Jessica Kelly started Twinkle, a local accessories boutique, 12 years ago located in City Market. I conducted an interview with her over the phone and asked her questions about her business, stay competitive in Savannah, how Twinkle relate to SCAD students, fashion inspiration, and so on
How did you start your business?
I started because I love retail. I grew up in boutiques and in small business. When I saw a small space for sale in City Market, I started Twinkle in 2004.
What does it mean to you to run a small business?
I love running a small business. I love that personal touch to customers. I really enjoy all of it. Its fun, I like the creativity.
What is the local style in Savannah?
Savannah has a funky, Southern style. Elegance, Its like nothing else. I see women in nosiness attire and then rock n roll. I love the diversity
What is Twinkle’s Style?
Unique items, affordable and fun. We have a selection of local products from a SCAD alumni. One of a kind pieces, especially jewelry. We sell a lot of high quality leather. A nice blend of whimsical and functionality.
What does it mean to you to be a woman running your own business?
It means everything. Every decision I make is an important one. It empowering. People can’t believe it’s mine and my response is “Why not?’ I’m proud to be a woman and run my own business.
Who are some female role models who influence you?
My mom, she’s a female entrepreneur.
Sophia Amoruso, who runs Nasty Gal. She’s epic! Young women like her inspire me. The young girls who work for me inspire me. The girls who work for me who are SCAD students take away helpful skills.
Who are your fashion inspirations?
I love fashion magazines, I love Savannah Style.
Greatest piece of advice you received?
Don’t give up. Go after everything I need to do. You have to know the inside outs. Working things out. Being humble.
How has small business changed in Savannah?
There are more retailers on Broughton, and I think to myself ‘How do I stay in business?’ Downtown has changed for the better. There is more competition for me, which makes it difficult. Some of the quirky stores downtown have left. I hope Savannah stays unique.
How do you stay competitive?
I have long term relationships with my suppliers. It’s hard to stay completive, so stay unique and get something different. The success of my business stays on me, but so far, so good.
Why is it important to support a local business?
The money stays in the community. It keeps it real. I much rather shop local than retail
Local business you enjoy in Savannah?
For food? Circa 1875. In City Market, High Society, Red Cover, Harper, Civvies. Antique Malls.
Any advice to young women looking to start their own business?
Learning about business. Be fearless, and go for it. You gotta have drive, ambition, and fun.
How has SCAD affected Savannah?
Preservation and reservation. An artistic, intellectual community. I love the community events SCAD has.
Any advice to SCAD fashion majors?
Working in a small business. Having a different scene of scale, a part fashion student’s education they shouldn’t miss.
Whats next for you and your career?
Just keep going. If it ever stops being fun, I move on.
Any Fashion inspirations?
Vintage fashion. 20’s-50’s. I love the 70’s and grunge dressing.
Biggest challenge you’ve faced?
Staffing people I rely on. We’re little, so it’s not career based.
What does it mean to you to be a woman in the fashion industry
A woman’s fashion is a canvas, so paint. A woman’s voice should be heard, so we should have a hand in that.
What do you love about running Twinkle?
I love retail. I love helping people and selling stuff. It’s a happy place, I want people to feel good ad welcomed.
Greatest Advice you can give?
Listen to your voice. Schedule time off, Be kind, good things will come your way.
Why Savannah?
I thought it was such a cool city. An urban, artistic city