Teacups and Tadpoles

fascinated by children's clothing and profiting from her passion.

In addition to her location in The Woodlands in the Panther Creek Village Center, she has owned stores in Spring and Kingwood.

"I closed all but this one," she said. "I'm getting old, and it's too much [work]."

At 64, Byrd said the journey to becoming successful was one that she traveled through her own pure determination.

"I taught myself," she said. "I don't have a degree or education in retail at all."

Teacups and Tadpoles has been open for 10 years. Though it is the last store Byrd said she will own, the boutique is not slowing down in its variety of distinctive merchandise, including clothing and more at a wide variety of prices.

"We have a great book department," she said. "We carry gifts and toys that are boutique-type gifts and toys. We work very, very hard to find clothing that you don't find in department stores."

Colorful outfits, toys, shoes and gifts for boys and girls adorn the walls, racks and displays, including brands from Biscotti, Magnolia Baby, Footmates, Le Top and Cach Cach, to name a few.

Being selective and having a wide

variety of merchandise offered requires quite a bit of searching, Byrd said.

"We sell lots and lots of books," she said. "We spend hours and hours every year going through and picking books for this location."

The store occasionally hosts events such as those for mothers' groups, an annual baby shower for customers, and hand-and-foot pottery lessons, Byrd said.

"There's something for everybody," she said.

Byrd even thought about the public at large when she named the store, she said.

"I was just trying to think of something that covers both genders and all age ranges," she said. "I had a dream one night that we named it 'The Lily Pad', but my husband didn't like that. Still, the idea of frogs stuck with me, and I came up with Teacups and Tadpoles."

Teacups and Tadpoles, 4775 W. Panther Creek Drive, The Woodlands, 281-681-0639, www.uniquekidswear.com

Hours: Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Closed Sundays