Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Allen and Angela Walker.
Dr. Allen and Angela, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
The Cottage Door Boutique has always been a warm and inviting gift shop serving the Katy area for 23 years; opened by John and Rosemary Nelson. On March 23, 2017, we became its new owners. We consider it an honor, privilege, and blessing to have been able to purchase the store to continue Nelson’s legacy. We have been an active part of Katy for over 20 years. We are active members of Kingsland Baptist Church and our community. You’ll often see us at school and community theater productions, civic events, and Police Fish Fries. We support the Katy Police, the Fire Department, and the Katy Tigers.
We’ve spent a lot of time evaluating all the fabulous traditions John and Rosemary have implemented and decided to build on their legacy. It’s such an honor and privilege to have an opportunity to continue this service and preserve a piece of Katy history. We have been blessed by the outpouring of support from John, his staff, and the community. We have prayed we are able to continue the growth of this fantastic gift shop in Historic Katy.
A few main brands we carry are Brighton, Vera Bradley, John Merdeiros, Nora Fleming, Spartina, Les Georgettes, Caren, Michel, Demdaco, Cherry Republic and many more! We have added a fabulous men’s area and children’s library. To continue the gift wrapping tradition, we have decided every purchase, whether it’s a purchase for self or someone else, will be wrapped in our new “signature” gift bag that everyone seems to love. We want every purchase to feel like a gift. We do have Gift Cards and Wish Lists to help your loved one shop for you.
Last, but not least, we have decided we would donate our proceeds to women’s ministry in and around the Katy area. We are mission-minded and thought this would be a small way we might be the hands and feet of Jesus.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been a very difficult road for us. First, we had to endure the road construction in Historic Katy. Our customers couldn’t get to the boutique because the roads surrounding us were closed. This lasted from the time we bought until the day before The Katy Rice Harvest Festival, October 14-15, 2017. During this time we were affected by Hurricane Harvey. Knowing the storm was coming, we were able to move a lot of the inventory to safekeeping. Not thinking we would receive any water in the store but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Unfortunately, we did have at least 6″ of water in the store. Our largest lost were the new wood floors we just had installed in March. So we consider ourselves very blessed the rest of the store was dry. We were able to reopen the boutique within 3 weeks.
The Cottage Door Boutique – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We are an upscale gift boutique. We sell a lot of beautiful jewelry by Brighton, John Medeiros, Les Georgettes, Spartina, Vera Bradley along with all their handbags. I’m not sure what “we’re known for” since we’re still new except the legacy and being here for over 23 years. I’m most proud of the fact that all the ladies who work with us are dedicated to ministry and helping women.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
I think I feel most proud when customers come into the store and comment on how much they love the look and feel of the store. They get a sense of peace. And I feel proud that I’m able, with the help of our employees, to pick merchandise they fall in love with.
Contact Info:
- Address: The Cottage Door Boutique
1001 Avenue B Katy, TX 77493 - Website: CottageDoorBoutique.com
- Phone: 281-391-1222
- Email: thecottagedoor17@gmail.com
- Instagram: thecottagedoorboutique
- Facebook: @thecottagedoorboutique
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.
