Wildflowers’ Wondrous New Space

The Water Street Market Location Displays Local Talent And Creative Collaborations

BY: JACQUELINE GONZALEZ PHOTOS BY: LILLIAN REITZ

During an afternoon stroll with her husband in Downtown Corpus Christi, Terrie Moore, owner of Wildflowers home and garden boutique, spotted tourists walking around, but none were holding shopping bags. Driven by her love for all things local and a desire to enhance the area shopping experience, Moore decided on an additional location for her shop, and her heart was set on downtown. After an intense two-year-long search for the ideal retail space, she was contacted about a vacancy at the Water Street Market.

“I had almost signed a lease on a different building, but it just didn’t feel right,” Moore said. “Everything about this new space felt right — I thought it was perfect.” After several coats of crisp white paint, the entire space became a stunning backdrop for many inviting displays, unique plants, soothing scents and an array of handmade items.

Though the original Wildflowers location on South Padre Island Drive features mainly antique and vintage items, the new location is more tourist-facing and drives more foot traffic, which is reflected in its inventory. “I want to change the idea of tourist shopping, so I strive to bring a shop with items that I look for when I travel,” Moore said.

Each month, works from a different local artist will be displayed along the walls of the long staircase, and there will be a meet and greet with the featured artist during ArtWalk.

“I want customers to be able to relate to a story or memory of Corpus Christi that makes them want to return.”

As you walk through this fresh new space, you’ll find coastal-themed items ranging from handmade pottery by Nathaniel Huffman and jewelry by Belinda Rocha to creams from Lemonade Stand Cosmetics and leather goods from Indigo Laine & Co. The lush green plants bursting from the handmade pots are a nod to nature and breathe life into an already vibrant shop.

This space was ideal for Wildflowers, but Moore also wanted to share it with another creative. Samantha Thurman of Lavender and Lee was the perfect fit with her talent, ambition and dynamic personality.

“I have always worked out of my home or smaller spaces,” Thurman said. “It’s perfect here because I have a private workspace, but I can still engage with customers in an open location.”

Now, Thurman creates her unique jewelry pieces on the second-floor loft area-turned-studio, giving her ample space for customers to view and purchase their favorite items, like the popular permanent jewelry.

Although the store has only been open for two months, Moore and Thurman are planning on future workshops to be held in the second-floor loft studio. With shared goals and ambition for success, this dynamic duo brings something new to Water Street Market and hopefully will inspire other businesses to join them in the revitalization of the downtown shopping experience.