What began as a hobby and  extra income evolved into a dream come true. Tia Whittington, a graduate of St. Joseph’s Academy in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Louisiana State University, also in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was working as a teacher when she came to work one day in one of her own designs. Tia had a talent for monogramming and embroidery, and wore one of her shirts, monogrammed by her, to the school where she worked. Tia’s co-workers loved Tia’s shirt so much that many of them put in orders for themselves. By the end of the day Tia had taken $500.00 worth of orders, and this was just the beginning. She continued monogramming and embroidery for others in addition to her day job, until one day she decided to make the dream she and her mother shared of owning a boutique a reality. Sadly, Tia’s mother has since passed away, but would be proud of the manifestation of their common dream.

Mel and I dropped in on the H-Kyle boutique in Prairieville, Louisiana, to check out its wares.  We were pleasantly surprised to find its super stylish owner, Tia Whittington, behind the counter when we arrived.

H-Kyle, named after Tia’s oldest child, her daughter, Harper Kyle, has been open for business for three years.  It is a chic clothing boutique that offers body conscious dresses, designer jeans, casual chic attire, ball gowns and more. Some of the featured designers are Z Supply, Domb and Buddy Love.  H-Kyle also offers personalized monogramming and embroidery of shirts that you can buy on site, and you may also bring in your own clothing or other items for personalization. Turnaround time for monogramming is approximately 2 days depending upon demand.

H-Kyle has flourished by word of mouth, but has also gained recognition through its blog http://www.shophkyle.com/tia/, Instagram @tiawhittington and Tia’s pop up shops.

Currently you can visit H-Kyle Boutique at 17188 Airline Highway in Prairieville, but in four weeks the shop will relocate to 14601 Airline Highway, Suite 106 in Gonzales, where Tia says she will be close to another boutique and a new Bumble Lane.

In the meantime you can shop Tia’s boutique in Prairieville, at pop up shops, and online.  You may also spot her at her alma mater, St. Joseph’s Academy, dressing models for the annual mother/daughter brunch.