On February 7th, The Mercantile on Main was filled with laughter, friendship, and an incredible show of support for local women-owned businesses during this year’s Galentine’s Day celebration.
From curated vendors and brunch to photo backdrops and even a puppy kissing booth, the event continues to grow into one of Rochester’s most anticipated winter traditions.
Below, you’ll find a photo gallery from the event along with a behind-the-scenes Q&A with Kendra Worley, the creative force behind Galentine’s Day ROC.
Q&A with the Galentine’s Day Organizer Kendra Worley
How did the Galentine’s Day event begin?
The history of Galentine’s Day ROC is quite complex (LOL). Right out of college, I started hosting Galentine’s parties or brunches for my friends. Then about four years ago, I texted Janine and said, “This is the best idea ever—you should host a Galentine’s brunch and shopping event at The Merc,” because I was tired of hosting and wanted to actually enjoy it.
Janine said, “Perfect, you plan it.” So what started as an attempt to not plan anything turned into Galentine’s Day ROC. I couldn’t be more grateful to Janine for trusting me with the idea.
What does the event mean to you?
Galentine’s really is the best day of the year. The energy in the room is so fun, light, and celebratory. It’s amazing to see so many people come out to support local women-owned businesses while spending time with their friends, moms, sisters—whoever!
As much as I love the event itself, I also love the work that goes into it. Janine and I are both so busy, and this is one of the only times of year we get to spend so much time together. Even though it’s a lot of work, I wouldn’t want to do it with anyone else.
What brought you to hosting it at The Mercantile?
Janine and Tim own La Bola and Frenchmen Street—two of the restaurants at The Mercantile. Since they opened The Duke, we’ve been able to expand into that side of the building as well and bring in even more vendors.
What’s it like hosting a large event in Center City?
We have so much love for The Mercantile. It’s such a great space for Galentine’s. There’s room for food, seating, photo backdrops—and even our puppy kissing booth!
It’s also a great opportunity for people to explore downtown Rochester and experience one of the coolest spaces in the city.
How has the event grown over time?
Our first year, we had no idea what to expect—we thought maybe 30 people would show up. At one point, I remember looking at Janine and saying, “I don’t know anyone here,” and she said, “Same.” That was such a cool and heartwarming moment.
Since then, Galentine’s has basically become our entire personality during the fall and winter. We’re always trying to improve and make it a better experience for attendees and vendors. We’re both perfectionists, so it’s hard to step back and say, “That was great,” but it’s incredibly humbling to see 40 vendors and 300+ women walking around, laughing, and enjoying the day together.
At its core, this event is about celebrating female friendships in all forms. Supporting women-owned businesses is a huge part of that, which is why we focus so heavily on featuring them.
One of my favorite additions this year was the “love letter” wall at the front entrance of The Merc. I went home and was literally crying over how sweet the messages were.
How do you see the event growing in the future?
We’re always looking for ways to improve. We already have a list of things we want to change and add for next year.
I’d love to expand the experience—maybe have the brunch event transition into an after-party. We’re so lucky to have so much interest from local vendors, and I’d love to continue growing that side of things as well.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Galentine’s is such a passion project for Janine and me. I truly couldn’t ask for a better partner, and every year I’m shocked she wants to do it again with me (LOL).
A fun fact—Janine and I actually met when I sold her wedding dress when she was getting married. When she picked it up, she gave me a gift card to Avvino… and they haven’t been able to get rid of me since. That was about eight years ago!
Stay tuned for next year’s Galentine’s Day event at The Mercantile on Main—and in the meantime, be sure to support the incredible local vendors who make this celebration so special.
