The owner of Gray’s newest antique shop is living a dream that started with family and continues to be a family affair.
Faith Ann’s Antiques had its ribbon cutting and official grand opening Feb. 4, but the store, located at 250 West Clinton Street, opened in September. Owner Valerie Douglas is originally from Jefferson County, but she has lived in Jones County since graduating from Georgia College and State University more than 20 years ago.
Valerie is married to Cliff Douglas, who was born and raised in Jones County. He is Valerie’s biggest supporter. The couple have two children, a 15-year-old daughter and 6-year-old son.
In addition to assisting at Faith Ann’s, Cliff is the local representative for Woodmen of the World Life Insurance.
During a Feb. 11 interview with the couple, Valerie recalled running travel ball tournaments after college and then working in HR at Care South. She was a stay-at-home mom for a while, worked for GISA and was a substitute teacher.
The owner has dabbled in antiques for years, starting with booths at a big antique store in Forsyth as well as booths at Treasures by the Tracks in Gray.
When the opportunity for her own store arose, Cliff encouraged her to go for it. His support included remodeling the interior of the store by putting up walls for the individual booths.
Cliff also has an office in the rear of the building.
“I told him what I envisioned, and he rolled with it,” Valerie said.
Cliff said he does a little of everything, which included the previous remodeling of their home.
The antique store has 17 booths, which are all full with a long waiting list of vendors. In addition to the rooms with a large assortment of antiques, the store sells locally sourced honey, cheesecakes and farmfresh eggs.
Valerie said Amanda Hubbard was her first vendor. She currently has two booths and is also the supplier of the cheesecakes and eggs.
“I am so excited and grateful to have this opportunity. I hope to continue for a long time,” she said.
The owner said she has a good relationship with other antique businesses. She said they send customers to each other, and she proudly displays and recommends the Treasures by the Tracks menu.
“Antique shops don’t really compete. We’re just one big family,” she said.
The name Faith Ann’s is a combination of the names of Valerie and Cliff’s mothers.
The owner said she started antiquing as a child with her father while her mother was working on Saturdays.
“I told my daddy this was going to be me some day, and here I am.”
The store’s hours of operation are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 11 am. to 4 p.m. Saturday. The store is closed Wednesday and Sunday.
For more information, visit the Faith Ann’s Antiques and More Facebook page or call 478-538-2757.
