From Hobby to Heartfelt Business: Ashely Martinez

From Hobby to Heartfelt Business: The Journey of Citrine Designs

Ashley Martinez launched Citrine Designs in 2019 after years of crafting beaded jewelry as a hobby for herself and loved ones. Inspired by countless compliments and encouragement to share her work, Ashley took a leap of faith—with plenty of prayer—and turned her passion into a thriving small business.

“My goal is to create jewelry that’s fun, stylish, and affordable,” Ashley shares. “Each piece is thoughtfully designed and prayed over, and my hope is that it brings joy to whoever wears it.”

Giving Back Through Creativity

Ashley’s love for Boerne shines through her work. She’s dedicated to making pieces that reflect the beauty and spirit of the community she calls home. Whether it’s a gift or a personal keepsake, Ashley’s jewelry is designed to make you feel confident, stylish, and connected.

BOERNE FAVORITES: FAMILY, FUN, AND COMMUNITY

Favorite Family Event:

Ashley’s family loves cheering on the Boerne Greyhounds at football games. “It’s such a fun way to come together as a community and support our local teams,” she says.

Favorite Date Spot:

For date nights, Ashley and her husband, Alfonso Jr., head to Boerne Taco House for their favorite meal, followed by a romantic stroll down Main Street.

Girls’ Night Out Favorite:

When catching up with friends, Ashley loves heading to El Chaparral. “The kids’ play area is perfect for my little ones, and it makes for a relaxing time with friends!”

Favorite Family Activity:

Ashley, Alfonso, and their boys, Pablo and Eli, cherish family game nights. With pizza on the table and Monopoly on the board, it’s always a memorable evening.

A Life Rooted in Love and Gratitude

Ashley is a proud mom to Pablo and Eli and fur mom to Coco and Lulu. Her family of four is her biggest inspiration and support system, and she’s grateful to share life’s journey with them.

How to Connect with Ashley Martinez

Ashley would love to share her passion with you!

• Instagram: @ashleymartinez5831

• Facebook: Citrine Designs

• Email: citrinedesignsjewelry@gmail.com

Thank you, Ashley, for sharing your story and for using your creativity to give back to the Boerne community. We’re so blessed to have you as part of our town!

Health Insurance Advocate - Leah Perry

Boerne Love Spotlight: Empowering Moms and Businesses in Our Community

Here at Boerne Love, we’re thrilled to highlight the inspiring moms of Boerne who bring their unique talents, passions, and dedication to our community. Each of these remarkable women enriches our town in meaningful ways. Today, we’re excited to introduce Leah Perry, a health insurance advocate and agency owner whose mission stems from personal experience and a heart for helping others.

From Pain to Purpose: A Mission to Educate and Empower

Leah Perry is the proud owner of a health insurance agency that serves families, individuals, and small business owners in navigating the often-confusing world of health coverage. Her passion for this work is deeply personal, sparked by her own challenges with inadequate insurance during her cancer journey.

“My goal is to turn pain into purpose,” Leah shares. “I want to ensure my clients feel informed and empowered as they make these important decisions.” She offers personalized guidance and serves as an advocate, ensuring her clients have coverage that truly meets their needs.

Two Years of Community Care
For the past two years, Leah has been serving the Boerne community and beyond, connecting with local families and helping them feel secure and prepared for life’s unexpected challenges. She believes in educating her clients and offering free consultations, ensuring no one has to navigate health coverage decisions blindly.

Giving Back: A Heart for Helping Others

Leah is passionate about giving back to Boerne through educational workshops, volunteering at local events, and simply being a source of encouragement for those in need. Her agency is not just a business—it’s a resource and a way to uplift the community she loves.

BOERNE FAVORITES: FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND FUN

Favorite Family Event:

Leah’s family adores the Dickens on Main festival. “It feels like stepping into a real-life Hallmark movie,” she says. “It’s such a magical time filled with charm and community spirit!”

Favorite Date Spot:

For date nights, Leah loves visiting Free Roam or Dodging Duck. “They’re inviting, relaxed, and perfect for great food and conversation.”

Girls’ Night Out Favorite:

When it’s time to catch up with friends, Leah’s go-to spot is The Dienger Trading Co. “It’s the perfect mix of classy and casual, with great food and even better company!”

Favorite Family Activity:

Leah and her kids love spending time at the Cibolo Nature Center. Whether hiking, exploring, or enjoying the beauty of nature, it’s always a wonderful way to connect and make memories together.

A Beautiful Life, Full of Love and Gratitude

Leah is blessed with two amazing children who inspire her every day. She’s also in a relationship with a supportive partner who encourages her in both life and business. Together, they’re building a life filled with love, laughter, and shared dreams.

