City Lifestyle

Want to start a publication?

Learn More

Featured Article

Style, Soul And Suede

Five Years Of Fashion With Heart

Article by Renee Donnell

Photography by Mariah Kelly | Shelby Mills

Originally published in Gallatin Lifestyle

Tucked away in the heart of Gallatin, Honey + Suede has become more than just a boutique—it’s a go-to destination for effortless style and personalized fashion. Founded by dynamic mother-daughter duo Shelby and Kelly Mills, the shop is celebrating five years in business, marking the milestone with a move to a beautiful new location that reflects their ever-evolving brand. Known for their intentionally curated selection of clothing and accessories, Shelby and Kelly also share their expert style tips, helping customers feel confident and put-together every day. As proud members of Gallatin’s thriving small business community, they’ve built an invaluable following by blending fashion-forward finds with genuine local connection.

When it comes to Honey + Suede’s signature style, their core remains constant—beautifully crafted pieces, from essential basics to unique accents, designed for their customers’ everyday wardrobe. “We offer a style that’s both luxurious and effortless,” they share. “We always look at trend forecasts before planning to buy for the upcoming seasons. We usually look into trends such as colors, textures and patterns. Every little detail is carefully thought out and executed.”

On top of their attention to detail, Shelby and Kelly are locally recognized experts on fashion and style. To effortlessly elevate an everyday outfit, “Accessorize!! You can take any pair of jeans and a white tee and make it look effortlessly chic. Add a belt, layer some necklaces, pair it with a colorful shoe and add a cute purse,” they happily explain. Shelby prefers to accessorize with dainty gold jewelry, a belt and sometimes a trucker hat for a fun, casual look, while Kelly leans towards chunky necklaces and statement rings. “Accessorizing is unique to every woman. It’s all about what feels comfortable to you! We always say to start off with finding your everyday jewelry and build from there.”

Their new Gallatin location is an extension of their fashion expertise. “Our new location is more intimate! We aim to carry a more curated collection of items. Every detail was carefully designed, from the dressing rooms to even the posters on the wall.” Their vision behind the redesign and relocation was a testament to their passion for fashion. “The vision was Southern, but with a luxurious twist,” they share. “We wanted it to feel like our old location but redefined and more cohesive.”

Honey + Suede is known for being more than a boutique—it’s a gathering place. Shelby and Kelly try to make a connection with everyone who walks through their doors. “Customer service is our number one priority. For us, it’s more than just cute clothing—it’s about building a community around freely expressing yourself through clothing and accessories. Whether you’re coming to simply look around, or you need help with styling an outfit for a big life event, we take pride in assisting you in finding the perfect wardrobe.” This is truly a dream come true and an answered prayer for them both. From building relationships and forming connections to helping women find their style, there are countless reasons why they love what they do. 

Honey + Suede just celebrated its fifth anniversary in July, and it has beautifully evolved since day one, while still maintaining its character. “The joy of fashion is what inspired us to open Honey + Suede,” they proclaim. “We were seeing women buy clothing just to have something to wear and struggling to shop in a sustainable way. Our goal is to help women find their style and pieces that they love that are high quality, won’t break the bank or sit in their closets never worn.”

Shelby and Kelly are always looking for ways to keep the boutique fresh and exciting season after season while staying true to their brand. “We are always pushing ourselves to find new vendors, be more creative and build on what we have already established.” Their buying constantly evolves, but their vision remains the same—they are shopping for the ladies in Gallatin and the surrounding areas. “We want to be different from other boutiques in the area—not based on competition, but because we are a community all working for the same purpose: to bring the best fashion possible to our community with our own unique style and voice.”

Being a part of the Gallatin small business community is such a joy for Shelby and Kelly. Not only is it fulfilling, but it truly has shaped Honey + Suede’s journey. “We have fallen in love with the Gallatin community! From day one, we have been welcomed with open arms. We’ve made so many sweet and supportive friends over the years. Being from Gallatin, it’s really exciting to play a small role in the resurgence of the downtown square, and we hope for many more years to come!” It’s just the beginning for Honey + Suede. Celebrating five years and counting is such a blessing and something they don’t take for granted as an added thanks to the Gallatin community. 

Honey + Suede
128a North Water Avenue, Gallatin
honeyandsuede.com 

“When you love your wardrobe, getting dressed in the morning is one of the best parts of your day.”



“Having our dream store in the heart of Downtown Gallatin is an answered prayer and dream come true.”