May Member Monday Recap
Meet Caroline Clark of The Gilded Shuffle
I’m Caroline Clark, founder of The Gilded Shuffle, a luxury mahjong brand inspired by artistry, nostalgia, and the joy of gathering. Before launching TGS, I spent several years in corporate finance and later returned to my hometown to help manage my family’s financial affairs — experiences that shaped my love for thoughtful design, stewardship, and creativity. I earned my master’s in finance from Vanderbilt and graduated from the University of Alabama with a triple major in finance, economics, and marketing. Outside of work, I enjoy volunteering with Ronald McDonald House Charities in Mobile, serving as a recruitment adviser for Delta Gamma at UA, taking long walks along the bay, needlepointing, and digging through family heirlooms that spark inspiration for my next idea.
Why did you join TSC Membership?
I joined TSC because entrepreneurship can feel lonely, especially when you’re building something on your own. I wanted to connect with other women who truly understand the highs, lows, and heart behind running a business. Being part of this community means I always have a circle of women I can reach out to for support, ideas, or encouragement. It’s empowering to know I’m surrounded by women who want to see each other succeed.
What is a favorite small business you like to shop or support?
This is such a hard question because I genuinely love shopping small whenever I can. One business I have to shout out is Mahjong by the Bay. Merritt, the owner, was my mahjong teacher two years ago and is the reason I fell in love with the game in the first place. The Gilded Shuffle wouldn’t exist without those classes, and I’m forever grateful for the spark she lit.
Where do you go to get your inspiration now?
While I love a good Instagram or TikTok scroll, most of my inspiration comes from stepping away from screens. Long walks along the bay in Fairhope help me clear my mind and reconnect with what feels meaningful. I also find so much beauty in family heirlooms and old keepsakes—boxes passed down from relatives, little treasures tucked away for years. There’s something special about drawing inspiration from the past and letting nostalgia guide new ideas.
What is the best business advice you have ever given or received?
The best advice I’ve ever received is simple: just start. If you wait for the “perfect” moment, you’ll never take the leap. Momentum comes from action, not perfection.
Meet Sara Campbell of SARA CAMPBELL
Hi, I am Sara Campbell, Founder, Designer, and CEO of SARA CAMPBELL, a line of clothing made from imported fabrics and produced in limited quantities here in the USA. We design for the modern woman who considers herself ageless, full of spirit and has a passion for life, The company is forty years old, headquartered in Boston, and has been through many evolutions. In 1985, we started out selling wholesale to specialty stores across the country which later developed into designing private label collections for national retailers like Talbots, Laura Ashley, Coldwater Creek, and J.Jill to name a few. In 2008, we pivoted away from the wholesale market and began selling in our own bricks and mortar, until 2020 when we opened our ecommerce business. Today we have 22 specialty stores east of the Mississippi where we carry our carefully designed and curated collection of women’s apparel.
Why did you join TSC Membership?
I am very interested in connecting with more women from the South who own their businesses especially in different fields. I want to encourage more partnerships as we are catering to the same customer and this is the optimum way to build a broader spectrum of relationships. I love learning from fellow entrepreneurs and I love being empowered by other women’s successes. I believe strongly that we are here to help each other as we navigate all the business hurdles hitting us daily. I want to connect with the members and hear their fascinating stories as well as share the many adventures of my own.
What is a favorite small business you like to shop or support?
I absolutely love supporting small businesses in fashion and home. I typically only shop small brands but one of my most favorite companies is FRANCES VALENTINE. Elyse Arons is amazing and is a real powerhouse with a very gentle and warm personality. She has built a fabulous team surrounding her and is truly an inspiration to watch. I also love shopping home and print businesses, like Sara Fritz, who is so talented and such an inspiration.
Where do you go to get your inspiration now?
