147. Cheri Leavy and Whitney Long Founders of The Southern C on Creating Lasting Connections, Cultivating Friendships Throughout Your Career, and Finding Ways to Collaborate

Today's guests, Cheri Leavy, and Whitney Long are the founders of The Southern C. The Southern Coterie developed out of a mutual love for the South and passion for the people and unique businesses that shape the region. After achieving much success both personally and professionally in former careers with local and national publications, Whitney and Cheri decided to bring their shared interests together and create The Southern Coterie. Their dream was to cultivate a space in-person and online where like-minded individuals could connect and be inspired. For Cheri, born with a knack for instantly connecting with people, The Southern C seemed like a natural progression. From novice beginnings’ writing a “cousin newsletter” to operating a successful online and print publishing business (Bulldawg Illustrated and guide2athens) with her husband, it’s Cheri’s enthusiasm and inspiration that has made the Southern Coterie and its live events – the Southern C Summits – a must visit for Southern entrepreneurs looking to make valuable connections. After a successful career as a scout, stylist and contributing editor for some of the biggest names in print media like Coastal Living, Southern Accents, Southern Living and Better Homes & Gardens plus various special interest titles, Whitney took time off to focus on her favorite job – being a mom to four – but the scouting didn’t end there. Whitney draws on her years of curating unique places and people for the lifestyle magazine industry to create connections, find strategic partners and cultivate a talented team of writers and presenters. Listeners will love getting to know two of our favorite women on today's episode!