To deepen our team’s curated-centric design goal in 2018, we are continuing to travel. We’re finding inspiration in what we see and who we meet, and in turn, giving each client’s design the extra “polish” – featuring unique pieces from the artists and artisans we have a pleasure in coming across. First, Paris. Now, Sea Island, Georgia.
This month, Julie attended The Southern Coterie Summit in Sea Island. We’ll let her share a bit of her experience in her own words:
It would still be an understatement to say that this conference, created to form a community of Southern creatives, left me in awe. I drove back home to North Carolina inspired and encouraged by all the makers and doers, interior designers, editors, and small business owners who all came together for a 3-day connective and collaborative experience at the Georgian coast.
Entrance to The Cloister, location of The Southern C Summit
Day 1: The summit kicked off with a Swag Market, where I was able to meet a number of sponsors and event attendees who set up product booths – I loved meeting these small business owners who each had their own story of how they launched their business. After the market, we made our way to The Cloister ballroom, where we listened to speakers ranging from the founder of RMS Beauty to editors from House Beautiful/Elle Decor/Veranda and Garden & Gun. The day concluded with a “Summit Soiree” at The Vine’s Greenhouse at Sea Island, featuring tastes from across the South, beautiful floral arrangements, and decor fit for mixing and mingling with fellow creative souls. What an evening to remember!
Lunch location at The Sea Island Beach Club
Day 2: On day 2, I was on the go from morning until late that night. There were 6 sessions/panels, ranging in topics from branding, to website development and design, to social media – even my own mentorship session with the senior market editor for House Beautiful, Elle Decor, and Veranda. Inspiration heaven! Out of all the speakers, Elizabeth Mayhew, Brand Editor of Draper James (the clothing line created by Reese Witherspoon), stands out most in my mind for her words of practicing “yes and,” approaching challenges at work with confidence and enthusiasm, showing a willingness to go the extra mile. We also heard from talented bloggers, interior designers, and business owners – each sharing their own lesson applicable for me to bring back to the studio.
Favorite spot to catch up on work, The Cloister’s sunroom
Day 3: The final day of the conference wrapped up with a delicious Southern Brunch, featuring two of my favorites – a latte bar and Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit out of Charleston. Before we all went our separate way, this time was meaningful in making those last connections with those in attendance, collaborating just a bit further until I hit the road. Although difficult to leave such a beautiful place, I came back to the studio with new relationships with brands across the South, insightful takeaways, and an excitement for Southern Studio’s streamlined focus on making this year one of curated design.
Follow along to see where we go next!
