Charleston is filled with strong, powerful women and the ladies at Southern Protocol want to highlight the amazing efforts of southern female entrepreneurs. I had the pleasure of interviewing Della MacNicholas, the owner of The Wedding Row and Lella Foster jewelry. The Wedding Row is “Charleston’s ultimate resource for weddings” and Lella Foster is Della’s non-profit jewelry business. Della always wanted to find unique pieces and when she couldn’t find what she was looking for – she made it! Simple as that, if you’re not finding what you want then do it yourself. She wanted a line of jewelry different from any other and in 2008 Della did one of her friends a favor by designing all of her bridesmaid jewelry. She was then immersed into the world of weddings. Although Wedding Row is a baby, being launched this past February at Charleston Fashion Week, it has quickly grown to be a go-to site for brides.

I found Della to be endearing and only had wonderful, positive things to say about her business and life in general. I wanted to pick her brain and see what made this southern female entrepreneur tick –

Q: How did you start The Wedding Row?

A: Della submitted herself to be a part of the vendors for StyleMePretty.com and they accepted her that very same day! She then started The Wedding Row because she could not find anything like StyleMePretty that only pertained to Charleston. She thought it would be a fabulous idea to have a local wedding resource guide considering how much the wedding industry thrives here. Once again, if you aren’t finding what you want – do it yourself!

Q: How long have you been in the business?

A: She has been in the business since 2008 when she started the non-profit jewelry company Lella Foster, where all proceeds go to charities benefiting autism. The Wedding Row spun off from jewelry and Della was asked to be in the 2010 Fashion week styling for Belle Couture and White. She now has her studio at 47 ½  A Spring Street which is a hot spot location for the wedding industry in Charleston.

Q: In what ways do you incorporate the South into your business?

A: Della put it simply – “You can’t get any more southern or elegant than Charleston.” The southern personalities that she deals with in all aspects of the industry, whether it is photographers or graphic designers, are all so different. She “finds it amazing how different and inspiring these southern personalities can be.” The personalities drive an interest for people to come to Charleston and be apart of the southern lifestyle.

Q: What is your favorite southern staple food? Tradition?

A: Anytime Della needs comfort or stress relief she turns to grits. Her husband makes them for her any way she wants them. Full of cream, butter and maybe even a little cheese. She loves grits with anything and I sure don’t blame her. The overall sense of graciousness and politeness is her favorite southern tradition. She loves that southerners are sugar coaters and can say the most uncomplimentary things in the most complementary way.

Q: Is it more difficult to be a southern female entrepreneur or is it accepted?

A: “ In Charleston, yes (it is accepted)” Della stated confidently. “Charleston is full of powerful strong women, but I don’t think it would be as easy in other southern towns.”

Q: What are the most rewarding and challenging parts of the business?

A: One of the most rewarding aspects for Della is that she can be a Mom and an entrepreneur at the same time. She can be at home more even with a work schedule and other responsibilities. She would give up anything for her family and to be able to do all of that is so rewarding for her. The Wedding Row does not have a lot of challenges because “people drive the content of the website.” Her real challenge is getting her name out there and having people find Wedding Row and Lella Foster. The Google search is at the top of her priority list.

Q: Any advice for other female entrepreneurs?

A: The best thing is to fall back on the resources you trust. “Help people, but let them help you too” is her very wise advice to those struggling or seeking to start their own business. “Don’t let your fears and anxieties cripple you.” People are filled with so many great ideas and a little hard work and a good business plan will go a long way.

Della is clearly and inspiration to us all and most definitely a strong, southern woman!

Posted by Quinn

In case Miss USA Rima Fakih needs a career to fall back on …

While pageants are antiquated and not entirely in touch with reality…I tend to tune in anyways.  Has anyone else been paying attention to the news? I feel outraged. Between the sexy pictures released before the pageant, to the fact that I completely disagree with the girl who won- I wonder why can’t the Miss USA pageant still represent a wholesome image? Why must everything be so incredibly provocative? Is it really a representation of the USA that all of us are walking around with smudged smokey eye in fishnets, and heels? I’m pretty sure I didn’t even see anyone in heels at carpool line this afternoon.

