Where Vision Meets Heart: Inside The Curated Collective TXK, Texarkana’s One-Stop Shop for Life’s Most Beautiful Moments

By: Michelle Horton

There is a familiar moment many of us in Texarkana know well: a wedding invitation pinned to the fridge, a baby shower circled on the calendar, or a last-minute realization that you need the perfect gift—and you need it now. For years, that moment often came with a follow-up thought: Where will I go?

However, tucked into a shopping center at 3209 Kennedy Lane, between Arby’s and GEB Formal Wear, something quite remarkable is changing that narrative.

The moment you walk through the doors of The Curated Collective TXK, the air shifts. You are greeted by the soft glow of thoughtfully styled displays, the scent of fresh florals and luxury candles, and the hum of music that makes you want to linger. It is equal parts inspiring and comforting—like stepping into a space that already knows you are here to celebrate something important.

Behind it all are Elizabeth Lofton and Jennifer Cole, two women whose combined experience, creative instincts, and deep love for Texarkana have shaped a business unlike anything else in the region. What began as a collaboration has grown into a full-service destination for weddings, events, florals, home décor, gifts, and specialty rentals—all under one roof, all rooted in community.

Two Stories, One Shared Vision

Elizabeth Lofton’s story began long before she ever imagined owning a storefront in Texarkana. Raised in Shreveport-Bossier, Louisiana, Elizabeth grew up in a florist, design, and antique business—literally. By the age of six, Saturdays were not spent sleeping in or watching cartoons; they were spent in the shop, learning how to arrange flowers, handle customers, and appreciate craftsmanship. “I was raised in it,” Elizabeth says. “Helping with weddings at six years old was just my normal.”

Though she studied interior design at Louisiana Tech, Elizabeth realized early on that she was already doing what she loved—and doing it well. She returned to the family business, never imagining that florals, once considered “punishment work,” would become her life’s calling. Today, with nearly five decades of hands-on experience, Elizabeth brings a level of precision, care, and respect for the craft that simply cannot be replicated overnight.

Jennifer Cole’s roots, meanwhile, run deep right here in Texarkana. Born and raised in the community, a Hooks High School graduate, Jennifer has spent 33 years as a hairstylist and 15 years as a decorator and designer. Known affectionately by many as Texarkana’s “Christmas Fairy,” she built a loyal following, transforming homes into holiday showpieces before transitioning fully into weddings and event décor.

Married with five children and two grandchildren, Jennifer’s life mirrors the community she serves—busy, family-centered, and deeply relational. “I love this town,” Jennifer says. “This is where I was raised, where I raised my kids, and where I plan to be.”

From Collaboration to Collective

If you had told Elizabeth a few years ago that she would enter a business partnership, she would have laughed. “I would have told you that you were crazy,” she admits. Yet what began as shared warehouse space after COVID evolved organically into something much bigger. Elizabeth’s The Flower Room Florist & Gifts, Jennifer’s J. Cole Design, and their joint venture Sugar Snaps Event Rentals began overlapping in ways that just made sense. Clients were already asking for everything in one place—planning, florals, décor, rentals—so why not offer exactly that?

After outgrowing a warehouse on Kings Highway, the duo realized reopening retail was not just practical—it was an opportunity. “We wanted to bring something to Texarkana that was out of the ordinary,” Elizabeth says. “Something elevated, but still welcoming.”

The name The Curated Collective TXK reflects exactly that: a carefully selected collection of services and products, designed to work seamlessly together. “It is curated,” Elizabeth explains. “And it is a collective. Nothing here stands alone.”

Weddings & Events: Experience You Can Feel

At its heart, The Curated Collective is a wedding and event powerhouse. From intimate elopements to grand black-tie affairs, Elizabeth and Jennifer specialize in events of every scale—and they do it with a team that genuinely knows what they are doing. “This is not something we woke up and decided to try,” Elizabeth says. “We have done this our whole lives.”

Their staff includes seasoned planners, coordinators, and designers—many of whom bring their own unique styles and personalities, allowing couples to be thoughtfully matched with someone who gets them.

The planning process is intentionally flexible. Couples can choose full-service planning, partial planning, or day-of coordination. From the first online inquiry to the final teardown after the reception, every detail is handled with care.

Elizabeth’s philosophy is simple but powerful: This day matters. “As far as I am concerned,” she says, “this is the most important day of a bride’s life until she has her first child. That is how seriously we take it.”

Florals That Serve the Vision—Not the Designer

Unlike many florists known for a signature look, The Curated Collective prides itself on versatility. “Our job is to serve the client,” Elizabeth explains. “Whether they want classic, romantic, modern, or moody—we can do it.”

More importantly, they know how to handle the unexpected. Weather changes, shipment delays, color substitutions—these are realities of the floral world. The difference is how they are handled. “A professional florist knows how to fix problems without the client ever worrying,” Elizabeth says. “That peace of mind is priceless.”

To stay current, the team invests heavily in education—traveling to national markets, attending major wedding conventions in Las Vegas, and sending designers to conferences across the country.

A Retail Experience Worth Slowing Down For

The Curated Collective is not just for big events. It is also a place to pop in on a Tuesday afternoon and leave with something special. From small, thoughtfully wrapped gifts to statement furniture and art pieces, the shop appeals to every stage of life. Jennifer describes it best: “It smells good. It looks good. There is music playing. Everything is just…pretty.”

The store also features an in-house hat bar, run by Carson Wesselhoft, and plans to introduce locally made artwork in the coming year—continuing their commitment to supporting regional creatives.

Rentals, Simplified

Through Sugar Snaps Event Rentals, clients can rent everything from napkins and linens to chargers, candlesticks, lighting, dance floors, and even a photo booth. The biggest benefit? Simplicity. “One vision. One team. One invoice,” Jennifer says.

Elizabeth, a mother who has planned four weddings herself, knows firsthand how valuable that is. “If I could have walked in somewhere and written one check and said, ‘take care of it,’ I would have,” she says with a laugh.

Rooted in Texarkana, Invested in Community

Both women are passionate about keeping business local. Jennifer is especially candid about why it matters. “People should not have to leave town to find beautiful things,” she says. “And when you shop local, you are supporting families—people you know.”

Beyond commerce, The Curated Collective regularly donates time, florals, and décor to local charities and events, helping nonprofits elevate their fundraisers and reach broader audiences.

They also work closely with local photographers, venues, caterers, bakers, DJs, and other event professionals—relationships built on trust and friendship.

Looking Ahead: Ribbon, Paper, and Possibility

If you think the store is impressive now, just wait. In 2026, The Curated Collective plans to introduce an extensive selection of luxury designer ribbon and high-end paper goods—the kind decorators usually have to travel hours to find. “We are not talking a shelf or two,” Elizabeth says. “We are talking walls.”

Jennifer, a former professional Christmas decorator, saw the demand firsthand during the holidays. “People here care about quality,” she says. “They just have not always had access to it.”

They are determined to change that.

Why It Matters

At a time when convenience often replaces connection, The Curated Collective TXK is a reminder of what brick-and-mortar businesses still do best: create relationships, celebrate milestones, and make everyday moments feel meaningful.

Their message to the community is heartfelt and simple: Come see us. “Not just us,” Elizabeth adds. “Shop local. It matters more than people realize.”

So the next time you are celebrating—whether it is a wedding, a baby shower, a holiday, or just a friend who needs a thoughtful gift—consider staying right here in Texarkana.

You might find everything you need at The Curated Collective TXK… and a little inspiration you did not expect.

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