AUSTIN, Texas — One of the longtime businesses on Austin's iconic South Congress Avenue is closing its doors after nearly 30 years.
Maya Star will be shutting down early in 2024.
The boutique is run by the woman whom the store is named after, Maya Krauss.
"I was 25 in 1995. I saw a cute store up for rent on South Congress and thought I could do that, and the rest was kind of history," Krauss said.
Krauss says she's a big traveler, and a lot of the jewelry and the clothes in the store came from her travels around the country and the world.
"Bring that to Austin, and other people that come in, it's kept me busy," Krauss said. "I have got to live my dream."
The boutique has been open for 28 years, but Krauss says her time has come.
"I get to retire," Krauss said. "The street has grown and changed a little bit. I want to move on. It's time."
Maya Star is one of the oldest businesses still on the South Congress. There are some staples still left in the area, like Allen Boots, but others have closed shop like Lucy In Disguise With Diamonds, which closed last year.
“Like all my neighbors and I have been here for like 30 years and didn't change at all forever," Krauss said. "It’s sort of a changing of the guard right now. New blood is coming in whether it's a national brand or new local concept.”
Krauss said she will cherish all the memories she's had here.
"I have had people tell us what a special store it’s been for them," Krauss said. "I just want to thank Austin. It’s been the best ride I have had, I love this town. I love the customers, my staff. I want to thank everyone."
Maya Star will close on Jan. 8.
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