Some tour stops fill a calendar. Others fill your cup. Our recent stop in Whitesboro, Texas at Lovejoys on Main somehow managed to do both.
Last year, we hosted a retail contest to award one special boutique a coveted stop on my book tour — right on their turf. We received applications from incredible retailers across the country, but there was something unforgettable about Lovejoys on Main's heartfelt submission. Their genuine passion for Flea Style, our stores and cafés, and the community they’ve built made them stand out immediately. Located about an hour and a half north of Dallas, they felt like the perfect place to bring How to Style a Hat to life.
What I expected was a meaningful opportunity to support a hardworking mom-and-pop business. What I didn’t expect was how much this little town and this incredible team would give back to us in return.
From the moment we arrived, the hospitality was unreal. The team thought of every detail, making us feel less like guests and more like family. They even treated my kids to dinner and milkshakes, which quickly became a highlight of the trip for them. That kind of generosity can’t be manufactured — it’s simply who they are.
And then came the event itself.
The boutique brought out an amazing crowd for the signing and Q+A session, filling the space with excitement, encouragement and so much heart. I loved hearing attendees share how Flea Style and my entrepreneurial journey had inspired them to take creative risks, start businesses, or simply embrace their own personal style more boldly. Those conversations are the moments I carry with me long after the tour wraps. They reminded me exactly why I started this business in the first place and why I continue to pour myself into it every single day.
After the signing, the energy only grew. We rolled out our mobile boutique, and as the sun began to set, it turned into a full-on hat-making party. Guests gathered around creating beautiful custom hats, laughing, shopping, and connecting with one another. Seeing so many women expressing themselves creatively while supporting a local business felt incredibly special. It was one of those evenings you wish you could bottle up forever.
The attention to detail throughout the event did not go unnoticed either. From the themed clothing racks inspired by chapters of the book (bohemian, nature lover, Western) to the mint chocolate chip “Brittany milkshake,” every touch felt thoughtful and intentional. Lovejoys didn’t just host an event — they created an experience.
As I’ve traveled to signings from Houston to Nashville, this stop in Whitesboro will remain one of the most meaningful of the tour. It was a beautiful reminder that small business is alive and well when it’s rooted in connection, authenticity and community.
To everyone who came out, shared their stories, made hats with us and welcomed my family so warmly — thank you. Whitesboro, Texas, you made us feel all the love, and I won’t soon forget it.
Thanks!
