The Crow & Cactus Co. Building Business and Community in Belton
By JANNA ZEPP | Photos by BRANDY CRUZ
A proverb attributed to the Choctaw people advises: “Listen to the wind, it talks. Listen to the silence, it speaks. Listen to your heart, it knows.”
Amy Morter, who is of Choctaw heritage, as well as Cherokee on her mother’s side of the family, listened to her heart and followed her dream of opening The Crow & Cactus Company on Pearl Street in Belton.
But before the dream, there was the experience. Life experience, to be specific. Morter comes from a U.S. Air Force family, which meant rotations to different places all over the United States and Europe. She married an Army Apache pilot, and when her husband, James, retired from the military, they settled in Belton.
“My career experience includes 20 years of administrative and leadership experience in different fields and industries, including medical, dental, education, public relations, event planning and graphic design,” Morter said. “But, in college, my heart was set on opening my own business. I realized that while working on a class project in which I had to come up with a business plan.”
More than a business, The Crow & Cactus shows off Morter’s passion for adventure and the American West. It features art, jewelry, epicurean delicacies, and even men’s toiletries from local creators and small businesses with causes from outside of Texas. All of it sits displayed creatively within a historic 19th century Belton home-turned-boutique just a block away from the main downtown area.
The name, The Crow & Cactus, comes from cacti being reflective of the American desert. The crow often shows up in Native American cultures as symbols of good luck and wisdom.
“I look for items that are locally made, made by small businesses that support ethical causes, and are not mass-produced or found anywhere else in Bell County or Central Texas,” Morter said. “I even bring in handmade and handcrafted items from Asia occasionally, because I am certain our customers will love them.”
Morter created her business space to be inviting so that customers will enjoy their visit and feel welcome to gather and stay a little while longer.
“Gathering places are important to me. The atmosphere changes in places where people like to come together, whether to do business or simply be social,” Morter said. “The Belton business scene is very welcoming and supportive. I am so grateful to be a part of it.”
She also lauds her husband for his support. She and James are a stunning couple who look like they just stepped off the set of the TV series, “Yellowstone.”
“Amy had a vision, and whatever she sets out to do, she does really well,” James said. “Of course, I support her in this.”
Morter’s military spouse experience contributes greatly to her ingenuity and business success.
“I’ve served on several executive boards at Fort Hood (Cavazos). I have been the Family Readiness Leader for the 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment’s Charlie Company commander, meaning that I helped maintain the readiness of soldiers and their families by promoting self- sufficiency, resilience, and stability during times of unit training and deployment to Afghanistan in 2014,” Morter said. “My life as military brat and military spouse has given me the ability to adapt to change and work effectively with all kinds of people. I get a lot of that back running my shop and I love that.”
The Crow & Cactus delights the senses the moment you enter, with a soft fragrance of a featured room scent wafting gently through the air, relaxing music, hardwood floors, antique furniture, and colors and textures evocative of the historic American West.
The expansive front porch of the shop invites relaxation, and that vibe has inspired Morter to grow the business some more. She said she’s looking at opening a space in the future to host small events alongside her business neighbors to not just work but play together in a spirit of community. Plans include bourbon-tastings, a possible cigar lounge, and live music.
The Crow & Cactus Company
Address: 122 N. Pearl St., Belton
Phone: 254-613-4581
Website: crowandcactus.com
Social: facebook.com/TheCrowandCactusCo
