COTERIE for The Southern C Summit 2025

COTERIE
THE SOUTHERN C SUMMIT
SEA ISLAND, GA | TUES., JAN. 28 – THURS., JAN. 30, 2025

CLOTHING + LIFESTYLE BRAND
BASED IN SAVANNAH, GEORGIA
EMILYMCCARTHY.COM

New Orleans Flagship Store
3806 Magazine St. #2
New Orleans, LA 70115
Dallas Snider Plaza Store
3408 Milton Ave.
Dallas, TX 75205
suesartor.com
@suesartor

Opening doors for women-led brands.
A brand strategy, design, and content house.

editors’ note
A New Year - A New Page
IN THIS ISSUE
TSCSUMMIT Agenda | 6
EDUCATION
Tips to Shine from Lydia Fenet | 10
Soulful Songwriter Holly Williams | 12
Clarify, Cut and Connect
with Shunta Grant | 14
Betty Soldi Ignites | 16
Maximizing E-commerce Success
by Natasha Murphy | 19
INSPIRATION
Cheri’s Coterie Crushes | 22
Whitney’s Discoveries & Delights | 24
Caroline Borders’ Summit Style | 27
CONNECTION
#ispyTSC Alums | 31
The Southern C Membership | 35
2025 TSCRETREAT in Palm Beach + Q&A with
Sarah Wetenhall of The Colony | 37
TSC Philanthropy + Phyllis Depiano Hoffman
Scholarship | 38
OUR TEAM
COTERIE Editors:
Cheri Leavy and Whitney Long
COTERIE Production + Design:
Hannah Groseclose (Hinge Creative Co.)
COTERIE Advertising:
Jenn Agnew
COTERIE Contributing Writers:
Libba Osborne (Add Lib), Anna Ferguson-Hall,
Natasha Murphy, Lydia Fenet, Shunta Grant
COTERIE Contributing Photographers:
Kelli Boyd, Priscilla DeVoss, Sirena
White-Singleton, Jenni Roberts
COTERIE Ad Design Support
Stacey Nichols
TSC Founders:
Cheri Leavy and Whitney Long
TSC Brand Partnership Lead +
Membership Coordinator:
Jenn Agnew
TSC Digital Media Lead:
Katelyn Whelan
TSC Summit Production Lead +
Membership Coordinator:
Alison Abernathy
TSC PR + Brand Strategy:
Libba Osborne (AddLib) and Jackie Thomson
(Of Counsel)
TSC Technology:
Allison Skinner (Allison Skinner Design &
Development) and Natasha Murphy (Built Best)
TSC Brand Design Support:
Hannah Groseclose (Hinge Creative Co.) and
Haile McCollum (Fontaine Maury)
TSC Interns:
Carson Ratley and Ellie Watkins
TSC Lead Photographer:
Kelli Boyd (Kelli Boyd Photography)
TSC Summit Photographers:
Priscilla DeVoss, Jenni Roberts
TSC Summit Production Support:
Cissy Thompson and Greta Covington
TSC Summit Social Media Support:
Caroline Borders and Holly Hollingsworth Phillips
“In a magazine, one can get - from cover to cover -
fifteen to twenty different ideas about life and how to live it”
— MAYA ANGELO
W
e love the architecture of a great publication. It leads you on a journey of
discovery and delight. And that our dear community, is exactly our aim with
the pages of COTERIE. We have a touch of education, a lot of inspiration, and
page after page showcasing the merrimaking, meaningful connections,
and thoughtful collaborations witnessed year-round through #ispyTSC.
In this inaugural edition of COTERIE, you’ll find
the agenda for TSC Summit 2025. If you’re not
attending this year, take note of the fabulous
presenters and give them a follow. You’ll quickly
understand why these talented ladies were
tapped for this year’s lineup.
Speaking of lineups, 2025 may just be
our brightest year yet with several events,
a flourishing membership and elevated
opportunities to showcase our community.
Our Fall 2025 Founder’s Retreat is taking shape
thanks to past presenter Sarah Wetenhall and
her magical Pink Paradise - The Colony Palm
Beach. TSC Member Calls have a brilliant lineup
with names like Ashley Miles and Abbey Glass.
Remember, our membership calls are tailored
to serve you - simply let us know the expertise
you need and we’ll find the resource! And, while
you won’t find COTERIE on newsstands, you will
find us well represented with a regular column in
Southern Lady magazine. As contributing editors,
we’ll be highlighting the entrepreneurial faces and truly unique places that make the South
such a special place.
Above all, it’s incredibly rewarding to watch your growth from Summit to Summit, call to call.
And, to grow our business through the teenage years right alongside you. After all, we started
The Southern Coterie over a decade ago because it was the community we needed too. We are
incredibly proud to be your cheerleaders and thankful for the support you show us. The closer
y’all get to your vision for your business and to the life you want, the brighter you shine.
Shine on!
Shining Star Lydia Fenet
For the past six years, Lydia has graced our stage with her magnetic presence and
fostered authentic connections for our community with women who share her charisma,
sharp intellect, and unwavering drive. Enjoy tips to become The Most Powerful Woman
in the Room from Lydia on page 10. We’re taking a look back at the talented roster she’s
warmly welcomed into our creative orbit ...
2019 Summit Marysia Dobrzanska
2020 Summit Mary Guiliani
2021 Summit Alexa Von Tobel,
Rebecca Minkoff
2022 Summit Ashley Miles,
Sandra Campos
2023 Summit Cori Lee Seaberg, Mary
Giuliani, Dana Cowin
2024 Summit Aliza Licht, Kendra
Bracken Ferguson,
Sarah Wetenhall
2024 Retreat Candace Nelson, Katie Kime
{Whitney Long and Cheri Leavy wearing
bespoke BURU / Kelli Boyd Photography}
5

