February Member Monday Recap
Meet Jenna Gross of Colordrunk Designs
Hi! I am Jenna Gross, founder of Colordrunk Designs and Tipsi (fabrics, wallpapers, and other fun stuff) based in Atlanta, Georgia. I grew up in the design business, spending afternoons leaming to pair textiles at my family’s antiques and upholstery shops in Columbus, Georgia. After graduating from the University of Georgia, I initially planned to work in the fashion world and decided to trade in gracious, small-town living for the bright lights of New York City and a career with fashion icon, Marc Jacobs. It was a wonderful time infused with colorful patterns and people and it taught me to create fearlessly. Ultimately, I decided to return to the South, but brought with me a new-found edge to my traditional design sensibilities. Realizing the intoxicating power that colorful surroundings have on people’s moods, I turned my attention from fashion to interior design.
Why did you join TSC Membership?
I am so happy to be part of such a fun and uplifting group of strong women! Collaborations, advice, and a network of support are so important to all small businesses, but even more so for women-owned and led small businesses. I am so thankful to finally be a part of The Southern C along with so many amazing women entrepreneurs.
What is a favorite small business you like to shop or support?
Buru- I think 80% of my wardrobe is now from Buru! Gregg Irby- a local art gallery in Atlanta with fun, colorful pieces from an amazing group of up and coming artists.
Where do you go to get your inspiration now?
Fashion and Art are huge inspirations for my designs. Both industries are always changing and very exciting, but are also constantly borrowing from and updating historical trends and movements. Both fashion and art really speak to, and highlight, a person’s personality- how they want to be perceived and how they perceive themselves. What inspires them? What makes them feel good, comfortable, pretty, or fancy? That said, ultimately, with any project, the client is my muse. When starting with a client I get a good sense of who they are (or want to be) by seeing what they already have in their homes and checking out their closets.
What is the best business advice you have ever given or received?
It sounds cliche, but it was: “be yourself and do not be afraid to put yourself out there.” Your business, especially when it is a creative business, will thrive when you are true to who you are and your unique strengths and vision. You are also always going to be your best marketer and advocate, so put yourself out there!
Meet Haley Thelen of Haley J.
I live in Savannah, Georgia with my husband, daughter, and two fluffy doodles. I am in the process of launching my namesake luxury women’s and children’s label. Haley J. is set to launch in Spring 2025. The brand is about colorful and feminine silhouettes. I believe in empowering women through bold styles that allow them to express their own individuality in a way that is uninhibited and unapologetic.
Why did you join TSC Membership?
Before joining The Southern C, I knew a few women who were members, all of whom I admire both as entrepreneurs and personally. They all raved about The Southern C and encouraged me to join. Based on their glowing reviews, I knew I had to join!
Thus far, I’ve only had the opportunity to attend a few Tuesday calls, but I have been amazed at how many women have already reached out and introduced themselves. Everyone has been so welcoming and I can’t wait to attend the Summit in January!
What is a favorite small business you like to shop or support?
I love shopping local! We have so many incredible small businesses in Savannah. Some of my favorites are Julia McGahee Art, Tribe and Temple, Satchel, Horseshoe Crab, and Capital Bee Company.
Where do you go to get your inspiration now?
My design inspiration always comes from color. Everything in my brand from clothing, to footwear, to accessories, focuses on different color combinations. I believe that colors mark our emotions and tell a compelling story. I see a color that sparks my creativity and I design from there.
What is the best business advice you have ever given or received?
I began my career working with fashion houses in London and New York. My design aesthetic was much different than my colleagues and I struggled trying to convince others of my point of view as a designer. The best business advice I ever received came from my mentor; he helped me realize that not everyone is going to understand my aesthetic. And I need to design for myself and the women who understand my colorful and bold vision. From that point on, I started designing unapologetically.
