The New Home Décor Boutique in Montgomery that’s Set to Become an Instant Local Favorite

It’s amazing how many business success stories can be attributed to a simple pivot. While in the day-to-day life of a business, sometimes it’s a side business or hobby that carries the most passion. A Different Niche! is a perfect example of this phenomenon. Ken and Faye Milstead owned and managed Milstead Glass in Magnolia for over 30 years. In 2012, Milstead Glass expanded to include Milstead Home Décor, Faye’s passion project. For the last eight years, her home décor boutique has grown in popularity. 

When Ken and Faye decided to sell Milstead Glass in 2019, Faye had no intentions of slowing down. Instead, it was time for her dream to take on a life of its own. Her previous 1,500 square foot boutique in Milstead Glass has blossomed into a beautiful, new 4,000 square foot showroom located at 2114 McCaleb Rd. Faye’s passion for home décor has continued to intensify and now she has the right location, product lines and time to allow her passion to flourish. The home décor boutique is a reflection of Faye. “I didn’t want to retire. That’s just not for me. I was ready to start living my dream full-time,” she says. Faye admits she loves the experience that she and Ken gained with Milstead Glass, but doesn’t miss the business. “I do miss my employees,” she exclaims. “My employees and my customers have always been my priority.” 

When asked why she decided to open her own home décor store, Faye speaks of creating a shopping experience centered around the customer. “A Different Niche! encourages customers to come in, take the time to browse, touch and feel the products. Smell the wonderful candles and lotions in the store. You can purchase almost anything on Amazon from your computer or phone. My plan is to make A Different Niche! a destination for great shopping and in coming months, small events,” she explained. “Most of all, it’s about shopping locally and supporting your community.” 

Like many beloved brands, there is an almost serendipitous way this store came to be, including how it got its name. Faye reminisces, “When I first opened, a man walked in and was just looking around. I didn’t have a name for the store yet. He looked around and said, ‘You know, this is a different niche.’ And it just clicked.” 

Why that name clicked is no secret to Faye. “When you go to the market, you have to select unique products that people like and just don’t see anywhere else.” Customers aren’t looking for something ordinary for their homes. They want something with character – something that looks good, but also tells a story,” shared Faye. 

Unique is the focus at A Different Niche!. Large furniture stores offer a standard selection of the most common brand items. Faye’s approach is to offer products that accentuate people’s style and take on a personal meaning to them. Part rustic, part chic, part contemporary – Faye’s sense of style comes from years of learning what her customers love most. Her new store continues to offer the brand names her clientele has come to love from her original location, while adding more new product lines to discover. You’ll find brands like Tyler Candle Company®, Orleans Home Fragrances®, Noodle & Boo®, Bella Tunno®, Bearington Baby Collection®, Park Hill®, Forty West®, Uttermost®, nora fleming®, among many others. The shop also carries a large selection of Texas-based brands including wines you will love! 

Her customers regularly tell her they love the name, the openness of the store, and the selection of merchandise. It’s not just another store, after all. A Different Niche! has a welcome atmosphere that invites you to hang out and look around. Walking through the doors is a bit like accepting an invitation to a home décor scavenger hunt. Customers can enjoy a glass of wine from local wineries like Messina Hof®, Bernhardt®, and Los Pines Ranch® and discover new brands around every corner. 

If the success of Milstead Glass is any indicator of Faye’s new venture, then it’s safe to say A Different Niche! will be a resounding success. After all, Faye is bringing the same level of dedication and passion to her new store. As she fondly expresses, “This is why I’m where I am today. It’s because of glass.” She attributes her 30+ years of continued success to one factor: “Our main goal has always been customer service. Make them feel like they’re appreciated when they walk through the door.” Her method speaks to a timeless simplicity that is all but lost in business nowadays: “You stand up!. You greet customers! You smile! You’re there for your customers. You take care of them. Customer service is number one. At A Different Niche!, you’ll feel more like family than just another shopper,” Faye strongly emphasizes. 

When asked what advice she would leave with her customers, her wisdom is simple, yet profound. “Be kind. Be honest. Show respect.” It’s safe to say that A Different Niche! is set to become a new, local-favorite, destination in Montgomery County. Come check out the boutique and see for yourself. 

A Different Niche! opened its doors in March 2020, and is now open Tuesday to Friday from 10:00AM to 6:00PM, Saturdays from 10:00AM to 3:00PM, and is closed on Sundays and Mondays. Come shop and enjoy a glass of wine at the store located at 2114 McCaleb Road, BLDG. A, Ste. 100, Montgomery, TX. You can also give them a call at 936-286-8073 and find them online at www.adifferentniche.com.