A shared faith and a love of vintage finds brought four women together. On October 24, 2026, they celebrated their next chapter with the grand opening of Southern Sisters Marketplace in Albany, welcoming visitors with raffle prizes, homemade pulled pork sandwiches, and a cozy atmosphere.
Located at 29906 S. Montpelier Road, the marketplace had a soft opening in September. Each of the four women, however, had experience selling antiques and other goods long before they set their sights on expanding.
Bobbie Williams and Debbie Brecheen, biological sisters, had spent the past two years creating unique fashion pieces and selling them in four other antique shops and markets. They joined forces with the other half of their sisterly quartet, Suzy Garlington and Sue Ellen Payne, who also sold antiques, vintage items, and resale clothing.
“We all have started at the bottom,” one of the sisters noted.
After finding one another through their shared faith and interests, the four women became “Sisters in Christ” and began exploring ways to support each other and the community through a shared marketplace.
“That’s actually how we got our name,” Suzy explained with a smile.
The marketplace occupies a repurposed house, with each room decorated from floor to ceiling with unique trinkets, handmade goods, and artwork from more than 40 individual vendors who sell their wares alongside the sisters.
The sisters recently finished expanding the store to connect it to a nearby former dentist’s office. The expansion will offer about 39 additional vendor spaces, with $50 spots and smaller $25 spots available.
“We’re learning as we’re growing,” Suzy added, “and it’s working out very well.”
Despite advertising the opening only through word of mouth, social media, and signs, Bobbie noted that “the turnout from Albany, the community itself, has been remarkable.”
Before the ribbon cutting, the sisters hosted a food and refreshment bar on the patio. With pulled pork and chicken sandwiches, homemade lemonade and tea, cookies, and pudding cups, they offered a little something for everyone. As attendees enjoyed the fair weather and refreshments, Sue Ellen called out a ticket number every hour, awarding a prize bag to whoever held the matching ticket.
The large patio will also be available to rent for parties, workshops, and community events. Bobbie said she hopes the store will be a place where Albany residents can gather, pick up a last-minute gift, and host functions without traveling to Hammond.
Looking ahead, the sisters hope to continue supporting vendors across Albany while expanding their offerings to include kitchen items such as pot holders and more Louisiana-themed goods.
“Our vendors are the heart of our business,” Debbie said.
Suzy added, “They’re our bread and butter.”
Southern Sisters Marketplace is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.