Meet Sarah Catherine Conklin of Mater Day Flower Truck
Hi! My name is Sarah Catherine and I’m the owner of Mater Day Flower Truck based in Atlanta, Georgia. I am a creative that graduated from the University of Georgia and wanted to open a fun and unique business that would spread joy to others! We specialize in bloom bars and event florals for any occasion, including birthday parties, weddings, baby showers, and more. My flower truck was gifted to me by my grandparents when I was sixteen years old, and is a baby blue 1966 F-100. I named the truck Mater, after the Disney movie “Cars” and love to truck all over town (just not during rush hour 🙂 I am living the dream while constantly learning and growing and can’t wait to see what’s in store for 2025!
https://www.materdayflowertruck.com/
Why did you join TSC Membership?
I have met and worked with so many women in TSC and wanted to join the club (literally!) Hoping to meet more entrepreneurs and friends!
What is a favorite small business you like to shop or support?
Gosh there are so many that I love! The Afloat app is usually my go to – they always have something perfect for gifting or hosting!
Where do you go to get your inspiration now?
My inspiration changes so much. I love learning from florist friends while also scrolling through instagram or pinterest. Everyone has their own tips and tricks and great perspective!
What is the best business advice you have ever given or received?
I think the best advice was to start small. It’s so easy to get overwhelmed, but everyone learns as they go (and grow!)
Meet Samantha Thompson, Interior Designer
I’m a Savannah-based, Chicago-bred interior designer specializing in colorful, light-filled interiors. My focus is quick turnaround projects of 2-6 months in duration. I have a fee-based structure that allows me complete creative freedom. My approach to the industry is idiosyncratic because I studied fashion not interiors.
I had always wanted to study abroad but didn’t have the grades in college, so when I found a 2-year International Fashion Design program offered by FIT in NY and Polimoda in Florence I was off! This led to a product development job in Italy with Gucci. Homesick for the States, I ultimately moved back to New York, worked for Theory, had my own clothing line and then ended up in London with my husband, where I became a bridal buyer for a major Kuwaiti retail group.
I switched industries completely after buying my first “real” house. There were so many things that needed to be fixed and I quickly realized that if I paid a contractor, I could fix 5 and if I managed it myself, I could fix 10. Then my friends came calling. The business has grown organically but consistently- all word of mouth and happy coincidence. I’m always learning. It’s been 7 years and I credit the impending Southern C Summit for making me get my website and Instagram finally up and running!
Why did you join TSC Membership?
This year was my very first Southern C Summit. I learned about it from my coach and mentor, Sean Low (https://www.thebusinessofbeingcreative.com), who writes the advice column for the Business of Home and absolutely insisted that I attend.
What was such a surprise and what makes The Southern C so special to me is that we are women who genuinely want to help each other grow personally and professionally. There’s no sense of being in competition with each other, even within the same industries. I felt like I could walk up to anyone at the conference and know that they wanted to meet me, too.
What is a favorite small business you like to shop or support?
My creative process relies heavily on my ability to source globally, so I appreciate businesses that can do some of the legwork and editing for me. I was extremely fortunate to have lived abroad and traveled extensively but with an 8-year-old daughter at home, and a connection leg needed for international flights, hopping on a plane isn’t as easy (or as fun) as it used to be.
Kneeland Co. (https://kneelandco.com) in LA sells fabulous home goods that the owner, Joanna Kneeland, sources from all over the world. Rare textiles, artisanal tabletop, over-the-top Oaxacan flower candles too pretty to burn, intricate embroidered pillows made by refugee women, it’s just a treasure trove. Joanna has impeccable taste.
Where do you go to get your inspiration now?
For me, the best part of having a client-focused business is being inspired by clients. My favorites are the collectors- of ANYTHING- because I relate to their mindset of discovery and obsessive shopping. Another fun challenge, and one especially relevant in the South, is the client with family heirlooms. Incorporating and re-imagining these items in a new way forces me to be nimble and work outside of trends.
I find I do my best work within constraints because constraints require creative solutions.
What is the best business advice you have ever given or received?
When I worked for Theory, the guys in the mailroom had a sign that said “Poor planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on mine.” Now that I run a business with many moving parts- outside contractors, vendors and multiple deadlines- I try to respect everyone’s time and workflow. If you build a reputation for being responsible and respectful, people will help you out when you’re really in a jam-even if it’s one of your own making.
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