Father-daughter duo Jamey and Katie Stancell are opening their doors for a grand opening on Wednesday, May 1, 2019. They will be celebrating later on in the week with a grand opening party on Saturday, May 4, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Stop by after the Farmers Market to welcome the owners, grab a free Coke and hot dog, and win a prize.  Southern Accent is located on 22 West Main Street, next to Honey Too and LA Waters Furniture and Mattress Center, and across the street from Reflective Collective. 

Why did you want to open a business in Downtown Statesboro?

Jamey and Katie Stancell searched throughout the coastal area for the perfect location for their business. They had their eyes on Beaufort, South Carolina, but their search stopped when they found Downtown Statesboro. “Statesboro had a solid mixture of what we were looking for,” Jamey said. “We wanted to be downtown around other small businesses, the retail space was the right size, and the community seemed to support the businesses around the area.” They wanted to be in an area where shopping from store-to-store is the norm. It also doesn’t hurt that Georgia Southern is just down the street.  

What is a unique feature about you or your business that people in Statesboro may not know?

Southern Accent is a business that provides laser art, personalized gifts, and apparel, with a unique focus on “supporting other small businesses,” Jamey said. “The items in our store are either custom made, locally made, or provided by other small businesses.”  They strictly offer products that you won’t find in big-box retail. Jamey describes the store as a “hub” for select brands that compliment the personality of the store. He partners with budding businesses that don’t have a location to sell their products and finds a place for them in his store. His daughter, Katie, will be working with customers and managing the store throughout the week.

What is the story behind your name and logo?

Jamey chose the name “Southern Accent” to describe and define them as a business. It sums up the pride they have to be Southerners. They chose the word accent, because, according to Jamey, “when I think of the word ‘accent’ I think of flavor, dialect, and even experience, and when you visit our store, we want you to feel what makes us unique.”

During your time in Downtown Statesboro, what has been the biggest surprise you have faced?

Business districts in other areas don’t always provide the welcoming support that is enjoyed by new businesses in downtown Statesboro. Jamey was not surprised that surrounding businesses have shown their support, as Statesboro has grown a reputation for warm welcomes. Jamey noted that the “DSDA has been a great asset to me getting the word out about our business.” They look forward to supporting surrounding businesses downtown and establishing relationships with those in the community.

What is your favorite product/serve to sell in your store?  Why?

Although Southern Accent has a lot to offer in their store – laser art, customizable gifts, and apparel – their favorite product to sell are clothing items from River Bank Apparel Company. The reason being that the company “was started by a 12-year-old young man with a vision and passion to start a business and grow it,” Jamey said. Jamey “bought a portion of his business earlier this year and together we are building a solid brand that will be around a long time.”

What are your plans for your store’s future?

Jamey and Katie Stancell look forward to a long relationship with downtown Statesboro. “We plan on being around a long time,” Jamey said. Through the coming two years, he said they “also plan on opening 3 to 5 more” Southern Accent stores, hopefully in Beaufort, South Carolina, River Street in Savannah, and Pooler. For now, they are focused on having a successful start to their business.

Southern Accent will be open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. with plenty of free parking in the rear of the store.  Please welcome them to Downtown Statesboro and show your support on Saturday at Southern Accent’s Grand Opening Party.