Open the door at 1622 Huntsville Highway and step over the threshold into Kaylee’s Korner. Vintage olive green stemware, opaque carnival glass, depression glass, teapots, coffee mugs, and snow-white hobnailed milk glass line the shelves. Hardbound books in muted grays and browns, thousands of collectibles from past decades, solid wood desks, ornate bed frames, ruby red hurricane lamps, and artwork framed with oak awaken memories of yesteryear and fill every visitor with nostalgia. Quaint rooms overflowing with well-loved toys, doodads, kitchen gadgets, and knickknacks are centered around a larger space separated into individual booths where each vendor has added their personal touch. At Kaylee’s Korner, every nook, cranny, and “korner” hold treasures waiting to be uncovered.
For Tonita Thompson, Kaylee’s Korner is more than a thrift or an antique store. It’s more than a building to resell furniture. It’s an outlet for her to bless a community that has so richly blessed her. Thirteen years ago, Tonita and her husband, Roger, gained custody of their granddaughter, Kaylee, and shortly after, Kaylee received a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.
“I wanted to put her in a school for autism, and I found one close to the Huntsville airport,” recalled Thompson. “But we couldn’t afford it. I prayed and felt led by God to have a yard sale to pay her tuition. Everybody connected to us cleaned out their closets, and because of this, every month, our need was met. After I brought her back to public school, friends were still giving us items to sell. We continued holding yard sales, and we were able to take her on a trip to Disney World. The donations began to accumulate, and I prayed for a building. God provided this business that used to be The Blue Door Antique Store, and Kaylee’s Korner was born.”
Thompson, a native of Lincoln County and a self-proclaimed introvert, said, “I don’t have the personality for this, but God has put the right people at the right time in place. When my mother passed away, I received so many hugs from people I didn’t even know a year before, and that has truly helped me to heal.”
Though the Thompsons’ finances have been tight over the years, they have always stepped in to help others whenever possible.
“We never had money, but we would do what we could. When we are told about needs in the community like a house fire, all three of us who work at the store begin collecting items that we think the family could use. I also purchase items from people who are struggling to pay their bills. When I realized that some of my customers didn’t like holding on to change, I put a jug by the cash register, and now we use it to pay someone’s electric bill before it gets cut off. In the spring and summer, I let people have yard sales in our parking lot, and if they want to pay for their spot, I ask them to make a donation to that jug.”
Kimberly Hunter and DeAnna Smith help Thompson run the store, and both women are also caregivers. When they aren’t working at Kaylee’s Korner, Hunter cares for her mother, who was recently diagnosed with dementia, and Smith cares for her mother-in-law, who is 93.
“DeAnna’s mission is to pray for people,” said Thompson. “Our customers often share their problems with us, so sometimes, she prays openly, and at other times, she prays quietly. We are constantly trying to think of things we can do to help our community. Our latest is that we are currently in the process of building a blessing box. During the holidays throughout the year, we enjoy putting up backdrops and hosting events so people can bring their kiddos in for pictures.”
Kaylee recently turned 18, and later this year, she will graduate from high school. She loves pizza and original Doritos, and her favorite “job” at Kaylee’s Korner is sorting and organizing the jewelry. Though the store was birthed out of a need to provide for Kaylee’s education, it is now a place where treasures are discovered — rediscovered — and strangers leave as friends.
This spring, Kaylee’s Korner will host a special visitor who will hop down the bunny trail just in time to celebrate Easter. Tonita, Kimberly, DeAnna, and Kaylee invite you to drop in and say hello. They’d also love for you to follow them on Facebook as they regularly update their page with pictures of new items, share details of upcoming sales, and post about other special “visitors” who will make an appearance.
“In the three years that we’ve been open, I’ve become more aware of just how many people are hurting. I welcome them to come into Kaylee’s Korner and forget their outside problems. Whether they take time to just look around — or maybe they need someone to talk to — we are here for them.” GN
