The adage "necessity is the soul invention," proved true for Thomasville, Georgia-natives Kelly and Heather Abbott. In the midst of the economic downturn in 2010 and on the heels of twin layoffs, Heather wished out loud that she could have a new pair of earrings to wear to their family Thanksgiving celebration. Knowing only too well the state of their shoestring budget, Kelly's eyes landed on a small jar of spent 40-caliber bullets a dear uncle left at their home. While crafty with his arsenal of tools, he'd never attempted anything similar. Love for his wife motivated his determination to create something original to make her feel beautiful. He stayed up all night, tweaking and fashioning a stylish pair of studs Heather was proud to wear the next day. The couple walked away from that dinner with 25 orders from friends and family and the rest, as they say, is history. Kelly continued creatively repurposing discarded shells - which would otherwise end up in the trash - into stunning, classic jewelry and leather goods, while Heather applied her considerable business acumen to growing South Life Supply Co. into a national brand. Inking an exclusive licensing agreement with Remington in 2014 sealed the company's place among great Southern heritage brands, with each piece conceived in a lofty barn on their sprawling South Georgia farm. Necessity may be the soul to invention, but love, hard work and a little luck have made South Life Supply Co. the leader in bullet and shotgun shell style.
Rotary Club of Thomasville
The Plaza Restaurant
217 South Broad Street
Thomasville, GA 31792