Grit & Grace Boutique co-owner Amanda Madden said she and co-owner Shauna Cotton want people who visit the retail store to feel like they are at a friend’s house.
“We want anybody to be able to walk through the door and be able to shop here at any price range for anything—an outfit, a favorite piece of jewelry, a gift,” Cotton said.
Madden said customers can indicate a price range, and the owners will help them find a gift.
“We want someone to come in here with $5 and walk out of here so excited about that $5 gift,” she said. “We don’t want people to be intimidated in here, either price-wise or energy-wise.”
Grit & Grace celebrates its first anniversary in November. Since opening the boutique, which sells clothing, accessories, home decor and gifts, business has grown rapidly, and Madden said it has gained many faithful customers.
“The first year was fast and furious,” Madden said. “It went great. Everyone seems to be really excited that something [like this] is in the neighborhood now.”
Madden and Cotton are best friends and former teachers who said they had discussed opening a boutique for a long time. Last year, they said, their children were in high school, and the time seemed right. It was a big step to leave teaching, but Cotton said the boutique was her and Madden’s lifelong dream.
Madden said it also seemed like the right time for the neighborhood to get its first boutique.
“And the elements of teaching that we loved are in the store, just at a different age level,” Madden said. “We both think it’s important for people to feel good, feel valued and appreciated. These are still the goals here, but now we do that with women.”
Cedar Park resident Ashleigh Leege said she has been shopping at Grit & Grace since it opened. She said she feels welcomed and comfortable at the boutique, and she never feels like she is being pushed to buy something.
“It is so relaxing when you walk in the store and you have those two women who are so passionate,” Leege said. “I’m pretty conservative, and they respect my style. They really help you pick out something very comfortable for yourself. They are not pushy.”
Leander resident Paula Cronin said she buys most of the gifts for her three daughters from the boutique.
“I find myself shopping there all the time now. It’s my go-to store,” she said. “They are very unique and have good prices.”
Leander resident Danielle Hill said besides the unique products and affordable prices, she likes that the owners carry items from companies that give back to people in need, such as Good Work(s) Make a Difference jewelry, which donates a portion of its proceeds to clean water efforts, meals for the homeless and orphanages.
“I love that they are locally owned,” Hill said. “And I love that they are two best friends living out their dreams. Their service is just amazing. They are always so happy and smiling.”
Shop by price The boutique offers gifts for a variety of price ranges. Less than $10: key chains, hair ties, dip mixes, cosmetic bags, wine corks $10-$100: custom blendable perfumes from Mixologie; kitchen accessories and home decor made by Mud Pie; personalized shawls, wraps, water bottles, wine glasses More than $100: designer bags and purses by Consuela and Glenda Gies
Grit & Grace Boutique 1420 Cypress Creek Road, Ste. 600, Cedar Park 512-852-8602 www.gritandgraceboutique.com, www.facebook.com/gritandgraceboutique Hours: Tue.-Fri. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., closed Sun.-Mon.
