Many of you know Renae Underwood McLeary from when your children were little and she owned Gretchen's Haus on Avalon Avenue in Muscle Shoals. That little shop was open from 1995-2005. After her son Walker was born, Renae decided to close the store and return to work in the Cardiac Cath Lab at ECM, allowing her to spend more time with her son.

Years later, Renae became a Trunk Keeper for Matilda Jane Clothing and joyfully sold those signature ruffles for 10 seasons. When Matilda Jane closed their company, Renae's longtime friends, Doug and Lisa Letson, invited her to bring Gretchen’s Haus back—this time within the Emporium of the Shoals. After 19 years of loyal customers encouraging her to reopen, Renae happily said yes!

With the help of Jolie Bates and Anita Jaynes Willis (owner of Dena Diane), Renae has loved having Gretchen's Haus open again. Both she and Anita have been especially touched to see their first-generation customers now bringing in children of their own—continuing a beautiful tradition across generations.