A Kosciusko native who had his first experience in the clothing business on the south side of the Kosciusko courthouse square is years later, offering his line of clothing in another business on the square.
Cole Windham of Tupelo, who began working at Leonard’s Dept. Store as an eighth grader, is satisfying a dream born during his days of employment at Leonard’s with his creation of Gentleman Gene.
Named in honor of his grandfather Gene Windham of Kosciusko, he is currently selling his T-shirts at Dakota Rose Boutique on the opposite end of the street where he was first associated with clothing.
Windham, who is manager of Andy’s Auto Sales in Booneville, said he is beginning small with plans of adding a full line of clothing for men and women. Currently he is selling T-shirts of varied colors with four designs.
Working with him is graphic design artist Kayla Stone through the firm Local Native.
“This is something I have wanted to do for a long time,” Windham said. He began as a summer helper at Leonard’s when he was an eighth grader and continued through high school and until the store closed. From Kosciusko High School he went to Holmes Community College.
He began launched Gentleman Gene in October 2016 and in December began taking orders.
In addition to Dakota Rose, businesses in Pontotoc, Rolling Fork and Baldwyn are selling the T-shirts. He is currently working on establishing sales through a website.
“I hope to add a full line, go to market in Dallas and offer to bigger audiences,” Windham said.
He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Steve Windham and grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Gene Windham and Mr. and Mrs. R.J. Adams all of Kosciusko.