agenda
Tuesday 1/28
8:00 am - 10:00 am: TSC
INKsperience with Betty
Soldi joined by Hannah
Groseclose of Hinge Creative
Co. in the Clubroom (workshop
registration required)
10:00 am - 12:00 pm:
REGISTRATION + SWAG
MARKET at Sapelo, Cumberland,
The Cloister Foyer II and adjoining
portico
1:00 pm: Welcome with The Southern
Coterie Co-Founders Cheri Leavy and
Whitney Long in the Cloister Ballroom
1:15 - 2:00 pm: Session + Q&A (Content Pillar: Entrepreneurial Journeys/
Advice/Tips/ Motivation/Founders)
CHARM SCHOOL: Passion Makes Perfect
Mariah Grumet, Founder of Old Soul Etiquette
interviewed by Lydia Fenet, Founder & CEO of the Lydia
Fenet Agency and Claim Your Confidence Podcast
Tapped by The NBC Today Show, Fox News, Forbes,
Southern Living, and a host of others, Mariah
Grumet will share how a passion for modern
etiquette and a desire to pivot led her to build and
scale a wildly successful consulting business.
As a certified etiquette trainer and author, her
superpower is helping entrepreneurs reach their full potential - so
she’ll also share with Lydia Fenet how to polish your presence and
claim your confidence!
2:00 - 2:10 pm: Mindful Minutes: Take 5 to write 5 takeaways. Take 5 to
refresh and reflect.
2:10 - 2:55 pm: Session + Q&A (Content Pillar: Business Development and
Growth/Sales)
FEWER, BETTER, BIGGER: Scaling a Sustainable
Vision through Intentional Growth and
Impactful Business Strategies
Karla Gallardo, CEO and Co-Founder of Cuyana in
conversation with Sandra Campos, CEO & President of
PetMeds, PetCareRX and CNBC Contributor
Karla Gallardo is the thoughtful co-founder and
inspirational leader scaling Cuyana, a thriving
ecommerce fashion brand known for creating
timeless, elegant pieces that celebrate the
heritage and craftsmanship of her native
Ecuador. She’ll share with Sandra Campos how
her ethos of “fewer, better” ties to the broader
theme of scaling sustainably.
2:55 - 3:15 pm: Mindful Minutes
3:15 - 5:00 pm: Session (Content Pillar: Creativity/Inspiration/ Power of Words)
IGNITE: The Visual Spirit of #connectcollaboratecreate
Betty Soldi Studio, Artistic Founder of ‘Inksperiences’
A wordsmith, calligrapher, author, designer, hotelier, and
creative thinker, Betty Soldi is bringing her celebrated
artistic ‘Inksperiences’ all the way from Italy to the
TSC stage. Through this star filled journey of inspired
discovery, we’ll uncover the connections between
the past and present to ignite the creative spark.
With pencil and bespoke notebook in hand as our
guides, we’ll dive into poetically whimsical references,
engaging exercises and the rich history of Italian art,
language, and writing. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of how
creativity has shaped the world—and how it continues to inspire us today.
7:00 - 9:00 pm: Songful Social & Roving Supper
Enjoy tunes on the terrace from acclaimed singer
songwriter Holly Williams, cocktails and camaraderie
and a roving supper of the Cloister’s signature fare on
Black Banks Terrace at The Cloister
(Rain Plan: Mizner Ballroom)
Wednesday 1/29
9:00 - 9:15 am: Welcome with The Southern Coterie
co-founders Cheri Leavy and Whitney Long in
the Cloister Ballroom, Phyllis Hoffman DePiano
Scholarship winner announced with Ashley Shaw,
editor of Southern Lady magazine and Melissa
Smith, Creative Director of Lifestyle Brands
Hoffman Media.
9:15 - 10:00 am: Session + Q&A presented by
Built Best (Content Pillar: Marketing/Branding)
IN LIVING COLOR: A Full Spectrum Team
Emily McCarthy, Founder of Emily McCarthy,
Sarah Slaughter of Domino, Natasha Murphy Founder
and Principal of Built Best and Kelli Boyd, Founder of
Kelli Boyd Photography.
Clothing and Lifestyle Designer Emily
McCarthy knows that running an 8 figure
multi-revenue stream operation takes
teamwork to make the dream work. Expanding
beyond her in-house marketing team, Emily hits the
stage with this team of talented experts - Domino PR maven Sarah
Slaughter, savvy tech consultant Natasha Murphy and nationally
published photographer Kelli Boyd. They’ll share top tier takeaways and
actionable website, photography and PR strategies to help you take it
to the next level.
10:00 - 10:10 am: Mindful Minutes
10:10 - 10:55 am: Session + Q&A (Content Pillar: PR/Media/
Content Creation)
EMBRACE THE CHANGE: Ever Evolving Worlds of
PR and Publishing
Tori Mellott, Author of Southern Interiors: A Celebration of
Personal Style and Elizabeth Blitzer, Founder of Blitzer &
Company
These two besties are on the hot seat to talk
about how they have navigated their careers as
friends working together across the aisle of the
same industry. Veteran design editor and creative
director, Tori Mellott and long-time design publicist
and business strategist, Elizabeth Blitzer talk about their
25+ year careers and how changes in the industry have affected their
formerly traditional professions. They’ll share how they have developed
forward thinking strategies to evolve with the ever-changing
landscape of publishing, PR and content in general.
10:55 - 11:05 am: Mindful Minutes
11:05 - 11:50 am: Session + Q&A (Content Pillar: Digital Media Strategy)
SUNNY OUTLOOK: Building Growth Businesses In
The Age of Social Media
Crystal Surrency, EVP Marketing, Strategy & Insights at
Hello Sunshine interviewed by Laura Cox Kaplan Founder
& Creator of She Said/She Said Media and She Said/She
Said Podcast
Founded by Reese Witherspoon, Hello Sunshine is
a media company focused on putting women at
the center of every story it creates, every brand it
builds. Laura Cox Kaplan will lead Crystal Surrency
on a deep dive into the company’s portfolio
including The Home Edit and Hello Sunshine’s growth
businesses. Crystal will share how they grow their
brands through various marketing channels and segments and the
value of staying in tune with an evolving culture.
11:50 am - 12:00 pm: Mindful Minutes
12:00 - 2:00 pm: Mentor Lunch around the Black Banks Terrace (Rain
Plan: Around Resort + Tavola)
2:10 -2:55 pm: Session + Q&A (Content Pillar: Personal and
Professional Fulfillment, Career Evolution)
DRAWING ATTENTION: 10 Tips for Surviving —
and Thriving — as an Entrepreneur
Darcy Miller, Celebrator, Illustrator, Author
As an author, illustrator, entrepreneur, and a founding
editor of Martha Stewart Living and Martha Stewart Weddings,
Darcy Miller witnessed the evolution of a multitude of brands. From
Employee No. 3 at Martha Stewart for over 25 years to launching her
own business Darcy Miller Designs, she’ll share her joyful approach
to entrepreneurship. As a creative entrepreneur, she offers valuable
insights and encouragement that will resonate with entrepreneurs at
any stage of their business.
6

