There is an old saying: ‘Behind every successful woman is an amazed mother-in-law.’ For Teresa Strickland, co-owner of Southern Accents with her daughter-in-law, Leanne Kelly, that saying could not be more true, for all the right reasons.
Southern Accents is a retailer that focuses on used furniture and estate sales. In addition to their location on Caroline Street, Stickland and Kelly have expanded to ETC by Southern Accents, which is located at 109 Amelia Street. Southern Accents’ Amelia Street location is more “vendor-centric.” Strickland and Kelly are also opening their third location, a consignment store, in Central Park.
“It really has evolved into beautiful things,” Kelly said. She said that they are very focused on estate sales, where they showcase their clients’ personal property. According to Strickland, their business has seen an “evolution of services,” which has allowed their different fields of retail to mesh together perfectly. Kelly noted that their store’s name, Southern Accents, was inspired by the southern comfort that they provide to their clients.
“It’s about hospitality,” Kelly said. “We’re there to advocate for our clients and support them, using our knowledge and expertise.”
Kelly believes that their stores demonstrate what women business owners are capable of. Strickland believes that they have empowered women in the business. Kelly pointed out how Strickland has been not only the perfect business partner, but an inspiration to her, as well as a wonderful mother, and of course, mother-in-law.
“Teresa is a super-woman,” Kelly said, noting that she and Strickland support and compliment each other truly effectively.
For women who are working to start their own businesses, Kelly has three pieces of advice: “Research, research, research.” She believes that to start a new business, it is essential to form a foundation of knowledge before taking the plunge. Strickland added that finding the right location for the business, particularly in retail, is essential.
Strickland and Kelly have demonstrated the skills, success, and capabilities of women business owners. Southern Accents is located at 911 Caroline Street. Follow them on Facebook.