From the Mississippi Delta to Reed Smythe: Keith Meacham’s Story of Friendship and Craft

About this episode

Ariel Okin interviews Keith Smythe Meacham about her journey from education to entrepreneurship and the importance of craft and community in design.

Some people collect memories; others collect stories, objects, and traditions. Keith Meacham does it all, creating a beautiful alchemy of unexpected home goods that celebrate her Mississippi roots. This week on Talk Shop, Ariel heads to the heart of the American South to welcome Keith Smythe Meacham, co-founder of Reed Smythe & Company, the home goods shop she launched in 2018 with her dear friend and fellow Mississippian, the late Julia Reed, a beloved industry legend. Rooted in the Mississippi Delta and shaped by a deep respect for craft and collaboration, Reed Smythe & Company partners with artisans across the South and beyond to create uncommon goods for house and garden. Keith shares her journey from a long career in public education to entrepreneurship, the power of female friendship, and the importance of trusting your gut, both in design and in life. Keith’s work and home have been featured in Veranda, Elle Decor, Flower, and Southern Living, and she’s been recognized as a Southern Living Tastemaker and a judge for the Garden & Gun Made in the South Awards. From career pivots and creative risk-taking to honoring legacy and building community through design…

People in this episode

Host: Ariel Okin

Guest: Keith Smythe Meacham

Topics covered

• entrepreneurship
• female friendship
• design
• craft
• home goods
• community building
• career pivots

Keywords

• Keith Meacham
• Reed Smythe
• Mississippi
• home goods
• female entrepreneurship
• craftsmanship
• design
• community
• Julia Reed
• Southern Living

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Reed Smythe & Company, Southern Living, Veranda, Elle Decor, Flower, Garden & Gun

Places: Mississippi, Mississippi Delta

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