When becoming a celebrity’s mistress, or releasing your sex tape (paging Kim Kardashian. Here we are celebrating someone who was urinated on in a sex video) is how you become famous… I’m feeling awfully nostalgic and thinking perhaps my grandparents were right.

Let’s talk about the young lady who did win. She tripped in her evening gown, her swimsuit looked like something from a hooker store, she was less than eloquent when she spoke (I know… shocking but I thought that there were girls who sounded better). Then when she did win- her statements came off as those of “spoiled party girl” rather than a gracious winner. Of course this morning pictures of her competing in an amateur “Stripper 101″ contest have emerged.

When I was in elementary school I would have sleepovers to watch the pageants (it was the 80’s don’t judge). I’m pretty confident Lola will not be having anyone over to watch this trash.

As someone who has been driving a mini van for…coming up on 7 years now….this youtube video absolutely made my day. Click on the link below and don’t be afraid of my “swagger” in the carpool line this afternoon.

Happy Mothers Day on Sunday- enjoy!

Spoleto’s box office opens today! If you purchase your tickets in person, you will not be charged any additional service or handling fees- hooray! The ticket kiosk is located at 77 Calhoun Street inside the lobby of the Gaillard Auditorium.

The personal highlights for me would have to be “Giselle” and “Flora, an Opera”…I’m getting tickets to both.

For more information visit the Spoleto website.

“Catwalk for Kids” is CFW’s annual benefit for MUSC Children’s Hospital. Hosted by Mary Norton, with a fabulous lunch provided by my favorite pirate looking chef Brett McKee of Oak Steakhouse (Sara and I are both steak not poultry people over here at SP headquarters). The benefit featured a fabulous fashion show by Carmen Marc Valvo (himself a thriving cancer survivor), a live auction of celebrity designed handbags, from the likes of Kristen Stewart (that’s right twihards), Carrie Underwood, Steven Colbert, and a signed guitar from Taylor Swift.

I grabbed my girlfriend, Juls, and we spent our morning/afternoon pretending that we were being filmed for “The Real Housewives of Charleston County”. HAHA, not really but there was definetely some fabulousness going on as everyone arrived for the benefit.

Mimosa’s were flowing, the food looked and tasted delicious.  The reason that all of the fabulous of Charleston were out and about, became very apparent when two families came on the catwalk to share their stories. I am not a crier. Period. And maybe it was the mimosa’s and wine, but their stories were so incredibly touching and real. As a mother of 3, I can’t imagine Jack, Charlie or Lola being diagnosed with cancer. What courageous families!

I had to sit on my hands to keep from bidding- but luckily the very generous Gene Reed kept bidding up those handbags. I’ve always had my car serviced at Gene Reed Toyota, and after seeing that man’s generosity- I recommend everyone else does too!

Mary Norton had announced at the beginning of the auction that the goal was $200,000.  Last night I spoke with my dear friend Mimi, one of the tireless people helping bring this benefit to life, and she said that the total raised was actually closer $250,000. Hooray!

Jenny Sanford has been looking like one chic, sophisticated mother of four. While out promoting her new book “Staying True”, it seems like the First Lady of SC (she is still our first lady right?) is everywhere from the nightly news to talk shows to Barbara Walters.

As a busy, hands on mother, she looks fabulous. I’m liking the liberated Jenny.  She has straightened her hair,and who ever is doing her makeup is SPOT on. The light pinkie, coral colors that they have her in are perfect. She has tossed out her “potato” sack dresses for more form fitting clothes that really flatter her body. After giving birth to four boys, running her husbands campaigns, and being the First Lady, she looked, at times, frumpy. The national scandal has proven what a strong, fabulous lady she is and she looks better now than she has in the last eight years.

Having children does not give you a fashion pass. We’ve heard adnauseuam about how exhausting it is to run a house and a family, but it really can be very easy to get your look together. Southern Protocol works with stay at home moms, work at home moms and work out of the home moms on a regular basis to get their closet and look together. Use our First Lady as your own example; If Jenny Sanford can look flawless in the middle of a major life crisis- so can you!

