Greenwood Soul Mates – Jessica Pickens
For us, “soul” represents that unique essence each person contributes to their community, weaving a colorful tapestry of stories, talents, cultural experiences, and more. In Greenwood, this tapestry is formed by numerous unique individuals whose captivating stories and deep connections to the region’s food, music and history define our identity as a town and make Greenwood such an extraordinary place to visit. These remarkable individuals are our “Soul Mates.”
When Jessica Pickens moved to Greenwood, Mississippi, 10 years ago, she never could have imagined her inner love of retail would be rewarded so tremendously when she had the opportunity to buy one of Greenwood’s iconic retail businesses — Fincher’s.
“I had always shopped at Fincher’s,” Jessica said about the long-loved clothing and gift boutique in downtown Greenwood. “One day, I was chatting with the owner at the time and mentioned how I’d love to own a store again. As it turns out, she was ready to sell, and it just kind of fell into my lap.”
Originally from Water Valley, Mississippi, she met her husband, Christopher, who’s from Yazoo City, and the couple decided to live in Greenwood for one of the most simplistic reasons you’ll ever hear.
“We always joked about it being right in the middle,” she said with a laugh. “So that’s how we decided. It was that simple. Greenwood was the halfway point, and it just felt right.”
Jessica grew up an only child in Water Valley, where she spent much of her time at her grandparents’ store, Williams Flowers and Gifts.
“I have so many memories from that shop,” she said. “I knew early on that I wanted to follow in the footsteps of Harold and Mary Lou Williams.”
After high school at North Delta in Batesville, Jessica attended Delta State University. Her passion for retail came to life shortly after, when she opened her first store, Jay Gee, named for herself and in memory of her father, Grey.
“I combined the ‘J’ in Jessica and the ‘G’ in Grey to make the name and thought it would be neat to spell them out,” she explained. “It meant a lot to me and the memory of my father.”
Life took a turn when she and Christopher relocated to Greenwood. With a desire to try something new, Jessica worked a few years as a dental assistant. But her love for retail never went away. Jessica officially took over Fincher’s, which has been in Greenwood for more than 50 years, in March 2023.
Now, nearly two and a half years later, Jessica has brought fresh energy to the business while preserving the store’s legacy. The boutique continues to hunt for new items whether its clothing brands, gifts, China patterns and more.
“I’m always thinking about the next best thing,” she said. “What’s going to be popular for the holidays, what colors are trending, it’s constant. But I love it.”
With a background in merchandising and a degree of instinct she calls “the retail gene,” Jessica seems tailor-made for this role. “It’s not for everyone,” she admitted. “But I was born to do it.”
Jessica and Christopher are raising their daughter, Grey, named after her father, in the same spirit of close-knit family life that shaped her upbringing.
“I love how my family used to hang out at our grandparents’ store and I’m so fortunate that my family can do the same thing at Fincher’s,” she said. “It helps with the work/life balance, and we make it work. My husband is a farm manager in Thornton, and our seasons complement each other. His off-season is my busiest time, so we juggle and balance things together.”
Outside of work, Jessica is actively involved in the Greenwood community. She serves as Vice President of the Altrusa Club of Greenwood, which focuses on literacy programs for children. She’s also on the board of the Greenwood/Leflore Young Professionals, where she plans social events to help young residents connect.
Jessica also teaches Sunday School at First Presbyterian Church, where she and her family worship. “It’s just part of who we are as a couple and small family. We love traveling, playing golf, going to the movies, but church is important to us, too.”
When asked what makes Greenwood special, Jessica didn’t pause.
“The people,” she said. “Because they make Greenwood feel like home. Everyone makes you feel welcome from the moment you arrive.”
And as for visitors, Jessica says Greenwood offers more than most people realize.
“We’ve got incredible history here. We have the Museum of the Mississippi Delta, major films have been shot here, the Viking Cooking School, a beautiful downtown with retail shops, great restaurants and a boutique hotel,” she said. “There’s truly something for everyone.”
Jessica sees firsthand how tourism impacts her business and the town.
“When you see those out-of-state license plates on Howard Street, it’s special,” she said. “We’ve had customers from Tennessee, Kansas, and beyond. And when tourists shop downtown, it helps all of us. Tourism plays a huge part in Greenwood’s economic success.”
If she had to describe Greenwood in one word? “Home,” she said without hesitation. “Not just because I live here, but because everyone you meet makes you feel like you belong here.”
Jessica believes the soul of a place is found in the love and energy its people pour into it.
“To me, putting your soul into something means you give it everything you’ve got. And in retail, it’s imperative to do that. You have to.”
In Greenwood, it’s clear that Jessica isn’t the only one doing that.
“The heart and soul of Greenwood?” she said, smiling. “It’s also the people. No doubt about it. We put everything we have into this town, because we want it to thrive. We want people to come here, fall in love with it, and then come back again.”
And if you ever find yourself in the Mississippi Delta, stop by Fincher’s. You’ll find more than just great gifts; you’ll find camaraderie and love, just like you do at home.
Here is an inside look at Fincher’s!
@travelgreenwood Fincher’s is known for their stylish clothing and beautiful home accessories! This is a must stop shop in downtown Greenwood! 🛍️ #VisitGreenwood #VisitMississippi #VisittheDelta #Shopping #DowntownGreenwood ♬ original sound – travelgreenwood
Check out Jessica’s fantastic day in Greenwood!
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