Meet Katelyn Kite, a former TCU grad who recently opened LUX Fort Worth this past fall. The boutique, located on Berry Street right, features adorable and trendy fashion prefect for stylish Horned Frogs. Keep reading to learn more about Katelyn and LUX Fort Worth!
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself Katelyn! What brought you TCU?
A: “When deciding upon colleges, I knew I didn’t want to be too far from home, I’m originally from Dallas. Everyone told me when you’re at the college you’re suppose to be at, you get “that feeling”. I never believed them until I toured TCU then I knew exactly what feeling they were talking about! The campus was so gorgeous and the people were incredibly nice! I was really impressed by the fashion program here at TCU as well. Not only do you learn the creative side of fashion, but you learn a lot about the business side. It’s basically business with an emphasis on fashion, which I really like since I knew I wanted to be on the business side of fashion.”
Q: What did you study at TCU?
A: “At TCU, I studied Fashion Merchandising and minored in General Business.”
Q: What inspired you to open LUX Fort Worth?
A: “At a young age, I was immersed in the fashion industry. My Mom was in the industry and made sure she involved me in all that she could. She took me on study tours to New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Europe, she taught me to sew, she started a clothing line, which I was involved in and had a couple stores as well. I was able to learn about all different aspects of the industry through her.”
Q: Describe the process of opening your own boutique. How long did it take? Did you have a solid support team to help you along the way?
A: “Starting LUX was a huge undertaking! It took about a year from thinking about the idea of starting a boutique to LUX opening day. When beginning to plan the foundation of LUX, I did a lot of research on where I wanted LUX to be located and who LUX target market would be. I knew I wanted it to be close to the TCU campus and walking distance would be even better! After determining the location, I set out to look for spaces. Several times, I looked at spaces I really liked and tried to start working out a lease, however more times than not, there was a miscommunication about the space even being available at all! Two spaces fell through before I started negotiating on the space where LUX is located now and I think it was a blessing because LUX location couldn’t be better! Negotiating a lease isn’t easy either! It took about five months to for both the landlord and me to agree on a lease that we both felt was fair. After I received the key for the space, I hired a contractor who did all the build out, which took several weeks. Then the most fun part, buying merchandise for LUX! My Mom and I went on buying trips and bought clothing, jewelry and gift items compliant to LUX target market! All and all, the startup of LUX was hard work and was very time consuming, but is really self-rewarding!
My family, especially my Mom and Dad were a great solid support team! Without them, I would not have been able to do it.”
Q: Describe LUX Fort Worth! What sort of clothing does the boutique sell?
A: “Located right off the Texas Christian University campus, LUX Boutique is a new small business gaining a strong local presence. LUX’s main goal is to highlight a distinctive feel and unique vibe of Fort Worth and Texas Christian University through specially selected and exclusive merchandise. The Southern charm quality combined with uptown chic trendiness brings ladies an alluring and carefully crafted collection of fashion-forward clothing, accessories and gifts at an affordable price. Overall, we are proud to offer a one-of-a-kind shopping experience that aims to please, inspire and ultimately make our customers feel good in the clothes they are wearing. We pride ourselves on providing exceptional customer service and a personalized shopping experience. Stop by and experience this up and coming boutique for yourself.”
Q: Where can TCU students find and learn more about LUX Fort Worth?
A: “To find out more about LUX, check out our Facebook page: LUXFortWorth, Instagram page: @LUXFortWorth, and Twitter page: @LUXFortWorth.”
Here are some photos of adorable clothing from LUX Fort Worth!
All photos courtesy of Katelyn Kite