For Staci Martin, Apricot Lane Boutique isn’t just her job; it’s the culmination of her life, guided by God’s hand, connecting the dots that led her to this point. She was born and raised in Tyler. Growing up, she always knew her calling was to be a classroom teacher. She graduated from UT Tyler in 1994 and started teaching second grade in Lindale. During her third year of teaching, she became pregnant with twins. At nineteen weeks, she was placed on bed rest. She and her husband decided it would be best for her to stay home once the babies were born. She stayed home for several years. After her children finished kindergarten, she was offered a job teaching at Grace Community. The summer before her second year of teaching at Grace, her daughter, Morgan, started having seizures. The year following was full of a lot of changes. She learned that Morgan was born with a condition called Tuberous Sclerosis Complex. She thought she was going to need to homeschool her, so she left Grace. A few months later, Morgan had gotten control of her seizures. In October 2008, she started teaching fourth grade in Whitehouse. Many years later, the opportunity to open Apricot Lane presented itself and she and her husband prayed a lot about it. She had always known her mission field was the classroom. She wanted to be where the Lord wanted her. As they prayed, the dots started connecting and she knew it was time to start a new adventure. Fortunately, Morgan had just graduated with her Masters and she was able to start this journey with her. In July 2022, they opened the boutique. 

At Apricot Lane Boutique, they sell women’s clothing and accessories, but more than that, “[they] love building relationships with [their] customers,” they say. “My employees, Morgan, and I love helping women find the perfect outfit for any occasion.” Staci also says that God is at the center of what they do each day, and prays to be a light that shines in her business.

Part of what makes Apricot Lane Boutique unique is their effort to build relationships with their customers. They try to remember each customer that comes through the door. They strive to remember their name, their style, their preferences. Their goal is for every woman that enters their boutique to feel beautiful, heard, and important.; To Apricot Lane, they are. Additionally, they make an effort to help non-profits with donations, helping as much as they can. Through daily prayer, Staci strives to make sure she’s working for the Lord.

In the future, Staci’s vision is for Apricot Lane to continue on and become a shopping staple for all women in Tyler and the surrounding areas. “We've been open for over three years and many people don't know we're here,” Staci says. “Word-of-mouth is the best way to get new people in the door. I would love for everyone to know about us and to come shop with us.” Located in the Village at Cumberland, she encourages all the ladies of Oak Creek to come in and say hello. Staci Martin knows Apricot Lane is where she is supposed to be, and she hopes and prays that you’ll be there, too.