By Jordan Strope

Jill M. Jones opened J. Jones after moving to Weirton, WV six years ago from Pittsburgh, PA. She felt the area didn't offer an upscale boutique for girls, and wanted them to have an "upscale boutique shopping experience" in their small hometown. Jones said, "a dress purchase involves many trips to the store for fittings, alterations, accessory coordination, etc. and I wanted to offer something fabulous so they wouldn't have to leave the area!"

When I asked what inspired her to open J. Jones she said, "It's simple! I LOVE the bridal/special occasion industry. I love being involved in the special events my girls come to me for! I love making them feel special, important, and look even more beautiful in our clothing!" Jones said that along the way, her biggest supporter and fan was (and is!) her boyfriend and confidant Mr. Greg Shoup. She says he motivates and encourages her, and tells her to "just go for it!"
Jones says Greg is also her Gladys! When she had the idea to open a bridal salon downtown Weirton, he was there for her all the way. He doesn't know the fashion industry but he knows Jill, and how she thinks. He drives her to be successful and work hard and honest. She says he is the hardest working person she knows and that is what makes him so successful! He is "the best father, a truly inspirational man and friend... my best friend!"

Jones says her most memorable moment since opening the store was overhearing two women talking about "this great new bridal shop on Main Street in Weirton." They said the shop was beautiful, and the owner was nice, helpful, and really cared about the prom girls! They were talking about Jill, but she was smiled and went about her shopping! She says that is why she works so hard at what she does!

Jones has had over 20 years of bridal experience and says it never gets old. She loves sharing that feeling with a bride when she finds "the dress"! She says she has cried with and for many brides when the final moment comes together. Jones also says she is truly blessed to have a job that involves so many men and women's "happily ever after's!"
Her favorite quote is "'Happy girls are the prettiest' by Audrey Hepburn! It's on the wall in her store!

Jones says, "My passion for this business has enabled me to go far J. Jones has been wonderful because it lets me follow my dream while fulfilling other girl's dreams at the same time! I always say I am selfish for getting to do what I love and all of us at the store say it isn't even like going to work when we come here...we ALL love our jobs! The best part of owning J. Jones is getting to see ALL my beautiful babies on prom night or their wedding day and see the stunning smiles on their faces...remember 'happy girls are the prettiest'!"

When I asked Jones what her favorite designer was, she said," I love many of the designers for different reasons...Sherri Hill is for the young, feminine girl who isn't afraid to show her "girly side". Jovani is fashion forward and edgier...Vienna is new and up in coming and I love to work with new, excited growing designers. In the bridal industry I love, love, love Allure! They have it all, style, elegance, sophistication and are a wonderful company to deal with. First rate ALL the way!"

In five years, Jones hopes to be in a much larger location on Main Street where they can service many more clients and offer an even larger selection to local brides, prom girls, and formal wear clients. She wants to be the "it" store in the area and hopes the girls will say "you HAVE to go to J. Jones"!

Hours:
Tues, Wed, Thur 12-7
Fri/Sat 11-4
Sun 12-3

Address:
3385 Main Street Weirton, WV 26062

Phone:
304-914-0930