We had the good fortune of connecting with Sally and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sally, we’d love to hear about a book that’s had an impact on you.
The book that has impacted me the most is “Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World,” by Adam Grant. This book is so great and life-changing! Since my youth, I have had a tendency to buck at the idea of all things “normal.” Though, when it came to business, I battled with what other people said I should try and what business decisions I should make regardless of how unsure I may have been regarding those business decisions. I knew that the ideas I had were not based upon the “normal” way of doing business, and because of that, I unsuccessfully got my business off of the ground.

But, this book changed all of that for me. In “Originals,” Adam Grant really breaks down how doing things by the book is not a good thing in business or in life, period. Each and every business (and Life) decision that I have made, has been against the grain and against the norm. This strategy has helped me to step even further outside of the box. After reading this awesome book, I now stand firm in my non-conformity in ALL of my decision making, whether it be life or business, because it has not steered me wrong. Plus, it just feels right, ya know?

“Originals” showed me that being original and being a non-conformist is not at all a bad thing. This book has helped to solidify the notion that everyone else is weird and that I am actually the normal one LOL!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My first shop, The Blonde Gazelle, is a vintage clothing boutique that specializes in selling the dopest retro and vintage fashion I can find. My motto is, the brighter and more fabulous, the better! My second shop, Blondie’s Trunk, is a non vintage variation of The Blonde Gazelle, and follows the same motto.

I love to wear ALL things bright and colorful and completely fabulous, so I sell the same funky clothing items that I would wear myself.

My businesses set me apart from others because they are based off of me and my personality. No one can duplicate my personality because it is mine and mine alone. No one else is allowed LOL!

The challenges I faced early on were listening to too many outside influences which resulted in me not following my gut and my heart. Once I began to follow my mind and my heart regarding my shops, business became a breeze. When your business is based off of you and your own thoughts and ideas, the business side of things become much easier to navigate. Everything tends to move and flow as smooth as butter.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My absolute favorite places to visit in Atlanta are as follows: The number one place for good food and drinks is East Atlanta Thai in East Atlanta. Good vibes, margaritas, and fried basil catfish can be found here and only here. My top favorite location for shopping is Rag-O-Rama in Little Five Points. The absolute BEST place to find fabulous fashions (aside from The Blonde Gazelle, of course).
My favorite place to relax and unwind is Jeju Sauna & Spa in Duluth, GA. I do not have enough words for this place…the body scrubs, the sauna and hot tub, the ramen bowls….Amazing! I only visit during the week, because the weekends tend to be crowded, and the notion of relaxing then becomes counterproductive.

These are all of my favorite Atlanta spots that never seem to disappoint, and that’s why I love em!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to send a shoutout to my two sons! They taught me that life always has more to it than what the eyes can see. My two angels are the reason that I push myself, and that I break through barriers. They motivate me more than anything else ever has or ever will.

Website: www.etsy.com/shop/theblondegazelle

Instagram: @theblondegazelle

Twitter: Blondegazelle

Facebook: www.facebook.com/theblondegazelle

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@blondiestrunk https://www.blondiestrunk.com

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.