I get my inspiration from off the street. This includes weddings, parties, graduations, any kind of event brings a myriad of ideas. I love a good vintage fashion book or morning in a market, where some of the most chic ideas come from. I am seriously ALWAYS looking around, snapping my camera phone or drawing a sketch. Inspiration is truly everywhere for me. I use anything from a pattern on a teacup to a set of pintucks on vintage apparel. Pinterest is full of fun ideas, but a trip to Paris or London is hard to beat when it comes to inspiration.
What is the best business advice you have ever given or received?
The best I have been given is this: Do not be afraid of competition. It is good for you and keeps you on your toes.
The best advice I have ever given? Listen to your gut! You will know when its over. Until then, NEVER , NEVER GIVE UP!
Meet Katie Thompson of The Pink Chickadee and DC Preppies
My name is Katie & I am the founder and blogger behind The Pink Chickadee and DC Preppies. The Pink Chickadee is a Washington, DC, area-based preppy + grand millennial fashion and travel blog that specializes in SEO and evergreen website and social media content to bring brand awareness and ultimately new customers. This May, I am launching DC Preppies – a community and creative agency focused on creating lasting connections and content, the red, white and preppy way!
Why did you join TSC Membership?
I joined The Southern C after seeing what an incredible community, collaborations, and connections other female small business owners have made and knew I wanted to join in as I embark on my entrepreneurial journey.
What is a favorite small business you like to shop or support?
My friend Becky of Becky’s Boutique in Fairfax, Virginia, is a favorite of mine to support in my local community! I also adore my dog walkers who have created a bond with my pup Rosie – Allison, Sarah, and Andrea of Irish Rovers.
Where do you go to get your inspiration now?
I get a lot of inspiration from my travels and just being out on the streets locally. Being in the Washington, DC, area right now that is the National Cherry Blossom Festival and my recent trip to Nice, France.
What is the best business advice you have ever given or received?
Funny enough, it’s from one of TSC’s membership calls with Dana Small who said something along the lines of: you won’t know how to do it, but you can certainly ask around! I also loved her advice that being a business owner is not glamorous and takes a lot more work behind the scenes than what is shown.
Meet Emily Stanley, Watercolor Artist and Illustrator
Hi, I’m Emily! I’m based in a small town just outside of Athens, Georgia. I’m a watercolor artist and illustrator, as well as a custom wedding stationer. My style leans toward a Southern, timeless aesthetic—I’m especially drawn to florals and greenery, which really come through in so much of my work.
I’m married to my husband Jeff and a mom of two, and I like to say I’ve always been an artist at heart. I finally took the leap and started my business about a year ago—shortly after finding out I was expecting my daughter. It’s definitely a full season of motherhood and business, but I’m so grateful to wake up and do what I love each day.
https://www.instagram.com/hansfordhousedesigns
Why did you join TSC Membership?
I actually first heard about The Southern C through Cheri Leavy when I was working at the UGA Alumni Association—she served on the alumni board (and was one of my favorite members!). I remember being so fascinated by the close-knit community, the incredible retreats, and the idea of connecting with other female entrepreneurs. Finally being a part of this community feels like a full-circle moment, and I’m so excited to connect with other women–especially other moms– and to learn from and support each other.
What is a favorite small business you like to shop or support?
I love supporting other artists, florists, and small creative brands—especially those with a strong sense of craftsmanship and passion for their work. Since so much of my work is inspired by the natural world, I love perusing and shopping at local flower farms like R&R Secret Flowers in Athens and 3 Porch Farm in Comer, GA.
Where do you go to get your inspiration now?
Anything in nature! Nothing beats getting outside, picking up fresh flowers, or visiting the local botanical garden. I’ve also always had a passion for art history, so I find a lot of inspiration in studying the masters and their use of color and texture.
What is the best business advice you have ever given or received?
One piece of advice I always come back to is Marie Forleo’s “everything is figureoutable.” I think it’s such a helpful mindset—approaching challenges with the belief that you can work through them, whether that’s by learning something new or leaning on others for guidance.
I also personally try to stay grounded in my faith and the belief that the gifts I’ve been given are meant to be used in service to others. That perspective helps guide how I approach both my work and my business.
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