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Good Day, Chattanooga! Oct. 13, 2021

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Your Wednesday at a glance:

Good morning, Chattanooga!

A new retailer with an uplifting message opened on Friday in downtown Chattanooga.

Last year, Roy and Jacqui Gress, the owners of “Life is Good,” had first opened up a store called Mountain Vibes in St. Elmo that closed amid the pandemic. But they’re hoping their new venture and its inspiring message will breathe new life into their dreams.

“We think of ourselves as optimists and we have always liked the phrase ‘life is good’ and the business built on that name,” Roy Gress said. “Life is tough – it’s not perfect. But life is good, even through COVID.”

The store sells items branded with “Life is Good” and is one of 46 other similar retail locations in the country.

“It’s a positive message and that’s something I think people really need right now,” said Jacqui Gress. “We want to make people feel better, and I think this store does that.”

Here read about the Gresses’ store, the meaning behind the message and how the collective brand dedicates a portion of profits each year for children who have experienced trauma.

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– Tierra Hayes, thayes@timesfreepress.com

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