Welcome to Vidalia Outfitters!
First and foremost, let me say that this expansion is not intended to replace handmade, it is curated to support handmade.
While the waters may have appeared calm and unstartled from the surface, the undertow was something fierce when it came to all the reasons I was ready to go big, or go home. Since my continued education at Mountain Biz Works immediately after college, and a failure-to-launch start at my own boutique in 2014, I've never been satisfied. In my time interning with Free People, and exploring the maker scene in Philadephia, I had a revelation that all jewelry does not have to be fine jewelry, and it doesn't have to be gaudy costume jewelry, or completely simple. Old Blood Wears taught me that, as her assortment at the time was an eclectic mix of mini terrarium necklaces, sea urchine spines and bullet casings, and colorful quartz fans. In a full circle moment, I got to vend alongside her at this past summer's Big Crafty in downtown Asheville.
Shortly after returning from Philadelphia, my mom encouraged me to join our home church's fall bazaar. I initially thought "With WHAT exactly am I supposed to sell?" and that's when the jewelry making began. I gathered the bullet casings, skeleton keys, and collector spoons I had hoarded over the years and got to work. Of course my church family of 22 years was supportive and encouraging of my funky little presentation that September.
Like every good 90's babe in the south, I enjoy some Sammy Kershaw. He is the reason my business name includes the popular produce choice "Vidalia" in the name. For me, and Sammy, it represents him and her and their sweet baby Vidalia. Give it a listen for me.
Fast forward to several years on Etsy and trying to nail the algorithm through platform changes and growing competition. I wanted to show more of myself. I was sick of naming things with the most descriptive keywords crammed into the title instead of my emotional name for things like the Party in the Back Duster, and Golden Hour Hoops, and Not Your Husband's Camo Tank (all things you'll find here today). Along came baby girl, and I became motivated to start designing some baby things (sewn things coming soon). Not only was she my perfect sidekick from the start, but in an effort to be totally transparent, she became part of my story in my business and fills me with love and inspiration every day.
I hope what you'll find here is evidence of a passionate mom, maker, and entrepreneur. I am so thrilled you even read this far --now, get to shopping!
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“I'm not going to limit myself just because people won't accept the fact that I can do something else.” - Dolly Parton