Check out the Gainesville Community Market for fresh produce and homemade goods every Saturday morning.

She Built It for Gainesville — Now Gainesville Is Showing Up for Her

A community spotlight on Maizey’s Exchange

By Sarah Brock | Gainesville Gazette

On East California Street, tucked inside a brightly painted storefront filled with tiny hangers, pastel murals, and rows of thoughtfully organized children’s clothing, Maizey’s Exchange has quietly been doing something rare.

Not just selling clothes — but building a community.

Maizey’s Exchange is a women-owned children’s consignment boutique serving families from newborn through teen. It’s a place where parents can shop affordably, sustainably, and with heart. But behind the cheerful murals and neatly sorted racks is a small business owner who has recently been walking through one of the hardest seasons of her journey.

Earlier this week, the owner of Maizey’s Exchange shared something vulnerable: the shop had been experiencing slower-than-expected foot traffic, making it increasingly difficult to operate at normal levels. Her honesty struck a chord — and Gainesville responded.

What followed was a powerful reminder of what real community looks like.

“I’m not gonna lie — I spent all day fighting back tears,” she shared. “Opening up about how tough things were wasn’t easy, but seeing the community show up with encouragement, support, and kindness meant more than I can put into words. It reminded me why this place exists in the first place — because of the people in this community and the way they truly care for one another.”

 

Built with local families in mind,  Maizey’s Exchange was born from a simple but heartfelt idea.

“My love for thrifting is what started it all,” she explained. “Even though our community already has some wonderful thrift options, I was inspired to create something unique for our community — something designed specifically with local families in mind. This business was built to fill a gap, offer something fresh, and provide a resource the community could truly benefit from.”

 

That vision became a bright, welcoming space where families can shop for gently loved children’s clothing from newborn through size 14/16, along with maternity wear, baby gear, toys, and books — all thoughtfully curated to make shopping easy, budget-friendly, and enjoyable.

“Seeing people find things they love, save money, and feel good when they walk through the door is what makes all the hard work worth it,” she said. “This isn’t just a store — it’s something I built from my passion and poured my heart into.”

 

More than a store — a resource- Families who walk through the doors of Maizey’s Exchange often say the same thing: it feels different. That’s intentional.

“Everything we do is centered around supporting local families and making a positive difference, even in small but meaningful ways,” she shared. “We genuinely care about providing parents with affordable options and helping ease the financial pressure that comes with raising kids. This place is a resource built with our community in mind.”

 

Some of the shop’s most loved offerings include its wide size range of children’s clothing, baby gear, and toys — allowing families to find what they need in one stop without the big retail price tag.

When the community showed up

When she opened up about how challenging things had become, the response caught her off guard in the most beautiful way.

“People weren’t just coming in to shop — they were coming in to check on me,” she said. “The messages, the hugs, the kind words, and the customers who came in just to say ‘don’t give up’ were overwhelming in the best way. It showed me that this business is about so much more than sales — it’s about people.”

 

Behind the scenes, the shop has also been a true family effort.

“Sourcing, organizing, pricing, marketing — there’s so much that goes into running a business,” she said. “My husband has dedicated countless hours helping while working full time, and we’ve both had to learn so many new skills since this is our first business.”

 

An open door

For anyone who hasn’t stepped inside yet, she wants the message to be simple:

“Our store is a welcoming, family-friendly space — we even have a play area to keep the kiddos occupied. Whether you’re shopping for clothing, baby gear, or just browsing, we hope you feel comfortable, supported, and excited to discover something new.”

 

And to those who showed up when it mattered most:

“I don’t think I can say thank you enough. Every visit, message, and small gesture reminded me that this business is about so much more than what we sell. It’s about community, connection, and genuinely caring for one another.”

 

📍 Maizey’s Exchange

712 East California St., Gainesville, TX

🕒 Hours:
Tuesday – Friday: 10 AM – 4 PM
Saturday: 12 PM – 3 PM
Closed Sunday & Monday

Children’s consignment boutique | Sizes newborn – 14/16
Instagram: @maizeys_exchange

🍹 Margs & Shop at The Cowgirl Mercantile

Friday, January 16 | 5 PM
419 N Commerce St.

