Well + Wonder – A Curated Collective
In this series on The Southern C, readers get to “meet” many of the interesting and creative Southern entrepreneurs we know online through our social network and also in “real life” at The Southern C Summits. These individuals are the CEO’s, founders, creative directors, artists, designers, makers and doers that are shaping our landscape with their vision and ingenuity. Take a peek into their day to day life, find out what they are working on, discover their “a-ha” moment and gain insight into what motivates and inspires their work and lives.
The subjects and their niche may vary but many share the paradoxical traits of creative individuals – they daydream, observe, ask big questions, people watch, seek new experiences, view life as an opportunity for self-expression, take risks and bounce back all while following their true passions. We hope you will be inspired as we spotlight the creativity that abounds in our region. According to Einstein, “Creativity is contagious”, and we are happy at The Southern C to do our part in sharing the creativity!
Established in 2015, Well + Wonder is an online collective of carefully curated artwork in a price range fit for collectors at all levels – those buying their first pieces, and established collectors looking for a fresh perspective. Featuring original art and profiles of emerging Southern artists, Well + Wonder is an inspiring virtual studio tour of the South.
At the heart of Well + Wonder, founded by Mollie Creason, an art broker from Louisville, Kentucky, is the core philosophy that experiencing and collecting art shouldn’t be confusing or intimidating. Finding a painting or any artwork should be fun, soulful and add to a sense of wonder. Mollie’s art roots and studies extend from Tennessee, the Georgia coast, and fresco-washed Florence, Italy. She brings the best of the art world into homes first online, and then in real life, with pieces that grace homes across the South and far beyond.
Describe your brand/business:
Well + Wonder curates an online collection of original art by emerging southern artists at prices fit for collectors at all levels.
(artist Adele Yonchak)
Describe your typical day as a small business owner/art curator?
Often times the days begin early and with a lot of coffee! I try and wake up before my children to get in an hour of work before they are up. I like to post on Instagram early in the morning because that seems to get the best response for us.
Once the children are up, it is mad chaos until they get to school. For the few hours they are in school, I work on Well + Wonder, take conference calls, and go to meetings. This whole work/life balance is a work in progress for me but once they are home in the afternoon I try my best to turn off work and solely focus on them.
(artist Kate Wadell)
What did you want to be when you grew up and how has your background influenced your work?
I have always been drawn to the creative fields. I remember wanting to be a fashion designer or a singer (which obviously did not work out, for the greater good!). In college I majored in Art History, but never considered myself an artist. I love that I finally feel like I am combining my education and my passion as an art broker.
(artist Renee Bouchon)
Favorite business tool?
My phone and Instagram
(artist Catherine Jones)
Where do you find inspiration?
Well + Wonder artists – just scrolling through their Instagram pages! And travel is always in inspiring.
(artist Nan Jones)
The rare day off – what do you do to unwind?
A day at the beach with family and friends! I am a firm believer that there’s something about the beach that is good for the soul.
(artist Dorothy Shain)
Best business advice?
My Dad, who is my mentor and my biggest cheerleader, always taught me to “follow your instincts, take a risk.” Life is too short to not try to do what you love everyday.
(artist Katherine Bramlett)
Five Favorites:
Book
Pat Conroy’s Beach Music and Price of Tides are two of my favorites that I have read over and over.
Movie
Just like every other woman my age– “Father of the Bride” of course!
Song
Currently listening to a lot of “Long White Line” by Sturgill Simpson (because of my son’s obsession with trucks!)
Drink
The beginning of spring has me wanting my new warm weather favorite- a Paloma (grapefruit soda and tequila).
Indulgence
Good wine
Whitney Wise Long, co-founder of The Southern C and The Southern C Summit, loves to connect with Southern entrepreneurs and learn more about their creative endeavors.
This Q&A series offers her the perfect opportunity to do so!
For more of Whitney’s Southern Creatives Q&A’s click the names below:
Megan Proctor
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Hi!
My husband and our two best friends jumped into the entrepreneur game last year when we started our first business, Southern Smoke. We are Charleston, SC only mobile cigar lounge! We renovated a 34 foot vintage airstream and turned it into a one of a kind event space for weddings, private parties and corporate functions. Please help us get the word out about our luxury cigar services! We would be so grateful.
HOW FUN! I hope to see the rig out and about soon. Good luck with your endeavor.