“This is our community that we wanted to give back to and be a part of, and we felt like that area needed something fun and new [for teacher supplies],” Kim said.
From her years as an educator to her current role as a business owner, serving people is her focus, Kim said.
Owners Lindell (left) and Kim Chapman have both worked as educators in the Tomball area.[/caption]“We genuinely enjoy our customers and want to do everything we can to make sure they’re happy and that they’re taken care of,” she said. “It is a business of serving, but teaching is the same way. You’re serving others.”
As Adelyne’s customer base has grown—attracting educators from as far away as Aldine and Magnolia ISDs—Kim said the store’s inventory has grown as well, based on customer requests.
“We just have great customers,” Lindell said. “They come in here, they have fun when they’re in here and we have fun with them.”
In addition to teacher supplies—such as bulletin board materials, planners and office supplies often purchased at the start of the school year—Adelyne’s business model includes gift items and boutique clothing. Gift items range from jewelry and candles to home decor and serving pieces.
“We knew we needed to have something else for the teachers and for the parents, and that’s why we brought in the gifts,” Kim said.
The store expanded its retail space in March to include boutique clothing and a dressing room area, offering product lines, such as Yellow Box Shoes, Simply Southern and Umgee.
“We’ve been listening to our customers … and if it’s something that’s feasible, we’ll do it,” Kim said. “I think to be that well-rounded gift shop, you have to keep growing.”
Kim said she hopes to feature more baby and wedding gift items for customers as well as the ability to create a registry or wishlist.
“We’re trying to get to where there’s a little bit of everything when people come in, that if you need a gift, we’ve got it for that occasion,” she said. “We’re not all the way there yet, but we’re getting there.”
Adelyne’s
11715 Spring Cypress Road, Tomball
281-205-7421
www.shopadelynes.com
Hours: Tue.-Thu. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-3 p.m., closed Mondays
