It'll be a sad day forbrarea kids and families on August 31: The Owl's Nest, a specialty toy shop inbrSouthlake Town Square, will shut its doors for good. The store offeredbrhard-to-find and unique toys to the community for almost 14 years. It was truly a magical place for children. (Who could forget bringing their kids to visit Santa and his real reindeer?)
Owner Sandy Challinorbrannounced the store closing earlier this month, much to the disappointment ofbrlocal families. If you have kids (or you've ever needed a gift for one), youbrprobably have many happy memories from The Owl's Nest. So, of course, doesbrChallinor. We caught up with her before the shop closed to hear about her experiencesbrand what's next for her.
SouthlakebrStyle: The Owl's Nest was in business for almost 14 years.brWhat inspired you to open the shop?
Challinor:brIt was a vision I had. My kids grew up in a little waterfront town inbrMassachusetts and there was a shop there called The Dragon’s Nest.brCoincidentally, here I am in Southlake. I just wanted to have a quaint littlebrshop. It became a passion for me. I basically wanted to create a funbrenvironment that kids could enjoy. It was a lot of work but I enjoyed it.
SS: What doesbrit mean to you personally that your shop was so beloved by the community?
Challinor:brI feel like I’ve accomplished my goal. Families would come in and enjoy thebrpuppet theater. Kids would just sit here laughing and enjoying themselves. Thatbrbrought me a lot of joy.
SS: What dobryou think you'll miss the most?
Challinor:brI’ll miss my employees because they’re a lot of fun to work with. We have a lotbrof fun, but it’s also a lot of hard work. I’ll miss my customers becausebrthey’ve been so good and supportive.
SS: What'sbrthe biggest lesson you've learned from owning a business in Southlake?
Challinor:brI’ve always enjoyed coming to work. There’s not a day I haven’t enjoyed comingbrto work. If you’re doing something you love, it’s not a job.
SS: What'sbrnext for you? How will you spend your time now that the shop is closing?
Challinor:brI’ll find a job where I can work five days a week instead of seven days a week!br[laughs] I’ll take a little bit of time off. But I’ll be here in Southlake.
SS: Anythingbryou'd like to say to the community?
Challinor:brI just want to thank them for their support over the years and for theirbrfriendships. I’ve so much enjoyed watching families grow. I appreciate thebremails and compliments I’ve received. It just makes me feel good that I’vebrcompleted my goal.
Want to send Sandy yourbrwell wishes? Leave a post on The Owl's Nest Facebook page.