Local entrepreneurs take next step and open a brick-and-mortar

Toby and Samantha Walters just took the next big step in their business evolution. While somewhat a leap of faith, it mostly reflects the growth they’ve experienced with their custom clothing line that includes hats and T-shirts.

Not only have they taken their own business into a brick-and-mortar storefront in the heart of downtown Ennis, they’ve also expanded that operation by bringing in 13 additional unique vendors there at Lolli and Pop’s Shops.

Hard work is what got them here, and it’ll be what carries them forward, the Waxahachie couple recently shared with In The Know Ellis. Both have always worked full-time, and their clothing line was something they’d been doing as a weekend gig, traveling to different popups and craft shows. Samantha’s work is remote, so she’s able to be on-site at the store, and Toby said it will be nice not to be on the road heading somewhere else all the time.

“It just felt like we were moving every weekend,” he said. “Now, we can unpack the truck.”

In fact, the truck had become so packed, their choice had become either acquire a boutique trailer or go brick-and-mortar.

The business itself began with Samantha doing T-shirts and Toby having the idea, “Why not turn it into more?” Indeed, more became more, and Lolli and Pop’s Shops is now the result. (The name is an homage to their granddaughter).

“You work harder as a small business owner,” Toby said. “My hat’s off to anyone who does this (because) it never stops.”

Their dedication also shows in their willingness to have their shop open seven days a week, which can be rare for small businesses, and in putting in the sweat equity to make their dreams come true.

They signed their lease on Jan. 14 and opened their doors for business Feb. 1 with all vendors, including themselves, in place.

“We’re very blessed,” Toby said. “We got our vendors quickly and have a waiting list for booths.”

Three of the vendors are from Ellis County, with the farthest one hailing from San Antonio. Many are connections the couple had made through their personal and business networks.

Across all the vendors, the items for sale at Lolli and Pop’s Shops range from boutique clothing to custom hats, candles, handmade items from Nepal, woodworking, bluebonnet T-shirts, postcards, baby items, beard oil, and much more.

Unique also among the offerings is Pinky Promise, a booth “for kids by kids.” Three siblings are learning the ropes of being entrepreneurs by taking on a booth together, even as their mom has her own in the shop.

“It’s a great idea for a parent to do that,” Toby said. “They’re already looking at expanding to a second location.”

Drawing on each other’s strengths, Toby and Samantha said they’re in it for the long haul. It’s “a big step,” they both agree, sharing that they’re committed to not only their success but also to that of their vendors.

“We’ve set this up to be a very welcoming atmosphere where we have a huge variety of all kinds of stuff,” Toby said, with Samantha adding, “We’ve something to offer everybody.”

The couple encourages others to follow their dreams and to do so by picking something they enjoy and then going for it.

“It’s not as easy as it sounds; it does take time and effort, but knowing that it’s yours and that the hard work is paying off makes it worthwhile,” Toby said.

They invite people to stop by to see them and the vendor boutique’s many offerings.

“We love seeing and meeting people,” he said.

A ribbon cutting and grand opening celebration is slated for 4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, for Lolli and Pop’s Shops, which is located at 112 N. Dallas St., Ennis. For more information, call 469-881-1113 or email lollipopshopsennis@gmail.com.

Written by Jo Ann Livingston/ITKE.