How to Connect with Leah Perry

Leah is passionate about helping others and is always available to connect. Set up a meeting with her here.

Thank you, Leah, for sharing your inspiring story and for being such a vital part of the Boerne community. We’re grateful to have you here, lifting others up and making a difference!

Jackie Did It - A Local Hairstylist

Friday Feature: Boerne Moms Edition - Meet Jackie Cooper

Here at Boerne Love, we’re thrilled to shine a light on the inspiring moms of Boerne who bring their talents and energy into our community. Each of these remarkable women adds something special to our town through their hard work, passion, and dedication. Today, we’re excited to introduce you to Jackie Cooper, a seasoned hairstylist and owner of her own salon, known for her warm heart, creative touch, and commitment to making people feel their best!

A Journey to Entrepreneurship

Jackie’s journey to owning her own salon began after she moved to Boerne from Dallas and brought with her a 28-year career in hairdressing. For Jackie, opening her own salon was about more than just creating beautiful hairstyles—it was about finding a career that allowed her the flexibility to balance her personal life and professional goals. By setting her own schedule, she could provide personalized, attentive service that fit around her clients’ needs.

Giving Back to the Boerne Community

Jackie has a big heart for giving back, especially to single moms in Boerne. Each Mother’s Day, she invites her community to nominate a single mom who deserves a little pampering. The chosen mom receives a complimentary haircut and color—a way for Jackie to boost her confidence and brighten her day. Jackie sees her salon as a place where she can support others in meaningful ways, offering a touch of beauty and care to those who might not otherwise receive it.

Boerne Favorites: Family, Friends, and Fun

Favorite Family Event:

One of Jackie’s favorite family traditions is Boerne’s annual Christmas Light Parade, which fills Main Street with the magic of the season. She also loves the Weiner Dog Parade, a quirky and charming event that brings the community together.

Favorite Boerne Date Spot:

Jackie’s go-to spot for a casual date is Sauced. She’s a huge football fan and loves the relaxed vibe, familiar faces, and their delicious veggie wings, which she always recommends to friends! For a more dressed-up evening, Peggy’s on the Green is her choice, offering an elevated experience that feels just right for a special night out.

Girls’ Night Out Favorite:

When it comes to a night out with her girlfriends, Cypress Grill is her top pick. “The food is fantastic, and Katie always gives phenomenal service!” Jackie says. The portions are generous, making it perfect for sharing great food, a glass of wine, and catching up with friends.

Family Activities:

With a 24-year-old daughter who’s soon to be married, Jackie cherishes family outings to the Cibolo Nature Center. She loves taking their dog Riggs out to explore the natural beauty that Boerne has to offer. “It’s a gorgeous spot nestled right in Boerne—a true treasure,” she says.

How to Connect with Jackie

Jackie loves staying connected with her clients and shares her work primarily on Facebook. She has a loyal clientele, with some clients even traveling from Dallas to Boerne to have her do their hair. If you’d like to book an appointment or see some of her work, you can reach her at her website, on Facebook or Instagram at @yepjustjackie

Meet the “Boerne Bread Lady”

Friday Feature: Boerne Moms Edition - Meet the “Boerne Bread Lady”

Here at Boerne Love, we’re thrilled to highlight the incredible moms in Boerne who pour their hearts into making a difference in our community. Through their unique talents, dedication, and passion, these inspiring women bring something truly special to our town. Today, we’re excited to introduce you to Taylor, better known as the “Boerne Bread Lady” and owner of @taylormadegoods!

A Journey from Passion to Business

Taylor’s bread-baking journey began in September 2023 when she set out to make her first loaf of sourdough. What started as a personal goal soon blossomed into something bigger than she could have imagined. After sharing her sourdough with family and friends, the requests to purchase her bread came pouring in. Taylor soon realized that there was a strong demand for fresh, organic bread made without any processed ingredients—something she’d wanted for her own family.

As word spread, Taylor’s bread gained a following solely through word of mouth and her social media updates. She now shares a weekly menu on her ordering site, allowing customers to select their fresh sourdough and pick it up right from her front porch on Main Street. Her dedication to wholesome food has brought a new, delicious option to Boerne, and her journey continues to be a blessing for her family and her customers.

Why Sourdough?

Taylor’s decision to start baking sourdough wasn’t random—it was a result of a thoughtful push towards healthier, unprocessed foods for her family. Every loaf she bakes is made with organic, high-quality ingredients and is long-fermented to bring out the full benefits of sourdough, including easier digestion and better blood sugar regulation. This commitment to real, clean ingredients has created a special connection with customers, including diabetics and those with food sensitivities, who now find they can enjoy bread without discomfort.

