The Story Behind "Appointments at Five" Fearless Women Who Made It Happen.
What happens when two Southern women decide to chase their passion for antiques across the Atlantic Ocean? Sometimes the most extraordinary businesses begin with a simple leap of faith and Jenny Sligh and Kitty Culpepper's story proves that adventure and determination can create something truly magical in Athens, Georgia.
In this captivating episode, we explore how two friends transformed their love for beautiful things into Appointments at Five a beloved antique shop that served the Athens community for 36 remarkable years. Their path from conducting estate sales to becoming international antique buyers reveals the courage and vision required to build something lasting in a competitive marketplace.
From Estate Sales To English Countryside: Building A Business
Jenny and Kitty share the fascination details of their evolution from helping neighbors sell unwanted items to becoming sophisticated antique dealers. But it was their bold decision to travel to England despite never having driven on the opposite side of the road that truly set their business apart from anything Athens had seen before.
Their story takes us through the learning curve of international buying, from navigating customs paperwork to discovering the massive antique fairs of Newark, where over 2,000 dealers gathered in one location. We learn about their adventures driving through the English countryside at breakneck speeds, with Jenny behind the wheel and Kitty serving as navigator through winding country roads.
More Than Shopping: The Art of Creating Community
What set Appointments At 5 apart wasn't just the unique English antiques it was Jenny and Kitty's understanding that shopping should be an experience. They reveal how they transformed a simple retail space into a community gathering place, complete with tailgate parties during game days, elaborate gift wrapping that made every purchase feel special, and bridal registries that made brides feel truly celebrated.
Their approach challenged conventional retail thinking, proving that success required personal connections, attention to detail, and the ability to make every customer feel valued, whether they spent five dollars or fifty.
Personal Moment That Built Lasting Friendships
Beyond the business achievements, Jenny and Kitty open up about the personal experiences that shaped their partnership. From Jenny's memorable mattress mishap on Milledge Circle to Kitty's Unfortunate encounter with sleeping pills on a transatlantic flight, their friendship weathered adventures that would test any business relationship.
They also share the evolution of Five Points as a shopping destination, their role in creating the beloved Christmas in Five Points tradition , and how they built relationships with English dealers who became lifelong friends across the ocean.
Here's what you can expect to gain from this episode:
*Insights into building a unique retail business in a small Southern town.
*The evolution of Athens' shopping scene for almost four decades.
*Behind-the-scenes stories from international antique buying trips.
*Personal anecdotes about friendship, business partnership, and community building.
*The importance of creating experiences rather than just selling products.
Jenny and Kitty's story demonstrates that sometimes the most fulfilling careers emerge from following your passions, and that building a business is ultimately about creating connections that enrich both your community and your own life for decades to come.
