Tribute to Lois Lois Gean's, world-renowned boutique, nestled just south of the Ozark Mountains in the quaint college town of Magnolia, Arkansas, had it's beginning over 50 years ago as a modest gift shop founded by Lois Gean Kelly. Kelly has established herself a true entrepreneur, and herself and her boutique, Lois Gean's, an icon around the world in designer fashion and precious gifts. Lois Gean learned early in life to be independent and aggressive in a man's world. Her father died young and left wife, three daughters and a young son to struggle in the World War II era. Mrs. Gean took in washing, and Lois and her sisters did what they could to supplement their income. After graduating from Sheridan High School at the age of 16, Lois moved to Magnolia, Arkansas to attend Arkansas A&M (now Southern Arkansas University). Seemingly undaunted by obstacles, she walked 3 miles to class every day and paid her own tuition with money earned from teaching piano and "expression" classes. After graduating she took a job as a schoolteacher in Magnolia. It became obvious to the community that Lois Gean, at age 18, looked at life unconventionally. She almost lost her job by not "dressing the part" - stopped on the street by a school board member, she was told her attire, a smart sun dress and sandals that revealed her red painted toe-nails, was not the sort of clothing worn by a schoolmarm. Mrs. Gean and Lois' brother moved to Magnolia and was living with Lois when she met her future husband, Jim Kelly. Lois, reluctant to accept a marriage proposal due to her Mother's failing health, finally after two years of dating, married in 1952. One might imagine Kelly's modest upbringing to be the driving force behind her journey into the fashion world, and in some ways it was. She was determined to have the money to pay her bills, a constant struggle for her parents when she was young, and even after her marriage continued to work, taking an evening job working at the circuit clerk's office after school, and on Saturdays worked at First National Bank of Magnolia. All this in addition to her teaching job! Lois remembers that time as having more money than she had ever dreamed of having. By the time she left the bank she had held positions in virtually every department and had trained 30 men in those positions, only to see them get the promotions and recognition. Kelly took hold of her own destiny and plunged into the business world. As an owner she realized she would be in control. Pioneering an unconventional idea - that women could succeed in business - she took her savings of $2500 and started her own bookstore with merchandise brought home from the market in Dallas. With $1500 worth of Hallmark fixtures, cards, and books and $100 worth of beautiful handkerchiefs, she started the store now known as Lois Gean's in a 13 by 40 room just off the square in downtown Magnolia, Arkansas.  Even though she didn't know what was going to go in them, any extra money went into bins for the walls and racks for the floors. The long hours Kelly spent in the store, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. six days a week, with Sunday left for tying up loose ends, paid off. Even then she strove to give her customers what they asked for. In 1952, after her son Patrick was born, her customers asked her to carry more personal items and Kelly added her first clothing line. Although she didn't have the money, she took a chance and ordered her first line of sportswear, sold all, and ordered more. Today, no boutique can boast a more impressive array of merchandise, yet an even more important attribute affords Lois Gean's a definite edge over other competitors. An atmosphere saturated with warm southern hospitality is what makes Lois Gean's an exceptional place to shop. Ask any of the loyal customers that frequent this extraordinary store - Lois Gean Kelly has made it her purpose to develop a life-long association with the customer that augments the traditional premise. Lois Gean's remains in the same location today, although taking in several adjoining buildings in an effort to be a place people can come to get everything they want under one roof. Known on the streets of Magnolia as well as in the New York designer crowd, Lois is loved and admired. Her boutique not only serves the local area but is also frequented by people from all over the world. Endeavoring to give her customers the ultimate purchasing experience, Kelly has developed a sales technique drawn from her own intuition and common sense. To offer designer fashions, gifts, and accessories, most often associated with the "big city scene" is her forte', yet with a twist. Lois Gean Kelly upholds a near forgotten value in the retail business - know your customer and his or her unique style, and thereby more effectively assist in finding that perfect outfit or gift for any occasion. Her dedication to excellence and devotion to helping those less fortunate has afforded her much recognition. Lois Gean's recent 50-year anniversary is a tribute to the woman that wouldn't let tradition hold her in check.  Truly an inspiration to women everywhere, she has been featured in Women's Wear Daily, Vogue, and Harper's Bazaar. A remarkable woman by anyone's standard, Lois Gean Kelly has made her mark in history, and takes her rightful place as an icon in the world of fashion. Lois Gean Kelly has given her entire professional career to making your trip to Lois Gean's an enjoyable successful experience. Thank you Lois!   (more pictures)