A new shop on the 1800 block of Sam Houston Avenue, just off Liberty’s historic Courthouse Square, is giving residents a festive new way to celebrate every holiday. Christmas Connections and More by Earthscapes, owned by Kari and Kyle Sopchak of Moss Hill, is filled with seasonal décor, gifts, and inspiration that will change with the calendar.
The shop officially opened its doors with a grand opening celebration on Saturday, Aug. 30. Members of the Trinity Valley Chamber of Commerce joined the Sopchaks for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to welcome the business to the community.
For now, Christmas reigns supreme. Shoppers will find rows of decorated trees, shelves of ornaments, and festive home décor alongside fall and Halloween items. As the weeks pass, the store will transition to feature decorations for New Year’s, Mardi Gras, Valentine’s Day, Easter, and even Mother’s and Father’s Day.
For owner Kari Sopchak, the store is about more than just merchandise. It’s about sharing the joy she feels when the holidays roll around.
“I love the holiday season, particularly Christmas. I love the feeling it gives me,” Sopchak said. “I don’t care how over the top or subtle your decorations are, it’s about the feeling it gives you. That’s really what I wanted to share.”
She has worked to stock the shop with items for every budget, starting at $10 and up, from a simple Christmas ball to an elaborately decked-out tree. Customers will also find rain chimes for Mother’s Day, beautiful holiday swags, and seasonal platters that will be available year-round.
“It brings me so much joy and I just hope that others can feel that, too, when shopping in the store,” she said. “It’s for their homes and their families and friends. I am strong in my faith and my beliefs that there is a reason for the season; it’s not about the commercial décor, but there is something special about decorating for the holidays.”
The Sopchaks are not new to bringing beauty to Liberty County. They also own Earthscapes of Texas, the landscaping and lighting business known for illuminating homes and businesses during the holiday season. Their work can be seen across the community — including the landscaped grounds of First Liberty Bank, which also happens to be their landlord for the new shop.
Kari said the partnership with First Liberty Bank has been a blessing.
“The bank is operated by good people. They make everyone feel like family members. You feel famous when you walk in because they know your name,” she said with a chuckle.
She encourages residents to shop local rather than online. “There’s a benefit to picking out the items in person,” Sopchak said, noting how much more special it feels to choose something for the home when you can see and touch it.
While Earthscapes of Texas can light up homes and yards, Christmas Connections and More by Earthscapes can beautify a home or business from the inside. Kari laughs at the idea of being like the proverbial plumber with a leaky faucet or contractor with an unfinished home project. In her case, she is just as enthusiastic about decorating at home as she is in the shop. Each year, the Sopchak home is adorned with three Christmas trees.
Christmas Connections and More by Earthscapes is located at 1820 Sam Houston Avenue in Liberty. The store is open Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
