The Interview: Valerie Dumas

From Staff Reports

This month, The Paper visited with Valerie Dumas for its November Q&A.

Briefly describe yourself and what you do/did.
My name is Valerie Dumas and I own Gillyweeds, which is a gift boutique on the square in downtown Newnan (between Leaf & Bean and Fabiano’s Pizzeria). We’ve been in business since 2012 and sell gifts, clothing and other cool things!

Best piece of advice you’ve received.
Don’t be a screen door on a submarine.

If I had it to do over …
Be better with money and buy real estate when it was cheap.

You are going on an extended solo trip. What three albums and three books would you take?
Truth be told, I’m not a big reader and don’t really have any favorites in music. I’ve only been to 5 concerts in my life! But I would take a beachy read from Mary Kay Andrews and listen to Jimmy Buffett or old school ‘80s hip hop.

Tell us one thing about yourself that few people know.
Every week I mill my own flour from whole wheat grains to make the most delicious breads.

You are hosting a dinner party for six. What five people, living or dead, would you invite and why.
I’m a huge introvert so I wouldn’t host one.

Name an as yet unfulfilled dream.
Owning property at the beach.

If you weren’t doing what you are, you would be …
Gosh that’s tough… I’ve always wanted to have my own store ever since I was a teenager so I’m living my dream.

Your go-to food.
Ceviche if offered at a restaurant and eggplant parmesan if I’m cooking at home.

Favorite movies(s).
I don’t watch movies more than once so I don’t have “favorites” but I do love everything M. Night Shyamalan makes.

Dogs or cats?
I’ve had both but I’d say cats.

Your favorite quote and why.
Be a Fruit Loop in a sea of Cheerios…

Name something that you are extremely glad you did or accomplished.
In college I toured with a drum corp for 3 summers… Florida Wave, Suncoast Sound, and Orlando Magic. I was on the color guard team.

What advice would you give your younger self just starting out on their own?
If it’s not going to be relevant in five years, don’t spend more than five minutes worrying about it.