Today we’d like to introduce you to Pixie Schneider.
Pixie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
April 1st, 2025, I purchased the (The Owl Wine Bar & Home Goods) from Molly Alexander. I have been a customer for a long time, and I wanted to purchase the store. The history behind the store goes way back.
The Owl’s namesake is inspired by an original ghost mural (circa 1900) of Owl Cigars that adorns the store’s wall was painted a year before the building was constructed, providing a stunning historic backdrop. The majestic mural was hidden for more than 90 years until 1990 when a film company shooting a television movie, “In Broad Daylight” revealed the historic artwork.
When I took over, I wanted my customers to come in and feel like family when they leave, I would like for them to be able to decompress and pour one out.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
At the beginning of the transition, it was a little bumpy getting to know everything retail and the wine part. I worked in the bars before with beer and liquor. The wine I knew very little but wanted to know more and to educate myself as well. The retail came easy and I was blessed to have the staff stay on board as well, Marybeth, Tina, and Ruth have been with the store for many years and has helped me transition to where we are at today.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
For 22 years my husband and I ran a cable construction business. We have since moved on and are employees of a cable company in Austin, Texas. I have specialized in inter-office admin and still working. I am proud of what I have learned throughout my life from working in the office and working in social environments to where I love to hang out and visit with folks who become my family. What sets me apart from others is I love what and I love having the opportunity to also give back to the community however I can.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I have lots to thank for getting me to where I am. First, I would thank my family for loving me enough to stick by myside through all the moving parts there is to run a store. My husband has gone above and beyond to help me with the clean-up and minor maintenance to keep the store running. He has a great eye in antiques and great ideas for the store as well. My kiddos for sticking with me as I run ideas with them and have them at the store to help me rearrange or staying late when I have inventory, I also have an amazing staff. I was saying before, I have three amazing ladies who stayed on board when I took over, the regulars come in and they know what kind of wine or beer they prefer. The customers have loved them for many years. My new staff that came in are the perfect fit to the Owl, lots of energy and knowledge of what we provide. My bestie, Lisa for keeping me grounded and for backing me up with all my craziness. Lastly my regulars and my customers who are my family and have helped guide me through the transitions of my ideas that are in my head. They have given me feedback that is amazing because without them I won’t have a store to open.
Pricing:
- Happy hour 4-6 Monday through Friday
Contact Info:
- Website: https://elginowl.com
- Instagram: @elginowlstore
- Facebook: @elginowlstore
- Twitter: @theowlwinebar
- Other: TikTok – @the.owl.wine.bar
Image Credits
I took the photos and the logo came with the store from (molly alexander)
