Today we’d like to introduce you to Kairy-tate Barkley.
Kairy-tate is the owner of French Cuff Boutique, an innovative and highly popular women’s apparel and accessories boutique. Located in accessible neighborhoods with an intimate setting focused on expert wardrobe consultation and a custom selection of designer labels sets her apart from competitors. Kairy-tate is a native Houstonian who loves fashion and always dreamed of owning her own boutique. She attended the University of Houston and received a dual Bachelor of Business degree in Marketing and Management.
While working as a Human Resource professional at a Houston-based Fortune 500 company, she began selling women’s clothing and accessories at home shows in the evenings and weekends, which rekindled her passion for fashion. She realized that she enjoyed this and was good at selling clothes. “This re-ignited my true passion and gave me the confidence to take the next step,” said Kairy-tate.
In 2007, she left her successful HR career to pursue her dream full time. After one year of planning and preparation in July 2008, she opened her first French Cuff Boutique location in the Bellaire West University area. Buoyed by the success of this first location, Kairy-tate opened a second boutique in the Galleria-Memorial neighborhood in 2011 and a third location in Town & Country Village in 2015.
A true community champion, she contributes time and resources to numerous charities, schools, and important social causes, such as the March of Dimes, Star of Hope, American Cancer Society, and many others. In addition to a demanding career, she is also balancing the role as wife and new mother.
Please tell us about French Cuff Boutique.
At French cuff boutique, our product mix is sophisticated and classic with a little edge and a contemporary flair.
• You will find a well-edited inventory of brands that you know and love like Joie, Equipment, Milly, Citizens of Humanity, Nicole Miller & many more…
• Our expertise is styling pull-together looks with an effortless appeal.
• Our staff at French Cuff Boutique truly loves fashion so they are genuinely excited about styling our customers and helping them find the right outfit for their event.
• We cater to women who have a casual day-to-day lifestyle, who may also want a fun Friday night outfit or dress for that special occasion.
• What we do really well is hand selecting pieces from the brands you know and love, collecting them in the store and mixing them with new exciting brands to help you create your unique look.
• When you come into French Cuff Boutique, you can expect to be warmly greeted by a personable staff who is knowledgeable & ready to engage you as much or as little as you like.
• In addition to fabulous apparel, we have a beautiful selection of accessories with shoes, handbags & jewelry… everything you need to outfit you from head to toe.
• Is a place for inspiration where you will receive a personalized touch in a fun, exciting environment.
For Shopping…
• Bellaire Store: 4048 Bellaire Blvd 77025
• Woodway Store: 6401 Woodway Dr #127 77057
• Town & Country Store: 791 Town & Country Blvd #144 77024
• Website: www.frenchcuffco.com
• Book an Appointment: frenchcuffco.com/appt
• Bring in something from your closet that you would like us to help you build stylish outfits around
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Opened first location in the middle of a recession. Getting a loan in 2007 was virtually impossible but we were able to get a home equity loan so that I could start my business.
In 2012 French Cuff was the victim of a Theft Ring, where both stores were targeted by professional thieves and more than $12,000 was stolen from both stores on the same day. This event and the related outfall was a huge learning experience.
In 2015 a women drove her car through my Woodway store completely totaling it and all the fixtures and merchandise. We had to start from scratch to open back up in time for our busy season. Of course this all happened while I was trying to get my new third location built out and opened. What a huge learning experience!
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I have been a very lucky person. I had two beautiful children in my early 40’s, which was just a blessing. I have a lasting marriage with my husband of 20 years and a thriving retail business filled with an amazing team of women and wonderful customers.
Contact Info:
- Address: 4048 Bellaire Blvd 77025 (Bellaire Store)
6401 Woodway Dr #127 77057 (Woodway Store)
791 Town & Country Blvd #144 77024 (Town & Country Store) - Website: www.frenchcuffco.com
- Email: info@frenchcuffco.com
- Instagram: frenchcuffco
- Facebook: frenchcuffboutique
- Other: Pinterest: frenchcuffco
YouTube: frenchcuffboutique
Blogger: frenchcuffboutique
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
