Meet Our Sewers ANd Worker Owners
Southern Journeys is owned by seven managing members and provides sewing work to roughly 30 sewers from rural communities spanning the Alabama and Georgia Black Belt and the Mississippi Delta. We are dedicated to celebrating the achievements of our ancestors, and we are determined to continue their efforts to push our communities forward.
Why Being in Southern Journeys is Important to Me: "As the company grows, it produces jobs. I also want to help the next generation."
About Me: "Sewing will relax you as you're interested in what the finished product will look like. I started to sew in the sewing factory.
Favorite saying: 'OMG' and 'I won't give up. I'm in it to win it.'
Favorite place: "Any museum."
Dorothea
Worker Owner
Albany, GA
Why Being in Southern Journeys is Important to Me: "Being a part of Southern Journeys is important to me because it gives me the opportunity to learn from other rural women from AL, GA and MS. We are able to talk, discuss and share experiences, and it's a way to learn more about my heritage."
About Me: "I enjoy sewing, especially quilting. I have been sewing for 30 years, to me, it’s like cooking, they both go hand-in-hand. When you cook for a large family, like I have, sometimes you have to think about what you are going to put together. A lot of times, recycle foods from your refrigerator (leftovers) become the highlight of the day. I also feel the same way about quilting. A tradition that was handed down from my grandmother and mother, whatever scrap pieces they found laying around the house, became a quilt for the winter months.
Favorite place to visit: Washoe Pines in Reno, Nevada. I only visited once but hope to return soon. I love children and I am sometimes called the Pied Piper of children, coming from a large family.
Favorite saying: 'Life is not a remote control, you have to get up and change it yourself'".
Fannie
Worker Owner, Managing Member
Albany, GA
Why Being in Southern Journeys is Important to Me: "I really enjoy working with all of the ladies. Sharing thoughts and concerns about women of color in the south."
About Me: "I love sewing, especially quilting. My life is centered around our Tuesday gathering to sew, socialize, and enjoy our beautiful handmade crafts."
Favorite saying: 'Work Hard, Do The Best That You Can."
Grace
Worker Owner
Newton, GA
GUSSIE MAE
Worker Owner
Marks, MS
In Memory 01/01/1936 - 08/13/2017
Why Being in Southern Journeys is Important to Me: "Southern Journeys is important to me because it is an opportunity for Black Women to generate revenue for themselves and their family."
About Me: "I enjoy sewing because it is relaxing and it gives me the opportunity to fellowship with my peers. I started sewing when my children were small and we were stationed in Hawaii. Living in Hawaii was very expensive so I was able to make their clothing for school.
Favorite saying: 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.'"
Mattie
Worker Owner
Albany, GA
In Memory: 2/5/1938 - 4/11/2021
Why Being in Southern Journeys is Important to Me: "Southern Journeys is important to me because it is relaxing with a group of Black Women working together, trying to make a company business that will empower women."
About Me: "I grew up on a farm and had to learn to do a lot of things in order to survive-sewing was one of those those things. I enjoy quilting and talking with the other quilters about patterns and old times.
Favorite saying: "God Is Good"
Mollie
Worker Owner
Newton, GA
Why Being in Southern Journeys is Important to Me: "Southern Journeys is an outside of home activity to meet with other ladies weekly, sew and enjoy each other and -share our expertise."
About Me: "I started sewing at an early age. This enabled me to keep up with the latest fashions.
Favorite saying: "Do all you can, while you can."
Willie B.
Worker Owner, Managing Member
Charleston, MS