September Member Monday Recap
Meet Maggie Dracos of Rivy Co.
Hi! I’m Maggie Dracos, founder and owner of Rivy Co., a boutique public relations and communications firm based in Charleston, South Carolina. The name Rivy was inspired by my two dogs, Rory and Ivy — and we later discovered that “Rivy” is derived from a Hebrew word meaning “to connect, tie, or join,” which honestly couldn’t be a more perfect fit for the work we do!
We specialize in luxury lifestyle, design, and retail, helping brands tell meaningful stories and build lasting connections with their audiences. Before launching Rivy Co., I worked across agencies of all sizes in PR, social media, influencer marketing, and communications. Eventually, I realized I wanted to build something of my own — and Rivy Co. was born.
Why did you join TSC Membership?
As someone whose business is built on the power of relationships, joining TSC felt like a natural fit. I wanted to surround myself with ambitious women who value connection over competition, and that’s exactly what I’ve found. The community is incredibly supportive, and I’ve built friendships, business relationships, and collaborations that I’m truly grateful for.
What is a favorite small business you like to shop or support?
This is such a hard question because I’m a bit of a shopaholic! A few favorites include The Boutique Charleston, Arte Italica and Crown Linen Designs, Goldbug Collection, Tipsy Threads Hats, and of course TSC favorites like Shop BURU and Emily McCarthy. As someone who works in PR and communications, I’m naturally drawn to brands with a compelling story. Once you know the passion behind a founder, you’re no longer just buying a product — you feel connected to the people and purpose behind it. That’s one of the things I love most about shopping small.
Where do you go to get your inspiration now?
Inspiration is everywhere if you’re paying attention. I find it in thoughtful branding, beautiful hospitality experiences, conversations with founders, travel, architecture, fashion, and even a great window display. Living in Charleston certainly doesn’t hurt — the creativity, design, food, and entrepreneurial spirit here are incredibly inspiring. I truly believe the best ideas come from staying curious and being present.
What is the best business advice you have ever given or received?
One piece of advice I come back to often is: don’t let comparison distract you from your purpose. As a founder, it’s easy to look around at what everyone else is doing, but the most meaningful growth comes from staying focused on your own vision. Take great care of your clients, build relationships that last, and let the quality of your work speak for itself. Trends will come and go, but integrity, consistency, and genuinely caring about people never go out of style.
Meet Jovann Walker of Mahjong Retreat Co.
Hi, I’m Jovann Walker, founder of Mahjong Retreat Co. and a Texas Realtor with The Agency Dallas. My passion is creating elevated Mahjong experiences that bring women together through connection, community, and beautiful hospitality. Inspired by my years living in Singapore, where I first learned Mahjong, I’ve had the joy of teaching more than 1,000 women and hosting hundreds of events across Texas. Today, Mahjong Retreat Co. has grown into luxury retreats, curated social events, and unforgettable weekends designed to foster meaningful friendships in beautiful destinations.
https://www.mahjongretreatco.com/
Why did you join TSC Membership?
I joined The Southern C because I wanted to surround myself with creative entrepreneurs who value community, collaboration, and thoughtful brand building. As Mahjong Retreat Co. continues to grow nationally, it’s inspiring to be part of a network of women who generously share ideas, encourage one another, and celebrate each other’s successes. The relationships and opportunities that come from this community are truly special.
What is a favorite small business you like to shop or support?
I love supporting businesses that create memorable experiences and celebrate craftsmanship. Some of my favorites include local boutiques, women-owned hospitality brands, artisan gift shops, independent coffee shops, and small businesses that make every interaction feel personal. Whenever I travel, I make it a point to seek out local makers and boutiques—they’re often where I find the most unique treasures and inspiration.
Where do you go to get your inspiration now?
Travel has always been my greatest source of inspiration. Whether I’m walking through a luxury hotel, exploring a charming downtown, dining in a beautifully designed restaurant, or discovering a local boutique, I’m constantly collecting ideas for future events. I also find inspiration in the women who attend our retreats—their stories, friendships, and joy remind me why creating meaningful experiences matters.
What is the best business advice you have ever given or received?
