and mother-of-the-bride dresses. And my mama is my
seamstress. She can make anything,” said Ginger. Soon,
customers were coming from all around, including out of
state.
Eight large dressing rooms, including one wheelchair
accessible, are surrounded by a room full of ceiling to
floor mirrors. In addition, G. Marie’s carries beautiful and
reasonably-priced accessories such as crystal jewelry for
pageants as well as special occasion shoes. Other services
include bridal consultation, pageant rentals, and tuxedo
rentals. (Note: Every dress is registered, which means
the same dress in the same color is not sold to someone
going to the same prom.)
A signed poster of Jovani model Madison McLachlan
hangs on the store wall reminding patrons of the Jovani
Casting Call that G. Marie’s hosts each year. “Girls can
come in and try out to be a model for Jovani. We actually
have three girls who have been hired to model from our
scholarship program we do in January.”
In addition, G. Marie’s holds a fashion show each
year in January at STC. “It’s for anyone,” said Ginger. “It’s
our way to raise funds for our scholarship programs and
events like the Toombs County Special-Needs Prom and
the CASA Pageant. We also sponsor kids in DFCS and
dress them for prom or for their first pageant.”
The business that began with five prom dresses
donated to a yard sale has become a vital part of what
helps Lyons live up to its namesake: Lyons, France, the
“City of Lights.” As for Kennedy, she just graduated
in May from Brewton-Parker College with a degree in
communications and minor in business. She’s already
trying her hand in retail with her own small accessory
shop called Dandelions a few doors down from her
mother’s boutique.
Even though G. Marie’s is open by appointment only
during this unprecedented time of crisis with COVID-19,
Ginger has not been idle. Like her grandmother, she had
no time to focus on disrupted plans and lost business.
Instead, she brought in an extra sewing machine, and
everyone got to work making masks. When Ginger
realized the thread guide was missing on the extra
machine, she took an empty wine bottle and wrapped
it with wire to make it work. Her mama looked up and
smiled. “You’re just like your grandmother,” she said.
It was the greatest complement Ginger could have ever
hoped to receive.
68 TOOMBS COUNTY MAGAZINE