When her sister, Gracie McKall, expressed interest in opening a second River Bleu Boutique location in Northlake, Maddie Waller happily left behind the craziness of corporate life for an opportunity to serve her community in a more personal way.
As the boutique’s general manager, Waller seeks ways to build community connections and get to know customers. She wants to know where they are from and how she can help them.
“I often ask, ‘Do you live locally or in the area?’ because I truly want to know where my customers are coming from. I want to know their backstories,” Waller said. “I'm local and live right over in Justin. So, this is my community, and getting to know customers and building that relationship is really important.”
McKall, Waller and their mom, Pam Sealey, intentionally select clothing designs, with a range of sizes, price points and appealing styles to best meet the needs of customers.
“Anyone can come into the shop and find something they can afford, fit into, and feel confident wearing,” Waller said. “We truly service our communities. We have clothes for teenagers and go all the way up to whatever your age may be.”
The clothing selections include professional and leisurewear for men and women, and complementary color palettes for the whole family, which are perfect for coordinating family holiday photos.
Additionally, the boutique carries unique gifts and self-care items from popular local vendors and brands, such as Capri Blue, Swig, and Brighton Jewelry. Plus, this holiday season, gifts receive a special fragrant touch.
“We wrap gifts in fern-scented wrapping paper,” Waller said. “So, if you wrap your presents in fern-scented wrapping paper but have a fake Christmas tree, it will smell like you have a real Christmas tree.”
River Bleu Boutique is partnering with the North Texas Church of Christ food pantry, where Waller volunteers, to provide Christmas dinners for local families in need. The pantry, which serves 40 to 50 families each month, anticipates reaching many more families during the Christmas season.
“To help, we are hosting the canned food drive through Dec. 16,” Waller said. “If someone brings in a donation, they will receive 20 percent off their entire purchase.”
Stop by River Bleu Boutique at 101 PlazaPlaceSuite 250, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through or give the shop a call at 940-240-4101. Stay up to date on inventory, sales, and events by following the shop on Instagram @riverbleu_northlake and Facebook @RiverBleuNorthlake.