From childhood to now, Grace Thomas Manasco weaves a story about how the things she loved then has translated to running the successful local boutique and shopping destination Good Gracious.
A lifelong resident of: Sabine Parish and Many High School graduate, Grace was born to Gary and Paula Mizell Thomas.
As a child, the seeds were set for her future business not only by her interests, but by her mother, who was a noted and beloved local florist.
“I’ve always liked clothing and decided it was something I wanted to do as a career,” Grace said. “We will have been open seven years in August and we’re succeeding beyond my wildest expectations.”
Her mother also offered a few stories about why this project was the perfect fit for her.
“Grace was always creative, sweet, imaginative, and tough enough for something such as this,” she said. “The creative abilities were always present.”
She tells stories that as a child, Grace took hollowed out cucumbers and arranged roses from bushes in the yard in them.
Grace remembers playing with her brothers outside while wearing plastic, toy dress up high heels. “Simply put, I’ve always loved fashion,” she said.
Originally, clothing was the focus of the boutique, but over time more and more additions have been made.
The expansions started when her mother began contributing her floral talents, which made a further mark locally. Especially as their Valentines Day offerings picked up steam.
“Each year for Valentines Day we have locals dressed as Cupid make our deliveries,” Grace explains. “One of our favorites, Brock Sylvia, has now become a professional model now and has worked with famous brands such as Ariat.”
They provide guidance and assistance with several weddings a year, but it is far from a true focus of the business.
Soon thereafter, they began offering skin care, personal care, and makeup through Merle Norman Cosmetics.
“We received so much support when we started with Merle Norman,” Grace said. “Both Delores Geoghegan and Linda Curtis-Sparks were truly there for us.”
For years, Geoghegan offered the popular cosmetics brand at Selma’s Fashion, while Curtis-Sparks sold them in-parish years before that.
Since the offering began, Good Gracious has become a one-stop shop for all local makeup and skin care needs.
Other friends also contribute. Kristy Ebarb offers a range of snacks and brownies, with Grace pointing out several mini cakes that were display.
In springtime, Pam Pearce offers locally- made salsa with ingredients that are produced fresh from her garden.
Good Gracious also does things big for events such as Bloomin’ on Main, which is held in downtown Many.
There’s even more on the horizon, but Grace is quick to say she can’t announce anything officially
yet.
In the meantime, we’ve just got to stay tuned.