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Starting a business is hard. Really hard. It's a lot of work. Time. Energy. Love. Mostly love. Crunchy Boutique is the only shop of its kind in its area (Arlington & Fort Worth, TX). And it's one of only THREE brick and mortar natural parenting store in the entire United States that is Black-owned. This is the story of how they opened Crunchy Boutique, why they are unique, and why you need to check them out both in person and on their website, crunchyboutique.net! I'm helping them host an amazing giveaway; make sure you read to the bottom!
Crunchy Boutique is owned and operated by Keema Echols, Lauren Echols-Cain and Brandon Echols. Altogether, any one of 7 family members may be found at Crunchy Boutique helping out in some way at any time.
Lauren is the inspiration for and the face of Crunchy Boutique.
When Lauren found out that she was expecting in early 2016, she knew almost immediately that she wanted to travel the natural parenting path. At that time the most important things to Lauren and her husband, DeAndre, were to have a home water birth, cloth diaper and breastfeed. Lauren and DeAndre had baby August in November and started cloth diapering and breastfeeding immediately. It was apparent very early on that resources for natural parenting in the Arlington/Fort Worth area were non-existent. Lauren made several trips many miles away to purchase cloth diapers and for breastfeeding support. She made each trip with her mother, Keema, and each time they would talk about how ridiculous it was that they had to travel so far for such simple things.
Keema has always had an entrepreneurial spirit and has owned many businesses. When people ask her about her entrepreneurial pursuits she always shares her philosophy as follows, “I just jump and hope the parachute works. Most of the time it does, but sometimes it doesn’t. When it doesn’t, I get up, dust myself off and keep it pushing.”
In February 2017, Lauren and Keema started discussing the idea of opening a natural parenting store in Arlington. The discussion quickly moved to planning. They found a location in April, solicited input from the local natural parenting community a few weeks later and had their grand opening in June. This is just a tiny look at a few of the amazing products they carry.
Being the “new kids on the block” they are able to do new and different things to market and to introduce their store to the public. They decided NOT to look at what our competitors do or have done but rather to come up with their own fresh ideas to make shopping at Crunchy Boutique a fun experience. Much of their merchandise comes from local sources. They also look to social media for new and trendy products. Crunchy Boutique focuses most of their marketing attention on social media. They are constantly looking to develop new ways to engage and grow the natural parenting audience. The Black community is not as widely represented in the natural parenting community. One of their goals is to introduce cloth diapering to a segment of society that has not been exposed to it yet.
Not only do they offer natural parenting items such as cloth diapers, baby carriers, breastfeeding supplies, stainless steel and glass bottles but we also offer a wide variety of classes and support groups.
Here is just a sampling of the classes/support groups Crunchy Boutique offers:
- Breastfeeding/Lactation Support
- Intro to Cloth Diapering
- Belly Birth
- Sleep Regression
- Mama Mixer
- Dad TGIF Group
- Baby Play Time
- Toddler Play Time
- New Mommy
- Nutrition
- Essential Oils in Pregnancy
- Chemical Free Living
- Choosing a Doula/Midwife
This is only the beginning for Crunchy Boutique and they are so thrilled at where this journey has lead them and where it will bring them in the future.
You can find natural parenting store Crunchy Boutique at 1010 N Davis Drive, Arlington, Texas 76012 or online at crunchyboutique.net! Make sure you also follow them on Facebook and Instagram!
Jenn is a long-time cloth diaper educator and a passionate small business advocate. She has worked in the reusable diaper industry for over a decade, helping millions of families via her websites All About Cloth Diapers, Thinking About Cloth Diapers and Cloth Diaper Geek as well as hundreds of small businesses during that time. Her goal always to provide simple, reliable information.
