For Kristen Barbee, Honey Loves Boho started as a simple dream, one that blossomed from her living room into a cherished Fort Worth boutique. Today, it’s a place where women can feel confident and celebrated. Getting here, however, meant trusting her instincts and taking a bold chance.
Before opening her storefront, Kristen worked at her family’s horse ranch, offering support through marketing and photography. “I loved working on my family’s ranch, but it didn’t fully fulfill me,” she shares. “I always wanted to open a boutique, so I used all my life savings and started this business.” Honey Loves Boho officially launched online in December, and by May 2024, she opened the doors to her first brick-and-mortar location.
Those early months were scrappy, joyful, and full of hustle. Kristen shipped packages from her living room and recruited friends to model her latest arrivals. As demand grew, she began hearing the same request over and over: When are you opening a store? Her customers wanted a place to try pieces on and experience the brand in person.
Kristen worked tirelessly through 2023 and saved enough to make it happen. “Ever since we opened, it’s been the best decision I’ve ever made,” she says. “We’ve grown so much, and I am incredibly thankful for the people who have been with me since the beginning.”
A Playful, Confident Collection
Honey Loves Boho is known for its wide range of styles and inclusive sizing, but Kristen continues to push her creativity with new collections, including her latest, a pickleball-inspired line of athletic wear.
What sparked this sporty addition? “Pickleball is social and fun, and it’s exploded in our community,” Kristen explains. “I wanted to create a collection that makes you feel good about moving your body. If you don’t look cute, there’s less motivation to go be active!”
The line features vibrant colors, bold patterns, and thoughtfully designed pieces intended to boost confidence both on and off the court. While the two-piece sets are among her personal favorites—comfortable, flattering, and easy to mix and match—Kristen is especially proud of the accessories she designed.
“We have fun printed bags that are perfect for pickleball but also great for everyday use,” she says. “The goal of this collection is simple: grab your girls, pick out a cute outfit and some accessories, and hit the courts feeling confident.”
Celebrating Confidence in Every Size
At the heart of Honey Loves Boho is Kristen’s commitment to size inclusivity. The boutique is one of the only plus-size inclusive stores in Fort Worth, offering clothing that embraces and celebrates diverse body types.
“I’ve always been passionate about creating a space where women of all shapes and sizes can look and feel their best,” she says. “We all know the power a woman feels when she puts on the right outfit, but it can be frustrating when stores don’t carry pieces that work for your body. Honey Loves Boho helps alleviate that frustration.”
With lively prints, vibrant colors, and silhouettes designed for real women, Kristen and her team aim to make everyone who walks through her doors feel seen and valued. “We are here to celebrate YOU, no matter your size,” she emphasizes.
The Woman Behind the Brand
Beyond building a thriving boutique, Kristen is a dog mom to the coolest Basset Hound, an aunt to four amazing nieces and nephews, and a proud Fort Worth local. She loves a good taco paired with a strong margarita, cheers on the Texas Rangers, and treasures time spent with her friends and family.
Explore the boutique at honeylovesboho.com or follow along on Instagram @honeylovesboho.