Profile: Native America Gallery

Native America Gallery was selected as the Best Downtown Shop and the Best Gift Shop by Athens Banner Herald Readers in 2010

Owner: Jane Scott

Years downtown: 17 years

This welcoming and cheerful shop carries a frequently changing selection of jewelry, fashion accessories, clothes, puppets, books, moccasins, beads and  supplies. There are also classes in beading.

Jane says: “…initially I started at the Pendergrass Flea Market on I-85, every weekend for two-and-a-half years while I worked a full-time job during the week. In 1996, the business relocated to an upstairs location where Rage-Hair Salon is nowm then to our current Clayton Street spot in 1998."

Origin of the idea for the business:

Jane says: “During a trip to California, I wandered into a gift shop in Yosemite Park.  There I purchased a long necklace of carved animals; a Zuni fetish necklace. As I became more aware of American Indian art and jewelry, I began to research where I could possibly make purchases to stock a shop. We still make biannual trips to meet with artisans."

Business philosphy:

Jane says: “We listen to our customers and maintain a strong focus on making their visit one that truly brightens their day! People deserve to have a place where they can feel better, whether they have purchased something or not. This is why we want you to feel like 'One of the Tribe!'"