Kelly Blount attributes divine intervention – in part – for the decision to open her new shop in Lakemont. Her golden retriever “Ladybug” had recently passed when Kelly was checking out an available building in downtown. “As I was standing on the front step, a ladybug landed on my cheek,” she recalls. “And when I was leaving, a ladybug landed on the papers I was carrying. I took the hint.” Ladybug Landing was born.
Kelly purchased the building in early 2020 with plans to convert the upstairs to an Airbnb rental property and the ground floor to retail space. After a successful Christmas Market on weekends in October through December 2020, Ladybug Landing opened its Summer Market in May 2021 that will run through Labor Day. The Christmas Market will return in October.
What can customers find? “A nature-inspired, community-oriented boutique focusing on inspiring locals and visitors to fall more in love with the magical lakes, mountains, trails, rivers and beauty of the area,” Kelly says.
Ladybug Landing carries a unique selection of gifts, clothing and jewelry along with specialty items that can’t be found elsewhere. Tammy and Mac Kilby of Billingsley Garden Center built a magical fairy garden for kids to play and color stones to leave as a celebration of their first-time accomplishments. Located just outside the store, the garden helps Kelly create an environment “that allows you to stop and notice the little things in life,” she notes. “Because when you look back, it’s the little things that become the big things.”
Formerly of Thomasville, Ga., Kelly has spent summers on the lake for the past two-plus decades. “I fell in love with Lakemont,” she adds. “I want to live her forever.” Ladybug Landing is the foundation for what she hopes will be a major transformation of the area. “We want to be very community-oriented. This includes planning regular events and activities for Lakemont – making sure there is always something special going on here. Ladybug Landing is proud to be a part of Lakemont’s transformation.”
Part of Ladybug Landing is devoted to a Youth Market where locals – ages 5 to 25 – can sell their crafts and wares keeping 100% of the proceeds. “Whether they want to sell brownies for a day, handmade jewelry for a week or paintings for a year, we’ll make the space available,” Kelly says. “We want Ladybug Landing to be the community spot where people feel comfortable gathering to visit.”
Ladybug Landing
8488 Old Highway 441 S.
Lakemont, GA 30552
Owner: Kelly Blount
Phone: 706.982.2934
Email: happy@ladybug-landing.com
Website: www.ladybug-landing.com