"Sisters are doin' it for themselves," proclaimed Aretha Franklin and the Eurythmics in their 80's album. And if the proprietors of Viola's Market are any kind of evidence, the 1985 R&B song is right on target.
Two sister partnerships form the leadership core of this lovely retail shop in Redfern Village on St. Simons Island. Donna Gowen Brock and Lynne Gowen Killian have joined forces with Susan Corn Wainwright and Polly Corn Miller in a most successful business venture.
The store was christened in honor of the Gowen sisters' grandmother, Viola Louise Clark, and opened its doors on St. Simons originally in October 2001.
Donna and Lynne subsequently relocated Viola's to the Redfern location two years later. According to Lynne, "that's when Polly and Susan joined us." Donna explained that they viewed Redfern as "the hottest spot on the island for retail patronage."
Donna serves as the full time manager and main designer/decorator. Her specialty is plant arrangements. Polly, Susan and Lynne help Donna in selecting and purchasing the store's inventory. "When we are at market, we really try to find unique items," Polly says. "And we go directly to artists from all over the South."