Western wear, cold margaritas, and a Friday night that feels like a mini getaway.
Join The Cowgirl Mercantile for a country-western sip & shop — browse new arrivals, sip something good, and unwind with your girls in a space that feels equal parts boutique + best night out energy.

Come for the margs. Stay for the western magic.

📚 Cowgirl Mercantile Book Club

Friday, January 16 | 6 PM
419 N Commerce St.

Book club… but make it cozy, social, and actually fun.
This month’s read is Three Little Wishes by Liane Moriarty — and you’re invited to join an evening of conversation, connection, and a relaxed girls’ night out inside the Mercantile.

No pressure, no awkwardness — just good books, good people, and a reason to get out of the house.

To follow on Facebook click here 

🏆 Local Youth Shine at Cooke County Livestock Show

Big congratulations are in order for these hardworking local kiddos who wrapped up an incredible week at the Cooke County Livestock Show — and every one of them made the premium sale!

• Eli earned Grand Champion in Archery and placed 18th in Broilers
• Kodi placed 13th in Broilers
• Eugene, in his very first year showing, placed 10th in Broilers

Proud doesn’t even begin to cover it. These students, their families, and supporters showed up in a big way — and it shows. Congratulations to all of our local youth who represented our community so well!

☕ Hills Café Gets a Glow-Up (and a Matcha Upgrade)

Hills Café has officially added their name to the front of their downtown building — and if you’ve driven past lately, you’ve probably noticed the fresh new signage shining on the square.

And that’s not all…
They’re also rolling out an all-new matcha menu, featuring house-made syrups, fun flavors, and a full lineup dedicated just to matcha lovers. The café shared that matcha has become such a customer favorite, it finally earned its own menu.

If you’re a matcha fan — or just love seeing downtown businesses leveling up — this one’s worth a stop.

204 E California St, Gainesville, TX, United States, Texas

Open Monday-Sunday from 9am-7pm

🍫 Last Chance to Support the Leopard Legends!

This is the final week to purchase chocolate from the Leopard Legends dance team, and the countdown is officially on — the girls have just three weeks until their first competition!

Every box sold helps cover competition fees, travel, and team expenses, and directly supports these hardworking local dancers as they prepare to represent our community.

If you’ve been meaning to grab a box (or two!), now’s the time. Let’s help send the Leopard Legends into competition season feeling supported, confident, and ready to shine.

Your sweet treat makes a big difference. 💚🖤

Come on down to the Cowgirl Mercantile to get your chocolate until the end of the week! 

419 N Commerce St Gainesville TX

Tues-Saturday from 11am-6pm

🫶 CPR & First Aid Training — January Sessions Available

Start the new year feeling confident and prepared. C. Carr CPR Certification is offering January CPR & First Aid training classes right here in Gainesville, perfect for parents, childcare workers, healthcare providers, and anyone who wants to be ready when it matters most.

Classes include AHA Heartsaver CPR/First Aid and AHA BLS Training for adult, child, and infant CPR, AED use, and more.

📅 Upcoming classes include January 20 and January 26
📍 Held in the Eucalyptus Room
📩 Register by emailing ccarrcpr@gmail.com or visiting facebook.com/ccarrcpr
📞 805-709-8513

Because knowing what to do in an emergency can truly save a life.

🎉 Chamber Welcomes New Members — Plus a New Drive-Thru Coffee Spot Coming Soon

The Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed several new members, including 1st Texas Home Health, Take 5 Oil Change, and 7 Brew Coffee.

And here’s the exciting part — 7 Brew Coffee is set to open at the end of this month, bringing a fast, fun new drive-thru coffee option to Gainesville. From iced coffees to energy drinks and flavor-packed favorites, it’s about to become a new go-to stop for caffeine lovers around town.

