Silly Goose tee, $28
Lake Highlands High grad Katy Evans Wilgus is looking forward to returning to The Boneyard for her class’ 20th reunion this fall, but until then she’s got her hands full. The former Wildcat Wrangler, cheerleader and Class Favorite is busy filling orders for her online children’s boutique.
Wild Goose Fort Worth is named for Cowtown, where Wilgus currently lives with her husband and four children, and for the moniker she acquired during her days growing up in the Moss Haven area of Lake Highlands.
“Wild Goose comes from my childhood nickname, ‘Goose,’” she shares on her website, “and it also celebrates who God has called me to be today, a wife to Sam and mama to four little goslings of our own.”
Sam serves as a priest at St. John’s Anglican Church near their home in the Fairmount neighborhood, where friends and fellow parishioners have welcomed them warmly.
“Fun fact: my married last name, Wilgus, actually comes from the English nickname ‘Wildgoose,’ so this name felt especially fitting for my small business venture,” she adds.
If Katy sounds familiar, you may recall reading about her Covid-era business selling customizable banners for graduations, wedding showers, new babies and special events. Cowtown Celebrations was her first foray into entrepreneurial life.
“Ever since becoming a mom, I have found a genuine interest and joy in researching children’s apparel and toys to help enrich our kiddos’ childhood experience,” she says. Wild Goose offers everything from unique apparel for infants and toddlers to baptism and birthday gifts to toys which inspire imaginative play.
The Wilgus children
And Katie knows a thing or two about what children enjoy. Dottie is seven, Jack is six, Holly is three and little Luke recently had his first birthday. In addition to her young family and her growing business, Katy is a part-time elementary Spanish teacher, and she actively participates in her husband’s ministry. I asked how on earth she finds the time.
“I am blessed to have my husband to help divide and conquer with all the school pickups and logistics of having four kiddos. We also have amazing sets of grandparents, church family and friends that are involved in our kiddos’ lives.”
Two-month-old in Wild Goose attire
Katy says her entrepreneurial spirit developed after she and Sam married as she worked to think of ways to help support their family income.
“I love the creativity aspect that is involved in being a small business owner and the joy of making connections and doing life alongside other mamas,” she explains. “Sam is truly my number one cheerleader and supporter. He was understandably cautious when I first had the idea, but he encouraged me to continue researching all the ins-and-outs of being a small business owner. When he gifted me an LLC (limited liability company) this past Christmas, I knew he was all-in.”
You may follow Wild Goose on Instagram here or Facebook here. You may place your order here.
Itzy Ritzy huggable goose, $14.99