Kira Fouse says
I love it. Parenting is HARD at times and I love that they are a support team as well as a store. It takes a lot of guts to start a new buisness and it sounds like they’re doing an awesome job :)
Kira Snook says
Thanks for all the extra info and sharing your own experience with and knowledge with cloth diapers I wish I used them with my first two I did from the beginning with my daughter and she loves them so much no rashes it’s amazing I never run out of diapers we use cloth wipes and swim diapers as well the diaper bag I have isn’t big enough so I have to Carry diapers in a wetbags and the diaper bag but with all the money I save I will get one eventually maybe I’ll win the amazing one in the giveaway I never won anything like that hope I get lucky and good luck to you other ladies have a great weekend
Treen Goodwin says
Thanks awesome , wish we had stuff like that here in Yarmouth Nova Scotia , thanks for sharing !
Stephanie Buck says
This is awesome! I’m so inspired by mamas who see a need and fill the void. Way to go! I hope all your dreams come true ??
Andi says
What an awesome idea! I wish there were more easily accessible stores like theirs in my community!
Tanya Ramos says
That’s amazing. I wish we had something like that in my town.
Heather says
Recently I’ve been trying to convince my husband that we need to move to Texas and this is just one more reason to go!!
Carmen Rudnick says
I am so absolutely happy to be able to support a Black owned natural parenting store!! I can’t wait to spend these coins there!!
Kaylee Childs says
Wow! I can’t believe all of those awesome classes are offered there! That would be amazing in such a small town, such as u live in with limited resources!
Sarah Elyce says
Amazing! I feel like most places need more natural minded stores.
Nicole Bradley says
Sounds like an awesome adventure& legacy <3. I wish more things like this were available out in our area in the country as well!
Shyanna says
I love the story and totally relate since there are no stores near me like that either. I have to do all of my diaper shopping online!
Daniel Hampton says
Sounds like a great store to support the community. Thanks!
Valerie says
Great story! I wish I had a store like yours in my area.
Laura peters says
So awesome !! Thanks for sharing
Courtney says
So nice! I got to meet both Keema and Lauren at their store. This is great for the community
Katie Maunder says
Thank you for what you do ? it’s so important to build community for mothers to get the support that they need. Great job, great story
Haley says
Awesome story!! Thank you for sharing with us!
Laura Layman says
What an amazing story. I wish there was a store near me.
Krissie Lambert says
I love following them on Instagram! They have the best videos and pictures! And so many amazing classes!
Jacqueline Rivas-Iovanisci says
Great story. Amazing of you to share it!!
Teresa Harper says
What a great story! Thanks for sharing!
Lindsey says
It so nice to have thing like this
Nicole says
Thanks for sharing your story. I can’t imagine starting my own business. I would be too scared of all the challenges.
Deborah Lowder says
What a beautiful and inspiring momma! I’ll def pass the info on to my TX friends ???
Katelyn Saunders says
I love learning the back story of how something came to be. And what an amazing back story it is! See a need, fill a need and you will go far!
V says
So amazing. Y’all inspire me deeply ?
Karie says
Great story, great store!!
Wendi h says
Amazing, love supports mom&pop businesses! Will def check out your site since were expecting #2
Zulma Zam says
You are a great inspiration to follow!
Ona Archer says
Best wishes for a successful business. Offering the classes is a nice plus to your store. Keep up the good work. Thanks for the chance to win the cool diaper bag.
Viv Sluys says
I love when baby boutiques offer classes as well as as having great products.
Sarah Moreno says
I’m so glad to have them in my area!
Amanda says
Looks like a great bag to hold everything!
Melissa Aldrich says
Wow! Just amazing! There is nothing like this in my area.
Logan says
I wish stores near me bad support groups and classes like this! That is amazing! Moms need a community and to support and help each other ! I wish I could have taken some while I was pregnant so i could have had a community postpartum and learn some information.
Logan says
*had not bad lol
Thien Ai Hartop says
Wish I were closer to come visit but I’ll spread the word!
Kate Boozer says
I wish you had a store in Michigan! I think it’s so great that you also offer so many classes/support for both moms and dads!! Good for you!!
Kimberly Dark says
I wish we had a store like this in my area!
Shadiya Muchikkal says
Great blog! Promoting natural parenting ? hope to win the giveaway
C Gaile Jenkins says
Interesting blog. Would love the diaper bag.
