Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Paschal.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
The Soulful Gypsy started as a creative outlet for myself. My husband and I had to relocate across the country suddenly for his job and we lived in North Dakota. Coming from Texas, it was pretty insane to be in such a desolate area with NO shopping! I became a serious online shopper, and even then, I was never truly satisfied with my choices. After years of being a hair stylist and taking time off to start a family, I needed something for me, after moving back to Texas I opened the online boutique. I wanted to create a place for women like me to easily shop for funky, special pieces online! After having the online shop for about a year, I decided it was time for a brick and mortar shop… one problem, I couldn’t put roots in the ground just in case we had to up and move again for my husband’s job. So, the fashion truck was born. We found “Merle” my 1980 Ford Grumman fashion truck in May of 2015, and had it up and running for the first gig in September! We trucked around for a bit over a year and decided to add a true brick and mortar to the mix. After a CRAZY hot summer and a few rainy and cold gigs in the truck, and also hearing my customers say they wanted more shopping access to The Soulful Gypsy instead of just a few hours on the weekend, we knew we needed to grow! I was popped up in December of 2016 in the fashion truck at Gypsy Scoops on Race Street outside of Downtown and saw the perfect little space just across the street. I just knew! I signed the lease in January and we were rockin’ at the end of February! We are still trucking around Funkytown for special gigs and festivals, and we still book for private parties but you can catch us regularly at our flagship shop! You can also shop online anytime, anywhere!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Hahaha! I mean, is it ever? The online shop was pretty smooth but when we started truckin’, I really learned to just ride the wave. Between my little old truck randomly breaking down and working out all the kinks with parking that big thing and all the fun with generators…. it got pretty rocky until I got the hang of it. The fashion truck or truck world (food trucks) in general is a whole different animal. There are so many variables that go along with them, you have to be ready to tackle anything! Running out of gas, broken down generators, having the right electrical adapters, sweaty summers, rainy days, frozen hands in the winter, parking a huge truck in tiny spaces! The list goes on! Although, I really wouldn’t change it for the world. It has been such an adventure! Oh, I forgot to mention that Merle has NO POWER STEERING AND IS A STANDARD!!! I didn’t know how to drive a manual before we bought her!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about The Soulful Gypsy – what should we know?
The Soulful Gypsy is a boutique specializing in an eclectic bohemian collection of goods. We are known for funky finds, including but not limited to bell bottoms…. because they’re my favorite! I am most proud of being able to “follow my soul” and stay true to myself as far as fashion goes. It’s easy to derail and question yourself, and although it’s great to be inspired by trends, it’s so important to wear what you like and wear what makes you feel good! We also carry a few local brands including Morgan Mercantile’s Fort Worth inspired line of men’s and women’s tees and accessories, San Martino Jewelry Co.’s handmade jewels and Resolved Candles! I love having these super talented people’s works in my shop!
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Oh man, the list goes on. Firstly, my husband Cody, who knew he was a carpenter?! He did things he had never done before like, installing hardwood floors and trim, electrical work, so many nights we were up working on the fashion truck and also the brick and mortar shop! Thankfully my dad, Charles owns B & C Transmission in Azle, and has saved the day many times!!! My mom, Tammy for cheering me on and helping so much with my son Clutch. My best friend, Samantha for keeping me sane and being such a big cheerleader throughout this journey! All my food truck friends for showing me the ropes, the truck world is such a family, Melvin with Doughboy Doughnuts, Eluid with Gepetto’s Pizza, Mo with That’s Amore, Candace & Grant with Bite my Biscuit. There are so many people I could list but I’d be here all day.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2914 Race Street, Fort Worth, Tx 76111
- Website: www.thesoulfulgypsy.com
- Phone: 817-7448742
- Email: thesoulfulgypsy@gmail.com
- Instagram: thesoulfulgypsy
- Facebook: The Soulful Gypsy
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