in Tomball, started in the retail business in 2005 making and selling belt buckles at shows across the state. She expanded to include jewelry and other items and soon had stalls at markets and Junior Leagues across the state. She then had her own space in a Spring salon. Carlton now owns the 4,700-square-foot retail store in Tomball, which she runs as a co-op. Ten women rent space from her to sell their items at the store. While some items are homemade, most are purchased from other vendors at various shows around the U.S. The store flows as a typical boutique, offering an expansive selection of unique jewelry, home decor, gifts, and children's toys and clothing. Half of its store is filled with women's clothing, shoes and accessories. In addition, the store offers a large selection of seasonal items. "Business is amazing," said Carlton, a Tomball resident. "It's growing every day." The Turquoise Door opened in June 2012 in a 2,300-square-foot showroom and in a year doubled its space. "We have almost 10,000 followers on Facebook," she said. "We have a loyal following." The growth has meant more hours working at the store for the women in the co-op. They are each required to work at the store, and with the larger showroom, they now rotate with three women working each shift. They do not currently have any other employees. "I tell them, 'It's a good problem'," Carlton said. "We're working more, but it's because business is going so well." The Turquoise Door has many loyal, return customers, some traveling from Katy, Clear Lake and Conroe, she said. The store emphasizes customer service. "We make sure we greet everyone and make sure customers are getting what they're coming in for," she said. Carlton works to ensure the store continues selling items that are fun, funky and distinctive. "There's a little bit for everyone, no matter [what] age," she said. "We offer good, quality, unique items that are affordable. I try to get things that you don't see anywhere else."

Turquoise Door sells a variety of gifts, decor, accessories and clothing:

• jewelry
• household decor
• candles
• gift items
• boots
• clothing
• holiday decor
• children's clothing
• children's toys
• children's decorations

Complimentary gift wrap is available on all items, including holiday gift wrap.

Ugly Christmas Sweater Party

Dec. 12; 5–8 p.m. All are welcome. Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres will be served. Customer will receive 20% off a single item.

Businesses at the Co-op:

• Cowgirl Junkie
• Bling-a-GoGo
• The Sassy Zebra
• Simply Lorri's
• Aidan Grace
• The Crooked Antler
• Chubby Cheeks
• Bloom
• Oh Sew Shabby
• Kate Elizabeth Designs
• Southern Sparkle

Turquoise Door

212 E. Main St., Tomball 281-255-4255, www.facebook.com/theturquoisedoor, Hours: Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m