Liz Carter, co-owner of Miss Cayce’s Christmas Store, discussed her transition into ownership and the store’s future plans in a November interview. A Midland native, Carter became co-owner in February 2024 after a 12-year career as a teacher.
The opportunity came when longtime friend Cairy Philips proposed the idea to Carter. While initially surprised, Carter embraced the chance to be part of the longstanding business.
Miss Cayce’s, known for its holiday decorations and welcoming atmosphere, has been a fixture in Midland and the surrounding West Texas region. Carter described her favorite parts of the store, including the opportunity to express creativity through its designs and to build close relationships with the staff, who she describes “as family.”
The store aims to provide a memorable experience for customers. “It’s an experience from the moment you walk in until you leave,” Carter said, adding that she enjoys seeing first-time visitors’ reactions.
While Miss Cayce’s is best known for its Christmas decorations, it also celebrates holidays year-round, including Halloween, Valentine’s Day, Easter, and St. Patrick’s Day. Carter’s favorite holiday is Easter due to her love of the spring season and the colors associated with the holiday.
When it comes to the store's future plans, Carter and Philips are working to expand the store’s online presence. They plan to also introduce new products such as hostess gifts, candles, dish towels, and unique, curated items. New offerings like tree kits and potentially a bow box subscription are also in development, as well as tablescapes that have become another area of focus for the dynamic duo.
“I think Midland has counted on Miss Cayce’s for 40 years, and it’s been a staple for not just Midland, but all of West Texas,” Carter said. “It’s super important to keep that tradition and to keep the magic going.”
According to Carter, she and Phillips “complement each other’s strengths,” and are focused on continuing the store’s legacy while growing the business.
“Cairy and I make a great team— we both have different strengths that will help the business grow,” Carter said.