By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
A downtown Hays bridal boutique is beginning a long-term partnership with its larger location after almost a decade in business.
Kayla Rathbun, owner of Something Blue, said the boutique’s recent move to 1003 Main St. reflects how much the business has grown during the past decade. The shop relocated from the George Philip Hardware building at Main and Eighth streets to the former Kat’s Hallmark location.
"We've grown exponentially over the last 10 years," Rathbun said.
Before operating out of the former hardware store, Rathbun said the business started with handmade paper roses sold online before quickly evolving into a bridal boutique after she was approached with an opportunity to expand.
"I was open maybe two weeks [at my first store], and the bridal store that I purchased my gown from came in and asked if I wanted to incorporate bridal gowns," she said. "I always believe things happen for a reason."
Her first store opened at 1008 Main St., where Blue Light Body Arts now operates, directly across the street from her current location that opened Feb. 28. Rathbun reflected on how far the business has come since then.
"Being across from there ... what I was going through at this time in my life 10 years ago, getting that store ready, it's wild and I could have never imagined that this is what that would become," she said. "That was just a girl dreaming and trying her best. I feel like that's what I do every day. All we do every day is try out best."
The boutique later expanded into separate locations for bridal and prom gowns before consolidating into the new location. Rathbun said Something Blue continues to focus on offering private bridal appointments and creating an intimate experience for brides and their guests.
Through appointments only, brides-to-be can comfortably try on dresses in a room designed to capture every angle.
The store features two bridal suites with private changing rooms and a seating area for up to six guests. Rathbun said her own bridal shopping experience helped inspire the concept.
"I really loved the the privacy that was offered at some of the stores that I went to. I feel like being a bride, you don't want to share what you're gonna wear your wedding day with anyone who walks by or in the store. It's intimate," she said.
Rathbun said that within a week, the boutique welcomed customers from Colorado, Texas and South Carolina. On one occasion, someone from Brazil visited for an appointment.
You can book your first Something Blue appointment to find your measurements here. You can also view the stores catalog here.
In addition to off-the-rack gowns that can be purchased and taken home the same day, the store also offers prom dresses, homecoming dresses, summer clothing and accessories.
Prom dresses have been moved to the back of the store during the summer while boutique clothing and accessories are displayed toward the front. Rathbun said the store is always searching for new prom dresses to add to its inventory.
Rathbun’s former standalone prom store, Promtique, was at 620 E. Eighth St. Her daughter now works on the prom side of the business, which also has its own Facebook page.
"I've been blessed with amazing staff, and of course, my family," Rathbun said, giving thanks to everyone for the position she is in today.
The store’s prom and summer boutique side is open from noon to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.
You can follow Something Blue on Facebook here.
Rathbun said the historic hardware building was sold in December to A.J. Preisner-Platinum Group. The building was entered into the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