There is nothing that I love more than a monogram…they are all over my house and my husband gave me this tray for Christmas.  I, of course, have the pink tray with a green monogram- lots of compliments on this tray and the owner is another Southerner- we LOVE this company. Check out Fontaine Maury for too many fab gifts to name.  We all know lots of people who sell monogrammed gifts, but this companies options are superior to others!

The cookies from Flour Pot Cookies are almost too precious to eat! There are so many amazing designs and I want to send a “Thank You” shout out to the lovely Hosch family (yes Sara’s parents) for the adorable box that they sent me.  The cookies come in an adorable black and white box, the presentation is as fabulous as the cookies.

At SP, you know that we are all about fun entertaining, and I gave a bunch of these pans as gifts over the holidays and they were a huge hit. They are perfect for pot luck style “bake and take”… you’ll be the most fashionable person at the supper club.

Check out Broadway Panhandler -its for the fabulous home chef!

I fancy myself the “baker” and Sara the “cook” at the SP headquarters…but we are both obsessed with a fabulous new website (and fellow Southern company) Bake it Pretty.  Their tagline is “Sweet supplies for inspired bakers” and that is exactly what you will find. From cute to chic cupcake liners; inspired and funky party supplies you will definitely add a personalized touch to your next soiree.

My boys are Jack and Charlie, they are 6 1/2 and and 5 1/2 respectively. There is nothing dainty or timid about them. My daughter Lola is 3, and came out in a tutu doing high kicks. The difference is really hysterical to me, that they are such stereotypical boys and girls. Long before I had Miss Lola, however I was only a “boys mom”.  As a super “priss pot”, I was definitely the queen of the castle and my boys were my knights…I mean we were literally having sword fights on a regular basis…or sometimes we were pirates not knights but you get the point.  We were a rough and tumble “posse” and my best friend Jul’s swears that to this day my boys have an uncanny ability to climb up the outside of the slide- versus just taking the ladder.

So I am more than happy to have found this PRECIOUS company for mom’s like us…

The company is called boymom and owner Amy has desinged cool T-shirts for mom’s with boys. She prove’s you can still be a “girly girl” and a boys mom too.

Visit their website and let them know you read about them here!

We’re kicking off the new year early over here at SPH (Southern Protocol Headquarters) with a new website. Please excuse the current construction and know that our new site will be even sassier and easier to use!

Don’t forget to register early for our classes space is limited…

December 2- Entertaining class at Stems 208 Coming Street: 4 star entertaining on a 1 star budget email us to  register contact@southernprotocol.com

January 5- Downtown Junior Cotillion: Register at Hazel Parker Playground at 70 East Bay or call 843-958-6485

January 9- The Charleston Museum: Saturday Mini Manners Class please call the museum to register 843-722-2996

February 25- The Charleston Museum: In conjunction with the Aisle of Style exhibit we will be hosting a        “Wedding Etiquette Primer” so all newly engaged ladies grab your mom, sisters and girlfriends and come with your list of questions and let us help you! To register call the museum 843-722-2996

After being furious at Elle and the August issue that featured Miley Cyrus on the cover (I mean, seriously) they have redeemed themselves with a fabulous October issue. My favorite article is by Rachael Combe entitled “Sexy Back”. 

Ms. Combe explores the complicated issues that surround “getting knocked up” and what it does to our psyche, body and most importantly our fashion sense.  The article discusses the “Mom Jeans Conspiracy” (how many of you are laughing just thinking about that SNL skit right now) and the 10 rules to follow when it comes to your post-baby life. The rule that I love the best is the ”Rule of Three”.  This rule is definitely one that everyone can follow; once your youngest child turns three years old, you must get your “physical act together”.  

Moms, take your own personal inventory, and don’t give me some bull about how you feel selfish, or too busy, because once you get your own closet organized, you will notice a difference in the way you are treated, treat your children, and project yourself in general, its a trickle down effect.  I am now adding my own rule “The Trickle Down Effect”.

