In August 2022, Kaelin Ann Daye was able to realize a personal dream, by becoming the new owner of A Gallerie Boutique on the corner of Main and Pearl streets in Downtown Natchez.
Daye made her intentions and goals for A Gallerie very clear when she took over back in August last year and has kept that commitment to her store and those shopping in Downtown Natchez. She has shown herself to be receptive to community feedback and seems to really have her finger on the pulse of the downtown shopping experience most are seeking in Natchez.
When you walk into A Gallerie, you immediately feel welcome and at home amid all the bright colors, beautiful patterns, and carefully curated home decor.
“A Gallerie will make 10 years of being in business come September, and I am so happy that I get to carry on this business and continue moving it forward,” Daye said when asked about the growth of the store.
Since buying A Gallerie, Daye has been able to be even more involved in her community and give back in ways she wasn’t able to before. “I have and will continue to work really hard to make A Gallerie a place that the people of Natchez are happy and proud to have,” she said. Daye has made donations to different causes and has helped organize events such as the Downtown Natchez Easter Art Contest.
Taylor Cooley, a friend of Daye’s and owner of Cooley & Co. and Taylor Cooler Photography, approached her about the contest, and Daye was more than happy to help out. “Taylor always has the best ideas, and I am always down to work alongside such a good friend,” Daye said.
The contest had a great turnout, with 60 art submissions from our youth, and Daye looks forward to seeing it grow over the years.
Daye and Cooley have since announced a new joint venture called Kaelor & Co., which will be coming to Franklin Street in Downtown Natchez this fall.
In a recent Facebook post, Daye said, “It’s scary doing something new. But, do you know what else scares me? The thought of looking back one day on all the could-have-beens if we would have just taken that leap of faith.” And leap they did. These ladies will be keeping the Miss-Lou updated on their journey.
Rest assured though, Cooley and Daye’s current businesses A Gallerie Boutique, Oakwood Media by Kaelin Daye, Cooley & Co., and Taylor Cooley Photography will all continue to operate at full capacity.
In her own words, “Buying A Gallerie was never just about me, I really wanted to play a part in having a place where people knew they were welcome and had help in finding whatever it was they needed. I also didn’t want to see a Natchez business close its doors or fall into the hands of the wrong people.”
It’s safe to say, with such entrepreneurial spirits devoted to our community, the future is looking bright for Daye, Cooley, their businesses, and Downtown Natchez.
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