Women-Owned Businesses in Downtown Temple

The downtown area of Temple has witnessed a surge in the number of new businesses opening up. To celebrate International Women's Day, the Discover Temple team has compiled a comprehensive list of businesses in the downtown district that are owned or co-owned by women. It's an excellent opportunity to show your support and appreciation for the entrepreneurial spirit and contributions of women in your local community. So, why not pay a visit to these women-owned businesses today and see what they have to offer?

Brittany Thornton developed the heart of an entrepreneur at the age of 10 when she started a door-to-door custom gift basket business with her cousin! Since then, she has worked for herself as a freelance graphic designer and a licensed midwife with her own out-of-hospital birth center. She is now conquering the retail world with her best friend and business partner, Jenny Anderson. Brittany and Jenny opened Clover + Co. in Salado in March 2022. Last October, they moved their thriving boutique from Salado to Belton to expand and be closer to their own communities. The ladies are ecstatic to unveil their newest location, Clover Lane, and be part of the growing downtown Temple!

Clover Lane is more than just a store. It's a lifestyle boutique that offers an exceptional shopping experience. From the moment you walk in, you'll be greeted by the woman-owned business's friendly staff who are dedicated to providing personalized attention to all their customers. 

Clover Lane is one of the newest businesses to open in Downtown Temple. The boutique took over the space of Lenna Lane and shares many of the same boutique concepts and offerings. The shop is open Wednesday to Friday from 11 AM to 6 PM, Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM, and Sunday from 12 PM to 4 PM. 

At Clover Lane, elegance is timeless and often deserves a modern flair. The selection of items is carefully curated, and each piece tells its own story. You'll find everything from clothing and accessories to gifts, all of which are chosen for their quality, style, and uniqueness. One of the standout features of Clover Lane is a hat bar experience. Here, you can create your own hat customized to suit your personality and charm. The hat bar is a place where you can let your creativity flow and design a piece that is truly one-of-a-kind.

Main Street Design & Consign is a specialty shop that is situated in the bustling Downtown Temple. The business is located at 204 S Main St and is owned by Jessyca Clawson. The business is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM. Jessyca is a native of Bell County. She is married and has three adult children who also live in this area. Jessyca owns a 50-acre family farm and raises horses, cattle, chickens, dogs, and cats. Before opening Main Street Design & Consign, Jessyca was an Employment Recruiter for 15 years. While Main Street Design & Consign gets up and running, she continues to work full-time for a global software company.

"A passion for all things vintage, antique, unique, and boutique led me to open Main Street Design & Consign in Nov 2023. I enjoy working alongside my daughter, Gaby Hay, who is the Sales Manager for Main Street Design & Consign." - Jessyca Clawson, Main Street Design & Consign

The store boasts a remarkable collection of vintage and antique furniture and home decor, carefully selected to ensure each piece is a unique and valuable find that has been redone and revitalized. The consignment furniture is given new life through fresh paint, designs, and a modern touch.

In addition, Main Street Design & Consign also offers an impressive selection of women's boutique-style apparel, gifts, collectibles, and accessories that will appeal to the fashion-conscious shopper. The clothing line features various styles, from casual wear to Judy Blue jeans, sweaters, dresses, and more. 

The store's boutique and consignment shopping opportunities make it a great destination for anyone looking for unique finds at reasonable prices. With its exceptional furniture, apparel, and accessories collection, Main Street Design & Consign is the ultimate boutique for shoppers looking for something special in Downtown Temple.

The Art Department & Wreck Center are co-owned by Lea Goates.Lea Goates graduated from UMHB with a BFA in Visual Arts. She envisioned providing accessibility to art and the art community in Temple. To bring her vision to life, Lea and her husband created a facility that offers space and equipment for the community to discover, develop and continue creative practices. The Art Dept. consists of three parts: a gallery that faces 4th St., a classroom to host workshops and classes for all ages, skill levels, and interests, and a membership-based studio space. The studio provides access to equipment and the supply closet for a wide range of mediums such as ceramics, printing, laser engraving, 3D printing, painting, drawing, fibers, and more. 