3:00 - 5:00 pm: SIP + SHOP in the Mizner Ballroom, Private Portico,
and Mizner Ballroom Verandah
* Dinner on your own
9:30 - 11:30 pm: Silent Disco with Open
Bar in the Clubroom
Thursday 1/30
8:30 - 10:00 am: Breakfast
+ Books in Cloister Foyer II
and adjoining Portico and
Cloister Ballroom
10:00 - 10:15 am: Welcome
with The Southern Coterie
co-founders Cheri Leavy and
Whitney Long in the Cloister
Ballroom
10:15 - 11:00 am: Session + Q&A
(Content Pillar: Influencer Marketing)
INFLUENCER INTELLIGENCE:
Campaigns, Content and Candid Convo
Carly Hill, Founder of Carly A. Hill Communications,
Chassity Evans, Founder Look Linger Love and
Jillian Eversole, Lifestyle Influencer
Carly Hill is the founder of boutique NYC
influencer talent agency, Carly A. Hill
Communications, and is here to chat about
all things influencer marketing with two of her
clients, and long time influencers, Chassity
Evans and Jillian Eversole. From the changes
they’ve seen in the industry, to the best
practices of how brands can work with influencers, these
three women are ready to be an open book about this ever
changing and growing industry.
11:00 - 11:45 am:
Session + Q&A
(Content Pillar: Time Management/
Living with Intention)
A BETTER CHECKLIST: Priorities,
Positivity, & Proaction
Shunta Grant, Founder of
Best Today®.
Best Today® founder
Shunta Grant is ready
to help you break free of the
chaos and busyness that comes
with living from an endless “to do” list. She will
share tips on how to better steward your time
and live a healthier, more fulfilling life. Learn how
positivity, proaction and intentionality can make for a much
brighter and better tomorrow.
11:45 am - 12:00 pm: Farewell with The Southern Coterie Co-
Founders Cheri Leavy and Whitney Long in the Cloister Ballroom
Cheers to our Sponsors!
Magic comes from
bringing our loyal
audience of female
entrepreneurs together
with inspiring brands.
Our sponsorships are
thoughtfully tailored
and our partners
carefully selected to
create our TSC Summit
“magical mix.”

A
s a business owner, I wear
many hats; including the
occasional football helmet.
With a background in sports
broadcasting and a love of game
days, I began designing jewelry with
the intent of helping women find “a
fancier way to fan.”
Today, we’re proud to offer over 25
team colors and custom options,
ensuring that every fan can
fashionably cheer on their team.
Rooted in the South, we bring the
warmth of southern charm to our
designs, layering in
a twist of modern
maximalism.
While we honor
timeless traditions —
like dressing up
for game days —
we value adding
a brighter, more vibrant
spin to those moments.
A
s our brand has evolved
over the years, our vision
has expanded beyond
just helping women accessorize on
game days; we’re empowering you to
embrace everyday as your runway.
Our designs are all about bright
colors, maximalist style, and
making a statement, because we
know there is no one-size-fits-all
when it comes to fashion.
With a megaphone mentality, our
jewelry turns every outfit into an
opportunity to broadcast your story,
style, and confidence to the world.
Whether it’s a burst of color or a
daring design, we want every
piece to be a powerful
extension of who
you are — an
accessory
that speaks
as loudly
and proudly
as you do.
8

We’re often asked what
EDUCATION makes advice from The
Southern C community so unique. It’s our dedication to well
rounded programming - our speakers, experts, members
and alums are so willing to offer candid perspectives from
every age, stage and industry. We’re kicking off this issue of
COTERIE with bold ideas from some of those bright creative
minds in our community.
Tips to Shine from Lydia Fenet | 10
Soulful Songwriter Holly Williams | 12
Clarify, Cut and Connect
with Shunta Grant | 14
Betty Soldi Ignites | 16
Maximizing E-commerce Success
by Natasha Murphy | 19
Sophia Demirtas
of Fanm Mon
education
9

LYDIA
FENET
CLAIM YOUR CONFIDENCE:
Tips to Become The Most Powerful
Woman in the Room
Lydia Fenet is the founder and CEO of the Lydia Fenet
Agency, a boutique agency representing best in class
charity auctioneers. Over her two-decade long career,
Lydia served as the Global Managing Director of Strategic
Partnerships for Christie’s and reshaped the fundraising
landscape as the world’s leading charity auctioneer. She
has single handedly raised over one billion dollars for
more than 800 organizations and broken-down countless
barriers for women in the auction industry. Widely
recognized for her poise and power onstage, she has stood
alongside celebrities including Bruce Springsteen, Hugh
Jackman, Elton John, Matt Damon and Jerry Seinfeld to
raise record-breaking donations for the most notable
charities across the globe. Lydia is the author of two bestselling
books, The Most Powerful Woman in the Room is
You and Claim Your Confidence as well as the podcast host
of Claim Your Confidence in collaboration with Rockefeller
Center. Her first book has been optioned for television
by Hulu. Lydia will serve as an executive producer on the
show. Outside of her busy work life, Lydia is a mom to
three kids navigating life in New York City alongside her
husband of thirteen years.
1. 2.
NETWORK OR DIE YOU ARE WHAT
YOU NEGOTIATE
My mantra is “Network or Die!” – it’s not that you’ll
die if you don’t network, but your business just
might. As I’ve expanded my brand, written two
books, and taken on new entrepreneurial ventures
like launching the Lydia Fenet Agency, networking
has been the key to my success. It’s the easiest way to grow your
business and enhance your life. And it’s free!
Even a quick “hello” email or dropping by a mutual
friend’s event could open new opportunities you
hadn’t even dreamed of. People want to help – you
just have to give them the opportunity to do so.
If the thought makes you cringe, even better.
Trying things that make you uncomfortable is
the key to building confidence. Start today! And
if not, tomorrow is the day. Your life will start to
change when you are ready to make it change.
I’m cheering you on!
The journey to confidence is not always
smooth, but it’s critical. In The Most
Powerful Woman in the Room Is You,
I describe a formative moment a decade into my career when I found I
was making one-third of what was standard in my industry. It galvanized
me to research what others in my industry were making and use
that information to negotiate a significant pay raise. It also
taught me one of the most important lessons in my career:
you are what you negotiate and not a penny more. I realized
that by keeping my opinions to myself, I ultimately was not
giving myself the chance to become better compensated.
If you are not asking for more, you will never get more.
Period. Don’t think this means you will get what you want
every time you negotiate—you won’t. But by asking, you
aren’t leaving any potential money on the table. No matter
what anyone says, you are responsible for your career,
and the life path you create for yourself. When you take
ownership of your life, you take responsibility for
every decision you make. That includes asking
for things even when it makes you feel
uncomfortable. Just remember, no one
else will do it for you. It’s your life so
make it a good one!
10