As a mother of three, I can sympathise with how busy and sometimes just insane we can all feel, but the “Trickle Down Effect” is real.  When you feel better about yourself, it shows and we can help.  We are thrilled to offer a new image consulting package,”The Hot Mommy’s Closet”.  Designed to quickly help you organize your closet and empower the way that you dress! We have a checklist of the items that every mom should have as her “secret weapons” to create a flawless figure, highlight your assets and determine what styles will flatter your body type.  From daytime to date time, we can help you pull it all together.  You can even schedule morning appointments if you have children at school or weekend appointments if you are both working and raising a family.

Mention that you read about our new package in the blog and receive $25 off services!
Visit  http://southernprotocol.com/image-consulting

Our list is comprised of local boutiques whose selection, look, price point and service we have deemed the best in Charleston.  Please use us as your source when you are needing to update your look, need a special piece or just need a girl’s day out to shop as we will be the first to know of any special trunk shows, special events, and sales.

Plus our clients and readers will be privy to additional special events and discounts!

Each week we are going to highlight a “Boutique of the Week” and our favorite look from each store. 

Please post comments and questions or a boutique that you feel we should look into! Here is our list…

Where to Shop in Charleston:

Goga

377 King Street
Charleston, SC 29401
843-722-3774

Lula Kate

324 King Street
Charleston, SC 29401
843-805-7193

Willy Jays

300 King Street
Charleston, SC 29401
843-579-0330

Finicky Filly

303 King Street
Charleston, SC 29401
843-534-0203

K. Morgan

255 King Street
Charleston, SC 29401
843-577-0924

Luna

334 King Street
Charleston, SC 29401
843-853-5862

V2V

295 King Street
Charleston, SC 29401
843-723-5135

Boutique NV

328 King Street
Charleston, SC 29401
843-793-4713

Wink

829 Savannah HWY
Charleston, SC 29407
843-225-0301

Gwynn’s

916 Houston Northcutt
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
843-884-9518

II Brunettes

616 Long Point Road
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
843-881-2636

WOW! Today I am loving the Victoria Beckham collection. I especially love this black dress. The cut is universally flattering, it falls away from the body and defines the waist.   Now let’s talk about the cap sleeves. I loathe cap sleeves- they might be on my top 5 list of what no one should wear- EVER!  However, what Ms. Beckham has done with this dress is give it a slight poof. That alone will make your arms look fabulous. Such a small detail- but such a big difference. Bravo VB!

I can hardly contain my excitement….its Mercedes Benz Fashion Week for Spring 2010 or MBFW to you.

To help alleviate some of the giddiness Sara and I sent cookies to our favorite Charleston boutiques to say “Happy Mercedes Benz Fashion Week”.  They were a hit! Models may not eat cookies but boutique owners do!

With the economy still trembling and the recession in full force- many questioned if this seasons shows would be as scaled back as the shows in February. Luckily for us they are not.  The designers are showing full scale shows and really using the hype and draw that MBFW has as their main source of marketing.

I say bring on the glitz and glamour. Let’s remind people that fashion is a luxury that should not go away or be forgotten.  What this recession has taught us is that perhaps we need to focus on QUALITY as opposed to quantity.  Now is the time to examine your own closets.  Are you a quality or quantity person. In the 50’s & 60’s women would have 3 really fabulous couture dresses as opposed to 30. Hence the size of the closets! It was not considered gauche in society to be seen wearing the same dress over and over. I have a collection of Lilly Pulitzer shifts that I wear summer after summer. Luckily I am a confident person and have no problem re-wearing those dresses every summer.  Think of the money I have probably saved by INVESTING in quality pieces!  So this MBFW is all about the quality…and saying goodbye to its home Bryant Park.  In February the shows will move to The Lincoln Center, home of the Metropolitan Opera, NY City Ballet and NY Philharmonic Orchestra.  What a fitting place to merge all of the arts!

Be on the look out for our reviews of our favorite shows and emerging trends for Spring!

The very first “designer” handbag that I purchased was the Kate Spade “Sam” bag. I have it saved for my daughter Lola who I am positive will be thrilled that I have saved her an “original” Kate Spade.

Their fall collection is exceptional this season and I am dying for the Madeleine Mona Coat…