A conversation with the doyenne of Wichita’s retail scene on her 50th year in business

Helen Galloway arguably is the doyenne of the Wichita retail scene.

That’s even though she never had aspirations to open the First Place jewelry, gift and home decor store.

At 92, she said she’s been asked why she didn’t start keeping notes when she opened the store so she could write a book now.

“Well, whoever knew it would last for 50 years?” Galloway said.

She and her sister, the late Donna Jabara Baker, opened the store along Kellogg just east of Woodlawn on Sept. 17, 1973, and then moved it to Comotara at 29th North and Rock Road in 2001.

For a business she never planned to open, it’s been a remarkable run, and Galloway has no plans to quit working.

“Well, you don’t just get rid of a store like this,” she said.

“I love this town. I love people. . . . I’m grateful to be able to come to work every day.”

What made you start your business?

I thought I was happily married with two lovely children, and my husband decided he wanted a divorce. . . . I was crushed. . . . Then I thought what am I going to do for the rest of my life?”

Your family had helped your husband open a men’s retail shop downtown, William Dotson Ltd. What made you think you could be successful, too?

I honest to goodness have to be honest with you. I didn’t know for sure what I was doing. . . . But let me tell you, it was successful from the first day it opened.

You made a profit in your first few months even though you were selling nonessential merchandise, such as jewelry and home decor. How did you get so many customers so quickly?

They want to spend their money for beautiful things. . . . It has been remarkable.

What did the store look like at the beginning?

It was 1,200 square feet with 300 feet for a back room and 900 feet for selling.

And now?

It’s, I think, around 8,000 square feet.

You planned to have a gift store, but you had what you called a “darling table that opened up with a glass top” that ended up changing the business. How?

We bought a few little jewelry pieces (to display on the table). We found that we were going to that table quite often, so we thought we’d expand it.

So your jewelry line grew enormously through the years, particularly with an exclusive David Yurman line. But what kinds of gifts did you sell?

All kinds, honey.

Did your brother, the late entrepreneur and educator Fran Jabara, give any advice for your new business?

I think he was shocked how successful it became. . . . Women at that time weren’t going into business. My brother would come to the store every day to see how we were doing.

What was the business climate like when you started the store?

When a woman went into business in . . . the ’70s, it was sort of unusual and sometimes they were a little tough on us, but (it was) nothing we couldn’t overcome.

You particularly had some trouble with some out-of-state businessmen, right?

The New York jewelers and this little darling from Kansas. . . . It was sort of laughable. But the laugh has been on them.

Other than your longevity, how so?

We have been with the greatest jewelers in America and in the world. They have been so kind to us.

How did you react to those early men who didn’t take you seriously?

I would say, “Look, don’t bug me. I can buy anything I want.”

Why did you move from your original space on Kellogg?

The city manager came and said, “Helen, I think you should plan on moving because we’re going to widen Kellogg, and it will take a long time.” And it certainly did.

Did you ever experience lean times or think the store may have to close?

Never, honey. Never Never. . . . It’s a destination store.

The pandemic was one of your most difficult times, though, right?

I think the most damaging thing to our country has been the COVID problem. A deliberate event that has repercussions that (are) scary to this day. We did close for a couple of months because they told us we should. That has been a difficult period for America.

You not only work six days a week, but you still go to market to pick out items for the store. What’s that like these days?

I’m treated royally.

So you’re known as a bit of a spitfire. How would you describe yourself?

What should I say except, “Oh, I’m adorable.” But I probably am a spitfire.

Because you had to be?

I think to survive in this world — especially those first few years.

Any regrets?

What (my ex-husband) did was probably the greatest gift he could give me. . . . For me to have this journey alone, it’s priceless.

What advice would you give to other female entrepreneurs?

I would tell any young lady: if you’re thinking about it, go for it. It’s a wonderful ride.