SPRING 2025

Q&A
with Holly Williams
By: Anna Ferguson Hall
Holly Williams may never need to look up the definition
of “balance.” The word itself is an act for her, a
performance she amplifies daily in her life as a wife,
a mother of four children, and daughter to music
legend Hank Williams, Jr.
Oh, she is also a music legend in her own right, as a singer-songwriter
who has been taking Nashville to task for nearly two decades, starting
with her 2004 debut album, “The Ones We Never Knew.” With her
feet kicking up more than dirt in the country music road to acclaim,
she was settled in to start touring when she suddenly found herself
sidelined.
A 2006 devastating car accident led her to wonder if her musicmaking
career had slammed to a halt, literally. With the spirit of a true
country legend, she took what could have been an earth-shattering
experience, and put pen to paper, using her talents to write her way
forward. She has since released 2009’s album “Here With Me,” and
stretched her ink-stylings to collaborate with the likes of Norah Jones,
Jack White, Lucinda Williams, and Merle Haggard for the 2011 project,
“The Lost Notebooks of Hank Williams.”
She didn’t stop there. In 2013, her third album, “The Highway,” which
she wrote or co-wrote, was released. Along the way, she married fellow
musician, Chris Coleman, had four children, and kept her grasp on
her music career. She likewise opened H. Audrey, a chic boutique in
Nashville, with a hint of her unique yet classic style, and her name
(Holly Audrey and then established another Nashville boutique,
White’s Mercantile.
She understands that “balance” is a word synonymous with tension
and harmony. She understands because she lives it.
She found time in her schedule- we still aren’t sure how, exactly- to
not only join Summit-goers with a round of her music, but to also
offer her own insight on how she has kept balance amid the hustle of
everyday life.
Read on to learn a bit more about Holly, her secrets to doing it all, and
doing it all well:
How do you do it all? Between Nashville stardom in recording and writing
your own music, being a mother and wife, and owning and managing an
authentic and eclectic, chic, non-general general store (with multiple
locations and online platforms!) ... that seems like a lot to just keep track
of, much less control of! How do you prioritize your day?
Well first of all, I am absolutely not doing it all at the moment-in fact
I’m doing very little other than being a full time mom! In survival
barely-have-showered mode!
My last album was 11 years ago, I have been dreaming of finding the
time to write and finish another album but with the demands of
four young children, I haven’t been able to get back around to music
just yet! I am only doing a handful of gigs per year so music is barely
taking any time! The stores were all opened by the time I became a
mom, of course there have been many changes and journeys and
business/employer ups and downs but overall the stores were mostly
intact before I was drowning in motherhood!
I am barely involved these days other than creatively and when they
truly need me! My teams are amazing, from store director to buyer to
accountant to consultant, they keep everything rolling! I could never
open four stores at this point if that had not been done years ago!
We have a very small curated online shop that the girls at the store
are passionate about running, we tried the big roll out once but we
did not have the teams in place to accompany that! Lots of lessons
learned, I love overseeing as much buying as I can for the stores,
but I had to give up a LOT of creative control so my buyers could
keep things running, because weeks go by without me checking on
them-that is the nature of little ones ha! Once I found and invested in
people that worked so well for the business I was able to breathe and
not juggle 24/7!!
What advice can you offer new entrepreneurs?
When in doubt, figure it out! Take out the trash, and show up as your
best self for each meeting you need to get ahead! Doing the hard
work is just as important as the “fun” work of starting to build!
Tell everyone why you are doing what you’re doing, make lots of cold
calls, you never know who you will end up connecting with-simply
from showing your passion for your new ideas! Have no fear in
communications-be as kind as possible and share as much of your
own personal energy for your business as you can!
What are you most proud of so far in your multifaceted career?
The stores are fun, fun, fun, and lots of hard work but getting to
connect with people at Christmas when the stores look like Hallmark
is truly incredible! Music though will always be the greatest moments
for me. Getting to tour with Jason Isbell and John Prine and Sheryl
Crow and so many heroes over the years is so wonderful! There is
nothing I love more than sitting in a theatre with a guitar and a
piano and story telling, I love connecting with the audience in that
way those are always amazing
moments! I’m MOST proud of
my four precious wild wonderful
children!
Read the entire Q&A
on the TSC blog:
12

