Today we’d like to introduce you to Brenham Boutique.
Brenham, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
In 1999 Hospice Brazos Valley (the largest Non-Profit Hospice in the state) opened up “Hospice Boutique,” a resale store that’s proceeds go directly to Hospice Patient Care. In May 2021, the Board of Directors over Hospice Brazos Valley voted to close the boutique because they could not afford to keep it going. Once the news was out to our Volunteers in June about the boutique closing in Oct 2021. One of our volunteers came up with a plan to keep it running and keep funds being donated to H.B.V. with the help of her husband, The Varley’s gathered other community members to join a new Board of Directors and created a new Non-Profit called ‘Brenham Charity Boutique”. The goal of the boutique is the same “To Raise Money For Hospice Patient Care.” On November 1st, 2023, it will be 2 years since the boutique switched over, and we are so blessed to continue to see this boutique grow and support our community. Without the community’s support and without the dedication of our volunteers over the last 24yrs we would not be where we are today!
Alright, 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?
For the most part, it has been pretty smooth going. But to say there hasn’t been challenges along the way would be a lie. The pandemic in 2020 took a toll on sales, incoming inventory, and active volunteers. We have slowly started getting more volunteers, but the numbers are still down. Donations are starting to pick back up this Spring/Summer. Sales vary each month! But we get more and more tourist every year coming to visit Brenham and come across our boutique.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Brenham Charity Boutique, known as “Brenham Boutique,” is a Non-Profit Upscale Resale Boutique raising funds for Hospice Brazos Valley. What sets us apart from others in the area is that we try our best to offer quality items and great prices! We are most proud of the amazing high-end boutiques that donate their merchandise to us and the beautiful wedding/after 5 gowns we get in. I want your readers to know that we are not a thrift store and that every purchase made here makes a huge difference for people and family with loved ones on hospice care.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
I learned that I cannot stay at home and do nothing for 2 months lol! During the shutdown (we were closed two months) we did learn that a lot of people love online shopping! We sold on Poshmark and off our Facebook and even offered curbside pick-up or home delivery if in town.
Pricing:
- Tops $4-$12
- Pants $4-$10
- Dresses $5-$15
- Purses $5-$20 (average brands)
- Specialty Items $10-$45
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Alexis Curlee
Kirby
Lisa
Kenzie
Olivia
Alexis
