Second Saturday Artwalk Hotspots- September 2023: Baytique, Magnolia Antiques, and Edmond Fahey Funeral Home

9/1/2023

Baytique

125D Main Street

When it comes to finding the right mix of edge and fun in your wardrobe, few places nail it quite like Baytique. Nestled at 125D Main Street in Old Town Bay St. Louis, this charming store has been a fashion haven since 2012. Eleven years on, their motto "slightly edgy, always fun" is as relevant and evident as ever.

Jane Kulpeska, the passionate owner of Baytique, has an eye for the unique. “I strive to curate collections different from what you’ll encounter in regular department stores,” she shared. “Something that stands out, but isn’t overwhelmingly edgy.” It's this vision that has led Baytique to proudly feature fabulous brands such as Dune Jewelry, Umgee, Blowfish, and Hobo Bags.

Their pieces? Trendy, but affordable. Their customer service? Exceptional. Baytique's goal revolves around valuing the customer. “We aspire to offer more in value than what our customers spend in dollars,” the store proudly proclaims.

At its heart, Baytique is a reflection of its community - dedicated, vibrant, and slightly edgy. The team works tirelessly to make sure that every piece on their racks is sophisticated, comfortable, and of top-notch quality.

One might wonder, is Baytique a place strictly for the young and hip? Jane chuckles at the thought. “Our customers range from their twenties to their sixties!” So, whether you're a college student looking for a fresh take on fashion, a seasoned fashionista eager for a fresh twist, or searching for comfortable fashion that's both refreshing and easy, Baytique has you covered.

Be sure to join Baytique this Second Saturday, September 9th, as they celebrate their hotspot status with live music and refreshments from 4pm to 7pm. Dive into a world of curated apparel, discover beautiful coastal wear, and meet a friendly team eager to guide you through a style journey that is, without a doubt, slightly edgy and always fun.

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Magnolia Antiques

200 Main Street

Residing in the heart of Old Town Bay St. Louis, on the corner of Second and Main, Magnolia Antiques stands proudly offering a memorable antiquing adventure that beckons to visitors and locals alike.

Stepping through the doors of Magnolia Antiques is similar to embarking on a captivating journey through time. With over 3,000 square feet of meticulously arranged retail space, the establishment is a haven for collectors, history enthusiasts, and those simply seeking a brush with the past. Bay St. Louis boasts of being a premier destination for antique aficionados, and Magnolia Antiques plays a pivotal role in that acclaim.

The offerings at Magnolia Antiques span a broad spectrum. Classic vinyl records set the ambiance, while gleams from mid-century modern furniture, collections of antique coins, and childhood comics serve as nostalgic reminders. Among the treasures are playable ukuleles (dozens whimsically hanging from the ceiling), vibrant vintage dishware, and a notable collection of swords and bayonets, including WWII relics. Pottery lovers can marvel at the popular Rockwood and Shearwater pieces, and colorful paperweights add to the diversity.

Behind this curated wonderland are the passionate endeavors of Glenda and Jack Schornick. Opening in 2008, they nurtured a business that champions quality and customer service. Today, under the stewardship of their daughter, Shay Coss, visitors are treated with familial warmth and expertise.

Describing Magnolia Antiques as merely a store would be an understatement, it's a living museum. Each artifact has its tale, and the knowledgeable family is ever eager to share. For those seeking modern memorabilia, it promises a treasure hunt like no other.

And the enchantment doesn't end with antiques. In celebration of their hotspot status, Magnolia Antiques will be hosting live music by The Heavy Strides on the upcoming Second Saturday, September 9th, from 4pm to 6pm.

Whether you're in Bay St. Louis or planning a visit, Magnolia Antiques beckons. It offers not just artifacts, but a symphony of art, history, and music.

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Edmond Fahey Funeral Home

110 S Necaise Avenue

In the heart of Bay St. Louis, Edmond Fahey Funeral Home stands as a testament to a longstanding legacy of service, care, and community engagement. Over a year ago, in November 2021, the O’Keefe family took the mantle of this esteemed institution, bringing fresh perspectives while preserving the heritage of this establishment.

The O’Keefes have been proactive in enhancing the funeral home experience. They've shifted the showroom and merchandise room to the ground level, making it more accessible for guests. Complementing the rich history of the venue, they’ve upgraded lighting and are in the process of refining other cosmetic elements, including chandeliers and curtains.

Community engagement is a cornerstone of their philosophy. As Jeffrey O'Keefe points out, planning funeral arrangements is a realization many face annually. The funeral home, under the O’Keefe stewardship, has been diligent in reaching out to the community, educating them about this often-overlooked aspect of life. Their ‘Lunch and Learn’ initiative, conducted in partnership with local restaurants, is a prime example. Through this program, community members are invited to familiarize themselves with the funeral arrangement process.

The O’Keefes’ reach goes beyond just the funeral home. They also acquired the Gulf Coast Memorial Cemetery & Mausoleum in Waveland. Edmond Fahey, the prior owner, had established a sizable mausoleum, which over time, found its niches occupied. In acknowledgment of changing preferences, with cremation on the rise, the O’Keefes are now constructing a new garden-style mausoleum embellished with granite sourced from Spain. This modern construction will feature fewer full-size crypts but will provide more niches for cremations.

An initiative that resonates deeply with many is the annual candlelight ceremony known as the Celebration of Lights. Started last year, this ceremony invites the community to remember their departed loved ones with music, prayers, and the act of lighting luminaries. The Second Annual Celebration of Lights is set for December 9th, with the memorial service starting at 3:30 pm.

The O’Keefes have a storied legacy in the funeral service industry, marked not just by their commitment to community service but also by their resilience in the face of challenges. This legacy recently caught the attention of the cinematic world. Their legal battle with a major funeral corporation, which led to a lawsuit and a subsequent significant verdict, has inspired a movie. Titled "The Burial," the movie is set to premiere on Amazon Prime in October, with notable stars like Jamie Foxx in the cast. While the film offers a dramatized account, it nonetheless provides a glimpse into the tenacity and determination of the O’Keefes.

Above all, what stands out is the O’Keefes' profound sense of responsibility and honor. As Jeffrey O'Keefe shares, they're deeply pleased and honored to have been chosen to continue serving the community through the Edmond Fahey Funeral Home. Their commitment is evident in every upgrade, every initiative, and every effort to be a pillar of support for families in their times of need.

In conclusion, Edmond Fahey Funeral Home, with its rich history dating back to 1895, continues to thrive under the O’Keefes. Their blend of tradition, modernity, and deep-rooted community engagement ensures that the funeral home remains an indispensable part of the Old town Bay St. Louis community.