Kelli Hull, a native Texan and veteran, has opened Monkee's of Fair Oaks Ranch in the Lemon Creek Ranch development, addressing a long-standing need for contemporary designer clothing in the Hill Country. Hull, who returned to Texas after nearly two decades in Washington, D.C., noticed that women in the Fair Oaks Ranch and Boerne areas had to drive 45 minutes to San Antonio for brands like those found at La Cantera or Julian Gold.
“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. I kept hearing from other women that they had the same frustrations. So I decided to finally pull the trigger on what had been a bucket-list career path for me.”
Hull, a Texas A&M University graduate, spent nearly 20 years in government contracting before moving home. Her husband, Chris, is an Army Reserve officer. The boutique is part of the Monkee's franchise, a North Carolina-based chain of locally owned women's boutiques known for carrying major contemporary designers in small, neighborhood storefronts. Monkee's of Fair Oaks Ranch is the eighth location in Texas and roughly the 67th nationwide.
The franchise's collective buying power allows small boutiques to access major showrooms. “Because we’re a franchise, the buying power the franchisees have together is significant,” Hull said. “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.”
At just over 1,200 square feet, the boutique offers a curated selection of contemporary designers across a range of price points. Hull emphasizes a personalized experience, aiming 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. “When you look good, you feel good, and that projects out. 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 San Antonio—Military City USA—the boutique plans to support the military community, with details to come. The store is located in the Lemon Creek Ranch development, and customers can follow on Instagram at @monkeesoffairoaks for latest brands and events. The website, monkeesoffairoaks.com, offers store information, with online shopping planned for 2027.
