On Tuesday, April 14th, I received an email from Painted Tree in Round Rock stating they were ceasing operations effective immediately. Vendors like myself were given just one week—if the landlords allowed—to retrieve our merchandise. I lost my April sales and my deposit, and as one of the smaller booths, I know my loss is just a fraction of what others experienced. Some vendors at other locations couldn’t get all their merchandise out before the landlord changed the locks, and others had paid for their booths a year in advance, money they will likely never see again. Painted Tree’s only solution was for us to file a claim in bankruptcy court, leaving many of us in a difficult and uncertain position.

This experience has inspired me to take action. I want to open a small boutique that will not only give local vendors a new home, but also provide the community with access to quality, handmade products that can be cherished for years to come. My vision goes beyond just a retail space—I want to create a place where vendors can host workshops, build their clientele, and connect with the community. I also hope to offer advertising support as part of a membership, helping vendors grow their businesses even further. If I am unable to reach my goal and open the boutique, I will distribute the funds raised to vendors who lost merchandise, on a case-by-case basis.

Thank you for considering a contribution. Your support will not only help local artists and small businesses recover, but will also bring people together, face to face, in a world that often feels distant. Every donation makes a difference, and I am deeply grateful for your help.