People of Austin

The Love Story Behind Estilo: Stephanie and Todd O’Neill Reflect on Nearly 20 Years Together

Estilo’s dynamic duo shares their love story, which began with a surprise proposal at a TRIBEZA issue release party in 2007

By Sabrina Macias
March 26, 2026

Todd O’Neill and Stephanie Coultress O’Neill

Nearly 20 years ago, Todd O’Neill pretended to be away on a business trip to pull off one of life’s biggest surprises. The plan was simple. Stephanie Coultress believed her boyfriend was out of town for work while she attended a TRIBEZA party. In reality, Todd had flown back to Austin a day early — with a proposal on the horizon.

That year’s party took place inside designer Nak Armstrong’s storefront. Unbeknownst to Stephanie, Todd had already worked with Armstrong on a custom engagement ring. As she visited with friends that night, she remembers how complimentary everyone seemed toward her — though she thought little of it at the time.

As Armstrong and his team circulated trays of sparkling jewelry, he showed Stephanie renderings of the engagement ring he had designed.

“I said something like, ‘Oh my gosh, are you making wedding rings?’” Stephanie recalled.

Taking that as his cue, Todd stepped out from around the corner and got down on one knee, holding a solitaire diamond.

Newly engaged Stephanie Coultress and Todd O’Neill pose during the TRIBEZA holiday party at Anthony Nak in 2007 (Photo courtesy of Stephanie O’Neill) — Newly engaged Stephanie Coultress and Todd O’Neill pose during the TRIBEZA holiday party at Anthony Nak in 2007. (Photo courtesy of Stephanie O’Neill)

Building a life and a business together

The couple married in 2009 at the Long Center, and their wedding was later chronicled in TRIBEZA’s then-Vows section.

“We were actually the first wedding reception held at the Long Center,” Todd said. “If you look at our wedding photos, the skyline shows the Austonian and the W Hotel still under construction, and the Frost Tower was one of the most prominent buildings in the city. Now it’s almost hard to even pick it out.”

Since then, Austin has continued to evolve — and so have the O’Neill’s. Over the years, they’ve expanded both their family and their Austin boutique, Estilo, which Stephanie founded in 2005 before Todd joined the business.

Stephanie Coultress O’Neill inside her Austin boutique, Estilo. (Photo courtesy of Estilo)

The evolution of Estilo

Estilo has relocated from its original downtown location to Tarrytown and expanded its concept along the way.

“We opened a men’s store and a children’s store and eventually combined everything into one expanded space so it could become more of a family one-stop,” Stephanie said.

Today, their routines look very different than they did when the boutique first opened.

“Since we had kids, my priorities shifted pretty quickly,” Todd said, recalling early morning gym sessions and scenic bike rides that gradually gave way to school drop-offs and weekends spent at sports games.

Stephanie agrees.

“My life is definitely full between the kids and the business,” she said. Luckily, she’s found a system that helps maintain balance. “I can be helping a customer in the store while texting a brand rep about orders and updating financial sheets at the same time,” she said.

At Estilo, Stephanie oversees styling and buying for the store, joking that she serves as the C.F.O. — Chief Financial (and Fun) Officer — while Todd manages operations, process improvements and the men’s department.

Stephanie and Todd O’Neill pose with their two daughters — Stephanie and Todd O’Neill with their two daughters. (Photo courtesy of Stephanie O’Neill)

Navigating work and marriage

Working together has its advantages — and its challenges.

Todd admits that business conversations can easily stretch across the entire week.

“When you let someone down at work, it affects the dynamic in the office,” he said. “But when that person is also your partner, it’s hard not to carry those feelings home too.”

Their biggest lesson as both life and business partners, they say, is that success requires intention.

Keeping work and family life separate when possible, communicating openly and approaching challenges with humor have helped them navigate the ups and downs.

Stephanie and Todd O'Neill — Stephanie and Todd O’Neill. (Photo by Jeff Heyer, Deeper Still Photography)

Styling Austin for years to come

Even as the business has grown, Stephanie’s original vision for Estilo remains the same: creating a space that feels “like your best friend’s closet.”

The couple continues to focus on cultivating a welcoming environment where clients can discover curated pieces without the overwhelm of a larger department store.

Reflecting on their journey, they say they would give their younger selves simple advice: take risks, work hard and surround yourselves with people who believe in what you’re building.

Nearly two decades after that surprise proposal, the foundation of their partnership remains strong — and their boutique continues to thrive, built on shared ambition, shared creativity and a deep gratitude for the Austin community that has supported them along the way.