May Member Monday 2024
Meet Elizabeth Kendrick, Ann + Reeves Kids
Hi! I’m Elizabeth. I’m a wife, mom of two kids and one dog, business-owner, overachiever, can’t-say-no’er, and I own Ann + Reeves Kids. I’m from Houston, Texas and have always loved celebrating EVERYTHING! Birthdays, holidays, special occasions, big moments, little moments, you name it. I started Ann + Reeves after I had my first baby, Margaret, to dress her in clothes that I loved. I have a passion for my community – here in my city, with my customers, TSC!
Why did you join TSC Membership?
The best part about being a TSC Member is the connections I’ve made and the network I’ve built. TSC has introduced me to other businesses to collaborate with and learn from. Even more importantly, it’s introduced me to friends and other business owners I’ve admired for a long time. I have gained so much since I signed up for my membership and can’t even put a value on how much TSC has meant to me.
What is a favorite small business you like to shop or support?
Oh, so many favorites, but to name a few: Buru – Morgan is exactly one of those people that I was introduced to through TSC and her mentorship and friendship has been so special to me. Plus, their clothes are just so dang cute AND FUNCTIONAL! Maizie Clark – her art is just darling and she’s even been part of our newest line release! Also, big shout out to Domino Media Group – a small business with a lot of heart for promoting other small (and large) businesses!
Where do you go to get your inspiration now?
From my kids and my environment! We have a new line of play clothes launching in January. When my daughter refused to put on one of her smocked dresses in favor of a tennis skort, I went full on into play clothes that felt good, looked cute and my child would wear! Having a new baby boy also has opened my eyes to the need for cute boy clothes. I just pull from things I love and things my kids love and start there.
What is the best business advice you have ever given or received?
Ask for help! I’ve had support from my family and friends since day 1, but I learned quickly to take on everything I do, I have to ask for help! I also have an amazing business coach (hey, Sallie with the Brimm!) and between her and the doors she has opened to me, I’ve learned so much about being vulnerable with where I am in my business and asking the right questions for guidance and support.
Meet Pam Shuler & Carolyn Bettin
In the 1970s, Pam’s mother owned an embroidery business, and it laid the foundation for her lifelong love of crafting beautiful monograms. Rediscovering her passion for letters in 2012, she ventured into digital design, blending tradition with innovation to create personalized monograms for modern tastes. Shuler Studio was born in 2016, and in 2019, Carolyn joined the team. Shuler Studio’s mission is to celebrate timeless design while embracing the evolution of monograms in the digital age.
Why did you join TSC Membership?
Being a member of The Southern Coterie is truly a joy! We love the sense of community and connection with fellow female entrepreneurs. It’s a space where creativity, support, and inspiration flourish. We have taken away many ideas from being a member and integrating them into our business. And it is a testament to TSC that we have attended the Summit for 5 years! We are grateful to be a part of such an empowering community.
What is a favorite small business you like to shop or support?
How do you name just a few?! We do love to support our hometown gals – love Varnish Collection, Magnolia and Moonshine Magazine, Domino Media Group, Nothin’ But Fine podcast, Mary Frances Maker, and so many more!
Where do you go to get your inspiration now?
Our incredible customers! Also, we continue to gain inspiration in our designs from the antique styles of monograms that are so timeless and classic. But we always try to add a modern twist!
What is the best business advice you have ever given or received?
Have grace with yourself in your personal and professional life. It’s okay if some tasks aren’t completed on schedule or in the exact manner you anticipated. Grace will keep you grounded and keep your eye on what’s most important.
Meet Kelsey Crain of Petite Paloma
My father was an officer in the US Navy, so I grew up in Southern Coastal towns. I’m a 9th generation Floridian but also come from a long line of west Texas farmers. I like to think I’ve brought my two backgrounds together in a fun way with the colorful cultural aspects of Florida on a traditional Texas wardrobe staple. I have a design degree from the University of Florida which has been useful when it comes to color theory and design.
Why did you join TSC Membership?
I joined TSC after attending my first summit in Sea Island! I fell in love with the community and integrity of the other members! It’s truly a supportive group of entrepreneurs and likeminded creative people.
What is a favorite small business you like to shop or support?
There are so so many. I mostly shop small businesses now! My current obsession and where most of my money goes these days is Sue Sartor!! She was my mentor at my first summit and I love everything she creates!! I think a lot of TSC members can relate lol!
Where do you go to get your inspiration now?
My inspiration comes from whatever my new focus is. It was flowers for a while and probably will always be in the rotation. Right now I’m getting inspired by places and even people! I’m working on a new collab and I designed the boot so specific to this person but it’s also a design anyone could wear! I really just design what I would like to wear and our customers really relate to that.
What is the best business advice you have ever given or received?
“Trust your gut, go after what you want, ask for what you deserve, because no one will give it to you.”
Meet Lauren Phelps of Lauren Phelps Studio
I was born and raised in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. At 22, I founded a contemporary women’s label, Leona, which I had for nearly a decade. I then went on to help launch the amazing Brandon Maxwell collection. When I became pregnant with my oldest son, I resigned and began painting to reconnect with my late mother, whom I lost to brain cancer in 2012. I now have an art studio with a focus on portraiture at The National Arts Club in Gramercy Park. Most of my work is of children, but I also love parent and child. First and foremost, I consider my art an expression of storytelling, and feel it a great privilege to tell my client’s family stories with my art. It is the dream career I never knew I wanted, and I am thankful every day that I took a risk and decided to step outside of my comfort zone and do what my heart was calling me to do. My love for moms and children runs deep, so now I am forming something very special called Moms Heart Moms, which is a community of mom-founders coming together to support mothers in need via Welcome Baby USA. We had a major virtual fundraiser launch on April 12!
Why did you join TSC Membership?
I have countless friends and colleagues who are members, and as a New Yorker who grew up in Alabama, it’s a wonderful way to stay connected to my roots. The weekly Zooms have been wonderfully educational. I try to join as often as possible!
What is a favorite small business you like to shop or support?
In my closet you’ll find a lot of Lake Pajamas, Hunter Bell. For my boys, Oaks Apparel, Oso + Me, Baybala. A Weezie bundle is my favorite baby shower gift. I am currently commissioning some art by Renée Bouchon. I could go on and on!
Where do you go to get your inspiration now?
My amazing subjects are usually all of the inspiration I need, but I love a regular trip to The Met, and print decor publications. I can never have enough art and design coffee table books. Luckily, my bestie and studio mate Blake Brunson keeps hundreds of references at the studio, which I love to browse when I have a spare moment.
What is the best business advice you have ever given or received?
“By attempting to serve everyone, you serve no one.” Don’t be afraid to get very specific and weird. The more niche and the more true to what lights you up, the better. I am a big believer that if you are looking for something in this world that you can’t find, then there are hundreds, thousands, or millions more waiting for you to bring them the solution!
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