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Clarify,
Cut, and
Connect:
Three Necessary Components to
Accomplishing What Matters Most
Begin with what you value.
Many people begin their planning process
thinking about a specific year, month, quarter,
or event. This is actually one of the final stages
of planning, not the first. If you want to steward
your time well and avoid living your life as a
walking to-do list, you must begin with your
values. Your values act as boundaries that help
you to narrowly define what is most important.
Your values are those things that underlie the
decisions you make and what hold the most
weight in your life–freedom, generosity, joy,
community, hospitality, to name a few. Before
you define a goal, press pause, take two steps
back, and get clear on what you value in this
specific season and allow that to be a guide for
your more narrow and specific goals. You want
there to be a connection between your values
and the things that you want to accomplish.
Prune.
Pruning is required for growth of any kind.
Pruning simply means clipping off or removing
excess so that all of your energy, time, and
resources can flow to the most important
thing. So many people attempt to pour into
multiple buckets leaving everyone thirsty,
including themselves. Instead, (after defining
your values) assess what gets your time
and begin pruning the non-essential in this
season of your life. It may feel difficult to say
that something that once was a priority is no
longer a priority, but what is more difficult is
living a life that is chaotic, over scheduled, and
overwhelming because you refuse to prune.
Root Yourself in the
Fertile Soil of Community.
We were not created to do life alone. Surround
yourself with similarly valued individuals
who can encourage you, support you, hold
you accountable, and be honest with you. If
you want to do what matters most in this
lifetime you are going to need a reliable and
encouraging community.
Shunta Grant is a woman committed to helping humans to better steward
their time by transforming how they plan, schedule, work, and live! Featured
by Forbes and Essence, Shunta is the founder of Best Today ® , a company
that helps customers worldwide to harness the power of proaction and
intentionality to live healthier, more intentional lives.
As a former attorney, a business owner, wife, and mother of two, Shunta
understands the unique challenges that women experience when it comes to
time. Because of this, she is on a mission to help students, consumers and
organizations optimize their time, talent and resources without overworking,
overwhelm, or ineffective time management. With customers and clients in
over 48 countries and all fifty states, Shunta’s work has helped thousands to
leverage their time to meet their goals.
14

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The TSC
“
INKsperience
— Betty Soldi
At our Betty Soldi Studio
Inksperiences, we don’t teach,
we reflect together. It’s a
maieutic process that helps to bring
out our creativity and reignite the
potential of a more open mind. That’s
why, for us, there are no beginners,
and it doesn’t matter whether
participants are particularly skilled.
What we communicate, and how
we communicate it, aims to make
everyone feel on the same level and
capable of reigniting their creative
spark. You embark on a small, great
journey of self-discovery, where we aim
to bring to life the power of letting go
rather than controlling or pursuing
perfection, each exploring our own
unique style.
The heart of our workshops, which we
call ‘Inksperiences’ is not teaching
how to make the perfect A or the most
harmonious B. What we always aim
to communicate is how it feels to put
your thoughts on paper, to listen to
your emotions and let them guide you.
The purely aesthetic side of calligraphy
matters very little to us; the whole
world of beautifully written invitations,
place cards, and dedications, while
fun, lacks an essential aspect for
us—that calligraphy is a process
of self-discovery, as I explain in my
book Inkspired (now translated in ten
different languages).
”
16

CLASSICS WITH A
Fresh Future
Life is a story of chapters & seasons. I am a southern girl who spent a dozen years living in New York working in the corporate world. In 2002 I returned home to
Louisiana and the next chapter focused on my now almost grown children, my daughter and twin sons. The best job with my greatest treasures.
Through every season I have worn antique jewelry and as life unfolded Interlude Antiques was born. My love of antique jewelry evolved into a mission: curating a
collection to share and mark the special times of life. Jewelry of the past to enjoy today with an eye to the future.
Interlude a period of rest in music between verses…. A nod to the music of my life and 55 years of playing the piano.
Like this jewelry, an interlude resting with me before the music continues with you.
Bracelets, lockets, crosses and fobs, stacked or solo, curated for a look uniquely your own.
WWW.INTERLUDEANTIQUES.COM

Sparkle + Excite + Unite
My mission is to celebrate this favorite time of year we call FOOTBALL SEASON! Enjoy that crisp feel and change of season in the air!
Unite with friends and family in the spirit of the game, your team, your colors! Color takes on a whole new meaning this time of year and I
want to make AMESLAYNE representative of the passion to unite and be a part! We, the fans make the game go round, be honest...
would there really be a game with no fans? SO be the fan, enjoy and allow me to become your GAME DAY resource!
A M E S L A Y N E _
2 1 4 . 8 0 1 . 1 5 1 1
A M Y @ A M E S L A Y N E . C O M

Maximizing
HEY!
E-commerce
Success:
Insights from Working with Emily McCarthy
By Natasha Murphy, Built Best
As an e-commerce consultant, I’ve learned that success in online retail
often comes from strong partnerships across multiple disciplines.
My work with the Emily McCarthy brand has shown how combining
technical expertise with great photography, strategic PR, and a clear
brand vision creates remarkable results.
I’m Haile McCollum
Owner, Fontaine Maury
Brand Advisor and TSC Mentor
Book your
Brand Kitchen SESSION
with me today!
Wait, what’s a
Brand Kitchen Session?
It’s a fun, painless and inspiring workshop that
documents your brand’s secret sauce and brings
ASK THESE TSC ALUMS
about how you will walk away ready for 2025!
Here are my top three tips for maximizing e-commerce performance:
Let Data Guide Your Decisions
1
Focus on Speed and Simplicity
Monthly performance monitoring is crucial. We track everything from
top searches to cart abandonment rates, using these insights to make
strategic improvements. Working with high-quality product photography
has made a noticeable difference in conversion rates, proving that
technical optimization and creative assets must work hand in hand.
Site speed can make or break your conversion rates. We implemented
cost-effective solutions like Crush, reducing load times by 0.8 seconds
during our initial testing period. But speed isn’t everything – your site
needs to look good too. We ensure the photography team’s beautiful
shots load quickly without losing quality.
2
Time Your Promotions Strategically
3
Supporting Insights from the Team
Resist the urge to discount constantly. We’ve found success limiting
major sales to 1-2 times per year, coordinating closely with PR initiatives
for maximum impact. This approach maintains brand value while
creating genuine excitement around promotional events.
LET’s GET COOKING!
Dates Available Spring 2025
Special Offer for TSC Members and Alums ONLY
Hire people to do the things you’re not good at. Realize you
have to take risks in order to grow.
— EMILY MCCARTHY, CEO AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR
If you don’t have a big photography budget, consider co-producing an
editorial shoot to send to media outlets or working on a trade basis.
— KELLI BOYD, FOUNDER + PHOTOGRAPHER, KELLI BOYD PHOTGRAPHY
Strong photography and a well-designed website are essential to our work
in PR and storytelling. Before a brand is ready to engage in PR (or execute
themselves), these foundational elements must first be perfected.
— SARAH SLAUGHTER, PR SPECIALIST, DOMINO MEDIA GROUP
SCAN THIS
for Information and Pricing
Questions? Reach out to me! haile@fontainemaury.com

