Laurren's Closet in downtown Forney is a new boutique, which opened on April 6, 2013, inspired by Brian and Patty Smith's love for their daughter. Their daughter, Laurren, was a well known and loved teenage girl in Forney. She passed away in December 2009 from osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer. The new downtown business will serve as a way to honor her memory and raise funds for the non-profit organization the Smiths want to start.
Located at 203 S. Bois D'arc, Laurren's Closet shares building space with Unique Karz, a trophy and car show business owned by Gabby Eguia. Patty Smith says that Gabby has been their neighbor for years and was a huge help while Laurren was sick. Gabby put together a car show, her first ever, to benefit Laurren Smith. She remained a friend of the family even after Laurren passed away. Unique Karz is set up at the front of the building and Laurren's Closet is in the back. Gabby helped convince the Smith's that the time to open their business was now.
The Smiths started out with a booth at the Forney Tornado Relief Benefit Concert, put on by inForney.com in April 2012. They donated all of their earnings from the event to the tornado relief efforts. They also had a booth at First Monday's in Canton and shared Laurren's story with their customers. The Smiths donate some of their profits to Brian's sister, Rhonda, who uses the money to put together “Grab and Go boxes” for teenage girls who are patients at the Children's Hospital in Dallas. It is the same hospital that treated Laurren during her fight with cancer.
Patty Smith said, “We knew we wanted a place in downtown Forney and we wanted to share Laurren's message of hope with the community.” She said they wanted “something unique, something different and with a purpose.” The goodwill the Smiths have given to the Forney community has come back to them many times, including the opening of their store. According to Brian and Patty, the flooring for the store was donated, the paint was donated, a friend at Crossfire Graphics did the logo on their front window for free, and Rocky Fray with Chandler Signs donated the LED sign inside the store.
Brian Smith said his daughter had a “great, positive attitude” throughout her ordeal and she loved the Forney community. “The community went out of their way to support Laurren, and this is our way of giving back.” Patty said her daughter loved “fashion and lots of bling!” The boutique offers things they know their daughter would love, and items girls and women of all ages will seek out. From clothes for baby girls, to jeans, blouses, hats, jewelry, and accessories for all ages, Laurren's Closet has it. Their prices are very affordable, and the work that went into decorating the space makes it feel cozy and comfortable.
Laurren's Closet is a welcome addition to historic downtown Forney. The store is open Wednesday – Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm. You can contact the Smiths at 469-767-3561 or visit their website HERE.