Meet Jordan Jones of Aurora Mercantile in McDonough

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jordan Jones.

Jordan, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I graduated from UGA last July and began renovations in my spot at the very beginning of August! I graduated with a degree in English so opening a store was definitely the last thing on my radar. I was at the red light in front of Clay Plaza after I moved back home, and I saw a space for lease inside the building. Something shifted into place, and I made a snap decision to open a storefront. The Clay Plaza was a movie theatre in the 40s through 60s and had been inhabited by various businesses since it closed its doors. My grandparents and great grandparents grew up going to the Clay Plaza for shows and it’s such a great piece of McDonough history.

I had an urge to make this seemingly abandoned building new again. I felt so connected to the downtown area because my family has been here for so many generations and my great grandparents were huge advocates of community and entrepreneurship. I felt this need to foster this space that had once been so loved and cherished. Since then, we have gained an absolutely amazing clientele (in store and online) and have opened an art studio in the store where I teach art (&wine) classes on Saturday nights. Our little nook in Clay Plaza fostered our growth and exposure as a mercantile and I’m forever grateful! We’ve grown out of our original spot and are now moving to a bigger location only five doors down from where we are now! I am hoping to be at our new location of 20 Macon St by November 1st! I’m so sad to leave our spot in Clay Plaza, but I’m so happy that I can leave it so much better than I found it, in hopes that another great business can find their beginning.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My journey was definitely not smooth at the start! I had several individuals approach me while my mom and I were working on renovations with comments such as “Why are you wasting your time with this hole in the wall?” and “Good luck sweetie, nothing makes it here.” Those were probably the more positive comments too. I also had an issue being taken seriously as a 23 years old female business owner. Many individuals have doubted my abilities and shushed my ideas in a way that I felt was disrespectful and unnecessary. The negativity would be upsetting at times but I just kept my head down and let those individuals learn from my actions and how I led my mercantile. I also had a great support system. Other business owners and city representatives encouraged me in such a way that made up for their counterparts.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Aurora Mercantile – what should we know?
Being a mercantile, we pride ourselves in our ability to appeal to everyone that walks through the door. Women’s clothing and accessories are big components of our brand, but we also have home goods, gifts, children, and men. We specialize in handmade and local goods from around Georgia and the Southern Crescent. Our most popular handmade and locally sourced goods consist of jewelry, soap, and candles. We are also well known for our art classes led by me on Saturday nights. Our most popular classes are Paint Your Pet, Flower Arranging, and Wreath Making. I love to teach classes that also teach a craft or practice that our customers can take home and use again and again! I think what sets us apart from others is our authenticity and originality. Our store setup is extremely inviting and warm, which creates a comfortable atmosphere to shop, and our customer service is unmatched in hospitality! I’ve created a very “hands-off” approach to customer service because I personally don’t like to be followed around a store or pestered with questions. We always engage our customers when they walk through the door, but let them shop at their leisure while checking in maybe once or twice.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
MY MOTHER! My mom, Tammy, has pushed me and advocated for me when I felt like I couldn’t do it myself. She helped me with all of the renovations in our first store, which created the foundation for our reputation as a mercantile. She came with me to meet with buyers, attend markets and everything in between. My stepfather, Jeff, also helped tremendously in so many different ways. He provided so much insight and advice as a business owner as well. And of course, my boyfriend Josh. He picked me up when times were rough and motivated me at some all-time lows. I also think my first employee, Savannah, helped me pave the way then it comes to employee and coworker relations, which can be a huge component of a business.

Contact Info:

• Address: Until Oct 26- 2 Macon St McDonough GA 30253
  After- 20 Macon St McDonough GA 30253
• Website: shopauroramercantile.com
• Phone: 4708786068
• Email: hello@shopauroramercantile.com
• Instagram: @auroramercantile
• Facebook: Aurora Mercantile
• Yelp: Aurora Mercantile

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