November Member Monday Recap
Meet Christa Peyton, Texas Abstract Artist
I am a Texas abstract artist raising my youngest on a ranch north of Fredericksburg, Texas, where inspiration for my work takes a front seat. Born in Fort Benning, Georgia, and raised in Austin, her 1980’s upbringing and love of music play major roles in my home studio creation process. “I attended a Pearl Jam concert in a Laura Ashley shirt in 1991 and jumped in the mosh pit with everyone, it was great.” It’s those moments that inspire me when I’m painting. After graduating from Texas A&M University in 1993, I worked in the oil and gas industry for a few years, then met my husband in Houston at a wild game cook off. “We loved visiting Fredericksburg in the 90’s and after raising our oldest in Austin, we made the decision to move to Fredericksburg for our autistic son who loves the outdoors, he is thriving and we are so glad we made that life changing move!”
https://www.christapeyton.com/
Why did you join TSC Membership?
I’m in awe of how welcoming and humble this group of incredible women are and the grace and support they’ve shown each other. I’m a huge advocate of women supporting other women in all ways.
What is a favorite small business you like to shop or support?
I “fangirled” a few poor souls at the Round Top retreat. Holly Shae was one of them, I love my Grace Dress in the coral cockatoo print. I got to hang with Holly the first evening. Katie Kime got to hear my story about how I wear her pj tops under sweaters and how many of my Katie Kime pj sets are threadbare?! Holly Phillips’ daily newsletter “The English Room” is my go to everyday email read, so many yummy tidbits…She is a creative force!
Where do you go to get your inspiration now?
My inspiration is constant, I attribute that to travel and my quiet life in the country so I can hear myself think. Inspiration could come from a nostalgic pattern on a textile, a vintage leather bomber in my closet, or new ideas that come to me after my monthly acupuncture session.
What is the best business advice you have ever given or received?
When I sold real estate in Austin in the early 2000’s my broker, Amelia Bullock, was an old school, strong Texas business woman that used to tell me “When you think you’re at the end of your rope, get more rope.” It’s pretty simple but true and has resonated with me for years. “Grit” was a word used a lot in discussions at the Round Top retreat and I’d say is something this group of women all have and is necessary to follow our passions!
Meet Chelsea English of Ceae Shop
I’m Chelsea, the founder and creative director of Ceae Shop, a boutique textile line and home decor brand. Since a young age, I have been drawn to design. I attended The Fashion Institute of Technology in New York where I received my BFA in Fabric Styling with a minor in Art History. After graduating, I spent 10 years working in design, product development and sourcing for apparel and home brands before relocating to Savannah while working at Weezie. After I had my first son, I decided to take some time off but quickly realized I missed designing and developing products. I started getting back into the creative process by painting and designing prints whenever I could, mostly during nap time. The idea for Ceae Shop had been percolating in my mind for many years, so I am so thrilled to have officially launched this summer. The first collection includes fabric by the yard and throw pillows. I am expanding into home goods this fall, with a small block print collection of table linens, picture frames, pareos and gift wrap! I hope to continue to expand the collection, as I truly love every step of operating this business.
Why did you join TSC Membership?
I was a long time follower of TSC and recently started connecting with local creatives who are members and highly recommended I join! I love that everyone is an entrepreneur and willing to help support each other. It’s such a unique group of women, and I love the strong sense of community it offers. It’s really helpful and important to have a group to connect with on business matters.
What is a favorite small business you like to shop or support?
I couldn’t pick just one, but funnily enough they are all Savannah based businesses!
Britts Funky Stitch – A fellow member from Savannah, she makes such beautiful necklaces and fun embroidered shirts. I’m always eyeing her necklaces for myself or for gifts.
Lake Pajamas – I have to admit, I live in these. If I am home, I am wearing something from Lake, whether it’s their PJ’s or a dress. If you don’t already own a pair they are the best!
Weezie Towels – They are honestly the best towels around, and I’m not just saying that because I used to work there! I can’t live without them (I save room in my suitcase to bring them on trips!!). I know they have extremely stringent quality guidelines so everything from them is always top notch.
Where do you go to get your inspiration now?
