Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Baty.
Rachel, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
In seventh grade, I got my first real crush on the new boy and my first real job passing out floor plans in model homes. Years later I graduated from Baylor University with an Interior Design degree and married that 7th-grade boy I was crushing on, who had just graduated from West Point. After we were married I worked in commercial and residential design. As a military and then corporate wife, we were moving about every two years all over the country. With all the moves, redesign and re-purposing became a way of life and a great experience to redesign and stage homes for others.
In 2010, we came home to Texas and fell in love with Celina. Settling down made it possible to get involved in the community. I joined groups, volunteered, became President of the Celina Ladies & Friends, and the Celina Main Street board. Celina’s historic downtown square stirred my soul. It was like stepping back in time with the rich history and family-centered community. I helped start the Farmer’s Market on the Square, was honored with a volunteer of the year and am still on the Main Street Board that works to preserve the history and vitality of the Square.
In 2016, I got the opportunity to be a part of the community I’d grown to love. The old Nelson Hotel built-in 1914 became available to open a women’s clothing and home decor boutique in. I loved the history and character of the building. I also loved that it had a lot attached to it that I could envision with a bit of work could be transformed into a courtyard. In 2016 there wasn’t a lot on the south side of the Square to draw foot traffic. I began hosting monthly events like Fashion Shows, pop-ups and demonstrations. At Christmas time we bring a harpist in and live music. Then I began thinking what if you could meet a friend for lunch and shop?? We had created a beautiful courtyard. Now I just needed tables and umbrellas!
So in 2017, I started looking for a way to bring a cafe into the store. A mixed-use hadn’t been done before in Celina so I am grateful for the people that helped facilitate making code happen without a precedent. As with any endeavor, the story unfolds. I had found a talented local chef, named Joey Dawkins, through a mutual friend and his stepdaughter played on a team with our daughter Izzy. Then just when we started the build-out I got diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer. Surgery and treatments were going to be a part of my life for the next year and a half.
By God’s grace, perseverance, an amazing husband, family and friends we finished the build-out during treatments and Chef Dawkins was able to start the Toasted Walnut Cafe. Now two years later, I am cancer-free and Joey did so well that he’s partnered with experienced restaurateurs and opened the Toasted Walnut Table and Market restaurant two doors down from me. We redesigned our original cafe space into an espresso bar. Customers now shop and sip on lattes, cappuccinos and tea while shopping or take a cookie out to the courtyard. Just this week a Cajun restaurant, Bongo Beaux’s Bourre Palace & Cajun Kitchen, opened next door to us. Now I’ve got company on my Walnut St side of the square!
Has it been a smooth road?
There are always challenges and opportunities to learn and strengthen your walk with God. Learning how to run a business is a challenge. Learning how to navigate doing it with cancer is a challenge. Faith, family, perseverance and friends are cornerstones and blessings.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the ANNIE JACK story. Tell us more about the business.
ANNIE JACK is a women’s boutique in an old historic hotel. Our desire is to create a warm inviting atmosphere full of southern hospitality where customers feel at home and welcomed. A place where you can meet a friend for coffee, visit and shop for clothing, home decor, gifts, locally made goods and unique pieces.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Retail is an ever-changing industry. Both online and brick and mortar stores meet a need. As the pace of life continues to accelerate I believe boutique shopping will give people a way to connect with their community, build relationships and create a personal shopping experience.
Pricing:
- You can get a cup of Illy coffee and a cookie for under $5
- Our merchandise is very reasonably priced
- Clothing ranges from $36-88.
- Great selection of Jewelry $12-38
- Olive Oil de Fino $33
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We carry Farmhouse Fresh Products and Capri Blue Candles
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Home Decor ranges from dish towels to lamps
Contact Info:
- Address: 222 W Walnut St., Celina, Tx 75009. On Celina’s downtown Square
- Website: anniejackdesign.com
- Phone: 972-382-4500
- Email: rachel@anniejackdesign.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anniejackboutique/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnniejackDesign/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/annie-jack-celina?osq=Annie+Jack
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