Bethany Morgio
Owner of Round Up Vintage | roundupvintage.com
Your new website has made it easier than ever for customers to shop your curated collection. How has expanding online changed the way you share Round Up Vintage's style with shoppers both near and far?
Utilizing e-commerce is so important now to broaden your client base and reach those collectors and lovers of vintage all over. With my extensive background in luxury retail, it also offers a simple way for my clientele over the years to shop from afar at their leisure! We are selective with the pieces we offer online, because a lot of time goes into photographing, measuring and describing each piece. So we are focusing on the most special and rare pieces to begin with.
Vintage pieces often have a story before they ever reach your shop. What draws you to a piece, and how do you know it belongs in the Round Up Vintage collection?
I truly source based on my gut, and what I can see styled in multiple ways, for multiple aesthetics. Interestingly enough, I had a talk with myself recently because I felt like I was falling prey to trends. And in vintage, those trends change at such an accelerated pace ... That is not me. I want to find timeless things that are anti-trend. Someone comes in and sees a band t-shirt that was the first concert they ever went to. They find the most perfect pair of lived-in vintage denim. Something that they could have had forever makes it an easy addition to their current wardrobe.
Caroline Otwell
Owner of The Southern Signature | thesouthernsignature.com
What inspired you to create The Southern Signature, and what keeps you inspired today?
My mom is truly the reason The Southern Signature exists. She started the business more than 25 years ago as a creative side passion, and in 2021 I had the opportunity to carry on what she built and make it my own. Growing up, I watched her create beautiful, personalized pieces that became part of people’s celebrations, and I quickly fell in love with that creative process.
I have always believed it is the little details that people remember. I feel incredibly lucky that creativity is something I get to enjoy every day, both professionally as Vice President of Marketing & Brand Strategy for RPM Group and through my fun side venture, The Southern Signature. Both roles allow me to tell stories, create meaningful experiences and bring ideas to life in different ways.
I love taking something as simple as a casual dinner, girls’ weekend or gameday gathering and turning it into an experience. Custom cups, cocktail napkins, matches, stir sticks and other thoughtful details can completely elevate the look and feel of an event and make it feel intentional. More than anything, I love that I get to be part of so many different chapters in people’s lives.
Your designs have become part of many celebrations. What do you love most about helping people add a personal touch to life’s biggest, and smallest, moments?
I truly believe every occasion deserves to feel special, not just weddings or milestone birthdays. Some of my favorite orders are for backyard dinners, girls’ trips, tailgates, holiday gatherings or simply a fun night with friends. Those everyday moments are often the ones we remember the most.
Laura Stanley
Owner of Laura Stanley Personal Jeweler | laura.diamonds
One of the things that sets you apart is your ability to create or customize jewelry to fit each client's personal style. What do you enjoy most about that creative process?
I love getting to know a client and honing in on their style, needs and requirements for a piece of fine jewelry. Sometimes it’s a lengthy process and sometimes it’s a quick meeting and we nail it instantly. In both instances, I love learning what works for them and what will make a piece of jewelry that exceeds expectations. And thinking about the next piece, too.
Great style is timeless. In your opinion, what makes a piece of jewelry timeless?
Everyone has their own style and vibe, thank goodness! Any piece of jewelry can be timeless if the wearer comes back to it over and over. For me, it is my bangle bracelets, which I have collected for 30 years; but also I never leave the house without earrings.
For you it could be a special pendant or ring made from sentimental jewelry. Or a new ring made with that beautiful sapphire you always have wanted. Timeless is about the style and type of jewelry that works for you, whether it is diamonds, color gems or a bold gold piece. I tell everyone, wear what you love. We all have an innate feeling for what works on us, and with a little guidance, we can turn anything into our timeless piece.