Sara Kenton’s story isn’t just about building a business; it’s about giving your all. Founder of Tupelo Goods, Kenton and her team have created a name in outdoor furniture that is synonymous with quality, simplicity, and fostering meaningful moments.
From the signature Loop Chair to the Zephyr Tree Swing, every piece is designed with the goal of ease and durability. Constructed using premium materials, Tupelo furniture is weather-proof, waterproof, and easy to clean. Tupelo’s sophisticated rotational molding technique creates simple designs for optimal support and comfort as well as elegance and beauty.
At its core, Tupelo is about creating spaces where families can connect. Sara reflects, “The older I get, the stronger I feel about the importance of getting outside—the health benefits, the way it organically creates moments for friends and family.”
Customers’ stories reflect this vision. Whether it’s a backyard barbecue where the kids swing under the oak trees or a quiet morning spent with coffee in hand, Tupelo’s products enhance everyday life. They make the outdoors a destination to linger, laugh, and reconnect.
The Kenton family has a lifelong connection to Dripping Springs, which continues to shape their family. Sara’s husband, Adam, grew up in Drip, and he is a veteran teacher of 17 years at Rooster Springs Elementary School. Now, the couple’s two kids, Miles and Drue, are involved in sports at Sycamore Middle School and Dripping Springs High School.
Tupelo’s contributions go beyond personal connections. By collaborating with local creatives and businesses in addition to participating in community events, the company helps spotlight Dripping Springs in meaningful ways. Locally, you can find Tupelo’s chairs at Texas Gadget Co., Summer Revival, Fitzhugh Brewing, HC Elite Cheer, and The Fitz RV park in Drip as well as CreekHouse Kitchen & Bar in Wimberley.
Tupelo also partners with local business Iconic Imprint for cornhole customization and collaborates with The Flowergirl ATX, photographer and videographer Ninth + Main, chef Marissa Fisk, and several local photographers such as Erika Knox, Kristen Hafner, and Ashlee Elledge.
“Dripping has such a rich creative community, and we are intentional about tapping into that community whenever possible,” Sara shares.
Tupelo is set to outfit the upcoming Oakwood Market in Dripping Springs, showcasing its versatility and reach. Tupelo chairs are even in use at the SpaceX Starbase, headquarters and rocket launch facility for the renowned space technology company.
Beyond Texas, Tupelo recently secured a partnership with Seaside, Florida, to furnish outdoor spaces in the iconic vacation destination.
“It’s incredibly fulfilling to see the hard work and creativity of our community come to life in places like New York City, L.A., and Florida,” says Sara. “Watching our community's talent make an impact on a larger stage reminds us how much local collaboration can achieve.”
Sara’s life is a delicate balance of roles: entrepreneur, wife, and mother. Yet, like so many working mothers, she admits to feeling like she’s often in survival mode. “It’s hard to feel like you’re succeeding at anything,” she says candidly. But it’s the gratification of execution—seeing a project through from conception to completion—that drives her. Whether it’s planning a family trip, launching a new product, or growing her business, Sara gives nothing less than 100 percent to the task at hand.
For the team at Tupelo, this means choosing products that align with their inspired point of view, diving deep into market research and striking a balance between creative intuition and analytical precision. This blend of creativity and data-driven insight has propelled Tupelo forward, even amid challenges like the coronavirus pandemic and shifting economic landscapes.
At a time when life feels busier than ever, Tupelo’s “keep it simple” philosophy is a breath of fresh air. From maintenance-free furniture to straightforward customer service, the brand’s ethos resonates deeply with today’s families. Tupelo is about creating beautiful outdoor furniture; at the same time, it’s about making it easier for families to spend time together and build their own communities.
Dripping Springs has a unique energy, and Sara marvels at the creativity and support within the community. “It’s amazing how much talent we are able to tap into here,” she says. This mutual support fuels Tupelo’s growth and reinforces its commitment to giving back.
As Tupelo continues to thrive, it remains rooted in Sara and her team’s vision: a brand that brings families together, celebrates community, and embraces simplicity in a complicated world. In doing so, Sara and the team at Tupelo Goods exemplify the very best of what it means to love local.
TupeloGoods.com | @tupelogoods
“Watching our community's talent make an impact on a larger stage reminds us how much local collaboration can achieve.”