Melinda Turner is the owner of home decor boutique Cotton Down South. Born and raised in Summerville, SC, Melinda has lived here so long that she jokes her blood might taste like Sweet Tea. She has always loved living in a small town and says she has been blessed to have such supportive friends and family who have prayed, worked, and believed in her to open her own business.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am happily married to my college sweetheart of 29 years, Scott Turner. Together we have 3 beautiful children, Emily, Maddison, and Ben. We are a good blend of crazy, fun, and energetic.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
Before taking a leap of faith to start my own business, I was a full time stay at home mom for 15 years. Once my kids were grown, I started working in the medical field. I realized that working in the medical field was a passion of mine, but not something I wanted to commit to for the rest of my life. I have always loved interior design and working with people. After many prayers and hard conversations, I finally made the decision to start my own business which is now Cotton Down South. I love that I am no longer just working to clock in and out. I am loving what I do.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
My husband and I love our date nights to La Hacienda. Our family also loves to eat at Shuckin’ Shack, Chicken Salad Chick, and Chick-fil-a.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have lived in Summerville, SC my entire life. I won’t share how many years that is exactly because a lady never shares her true age ;). My business, Cotton Down South, has been open for almost 4 years in October.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Vivian Rose is the most interesting person that I know. She is such an influence in my life.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
If I could travel anywhere in the world right now, I would travel to Ireland. I’ve always wanted to see that part of the world.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Steel Magnolias would definitely be my favorite movie. I love the bond of friendship and strength of the women in the movie. My favorite TV show would be The Voice.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
My best advice would be that attitude is everything. Your attitude reflects everything in your life. If you have a negative outlook on things, you’re always going to be unhappy. However, if you choose to be positive, your life could overflow with joy.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I have a few things on my bucket list such as going to Hawaii, giving back to others, and owning a beach or mountain house.
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
I love to listen to the christian radio station. The uplifting music really just gets my blood pumping and flowing and keeps me in an uplifted spirit.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
I love going to Evas on Main Street. You see friends and neighbors having breakfast with their families.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I would love to have lunch with Joanna Gaines. I love everything that she represents. She exemplifies everything that I love too: family, love of decor, and boldness when talking about faith. Joanna seems to be exactly who she is on TV. We would probably meet for lunch at my home, since I love to entertain.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Even though our small town of Summerville is growing, it still has the downtown feel and coziness that I remember growing up with as a child. I loved going to Friday night football games, and of course having John McKissick as our football coach was awesome too.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I believe that in the next 5 to 10 years, I’ll be spoiling some grandchildren, have multiple locations for my store, and have crossed a few things off of my bucket list.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I am pretty much an open book. I am a homebody. Being at home is where I am the happiest, and I love to do home decor projects (probably more than what my hubby would like).
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Mackinac Island is the most beautiful place that I have ever been. I love the cooler weather, beautiful flowers, and simple beauty of the lake.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
My favorite month would be October. I love fall, fall colors, college football, sweater weather, and pumpkins. My favorite holiday would be Christmas. I love being able to celebrate the birth of our Savior. Best single day of the year would be my birthday.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
I would rate a weekend in the mountains in late October seeing the colors change a 10 our of 10.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My sweet Mother always inspires me to be better. She has taught me to always try hard and never give up on my dreams.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
We make our own candles at Cotton Down South. My favorite scents are Sweet Tea and Jesus because they remind me of growing up with my mom. I also love our candle Edisto, because it reminds me of a perfect beach day.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Cozy, Family & Welcome
