Today we’d like to introduce you to Cheris Garcia.
Hi Cheris, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was born in Houston but spent more than 30 years in Virginia raising my three children, working in retail management, and raising thoroughbred racehorses. In 2021, I returned to Texas and met my husband, Vince, an Army veteran and field service technician for Ford. Together, we decided to open Paris Peddler in Old Town Spring, and this month we’re celebrating our first year in business. I make small-batch tallow skincare and artisan sourdough bread, and our shop also carries a mix of gifts, home goods, and jewelry. For me, it’s more than a shop—it’s a way to share my passion for creating and to bring a little beauty and comfort into people’s lives.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. We had just really gotten the shop up and running when Vince faced some serious health challenges. In May, he started having trouble, and by June he needed a quadruple bypass. We had to close the store for about a month during that time, which was hard after putting so much work into building our dream. But we are so grateful—Vince is doing great now, and the shop is thriving again. In many ways, that challenge reminded us why we started Paris Peddler in the first place: to do something we love together and to create a place that brings joy and comfort to others.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At Paris Peddler, I pour my heart into creating handcrafted tallow skincare and baking artisan sourdough breads, both made in small batches with care and intention. I love working with simple, natural ingredients and turning them into something nourishing—whether that’s a jar of tallow whip that helps someone’s skin or a loaf of bread that brings people together around the table. Alongside that, Vince and I curate a mix of gifts, home goods, and jewelry that reflect the same spirit: meaningful, beautiful, and crafted with love.
I think what sets us apart is the personal touch. Everything in the shop has a story behind it, and much of it is made by my own hands. Customers know when they walk in that they’ll find something unique, whether it’s a loaf of bread still warm from the oven, a jar of skincare made with local beeswax and tallow, or a gift that feels one-of-a-kind.
What I’m most proud of is that we’ve created a space that feels welcoming and genuine. After Vince’s health struggles earlier this year, it means even more to us that the shop has become not just a business, but a place of resilience, community, and joy.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I don’t really believe in luck, good or bad. I believe we create our own path and our own destiny through hard work, faith, and determination. Building a business takes persistence—showing up every day, even when things get tough, and not giving up when obstacles come our way. For me, it’s less about chance and more about commitment. When you pour your heart into what you love and keep moving forward, the results naturally follow.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.parispeddler.store
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/parispeddler
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568577455222
Image Credits
Cheris Garcia
