A big new gift shop full of artistic items, seasonal decorations, and a cozy coffee corner has opened up in downtown Covington, occupying the old Alexius Brothers Hardware building behind the train station. It opened in late February, with a grand opening on the Fourth of July weekend.
The "Once in A While" shop, combined with Green Eyed Goddess Gifts, offers a vast array of interesting items for home decor, wearable art ( clothing and jewelry,) balloons, and many other unique items.
Dawn Miley Galloway manages the shop and mentioned its collection of religious decorative items, as well as wedding and baby merchandise. One area showcases Christmas trees and ornaments.
"There's something for everyone," she said. She pointed at the chandeliers overhead and noted there were outdoor living items as well.
The large back section of the building has been turned into a meeting space/reception hall and is available for group get-togethers. A corner of the store's interior space has been converted to a comfortable coffee shop.
Much of the jewelry is designed and made by Belinda Miley, a local artist who attended the Art Institute of Houston.
Dawn previously worked for her mother at a day care center, and also worked in retail sales. Her mother, Pam Miley, owns the Little Red Schoolhouse on Lee Road and has operated that business for going on 48 years.
"My dad also had Miley's Glass Shop way back when," Dawn added.
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/greeneyedgoddessgifts