DEDICATED TO AMPLIFYING WOMEN’S VOICES AND CURATING TIMELESS BRANDS.
BRANDING | WEB DESIGN | SOCIAL MEDIA | EMAIL MARKETING
PINTEREST MANAGEMENT | PAID ADS
Work With Us | drew@lunamarketingstudio.com | www.lunamarketingstudio.com | @luna.marketing.studio

Inspiration blooms in every
INSPIRATION corner of the South and there’s
no better place to see it all than through the amazing work of our TSC
members, alums and sponsors. Our closets are filled with the unique
patterns of Sue Sartor and worldly textures of Larkin Lane, our tables
with items from Estelle Colored Glass and R. Wood Studio. You don’t
have to look far to uncover eye-catching finds when the creativity of
the TSC community is at your fingertips.
Gretchen Pettis of Interlude
Cheri Leavy’s Coterie Crushes | 22
Whitney Long’s Discoveries & Delights | 24
Caroline Border’s Summit Style | 27
inspiration
21

1.
Cheri’s
5.
Coterie
2.
Crushes
4.
3.
6.
(1) Interlude Antiques – Kindred
spirits with Gretchen – you will find antique
bangles in a majolica dish at my home too!
(2) Oh My Mahjong – I am in love with the sunset tiles
representing magical moments in the sunshine of the coast!
(3.) Emily McCarthy – Blown away, that is what Whitney and I
were when we visited Emily’s new Shoppe and studio in Savannah,
Georgia. Envision a wine bar paired with Emily’s colorful prints and
designs on home goods and her fashion line.
7.
(4) Sue Sartor – Whitney and I both love wearing Sue Sartor’s
signature style dresses that exemplify joy and make us feel put together.
Perfect for Sea Island or Palm Beach!
(5) J. Willkinson Chair Company – C is for connect, collaborate, create and
Cheri! Thrilled to have mother daughter team of Jody and Anne styling our stage
at Summit!
(6) Lydia Menzies Celebrates – Whitney and I are proud to be included in
‘The Supper Club with Lydia Menzies’ with a feature sharing tips to host the
perfect party for The Masters.
10.
(7) Gently – Beautiful soaps that foster a natural lifestyle
and provide relief for sensitive skin. Founder Kristen Dunning is a
rising star to watch.
(8) Taylor Davis Reese – Never settle for subtle on gameday
or anyday! Megaphone moments made by hand in Reese’s
North Carolina studio.
(9.) BURU – As if I couldn’t love Morgan Hutchinson
and her small batch line BURU any more and then she
comes up with bespoke BURU! Whitney and I looked
at fabric swatches and styles and created our own
custom looks. And you can too in their Atelier at the
Summit.
9.
8.
(10.) Holly Shae – How many Grace
Tunics can you own? I am testing the limits
after Veranda magazine named them “Top 10
Caftans for Summer!” Beautiful original watercolor
prints from which to choose.
22

2.
Whitney’s
Discoveries
1.
& Delights
3.
4.
1. Christina Green Jewelry - Hopefully headed back to
Round Top for the spring show and this would be perfect!
Love this twist to the classic squash blossom design –
typically paired with silver but stunning in gold –
a great contrast to the turquoise.
2. Isla Payal - Happy colors in a fun style! Will be perfect for
hot days on the Georgia coast.
3. Darviny - This cute and colorful kaftan has me dreaming of when Cheri and
I will be in Palm Beach for TSC X The Colony Retreat this fall!
4. Blue Bay Crab Co. - How cute is this crab platter? I need this for upcoming
summer suppers and events like our local Jazz in the Park series which Cheri
and I love to attend with our hubbies.
4.
5. Trask - On the subject of gold, how fun and fab is this gold Trask
toothbrush? I love the ease of a subscription service and it elevates my
bathroom counter, too!
6. Tyler Boe - For this Auburn University grad, this dress is calling
my name for football season! War Eagle!
7. Eastwind Designs - I’ve officially jumped on the mahjong
bandwagon and this tray takes game playing up a notch plus I am
a fan of all shades of green.
9.
8.
8. Marmalade - I’m a sucker for stripes! Perfect easy piece to
pack for somewhere tropical or for the 4th of July.
9. Laura Templin Swim - Summer is coming soon and this
swimsuit will be on repeat! The colors scream poolside fun.
5.
7.
5.
6.
9.
6.
24

Paradise means living where
everyone else vacations.
5.
The Golden Isles aren’t just a place —
they’re a lifestyle. I am ready to help you
find the perfect property.
Trust, expertise and hundreds of
millions in St. Simons and
Sea Island sales.
victorlongrealestate.com | 912-266-2650
25

Open your own
Monkee's boutique!
SCAN TO LEARN MORE:
www.ownamonkees.com
franchisedevelopment@shopmonkees.com
Curating classic elegance layered to perfection
Full service Home Staging & Interior Design Co.
Karla and her team take your empty space right to first place with their talented and balanced approach to
design. Together they blend style and skill to develop stunning spaces worthy of any magazine cover.
Karla
Giltner
currieroseinteriors.com
Greater Atlanta area and beyond

27

Spark creativity and unlock your inner artist!
Nestled at the base of the Blue Ridge
mountains in Landrum, South Carolina, you'll
find Stitching Fox, a full-service needlepoint
shop. We offer hand-painted canvases from
designers across the United States, unique
fibers, and notions, and more...
a gift for you!
save $25 on your first
order with us!

A bright future lies ahead in
CONNECTION 2025 and we’ll make sure to
capture every minute of it with your help and #ispyTSC. We’re keeping
tabs on all of your success and whether you’re logging into Zoom
for a weekly dose of TSC counsel and camaraderie or diving into
the Founder’s Retreat in Palm Beach, 2025 promises to be a year of
inspiring connections and support from within our community.
#ispyTSC Alums | 31
The Southern C Membership | 35
2025 TSCRETREAT in Palm Beach + Q&A with
Sarah Wetenhall of The Colony | 37
TSC Philanthropy +
Phyllis DePiano Hoffman Scholarship | 38
connection
29

#ispyTSC
Find your tribe and
a treasure trove of
resources for building
your business, brand,
influence, and best life!
For the 4th year, communications
expert Laura Cox Kaplan, She Said/
She Said Podcast, and The Southern
C are collaborating to share tools to
help women grow their influence,
navigate career pivots, manage
business challenges, and tackle life’s
hurdles. Subscribe now and join the
conversation!

