JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2021 | VOLUME 22-ISSUE 1 CONTENTS 51 FIRESIDE WELCOME Share winter’s wonder with favored companions while lingering in the soft hearthside glow at a graceful table donned with lush greenery and artisan Italian china. 57 LOVE FOR THE AGES Blushing blooms and vintage-inspired valentines pair with a delectable menu of braised short ribs and � avorful accoutrements to create a romantic celebration. 65 HISTORIC LANDMARKS: CASTILLO DE SAN MARCOS Take a step back in time to explore a fortress in St. Augustine, Florida, that rings with intriguing voices from the past and the early days of America. 73 SOUTHERN ENTREPRENEURS 2021 We present the stories of nine incredibly resourceful women—led by ingenuity, passion, and drive—who dared to start their own successful businesses. 89 SECOND TIME’S THE CHARM Just when an active Tennessee family thought their new home was complete, a � re sent them back to the drawing board, yielding even better results than the � rst time around. 95 SOUTHWESTERN EXPOSURE A crossroad of cultures and a gorgeous mountainous, desert terrain paints the border town of El Paso, Texas, with a lively brush that’s accented by history, art, great food, and more. CONTENTS 51 SOUTHERN SPOTLIGHTS 13 CHARMED ENCOUNTERS Two Southern visionaries think big to provide a network for entrepreneurs and creatives. 17 DREAMING IN COLOR Patterns, prints, and fun � ourishes take center stage in the design work of this dynamic duo in North Carolina. DEPARTMENTS 33 MIX & MATCH 37 IN BLOOM 45 KEEPSAKES 105 RECIPE BOX IN EVERY ISSUE 7 Sincerely 9 From the Editor 11 @SouthernLadyMag 23 Entertaining Touches 25 Pretty Things 111 Resources 113 Afterthoughts 45 105 A baked valentine, dappled with luscious berries and sealed with a kiss of cream, nurtures a peaceful moment with the one you adore. Cover styling by Melissa Sturdivant Smith and photography by Stephanie Welbourne Steele. DON’T MISS! Turn to page 38 to explore Louisiana’s undiscovered gems. the south’s leader in estate jewelry and diamond solitaires located in historic downtown new albany and the square in oxford 1.866.VANATKINS WWW.VANATKINS.COM You know she’s worth it! DIGITAL MEDIA MARKETING DIRECTOR Kristy Harrison MARKETING COORDINATOR Hannah Crowe ONLINE EDITOR Janece Maze DIGITAL DESIGNER Stephanie Lambert ADMINISTRATIVE HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR Judy Brown Lazenby IT DIRECTOR Matthew Scott Holt DEALER PROGRAM MANAGER Janice Ritter ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT/EDITORIAL Alex Kolar SUBSCRIPTION CUSTOMER SERVICE Southern Lady, P.O. Box 6201 Harlan, IA 51593 Manage My Subscription: hoff manmedia.com/ecare Phone: (800) 777-1101 EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING OFFICE 1900 International Park Drive, Suite 50 Birmingham, AL 35243 Phone: (205) 995-8860, (888) 411-8995 Editorial Inquiries: