When Kelli Hull moved back to Texas after nearly two decades in Washington, D.C., she identified a significant gap in the Hill Country retail market: a lack of nearby options for contemporary designer clothing. Residents often faced a 45-minute drive to San Antonio for items like blazers, shoes, or evening dresses. In response, Hull opened Monkee's of Fair Oaks Ranch, a locally owned, veteran-owned women's boutique in the Lemon Creek Ranch development serving Fair Oaks Ranch and Boerne.
Hull, a native Texan and Texas A&M University graduate, spent nearly 20 years in government contracting before returning to Texas with her husband, Chris, an Army Reserve officer. The couple built a home and sent a child off to college, prompting Hull to pursue her long-held dream of opening a boutique. “It was really apparent to me that we had a fairly substantive gap in the market,” Hull said. “If you wanted to wear contemporary designers, there was nowhere to get it in this area.”
Monkee's is a franchise based in North Carolina, known for bringing big contemporary designer names to small, neighborhood storefronts. Hull discovered the brand eight years ago in Raleigh and was impressed by its ability to carry well-known brands in a compact space. The franchise model leverages collective buying power, allowing even new owners to access major showrooms. “Someone like me – my store wasn't even open yet – could walk into a major showroom in New York and buy for the season ahead,” she said.
Monkee's of Fair Oaks Ranch is the eighth Monkee's location in Texas and roughly the 67th nationwide. At just over 1,200 square feet, the boutique offers a curated selection of contemporary designers at various price points, enabling customers to shop for day-to-night looks without leaving the Hill Country. For Hull, the store is about more than clothing; she aims to help customers feel confident. “A lot of women just need someone to say, 'You're beautiful, that looks good on you – but I think we can do even better,'” she said. “It's my solemn vow that I'll never let anyone leave Monkee's of Fair Oaks Ranch in something that doesn't look phenomenal on them.”
As a veteran-owned business in the San Antonio area, the boutique plans to support the military community, with further details to come. The store is located in the Lemon Creek Ranch development near Fair Oaks Ranch and Boerne. Customers can follow on Instagram at @monkeesoffairoaks for the latest brands and events, with updates on Facebook and TikTok. The website, monkeesoffairoaks.com, provides store information, and online shopping is planned for 2027. The opening of Monkee's of Fair Oaks Ranch addresses a critical market need, offering Hill Country women access to contemporary fashion without long commutes, while also supporting the local veteran community.
