If you love supporting Southern businesses, you are sure to enjoy shopping for special holiday gifts from these retailers based across the region. Browse the delicious eats, handcrafted goods, and other luxurious offerings from seven wonderful companies featured in the pages of Southern Lady.
Red Land Cotton – Alabama
Anna Yeager Brakefield and her father, Mark, a lifelong farmer, are at the helm of Red Land Cotton, known for heirloom-quality bed linens, towels, and a growing apparel line. “We wanted to make something that was built to last. ‘Heirloom’ conjures up a beautiful image in my mind, but it also conjures up a feeling of investing in something that endures,” Anna says, noting that each sheet, hemstitched sham, and striped ticking quilt is cut and sewn by hand in the U.S.
Riley Sheehey – Virginia
From art teacher to full-time illustrator, multimedia artist, and wallpaper and textile designer, Riley Sheehey’s journey began in 2014 with prints and wedding invitations. Today, partners worldwide display her fanciful creations on all sorts of functional articles, including ribbons, home accessories, children’s clothing, stationery, and food packaging. Her watercolors have been featured by a range of companies like LaCroix sparkling water and the interior design firm Sister Parish. “I love artwork that tells little whimsical stories,” says Riley.
Red Stick Spice Co. – Louisiana
Anne Milneck’s labor of love for nearly a decade, Red Stick Spice Company is a wonderland of epicurean delights for home cooks. Masterfully blended on-site, best-selling mixes like Fixin’ Chicken, Taco Tuesday, and Cajun-inspired Zydeco balance flavors that satiate any palate. The shop also spotlights products by Louisiana farmers and artisans, as well as Anne’s specialty line of teas.
Lenora – Georgia
Online business Lenora presents handcrafted products that span women’s nightwear, travel accessories, and children’s apparel. Owner Claudia Garrard, who named the enterprise in honor of her mother-in-law and daughter, seeks to blend tradition with contemporary style, using easy-care fabrics inspired by classic patterns. With soft fabrics and monogram options, a graceful robe or elegant sleepwear set makes for a thoughtful gift or a well-deserved self-indulgence.
Susan Shaw Jewelry – Texas
The aesthetics of Susan Shaw Jewelry reflect the experiences of its founding artisan, from Susan’s Southwestern upbringing to her extensive travels. Miniature blue-and-white pottery is employed in charming necklaces, bracelets, and drop earrings; conchos shed their usual silver and brass hues to be cast in bright, 24-karat gold plate. European crosses and coins also mingle with Southern flora and fauna in the distinctive repertoire.
Willa’s Shortbread – Tennessee
With a little bit of butter and a lot of love, Willa Allen’s small-town home bakery has grown into a national sensation. When Willa retired, she sold the outfit to her son Clark and his wife, Tracy, as well as Tracy’s sister Teresa Rion and her husband, Eric. Clark and Tracy moved on to another venture, but Eric and Teresa continue to make cookies according to Willa’s original recipe. The Rions have added flavors like apple butter and wildflower honey to the lineup and expanded beyond cookies with treats that include cheese biscuits and holiday-only gingersnaps.
The Caroline Chateau – Mississippi
Drawing upon the family antiquing ventures of her youth, founder Jennifer Cline has built a brand out of her love for blue and white as well as vintage wares. She collaborates with European manufacturers to produce custom delft pieces, like the popular blue-and-white tobacco jar ornaments she stocks for the holidays. Other specialties include chinoiserie Christmas trees and Blue Willow baubles, all of which are mailed with a handwritten thank-you note.
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