We love seeing new businesses choosing Gainesville — and we can’t wait to welcome these additions into the community!

🤠 Cooke County Cowboy Church Arena – Winter Lineup

📍 8207 US-82, Gainesville

From roping nights to youth programs and driving clinics, the Cowboy Church Arena is staying busy this winter with family-friendly, faith-centered events for riders of all ages and experience levels.

🐴 Open Riding Nights

Mondays | 6:30 – 8 PM
Bring your horse and enjoy open arena riding time. Call before hauling.

🤍 4-H Club Mounted Meetings

Jan 11 & Feb 8 | 2 PM
Youth riders are invited to learn, ride, and grow with Cooke County’s 4-H Rowel Rollers mounted club.

🪢 Team Roping Sled Practice

Wednesdays | Jan 14, Jan 28 & Feb 11, Feb 25 | 6:30 – 8 PM
Work on timing and technique in this structured roping sled practice. Great for beginners and seasoned ropers alike.

🐎 Carriage Driving & Cones Practice (All Levels)

Sat, Jan 17 & Sat, Feb 21 | 11 AM – 2 PM
Learn and practice carriage driving with hands-on demonstrations, Q&A, and open driving time. Hosted by Equine Safe Haven. Donations appreciated.

🪢 Live Cattle Team Roping Practice

Thursdays | Jan 22 & Feb 5, Feb 19 | 6 PM
Beginners welcome! Slow cattle available.
Warm-up, devotion, then rope under the lights.

A New Gathering Place Is Opening in Gainesville

35 & Liberty invites the community to its Grand Celebration Weekend

A new space built for community, creativity, and connection is officially opening in Gainesville — and everyone is invited to celebrate.

35 & Liberty Entertainment District will host its Grand Celebration Weekend on Friday and Saturday, January 16–17, bringing live music, local vendors, food, tours, and a community ribbon cutting to one of Gainesville’s newest destinations.

The Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce will host the official ribbon cutting on Friday at 11:30 AM, followed by guided tours of the space throughout the weekend.

The celebration continues on Saturday with live entertainment, shopping, food, and a car meet — creating a full weekend designed to introduce the community to what’s coming next at 35 & Liberty.

Here’s what to expect:

🎀 Official Chamber ribbon cutting
🏛 Guided tours of the space
🛍 Local vendors and small businesses
🌮 Grab lunch at Los Dos Primos
🎶 Live entertainment Saturday
🚗 J-Car Meet — Saturday 10 AM – 1 PM
🎧 DJ KD “The Spinner” — Saturday 1 PM – 5 PM
🎤 Live music with Neely Rose — Saturday at 6 PM

📍 35 & Liberty
4321 I-35, Gainesville, TX 76240

This weekend offers the community a chance to tour the district, meet the team behind it, connect with local makers, and get a first look at what’s ahead for one of Gainesville’s newest gathering spaces.

Bring your friends, your family, and your favorite ride — and help welcome a brand-new destination to our town.

📚 Weekly Children’s Classes – Cooke County Library

Tuesdays | 10:30 AM & 2:30 PM

The Cooke County Library hosts Weekly Children’s Classes every Tuesday, offering engaging, themed storytimes and activities designed to encourage early literacy, creativity, and learning in a fun, welcoming environment.

Upcoming themes include:
• Magic Mittens
• Taming the Wild

These free classes are a wonderful way for families to get out of the house, meet other parents, and give kids a fun, educational experience right here in the community.

All are welcome.

🏦 DATCU Credit Union Opens New Gainesville Location

DATCU Credit Union has officially opened its new Gainesville branch and recently celebrated with a ribbon cutting hosted by the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce.

The new location brings expanded banking services, convenient ATM access, and a fresh new space for local members — adding another strong financial resource to the Gainesville community.

📍 DATCU Gainesville Branch
834 US-82, Suite 104 | Gainesville, TX 76240

Lobby Hours:
Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

If you’ve driven by and spotted the bright green signage — that’s Gainesville’s newest credit union officially open for business.