The Wreck Center is a smash room event space. The business came about after the Goates visited a smash room in late 2020. The concept of The Wreck Center is to be a fun, family-friendly attraction in downtown Temple. The Wreck Center comprises four smash rooms, a viewing lounge, a messy space for kids, and a large party room. The business also sells local art and mediums from artists in the city as well as other fun art-themed wares.

"Creating a home for local artists is our greatest mission, to make everyone, of all skill levels and interests, feel welcome and encouraged. That’s the feeling I remember of being part of the art department. Like I belonged. And that’s what we want to give back in downtown Temple." - Lea Goates, The Art Dept. & The Wreck Center

Lynne and Becca Sloane are a mother-daughter duo who are thrilled to bring the luxury shopping experience of finding a bridal gown to the heart of Temple, Texas. During her college years at Texas A&M University and the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, Becca discovered her passion for the bridal industry while working at various bridal shops. After graduating and settling in Belton, Becca saw the need for a premier bridal boutique, and she and her mother have been running this local boutique since July of 2023. 

The bridal boutique, Lagniappe Bridal Boutique, is pronounced lan-yap, and it means "a little something extra." This bridal boutique is all about giving you that little something extra. Lagniappe is filled with a stunning collection of bridal gowns, reception dresses, accessories, veils, and a beautiful space to make all your dreams come true as you search for the dress that will make you say yes.

Weird Doughs Cafe & Bakery is a hidden gem located at 11 N 6th St, offering a wide variety of mouth-watering homemade bread, scrumptious cookies, and uniquely flavored cheesecakes that will leave you craving for more. The bakery also offers a delectable array of desserts all made with the freshest ingredients. 

Apart from the delightful treats, Weird Doughs also serves up delicious lunch entrees like hearty soups and savory sandwiches, perfect for a midday break. But that's not all - this local business is also passionate about supporting local artists and offers a unique opportunity for them to showcase their artworks. The bakery space doubles as an art gallery, featuring works of talented local artists that are available for purchase. 

So, whether you're in the mood for a sweet treat or a savory bite, Weird Doughs has got you covered. Stop by and indulge in their delectable treats, and don't forget to check out the local art while you're there.

Jaja Chen is a co-owner of Cha Community. Cha Community is a local boba tea cafe in downtown Temple. At Cha Community, Jaja aspires to bridge cultures and create community through premium boba tea offerings and Taiwanese and Chinese food.

Cha Community is headquartered in Waco, Texas, where the business started as a small pop-up tent shop at the Waco Downtown Farmer's Market in the Summer of 2018. Cha Community transformed the company into a boba tea truck in 2019 before opening its first storefront in downtown Waco in March 2020. In March of 2022, Cha Community opened its second storefront in downtown Temple.

At Cha Community, Jaja Chen focuses primarily on roles in marketing, community relations, strategic partnership, and strategic planning for the future vision and direction of Cha Community. 

"I am a 2nd generation Taiwanese American who spent the latter half of my childhood in Taiwan and China. As a third-culture kid (TCK), I reconnected with my cultural heritage and learned to love my cultural roots. Cha Community is an expression of that love, and it is my hope to increase Asian American representation and diversity in the Central Texas region." - Jaja Chen, Cha Community. 

Chupacabra Strength & Conditioning, "Chupafit", is co-owned by Brandi Miller. Brandi Miller was born and raised in Southern Oregon. She earned a degree in Nuclear Medicine and Personal Training Certificate from Oregon Institute of Technology. She spent several years in the field and joined the army before returning to nuclear medicine. Brandi then earned a Master's in Management from Austin Peay State University in Tennessee.

Chupafit offers simple, scalable, and individualized plans. ChupaFit uses varied movements, intensities, and equipment with programmed rest to keep your body at its highest fat-burning potential. ChupaFit has a specific class number to ensure that each person can receive the time and attention from the trainer to teach and understand the “what” and the “why” behind the form and exercise. ChupaFit gym is not just for classes. ChupFfit Open gym is built for those who want full access to all the equipment without having to commit to a class. 