Amee says
Amazing. I wish I had a store near me that was this great.
Diana says
How beautiful that this is more than just a business but providing education, support and resources to the community! The world needs more of this. Kudos to Crunchy Boutique!!
Kayla Artz says
This is defiantly a sight that I will be sharing with my friends! I love to find all things crunchy!
Teresa Boulter says
awesome giveaway from what sounds like a great new and unique store!
Charlotte Hart says
I love that class list. Something like that would’ve been a huge help for us starting out on our parenting journey!
Carrie Chance says
What a great story. I wish someone would open a business like this in my town. I am in Ohio but if I ever make it out that way I would love to stop in
Cassie Livermore says
Amazingly generous giveaway! You guys rock!!! ?
Joanna says
What a great story! Wish I lived nearby! It’s my dream to open a store just like this! Best wishes and congrats!
Torrey says
Awesome shop! Wish it was closer to where I lived!
Kristin P says
What a neat opportunity the store has! It’s so difficult to find natural baby stores… best wishes!
Amber Gaerlan says
Thanks for the awesome give away. I love your story.
Tiffany c says
What a unique store concept! Love that it’s a small biz thats down to earth and fun! Thanks for sharing their story!
Angelica parks says
Such a lovely story! So happy everything alhappened this way ??
Tara says
Very generous giveaway
Bonnie Weil says
Congratulations on starting your new adventure with your shop and your little one!! Such an exciting time … I wish you much success ?
Andrea Schmidt says
Great story and best wishes to them in the success of their business! I too wish I lived nearby so I could take advantage of a class or two and shop in store.
Alyssandra Church says
I’m impressed I’d really like to live closer to take advantage of what the offer :) and support them in their endeavor.
Jolene Dwelis says
Wow! I’m impressed. Going to check out the website. Blessings for a wonderful endeavor.
Monica says
I love all the giveaways you do and all the info you share!!!
Lisa Weeks says
I am impressed! What a hard working woman! Someone to look up to for sure!!
Lisa Hightower says
Wow! These are some ambitious parents! They basically started their own business and opened up shop before their baby was even a year old! I think it’s so inspiring that they are working hard to fill a need in their lock community AND online for those of us not local! Awesome!
bonnie massicotte says
another chance to win the bag, yea I’ll take it. really could use it for hubby being ill he is my baby now !! thanks for the second chance.
Sandra Watts says
Awesome and congrats! Also thanks for hosting this great giveaway!
Alyssa says
I got to say I’m super jealous of the Texans right now! Congrats on this awesome endeavor!
Camille Nikole Macon says
I love stories like this! It’s very inspiring and gives mamas like me hope!
Marie Lowther says
If I lived close I would love to come and visit the store! I love places like this <3
Jenn Seng says
Congrats on the store!
Candy L. says
Amazing family and story! SO proud of you and I especially love to see POC in the natural health store arena. Much success to you alll!
Yana Tupaz says
I love your store and you blog! The idea is amazing! :)
Courtney says
This sounds like a great place! And congratulations on building such an awesome store with tons of support too!!
Natalie Kohn says
Thank you for the great giveaway!!
Dania hujaij says
Thank you for sharing this story … keep it up .. that sounds amazing
Jennifer Davis says
So glad to see others get the opportunity to have a store like this in their community! Good luck!
Ashley McLaughlin says
What an amazing story. Congrats on your store and love your spirit!!! ?
Ashley McLaughlin says
Oops that was a heart not a question Mark! Haha
Laura says
Great site
Lyssette S says
Awesome, inspiring, best wishes to them!
Isabel Whited says
Congrats on the store! I wish you the best. You have a great concept.
Charisse Ann Fenomeno says
Wow! This store is amazing for offering many services. This will be a very good help for mothers and soon to be mothers.
gabby anderson says
Good job lady’s keep up the amazing work. I love the message and support you send out. Wish I could visit the store I’ll have to check you guys out online
gabby anderson says
Good job lady’s keep up the amazing work. I love the message and support you send out. Wish I could visit the store I’ll have to check you guys out online.
