I worked in social services most of my life, but I've always loved crafting and jewelry making. Even so, I'd never planned on this shop becoming my full-time career. Then one day in 2009, the funding for the program I was running was abruptly cut, and I found myself in need of a new job. My wonderful, brilliant husband suggested that I try Etsy, and I've never looked back.

I named my shop "The Red Magnolia" because I'm a Southern girl who now resides in Michigan, and there are two things from home that I miss very much: the stately old magnolia trees and a proper homemade red velvet cake.

I started out with nothing but little girls' headbands in my shop, but things weren't going so well. Then a customer ordered two headbands for the flower girls in her upcoming wedding. She loved them, and the idea for including more wedding specific items was born. Once I started stocking more and more wedding accessories, my shop took off. Now I'm thrilled to say that this is my full-time job!