Florals festoon the space
Opening the doors to her darling boutique in the Shops at Memorial, Sarah Connor is your go-to gal for all things gifting. Take one step into her treasure trove, IRIS (@_shopiris), and you will know precisely what we mean.
What first prompted you to open a brick-and-mortar?
The experience. Retail therapy is a very real thing, going into a store where you can leave everything at the door and let your mind happily and freely wander. Creativity and excitement collide and you all of a sudden have the perfect something: an outfit for your baby, a gift for your friend, decor for your home. You leave better than when you entered, and that is a positive experience I want to give our community.
Sarah Connor is all smiles
You mention wanting to pay tribute to your family lineage. Can you expand here especially as it pertains to being a strong working woman?
My great-grandmother grew irises in her front yard, and as a way to remember her and my grandmother, my aunts would send irises for any occasion: a shower, graduation, birthday and/or just because. I learned from an early age that a simple flower can literally make it feel like the women in my family are in the room supporting me, and in turn, enabling me to be a strong woman. Their hard work, determination and creativity got them to a certain place, and I am here to build on that. Now, irises are a way I can give recognition to the women in my family who came before me.
How did you choose your location?
I live in the Memorial area and felt there was a need to have a one-stop shop without driving 20-plus minutes. I love the fact that we are next to Three Brothers Bakery; we serve the same clients yet offer different services. Everyone either gets a sweet treat before or after their visit to IRIS.
What are you most excited about sharing with your shoppers?
The joy and happiness that is associated with our store, our products and our IRIS family (staff). We exist to create a culture of warmth, imagination and joy. There is happiness in gifts! Whether for yourself or a loved one, at both ends of the experience I truly believe there is happiness and fun!
Every nook and corner of the space offers something to inspire.
What can guests expect?
All of our products come from a strong place of intention. For example, we really dive into our tablescapes. There is nothing I love more than a beautiful tablescape because it creates an environment where meals become beautifully memorable.
What are some top trends you are seeing across the board?
Men’s: Texas Standard guayabera fishing shirts
Women’s: Consuela mesh pouches that we monogram and are totally obsessed with!
Kids: Trend Tech boomboxes… it creates a family dance party.
Decor: Colorful acrylic dominoes
Tabletop: Our Klimchi handblown glassware is a crowd favorite.
Also, people love personalization! Our custom embroidery takes the gift to the next level!
Photography by: PHOTOs BY MELISSA TAYLOR;
