Cypress Resident Finds Business is Simply Child’s Play

Becky Souther & Family

Cypress Resident Finds Business is Simply Child’s Play

By Patricia Hudson

Mike and Becky Souther first moved to Towne Lake seven years ago. “We were looking to build our forever home and we were wanting a family friendly community with great amenities. Towne Lake has far exceeded our expectations,” explains Becky. Exemplary volunteer service with the CFISD VIPS and PTO boards, a business partnership with the Wingo family toy drive for MD Anderson Children’s Hospital and service with the NCL Cypress Gems spurred Andrea Curran to nominate Becky and her family for this May/June edition of PinPointe Magazine. Becky took some time for an interview.

What drew the two of you together?

“We met through mutual friends when I was in college. Mike is 9 years older, so college was far behind him,” explains Becky. “We dated for almost two years and got married about a year after I graduated college. We have been married almost 21 years.”

Where did you attend school? What was your major?

“I graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelor in Business Management. Mike graduated from Texas A&M with a Bachelor in Economics.”

Getting down to the business of business

“Mike and I owned a Christian Brothers Automotive that he ran for 15 years, while I stayed home with our ‘big kids.’ In 2019, he decided to retire and stay home with our 2-year-old so I could have an opportunity to chase some of my dreams. When I was in college, I worked part time as a teller for JPMorgan Chase Bank; I planned to use my business degree to further my career with Chase. My father worked for Chase for 30 years and I knew I could have a strong career within that company, as well. And I did, until I had Avery. At that point, Mike and I decided that I would stay home with the kids. When I left Chase, I was a Supervising Manager in the Fraud Department.”

You are a business owner. What led you to this particular business?

“In 2019, when we were deciding if we wanted to continue owning a Christian Brothers Automotive or try something new, an acquaintance of mine, (who has since become one of my dearest friends), posted that she was selling Learning Express Toys of Cypress. I jokingly sent my husband a text asking if he’d like to own a toy store and the rest is history. I do all of the managing, buying and hiring. I am in the store Monday – Friday, managing the day to day.”

What challenges have arisen due to Covid?

“We purchased the store in February of 2020, six weeks before COVID shut the world down. With the help of our corporate offices, we redesigned the way we do business. A website was created and we began to offer online ordering and curbside pickup. We filled Easter Buckets via phone, facetime and online orders. It was an unreal experience. The Cypress community kept our business alive in 2020. Although business slowed dramatically in 2020, the Squishmallow, Fidget and TikTok trend in 2021 made up for it. As a new store owner, it has been a roller coaster, but one I have enjoyed every minute of.”

About the Kids

“We have three: Avery 17, Ben 14, and Nicholas 4, (surprise!).

Photo Credit: Natascha Strong Photography

Avery is a Junior at Cypress Ranch, Ben is an 8th grader at Anthony MS, and Nicholas attends WeeWuns Pre-School. Avery’s favorite classes are Choir and Photography, and she enjoys puzzles. Ben loves playing tuba at Anthony MS, and is excited to join the CyRanch marching band next year. He enjoys science, video games, and riding his bike. Nicholas loves reading books, going for walks and playing in the backyard.”

So, Nicholas was a surprise?

“It took us all quite a while to wrap our heads around adding one more to our family, but the minute we met him, we were all smitten. Nick loves to rough house with Ben and loves to cuddle with Avery. We couldn’t imagine our lives without him. He has added a lot of energy and laughter to our home.”

What toys are "tried and true?" What new toys are trending?

“Lego is always in our top seller list. It’s a classic with building sets for ages 1 -100. The Funtime Tractor by Epoch and the Doorbell House by Melissa & Doug are always best sellers in our Pre-School department. Calico Critters still have a huge following and Magic Tracks are the gift of choice for young boys (and girls). Squishmallows are the hottest toys since early 2020. We still

The day we closed on Learning Express

Nicholas entertaining us with his many funny faces

get calls daily asking when we will get new ones in stock. Fidgets have been a hot item since early 2020, as well. We try to keep our fidget stock fresh and new as new ones hit the market. Slime still has a huge following. Dope Slime is always in our top 5. This small business was started by two brothers in Wyoming. They create fun slimes that look and smell as good as the flavors they represent: Circus Animal, Marshmallow Fluff, whipped coffee… We can’t keep the slime in stock!”

When it’s a Family Affair

“Our family enjoys traveling, watching movies together, and spending summers on the St. Lawrence River in Upstate New York. When I have a moment, I spend my time reading, dinners out with our friends, and wine tasting. Mike prefers reading, gardening, and following sports.”

Photo Credit: Natascha Strong Photography

If you know of an exceptional Greater Fairfield, Towne Lake, Bridgeland/Blackhorse Ranch, Coles Crossing, or Cypress Creek Lakes individual or family that needs to be featured in an upcoming issue of PinPointe Magazine, please contact me: texasteacher024@outlook.com.