“Don’t just create an event—create an experience people can’t stop talking about.”
That advice has shaped every decision I’ve made. Anyone can host an event, but when you thoughtfully curate every detail—from the welcome to the farewell—you create moments that people remember, share, and return for year after year. The experience is always the brand.
Meet Lara West of Ella Jane Paper Co.
Hi! I’m Lara, the founder of Ella Jane Paper Co. in Birmingham, Alabama. I’m a mom to three little boys and a rescue dog. My creative side and love for traditions comes from my mom and grandmother.
I started Ella Jane as a stationery business, but I’m about to launch something I’ve dreamed about creating for the last few years: The Ornament Book.
It was inspired by a tradition I started with my boys of choosing one special ornament each Christmas to represent who they were that year. I wanted them to have a collection to take with them someday and the stories behind each ornament. The funny things they loved, the little details, and all the versions of them I already know I’ll want to revisit.
The Ornament Book is a place to keep those stories and revisit every Christmas. As I started creating it, I realized this tradition isn’t only about childhood. Ornaments tell the story of so many seasons of our lives, from first Christmases and new homes to trips, milestones, and all the little things in-between. I created two editions: one for childhood and one for families. I am excited to launch The Ornament Book and to see it become part of other families’ traditions too!
Why did you join TSC Membership?
I joined The Southern C because I’m excited to learn from other women who are building/ have built their businesses. I love the idea of being part of a community where women share ideas, lessons and celebrate each other’s successes.
What is a favorite small business you like to shop or support?
I love supporting small businesses because I have such an appreciation for everything that goes on behind the scenes to build one. Some favorites are Duck Duck Goose, Prints & Clay, HollySlayHandmade, but I’m also just as excited to order a cookie cake from the baker down the street or the person a few neighborhoods over making banners from home.
Where do you go to get your inspiration now?
My inspiration is usually a person before it’s a product. I’m always thinking about what would excite my boys, what a teacher would love, or something that reminds me of a friend. I love noticing what people are passionate about and turning those little details into a meaningful gift. As life has gotten fuller, I’ve also become really drawn to things that are both beautiful and useful. I don’t want to create more clutter or a process that makes life harder. I want to create beautiful intentional things.
What is the best business advice you have ever given or received?
I’ve learned that balance doesn’t mean doing everything well all at once. If I’m really focused on a project, there’s probably a pile of laundry somewhere that isn’t getting folded. I’ve gotten much better at deciding what matters most right now and being okay with letting something else wait.
Meet Michael McCollum Adams of Tag Strategies
From the campaign trail to the boutique floor, I’ve spent my career turning big ideas into reality. As Co-Founder & Managing Partner at TAG Strategies, I’ve helped raise more than $2 billion for national campaigns over the past decade. That same drive led me outside of politics, where I founded Anderson Parker, a luxury children’s clothing boutique, and co-founded Little Eight, a children’s resort-wear brand. At the heart of it all, I’m an Ole Miss grad and mom of four, always chasing the next thing worth building.
https://tagstrategies.co
Why did you join TSC Membership?
I joined The Southern Coterie because building businesses is so much better with the right people around you. I wanted a community of women who truly understood the hustle – offering honest advice, real connections, and genuine support.
What is a favorite small business you like to shop or support?
I love supporting Pell 1990 in The Woodland’s, TX for women’s clothing — their pieces are always so effortlessly chic. For anything party-related, Upscale Social is my go-to for custom details that make an event feel special, and Too Shay Spirits handles bartending for us — they bring such a fun energy to every gathering.
Where do you go to get your inspiration now?
My biggest inspiration comes from my four kids and watching them dream big, ask endless questions, and find joy in the little things. It reminds me why I do what I do. I’m always thinking about how to create things that make childhood feel a little more special, and my kids are the ones who keep me grounded in that.
What is the best business advice you have ever given or received?
Someone once told me that the answer you get today isn’t always the answer you’ll get tomorrow. Timing matters just as much as the ask itself. I’ve learned to see a ‘no’ as more of a ‘not yet,’ and to stay patient enough to circle back when the moment is right.
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