Fort Worth Local Showcase: Olive & Gray

Those of us over here at Shop Small Fort Worth are all about preserving our community’s character through local businesses. We care about their stories, their trials, and their successes. We love the concept of creating for and buying from one another, and we love to support others seeking to do the same. So that is what this blog series is all about — championing local businesses. Telling their stories, and maybe, encouraging others to start one of their own!

Olive & Gray

Can you tell us a little about yourself and your shop?

Hi, my name is Ryan Yeager and I am the wife to a great guy, Todd, and mom to 4- year-old identical twin boys, Oliver and Griffin. My husband and I decided to open Olive & Gray this last November. We are an eCommerce children’s boutique that offers modern clothing and accessories. We want Olive & Gray to give your little one a wardrobe that you will be jealous of.

What made you want to start your shop?

I have always loved fashion, and that passion only grew when I had my boys and was able to shop for them (much to my husband’s dismay.) Todd has always wanted to start his own company, so we combined his entrepreneurial spirit and my love to make a dream come true. We wanted to create a space where you could get the modern, quality styles for your little with a touch of Texas hospitality.

What have been your biggest struggles so far in owning your own business?

My biggest struggle is the same as a lot of moms – there is never enough time in the day. I have endless checklists and ideas that can be tough to execute between making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, breaking up “disagreements” over toys, and just general craziness of being a boy mom. For instance, as we speak, every pot and pan I have are lined up on the kitchen floor to make a circus train.

Thinking about the past year, what has been one of your big successes?

I think just starting our store has been a huge success for us. We have talked about it for years and didn’t want to just leave it on the “what-if” list. We’ve definitely made some mistakes, but we have learned even more and that is always a win.

When you aren’t busy with your business, what do you like to do?

I love being around my friends and family. I am lucky to have an amazing group of people in my life, and I get a lot of positivity from them. So whether it is meeting them for a 5:00 am workout or for lunch while our kids play, it is important to make time for them.

Where do you draw your creativity from?

I would not say that I am a particularly creative person in a traditional sense. I’m not good at crafting or anything of that sort. However, I think you can get creativity from anywhere – a mix of colors at the playground or a touch of polka dot on your friend’s throw pillows. I can definitely see a fashion or upcoming trend and translate into everyday life.

What do you like most about being part of a community of small shops in Fort Worth?

It is definitely the people! Fort Worth has some of the nicest people you can find and that definitely extends to the small shop community. We have come across so many other shops that have given us support and are cheering us on.

You can find Olive & Gray and other businesses like theirs at the Shop Small Fort Worth Spring Market on March 25th and 26th, 2017. It’s coming up soon, and we could not be more excited! This two-day event will feature amazing local artists, small businesses, and craftsman, as well as including live music, food trucks, yard games and a cash bar. Tickets are available here, and part of our proceeds will be going to Pure Adventure.

Written by Stacy Aguilar of Janie Bird & Co.