On Friday, Nov. 8, the Dripping Springs Chamber of Commerce joined Monkee’s of Dripping Springs for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the boutique’s grand opening. Guests enjoyed champagne, shopping, and mingled with store owner Elona Appleby.
Monkee’s of Dripping Springs is a high-end women’s boutique offering a curated selection of clothing, shoes, bags, and accessories. Owned by Appleby, the boutique is run with the help of her mother, Lilly Kulla, who serves as a buyer and inventory manager. Together, they have created a unique shopping experience that blends boutique brands with popular, high-quality labels.
Appleby, a longtime fashion industry veteran, previously worked as a wholesaler for her own brand for 10 years. “Monkee’s stands apart from other stores in the area,” she said. “We offer top-quality brands and cater to a variety of customers.”
Though part of the Monkee’s franchise, each location has the flexibility to curate its own collection. Appleby carefully selects pieces from small, boutique brands alongside well-loved, larger names. “I shop for everyone in our community—whether it’s a high school student shopping for prom, a young mom, or more mature women,” she explained.
The grand opening event featured a pop-up station by Derek Welborn, a local hatter showcasing his custom-made Western hats. Appleby highlighted the advantage of supporting local artists, noting, “I wanted to bring Derek in because he creates his hats from scratch. It’s a great opportunity for the community to experience his craftsmanship.”
Appleby, who has lived in Dripping Springs for five years, shared her passion for the town’s growth and her desire to offer a local shopping option for women. “I realized there was a need for a store where women like me could shop without having to drive far away. I wanted to create that space in the heart of our community,” she said.
Monkee’s is located at 136 Drifting Wind Run, Ste. 121, in the same shopping center as Garbo’s and Drip Dental. The boutique is open Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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