May 1, 2017

Meet Crystal Baker of South of Hampton in Buckhead

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Baker.

Crystal, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
In 2008, South of Hampton started from a restless soul that loves to work. Once my kids were both in school I wanted an outlet for my creativity and work ethic and felt there was a lack in Buckhead of a quality monogrammer that really collaborated with clients. I have always loved beautiful monograms and the joke in the family was that everyone knew their gift would be monogrammed if it came from me!

I started small out of my house to maintain flexibility of running a business and managing a family. As time went on, my business started to grow beyond just friends and it was time to move to a small space. I rented the back building of the Sardis Church, a historic property site and the highest point in Buckhead, and used it as my “workroom” where people could come and pick up and drop off items. Eventually that too had growing pains and I was lucky enough to take the preachers house as my now permanent space and transformed it to South of Hampton, keeping the back “workroom” I can now offer not only monogramming services, but also provide fabulous merchandise from around the world.

My goal has always been to give the best customer service possible and make people feel warm and special while in my store. Personalized gift giving is an art. I hope that when a client leaves South of Hampton they feel excited about what they are about to give. The most rewarding thing is to see the persons face when they open that special gift.

South of Hampton, a one-stop shop for all monogramming needs, offers a range of unique and custom monogramed items and gifts including linens, travel accessories, corporate gifts, clothing, handbags, baby gifts, pet accessories, housewares and more.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The hardest thing about owning a monogram gift store is figuring out what people want and staying ahead of the game. For that reason, I am always looking for new ideas to keep it fresh and keep people coming back for more. I am so blessed to have loyal customers through the years that keep me on my toes on my quest to find that right gift or monogram. I’m most proud of my repeat business that give their friends year after year unique gifts from South of Hampton.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about South of Hampton – what should we know?
South of Hampton offers custom & unique monograms and unique gifts for graduation, bridal parties, corporate and more and sources unique products from all over the world including linens from France & India. Known for providing that unique, useful, personalized gift no matter the occasion and customizing the monogram style to suit the recipient, Crystal is most proud of collaborating with her clients to create the perfect monogrammed gift. Customer service and style set South of Hampton apart from other monogramming businesses.

Crystal Baker states, “When I started my business there was no in between for monograms. You either had the very simple monograms you saw everywhere that were pretty inexpensive to the very high end monogrammers who sometimes seemed unattainable on smaller projects or items. I wanted to offer my clients beautiful, unique and affordable monograms that takes the product to a higher level. From that monogram, we take it to another level by really thinking through the color of thread that will make the monogram pop. Almost like the icing on the cake. So many times, I see a beautiful monogram sewn in colors that do not do it justice.”

Quote from a client:

I just keep thinking this and have to write to tell you how very much I appreciate you!  And your work – and creativity – and kindness and patience and organization and follow-through and fun bright spirit!  I love knowing you and so, so appreciate all you do.  I love the things you find and offer – I LOVE your work and I always, always enjoy interacting with you.  South of Hampton is a positive in every way.  I feel so fortunate to know you and be able to order these special gifts you provide.  These words are not nearly adequate.  But please just know – I appreciate you!

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Most important is quality customer service and listening to the customer to best customize that special gift and create that perfect monogram. Other qualities for success include staying on top of monogram trends and stylish, unique, useful gifts.

Two things that set South of Hampton apart is the attention to detail on every item that comes through our door that we sew and making our customers feel important no matter what size of job or project we work on for and with them.

Contact Info: