CARRYING ON A FAMILY TRADITION WITH ROBIN GARRETT

from October 2020 ALT Magazine

FISH TALES

Robin Garrett’s parents, Gary and Carolyn Cope, started three businesses in the Texarkana area that have become a part of the local tradition for beauty, wellness, and fashion. “Mom and Dad have been in the fashion and beauty business for over 50 years. My dad was Mom’s hair school instructor in Denver, Colorado. Yes, the teacher dated the student, but it should be noted that there is only a one year age difference!” Robin says. “They moved here in the 70’s and opened their first salon, My Beauty Salon. As time passed, we became Hair Design Systems, and 25 years later, they added Labels Boutique and Time in a Bottle Spa. The three businesses are right in a row on Robin Lane in Texarkana, Texas.”

Some of Robin’s most fond memories center around her parent’s businesses and the times she had there. “At one time, our salon was in Richmond Square, back before anything else was over there except Dairy Queen. Sam’s, Super 1, and Burger King didn’t exist yet. Every day after school, my brother, Jay, and I would walk through the clay field to get a chocolate-covered ice cream cone,” Robin says. “When I was older and in high school at Pleasant Grove, I would come to the salon to help with the client’s makeup and shampooing. Having access to makeup, nail polish, and hair tools is every little girl’s dream, and I knew, even back then, that I was supposed to be doing the same thing as my parents. I guess you could say that fashion and beauty are in our blood.”

Even today, Robin runs the businesses with her parents’ original vision in mind. “Watching my parents work together all day every day was truly amazing. Not too many people could do that with their spouse and ever make it through 51 years

of marriage. I used to love to go to hair shows on the weekends with them to market a natural highlighter my dad came up with,” Robin says. “I figured since they have such a thriving business for so many years, they must be doing something right. With that said, I try to mimic most of their traditions at work.”

When they opened the women’s fashion boutique, Labels, in 1997, it was a natural fit for the salon and spa, especially because Robin has always been interested in fashion. She loves the subjectivity of its application and how it changes from year to year. “It’s interesting to me how different people see fashion and how someone’s style can say a lot about them. I remember as a kid, Mom started selling painted sweatshirts in a small section at our salon. It took off like crazy!” Robin says. “I also remember way back in the day when the infamous rompers were in style, and mom started having some made to sell in the salon. It was possibly one of the ugliest trends of all time! It sold like crazy, though.”

At Labels, Robin stocks women’s clothing, handbags, jewelry, and some gift items. Some of their top brands are Chaser Brand, Michael Lauren, Johnny Was, Liverpool, Nic & Zoe, James Jeans, and Nan & Idge. “We’ve been slinging clothes since 1997, and the absolute hardest thing about owning a boutique is trying to have restraint! Restraint from taking home all the new items for myself and not having anything to sell my clients,” Robin says. “I mean, I do have to pay bills!” However, for Robin, working at the boutique is so natural and fun that it doesn’t feel like actual work. “I get to visit with great women---and the men who are brave enough to shop for their loves---and we play dress up!” Robin says. “Not only do we talk fashion, but we get to catch up on life stories. Nothing about that is called a job!”

As for this year’s fashion trends, Robin says that animal prints are still taking the lead, and “they are here to stay!” She also says that we will see lots of earthy tones like beige, chocolate, cognac, and caramel. “On the more

colorful end, the jewel tones are a big fall trend. Sapphire, ruby, citrine, and emerald shades look great on almost anyone,” Robin says, “Fringed sweaters and long jackets should be in everyone’s closet.”

If you stop by the Labels soon, you may find the new Nic and Zoe cozy, whimsical, long coat that Robin says “is to die for,” and you may find a sparkly piece of jewelry from a new line that Robin is excited about. “ It has leather, crystals, copper, stones, and much more in it,” Robin says. “Michael Lauren’s first shipment since COVID-19 just arrived as well. My favorite is the distressed jogging suit in black and grey with a grey The spread of COVID-19 has affected most small businesses, and Robin is no stranger to this. To help customers who don’t want to venture out to the store, Robin promotes Labels on all social media outlets with Paypal and Cash App. “Small businesses are what keeps towns and cities alive. Keeping money close to home provides opportunities for people like us and so many more entrepreneurs,” Robin says. “Let’s not forget to spend money locally as much as possible.”

Time in a Bottle, Hair Design Systems, and Labels survived during COVID19 with support from their loyal customers. They sold gift cards, and Labels provided curbside service. When they opened again, they increased cleaning and disinfecting procedures and wore gloves and masks during all massages, hair treatments, and manicures. Ultimately, Robin was eager to reopen and see the clients who have graced their doors for decades. “COVID19 affected us by having to shut down for six weeks, but I still made deliveries, curbside, and online sales. We are too strong of a business to stay down too long, and we are very appreciative of that!” Robin says. “We have such great and loyal clients in all three businesses. God has been so good to us!”

Even in the hard times, Robin stays inspired by dedicated friends, family, and Texarkana citizens who work hard every day to achieve their goals. “Whether it’s your job, your family, your friends, or just life as a whole,

Robin also leans on her family for support. Her and her husband, Kris, have been married for five years. Kris is a lead man at Red River Army Depot, and while Kris does not work with Robin every day, he helps a lot at the businesses. “Kris does everything from the yards to fixing shampoo bowls to changing out light fixtures to basically anything any of the eight women employees want him to do! I also have an amazing 16-year-old stepson, Mason, that is such a gentleman and just a great kid,” Robin says. “We also have one fur baby named Starr. I talk to her like she is going to talk back to me, too. I know most of you all do the same thing to your fur babies! I have been blessed for sure!”

As the years go by, Robin’s only goal is to keep up the family tradition that her parents started in 1970. She wants to keep the doors open to loyal customers and new ones who want to try out a fun, friendly place where they can feel taken care of and pampered. “The only goal I have ever had for our businesses is to keep making people look and feel as gorgeous as they are!” Robin says. “As long as I can keep that going, it’s a good day.”