"No matter how each person walks in, we all walk out the same: sweaty, tired, stronger, better." - Brandi Miller, Chupacabra Strength & Conditioning

Athena Cobo owns The Parlour Antiques & Oddities. When you visit the local business, you will often see Athena working with her children or husband. The Parlour Antiques & Oddities is a family business filled with unique creations and one-of-a-kind novelties. Athena had the idea to start her vintage shop through her own hobby of collecting unusual finds and antiques to decorate her home. Over time, the collection grew, and The Parlour Antiques & Oddities was created.  

Athena moved to Texas about 11 years ago and fell in love with Temple. Her goal was to open a business in downtown Temple. The Parlour is located inside the shop attached to the historic Kyle building.

"My sense of style has always been edgy and dark with a touch of glam, think Rupaul meets Elvira/David Bowie meets Billie Holiday, so my finds were eclectic, unique, and from all over. The shop is a reflection of that same vibe. As a black, female, small business owner, I am proud of the roots I am building in Temple." -Athena Cobo, The Parlour Antiques & Oddities

The Hub features many women-owned vendor booths and spaces. The local business allows small business owners to sell their products in a vendor-based shopping experience. With 10,000 square feet of space, The Hub is home to almost 40 unique vendors, many of whom are women of all ages. 

Susan Sterle operates out of the Sterle Fine Art Studio. This studio is in a one-hundred-year-old house that Sterle restored in the historic district of downtown Temple. Susan Sterle is known for creating images of the things she loves using oil and canvas.

A graduate of the University of Texas in Austin with a degree in Fine Art and Graphic Design, Sterle has been painting and drawing since she was very young. Plein air, studio work, and commission work is a part of her art journey, and she especially enjoys painting animals. Retired from a 30-year graphic design career, she teaches art and workshops and works as a freelance graphic designer and photographer. She can also be found hosting guests at the Airbnb located upstairs above her studio that she owns and operates. Whenever she has a chance, Sterle enjoys painting outdoors, nature, biking, fishing, kayaking, and playtime with her miniature dachshund, Sophie, all while scouting for the perfect location for her next Plein Air Creation.

"Art is a visual love language that helps me communicate the importance of the people, animals, places, landscapes, and experiences in my life. It is my way of sharing what I see and experience." - Susan Sterle, Sterle Fine Art Studio. 

Susan Marie's, a premium boutique that offers high-quality, modern designs for women of all ages, has recently celebrated its soft opening in Downtown Temple. The business began with a shop in Salado, TX, and has now expanded to include the Downtown Temple location, which is the newest addition to Susan Marie's. The boutique is elegantly designed, featuring upscale and classy attire, a stunning atmosphere, and a one-of-a-kind experience. With their old-school customer service approach, Susan Marie's guarantees that you'll receive the attention and care you deserve. Explore the latest fashion styles and trends with Susan Marie's.

Are you searching for an exciting and incomparable experience in downtown Temple, Texas? Look no further than The Wick & Burn Candle Bar. This extraordinary haven offers the experience of crafting your own personal scent blend and candle. Whether you're seeking a memorable date night, an enjoyable outing with friends, or simply a soothing way to unwind before dinner, The Wick & Burn Candle Bar is a wonderful place to visit in Downtown Temple. The ambiance is warm and inviting, and the staff is amiable and accommodating, making you feel right at home as you explore all that this delightful spot has to offer.

Experience the joy and excitement of the Wick & Burn Candle Bar, where your creative spirit is sure to ignite!

Precious Memories is owned by businesswoman Seleese Thompson. She has been in the industry for twenty years and has graduated from Temple High School. Later, she attended Angelo State University and Texas A & M Floral School of Design and Business Operation. Seleese is a member of many local boards and committees and actively participates in the community. 

At the downtown location of Precious Memories, you can find Christmas trees and decor throughout the year. They also provide floral arrangements. Outside the shop, you can see an art train that tells the story of the building's history. 

Downtown Temple is home to many fantastic businesses owned or co-owned by women. Women-owned businesses in downtown Temple include:

• Lone Star Pin-Up Photography
• Darling Decor & More
• Twice Upon A Clothesline
• Hair Lash Junkie
• Darling Thrift Store
• Bon Bon Asian Market
• 2nd Street Emporium
• Las Marias
• Relics Antiques