My daily practice is one of great intention in "living in the Light" and spreading kindness. Which is why I couldn't agree more with Jacqueline Buckner and Elizabeth White that the world needs a little more heart and soul. This sister duo is the the yin and yang to Twine & Twig — a beautifully done and handmade Southern jewelry line made of organic and all natural pieces. The North Carolina natives work with the desire to keep Southern tradition alive through their fresh eyes and youthful spirit. The result is a down-to-earth, elegant, earthy line that feels as though it was made by family.
It’s no doubt that Elizabeth and Jacqueline give life to a coastal New Southern vibe with sandy feet, wave worn sea glass, and creative drives fueled by the energy of a deep blue sea. Using elements from the earth in their pieces and staying inspired through travel — it’s a collection of wearable art so deeply inspired by the world around us. Their Charlotte-based, sunlit studio is an old cotton mill that emanates the indie mood of their line. A cozy, creative and productive space for their team to feel inspired. By focusing on surrounding themselves with those who lift them up and in doing the same for others they have established themselves as genuine as can be. Lovely makers — in both their artistic creation and membership within #TheNewSouthern creative community.
Photo: © Rob Brinson
My passion is viewing the world around us as a place of connection and unity. A place where we can authentically show up and be supported regardless of our differences. This is the heart and soul behind why I started The New Southern and using our creative outlets is a powerful tool to connect and support one another. Jacqueline and Elizabeth are two creative women who openly stand by this — making them easy picks to champion as a part of the New Southern movement.
Alyssa Rosenheck: Tell us about yourselves….
Elizabeth White & Jacqueline Buckner: We are a sister duo that was born and raised in North Carolina. Almost 5 years ago we sat down at Figure 8 Island with some beads, natural objects collected from the beach and a lot of creative energy. Little did we know that summer would shape what is now our company, Twine & Twig which was just described by Garden & Gun Magazine as “one of the most successful Southern jewelry line launches in the last five years.” We spent our childhood in the mountains and the beach, which we would later realize the creative impact those regions had on us and the influence of Twine & Twig. Working with family is amazing, our work overflows into the weekend and we realize how lucky we are that our kids can run around, while our husbands grill and we brainstorm. But we do have 2 different personality types; one sister who is OCD + one who is ADD. That was a challenge in the beginning, figuring out how each other likes to work, but it has turned into a positive because we are a little yin and yang.
AR: Twine & Twig is filled with visual inspiration…How has the brand contributed to the modernization or updated Southern Style?
EW & JB: We both have always loved flipping through magazines to see outfits styled. While our followers enjoy our jewelry, we constantly hear from them that they also love to see how we style the jewelry with our clothes, creating different looks in styled outfits in various locations (lots of traveling on the T&T Instagram feed)
Photo: ©Ariana Clare
AR: What innovative trends are you seeing with The New Southern style across the country?
EW & JB: We are seeing trends with other companies also going back to making things in the US, by hand, with small companies that feel like family. Twine & Twig is a family owned and run company in every sense, which is our way to respect and keep the tradition going of Southern culture. Our kids are our inspiration and little helpers, our mom helps make bracelets, and our husbands take countless pictures. We are trying to slowly push the boundaries with new and innovative designs. We have customers all across the country that also seem to be drawn to the ease of our signature strap, our mix of natural materials and the relaxed elegance of Twine & Twig and how it can be worn with any outfit to create a laid back or dressy look.
AR: How have you mastered all the growth with Twine & Twig and is there structure or tips you may share when you grow rapidly?
EW & JB: We certainly have not mastered all of the growth, but we have tried to enjoy every minute of it learning a lot along the way. Never in our wildest dreams did we imagine creating a company of this size with so many amazing girls working for us and shipping our necklaces out to customers around the world. As far as tips go, don't be afraid to ask and learn from your mistakes. Surround yourself with people who lift you up. The creative community is amazing, everyone is so willing to share what has worked and what has not, so we make a point to do the same and answer any questions we can to those who are just starting out.
Photo: ©Twine + Twig
AR: What advice do you have for creative entrepreneurs?
EW & JB: You have to love what you do! If you LOVE what you are doing, all of the "blood, sweat & tears" along the way are worth it.
AR: The place you go to get inspired?
EW: The beach. There is something about the salt air that just restores your soul and feeds your creative drive. When we are designing a new collection we seek inspiration from TRAVEL. The new spring collection (SURF) has hues from the Sea of Thailand where we spent a few weeks last summer. This coming year we are heading back to Africa and I can't wait to see how that influences the Fall & Holiday collections.
AR: Who are some of your favorite artists/makers? What do you love about their work?
JB: Picasso. He never stopped evolving. His work looks so different at different stages of his life - it excites to me to think about the future and imagine how Twine & Twig will continue to change, evolve, morph and build on everything that came before it.
Photo: ©Ariana Clare
Photo: ©Twine + Twig
Photo: ©Ariana Clare
AR: What’s your advice for mixing old with new?
JB: I love to keep clothes...almost too much. But my criteria is — could my daughter wear this one day and it still be classic? In college one of my favorite things to do was to go to thrift stores and find real old rock t-shirts. I'd mix that with a new pair of jeans and some broken in sneakers. I also love to mix high + low priced items.
AR: What’s your favorite housewarming gift?
EW & JB: Anything from our Found + Curated section paired with a little succulent or some fresh flowers. During our travels we often visit local markets and bring back items from artisans around the world. A fun conversation starter and a perfect way to add a little global flair to a new house. We also have a great selection of kitchen accessories, pillows + blankets and bar items so it makes it easy to gift!
AR: Tell us something we probably don’t know.
JB: I have a birthmark in the shape of a star.
AR: The greatest color combination that ever existed?
EW: Grays, Mushrooms & Taupes. Anything in the Earth family makes us happy!
AR: The world needs more ______.
JR: KINDNESS! If everyone could just be a little kinder to each other then the world would be a better place. It is the number one quality I am trying to instill in my children.
EW: I believe in ORIGINALITY. Draw inspiration from everywhere, but do not copy. Your authenticity reveals your integrity.
