Today we’d like to introduce you to Ange’le Kenjura Caloudas.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
At my age, most women are planning and looking forward to retirement. Instead, I’m just getting started. After raising my two wonderful sons, I felt a longing that there was something I still needed to do for myself. I had owned and operated our family cutting horse business and The Inn at Nueces Canyon Ranch in Brenham, Texas for the past twenty years with my husband. I loved raising my boys and working with my husband, but with my sons grown, I was wanting to do something that was more for me. My pursuit led me down some twists and turns, but I ended up exactly where I was meant to be opening a boutique in Downtown Brenham at 220 East Alamo in March of 2017. Deciding on a name and logo for the store was tough. I wanted it to have meaning and reflect me personally. The name The Canyon Chick is a combination of our family ranch name Nueces “Canyon” and the “Chick” part is me. I’m the Chick among my three favorite cowboys… my sons and husband. Adding the sideways double horseshoe “C” brand incorporated our background of horses and cattle in developing the boutique brand. Lastly, The arrow represents me following my “arrow” or dream to open the boutique. The Canyon Chick offers women’s clothing, shoes, jewelry, accessories and gifts. Opening the shop was truly a dream come true and expanding in September of 2018 to double our shopping space exceeded my expectations by far. Upon entering The Canyon Chick you will find an eclectic mix of a shabby farmhouse rustic style. The displays are a collection of fixtures from antique stores, trash piles, dumpster dives to garage sales all over Texas. The mixing of vintage, chippy peely and rust blend to give the shop a cozy warm feeling that shoppers enjoy. They love coming in and seeing the repurposed pieces in the store. I love a good ole rusty box spring with some added lights to create a upcycled display. Old doors and farmhouse windows are also a favorite of mine which blends together well to create The Canyon Chick “Boho”tique vibe. The Canyon Chick just wouldn’t be the same without Gypsy the Pomeranian shop dog greeting shoppers with a twirl and a bark.
Our most popular “Freshie” is named Gypsy just for her. Shoppers are drawn to our quality clothing which is offered at affordable prices and a “look for less” you might say. I’ve always had a passion for fashion. I enjoy looking on the web and through social media at outfits and new styles. The merchandise cannot be described or confined by a certain style. TCC offers on trend styles from Casual, Western, Sophisticated, Athletic to even a little Hippie and Boho. Add to that some Southern sass and somehow, it all works together to get the Canyon Chick style and flair. Those who shop and follow The Canyon Chick know that my favorite item to sell (and wear myself) are Graphic tees, especially those that share the love of Jesus! “Livin’ on a Prayer”, “Jesus Loves Sinners” and “ Why Y’all Tryin to Test the Jesus in Me” are a few of our best sellers. By selling these products at the store, my customers are wearing a daily reminder to be like Jesus and do life like Him every day. It’s so much easier to be nice and love rather than hate. With that in mind, I open and close the doors each day with a thankful and grateful heart.
Has it been a smooth road?
I would say the hardest part of becoming “The Canyon Chick” was taking the leap of faith to take the first step. I’m an over-thinker and fear failure. I’m not at all a risk taker so the entrepreneurial side of me is something new. With this adventure my husband was not the trailblazer like he had been in our other endeavors. It was my turn to take the lead with his blessings. This had been on my heart for a while so it was now or never and I had to go for it! I took the first step and didn’t look back. After opening, the next challenge as a small business owner would be striking a balance between my life’s responsibilities. I’m still a wife and mom with a home and ranch and a family. I must confess that we eat a lot more take out and my house isn’t quite as clean as it used to be. And that’s okay! Running a boutique business can be stressful and takes a lot of hard work and hours to do it successfully.
Sometimes I wake up thinking, “Didn’t I just go to bed?” I struggle with delegating duties and I am learning to let others help me more. I am a work in progress. Prayers, please! My free time is limited and there’s not a lot of time for leisure and fun. But as they say, “If you love what you do, you won’t work a day in your life.” I do love my time at The Canyon Chick. It’s definitely my happy place and this young girl’s dream made into reality a little later in life. I don’t take that for granted ever. I realize the life I’m living is truly a gift from God. As an added bonus, I am blessed to have the support of my Mom who works alongside me most days and some incredible young ladies who I call my “Chicks”. My husband, sons, family and friends offer constant encouragement and prayers. I have wonderful customers that I now consider friends.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into The Canyon Chick story. Tell us more about the business.
Aside from our wide range of clothing to fit all budgets, The Canyon Chick is known for it’s inviting atmosphere. I’m truly blessed by every customer that walks through the store’s door. I want them to feel welcome and try to create a warm friendly environment. Customers are greeted with small-town Southern hospitality “Welcome to The Canyon Chick” and as they leave a “Thanks for coming in Y’all” and “Have a great day”. While to some, this may seem unimportant, to others this might be the only kind words they hear that day. In today’s age of technology, there are unlimited shopping opportunities. It’s an honor that a customer chose to shop at my small business. Kind words are a small way to just let a customer know that I’m thankful they came to shop at The Canyon Chick and hopefully, make them want to return. I want to be known for being friendly! People are struggling with big things in life and it’s my goal to leave them better than I found them. By offering a friendly greeting, a hug, a smile and a welcoming place to shop, I feel that I’m doing my part to make their day better and show my gratitude. If they happen to find an outfit that they love it’s an added bonus for us both. In addition, each day on Facebook and Instagram, a Quote of the day is shared to give those not on the shop that day something to inspire them too. I like to call it my fashion ministry to share the love of Jesus with The Canyon Chick’s followers.
I am proud to say that our company spread its roots deep in Downtown last year by purchasing our building! Pinch me! Being a downtown property owner gives me such a feeling of pride and accomplishment. Brenham is a wonderful destination for visitors and a great place to live. There’s always activities and fun which draws visitors to our small town every week. If you haven’t visited Brenham yet, it is definitely worth the trip. Owning a piece of that is a remarkable feeling.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I feel that there will continue to be a draw to shopping small. People love the personal attention that boutiques like The Canyon Chick offer. Fashion is forever changing so keeping clothing affordable without sacrificing style and quality is key. Many ask… what’s next for The Canyon Chick? Faith tells me whatever lies ahead, God is already there perfecting the way and loving and encouraging me every day! I have big goals and plans for the company, but for now, I am preparing for a busy holiday season with the best clothing and products yet. The Canyon Chick and Company is focusing on one customer at a time hoping to be a bright light in their day one sale at a time. As our hashtag says… It’s “HIP” (His Infinite Power) to be a Canyon Chick!
Contact Info:
- Address: The Canyon Chick
220 East Alamo
Brenham, Texas 77833 - Phone: 979-353-5541
- Email: thecanyonchick@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/
thecanyonchick - Facebook: www.facebook.com/
thecanyonchick
Image Credit:
Natalie Lacy Lange
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