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A crowd of proud LaFayette natives gathered at the steps outside of the newest business, The Market at Magnolia on Main, for its official grand opening hosted by the Greater Valley Area Chamber of Commerce. 

“On behalf of the Chamber, we are so excited to be here today,” said Carrie Wood, director of the GVACC. “This is an amazing asset to the city of LaFayette. Jennifer always does a great job in anything that she does, and I know Ashlee has had her hands in this as well. So congratulations to you all on this store.”

Jennifer Graves, manager of the boutique, said, “

Already, 16 vendors have made the boutique their business’s home.

Ashlee Noles, the owner of Magnolia on Main hair salon next door, is her business partner and the owner of the Market. She calls it a small business incubator, a place where burgeoning entrepreneurs can gain exposure and encourage downtown’s economic growth.

“This town needs this, and they need more of it. So this is an inspiration for all and for all people that may be sitting at home thinking about doing amazing,” Wood said.

The Market’s slogan is “Grow, Prosper, Go.” By providing a space for showcasing local entrepreneurs and artists’ products, Graves and Noles hope to continue to support LaFayette’s downtown business.

“We really are so excited this is in LaFayette. Again, like Carrie said, we’re excited to be able to shop in our hometown and be able to support local shops,” said DeAnna Hand, director of LaFayette Main Street.

According to Hand, The Market is the ninth business to open in LaFayette in the last two years. 

“The growth that we’re seeing here, the passion, the love and care that our community has for you and small businesses, I think just speaks volumes,” Hand said. 

“On behalf of Mayor Vines, the city council and everyone here in LaFayette, we’re just excited about what’s going on,” said Louis Davidson, LaFayette City Clerk. “We appreciate you all for thinking of LaFayette and wanting to be in LaFayette and helping LaFayette grow.”