What’s On Tap

Typically little ones and beer don’t mix, of course, but Tessa Guerra’s children’s shop, Roo & Me in San Antonio, is housed in Pearl, a former (now renovated) brewery. Returning to her native San Antonio after studying textile design in San Francisco, Guerra opened the store three years ago but moved to the historic brewery last November—and she wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. (The Roo in Roo & Me is her rescued, three-legged, “little hero” cat whose furry face is pictured around the store.) Carrying carefully selected apparel, gifts and accessories for both genders ranging from newborn to age 10, Guerra also designs custom pieces upon request. “I’m not into the traditional, Southern, frilly look,” she says of the store’s assortment. “I like to say Roo & Me is where the cool kids shop.” Next up? In addition to managing her shop, the increasingly busy entrepreneur will create a collection for San Antonio’s Fashion Week in November.

1. A new product Guerra suspects will be a hit this summer? “I just got this Sparkle Screen sunscreen in, and it has sold so well. It has glitter in it, and it smells good.” (glittertots.com)

2. “The Munster Kids brand is so me. I love how sporty and cute it is. I love seeing detail in products, and I love the detail in Munster Kids.” Her top pick? “Their keystone dress is my favorite.” (munsterkids.com)

3. “Iscream has keychains, called squishems, that are scented and come in fun shapes like cupcakes, macarons and letters. My little customers love them. I display them at kid-level so kids often grab them. I’ve come up with little tricks to retrieve things from tiny hands.” (iscream-shop.com)

4. “I love the styling and fit of Joah Love. I have carried the brand since I first opened. The clothes are super comfy and fashion forward.” (shopjoahlove.com)

5. For tees with ‘tude, she recommends Phoenix, AZ-based Hello Apparel.  “I am the only one in San Antonio who carries the brand. It’s one of my favorites. I always purchase adult items for myself when I place my orders with them.” (hellomerch.com/collections/helloapparel)

6. Guerra loves supporting local artists, like Maggie Doyle and David Denosowicz, the founders of Loyalty & Blood. “They have great unisex items.” (loyaltyandblood.squarespace.com)

7. For a fun gift, Guerra suggests temporary tattoos by Tattly. “They look real and they last two weeks. Kids go bananas for them, and adults can wear them too. I get new ones in all the time; I just got in some great metallic ones.” (tattly.com)

8. Guerra looks for a little humor in her teething toys. “AppeTEETHERS come in all kinds of shapes, like broccoli, pineapple, bacon and lollipops. They’re hilarious and babies love them.” (littletoader.com)

9. Teething necklaces by Carley Hall of BayBee Boutique is another local favorite. “They’re flying off the shelves. They’re unique because the beads are only in the front so they won’t get caught in your hair.” (etsy.com/shop/ShopBayBeeBoutique)