Fort Worth, Texas – After four years at Ridgmar Mall, La Catrina, the Mexican‑artisan boutique owned by Giovanna Villalpando, has opened a new location in the Connex container retail park on Fort Worth’s Historic Southside. The shop began a soft launch in early September, adding final touches and posting weekly hours on its Instagram page.
Family‑driven vision and cultural mission
Villalpando, a native of Tacoaleche, Zacatecas, Mexico, describes La Catrina as a family business. While she manages daily operations and social media, her parents travel to Mexico to source and embroider products, and her husband handles heavy lifting, website maintenance, and photography. The family’s involvement underscores the shop’s commitment to preserving Mexican craftsmanship and sharing it with the Fort Worth community.
Design that lets the products speak
The new storefront features deep‑black walls highlighted by a white Otomi folk‑art motif. The stark contrast allows the vibrant pottery, stationery, clothing accessories, and other knickknacks to stand out, reflecting Villalpando’s belief that “the product should do the talking.”
From mall challenges to a fresh start
Ridgmar Mall’s sale to a Dallas‑based private‑equity firm and its planned conversion into a logistics hub forced La Catrina to relocate. Sales plummeted during the mall’s decline, with Villalpando recalling a day when the store sold only $5 worth of merchandise. Undeterred, she visited the Connex retail park, saw vacant spaces, and decided it was the right place for a new chapter.
Supporting the broader Latino community
Villalpando hopes the new shop will inspire other Latino‑owned businesses to establish themselves in the area. She plans to host community vendor markets similar to those she organized at Ridgmar, providing a platform for local entrepreneurs. Former Texas Wesleyan University Latinx Student Association president Carla Salazar praised Villalpando’s authentic approach, noting that the shop offers more than profit—it offers cultural connection.
Looking ahead
Beyond selling Mexican snacks, candy, and household items, La Catrina aims to be a welcoming space for residents unfamiliar with Mexican culture. Villalpando wants customers to learn about the origins and uses of each piece, fostering community ties that she believes are essential for a thriving neighborhood.
The original Ridgmar location will remain open until demolition begins, allowing longtime patrons to transition to the new Southside venue. With family support, a clear cultural mission, and a fresh retail setting, La Catrina is poised to become a vibrant addition to Fort Worth’s historic district.
Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.