I used to get most of my inspiration from traveling but with two little ones under 3 I don’t travel like I used to. I still draw the majority of my inspiration from exploring environments around me, specifically architecture, nature and little details in everyday life. My collection is mostly inspired by plants and the beautiful landscapes found throughout Savannah.
What is the best business advice you have ever given or received?
Try to do the most with the least, be scrappy when you are starting out and really prioritize where you spend your budget.
Meet Leanna Watson of Hattie Hill Designs
I am a North Carolina native, specifically the mountains but my heart belongs to the coast somewhere between Charleston and Savannah. I love all things colorful with those natural/rattan elements. I have been in business for almost 10 years but newly with the name Hattie Hill Designs which was named after my daughter Hattie Mae. The first 8 years of business looked like a lot of trial and error but it lead me to my business pride and joy which is The Life Logo Project. It was God’s way of showing me I can combine my passion of graphic design and branding with hospitality and events. Since the Life Logo Project has come to life it has been so much fun watching it grow and evolve.
https://www.hattiehilldesigns.com/
Why did you join TSC Membership?
I joined the TSC membership because I wanted to be a part of a community bigger than anything I had been a part of before. I wanted to learn from the women who have become industry leaders and those that I have looked up to for years.
What is a favorite small business you like to shop or support?
I love shopping with Simply Jessica Marie, Emily McCarthy, and The Beaufort Bonnet Company (for my daughter).
Where do you go to get your inspiration now?
I get inspiration from travel, magazines, and interior design.
What is the best business advice you have ever given or received?
Create a brand that allows you to stay true to yourself. The industry is full of talented people but only you have your unique personality and that will help attract your ideal clients.
Meet Lisa Zook of Celebrate By Lisa Lou
I am the founder of Celebrate By Lisa Lou, a Houston boutique focusing on tablescapes, hostess gifts, gift wrapping and bringing the local community together through events and celebrations. One hundred percent of our profits are donated to local children’s charities. To dovetail with the store, I create Soft Skills Instagram reels @lisalouzook to help people navigate the social side of life. The reels, along with the store, have created a place of connection for many in the Houston area. My goal is to help people overcome their hesitation of inviting friends and strangers into their home. I help others learn the art of getting back to the dinner table with a focus on simplicity. At Celebrate, we are flipping the narrative and putting hospitality before entertaining. I have chaired numerous fundraisers for various causes in the Houston area. I hold a degree in journalism and am certified by the Charleston School of Protocol.
https://celebratebylisaloushop.com/
Why did you join TSC Membership?
I am a new member of Southern C but I kept hearing from reputable sources what a wonderful organization this was. As I dug deeper, I was convinced! I have already found a wealth of information that I can use, and in turn, I hope I am able to mentor others as we all chart the path of being businesswomen seeking to make an impact.
What is a favorite small business you like to shop or support?
I live in Houston but we have a country home in the small town of Chappell Hill, Texas (right outside of Round Top). Every time we are there, I frequent the small businesses that line one of the main streets. My favorite is the local art store that showcases the many talents of people within the community. I love supporting small businesses, especially those in rural communities.
Where do you go to get your inspiration now?
I start each morning studying one chapter in the Bible. I say with all humbleness that my inspiration comes from what is placed on my heart. When I walk through nature, I see beauty. It is often through these moments that I will create stories out of the tablescapes we display in the store. One example we call Magnolia. It is a beautiful place setting topped off with a gold bumble bee napkin ring (because, of course, we all know magnolia flowers attract bees!). I always try to add a bit of whimsy to everything I create. I like to say we will either laugh or cry through life. I choose to laugh!
What is the best business advice you have ever given or received?
The best business advice I have received came from my husband, who founded a private equity firm that has been in business for close to 3 decades. He told me that there comes a time in business, once you have done all your research and you think you are ready to launch, but you just are not quite sure…you just need to GO. Starting a business can be scary, but the time eventually comes that, ready or not, you must launch. It does not mean you are completely ready, and it definitely does not mean everything will run smoothly. But there is so much to learn about running a business that comes AFTER you launch. You never gain that knowledge needed to be successful if you keep sitting on the sideline.
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