Ease Meets Tradition at Jones General Market

Just months ago brown craft paper covered the windows of a developing space inside The Shoppes at The Mill on Etowah in Canton. Then a logo bearing the monogram “J.G.” popped up on the glass doors and a social media page launched in anticipation of the new shop’s opening.

In October the craft paper was peeled away to reveal a stunning new shop: Jones General Market. Inspired by “warm-toned woods [and] deep and lively greens with a sprinkle of rusty peaches and brightness,” the market evokes a friendly, welcoming atmosphere made all the more inviting when sunlight bathes the space in a golden glow. Music from singer-songwriters like Anderson East and Ray LaMontagne floats from the speakers and evokes a mellow and soulful mood throughout the shop.

Twin sisters Jessica and Michaela Namynanik are the creative minds behind Jones General Market, a modern general store specializing in grab-and-go food options, home decor, and gifts. While the market itself is a new venture, Jessica and Michaela have a wealth of entrepreneurial experience. The sisters’ other business ventures include 89th & Autumn wedding and event florist, The Flower Shoppe floral and lifestyle boutique, the Workroom multi-use studio space, and Eightyninth Design Studio.

The Flower Shoppe opened at the Mill on Etowah in 2021 followed by the Workroom studio in early 2022. With both businesses growing and thriving, the sisters spent a lot of time at The Mill and soon recognized a need for what they have since dubbed an “easy peasy food and retail experience.” They endeavored to create a welcoming space for shoppers and other businesses at The Mill offering comfortable seating, pleasing drink and snack options, and a carefully curated selection of home decor, gifts, and pantry items. Jessica says the shop’s goal is to be “the heart, the center point for The Mill, to serve all the other businesses, and to be a part of this greater picture of The Mill.”

When it came to creating a style for the new space, Jessica and Michaela wanted “a timeless experience of a general store in a modern way with turn-of-the-century design elements and a warm nostalgic feel.” The entrepreneurial duo has achieved their goal, with the shop’s ambiance blending striking deep green elements and earthy cream and gold accents enhanced by the historic elements of the revitalized industrial space including exposed brick and wood columns.

In another nod to the location’s history, the market’s name honors the original founder of the mill Robert Tyre “R.T.” Jones and the Jones family who “built what we know of as Canton,” explained Jessica. The shop is described as “inspired by Canton’s past and designed for its exciting future.” The sister’s love of local extends to merchandise carried in store as well.

Jessica and Michaela have partnered with regional businesses to offer their items in store, including Eden in downtown Woodstock, Arlowe’s Bakehouse in East Ellijay, Atlanta-based King of Pops and The Spotted Trotter, and Hale Tea Company in Savannah. For the holiday season, the shop partnered with local artist Ashley Bruce Artworks to offer a selection of hand-painted ornaments. Local dessert favorite Pie Bar will soon have items available in the market as well.

Also available are Jones General brand products including t-shirts, mugs, and their opening weekend best-seller: the Local canvas tote bag.

Among the grocery offerings in the store are gluten-free and grain-free options. Jessica and Micahela strive to carry items to fit any dietary restriction and provide healthy choices for shoppers. According to the market’s social media profile, “It’s all about ease meets tradition at Jones General.”

It’s easy indeed to see how much thought and effort went into bringing the market to life. Their unique vision and dedication to providing positive customer experiences are present in all of the Namynanik sisters’ business ventures and the pioneering Jones General Market is sure to continue this tradition of quality and style.

This article was featured in the Historic Canton magazine. Read more.

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