Boutique operator retains pawsitive outlook – Cross Timbers Gazette | Southern Denton County | Flower Mound

Rhonda Kaye Stankiewicz may well be the happy proprietor of Jack’s Outfitters in The Stores at Highland Village, but any person who has visited her outfits keep can tell she’s a pet dog lover by and as a result of. Soon after all, who isn’t?

Honestly, the hints of dog adore are everywhere. The retail outlet, named immediately after her late yellow Labrador retriever Jack, is a specialty store giving exclusive need to-have men’s and women’s clothing, gifts, components, and an ever-increasing treasure trove of provides for man’s greatest close friend. This contains every thing from canine beds and treats to bedazzled collars and indications for canine lovers throughout the globe.

But it doesn’t end there. There are doggie portraits and “Beware of Pet Kisses” indications scattered through the store, and then there are the occasional very well-behaved doorway greeters — her canines.

For many years, Jack held that position. Now it’s his attractive good-nephew, Billy, and pal, JonSnow.

“There are people today out there who at to start with imagine we’re just a dog retail outlet,” Rhonda stated with a laugh. She’s also a nicely-regarded puppy breeder and trainer and has worked with many of her faithful customers’ canines. “These canines are so sweet and well-behaved they are truly the biggest draw — when I am at the retailer, they are right by the entrance door.

“These pet dogs are my spouse and children and have gotten me by means of some tough patches. I’m grateful for that.”

Jack’s may well show up to be all about dogs, but it has gained a considerable pursuing between Denton County residents who crave good quality apparel and never always want to count on large-box merchants to fill individuals demands.

Jack’s originally commenced as a men’s shop only ahead of transitioning in 2010 to a specialty store for the complete spouse and children. Their concentrate is on identify brands you’ve come to know and adore as properly as enjoyment and enjoyable types you just can not find all below one roof. This includes Patagonia, Birkenstock, True Grit, and Vuori way of life and loungewear clothes and shoe traces for guys and gals. Jack’s also gives OluKai and Sanuk, Johnnie-O, Burlebo, RVCA, Quicksilver, and additional.

Jack’s also sells wildly well known lavender-infused stuffed animals, slippers, and neck wraps. And their Sweet Grace Candle line is completely to die for. It’s their signature retail outlet scent, and clients are continuously raving about it.

“It’s much more of a way of life shop now, and we cater to all ages,” Rhonda claimed. “People really do love the expertise. Even the new folks who occur in say, ‘Wow. You often have so substantially great things. I could devote several hours in here.’ I just attempt to find the special stuff, and we’ve continued to evolve and adapt the business enterprise as the a long time have absent by.”

Rhonda’s eye for design and style arrives from operating as a customer in the surf and ski business. Originally from California, she used 11 many years with Nordstrom as a personal shopper. Getting her individual retail store wherever she can make relationships with her client base and continually give back again to the community is a desire come true. It’s also a blessing to combine her like for apparel and her passion for canines.

“I’ve been breeding due to the fact 2003,” she explained. “I obtained my initially lab from my uncle when I was nonetheless dwelling in California. He bred and confirmed Labrador retrievers, and when I was in my mid-20s, I went to a doggy exhibit with him and fell in really like with the breed. He ended up giving me my initial 1 when I graduated from university. His title was Income, and he lived to be 17. When I moved to Texas and started performing at Nordstrom, I observed a lab pet that a client had and instantly required yet another 1. I acquired the breeder’s title and commenced breeding with her for 14 years ahead of I started off working with different breeders. Anyone can breed, but what separates me is the wellbeing testing in advance of they are really bred. There’s a superior need for treatment canine, and this breed occurs to be truly sensible and uncomplicated to teach. They’re beautiful puppies.”

She included, “When COVID strike, I truly started promoting pet teaching and puppy sitting down. Now, it keeps me fairly active just with clients who received puppies from me. It’s like another whole-time occupation.”

Rhonda said that Jack’s mother was named Magnolia Blue. And when Jack handed away, Rhonda reported the outpouring of guidance from her Jack’s Outfitters consumers was unbelievable. These pet dogs are just as significant to the retail outlet as Rhonda is, and all those relationships — alongside with fantastic outfits — are what keeps folks coming back following all of these years.

“I’m happy of what we’ve completed in this article,” Rhonda claimed. “It’s hard perform, but I’m grateful for all of it.”

If you’d like to discover extra about Jack’s Outfitters, check out Jack’s Outfitters on Instagram at @jacksoutfittershighlandvillage. Or greater yet, quit in for a check out. They are found at 1101 Shoal Creek in The Outlets at Highland Village.