Meet Kelly Zeigler of Sandlapper Serviettes
Meet Kelly Zeigler of Sandlapper Serviettes
Questions:
Q: Tell us a little about your profession & why you do what you do:
I create textile designs using machine embroidery as my medium. My designs, often inspired by vintage cocktail culture, are playful and a bit cheeky. My goal is to provide personalized pieces that serve as a tangible expression of my customers’ unique stories, humor and interests. It's incredibly rewarding to know that my work is not just a functional item, but a meaningful keepsake for them. My most popular products are punny cocktail napkins. They’re great conversation starters!
Q: When not at work, where can we mostly find you?
A: When I'm not embroidering, I'm most likely spending quality time with my 4-year-old daughter, Della. I enjoy staying active daily, whether it's at the gym or running outdoors. Spending time with friends and loved ones is a huge priority for me. This fall I aim to play more mahjong and tennis with them! My time is divided throughout the year between Charleston and North Carolina, where my family lives. No matter where I am, a sunset chase is always on the agenda.
Q: Where is your favorite place to dine in Charleston?
A: Leon’s downtown, where I’ll always order the char grilled oysters and a frozen g&t.
Q: If you could lounge anywhere in the world, where would it be?
A: My parents’ huge comfy couch in front of the tv in their basement with my dog on one side, my daughter on the other, and the rest of my family and their dogs popping in and out of the room throughout the day.
Q: What song best describes you?
A: “We Should Be Friends,” by Miranda Lambert. :)
Q: What does comfort mean to you?
A: Feeling held, exactly as you are.
Q: What might you say to someone who needs a little pick me up?
A: “You’re doing it! Keep going. You are seen, you are heard and I am here for you.”
Q: If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
A: I would spend it sourcing vintage or recycled materials for my work, and expanding upon my creativity and skills regarding hand embroidery… And I would finally take time to improve upon my Spanish.
Q: What makes you feel most empowered?
A: Surrounding myself with positive people, finding a balance between learning new things and staying engaged with life long hobbies and being active all empower me. Hitting some good cross court backhand tennis shots always does the trick too!
Q: How do you recharge?
A: By reading in a long, hot bath, or taking a nap.
Q: First thing you do when you get home from work?
A: Put the million things in my arms down on the floor and hug my daughter and my dog!
Q: What makes you most uncomfortable?
A: Views, beliefs and policies that undermine and cause harm to others.
Q: What’s one thing you would change about yourself?
A: My anxiety is a double edged sword…on one hand it keeps me prepared, creative, and empathetic to others, but it’s something I have to mindfully manage each day. I’d go a day or two without it hassling me, for sure. ;)
Q: Any life hacks or secret talents we should know about?
A: Life Hacks: You’re allowed to sit down in the shower…days can be long, you know? Therapy is the ultimate life hack.
A: Secret talent: If you’re in need of a parallel parker, I’m your girl.
Q: Favorite recipe we need to know about?
A: Ginger pork meatballs (with cilantro and fish sauce) from Melissa Clark’s, Dinner: Changing the Game with coconut rice and a cucumber salad on the side is one of my favorites to make. My grandmother’s Brunswick Stew recipe is probably my favorite to enjoy.
Q: Anything else we need to know?
A: For eleven years I taught elementary aged English Language Learners in Title one schools in Fairfax County Virginia and in Charleston County. It was a privilege and responsibility that I did not take lightly.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
A: “Which choice scares you (in a good way)? Don’t you think that’s the one you should try?” and any encouragement I’ve been given to trust myself.
Q: What is one thing you cannot live without?
A: Music! Especially live music…and hoop earrings from Lounge With Us!
Q: What is your favorite thing to sleep in?
A: I am a huge sucker for nice pajamas made from high quality fabrics, like the ones sold at Lounge With Us! Any luxury that is tied to sleep is worth the investment, in my opinion.
Q: What is your bucket list trip & why?
A: I really want to go to Italy, and it’s absolutely for the food and the vino…
Q: What kind of driver are you?
A: Confident.
Q: What do you need to rant about or get off your chest?
A: My body, my rights! My daughter’s body, her rights! I cannot wait to take it to the voting booth soon.
Q: What’s your secret weapon?
A: Deep breaths, Spotify playlists, and a sense of humor.
