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In the 1980's Pittman offered her wares at the Canton flea Market, where people from all parts of the country come to purchase her handcrafted goods. After participating in this event for a couple of years and filling orders for two or three out-of-state retailers, Pittman collaborated with The Everyday Gourmet, a premiere kitchen and accessory store located in Jackson, to produce accessories and dinnerware as an integral part of this bridal registry. The Popularity of these patterns began to spread rapidly. Consequently, retailers across the country were added at an astounding rate. During the early 1980's, Pittman (who has no formal training in painting or design) produced her craft at her kitchen table. However, by late 1987 it had become obvious that in order to meet the increasing demand for the product, it would be necessary to relocate her business whereupon she purchased an 1,800 square foot building. In 1992, Gail Pittman, Inc. moved to its present 55,000 square foot facility located in Ridgeland. The company's most recent notable retailing collaborations include designing exclusive dinnerware for Southern Living at Home, the Beau Rivage Resort and the Saks group. Gail was recognized as "Outstanding Woman of the Year" in 1992 and was a 1993 finalist for "entrepreneur of the Year". In 2001 she as inducted into the Mississippi Business Hall of Fame and was also elected to the University of Mississippi Alumni Hall of Fame. In 2002, Gail was voted Mississippi's Leading Business Woman. |
