Shop Owner

Alyssa Rosenheck's The New Southern Shop Spotlight with Laura Lemon, Owner of Lemon Laine in Nashville, TN

The New Southern | Shop Spotlight: Laura Lemon, Owner of Lemon Laine

September 24, 2018 in The New Southern, TNS Spotlight

Laura Lemon, owner of Nashville’s Lemon Laine, an all natural beauty haven, has spent a decade perfecting her knowledge in the beauty industry — covering everything from sourcing and makeup artistry to product development and so much more. Laura and her husband relocated from a successful stint in San Francisco, merging west coast trends with the South’s desire for a more conscientious approach to beauty. Fusing her background in the space together with her passion for wellness, she has established a fresh concept that is here to stay.

Laura’s Instagram-friendly store is a visual playground of color with big personality and it has truly grown into the fabric of its East Nashville neighborhood. As you belly up to the space’s custom oil bar, think of it as a smaller version of the Color Factory pop-up that we have the privilege of having around 365 days a year. The New Southern is founded on curiosity and fresh approaches which breath life into traditional industries, such as the beauty arena. Laura’s approach is modern and her business acumen is as sleek as her shop. She hand selects each product, eyeing only high-quality and natural ingredients, which allows her to craft a very special experience for her customers. Dedicated to the discovery process through personalization and curating a simple regime that works, the store’s own ‘Lemon Laine Oil Bar’ provides customized face oils designed by specialists especially for your skin type.

At the very core of The New Southern are small business owners like Laura. With products as authentic as her deep rooted passion, her vision is to continue to grow her brand of all natural beauty across the country — beginning with Houston, Texas, this fall! Her store is not only a place for product but for conversation, too, as she continues to expand community awareness by hosting educational forums on beauty, health and wellness...with a very generous open door policy. I am a firm believer in supporting our local community leaders who are putting nothing but good into everything which surrounds them. I am proud to call Laura a friend and I cannot wait to see what new heights she reaches as she continues to grow her brand.

That being said, I am so excited for you all to get to know this fellow Nashville GEM!

Alyssa Rosenheck: Tell us about your yourself…

Laura Lemon: I grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma. My husband and I recently moved to Nashville from San Francisco to open a natural beauty and wellness shop called Lemon Laine. I’m new to town but not so new to the industry. I’ve spent the last 10 years working in beauty — in buying and makeup artistry, as well as marketing and product development. Perhaps my biggest love, however, is wellness...which is at the core of beauty. To look good, you have to feel good first. As a result, I geek out over anything about our microbiome and digestive system. My guilty pleasures are Zara, Lily’s Chocolate and the Southern Charm TV show. Oh, and I have two goldendoodles who think they’re humans.

AR: What does The New Southern mean to you?

LL: It means cultivating change and taking something that once was considered more traditional to a new and exciting place.

AR: What innovative trends are you seeing with The New Southern Movement across the country?

LL: Color! I love how The New Southern embraces color by adding it minimally in a flower feature or a painting. It’s understated but still evokes a sense of playfulness and approachability to a space.

AR: The best leaders and creative entrepreneurs are known to be selfless and service oriented. In what ways are you giving to your customer and or your community?

LL: Our events at Lemon Laine have been an incredible way to connect with our community. We offer weekly events at the shop on topics such as thyroid health, natural makeup tips and even DIY classes.

AR: What are some lessons or pivots you have learned from and what advice do you have for others getting started in the creative field?

LL: Oh man, they’re so many. I think the biggest lesson for me is to cut through the BS and listen to your gut. Too often it’s easy to compare yourself to what others in your field might be doing. I’ve found it’s important to put blinders on and really focus on what I want, what I think is cool, and what I would want to see or experience. Everything else just falls in place.

AR: What is your morning routine? What life hacks make you more productive?

LL: I’m one of those people that run out of bed in the morning. I truly look forward to those few hours alone every morning. My routine is somewhat minimal: collagen in my coffee, yogurt + berries with some adaptogens (really digging Mucuna Pruriens lately) sprinkled on top. I like to start by reading articles or exploring IG for new brands, new ideas, and even things that make me laugh. My favorite hacks are the Teuxdeux app which keeps me on track with all the random tasks that come pop up during the day. Bulletproof bars are my lifesaver for when I don’t have time for lunch. But I love setting aside time for brainstorming throughout the day. It’s been crucial for my business as we continue to grow.

AR: The place you go to get inspired?

LL: Somewhere new...

AR: The key to making a house a home? What does a home need more of and less of?

LL: A dog. It needs more comfort and less formality.

AR: Life advice you’ve gotten that made all the difference both personally and professionally?

