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After giving birth to baby boys in 2020, Charlene Payne and Brittany Puckett were so inspired by the love of dressing them that it led them to open Southern Darlin’ Smocks.

Southern Darlin’ Smocks is a company offering a variety of children’s clothing styles. According to Payne, their business is based on an embroidery technique known as smocking. In addition to smocking, she said they offer French knot and applique.

She said they offer different sizes ranging from newborn to children’s size 10. There are many different designs. “We have a variety of selections, and those designs and styles change often.”

They first opened as an online store in July 2021 and saw great feedback right away. Payne said, “Within a month of opening, we have been blessed that our business is already growing at a rate faster than we expected. We would love to see our business grow in a nationally known brand. We would also love to be able to open a warehouse with employees. We want to be able to offer more jobs in the community.”

Although they do not have plans to open a physical location at this time, Payne said they have considered it for the future.

Payne is a graduate of Straughn High School and married to Robbie Payne with a stepdaughter, Taylor Payne. They have one son together, Lincoln Payne. Puckett is a graduate of Opp High School and married to Mitchell Puckett with their son, John Luke Puckett.

For more information visit their website at southerndarlinsmocks.com or facebook.com/southerndarlinsmocks. Payne and Puckett can also be reached via e-mail at southerndarlinsmocks@yahoo.com or call 334-488-9301.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SINCERELY SHAWNA PHOTOGRAPHY