Article and photos from Portico Jackson
Jaclyn BethanyAudrey Grace Pop-Up Shop
By Mary Straton Smith
Photo by Aaron Phillips
Native Jacksonian and current resident of the Big Apple, Jaclyn Bethany caught the acting bug as a kid the first time she watched Annie. Frequent family visits to New York City only fueled the desire she had to become a performer in her own right. After some time at Millsaps College, Jaclyn left for Fordham College at Lincoln Center, a creative collection of students and faculty where she is currently studying acting.
And as it turns out, acting is not her one and only passion. Inspired by her impossibly fashionable, designer clad grandmother Ella May East, Jaclyn grew up admiring her grandmother’s extensive shoe collection as well as her closet, filled with items by Escada, St. John and classic Chanel. Out of this merging of Jaclyn’s love of film and fashion has evolved Audrey Grace Boutique.
“I’ve always loved Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly, the sort of classic movie stars,” she explains. When thinking about a name, that was an obvious choice. Every woman can relate to them.” The pop-up boutique, opening December 17 at Lakeland Square Plaza in Jackson for about six weeks, will be an eclectic mix of pieces from designers Jaclyn encountered during her summer spent in London and Australia, with vintage items and accessories as well as art and photography.
Audrey Grace will feature a very specific aesthetic, based on Jaclyn’s favorite things and lines she feels embody the “Audrey Grace Girl.” Stocked with pieces from her favorite lines and several one-of-a-kind dresses, Jaclyn also has commissioned over 100 pieces of custom artwork for those customers that want a little whimsy on their wall.
Her exposure to the world of fashion has enabled her to source beautiful items from all over the world. Expect designers from England, France, Thailand and Spain, as well as Los Angeles and her beloved New York. But not all pieces will carry the designer price tag. Jaclyn is bringing high-end items as well as affordable pieces to her Mississippi home.
“I chose to bring the store to Jackson as opposed to New York because I wanted to bring it back home and have my family and friends be a part of it.”
At only 23, Jaclyn Bethany has had more interesting experiences than most women twice her age, and has the fashion sense to prove it. Even after the doors close on Audrey Grace Boutique in January, it might not be the last time you’ll see Jaclyn’s name alongside Hollywood royalty. In the words of Ms. Hepburn herself, “Opportunities don’t often come along. So, when they do, you have to grab them.” Leave it to a Mississippi girl to make Audrey proud.
Her exposure to the world of fashion has enabled her to source beautiful items from all over the world. Expect designers from England, France, Thailand and Spain, as well as Los Angeles and her beloved New York. But not all pieces will carry the designer price tag. Jaclyn is bringing high-end items as well as affordable pieces to her Mississippi home.
“I chose to bring the store to Jackson as opposed to New York because I wanted to bring it back home and have my family and friends be a part of it.”
At only 23, Jaclyn Bethany has had more interesting experiences than most women twice her age, and has the fashion sense to prove it. Even after the doors close on Audrey Grace Boutique in January, it might not be the last time you’ll see Jaclyn’s name alongside Hollywood royalty. In the words of Ms. Hepburn herself, “Opportunities don’t often come along. So, when they do, you have to grab them.” Leave it to a Mississippi girl to make Audrey proud.
