When you open the storefront you've been dreaming of, in a town that has hearts the size of Texas, it makes your first year something you’ll never forget.
When we first started out, there were a lot of questions swirling around in our heads: “What if no one shows up?”, “What if they don't like our merchandise?”, “What if we do all this and it’s a flop?”
Our worries turned quickly to joy when our first customers walked through the door for that Shop Small Saturday 2016. We soon understood the significance of what our small shop would become. It was more than just a store, it was a homecoming. A place where all families and friends met to get reacquainted. And that’s exactly what we had prayed for. We were blown away by the support and love we felt that opening day and knew it was going to be quite a year.
Just two short weeks later, we loaded up the trailer and headed to Downtown Christmas. This fun event in our small town of Livingston, Texas is just magical. HomeGrown has participated for the last four years and we love helping to spread that Christmas cheer. We've made so many new friends who come in for the special weekend and enjoy getting to see the ones who have roots in the area. Livingston sparkles this day: the streets are adorned with lights and the community works together to throw a great downtown party. This year’s event is slated for Saturday, Dec. 9, and we are always right next to the Believe booth. Mark your calendars now and be sure to stop by and see us!
Two of our favorite events this past year were our Porch Parties. We have fallen in love with our porch and are amazed at how everyone feels at home when they’re on it. We have a sign that says to “sit a spell,” and that’s exactly what we love to see: our customers, families and friends sitting with us on our porch and feeling right at home. We mean…it’s Texas, y’all. That’s what you do here! On our
porch we have broken bread together, prayed together, belly laughed together and lingered with new and old friends long after closing time. A customer told us they just love to porch sit and that’s exactly how we want it to be. We even built a huge farmhouse table because we want you to feel right at home when you come shop or visit with us.
It has almost been one whole year since our adventure began in the former Mill Ridge Golf Club Pro Shop. We hope it feels like home when you walk through the doors! On Nov. 25th, we are celebrating our one year anniversary on Shop Small Saturday. We plan to have vendors on the porch, hot chocolate, s’mores for the kids, and red wine among the tall southeast Texas pines.
We hope our little shop reflects what we love so much: our community, our beautiful lake, and the great state of Texas! HomeGrown merchandise is inspired by the community we are surrounded by. Custom signs, original T-shirts, vintage lake finds, handmade goods by local artisans and farmhouse decor are just a few things that fill our store. We can't wait for our anniversary celebration. Maybe you'll get things marked off that Christmas list; maybe you’ll just need a little break from the family in for the Thanksgiving holiday ;), or maybe you just want to come sit a spell on our porch – either way, come out and shop small, shop local, and shop HomeGrown. We can’t wait to see you!