Boerne Roots & Family Life

Taylor’s ties to Boerne run deep. She and her husband are raising three wonderful children—Waylon (7) and twins Maverick and Isabella (3)—alongside their Brittany spaniel, Riggs, and a small flock of chickens. As a homeschooling mom, Taylor shares a love for Boerne’s natural spaces with her kids, often visiting favorite spots like the Cibolo Nature Center and Arrows Play Park. During the holiday season, the family loves Dickens on Main, where they walk Main Street to see Christmas lights and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Favorite Spots for Community & Connection

Boerne is filled with family-friendly events and unique local businesses, and Taylor makes the most of them. Whether she’s taking a walk with her kids by Cibolo Creek or gathering with friends at Cibolo Brewing Co., she finds joy in connecting with her community. The rich blend of local events and spaces in Boerne is part of what makes it feel like home to her and her family.

Supporting Boerne with Every Loaf

For Taylor, “Taylor Made Goods” is more than a business; it’s a way to serve her community by providing bread that’s both nutritious and delicious. She’s incredibly grateful for the support Boerne has shown her small business, which continues to grow thanks to the community’s love for fresh, local products.

Thank you, Taylor, for being an incredible part of Boerne’s small business community and for helping other families eat well, one loaf at a time!

We’re so proud to celebrate Taylor’s journey and the love she brings to our community through her amazing baked goods. Follow her on Instagram at @taylormadebtx to keep up with her weekly menus and learn more about her delicious sourdough journey!

Want to learn more about the incredible moms and businesses making a difference in Boerne? Stay tuned for our next Friday Feature! #BoerneMoms #BoerneBusinesses

This content is made possible by our Boerne Love Business Sponsors!

Exploring Boerne with Alyssa Beaird: Family, Community, and Purpose with A.Marie & Co.

Meet Alyssa Beaird, the inspiring owner of A.Marie & Co. in Boerne, Texas, where she brings passion and purpose to helping families streamline their homes and their lives. Alyssa’s mission with A.Marie & Co. is simple yet impactful: she aims to “evaluate and design a lifestyle that helps families live with great confidence, immense joy, and intentional purpose.” Her work as a Home Operations and Organization Coach helps families find joy in their daily routines by implementing systems that make life easier and more intentional.

Discover more about Alyssa and the services A.Marie & Co. offers at a-marie.com.

Building Roots in Boerne

Alyssa took the plunge into full-time entrepreneurship two and a half years ago, leaving her corporate job to follow her dream of serving families in her community. While her work takes her across the country, Boerne and the Texas Hill Country will always have her heart. “This community has been incredibly welcoming,” she says, “and getting to serve the families here is such a joy.”

Giving Back to the Community

For Alyssa, business isn’t just about transactions—it’s about community. She’s committed to giving back to Boerne, sharing her talents and expertise with local churches, schools, and nonprofits. “Community is everything,” Alyssa shares. “Being able to support local organizations is a privilege, and I love that I get to invest in Boerne in ways that go beyond business.”

Family-Friendly Fun: Boerne’s Best Events

Boerne is a vibrant town with plenty of family-friendly activities, and Alyssa is a big fan of making memories with her family here. From Market Days and Movie Nights to Car Shows and Diva Nights, there’s no shortage of fun things to do. But her heart is set on the Christmas season: “Dickens on Main, the Weihnachts Parade, and the Cookie Crawl—Christmas in Boerne is truly magical.”

Date Nights and Girls’ Nights Out

Alyssa and her husband, Randy, have found a few local spots that they frequent for date nights, including Compadres Hill Country Cocina and Dark Side Brick Oven Pizza Co.. These cozy eateries offer a great setting for enjoying time together close to home.

When it’s time for a girls’ night, Alyssa enjoys an evening at Tre Pizzeria with friends, followed by dessert at Blythe Creamery and a bit of shopping along Main Street. “Boerne has such a charming downtown,” Alyssa says. “A night out here is always a treat!”

Making Memories with the Kids

With three children (ages 9, 6, and 3) and two dogs, Gigi and Papi, Alyssa’s days are filled with family fun. When they’re not busy with the many activities that Boerne offers, you’ll find them spending quality time at home, enjoying movie nights with friends and neighbors, or exploring the community.

Building a Life of Purpose and Joy

Alyssa’s journey with A.Marie & Co. is all about building a life that feels good from the inside out. By helping families design lifestyles centered around organization and intentional living, she’s not just offering a service—she’s helping people find confidence and joy in their everyday lives.

For Alyssa, there’s no better place to do this work than Boerne, a community that values family, connection, and purpose. If you see Alyssa, Randy, and their children out and about (with Gigi and Papi in tow!), be sure to say hello—chances are, they’re already making their next set of memories.

Discover more about Alyssa’s services at A.Marie & Co. and see how she can help you create a home and lifestyle that you love.

This content is made possible by our Boerne Love Business Sponsors!