Lauderdale County residents celebrated with business owners Tuesday as Magnolia Roots & Co. cut the ribbon on its location on Poplar Springs Drive near North Hills.
Opened in March, the boutique offers a variety of gifts, home décor and other items for local shoppers and visitors alike.
“All the support we’ve gotten so far, it’s been really amazing,” said owner Brandon Downing. “It’s been a dream of mine for a long time, something that I’ve worked on for a little while and finally made it happen.”
Helen Sims, membership director for the East Mississippi Business Development Corporation, which organized the ribbon cutting, said she is glad to see a new boutique open in the North Hills area. Seeing new businesses open in all different areas of the community is evidence of positive growth.
“If you haven’t been in this front door, you have a wonderful surprise for you,” she said. “My first time in I was like, ‘Oh, they’re going to get some of my money,’ because they have so many creative things that we need.”
With residents busy with a multitude of activities, community events and more, having a cozy and welcoming home to return to is a necessity, Sims said. Magnolia Roots & Co. can help give a home that extra push with their products.
“I’m just so impressed with what they’ve created here for us to shop because all the different areas of our community are so important,” she said. “So, to be here in North Hills, I just really appreciate their investment, and I appreciate them investing in the EMBDC.”
Although the business has only been open for a few months, Downing said wheels are already turning to grow even further. Plans are already in place to expand the store’s footprint to use some available space next door.
“We have so many plans, and we want to see Meridian support us and grow, and they already have,” he said.
Magnolia Roots & Co. is located at 4805 Poplar Springs Drive.