Grandmother’s Joy

Anna Garner, an Auburn alum, grew up wearing the clothes her mother made for her.

“She was a fabulous sewer,” Garner said.

Yet it wasn’t until after her college years that Garner began sewing herself. She quickly fell in love with the art and began selling her own pieces at local trunk shows in early 2007.

“It’s special when someone loves something that you made,” Garner said.

Garner, the owner of Grandmother’s Joy since 2009, has taken this concept of creating for others to construct one of the most recent elements of Grandmother’s Joy known as Custom Corner.

”This is a section where customers can come in and create the perfect outfit for their child,” Garner said.

With more than 500 appliqués to choose from, customers pick the type of clothing, fabrics and monogram for their child. Once the designs are picked, Garner then makes these personalized outfits. Turnaround time for each order is two to three weeks. As popularity grows, Garner plans to expand Custom Corner with more options including skirts and dresses.

In addition to Custom Corner, Grandmother’s Joy offers a wide selection of heirloom clothing and well-known brands such as Mustard Pie, Zuccini and Mela Wilson. Mixed in with these brands are a few of Garner’s own pieces.

“I keep with the traditional style but with a little twist of fun fabric,” Garner said.

Garner has revamped the boutique with a brighter atmosphere, as well as funkier patterns and colors in their clothing selection.

Even with their new items, the store still sells the classic children’s clothing it has offered Birmingham since 1985.

“There are lots of people who have been shopping here for their children and grandchildren for years and years,” Garner said.

No matter the style, Grandmother’s Joy strives to keep up with the economy so people can still dress their children the way they want.

“We stay with great quality,” Garner said, “but with more affordable price ranges.”

For more information on future events and sales, visit their website.