New place with a familiar face

By Leesa Teale

LPR Publisher                      

     For fifteen years longtime Lockhart resident, Wendy Ramsey, was the proud owner of a quaint gift shop offering array of books, baby gift items and much more.   

     In March of 2023, Wendy walked out of the labor of love, located just off the corner of Main and San Antonio Streets, with nothing more than her purse. Ramsey had sold the shop to adjacent business owner and took nothing with her. 

    Not wanting to totally get out of the retail business, Ramsey would hold pop-up markets at her home. Anywhere from 8-10 “vendors” would set up their wares and Ramsey would promote the event to draw traffic to the event. Her goal was to let local artists and merchants, that did not have brick and mortar stores, to have an outlet to sell on a small retail scale. The events were successful and kept Ramsey having one foot still in the retail realm. 

    Months later, Ramsey got an itch, a much bigger one, she wanted to get back into the retail business full time. She missed the creative and social aspect of the business and needed something more than pop-ups. 

    Wheels started turning and things started to come together for her. Looking for an affordable, yet prime location in downtown Lockhart, Ramsey found a spot located at 211 W. Market Street. Fast forward to October 1 and Ramsey is having her grand opening of her next venture named wendy R gift shop. Nestled next to Nostalgic Gift and Gallery, Plum Creek Records, Moonicorn Vintage and Rancho Sueño, opening Nov 1st.  

    Ramsey stated, “When I had the other shop, I was able to donate items for silent auctions or doors prizes to area organizations. But when I closed the store, I couldn’t do that anymore and I truly missed it.” Now with the new inventory that will be readily available Ramsey will be able to continue her philanthropic opportunities.

    Step into the new space and you will be greeted with a clean, fresh shop. Fresh paint, and colorful rugs adorn the walls and floors but its what’s located inside those walls and on top of those rugs that will make shoppers say wow.   

    Wanting to offer a unique shopping experience, Ramsey is striving to carry an assortment of items in her store that are unique to the area. She wants to be a full-service gift shop that if a customer is looking for a specific item, she wants to be able to help them out by either stocking the item or finding a supplier and getting it in for the customer. 

    One thing that Ramsey is most proud of is her collection of Texas themed ornaments that she will carry year-round. “These are not just for Christmas; these are for year-round. People buy things like this as a memory keepsake of their time visiting a cherished location,” Ramsey said.

    Ramsey has one or two more surprises up her sleeve, but customers will have to wait until First Friday, October 3rd to see what that is though. “It will be familiar faces as well, with great compliments to my store as well. I am very excited but mum’s the word until then,” stated Ramsey.

     Being one of the oldest entrepreneurs in town, Ramsey claims to trying to be the biggest ambassador for Lockhart and wants all businesses to succeed. “If I don’t have it but I know someone else does, I will send the customer to another store,” said Ramsey. Working together to bring business to Lockhart is a goal that Ramsey feels all business owners should share.