September 2020
The first booth you see directly in front of you when you enter the East Entrance of Canton Marketplace is one that is always stylishly decorated with Southern shabby chic (pronounced “sheek” for those of us not in the know) furniture, art, and home goods. It was no accident that this is what you see first.
Amber Melton is the mind behind Southern Fried Customs, though she does humbly credit her mom, Denise of NeNe’s Corner, for the woman she is and her inspiration.
Some time ago, Amber had a boutique booth at Canton Marketplace with a friend and business partner. It was through this enterprise that Jessica, the Canton Marketplace manager, became acquainted with Amber’s talent for design and decoration. Late 2019, the booth in front of the entrance became available and Jessica wanted it to have someone that would keep it well decorated as it is highly visible. Jessica contacted Amber and asked her if she would be willing to put her talents to use.
Amber says that she loves to hunt and pick at garage sales, smaller flea markets, estate sales and Craigslist for wonderful items that simply need a little love to be turned into something wonderful or even repurposed for some other use. With a twinkle and smile in her eyes, she says, “I call it upcycling. I love to make new things out of old things and take old broken things and make them into something else. That’s my love, the new creation.”
She also saw Jessica’s request for her to open this booth as an opportunity to get her mom involved. She says her mom loves to refinish furniture and also do interior decorating. Her hope was the booth would grow and allow her mom to become involved and eventually retire early while doing something that she loves.
Amber, already having a taste of entrepreneurship, decided it would be a good idea to have a booth again and in January 2020, she opened Southern Fried Customs. Things went extremely well and soon her mom also opened a booth, NeNe’s Corner, right next to her. And to complete the family business, her sister, Lauren, is behind her with Pauria Roots.
NeNe's Corner
Pauria RootsWith a little excitement she says that she envisions one day having a large store with complete rooms that are styled and decorated where customers can come in and simply select the styled room they would like to purchase.
She might be on her way to achieving that. Her mom just sold out her entire booth in just such a fashion. And on Aug 19, Amber opened a store in Van, TX in collaboration with Jessica’s store there, so there are now two Southern Fried Customs locations. The store is closed for Canton First Monday Trade Days and sports the same “vintques” type goods and shabby chic style for which Amber is known. She has officially turned her love into full-time employment. You can find her at 171 W Main Street Van, TX 75790.
Van, TX storefront. Image courtesy Amber Melton
Inside the Van, TX store. Image courtesy Amber MeltonRecently, some of Amber’s furniture was selected to appoint the entryway of a Texas Historic Landmark, the McKain Family Home in Wills Point. The home was built in 1874 by Thomas J. and Mattie McKain, the first couple married in Wills Point. Thomas McKain was also the first (and a later) mayor of Wills Point.
McKain Family Home entryway with Southern Fried Customs furniture. Image courtesy Amber Melton.
If you're looking for some shabby chic furniture, vintiques, or upcycled home decor, be sure to stop by Southern Fried Customs. Amber and family with their warm, friendly style and charm will most certainly be able to help you out.
Southern Fried Customs is a member of both the Canton Chamber of Commerce and the Van Chamber of Commerce.
Visit Canton Marketplace on Canton First Monday Trade Days to see Southern Fried Customs. And remember that Canton Shopping Guide is your resource for shopping in the Canton area.