#ispyTSC
the
line
SARA FAY EGAN is the president and CEO of Beale Street Blues Company,
a hospitality and entertainment group. A seasoned expert in the event-planning industry,
she founded Sara Fay Egan Events and cofounded Jackson Durham Floral and Event Design,
executing luxury weddings and events across the US and internationally. Her experiences
in event planning, starting and owning businesses, and now running her family business
- combined with her unbelievable personal and life experiences - compelled her to write,
The Through Line: Finding Happiness Through the Curveballs of Life, Family and Business.
“this book is both
inspiring and laughout-loud
funny!
- Eli Manning

Shipments
I spent all day
packing orders. My
to do list is piling up!
How can I grow my
business if I can’t focus
on sales?
I’m not WonderWoman.
Searching for
warehouse workers+
Managers
Choosing
Warehouse
Software
Tracking
Inventory Levels
For Reorder
Making Sure DTC
Orders ship properly
each day
Ensuring EDI
Compliance with
Big Retail
Organizing
Inventory
Receiving
Stock
Motivating
the workers
Leasing
Warehouse
Managing Expedited
Space
What a relief to be free!
Thanks to
I can grow again!!

“
Ashley Miles on entrepreneurship:
It takes a little
bit of crazy...
and a whole lot
of courage.”
TSC Retreat Round Top, TX 2024
Your Biggest Asset
The Braintrust
Entrepreneurship is challenging and as Ashley Miles said at TSC Retreat in Round
Top “it takes a little bit of crazy and a whole lot of courage.” She also hit the nail
on the head when she said there is a silent C that we should be adding to our
#connectcollaboratecreate hashtag - commiserate. Don’t we all know it!
Come join us!
We’ll gladly take on that C but let’s add two others - community and confidence.
Commiserating with a strong supportive community builds you up and gives you
the confidence to navigate all of the dips, dives and deviations in your business.
And, that my friends is where we come in.
We’re now over 300 members strong and the diversity in industries, ages, and
stages has helped make our membership community a thriving think tank, a
brainstrust. Come join us! Bring your ideas, your challenges, your questions.
Learn and share week-to week with your TSC friends and familiar faces. We’ll roll
up our sleeves and go to work as a community and continue the connections and
conversations from #TSCSUMMIT all year round.
thesouthernc.com/shop/monthly-membership
I joined to meet other motivated women entrepreneurs. I love the
energy the group provides. Everyone is just passionately trying to
succeed, which is exhilarating to be a part of.
Adair Viella | La Pausa Consulting
You simply can’t grow a business organically these days without a
community and this membership is one of the best. It’s laid back,
fun, and full of surprises. You never know who you will meet next
or who will connect you to the person who opens the next door for
your business.
Sneak Peek
Preview one of our membership
zooms, scan below to watch
insights from Fanm Mon Designer
Sophia Demirtas
and Influencer
Liz Adams on
Collaborating
with Purpose.
Anna Garcia | Varnish Collection
I have been a member of TSC for about a year and a half now
and am so thankful for Whitney and Cheri. Their friendship,
support, and organization has truly helped me to navigate
growing my art business and equipped me to be more
successful through that growth process.
Charissa Owens | Charissa Owens Art
35

