Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Wingard.
Rachel, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started The Collective in September 2016 as a way to introduce the art community to the city of Sugar Land and all who visit. I am originally from Sugar Land and an artist myself with a degree from Minneapolis College of Art and Design. I studied Illustration but also have a background in product design as well as graphic design. Growing up in Sugar Land, there was never an outlet for artists to showcase their work in a retail setting. I had always dreamt of a store like this to be here and now is finally the time. I was approached by Sugar Land Town Square with the idea of doing a pop-up boutique for the holidays. I had worked in retail in the past on both an associate and corporate level. I would go into these big box gift stores and say to myself, “I know friends of mine that can do this, so why not give them a shop of their own?” And the idea of a local gift shop was in full force. I opened the doors showcasing 10 artists and makers from all over Texas. And it was a great success! Little did I know then that that pop-up would turn into a permanent storefront with now over 30 artists in store.
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?
The Collective is the first store of its kind in Sugar Land and while it’s necessary for a store like this to be a part of the community, it came with it’s own set of unique challenges. First off, it’s completely new concept to most. I have been wrapped up in the art world for so long I had to come down and explain it to so many. People would come into the store and know something was different about this place. Some acted like they have never seen a gift shop before let alone one made by local artists. When I told them everything is handmade they were baffled by the idea that an actual person made the item they were holding in their hand. I was not expecting this but not everybody felt this way. Others where so incredibly happy, a store like this finally existed in their neighborhood. I still get excited when people call The Collective, their new favorite store.
Secondly, being the first means you have no idea what people are going to respond to. I have insight of what I would like to see in a store but I can’t speak for everybody. At first, it was a big game of chance. Some artists would be a big hit and others we’d find out the market just isn’t here yet. It has been quite the learning experience and I’m still learning every step of the way. I embrace the struggles because in the end it makes the store better than ever.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the The Collective story. Tell us more about the business.
The Collective is made of up Texas artists that share a passion for creativity and want to share that with the world. This is not your ordinary gift shop and I love that about this store. We have a little bit of everything in the best way; including cards, stationery, enamel pins, prints, handmade jewelry, home decor, stickers, candles, and apparel (oh my!). Here, you can find unique gifts for your loved ones because we make things for our loved ones. You are in our minds every step of creating and that personal touch comes through each product in the store. Every item has a story and every artist has something to share. We are known for our great selection of very funny cards and our wonderful abundance Texas gifts.
It wasn’t too long after I opened, I started using the store like my own studio. I would set up my easel outside and just start painting whatever I wanted. I had no idea of the effect it would have on the community. Kids would stop in the tracks and just watch me paint. One day I had the idea handing them a brush and joining me. The look on their faces alone makes it all worth it. We paint and talk about our love for art. I want each kid who shares that passion to never let go of it. I tell them that if that keep at it maybe one day they can have their art in a store like this. I am most proud of the ability to help young creatives see that this is something they can do too.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Luck has played an incredible role in my life and my business. If you had told me two years ago this would be my life, I would’ve laughed in your face. I mean, I have goals, of course, but you never think that they will just arrive on your doorstep. The idea to run a store like this was just a dream I had in college. I was not expecting this opportunity to come so soon in my life but I couldn’t be more grateful for the faith everyone has in me to achieve this dream.
Before this business, bad luck was my best friend. I got out of a very abusive relationship and moved back home. I was dealing with something pretty traumatic and was not in the best state of mind. I felt lost and didn’t know where I would find my place in life. Every door seemed like the wrong one, every turn seemed like I was just going in circles. I didn’t know that what I should be doing is what I’ve always been doing, art. Art created my business and my business saved my life. I will always have a deep appreciation for this business and feel so lucky to do what I love every day.
Contact Info:
- Address: 16121 City Walk, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479
- Website: https://www.thecollectivesl.com/
- Phone: 281-410-5448
- Email: thecollectivesugarland@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecollectivesl
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecollectivesugarland/
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.
