Owners return to retail after three years, open new shop

Published 12:00 am Sunday, November 15, 2009

NATCHEZ — After nearly four years away from the retail business BeBee Tiffee and Dana White were itching to get back.

So when the sisters-in-law had the opportunity to open a boutique gift shop on the Vidalia Riverfront they practically jumped at the opportunity.

“Once you are in retail, it is in your blood,” White said. “It’s addictive.”

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Tiffee and White are the co-owners of Morgan Alexandra’s located next door to the Comfort Suites hotel and in the same building as the new Riverfront Royale Salon and Spa.

The pair previously owned Martha’s Vineyard in downtown Natchez from 2003-2005.

When opening their new store, Tiffee and White said the location offered was a deal maker, because “everyone knows its location, location, location,” Tiffee said.

“Vidalia is really growing with businesses moving in,” she said. “This location, with the other businesses and offices opening around us, was perfect.”

Morgan Alexandra’s opened the first week in September and the staff has spent the past two months stocking the store with unique gift items, home décor, children’s and baby clothing, educational toys, purses and jewelry.

“Our rule was if we didn’t love it, we weren’t going to carry it in the store,” White said. “We always go to the market in Dallas and did a lot of Internet research to find products that were unique and special.”

A new line that is already a favorite for Tiffee and White and customers is Waxing Poetic jewelry. The jewelry is hand-cast, wax sealed insignia charms, rings and pendants in silver or gold.

The jewelry comes in a variety of designs including initials and fleur de leis.

“We fell in love with this line as soon as we saw it and knew we wanted it in the store,” White said. “We ordered a selection so we could have them here for our grand opening and open house, but I can already tell we are going to have to order more.”

In addition to Waxing Poetic jewelry, the shop also stocks Emily Ray jewelry, including the popular Hoopla line of earrings that have interchangeable stones to customize the look of the earring.

On top of a variety of jewelry, White said the children’s items — clothing and toys — have been immensely popular choices.

“People say they are finding items here that they can’t find anywhere else,” Tiffee said. “A lot of our stuff can be made-to-order so it makes a very special gift.”

The store gets its name from Tiffee’s daughter Reagan Alexandra and White’s daughter Morgan.

Prior to opening the shop Tiffee and White were still working together, just in a different environment — in the family farming business in Monterey.

“We enjoy each other’s company so this works for us,” White said. “We also depend a lot on each other.

“Before we opened we really missed seeing the customers from Martha’s Vineyard.”

But now they are getting reacquainted with their old customers and making friends with new ones.

“Many of our regular customers from the other store were really grateful to see us back,” Tiffee said. “They would say ‘I’m so glad you are doing this’ or ‘I’ve missed you,’ and we really missed them, too.”

The store is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is located at 102 Front St., Suite 2 in Vidalia and can be reached by phone at 318-336-8864.

Morgan Alexandra’s also offers personal shopping, gift wrapping, local delivery to Natchez and Concordia Parish, bridal and baby gift registries and wish list registries.