April Member Monday Recap
Meet Suzy Smith of The Stylish Sloane
I grew up in St.Louis. It’s a town that thinks it’s a city. A river town tells a story, the past is important. St. Louis natives have needlepoint & Lilly Pulitzer that have never left their wardrobe. “So, where did you go to high school?” is a phrase that never leaves their vocabulary.
Parsons School of Design, Paris; Washington University, St. Louis; Smithsonian, Division of Costume, Internship; Victor Costa, Assistant Designer; Mary Engelbreit Home Companion, Contributing Editor; Prop Stylist; film & photography; Antique Dealer, Round Top, Texas; Shop Owner, My London Flat; Handbag line!
The Stylish Sloane is my current project. The name is a subtle nod to Princess Diana. In the 1980’s the Americans had the Preppy Handbook! The Brits had the Sloane Ranger handbook! Princess Diana was a Sloane Ranger. Sloane Square is a posh part of London. I lived in London for 8 years, my love of antiques and vintage was heightened by all of the markets and auctions.
I’m a mom of two great guys both away attending school (The University of Virginia & Tulane University).
Why did you join TSC Membership?
I’m so excited about this southern style club. A fantastic idea with this group of women! I love Southern Living’s tagline for The Southern C: “A must-visit virtual front porch.”
What is a favorite small business you like to shop or support?
1. I love Sue Sartor’s line of “Flounce” dresses. She uses antique blocks in her designs. Her dresses like her shops are quaint with all the right touches!
2. I’m also a fan of a designer that I met on Portobello Road in London. Sara Tiara, both her hats and jackets are impeccable. Her use of Harris Tweed is like no other.
3. Emma Bridgewater is another amazing designer that I met whilst in London. I saw her pottery being made in her factory at Stoke-on-Trent. She is very clever, the one that started it all was her iconic “Toast & Marmalade Collection.”
Where do you go to get your inspiration now?
Not to sound cliche, but if you have a creative eye, then inspiration is everywhere.
You just can’t turn it off. I’m always inspired: fashion, flowers, furniture, fixtures, paintings, film and photography. It just never ends!
What is the best business advice you have ever given or received?
They say to do what you love! That’s what im always trying to achieve.
However, you can’t chart your progress through your peers. That’s always a road bump for me. A creative journey is long and a windy ride. Sometimes that road has dead ends. Back up, hit a rest stop then keep on going.
Mona Mounts of Southern Lighting & Lifestyles
My name is Mona Mounts. My home is on St. Simons Island, and this was my first time to attend The Southern C.
My sisters and I are partners in Southern Lighting & Lifestyles in Valdosta, GA. We started one year ago while I was still working as an HR Leader in logistics. My sister Laurie is the lighting expert with 30 years of experience. She runs daily operations and all aspects of lighting. My focus is on the lifestyle component of our business. I have the privilege and joy of shopping for amazing and unique products. I love to shop for myself and others. The store has given me the opportunity to buy beautiful furniture, accessories, décor, and jewelry for our great customers!
While I love all things Southern Lighting & Lifestyles, my heart is still in the human resources work that I have done for over 30 years. While I will continue to be involved in the store, I am in the process of setting up an HR consulting company to partner with business owners to support their strategic goals, organizational development, and human capital needs. More to come!
https://www.southernlightinglifestyles.com/
Why did you join TSC Membership?
Whitney! We were at Sea Island having an impromptu dinner with Whitney, Vic and others. She and I talked about the Summit and the amazing and supportive women who would be in attendance. I walked away inspired and excited. I signed up for the Summit and joined TSC within a few days. The Summit was more amazing than I anticipated. From the engaging speakers to the individual conversations and of course the Silent Disco – seeing old friends and making new ones made it the best conference ever!
What is a favorite small business you like to shop or support?
I love to shop ALL small businesses, especially boutiques! I am a regular in all the boutiques on St. Simons Island. When I am working in our store or visiting my family in Valdosta, I typically frequent the local boutiques there, too!
I found a new world of “favorite small businesses” to support at the Sip & Shop! The collective talent and energy were contagious with the designers, decorators, artists, collaborations, authors, and business owners. The collaboration with Buru (can’t wait to see my dresses!) and all the amazing vendors – it was over the top!!
Where do you go to get your inspiration now?
I am constantly inspired by people I meet, places I visit, and things I see and hear! Visiting new places and seeing the world through the eyes of others is humbling and inspiring whether it be fashion, art, or a newly formed relationship. The energy, talent, and inclusivity at the Summit was a whole new source of Inspiration!
What is the best business advice you have ever given or received?
Two come to mind. One was advice from my mom years ago who encouraged me to “Never turn down an opportunity to learn something new.” That has played a huge role in my success! If you get an opportunity to learn, say Yes!
