By Dane Anderson, Staff Writer

The owners of four Westbank boutiques have banded together with a simple plan in mind – make Austin aware of Bee Cave Road as a food and shopping destination. 

Taking full advantage of Austin Fashion Week, the four shops combined forces for a boutique crawl July 16 that tempted shoppers with cookies, cupcakes, Sangria, jewelry designers and even a children’s fashion show. The three-mile party started at OhBaby! women’s clothing in the Shops at Mira Vista  center. Shoppers then headed west to the West Lake Court shopping center for a visit to Izzy and Ash children’s clothing store, which featured a fashion show for  tots, and Sanctuary gift and accessory shop, where designer Lisa Crowder held court over a showcase of new jewelry.

The evening of shopping excursions wound to a close at Anna Gray jewelry boutique just west of Loop 360 at 6317 Bee Cave Road, where owner Lora Pelta and Urban Posh jewelry designer Jeannie Kirkland welcomed   customers with wine and pizza from neighboring The Grove restaurant.

The shop owners hope that, by joining forces, they can battle back against the effects of an economic downturn. They think they have a good shot, if they can bring to public attention the unique and independent aspect of Westbank style.

“It is only three miles from MoPac to Loop 360, and there are so many cool, cool shops and places to eat along that stretch,” said Hanna Curran, owner of Sanctuary, an upscale home, bath and clothing store. “We want people to be excited by what we offer out here and how convenient we are.”

Sanctuary has been open for a year, and business has been slower than Curran expected. But the future appears rosy for the shop, which was voted Best Home Décor Shop during Austin Fashion Week. Curran is optimistic about business and the prospects for forming a shop-and-dine area.

“The one good thing about starting in a bad economy is that, if you can get through it, you’ve gotten the worst out of the way first,” she said. “We know other small stores and restaurants are having a hard time too. If we can stick together, we have a better chance of making it, so we want to reach out to all boutiques and restaurants in the Westbank area.”

Jennifer Mazuelos and her husband, Duberly, opened the Izzy and Ash designer children’s boutique in the same shopping center as Sanctuary four months ago. She said they were wary but undaunted by the weak economy. 

“It has been a very difficult beginning, but the response we get from people is fantastic,” Mazuelos said.  “They like the fact that we are a local independent store. They appreciate the creativity and flair.”

Mazuelos said her children inspired her to open the boutique across from Breed and Company. Celebrating their flare and their unique spirits, she ditched her day job and opened a clothing store for hip kids. Izzy and Ash was also honored by Austin Fashion Week, nominated as one of the top five children’s boutiques in Austin. 

“It’s a place where you can define your personal best,” she said. 

The entrepreneur said she wants to reinforce a shop local mentality in her own Westbank back yard and is willing to do what it takes to make that happen. She said Izzy and Ash supports local designers and artisans, which they feature in the boutique. She is eager to join forces with other local businesses in the area to support the small business community. She is working with Curran to develop a map and brochure of shops and restaurants in the Westbank and organize special events that tie the businesses together, establishing a definable close-in shopping location. She said she isn’t afraid of the work ahead. “We’re hungry to succeed and we are willing to do the work to get the idea going,” she said. “It just makes sense. There is a very strong style here – very Austin, very creative, very individual. We want to drive that point home.”

“We recognize that Second Street has had such a big success (as a shopping area),” said Anna Gray’s Pelto. “We would like to get something like that established for our area.”

Pelto said it is critical to keep reminding people of the importance of shopping locally. 

“You want your local business owners and tax payers to stay healthy and stay around,” she said. “We are part of what makes this such a wonderful, creative and independent community.”