To name a shop The Loveliest, you have to be completely certain of your stock. But sisters Britni and Kelsey Wood and their mom, Joni, have made a career out of recognizing the finer things in life.
Britni spent years styling for Martha Stewart and BHDLN, as well as set designing for Jay Leno and Ellen DeGeneres, while Kelsey created black-tie events for the likes of Ann Romney and the Make-a-Wish Foundation.
Their Abilene-based mom had her own history designing clothes and interiors and running clothing boutiques. When the Los Angeles-based sisters decided to go out on their own, it seemed a natural transition to move closer to home and align all their talents in a former Victorian carriage house in Uptown.
“I was ready to start something on my own, and decided I wanted to start a home and event styling business,” Kelsey says. “We love Texas because we grew up here, and we wanted to bring a unique vibe to Dallas, so we brought all the things we love about California that haven’t hit the Dallas area yet.
“We also wanted it to become more than a retail store, and to help people with entertaining.”
To name their new business, Kelsey drew on a common phrase she uses in conversation. “When there’s something I really love I say, ‘Oh, how lovely.’ Britni and I were talking about how it’s a little cheeky and decided The Loveliest Company is not just a business, but really the people you surround yourself with.”
The Loveliest brings a little of the Palm Springs feel to the neighborhood in the guise of a garden of succulents. Behind the perfectly pink front door is a curated collection of housewares and gifts.
Although this jewel box specializes in custom embroidery and monograms — they offer 43 fonts and more than 100 colors — you’ll also find tabletop, bedding, baby gifts, jewelry, candles and fair trade items sourced from all over the world. Throw pillows from Africa, cozy throws from Morocco, baby blankets from the U.K., Suzani tapestries and Columbian handbags are just a few of the global gifts they have selected for their shop.
Customization is key. Not only can shoppers get a one-of-a-kind monogram drawn by Britni stitched onsite or digitize a vintage design, but they can also rely on the shop for event styling and floral design. Baby and wedding registries assure customers will have beautiful staples for every room and occasion.
The Loveliest is only going to become more beautiful in the coming months, with more customizable and one-of-a-kind options. Good Morning Texas has already scouted the sisters’ unique talents, and the duo has appeared on several recent DIY segments highlighting summer entertaining.
Says Kelsey, “If we keep going and being entertainment gurus, it might be really fun. It’s been so amazing to see how the business has evolved into more than a retail store.”
The baby and bedding room at The Loveliest.
