Today we’d like to introduce you to Steph Ryan
Hi Steph, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
The Southern Welcome started as a business-to-business modern welcome wagon, dedicated to introducing new residents and businesses to the Charleston area with thoughtfully curated local goods. Our journey has since expanded into the retail space, where we continue to focus on supporting and collaborating with other small businesses. Our name and logo, a unique fusion of an oyster and a pineapple, reflect both Charleston’s coastal charm and the Southern symbol of hospitality. Today, our retail store is designed to celebrate our community by showcasing curated collections of artisan products, custom gift bundles, and branded merchandise. The two branches of our company work in harmony to welcome new locals and support the community we all call “Home”.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The Southern Welcome’s journey wasn’t without its challenges. Starting as a modern welcome wagon for businesses, we had little to no social media presence at first, which meant that our early outreach was entirely hands-on. We were literally knocking on doors, personally connecting with other businesses and introducing our concept face-to-face. This grassroots approach took time but helped us build genuine relationships with local vendors and gain a deep understanding of our community’s needs. Overcoming these early hurdles taught us resilience and the importance of personal connections. Today, as we expand into retail, we carry forward this foundation, now coupled with a growing online presence, to better serve and support the small businesses we proudly collaborate with.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
What sets The Southern Welcome apart is our dedication to creating a truly personal experience for both customers and local partners. Our focus on curated gifting means that every product in our store reflects the unique charm of Charleston and the spirit of Southern hospitality. We’re known for our attention to detail, from custom gift bundles tailored to the recipient, to our carefully selected local collaborations that bring out the best of our community. We take pride in supporting other small businesses by showcasing their talents alongside our own branded items, like our distinctive pineapple-oyster logo products. This commitment to authenticity and community connection is what makes The Southern Welcome a standout destination for thoughtful, locally inspired gifts.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Our success is rooted in a mix of perseverance, resilience, and a willingness to try again until we get it right. We have learned that not every door opens on the first knock, and each setback taught us the importance of not taking things too personally. Instead, we focused on adapting, learning, and continuing to refine our approach. This mindset—paired with a genuine passion for community and craftsmanship—has allowed us to grow from a simple welcome service into a retail destination. Our journey reflects our belief that dedication and a positive outlook are essential for a small business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thesouthernwelcome.com
- Instagram: thesouthernwelcome
- Facebook: thesouthernwelcome