☀️ Rise & Shine with North Central Texas College

Tuesday, January 13 | 7:45 – 9:00 AM
Gainesville Civic Center | 311 S Weaver St.

The Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its Rise & Shine morning event with North Central Texas College at the Civic Center, bringing local business leaders and community members together for networking, conversation, and updates from NCTC.

These monthly Rise & Shine events give the community an opportunity to connect, learn what’s happening locally, and strengthen relationships between businesses, organizations, and educators across Cooke County.

Galentine’s Is Coming to Downtown Gainesville

A Saturday celebration for friends, fun, and local shopping

By Sarah Brock | Gainesville Gazette

Grab your girls — Galentine’s is taking over Historic Downtown Gainesville.

Galentine’s in Historic Downtown Gainesville is happening Saturday, February 7th at 10 AM, bringing a festive Valentine-season celebration to the heart of downtown with shopping, strolling, and supporting local businesses.

Downtown will be dressed in pinks and reds, with local shops opening their doors for a day designed to celebrate friendship, fun, and community connection. Whether you’re shopping for Valentine’s gifts, grabbing coffee, or just enjoying a girls’ day out, Galentine’s is a perfect excuse to make a morning of it.

This event highlights what makes downtown special — locally owned boutiques, unique finds, friendly faces, and a walkable historic square that invites you to slow down and enjoy your town.

It’s a reminder that sometimes the best Valentine plans aren’t about reservations — they’re about showing up for your people and your community.

📍 Galentine’s in Historic Downtown Gainesville
📅 Saturday, February 7
🕙 Starts at 10 AM
📍 Historic Downtown Gainesville

🎨 Create Something New at Vantage Point Art Gallery

Located in the heart of downtown Gainesville, Vantage Point Art Gallery is home to over 40 regional artists and offers a rotating lineup of hands-on art classes and creative workshops for all skill levels.

Whether you’re brand new to art or just looking for a fun night out, these January classes are a great way to try something new, meet local creatives, and walk away with something you made yourself.

📍 107 W California Street, Gainesville
🌐 vantagepointart.com

🎨 Gel Plate Print Class

Saturday, January 17 | 12 PM
Get hands-on with gel plate printing in this creative workshop at 107 W California Street. Perfect for beginners and art lovers who want to try something new and walk away with their own one-of-a-kind prints.

🍷 Paint & Sip

Friday, January 23 | 6:30 PM
Unwind, grab a drink, and paint your own masterpiece at this relaxed, social art night. No experience needed — just come ready to sip, paint, and have a good time.

🖌 Mixed Media with Pam Burns

Saturday, January 24 | 3 PM
Explore layered textures, color, and creative techniques with local artist Pam Burns in this mixed-media workshop. Great for artists who want to level up or try something new.

💘 Love on the Board at the VFW

Sunday, January 25 | 4 PM | VFW Post 1922
A Valentine-themed crafting party where you’ll create your own decorative board — perfect for adding a handmade touch to your home or gifting to someone special.

📚 The Plot Twist – Community Book Club

Tuesday, January 27 | 6:30 PM
A brand-new local book club kicking off at 107 W California Street. Come meet fellow readers, enjoy good conversation, and be part of a new community group in town.

🚓 Gainesville Police Department Welcomes Two New Officers

The Gainesville Police Department recently welcomed two new officers to the force — Officer Grace Baker and Officer Alejandro Gutierrez, both graduates of the Texoma Regional Police Academy.

Officer Baker brings a strong academic background with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from San Diego State University and a Master’s degree in Kinesiology from the University of North Texas. Officer Gutierrez is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, having served four years as an infantry rifleman before continuing his career in law enforcement.

Both officers were officially sworn in during an oath ceremony held just before Christmas, and the department shared gratitude for the community members who came out to support and celebrate their newest additions.

We’re proud to welcome Officer Baker and Officer Gutierrez as they begin serving the Gainesville community.

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