(Southern Laced – January 28, 2024) – As Southern Laced approaches its remarkable 10-year milestone, founder Kelly Stone reflects on a journey that embodies a tapestry of creativity, resilience, and unforeseen opportunities. In this illuminating interview, Stone opens up about the unconventional beginnings of Southern Laced, its evolution, and the pivotal moments that have shaped its unique narrative.
“My initial vision wasn’t centered around celebrity interviews. It was serendipity that led me down this path,” Stone reflects on the fortuitous twist of fate that marked Southern Laced’s origin. Her journey began with a passionate embrace of writing poetry, eventually evolving into crafting romance novels, blogging, freelancing, and sharing personal stories.
“The journey was marked by unexpected opportunities and a convergence of creative passions. Southern Laced evolved organically, driven by the desire to create a space that celebrated diverse artistic expressions,” Stone explains the evolution beyond expectations in 2014, transitioning from a book series to a dynamic media platform.
The early years weren’t without challenges.“An unexpected email led to my first celebrity interview,” Stone recalls, reflecting on the steep learning curve and the pivotal moment that propelled her into celebrity interviews. Despite initial hesitation, Stone embraced the opportunity and discovered a knack for insightful, polished interviews that resonated with readers.
“These interviews transcended celebrity status; they offered profound insights and human connections that left a lasting impact,” Stone emphasizes, referring to standout moments like interviews with the late James Mtume, Robert “Kool” Bell, Mathew Knowles and Tawatha Agee.
Stone attributes much of Southern Laced’s success to the dedicated team of freelancers. “GBoogie, Santana, Sadé Kelly, Kendra Bell, Stylist L. Roy, and Claudia Lollia, to name a few, breathed life into the platform,” Stone acknowledges. These contributors enriched the content with their diverse perspectives, ultimately shaping the platform’s character.
In addition to the aforementioned individuals, Southern Laced owes a debt of gratitude to other talented freelancers who have been instrumental in shaping its trajectory. “Zelmae, LaKeisha Bardwell, Fallon Brewster, Claire Hasting, Kimberly Davis, Tiffany Anderson, and Mia Taylor have significantly contributed to the magazine’s essence,” Stone adds.
Looking to the future, Stone envisions embracing change while staying true to Southern Laced’s essence. “Our 10th-year milestone is a testament to growth, innovation, and our unwavering commitment to authenticity,” Stone shares.
Amidst a landscape of media saturation, Southern Laced’s unique narrative is a tribute to the serendipitous, the authentic, and the transformative power of creative endeavors. Through a decade of evolution and unexpected avenues, Kelly Stone’s journey with Southern Laced continues to inspire, resonate, and leave an indelible mark in the realm of media and entertainment.
“If the audience can see themselves in SL, it’s a reflection of the greatness and potential inside of them,” Stone believes. The platform aims to “shine a light in common places that are sometimes ignored, be a voice for the sometimes forgotten, strengthen people when they are weak, give hope when they are hopeless, and be southern laced with love.”
The Southern Laced community operates under a robust Code of Ethics, ensuring that all contributors align with the platform’s values.“All freelancers are expected to protect our company’s legality. We strive to uphold conduct that is honest, ethical, and fair,” Stone emphasizes. Standing by a Code of Ethics, Southern Laced maintains a commitment to fostering a positive and ethical environment within its community.
“Getting Laced on Life, Love, Arts, Inspiration & Real Life People – Where authenticity meets creativity, and stories come alive.”
Kelly Stone, Founder of Southern Laced
As Southern Laced continues to evolve, Stone remains focused on reinforcing the platform’s ethical foundation. “It’s important to remain ethical because otherwise, SL won’t be a good platform or source for information,” Stone underscores, highlighting the critical role ethics play in maintaining the integrity of Southern Laced as a trusted source.
As Southern Laced approaches its 10th year, the platform stands poised for celebratory initiatives. “This milestone underscores our continuous commitment to growth, innovation, and authenticity,” Stone affirms, echoing the enduring dedication to reflecting the greatness and potential within its audience.
About Southern Laced
Welcome to Southern Laced, your premier destination for dynamic articles and press releases covering a spectrum of topics, including Celebrities, Fashion, Art, Love, News, Entertainment, Music, Photography, and Lifestyle. Founded in 2014, our platform celebrates the diversity of artistic expression, offering insights into the ever-evolving tapestry of life.
Featured Celebrities:
Southern Laced takes pride in having the honor of featuring a wide array of influential artists. Some of the remarkable personalities we’ve had the privilege to showcase include:
Calvin Richardson, Mathew Knowles, James Mtume, Tawatha Agee, Ayanna Gregory, Collin Abraham, Jekalyn Carr, Lalah Hathaway, Stokley (of Mint Condition), Stephanie Mills, Dru Hill, Cheryl Fortune, Pastor Troy, Urban Mystic, Trick Daddy, Silkk “The Shocker” Miller, Frédéric Adjiwanou, JWonn, BLUSH, Daniel D., 95 South, Mr. Collipark, Mara Hall, John Best, Akin Ayodele, Donell Jones, Juliann Johnson, LaMorris Williams, Tambra Cherie, Tony T. Yarber, Dawn Richard, Robert “Kool” Bell, K. Michelle, and many more.
For media inquiries, partnerships, or to learn more about Southern Laced, dive into our Media Kit or email us at info@southernlaced.com.
Stay connected with Southern Laced for a vibrant mix of engaging content and insightful interviews. Follow us on Instagram: @southernlacedofficial and Facebook and Twitter @southernlaced to be a part of our community and join the conversation.
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Thank you for being a part of the Southern Laced journey. Stay Laced and Stay Blessed.
SOUTHERN LACED™ 
One response to “A Decade Unveiled: Navigating the Southern Laced Journey with Founder Kelly Stone”
[…] this year, I shared more about Southern Laced’s journey in A Decade Unveiled: Navigating the Southern Laced Journey. If you missed it, I hope you’ll take a moment to read it—it’s a look back at the moments and […]