The Boerne Trading Company opened in June on Main Street and carries a multitude of different company’s wares. What I found most interesting is that Jennifer Blankenship who co-owns the store provides an area for young entrepreneurs to sell their products. After Jennifer’s daughter Bristol couldn’t get her business placed in other shops, the bright idea was implemented. The children business owners pay for booth space and a percentage of the utilities as well as getting a DBA or LLC with a sales tax permit like all businesses. They are required to set up and decorate their space as well as replenish stock to keep up with sales.
Bristol makes glycerin and goat milk-based soaps using oils for fragrance. She gets her Mediterranean Sea colored bath salts from an outside company but experiments with adding coconut oil and a variety of scents. Bristol began her business to buy a synthesizer that her mother said she had to help pay for. “I find it fun to make soap and hope to sell in other stores as well.” You can also find loofas, soap savers, T-shirts and umbrellas with her logo.
Mallory opened Mallory’s Boutique offering an array of button glitter studs and leather earrings. “I always wanted to create earrings and I love fashion and jewelry. I thought it would be kind of fun to sell in a store so people could see them. It is exciting to run my own boutique!” She has been successful with sales and offers a variety of designs with and without bling. Her leather earrings are unique in that she uses a double sided material.
Ryleigh’s display is Angels From The Sea. She explains, “My mom, brother and I saw tiny Coquina shells at the beach and talked about how they look like angel wings. Mom said that must be a sign from Aunt Rachel that she was with us since she loved the beach.” They hope to offer comfort to others experiencing loss with the angel wings. The paperweights, charms and key chains contain these angel wings. New stock will also have sand incorporated into the designs.
Last Resort Designs features the works of Ty, Makenna and Shane who live on the Last Resort Ranch. “As soon as we could hold a tool, we were taught the art of sewing, quilting and woodworking.” These brothers and sister display a beautiful array of quilts, wooden art and containers, soap, hand towels, socks and doll blankets.
Quinn, a sixteen-year-old is with Wildrye, a grass fed beef ranch. His display offers camo insulated coolers, baskets, caps and other items for the outdoors. The brand was created to inspire others to connect with the land. The family passionately merges their ranch with the outdoors. Their goal is “to provide a synergistic respect for the animals and the land.”
