Today we’d like to introduce you to Doug & Nichole Stewart.
Hi Doug & Nichole, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Locally Texas started out as simply a way to share what we loved with the rest of the world, but it has now become what we believe everyone in the world needs to know and see.
As a born and raised Texan, I’ve always known our state— or country, as I like to say— was not only unique, but unlike any other place in the world. The vastness of it, the friendliness of it, the pride of it… all things that were commonplace to me, but not to my wife, who was not from here. We married about 17 years ago, and I know for a while it definitely didn’t feel like home to her. But now she will gladly say that there is no other place she would rather be.
Texas grows on you. But it also gets in you. The spirit of Texas is not one that can be replicated— it’s only felt by our state alone. Texas is the only state shape that is recognized throughout the world. It is the only state that can say it was its own country. It’s the only state that embodies everything from brisket and cowboys to gumbo and crawfish.
It was on this basis that Locally Texas was started. We realized the only true “Texas” stores were those that sold souvenirs or things you could find in the airport. We at first started out with major Texas retailers like Buc-ee’s and H-E-B in mind, wanting to be able to send these items outside of Texas, but quickly realized that we had a unique opportunity to offer even more.
Although we continue to be a third-party seller for both Buc-ee’s and H-E-B, we’ve expanded to curate products that meet at least one, if not all, of these qualifications:
Made in Texas – We support local small businesses, artisans, and artists
From Texas – Think Texas honey, pecans, and the list goes on
A symbol of Texas – Items that show our great state, talk about our state, or wholly embody what the Spirit of Texas is
We sell everything from books about Texas to children’s clothing, hats, and more. This inspiration led us to create themed gift boxes that we fill with some of our favorite things to give each recipient a unique taste of Texas. These gift boxes are ready to present and wonderful for birthdays, corporate gifts, or baby showers. Our online presence has growth over the last few months as we continue to share what we love about our home… our Texas.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of the biggest challenges is being noticed in the vast world of ecommerce and creating a name that is recognized. But we know we’re unique and that with time, this will be just another hurdle we’ve overcome.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My wife and I both work secular jobs, but we have always had entrepreneurial spirits. I work in industrial safety, and she works in healthcare. This new venture has forced us to learn new things and take risks, but overall to grow by building something that we both love and are proud of.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Community, community, community. Get out there and get involved. Don’t be shy. Sell yourself. Show people what you’ve got. A be proud of yourself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.locallytexas.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholelstewart/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-stewart-7a830a39/