A story in every stitch.
www.larkinlane.com
shop with us:
@larkinlanedesigns

The Colony’s Captivating CEO
Get to know Sarah Wetenhall
Dive into Fall with a Founder’s Retreat in Pink Paradise
A
presenter at our 2024 TSC Summit,
Sarah Wetenhall sat front and center
soaking up the tips and tricks of our
fabulous lineup. She hit the stage to
share her own but it was her willingness
to dig into the community sharing one-on-one her
colorful insight and diverse experience that made
her a favorite with attendees. We were thrilled when
the opportunity arose to partner with Sarah and The
Colony for our 2025 TSC Fall Founders Retreat.
Was there a moment at TSC Summit 2024 when
you knew you had to bring the community to
The Colony? As I was leading a mentoring breakout
session, it struck me that we MUST bring this
exceptional community to my Pink Paradise! As I
looked around the table, the connections being forged,
and the palpable sense of inspiration, I couldn’t help
but envision how The Colony’s unique atmosphere
would amplify that experience. Our space is both
intimate and grand, welcoming and inspiring—it felt
like the ideal setting to foster the kind of creativity
and collaboration that defines TSC. That’s when I knew
we had to bring this special group to The Colony.
We always say that attending TSC Summit is
just the beginning of all of the magic. Name one
presenter and one attendee that blew you away in
2024. I was honestly blown away by everyone I met
at the Summit - it was such an extraordinary group
of female business leaders and entrepreneurs that is
impossible to just pick a few! That said, I particularly
enjoyed my time with both Aliza Licht and Jackie
Thomson.
Biggest takeaway from your TSC Summit
experience? The biggest takeaway from the
TSC Summit 2024 was the undeniable power of
collaboration and the immense value of surrounding
yourself with a supportive, like-minded community.
It was a beautiful reminder that when creative
entrepreneurs come together, we can inspire each
other to achieve things beyond what we could do
alone. The Summit reaffirmed that and reminded
me that even in the most competitive industries,
it’s collaboration—not competition—that sparks true
innovation and magic. It’s the timeless truth: it’s
not just what you know, but who you know, and the
connections we make along the way that truly drive
success.
What collaborations do you have on the horizon
for The Colony in 2025? If you know us, you know
that embracing newness is at the heart of everything
we do. 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year, filled
with fresh partnerships and unique experiences for
our guests. We’ve just launched The Colony Edit, a new
retail offering at the hotel that features a thoughtfully
curated selection of brands and products reflecting
the playful spirit of both the hotel and Palm Beach,
handpicked by yours truly.
We’re also thrilled to introduce Poolside Press, a
collaboration with Hearst Magazines that brings a
unique poolside reading experience to The Colony.
Guests can unwind while enjoying a selection of the
most coveted titles from Hearst’s Fashion & Luxury
portfolio, including Elle, Elle Decor, Esquire, Harper’s
Bazaar, Town & Country, and Veranda.
Additionally, we’ve redesigned one of our residences
in collaboration with CABANA magazine, together with
Martina Mondadori and Ashley Hicks. The CABANA
bungalow is a bookable residence adjacent to the
hotel that allows guests to fully immerse themselves
in the brand’s rich and storied aesthetic, while
presenting their own unique interpretation of Palm
Beach style - with a distinct Italian flair.
And of course, we’re excited about the upcoming
Southern C Founders Retreat in October, which
promises to be a standout event for us this year.
AND….drumroll…we will soon have very big news
announcing our second location which will be
opening in May of 2025... stay tuned!
What can attendees expect at TSC x The Colony
Founders Retreat?
At the TSC x The Colony Hotel Founders Retreat,
attendees can look forward to an immersive
experience designed to inspire connection, creativity,
and growth. From thought-provoking workshops
and captivating talks, to moments of relaxation by
the pool and plenty of opportunities for meaningful
networking, this retreat will offer the perfect balance of
business and pleasure. The Colony’s surroundings will
provide a scenic escape, allowing attendees to step
away from the daily hustle and focus on both personal
and professional development, and the size of the
group will be optimized to allow for more in-depth
conversations.
With carefully curated programming and speakers
who are truly special to me, this retreat promises to be
a celebration of innovation, ideation, and connection.
Having been personally involved in every aspect of
the planning, I’m incredibly excited to share this
experience with our community and witness the
magic that will unfold over these few days.
Your “rolodex” of creative entrepreneurs is
legendary! Let’s share a few who we have selected
to present. We’re excited to introduce a few of the
incredible creative entrepreneurs—and wonderful
women I’m lucky to call friends—that we’ve selected
to present: 1. Palm Beach is synonymous with Aerin
Lauder—style icon, visionary, and leader in luxury.
With her namesake brand redefining elegance in
home design, fashion, and beauty, Aerin brings an
unmatched level of sophistication. We’re honored to
have her as a long-time partner and friend, and we
can’t wait for her to share her insights on creating
timeless spaces that inspire. 2. Celerie Kemble and
Mimi McMakin are a mother daughter duo that define
Palm Beach. They are celebrated interior designers
known for her bold use of color, pattern, and texture.
Seamlessly blending traditional elegance with
modern sensibility, they create spaces that are both
refined and whimsical, embodying the spirit of Palm
Beach. 3. Emily Hikade, founder of Petite Plume, is
much more than an entrepreneur behind beautiful
pajamas—she is a powerhouse with an inspiring
story. Radiating beauty both inside and out, Emily’s
story is truly captivating. And of course, her pajamas
are nothing short of amazing, merging luxury and
comfort in the most effortless way! 4. Lydia Fenet is a
dynamic leader in fundraising and auctioneering. As
an author and expert in networking and leadership,
Lydia’s insights on building impactful relationships
and creating lasting change will resonate with anyone
looking to elevate their professional journey. Listening
to Lydia speak is truly inspirational.
These extraordinary women embody creativity,
leadership, and passion—and they’re just a few of the
incredible voices we’ll be hearing from. We’re beyond
excited to have them join us, share their wisdom, and
inspire us all to push boundaries and embrace new
opportunities. The program this October is going to be
unforgettable. Don’t miss it!
Mark your calendar for October 22 - 24, 2025
This 2 - day deep dive for founders and CEOs
is limited to only 75 people. Due to the limited
capacity, please sign up to be sure you receive
event and ticket information.
37

The other C:
Compassion
Growing Community Through the
Support of Charitable Causes
Our passion for building a thoughtful community extends far beyond
our members and events. Our mission is to make a positive impact
through the support of the following initiatives.
Women & Girls Health • Leadership • Education •
Empowerment
The Southern C donates annually to local charities and national
causes tied to our hometown communities and the communities that
play gracious host to our annual events.
2025
2025 Recipient: Tresena Bowe of
Brown Sugar Shoppe
(Pictured: Whitney Long and Tresena Bowe)
• The Laura W. Bush Institute for Women’s Health
• American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Campaign
Summit
• The Black Innovation Alliance
Phyllis Hoffman DePiano Scholarship
There is one person near and
dear to us that embodied all
of these traits throughout her
career – Phyllis Hoffman DePiano,
the Founder of Hoffman Media.
When Phyllis passed away in
2023, the world lost a passionate
entrepreneur, a fiercely devoted
friend and mentor to many, and
most importantly a dedicated
mother to one of TSC’s dearest
friends – Brian Hart Hoffman.
It is with great love and
appreciation, that we announce
the third annual Phyllis
Hoffman DePiano TSC Summit
Scholarship sponsored by The
Southern Coterie.
The Phyllis Hoffman DePiano
Scholarship aims to award a
female entrepreneur whose
passion and drive echoes the
qualities that made Phyllis a
powerful voice of creativity
and love.
Phyllis Hoffman DePiano
2024 Recipient: Kristen Chester of Casa Danu
(Pictured: Cheri Leavy, Brian Hart Hoffman,
Kristen Chester and Whitney Long)
2024
Details of Scholarship
LEARN MORE
1 – Full access ticket to
AND APPLY
attend the annual
FOR 2026:
Summit on Sea Island
1 – Year of TSC Membership,
stay connected with
the TSC Community
24/7/365
38

Tasteful gifting.
THE SWEETEST WAY TO SHOWCASE YOUR BRAND
Customizable chocolate gifts that carry your brand
into their tummies (and hearts).
Corporate gifting, white labeling + special events.
YOUR BRANDING HERE:

The best chapter in your child's future memoir.
Adventures at Sea Island–creating new memories that become the
foundation of a life well lived. Explore our island full of indelible
experiences like sea turtle walks, falconry, fishing and more. Reserve your
stay at Sea Island and Find to the ultimate year-round playground.
() -
seaisland.com