For Tybee Island, maintaining its unique identity in the face of a changing world has never been an issue.
“Visitors always tell us that they don’t see beach communities like this anymore,” said Chantel Morton, Main Street Coordinator on Tybee Island. “Tybee manages to be progressive while still remembering its Americana roots. We want to preserve this as much as possible.”
Consistent with that approach, Tybee’s local businesses will host Small Business Saturday on Nov. 30 featuring more than 20 shops around the island. The event is in conjunction with American Express’ Shop Small program and Tybee Island Main Street.
“Shopping local is important to me because it is a bond with and a contribution to the community,” Morton said. “Owners and their employees are neighbors and give of their time generously. It means so much to have an opportunity to show my support through hometown commerce.”
One of the participating shops is Seaside Sisters, owned by Susan Kelleher.
Several years ago, Kelleher worked in a sales job that required constant travel across state lines.
“I was looking for a way to get off the road,” she said.
So Kelleher decided to find a spot on Tybee, where she lived with her husband, to open a small storefront.
She and several friends discussed renting a room in a shop on U.S. 80 to sell their wares, and Seaside Sisters was born.
“We found good success and really loved what we were doing,” Kelleher said.
Seven years later, Seaside Sisters has doubled its size and is still running strong.
What can a customer expect to find at Seaside Sisters?
“All things beachy, new and repurposed vintage home decor, furniture, shabby and chic items, jewelry, clothing, art, and the best junk around,” Kelleher said.
Vendors include authors Mary Kay Andrews, Polly Powers Stramm and Nancy Smith, as well as Diane Kaufman (who donates her profits to benefit her favorite animal causes) and “Treasure Room Queen” Sandra Blount.
“If you have ever been in Sandra’s room in the shop, you will know what I mean,” Kelleher said. “Small children have gotten lost in there.”
Kelleher said people who live on Tybee have “a special little paradise.”
“We are not a resort,” she said. “There are no pretensions here. But we have the most wonderful mix of caring, evolved folks who get involved and love their home despite the politics and parking issues.”
When Kelleher lost her husband of 37 years just a couple years ago, the community’s constant support kept her strong.
“We are all in it together as an island, and that is one of the best reasons to live here,” she said.
Kelleher likes the idea of Small Business Saturday, which is sponsored nationally by American Express.
“It’s a pleasure to see a giant company like American Express spearheading a Shop Small event,” she said. “They must realize that without the little guys, the mom and pops, our cities and towns would be nothing but a giant cookie cutter box of cheap imported stuff.
“Now if we can just get the event to become Shop Small Every Saturday, then we really have done our jobs.”
LEARN MORE
Go to www.tybeefortheholidays.com/shop-local-saturday/ for a full list of participating shops and events. For more information on Seaside Sisters, go to www.seasidesisterstybee.com.