The Flourishing Spirit of Women Entrepreneurs in the South

The landscape of American entrepreneurship is experiencing a remarkable transformation, particularly in the South, where women business owners are creating thriving enterprises at unprecedented rates. The Southern Coterie, affectionately known as “The Southern C,” stands at the forefront of this movement. Founded by publishing veterans Cheri Leavy and Whitney Long in 2011, this membership community has become an essential support system for women entrepreneurs across the region. Their success stories showcase the impressive growth in women’s business ownership, exemplified by ventures like Morgan Hutchinson’s BURU clothing brand, which reached approximately $10 million in annual revenue, and Emily McCarthy’s expansive 14,000-square-foot fashion and lifestyle destination in Savannah, Georgia. The community’s popularity continues to surge, with their upcoming Palm Beach retreat already sold out and a waitlist forming, demonstrating the powerful desire among women entrepreneurs for connection and collaboration.

What began as a regional network has blossomed into a national phenomenon, attracting participants and speakers from across the country. The Southern C has carefully cultivated its reputation around three core principles: Connect, Collaborate, and Create. Their events feature an impressive roster of speakers, including podcast founder Laura Cox Kaplan, fashion executive Karla Gallardo, PetMeds CEO Sandra Campos, and prominent auctioneer Lydia Fennet. Even Hank Williams Sr.’s granddaughter, singer-songwriter Holly Williams, will perform at an upcoming event. The organizers have strategically expanded their programming, with plans already underway for their January 2026 Summit on Sea Island, Georgia. The community’s approximately 300 members, many of whom have remained loyal for years, benefit from the founders’ hands-on approach to problem-solving and partnership-building. As Leavy warmly expresses, “We like to roll up our sleeves and help them find business solutions and partners. It feels really good.”

The Southern C’s growth directly mirrors the broader trend of women’s entrepreneurship flourishing throughout the South. Recent data from LegalZoom reveals that the region leads the nation in women-owned businesses per capita, with Florida claiming the top position at 8.77 women-owned businesses per 100 residents, followed closely by Georgia with 5.22. These impressive statistics stem from the region’s business-friendly regulatory environment and growing population base. Perhaps even more remarkable is the narrowing gender gap in business ownership. Georgia leads the nation with the smallest disparity, boasting a ratio of 0.86 female business owners for every male owner. Louisiana follows this progressive trend with a ratio of 0.80, placing it fifth nationally. This regional strength extends to metropolitan areas as well, with Miami ranking as the city with the highest concentration of women-owned businesses in America (8.85 per 100 residents), followed by Atlanta (6.26), Orlando (5.84), and Memphis (5.48).

The urban landscape of the South has become particularly fertile ground for women entrepreneurs. Memphis, Tennessee stands out as the only American city where women business owners actually outnumber their male counterparts, with a groundbreaking ratio of 1.01 to 1. Virginia Beach follows closely at 0.91 to 1, with Atlanta (0.89 to 1) and Palm Bay, Florida (0.87 to 1) not far behind. These remarkable statistics reflect intentional community efforts, with strong local programs specifically designed to support women and diverse business owners. The success of these initiatives demonstrates how targeted support systems can effectively address historical imbalances in entrepreneurship. The concentrated presence of women business owners throughout Southern cities has created visible role models and accessible mentorship networks, further encouraging more women to pursue business ownership and contributing to the region’s dynamic economic growth.

The founders of The Southern C created their community to address challenges they personally encountered as entrepreneurs. Leavy, based in Athens, Georgia, had previously managed print publications Bulldawg Illustrated and Guide2Athens, while Long, operating from St. Simons Island on Georgia’s coast, had built a career as a stylist and contributing editor for prestigious publications including Coastal Living and Southern Living. “We built what we needed as female entrepreneurs,” Long explains, highlighting how their own experiences informed their community-building approach. Since founding The Southern C, they’ve witnessed significant evolution in their members’ priorities and approaches to business ownership. One notable shift is the increased emphasis on operational excellence and financial acumen. As Leavy observes, “They are much more focused on the business side of the business,” indicating a growing sophistication among women entrepreneurs who recognize that creative passion must be balanced with sound business fundamentals.

Perhaps most significantly, Leavy and Long have observed their members redefining success on their own terms. As Americans broadly reconsider their relationship with work and career, many Southern women entrepreneurs are consciously rejecting traditional metrics focused solely on scale and revenue. Instead, they’re establishing personal standards of success that prioritize lifestyle integration, meaningful work, and sustainable growth. “They are setting their own standards for what is fulfilling in owning a business,” Long explains. “It might not be about scaling. It might be about going deeper.” This philosophical shift reflects growing confidence among established business owners who have developed the wisdom to shape their enterprises around their values and life goals rather than external expectations. Leavy eloquently captures this transformational approach: “It can serve you versus you serving it. People are building a business that fits their lifestyle, too.” This perspective represents a maturing entrepreneurial mindset where business ownership becomes a vehicle for holistic fulfillment rather than a demanding taskmaster. By leveraging digital technologies and flexible work arrangements, these Southern women entrepreneurs are pioneering a more balanced and personally rewarding approach to business ownership that may well influence the broader entrepreneurial landscape nationwide.