Kayt Everitt has always been an entrepreneur. She started a photography business in De Queen, Arkansas, and ran it for more than 10 years.
"My friends kept asking me to take photos, and before long, I had my own photography business," she said. Photography came naturally for her once she mastered the technical aspects of the cameras.
Kayt eventually moved to Texarkana and began searching for a space to rent downtown for her photography studio. Her plans, however, were put on hold during the pandemic.
"When COVID-19 happened, artists couldn't work, and I decided I didn't want to be in this position again."
PANDEMIC PIVOT
Kayt still wanted to have her own business, but she set her sights on something new.
In July of 2020, she opened her online boutique, Moonstone & Moss, which was a perfect solution during a time when everyone was staying at home.
Owning her own boutique was a goal she never thought would happen, but with all the downtime, it seemed like the perfect opportunity.
Her online store -- which features unique clothing, shoes and accessories -- turned out to be a great success.
As a result, Kayt sought to open a physical shop.
A SENSE OF COMMUNITY
She had always been intrigued by Downtown Texarkana and wanted her business to be a part of it.
Downtown has grown significantly over recent years, with several businesses and restaurants to choose from and many events throughout the year. Kayt has always liked the downtown community.
"Texarkana is just big enough where most people tend to stick to their side of town. I like how our downtown now has more options to bring them here," she said. "We tend to work together and are not in competition with one another."
EXPANSION PHASE
Kayt is expanding her boutique business to Ashdown this June, with Southern Grace Boutique joining her in the same location. She hopes to add another location in De Queen in the future.
Currently located in the Johnson building in Downtown Texarkana, Kayt plans to purchase her own building downtown at some point. "Renting is definitely safer when you are first starting out, but you are limited in making the space your own." But Kayt says she is not rushing the process.
ADVICE FOR OTHERS
For those planning to start their own business, the entrepreneur has a few tips.
"Be patient -- I advise you to build up slowly. Work on building your market and your finances; everything doesn't happen overnight. It is also important to take advice from those doing better than you; don't listen to those who don't have your best interest in mind," she added.
"It is also important to surround yourself with a good network and community of like-minded business owners."
Kayt enjoys the interaction she has with her customers and is very grateful for the community.
"I enjoyed having my own photography business, but I missed having daily interactions with people -- with the long edits and even with my online shop, I worked alone." She is enjoying this time of her life and is looking forward to what the future brings.
Moonstone & Moss is at 122 E. Broad St., Texarkana, Arkansas. The hours of operation are Wednesday and Thursday, from 11:30 am – 6:30 pm, and Friday and Saturday, from 11:30 am – 3:30 pm.
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ONLINE
You can find Moonstone & Moss' online store at shopmoonstoneandmoss.com, and on Facebook at facebook.com/shopmoonstoneandmoss.
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In addition to being a writer, lifelong Texarkana resident Nicci McCarty is a photographer, songwriter and musician. She performs both solo and with her band, Brain Panic.