“The store was born from a passing thought one Easter when I was desperate to find outfits for my son and daughter at the last minute, and couldn’t find anything in Cullman!”
That’s how Wren + Revel Owner Tanya Carter described the moment the idea for her children’s boutique was born.
“I talked about the need with a couple of people and one said, ‘You should do it!’” she said. “I didn’t think much of it at the time. I work full time, have a family – three children – and am very involved in their activities. I wouldn’t even know where to start!”
But, Carter shared, the thought wouldn’t go away. So she started praying and researching. Then, she reached out to local entrepreneur Shane Quick, who helped her narrow down a location.
“This was the first door God opened,” she smiled.
She dove into the business details in earnest.
“I honestly thought I would hit a roadblock and my passing thought would be put to rest,” said Carter. “But God continued to open one door after another!”
She started sharing her plans with friends, whom she said were quiet at first but came around.
“I think by the time I finished telling them all the steps I had already taken, they were like, ‘OK! We’ll help you however we can!’ I have the BEST support system! Without my family and friends, I wouldn’t have seen this dream come to life!”
Coming up with a store name and branding, Carter considered her family and her faith.
“My best friend and I are in the space one afternoon discussing ideas and Shane and Laura Quick walked in – this is the first time I met Laura. We started talking about the store, name, logo, etc. She shared her thoughts, and I will forever be grateful for her insight that day! After a short discussion it was evident that her company, Good Grit Agency, would be well worth the investment to help me name and brand the store,” she explained. “This was another door God opened! With their help, Wren + Revel was created.”
About the name, Carter elaborated: “Wren is a common bird in Alabama. They’re known for always singing a joyful song. It’s also my daughter’s middle name! The team had no clue of this when they suggested it during the process, but it was my sign that this was definitely supposed to be in the name of my store. The definition of ‘revel’ is to have fun with a little noise, which is also synonymous with the age group I was trying to reach with my store. Our logo is a wren with a crown. This mark is a physical manifestation of our faith in Christ and the steadfast journey to bring this store to life.”
So – what can shoppers find at Wren + Revel?
“We carry clothing in sizes youth XS to youth XL (5-16). We offer trendy, affordable and age-appropriate clothing options that kids and parents will love,” said Carter. “We take pride in curating a selection of clothing that allows kids to express their individuality while staying comfortable and stylish. We believe in making fashion fun and accessible, helping your kids look and feel their best.”
Carter talked a bit about what clothing is trendy at the moment: “For girls, trendy contrast-paneled tees, gingham blouses, frayed/distressed jeans, cargo joggers and comfortable athleisure pieces. And lots of fun dresses and tops: puff-sleeve floral knit, eyelet ruffle tops and textured knits. For boys, a fresh, casual feel that’s practical and on-trend: performance polo shirts, khaki and stretch twill shorts in muted tones, and branded graphic tees. Fall and layering must-haves include light puffer or quilted vests, fleece pullovers and layered long-sleeve plus vests.”
She explained boutique stores are typically smaller and more customer-focused than large chain stores.
“Staff often remember repeat customers and their preferences, offer styling advice tailored to each child or occasion. Our staff go out of their way to help each child/family find just the right item!” she said. “Boutiques tend to stock limited runs of products, avoid mass-market, overproduced items and reflect the current trends in the industry.”
Wren + Revel doesn’t just carry boys’ and girls’ clothing. “We also have a great selection of small toys/games that are fun for the whole family! Every item we carry is handpicked with heart, and we always imagine how it’ll fit into the magic of everyday family life! We want each child that walks into our store to feel special and help pick out the perfect item for each one!”
Wren + Revel is located at 103 First Ave. NE, Suite 120, in Cullman. Find it online at wrenandrevel.com.
"We hope to be a beacon of joy in this community, clothing and crowning our youth with hope and fun!" exclaimed Wren + Revel Owner Tanya Carter, who referenced James 1:12.