Tales from Tennessee's Oldest Town
The Storytelling Capital of the World
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We Dig Jonesborough Cash Mob #4: A Fashion Following Full of Fun
After 20 years in the industry, Marianne Onks knows a thing or two about running a successful business. Stepping out on a limb and leaving her career in the corporate world took a huge leap of faith as Marianne combined her passion for style and creativity, along with fun and friends into a popular store that has a reputation for drawing in customers from across the region.
Her storefront, Kaley’s & Co. has been known to float around since the store’s creation, but that hasn’t stopped the clothing and accessories shop from maintaining a dedicated following of fashionistas in search of the season’s most talked about apparel.
“I started with $600 and went to the market for accessories,” Marianne said. “That’s what I initially wanted to sell, and my friends would come over to my house on weekends and we would just have fun and shop.”Her next trip to the market led Marianne into the clothing industry with her first brand name being sold - Cut Loose. It wasn’t long after that when she found herself becoming a full time owner of Kaley’s & Co., focusing primarily on clothing and accessories for a variety of ages ranging from 16 to 80, full of chunky jewelry, leggings, flowy outfits, cruise wear , the popular Oh My Gauze line and Boho styles.
When you enter Kaley’s & Co., not only does the calming colors and eye catching accessories keep you coming back, but the feeling of family and catching up with friends are enough to see why Marianne is so proud of her business.
“I try to make sure my items are easy care, natural and comfortable.” Accessories are the biggest sellers, and you’ll only find a limited quantity,” Marianne added.
Individuality is a priority, as she only purchases one or two of each item and sometimes only one of each size so that her customers will never find her merchandise in a department store or someone else wearing what they have. That’s what keeps her customers coming back every two weeks for new merchandise.
“I try to purchase items made in the USA and sometimes my customers are here ready to see what new treasures I have before I can even get them out of the boxes,” Marianne laughed. “I see a lot of the Storytellers in here and I have a great following on Facebook. I always keep everyone in the loop online as to what I bring back from the market.”
Another aspect of her business that has created quite a buzz are her monthly after hours gatherings that are open to the public every third Friday that include snacks and a time to kick back and relax with friends. Her upstairs sale room also keeps people coming back with an automatic discount of 50% off. With a variety of price points, Kaley’s & Co. signature accessories range from $10 to $49 and clothing starting at $29.
Marianne is looking forward to her business’s growth in Jonesborough and showcasing the newly constructed sidewalks in front of her shop located on the corner of Boone St. and Main St.
She says the last two years have been the best for her business in Jonesborough, and is so excited to see the downtown road construction completed.
“I’ve always liked Jonesborough and have had the most success with my business here,” Marianne said. “Sometimes I’d want to try another city, but I always would end up back in Jonesborough.”
Kaley’s & Co. is located at 139 E. Main St. in Historic Downtown Jonesborough. For more information about the store and the stories behind the merchandise, visit Kaley’s & Co. on Facebook, call 423.753.5305 or email kaleys10@aol.com. - notesurl
When you enter Historic Jonesborough, Tennessee, you’re taking a journey into the past. A unique 18th century town nestled in the Appalachian Mountains of Northeast Tennessee, Jonesborough’s natural beauty, charming architecture, and storytelling heritage have attracted visitors worldwide.
