I had the pleasure of visiting with Kate Beal, the proprietor of the fabulous interior design boutique, Hyacinth in Midland, Texas. Kate owes much of her design aesthetic to her mentor, accomplished interior designer Charles Faudree. Kate became friends with Charles when she began working for T.A. Lorton, whose shops were in the same shopping center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Kate fondly reminisced how she would go to flea markets with Charles and study where Charles’ eye would wonder. She always vowed that she wanted Charles to decorate her home. And that he has done, not once, but twice. Kate’s beautiful furnsihed homes are featured in several of Charles’ books. Charles was instrumental in laying the foundation for Kate’s interior design boutique, Hyacinth. He helped her stage the shop for its grand opening and has returned three times for book signings.
Kate’s shop, Hyacinth, is as beautiful as she is. Kate’s beauty radiates from the inside out. Kate decided to open Hyacinth after she reached a cross road in her life, one that prompted her to pursue her dreams rather than keeping them in a box. Kate chose to name the shop, Hyacinth, after a poem she had heard in church, “Hyacinth, to Feed My Soul.”
If of thy mortal goods thou art bereft,
And from thy slender store two loaves alone to thee are left,
Sell one, and with the dole
Buy hyacinths to feed thy soul.
Concentrating on the beauty of the hyacinth…its smell, its color, the perfection of its flowers is a gift from God. We need to appreciate all that God has given us.
Shopping in Kate’s boutique is much like enjoying the beauty of the hyacinth. There is beauty and perfection at every turn to feed your soul. Kate has acquired treasures from her buying trips to New York and Europe. She especially enjoyed her time in the South of France. Kate says what she most appreciated was the French working in the flea markets would take time to enjoy the moment. They would serve lunch with a table cloth, plates, baguettes, and wine – a far cry from the fast paced life she was experiencing at home. Kate loved looking at the authentic aging French women who chose to let their grace shine through naturally.
Hyacinth is a true reflection of Kate’s belief that you should buy what you love and buy pieces that have meaning to you. A beautiful home is one which has evolved over time and reflects your soul and who you are.
Not only is Kate’s boutique beautiful, but it serves our community as well. Kate is very community conscious and enjoys donating to community causes. Once the shop is financially able, Kate plans to donate all of the profits from Hyacinth to charity.
I hope if you are in Midland, Texas, you will take the opportunity treat yourself and visit Hyacinth.
