Ann Hailey finds fulfillment in her work at the Warrior One Stop – Gigi’s Kitchen, but she almost didn’t grab the opportunity when it first presented itself. Ann had married and moved to the Nanih Waiya community from Newton County, where she was born and raised. She liked the small-town feel of the community; it reminded her of her own hometown. There was a top-performing, small school there along with lots of friendly folks – much like Nanih Waiya. Ann was working with Allen, her husband, on his poultry farm when the previous owner of the Warrior One Stop approached her about buying the business. In fact, she turned down the offer once. However, fate would have it that she would end up right there – a choice she is now grateful that she made. The second time that Ann was approached about buying the store, her husband was involved. She laughed and said, “When Allen said, come here; we need to talk, I was thinking that I’d only bought one piece of pottery.” (One of Hailey’s pastimes is collecting pottery, particularly McCarty’s and Peter’s.) Allen sat her down and said he’d been talking with the Richardsons, who then owned the Warrior One Stop. He told her that he thought it would be a good idea to go ahead with the purchase as it would help the community. Ann agreed, and in the last two years, she has become even more active in the community. It’s not unusual for students to pack the store right after school, and, Ann added, during school breaks, there are several community kids who will stop by and ask if they can do basic chores (just so they’ll have something to do). Ann also supports the school and local churches in a number of ways. The restaurant is often the first call when there is a need to feed a crowd. The restaurant feeds the football boys for away games, and if there is a special event for a club or team, the school often calls on Ann to handle the cooking. Gigi’s Kitchen is known for its chicken nuggets and hamburgers, and lots of churches will call upon Hailey to help feed a large group. The Haileys absolutely love living in Nanih Waiya. Together, they have four girls, a granddaughter, and, most recently, a new grandson. Ann has come to love the community, and although she thought she couldn’t handle running the store, they have actually expanded. The Warrior One Stop offers a tea shop (which is still on site although it was bought out by family friends), tanning beds that are accessible 24/7, the restaurant out front, and Gigi’s Kitchen, which is open on weekends and once a month for Sunday lunches. Although she almost missed the opportunity, Ann can’t imagine not running the Warrior One Stop and Gigi’s Kitchen. For her, the interaction with members of the community is unmatched. She looks forward to many years of serving her community.
