She Magazine JULY 2016 | Page 28

Shop Talk in every issue Story by Ashley Elvington • Photography by Laura McBryde Gainey “Southerners have deep roots and love their families. We like to ” keep things in the family. A s an artist, of course, some of Kelly’s favorite aspects of her job are painting furniture and updating vintage pieces, especially family heirlooms. Kelly also enjoys providing color advice and helping customers succeed at trying their own hand with furniture painting. As for the staple piece in a Southern home, Kelly shares that this treasure typically belongs to Grandma. “I have customers in every day working on an inherited piece with which they can’t part because it was from Grandma’s house. Southerners have deep roots and love their families. We like to keep things in the family.” The most exciting time of year is when the seasons change, and customers come in to shop for items to redecorate their homes. From finding items to sell, to experiencing the thrill of the hunt and meeting each customer, there is no such thing as a typical day at work for Kelly. “Some days are filled with painting and repurposing; others are all about helping customers and rearranging the store.” As long as the day ends with a purpose and with a need being fulfilled, it’s a successful one in Kelly’s book. God and family also play a role in the achievements at Uncommonly Southern. “I could not do any of it without both. I am the creative one, but my husband, Robbie, is the business man. He works a full-time job outside of the shop but has been so supportive of me and the business from day one. He keeps the books and takes care of the things that are outside of my wheelhouse. Our children also work at the shop along with my parents and sister.” So far, Kelly shares that surviving the economy has been their most significant accomplishment to date. Working from the ground up to build her business and then getting to watch it grow and succeed has been one of the most valuable experiences for Kelly. Ten years from now, she hopes they are still thriving. “We may possibly pick up some gift lines over time.” Like the artist she is, Kelly is also excited about the “renewal” of Florence. “I would love to see the area around me continue to grow. I feel that th e South Florence area has a lot of great things to offer, and we are often overlooked.” At their old location on Pamplico Highway, Uncommonly Southern lost its roof. Kelly recalls this day as certainly the most memorable in her work career, as she witnessed firsthand God’s promises to provide for His children that day and in the months that followed leading up to their new building. Nothing is certain in (left) and this world, but Kelly will continue to step out on faith Amanda to accomplish herHolland dreams. After all, she has one of the greatest Supporters in her corner. “God worked a plan for our little business that I could have never envisioned myself. He is good!” Uncommonly Southern is now located at 1817 Pamplico Highway in Florence, South Carolina. Opening hours are 10am-5pm Wednesday through Friday and 10am-3pm on Saturday. For more information, please call (843)629-0005. 30 JULY 2016 SHEMAGAZINE.COM