Holiday season is here and if there is one thing every Black Southern Belle loves, it is definitely holiday decor. Today we are featuring Lynn Reed Selby who has taken this passion and made a business out of it. Selby is theA�Founder of Domestic Pretty Wreaths Showcasing Seasonal Southern Style and we are honored to share her story today. This Florida native is enjoying making homes beautiful with custom wreaths and seasonal decor. Read about her personal and professional story for inspiration this holiday season!
Photo Credits:A�Lydia Kearney Carlis for C-Suite PicsA�i??
Founder of Domestic Pretty Wreaths Showcasing Seasonal Southern Style
Your Name:
Lynn Reed Selby
Business Name:
Pretty Domestic Wreaths
Alma Mater:
Morgan State University (HBCU Proud!)
Sorority:
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Beta Chapter, Wilberforce University.
Hometown:
Miami, Florida. I always laugh because no one really considers Miami a�?The South.a�?
Current location:
Baltimore, Maryland, which is technically the South, because it is just below the Mason-Dixon Line. More like the East Coast, but dona��t tell anyone.
Website Link:
I recently begun offering Pretty Domestic Wreaths on https://1prettydomestic.com/. a�?The Pretty Domestica�? is my blog where I a�?Muse on All Things Luxe, Lifestyle + Beauty While Wearing Red Lipstick.a�? Now that I have a following for my wreaths, it makes sense to feature them for purchase on my blog.
What services do you provide?
I design bespoke harvest, holiday and year-around wreaths. Last year, I also took a turn at accompanying a friend shopping for all of her home holiday dA�cor. It’s something that I will explore again a�� helping others refine their style.
Why did you decide to start a business?
Ia��ve always been creative, but designing wreaths as a business proposition wasna��t an intentional decision. I couldna��t locate wreaths that met my personal aesthetic, so I designed my own. My wreaths are luxe and glamorous a�� feathers, plumes, sequins, glitter and beads! Thata��s what makes them different. I photographed my first wreath, posted it on social media and voila, Pretty Domestic Wreaths was born.
Before you owned a business, what did you do?
Pretty Domestic Wreaths allows me to speak to my creative streak and is not a full-time endeavor. I am also Founder and CEO of a workforce and economic development management consulting firm, The Reed + Selby Consulting Group, LLC headquartered in Baltimore. Prior to that was a gubernatorial appointee in the Oa��Malley Administration in Maryland.
What is your favorite client story?
My favorite client story involves one of my Dolls, Gail C.J. Gail is an executive at a major corporation, but also a pastora��s wife. She really encouraged me to pursue Pretty Domestic Wreaths on an epic phone call one night and was my first repeat client. She ordered a wreath a month for the front door of their church. Each month we would decide on a theme and I would design the wreath.
Gail and I are both girlie girls and as the story goes, when I completed the first wreath we met in the parking lot of Target (said in my best French accent). Unbeknownst to each other, we both arrived in full length minks and Ugg boots. To this day, we laugh and say, a�?It was cold. A Doll has to do what a Doll has to do.a�?
What is the most interesting client request you have had?
My most interesting request was a Baltimore Ravens themed wreath. I was determined to make the client happy. There was Baltimore Ravens ribbon, an oversized purple and black bow, and the piece de resistance was the black Raven perched on the inside of the wreath. My client was super happy! It was certainly the most whimsical wreath Ia��ve designed.
What is the most important thing you have done to build your business?
Being will to ask for business. It felt awkward to say, a�?Are you interested in a harvest, holiday or year-around wreath?a�? Once I felt comfortable doing so, I started making wreaths right and left. Self-promotion is not a bad thing.
Who are some of your business idols?
I have several. Of course, everyonea��s list begins with a�?The Big O,a�? one Oprah Winfrey. I would also add Kimberly Bryant founder of Black Girls Code. I love her passion for exposing black girls to opportunities and careers in the technology space, a place where they have been historically underrepresented. Living in Baltimore I am a huge Under Armor fan. To know that an African American woman, Adrienne Lofton, is behind the companya��s branding efforts as SVP of Global Brand Marketing is amazing. I love that Sheryl Sandberg really gave voice to the notion of a�?Leaning Ina�? in a way that has been meaningful to women as they navigate their careers and personal lives. Ia��ll add Sheila Johnson who has successfully tackled media, as well as the wellness space through her Salamander Resort. And then there are my close friends, several of whom run businesses. They are true inspirations. Those who know me well, also know that I am a political junkie. I would be remiss if I didn’t share that I am keeping an eye on Kamala Harris. Shea��s not in the business area, but shea��s about her business and is one to watch.
Do you have any mentors?
I do a�� both personally and professionally. If I start naming, I am sure to leave someone out. However, when I reflect on the diversity of my circle of mentors, I cana��t but smile. They represent different ethnicities, genders, races, etc. My Doll Lorna W. calls them your a�?front row.a�? I adopted her phrase because my mentors are just that a�� they truly serve as experienced, trusted advisers who are always available to lend an ear, provide guidance and counsel, and help me strategize and think through solutions.
What is your favorite thing about being southern?
Ia��ve never considered myself a Southern girl, but I love the Southern qualities of politeness, kindness, graciousness, or as my bestie says, a�?pleasantries and courtesies.a�? I firmly believe in please, thank you, Ia��m sorry and a handwritten note (in calligraphy no less.)
What is your favorite southern entrees or sides?
Ita��s so awful to say this, because I try to stay away from fried foods, but my Mothera��s fried cat fish is to die for! A�I love New Orleans-style Gumbo, with Andouille Sausage. Southern entrees are comfort foods that just remind you of home and family.
What is your favorite item or piece of clothing to wear/use while doing business?
Chanel Rouge Allure Luminous Intense Lip Colour in Pirate. A great red lip makes everything better. The other item is Dior Tribales Earrings.
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