If I’m keeping it real with y’all, summer isn't exactly a season of slowing down over here.
I know summer is often portrayed as a time to relax, unplug, and find more balance. But for me, this year, it’s the exact opposite. The days are longer, the schedules are fuller, and somehow there are even more moving pieces to juggle. Between business, motherhood, travel, store openings, events, and now moving houses, life feels beautifully chaotic.
Some days I feel on top of it all, and other days I'm answering emails from the sidelines of basketball camp while mentally keeping track of moving boxes and store opening deadlines. But that's the season I'm in right now, and I always want to share the real version—not just the highlight reel.
These last couple weeks have been especially full, so here's a little recap of some things happening lately.
The minute the kids were out of school, we hightailed it to California to visit family (my dad recently had a major surgery), soak up some sunshine and kick off the season in one of my favorite places. But it wasn’t all beach days and margaritas—we were also deep in preparations for something incredibly special: our new Laguna Beach store.
Store number ten is officially on the horizon, and I can hardly contain my excitement. Returning to Orange County feels especially meaningful because it’s where my entrepreneurial journey first began. To return all these years later and open our tenth store in the community that helped shape so much of my story feels like a true full-circle moment.
Right now, we’re in the thick of all things store opening. Space planning, product design/selection, inventory allocation, utilities, hiring—you name it, it’s on our to-do list. I’ve had a construction crew on demo and remodel tasks since the minute I got the keys.
Opening a new store is equal parts exciting and overwhelming, and every day brings a new challenge to solve. Thankfully, I’m surrounded by an incredible team that makes even the busiest seasons feel manageable.
While in Laguna, I also wrapped up the final stop of my local bookstore book tour. What a beautiful way to close that chapter. The evening was absolutely magical filled with meaningful conversations, inspiring stories, and so many familiar faces. Having friends, family, and Flea Style fans gather in one room reminded me just how grateful I am for this community. It was one of those nights I’ll carry with me forever.
As one tour ends, another begins.
We’re officially launching our in-store How to Style a Hat book tour series across Texas, and first up is Frisco! We announced the news last week and I’m so excited for this fun evening featuring a live Q&A and signing, delicious sips and bites from Heirloom Haul and custom hat making (attendees receive 40% off hats during the event!). If you’ve been looking for an excuse to gather, connect, and celebrate with us, snag your ticket because seats are limited.
In the middle of all the launches and chaos, I snuck away to Arkansas for 48 hours to celebrate the wedding of our buyer Allyson. I had the honor of introducing her and her husband, and there was no way I would have missed such a beautiful day.
Watching Ally—a true soul sister, dear friend, and someone who has been part of so many chapters of my life—walk down the aisle toward her forever had me in tears. It was one of those moments that makes time stand still.
That weekend was also a reminder of something I never take for granted: the people I get to do life and business with. Our team is so much more than coworkers—we're family. And speaking of our team, they had some big accomplishments when I was away including unloading thousands of new straw hats from our Mexico suppliers just in time for summer.
After two weeks away from Dallas, I landed back last Sunday and jumped right back into reality.
Mom life is in full swing, and summer schedules are no joke. Between summer school, sports camps , and carpools, my calendar is packed from sunrise to sunset. At the office, it’s been equally busy. We’re onboarding new hires, preparing for the Laguna Beach opening, getting ready for Dallas Apparel Market, and tackling what feels like an endless stream of admin tasks.
And, on top of it all, the kids and I move into our new home this week. That means every spare moment is currently spent packing boxes, organizing closets, and trying to keep some sense of order amid the chaos.
The truth is, I’m exhausted. But I’m also incredibly grateful.
Grateful for new beginnings. Grateful for opportunities to grow. Grateful for a team that works tirelessly beside me. Grateful for my kids, who remind me what all this hard work is for. And grateful for the chance to continue building things that matter—whether that’s a new store, a new home, meaningful connections, or lasting memories.
