Revisiting Tammy Collins

Downtown Flatonia is slowly, but surely, being renovated one historical building at a time. The driving force behind the change? Well, her name is Tammy Collins - a retired registered nurse whose love for helping others and improving the community continues to grow year after year.

“My husband purchased our home in the mid 1980’s, about one year after we met,” Tammy said. “We have traveled extensively over the years for work and when home it was generally for quiet time, so for many years we did not venture out much.

“About eight years ago I began a large remodel job on our home, then when near finishing I found the old Western Auto building had been on the market for roughly one year ... long story short, our travel was starting to slow down and we were able to be home more, so thought I’d restore it and open a shop. That’s how I ended up working downtown and getting involved in our wonderful community,” she said.

Since her last interview with us, Tammy has been hard at work to restore this beautiful Texas town.

“We have literally been completing multiple spaces simultaneously over the past several months,” she said. “I believe we are down to the last two on East North Main Street ... thank goodness!”

Some of the completed renovations include 403 North La Grange Street, a green house with a white picket fence that is currently in use as a vacation rental, “with all five star reviews on VRBO!” Tammy added.

“Guests love the home and visiting Flatonia and surrounding attractions. We get many Round Top visitors and vendors, and many touring the painted churches,” she said.

There is also 121 East North Main Street where Your Hometown Pharmacy and Wellness Clinic opened in the space Friday, July 21, 2023, as well as Inspire Hair Salon on 117 East North Main Street that has expanded and been restored into its original single space.

A few others include 115B East North Main Street for Hey Poppy Floral, 115C East

North Main for barber Ulysses Castro, 115D East North Main Street for Esthetics By Cate, 111 East North Main Street for Legacy Land Associates, and 109 East North Main Street for Fayco Sport and Spine, which will be opening in the space with a physical therapy clinic and 24-hour access fitness center.

“We so need this in town and are very excited to have them on board!” Tammy said.

The building collective also hosts Mark Russell Jones, a Flatonia artist who opened up a studio in 111B for those who wish to enjoy his work.

When asked if she had considered restoring other Texas towns, Tammy said, “No way! Ha! This has been about the town and the history and restoration of our beautiful structures here.

“It has been a journey of learning and building incredible relationships through actual blood, sweat, tears and laughter. We have built a small, but mighty team of committed individuals. We are family at this point!”

And Tammy has not forgotten others that have helped her.

“The community has been amazing!” she continued. “They have shown so much love and support over these past few years. I am very happy to be a member of the Flatonia Rotary Club, and as part one of my jobs is to interview high school students for scholarships. I just began participating on the scholarship board this past year and it has truly been a joy. I have ended up employing a number of applicants this summer and I love working with them.

“The community gave me the opportunity to participate as a member of The Barn Door Players this past year. They put on the play at the annual E.A. Arnim Museum Fundraiser. This experience was something very special that I will always appreciate.”

When she isn’t busy building and helping others, Tammy and her family tend to their animals.

“We have a horse sanctuary at our home with about 28 horses at this time, along with lots of other furry and feathered friends ... about 70 chickens, three dogs, four cats, and all of the wildlife. We love caring for the land and all of the animals.”