November 2023 Member Monday Recap!
Meet Chambless Kalka of Cake For Dinner
I’m Chambless Kalka, and we launched Cake For Dinner in November 2021. I came up with the concept when my oldest daughter was going from a school with a uniform to one without and had literally nothing to wear. After countless shopping trips always ending in major frustration, we started joking about starting our own clothing line. I called SCAD and was connected with our amazing designer, and the dream became a reality.
Why did you join TSC Membership?
I joined TSC because I was drawn to the network of other female entrepreneurs. I sometimes felt like I was on an island dealing with all the daily ins and outs of owning a small business. I love being able to reach out to a wide network of other women who are going through the same balancing act of family life, children, and a full-time business that can overtake everything!
What is a favorite small business you like to shop or support?
I love to support my female friends who are also entrepreneurs! Some of my favorites are Poppy’s, Audrey Allman Designs, Callispondence, Tack Creations, and Lucy’s Market.
Where do you go to get your inspiration now?
The inspiration for our designs comes from our amazing and ever-growing group of young women who guide us from concept to the final sample fitting of each piece. It’s so much fun to involve my daughters and their friends and watch their confidence grow as they learn the business.
What is the best business advice you have ever given or received?
My accountant, who is a true gift, told me from our first meeting that CFD was my Zero Fail Mission. I repeat that to myself at least 10 times a day now. Failure is not an option, so the only thought in my head is to push forward and give our darling customers the styles they love, made just for them.
Meet Molly Poston of Hampton Point
Hi, I’m Molly, owner of Hampton Point Boutique! I live in Charleston, South Carolina and opened Hampton Point, my e-commerce boutique, in 2021. After a few years of working in fashion for Tibi and Trina Turk in New York City, I quickly realized I was much more of a beach girl than a city girl, and promptly made the move back down south. Hampton Point is a longtime dream of mine. My belief is that there’s nothing better than a staple closet piece, one that can be dressed up or down and that you are guaranteed to get your money’s worth. I love nothing more than helping clients shop for events or just a night out, and making them feel their best for any occasion. If I’m not working, you can find me out on the boat, trying a new Charleston restaurant, or visiting my nieces and nephew. Oh, and working behind the scenes of The Southern C Summit, of course!
Why did you join TSC Membership?
ISmall businesses supporting other small businesses is one of the neatest things to me. It is so special to be part of a community where everyone wants to support one another and help their friends grow. It’s such an amazing and rare group to find!
What is a favorite small business you like to shop or support?
I love K.Bailey Jewelry, J.Lowery, and Mary K. Kendig.
Where do you go to get your inspiration now?
My friends and family are some of my best customers, so I am constantly thinking of what they would want or need for their everyday life. I’ve always been known to dress with a big statement, so I also lean on them to reel me back in when I accidentally find myself shopping for just my style and not that of my wide range of customers of Hampton Point. For designers, I always have my eye on Trina Turk and Tibi, as they are two very different, yet classic and successful, designers.
What is the best business advice you have ever given or received?
My dad is also a small business owner and he says, “If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.”
Meet Brooke Aliapoulios of The Social Resort
My name is Brooke Aliapoulios. I am the founder of The Social Resort, a boutique, design-focused social media agency with amenities including full-service social media management, strategy development, brand storytelling, content creation, and community management.
Why did you join TSC Membership?
I became a TSC member to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs! I have found there is immense value in connecting with other business owners and leaning on each other for support, advice, guidance, and the opportunity to collaborate and brainstorm together. I am so grateful!
What is a favorite small business you like to shop or support?
I’m incredibly grateful to work with a variety of small businesses that I genuinely adore. My wish list consistently features items from my clients, including Le Lion Collection, Aurelia Demark, and the Kemble Shop of Kemble Interiors.
Where do you go to get your inspiration now?
Living in South Florida, I’m surrounded by endless inspiration – from the lush tropical greenery to the distinctive Mizner architecture in Palm Beach. Thrifting and vintage fashion photography also play a big role in keeping my creative juices flowing!
What is the best business advice you have ever given or received?
From a young age, my dad instilled in me the wisdom of “being your own best friend.” This concept means treating yourself with the same kindness and encouragement you’d offer to a close friend. As a business owner, I’ve carried this lesson forward. It’s so important to speak life over your business and yourself during challenging times, as well as celebrating the big and small successes!
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