LL: People and relationships are everything.

AR: Who are some of your favorite artists/makers? What do you love about their work?

LL: Scarlett Baily — She’s an amazing illustrator with designs that are equal parts simple and full of life. She’s working on a jewelry collection with a local designer in Nashville called Minnie Lane that I’m so excited about!

Clary Collection is one of my favorite beauty brands we carry at the shop. They’re made locally in Nashville and their products are well-priced, highly effective and easy to love.

AR: My momma always said…

LL: What’s the worst that could happen?

AR: What’s currently on your nightstand?

LL: Science magazine, Kari Gran Lip Whip, Thistle Farms Lavender oil.

AR: The greatest color combination that ever existed?

LL: Peach and poppy red.

AR: What is your favorite interview question when hiring?

LL: If you didn’t have to work for a living, what would you do with your time?

Alyssa Rosenheck's The New Southern Shop Spotlight with Jacqueline Buckner & Elizabeth White, Owners of Twine & Twig of Charlotte, NC

The New Southern | Shop Spotlight: Jacqueline Buckner & Elizabeth White, Owners of Twine & Twig

July 30, 2018 in The New Southern, TNS Spotlight

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 — 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)

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.

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.

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.

Alyssa Rosenheck's The New Southern Entrepreneur Spotlight with Monelle Totah + Gary McNatton, Founders of Hudson Grace of San Francisco, CA

The New Southern | Entrepreneur Spotlight: Monelle Totah + Gary McNatton, Founders of Hudson Grace

April 23, 2018 in The New Southern, TNS Spotlight

When creative minds come together the force is truly unstoppable. The ability and the moment when a collective of creativity translates into the seamless completion of a project — this is something that I continue to deeply admire and have grown to learn the power of through personal experience. Monelle Totah and Gary McNatton are two best friends that are an exquisite display of the capacity that comes along with joint artistry. Both coming to the table with a history of close to 30 years in retail, product development, merchandising, marketing and design — their love of home and longing for European quality product lead them to what they call “the real real”. Their friendship became a sensational working relationship which has allowed them to bring a dream to fruition.

The pair’s home goods brand, Hudson Grace, was born out of a shared love for entertaining. The silhouette of a plate, bowl or pitcher — pure, simple, strong products that are authentic and true. Their knowledge of family owned European factories allowed them to revitalize the concept and produce authentic pieces unique to them. By bringing together their talents they shaped something larger than life. After spending months in Italy, France England and Western Europe hunting and selecting the most ideal of pieces...Homes around the world are now collecting bits from the brand which will outlive their crafters and withstand the test of time. Having a hand in creating these beloved staples that homeowners will cherish and pass on is a beautiful thing. The collection is timeless, well-curated, and one-of-a-kind — offering just the right kind of collected eclecticness that every home needs.

Gary and Monelle have an admiration for old mixed with new. They focus on gracious entertaining, soulful lines and respect of tradition while choosing to be happy. Continuing in New Southern fashion, they also understand the moxie of simplicity. These two have an anchored hold on visual inspiration, modernized Southern Style, and what it takes to become successful creative entrepreneurs.

Photo: ©Hudson Grace — Photo: ©Hudson Grace

They are not trying to be everything to everyone — but their aesthetics are everything to us! Which is why we couldn’t wait to speak with them about Hudson Grace and all-things design!

Alyssa Rosenheck: Tell us about yourself...

Monelle Totah + Gary McNatton: Hudson Grace was founded in 2012 by us, Monelle Totah and Gary McNatton, two best friends — based on our shared love for retail and design. We combined our talents and passion to create a brand that offers a beautiful but practical collection of home goods. While our expertise is in offering chic home decor products, Hudson Grace offers four signature candle scents that are created by founder and fragrance-designer McNatton. With three decades of experience delivering award-winning design and production in personal care, ﬁne fragrance, home product and package design. During his eight-year tenure as Senior Vice President at Gap Inc., he developed the retailer’s personal-care business into a $200 million-a-year business. He’s passionate about the authenticity and simplicity of Hudson Grace products. Likewise, Monelle Totah, a native of Louisiana, has extensive retail experience in home and tabletop product development for Williams-Sonoma and Banana Republic. She scours European markets for one-of-a-kind items that sometimes wind up as the basis for new product lines made exclusively for Hudson Grace. Our shared love for entertaining inspires their collection.

AR: The shop is filled with visual inspiration from room to room...How has the shop contributed to the modernization or updated Southern Style?

