Melodrama Boutique, a mainstay among Houston fashionistas, is celebrating 15 years of style.

Jackie Adams opened the store in December 2002, and it has blossomed into a hub for showcasing local designers, supporting fellow entrepreneurs and empowering women. Adams recently spoke to the Chronicle about her business and its Third Ward location.

Q: How does it feel being in business for 15 years?

A: Sometimes I have to pinch myself, because when I first set out I didn’t know how long it was going to last or what the future held. But it’s been good. A great opportunity to be connected with people. Some clients I’ve had for 15 years, and I’ve seen their kids grow up or be born.

Q: Why did you initially choose the Third Ward?

A: I was looking for a progressive area and some diversity, and I wanted to be a part of what I consider the change in Houston. And when I did research for my business plan, what was happening in this area is probably the big thread to the entire city. It was going to impact the things they’re doing in River Oaks, the things they’re doing in Rice Village, a lot of the construction on Texas 288. There was so much that was happening. I was like, OK, this would be the great time to get in because ultimately it’s going to get probably so expensive you can get priced out. I figured if I got in while it was going through its changes, then I would have a better opportunity for me being able to be here, like I still am, versus a lot of the other well-developed communities in the city. They’re already priced so high. So it was actually affordable with me coming in during the time I did come in.

Read full article at original source.