By Leah Schwarting

NATCHEZ — In the past, Natchez shoppers had to go out of town for clothes shopping.

Now, new business owners are hoping to change that, from higher-end clothing to gently used children’s consignment.

“We wanted somewhere where a mom and her daughter could come in and shop together,” said Gwen Massey, who opened the clothing boutique Soiree in May with her friend and one-time neighbor Kristen Jordan.

Soiree is Massey and Jordan’s first venture into the business world, a decision they said began when they realized there was a lack of clothing stores in Natchez.

The two often found themselves going to Baton Rouge and other cities looking for clothes, as did their friends.

Soiree began its life as a conversation over a cup of coffee. From there it blossomed into finding a location, scheduling renovations and several trips to Texas and New York to get merchandise.

The goal was to have products in a wide price range, resulting in a store that could offer different budgets for different shoppers.

“It’s been a lot of teamwork for sure,” Jordan said.

Now, beneath a bright blue awning, mannequins line the windows at 505 Main St., to give those who pass by a peek at the variety of clothes, jewelry, accessories and shoes the store offers.

Inside, customers are greeted with bright walls and a custom mirror hanging over the register.

Dresses covered with delicate lace, pastel-colored blouses, fashionable pants and cobalt blue shirts hang from industrial racks. Other shelves showcase shoes, and mannequins are draped with golden necklaces.

When the time came to pick a name for their store, Massey and Jordan wanted something representative of Natchez.

Eventually, Jordan’s involvement with the Natchez Garden Club and Tableaux inspired the name Soiree, a reference to some of the Spring Pilgrimage’s musical performances.

In a little over three months, Soiree went from an idea to a fully functioning boutique.

“It’s really been a whirlwind,” Jordan said.

Massey agreed the whirlwind comparison was appropriate, “but in a good way.”

Shauna Whiting had similar experiences to Massey and Jordan, but her out-of-town excursions were in search of finding affordable children’s clothes.

During her quest for clothes for her grandchildren, Jourdan, 3, and Jalyn, 4, Whiting also found herself making trips to Baton Rouge — home of the closest children’s consignment store she knew about — to do her shopping.

Whiting said she began to wonder why there weren’t more children’s consignment stores closer to home. That wonder turned to action, and Clothesland was born.

Whiting initially opened her store in March, but delayed her grand opening until June 5 to work out any kinks.

“It’s going pretty good,” Whiting said, “I’m enjoying it, too.”

Opening the door, shoppers are greeted by the register and a rack of toys by Melissa & Doug and baby shower gifts from Nat & Jules.

The clothes are a few steps away, sorted by age and gender. Onesies and baby blankets are neatly folded and stacked on shelves, while children’s dresses, jeans and shirts hang from racks.

The clothing, unlike the toys and gifts, comes from parents and relatives looking to get rid of their children’s old clothes. The store gives them a chance to make some money out of the clothes.

“One of my mottos is ‘cleaning out your closet puts money in your pocket,’” Whiting said.

When people bring in clothes, Whiting gets to work assessing them for wear and tear. It often takes her 24 hours to assess the clothes and figure out a fair price.

Because of space issues, she’s limiting herself to taking 20 items maximum from one seller.

Once Whiting makes the decision about whether or not she wants the items, sellers can decide whether to sell her the clothes outright or put them on consignment, which results in a 50/50 split.

The process may sound intensive, but Whiting said she loves her work.

“I get excited about Clothesland,” Whiting said.

Soiree can be reached at 601-442-5566. Clothesland is located at 317 D’Evereaux Drive and can be reached at 601-653-0019.