July Member Monday Recap
Meet Elizabeth Patton of Society Numbers
Elizabeth Patton is the creator of Society Numbers. After stepping back from working outside the home to care for her mother battling advanced Alzheimer’s, she has created a company that designs premium zip code apparel and tote bags that honor the special locations that capture our hearts, from vibrant historic districts to exclusive seaside escapes. Many of the designs represent locations that have touched her life, such as vacationing on Sea Island, moving to St. Simons Island when she was nine years old, and currently calling Plant City and Lakeland, FL, home.
With a background in nonprofit leadership and currently pursuing a master’s certificate in Nonprofit Leadership from the University of Georgia, Elizabeth brings professional expertise to Society Numbers’ philanthropic mission. Her role as event chair for Night to Shine in Lakeland further demonstrates her commitment to meaningful community engagement.
Elizabeth resides in the countryside of Plant City, FL, with her family. Her daily life includes balancing family responsibilities as a wife, mother to three daughters (28, 22, and 9), grandmother to a spunky 3-year-old, and caregiver to her aging mother, with her entrepreneurial vision. When not developing Society Numbers’ next zip code collection, Elizabeth can be found volunteering, hitting golf balls, immersed in a good book, or pursuing new interests like learning Mahjong.
https://www.shopsocietynumbers.com/
Why did you join TSC Membership?
I joined TSC for the community and the support of like-minded women. I’m so excited to connect with you all and attend the Summit next year!
What is a favorite small business you like to shop or support?
Some of the small businesses I love in Lakeland, FL, are @gaineshome, @scoutandtag, and @kaphotographyandco for my photography needs. I also love the Crabtree General Store & Coffee Vault and @the28734store, next door to each other in Franklin, NC.
Where do you go to get your inspiration now?
My inspiration is fueled by the TSC community, podcasts such as Claim Your Confidence and Preppy Podcast, spending time in the historic and resort communities we represent at Society Numbers, and Instagram.
What is the best business advice you have ever given or received?
Some advice that I remind myself of constantly is to ask for what you want, and to stop waiting for the right time and just do it. I guess that boils down to putting fear and the what-ifs (which can stop me in my tracks) aside and just go for it!
Meet Retta Tussey of Retta Jane
I’m Retta Tussey, and I spend my days creating beautiful spaces and timeless clothing for the next generation. Through my interior design practice, I help families craft homes that tell their stories, while my clothing brand, Retta Jane, offers luxury ready-to-wear for modern girls aged 8-16.
Both endeavors spring from the same belief: that thoughtful design shapes how we feel about ourselves and our place in the world. Whether I’m selecting the perfect vintage piece for a client’s living room or designing a dress that will become a young woman’s favorite, I’m always thinking about longevity, quality, and that ineffable sense of rightness that comes when something is beautifully made.
Retta Jane began as a love letter to the in-between years—those precious moments when girls are growing into themselves but shouldn’t feel pressured to dress beyond their age. Inspired by three generations of classic silhouettes in my own family, each piece celebrates sophisticated design with age-appropriate charm. I believe good days start with good outfits, and every girl deserves clothing that fits her changing body while honoring her youthful spirit. This fall, I’m thrilled to be expanding into womenswear with a capsule collection that brings the same timeless sophistication to the women who’ve been watching their daughters flourish in Retta Jane.
Why did you join TSC Membership?
The Southern C represents everything I value about building a business with intention and community. I joined because I needed to connect with other women who understand that entrepreneurship is both deeply personal and beautifully collaborative. The mentorship and genuine support I’ve found here has been invaluable—it’s like having a network of sophisticated, older sisters cheering you on.
What is a favorite small business you like to shop or support?
My support comes from personal connections rather than concepts. I love connecting with fellow entrepreneurs and supporting them wherever I can—whether it’s a friend launching a bakery, a neighbor starting jewelry design, or someone I meet at a market with a beautiful handmade product. There’s something wonderful about the entrepreneurial spirit that transcends any particular industry. When you’re building something from your heart, I want to cheer you on.
Where do you go to get your inspiration now?
My greatest inspiration comes from the vintage clothing collection left to me by my mother and grandmother. These pieces tell stories through their construction, their details, their timeless silhouettes. I spend hours studying how they’re made, how they move, what makes them feel special decades later. Antique and vintage stores are my other treasure hunting grounds—there’s something about seeing how beauty has been expressed across generations that keeps my creativity flowing.
What is the best business advice you have ever given or received?
Keep your own counsel. Don’t necessarily listen to others—listen to your own gut. You know your vision better than anyone else ever will. And think big. A little delusion goes a long way. Sometimes you need to believe in possibilities that others can’t see yet.
Meet Payal Khare of IslaPayal
I’m Payal, a Miami-based entrepreneur, global traveler, and the creative force behind IslaPayal, an everyday luxury fashion brand for the modern woman. When I’m not sketching new silhouettes or sourcing fabrics, you’ll find me exploring local markets across the globe, journaling in hidden cafés, or simply being a happy mom.
Why did you join TSC Membership?
The best part of being a TSC member is the incredibly supportive community. I can’t even begin to tell you how much I appreciate these smart successful women, who are always rooting for you to succeed!
What is a favorite small business you like to shop or support?
My favorite small businesses are Holly Shae and Just Darviny- I just love both these gorgeous women. I love Garland Bags for their belts.
Where do you go to get your inspiration now?
I’m inspired by the women who I design for, and I want them to experience the joy of feeling beautiful in my dresses. I want them to get complimented every time they step out in IslaPayal. I believe that a confident woman creates a powerful world.
What is the best business advice you have ever given or received?
The best business advice I’ve received is- your business is not about your product. It’s about how it makes your customer feel. Focus on that, and you’ll always be successful.
Meet Heidi Hansen of Heidi Houston
Hi! I’m Heidi, the founder and designer behind Heidi Houston, a line of elevated wardrobe staples for women who want to look chic without trying too hard. My background is actually in cardiovascular ultrasound but I traded scrubs for statement collars and haven’t looked back. I’m a wife, boy mom x2, and lover of bold color, classic lines and simplicity. We are online and recently opened a boutique in Round Top, Texas.
Why did you join TSC Membership?
I joined TSC for the networking, collaboration, and to meet more business owners doing all the things.
Where do you go to get your inspiration now?
Travel is a big one—whether it’s a family trip or a girls’ getaway, new scenery always sparks something. The Round Top Antique show always inspires creativity & ideas. It’s the best people watching to see what women are wearing!
What is the best business advice you have ever given or received?
Keep showing up. On the days it’s hard, on the days it’s slow, and on the days you wonder what in the world you were thinking. Consistency will take you places that motivation can’t.
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