MT + GM: New southern style is very much what we are, the juxtaposition of mixing family heirlooms and cherished pieces w pure simple modern lines. By doing so the vintage pieces and new modern pieces have room to breathe - and allow themselves to be viewed and appreciated. It’s not one room or one house filled with one thought — by the blend of heirloom and modern it’s like opening a door and allowing the air to come in. This is how we visualize the Southern home — this is our way of approaching decorating your home....a mix of your grandmother's buffet with modern clean dinnerware and serveware...It makes vintage new again.

Founded in 2012 with its first location in San Francisco’s stylish Presidio Heights neighborhood, Hudson Grace originates from our minds and hearts.

Hudson Grace is itself a product of the juxtaposition of a duos’ aesthetics and joint pedigree in retail and design. Her eclectic yet refined style paired with his love for modern, simple yet soulful silhouettes to form the brand’s timeless and covet-able identity and accessible approach to home design and modern, gracious entertaining.

AR: How have you mastered all the growth with the shop and is there structure or tips you may share when you grow rapidly?

MT + GM: A sense of humor helps a lot, and a drink nearby! Sometimes you have to stop and breathe — go to the top of the star and look down. Sometimes you can get lost in the race. For example, this year we are focusing online, as we have been a brick and mortar brand (the foundation of our brand to date) but in this new year we are committed to developing our online presence across the US.

AR: What advice do you have for creative entrepreneurs?

MT + GM: Stay focused. And always be true to yourself. Don’t look at others to imitate — do what you believe in. Authentic always wins.

AR: What’s your life motto?

MT: Choose Happy.
GM: In simplicity there is longevity.

AR: How do you continue to differentiate yourself in the marketplace?

MT + GM: Be ourselves and look forward.

AR: The place you go to get inspired?

MT + GM: Where do we not? In the homes of friends, in museums, flea markets, even sitting in a bar and discovering the perfect martini glass.

AR: The key to making a house a home? What does a home need more of and less of?

MT + GM: The mix of old and new.

AR: Design advice you’ve received that made all the difference?

MT + GM: Don’t try and be everything to everyone.

AR: What’s your advice for mixing old with new?

MT + GM: We love the juxtaposition. Old makes new look more new, and new makes old authentic.

AR: What’s your favorite housewarming gift?

MT: A beautiful scented candle.
GM: A bundle of white sage for renewing and refreshing.

AR: The greatest color combination that ever existed?

GM: Orange and black.
MT: White on white.

AR: What does “The New Southern” mean to you?

GM + MT: It’s the beautiful respect of tradition, that touch of formality, and there’s always a cocktail involved.

Alyssa Rosenheck's The New Southern Designer Spotlight with Leanne Ford Pittsburgh PA Los Angeles CA PhotoCredit © AlyssaRosenheck

Alyssa Rosenheck's The New Southern Shop Spotlight with Bradley Odom, Dixon Rye of Atlanta, GA

The New Southern | Shop Spotlight: Bradley Odom, Founder of Dixon Rye

January 22, 2018 in The New Southern, TNS Spotlight

Makers, designers, and artists are the heart and soul of every city. It is from these visionaries and creatives that a place becomes a living, breathing thing full of passion, expression, and connection. Bradley Odom, the sensation behind the beautifully curated Dixon Rye, is an admirable precedent for this — breathing life into Atlanta and setting the new standard for retail. He has reimagined his deep Southern heritage with undying support for local artists and a strong eye for the old and new. Humble, hungry, and unafraid to speak his truth. His artistic energy is something that every city could use some more of.

The New Southern was created to champion creative pioneers that have a hand in paving the way for a new generation. It’s a community of creators that are fearless in business and tap into the present moment in such a way that they are able to live their best lives. Bradley is intentional not only in curating moments for his store but also in the way in which he lives his life. He fills his space with expertly-curated pieces of art, accessories, fine antiques and interesting vintage finds while his world has been built on values of closeness, positivity, and breaking boundaries. It is this deeply personal attention to detail in out and out of his work that is a true testament to his art. One which deeply inspires me and reminds me of the richness that can be found in connecting to your craft.

Some things in the South are constant but some things in the South are new. Bradley has taken what’s beloved, inherent, and honored in Southern culture and design and given it his own fresh twist. Remembering the power of a handwritten note, a good friendship, and making everyone feel welcome — without sacrificing the desire to “do you!”. It is for this that I feel truly honored to stand with him as a part of The New Southern movement.

We caught up with Bradley for more on his business and taste in design — hoping to harness every bit of the inspiration that he has to offer.

Alyssa Rosenheck: Tell me about yourself.

