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