The other, more recent, was simply Whitney–her sweet, quiet and gentle encouragement to “Attend The Southern C” was the best business advice I have had in a long while!
Meet Tintu Thomas of RAIN by Tintu Thomas
A hydraulic engineer turned entrepreneur, founder of RAIN by Tintu Thomas, wife, and mom to two energetic boys who keep me on my toes! RAIN is my creative space where I bring my love for all things chic, elegant, and timeless to life. I believe style should feel both glamorous and effortless, and I’m passionate about pieces that reflect a refined style, inspired by my love for luxurious silks, lace, and delicate embroideries. I have a deep admiration for India’s incredible textiles and craftsmanship, and I felt called to share these rich traditions by curating pieces that are as meaningful as they are beautiful. So here I am, balancing family, creativity, and my love for slow fashion—and loving every minute of it!
https://www.rainbytintuthomas.com
Why did you join TSC Membership?
I’ve been following TSC for about a year, and I am absolutely thrilled to now be part of this incredible community! What truly stands out to me is the remarkable sense of community among women entrepreneurs who are endlessly supportive and uplifting. Being surrounded by such a dynamic and inspiring group is truly empowering. I’ve seen so many of you share ideas and exchange experiences, and I look forward to learning and growing alongside you on this entrepreneurial journey. It’s an extraordinary network, and I’m so grateful to be part of it!
What is a favorite small business you like to shop or support?
I recently joined TSC and haven’t had the chance to meet everyone yet, but I’m excited to connect with this incredible community. I look forward to meeting you all and gaining inspiration along the way!
Where do you go to get your inspiration now?
I draw endless inspiration from the creativity and fine artisan craftsmanship that India offers. Coming from the land of Kanjeevarams—one of the finest handwoven silk fabrics—I’ve grown up surrounded by exquisite textiles, intricate embroideries, and masterful craftsmanship. These heritage pieces carry stories woven through generations, fueling my passion for curating timeless, elegant, and one-of-a-kind designs.
What is the best business advice you have ever given or received?
I can’t think of a single piece of advice that’s stuck with me just yet, but I know that some of the best insights will come from this incredible community.
Meet Amy Hart of The Hare & The Hart
I’ve had my brick-and-mortar shop in beautiful Thomasville, Georgia, for almost 7 years and it’s been an AMAZING journey. My entire business began with my design of a toile fabric in early 2017 and has grown from pop-ups and booths at markets–to a website, then to opening a tiny shop in Tallahassee, and finally to my current lovely, large space in Thomasville. As a former schoolteacher, I have called myself an “accidental entrepreneur,” but have since realized that there has been nothing accidental about it! At The Hare & The Hart, we offer gifts & goods that are English at heart with a Southern sensibility & a French twist. In addition to our original designs (both of my grown children are artists, and have their own collections), we are pleased to carry established local artists along with unique product lines from artisans and other women-owned and family-run businesses throughout the South and across the pond. My shop’s aesthetic is inspired by the lovely shops we’ve encountered in the villages of the UK, especially those in the Cotswolds.
https://thehareandthehart.com/
Why did you join TSC Membership?
I joined TSC because I am always looking to learn, grow, and be inspired, and I cherish the collaborative partnerships, and creative friendships made through my business. I attended the recent Summit at Sea Island and am still unpacking (mentally) all that I learned and the connections I made!
What is a favorite small business you like to shop or support?
What I love about my small business is that most of what we do supports other creatives and small businesses by carrying and promoting their products! It’s such a beautiful thing to see them flourish and grow because of being in our shop. There are too many to name here (what a blessing!), but you can see them on my website. Every once in a while, I pinch myself and am overwhelmed by the community and friendships that have grown within the four walls of The Hare & The Hart.
Where do you go to get your inspiration now?
My husband and I frequently travel to the UK and around the South to gather inspiration. In fact, we recently returned home from our latest whirlwind trip to London over Christmas and the New Year—it was so invigorating! I also recently returned from Atlanta, and stockist training with Annie Sloan, who flew from Oxford to teach in person. I am about to begin an immersion course in surface pattern design to hone my design skills. Always, always be open to new things to be inspired by and to learn from!
What is the best business advice you have ever given or received?
So hard to pick! But the most impactful advice I have been given (and now give) is “Don’t try to go it alone.” Reach out to others and find cheerleaders and mentors! Surround yourself with those who only want the best for you and are willing and able to help you achieve your goals. I have a business coach and am a member of her mastermind group, and that has been such a game-changer for me. My coach, Wendy Batten, has (obviously) given me oodles of advice. One gem that’s always is in the back of my mind is: Don’t say “I’m not good at ___.” DO say “I’m not good at ____ YET.” It’s the ‘yet’ that makes all the difference!
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