Bradley Odom: I was a bit of a late bloomer, having gone back to school later in life to earn a degree from Savannah College of Art and Design. I was born in a small, rural town in Mississippi and have lived in several distinctly different Southern towns: New Orleans, Birmingham and my long-time home, Atlanta. The rich heritage of the South informs not only how I design, but how I work with clients — family first, entertaining, outdoor/indoor living, lush greenery, inviting spaces and personal stories reflected in everyday objects. Though rooted in the South, my time in retail allowed me to visit, and be inspired and informed by varied pockets of the U.S. These experiences, alongside my history of working for small startups and reimagined brands with an entrepreneurial mind-set, fed and fueled my desire to create my own brand.

AR: Dixon Rye is filled with visual inspiration from room to room...How has the shop contributed to the modernized Southern style?

BO: Dixon Rye has provided us a platform to experiment with mixing different styles, but more importantly, different materials. Our environment leans industrial as it’s a 1943 building that served as an Iron Foundry, with soaring ceilings, and the original crane and pulley systems. Because of this we are uniquely positioned to play with the juxtaposition of humble materials like blackened steel, with luxe materials and antiques — ones that could easily be reminiscent of inherited pieces found in homes all across the South.

AR: What innovative trends are you seeing with The New Southern style across the country?

BO: I’m enjoying the use of innovative, and sometimes minimal, finishes on unexpected pieces. The use of a fuming process on walnut floors is always a win for me — it lets the wood be the hero, focusing less on the finish, showing the character and history of each individual plank.

AR: Do you have any tips on how to master the growth of a store?

BO: I wouldn’t say that I’ve mastered it by any means, but we continue to learn and grow. Being able to plan and implement quickly is so important, but being able to quickly adapt to change and move on from ideas that you’re emotionally attached to when they aren’t working is perhaps even more important.

AR: What’s one piece of advice that you wish you had heard when you were first starting out?

BO: You do you! — Focus more on your vision and less on what others are doing. You’ve also got to surround yourself with others who are operationally and financially sound. Be willing to learn and gain an understanding of this side of the business because at the end of the day you own the results.

AR: What’s your life motto?

BO: Ask for forgiveness, not permission. But above all else, just be a good person.

AR: How do you continue to differentiate yourself in the marketplace?

BO: You know, sometimes I think the push for brick-and-mortar shops to innovate to keep up with e-commerce is overthought and overcomplicated. It seems like the most innovative thing that we can do is to honor the legacy of the small shop owner. We build relationships, we serve beverages, we send thank you notes, and at the end of the day, we make friends who are our biggest brand ambassadors.

AR: The one shade that changes everything? Tell us what mood it evokes and when/how you’ve used it.

BO: Farrow and Ball Hague Blue, of course. My love for that color began when I painted my bedroom, creating a warm, cocooning, and calming haven, and ultimately inspiring the branding of Dixon Rye.

AR: The place you go to get inspired?

BO: The mountains or anywhere that I can successfully disconnect. It’s so important to find places where you can be present with your quieter thoughts and ideas that are sometimes drowned out by the noise of technology and the day-to day duties of owning and operating a small business.

AR: The key to making a house a home? What does a home need more of and less of?

BO: I love this question! Less television and more shared meals. New surroundings need to be accompanied with new memories and experiences to solidify a relationship. My advice would be to start throwing the parties, having friends over for dinner, and creating new memories set in your new surroundings.

AR: Who are some of your favorite artists/makers? What do you love about their work?

BO: Paul Schneider is one of my favorite makers that we’re honored to represent at the shop. His unique lamps come in hand-thrown shapes and custom glazes, and they are perfectly scaled. We also work with artisans in Morocco to create beautiful pottery with an enigmatic quality. Each piece is made by hand and follows the ancient Moroccan tadelakt process – the result being our beautiful vase collection. I love watching artisans take something from a simple sketch, injecting it with their skill and finesse to create a beautiful end product that’s better than the raw idea.

AR: My momma always said...

BO: “Tell someone when their zipper is down or when they have something on their face. You would want them to tell you.”

AR: Design book you’ll always have on your shelf?

BO: Domestic Art.

AR: What’s your next dream or business venture?

BO: The next big focus within this year is to expand our online offerings to a full e-commerce site. A dream and long-term goal is to have a separate design office where we can design products and interiors to expand assortment and capacity for our customers and design clients.

© 2020 alyssa rosenheck

The New Southern | Shop Spotlight: Laura Lemon, Owner of Lemon Laine

The New Southern | Shop Spotlight: Jacqueline Buckner & Elizabeth White, Owners of Twine & Twig

The New Southern | Entrepreneur Spotlight: Monelle Totah + Gary McNatton, Founders of Hudson Grace

The New Southern | Shop Spotlight: Bradley Odom, Founder of Dixon Rye

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