Bailey says
We have a quite small brick and mortar shop 45 minutes from me but it’s the process of closing down. I so wish we could keep it and add all the classes like these guys!
Kimberly Bell says
This seems like the most awesome store ever wish we had a store like this close to me!!! I love CD , babywearing, oils, ect…
Jamie de la Torre says
I’m so glad more natural baby stores are popping up in the area!
Margaret Appel says
Crunchy Boutique sounds like a wonderful new company! Happy to see they have an online site, I’ll be checking them out, their products look really nice!
Jessa says
They are amazing! I got to meet them today and see the store. Great place and great group of women.
Alissia Allen says
I would love to visit this store!! I will check out their online shop, though!
Stasi says
I wish I lived in Texas just for this store. Nothing even remotely like it around us :(
Jacquelyn Reynolds says
I live in Idaho or I would come by!
Kayla Sheehan says
That’s awesome and I’ll have to definitely check out their online options. I love how many classes they offer. Impressive!
Tamber Couch says
love this blog would absolutely love this diaper bag due with baby girl number 3 October 1st it would be an absolute blessing to win thanks so much
Leigh Kivchens says
Wow, I’m impressed she has done all that with a brand new baby! I know they carry one of my favorite diapers that is also owned by a black mom living in N. TX- Pooters Diapers. I hope her business is a thriving success! It’s so nice having another brick & mortar within 45 min. Of me!
Jennifer Reinhardt says
Right!? And I was all like, when did I last shower? LOL
Saida says
I didn’t know about this! It’s a great story. Thank you for sharing with us.
Laura Diós says
Good job, don’t stop :D
Wendy says
What a terrific story! Love hearing about moms who step up and make things better for themselves and their communities. Way to go!!!
Whitney Pack says
I wish I had a brick and mortar store like this near me! There is one about 50 miles away but it’s more of a clothing store with just a few baby supplies.
Shannon says
I am from Minnesota so visiting in person is not an option for me but I love what you are doing. My husband and I are into most things natural and we have found that the resources are very slim. We became parents October 2016 and we have been trying to soak up all the information possible.
Amanda joosten says
I have like no stores like this in my area. I wish i had just one. The classes sound amazing
Bridgette Cooper says
I wish this were closer to me! Fingers crossed I’ll win the diaper bag!
Kari Barone says
It is definitely a brave thing to open a business in this economy. I love this story! We also didn’t have a Natural parenting store or Babywearing group locally when I had my oldest. When I had my youngest we had/ have a wonderful cloth diaper/ natural store. I enjoy seeing these types of classes/ groups for mothers, as they all don’t have the support/ knowledge needed. My husband, my Mother, MIL, +++all supported my breastfeeding/ babywearing/ cloth diapering. I know so many don’t have that. I wish Crunchy Boutique all the best in their future endeavors.
Sandra says
Wow! How exciting! I’d love something like that near me here in Ontario, Canada. All the best to them and hoping I win the bag!!?
Barbara says
Congratulations. Wonderful what you are doing. Sad that there was nothing around in your area but maybe it was for this very reason. Hope more people switch and start using the cloth diapers and going natural. Good luck!
M Hobson says
This sounds like exactly the store I’m craving here! Congratulations to this family for helping others!
Mei Ling Liu says
i like to visit the store but too far from my citry,sad
Jennifer Reinhardt says
Try the website!
Ashley spooner says
Starting a business is very hard. Kudos to you for your efforts in providing something that was truly needed
Staci Hernandez says
I would love to visit one day when we drive through Arlington! I hope I can!
hadas bar says
i wish i had a store like this near me! that sound amazing!
Elishia Cowell says
The range of class options they offer is amazing! I wish I lived closer!
Jennifer Reinhardt says
Maybe they will start offering some sort of online classes :)
Christie says
They should Facebook live stream their classes!
Jennifer Reinhardt says
Great idea!