Today we’d like to introduce you to Christa Lollis.
Hi Christa, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started out online several years ago. I was doing pop ups as much as I could on weekends while teaching in Katy ISD full time. I fell in love with the boutique world more than I thought I would. I have been a diehard shopaholic since I was little. I mean, if it came down to my last few dollars as a teen or college student, I would always choose the new outfit over anythin else! So, it seemed so fitting that I got to now do it as a job. In January of 2025 I decided I was going to finish the school year and then stop teaching. My plan was originally just to stay home and enjoy my family more. Then, in February, I got information about a shop space coming available right outside of my neighborhood. It seemed to good to be true, so it was time to pivot! I decided to go all in and take my boutique from online and pop ups to a real store front. In June 2025, I opened the store. It’s been the most amazing, fulfilling adventure and I’m so glad I took the leap. We just celebrated our 1 year store anniversary.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s definitely been a wave of ups and downs. Sometimes markets weren’t what I expected and I got discouraged. The same has happened with the store front. I’ll have weeks or months of amazing sales, then a few days of really slow business. It’s a constant struggle of happiness and worry but overall it’s been amazing. There’s never been a day that I’ve thought I should stop.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
We are mainly a women’s boutique. We do carry a select collection of kids clothes and we have gifts an accessories as well. What I love about our store is that we really try to carry a variety of styles that work for preteens to grandmothers. We also carry a variety of sizing from extra small to 4X. I love when people come in and see the smile on their face when they realize we have something for them and they weren’t expecting that. Sometimes it’s the teen girls shopping with their moms and then they find a dress that they love for themselves. Sometimes it’s the curvier women who are surprised to find a 3x item because they think they won’t find anything because of the idea that boutiques only carry certain sizes. I want everyone to feel happy, included and confident in themselves and what they wear. Most of my life I have felt uncomfortable in certain clothes or not happy with some aspect of my body, but when I find an outfit that makes me feel confident in myself, it’s such a wonderful feeling. That’s my hope for everyone when they shop here, that they will find that confidence in themselves.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My number one supporter, cheerleader and teammate is my husband. He has always believed in me and pushed me to pursue what makes me happy and fulfilled. When I was thinking about leaving the teaching field, I was so worried to put more of our family burden on him. He really didn’t hesitate at all. He knew I wanted to be more available for our family. Then, when we decided to open the store, again, he was the one saying how great it was going to be. And still, on the slow days, he’s the one reminding me how great I’m doing. He’s always had more faith in me than anyone I know. And, he’s still not sick of hearing all about the latest trends, helping me pick out the next order for the store, or coming to fix broken things in the store(at least, he hasn’t complained)!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ivyandrae.com
- Instagram: @shopivyandrae
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557172550775
