Our Story

Welcome to Southern Pickens

Southern Pickens was founded in 2015 from a simple love for painting, creating, and finding a new way to help support my family. What began as a small booth and a creative outlet has grown into a brand centered around handmade decor, quality DIY products, thoughtfully curated finds, and plenty of Southern hospitality.

I’m Kristi! The artist and owner behind Southern Pickens. I’m also a homeschooling mom of two and a worship leader, so life around here is beautifully full! Southern Pickens has been built right alongside family life; through late-night painting sessions, changing seasons, lots of big ideas, and a genuine love for creating things that bring joy to others.

Hand-painted pieces will always be at the heart of Southern Pickens. From custom door hangers and gifts to one-of-a-kind creations, I love knowing that something made by my hands gets to become a small part of someone else’s home, celebration, or story.

But over the years, Southern Pickens has grown into so much more than what I personally create.

As a Certified Elite Retailer for Dixie Belle Paint Company, I’m able to share many of the products I use and love in my own creative work. I've also expanded the shop to include Sweet Pickins Milk Paint and finishing products, giving fellow painters and DIYers even more ways to create beautiful, character-filled pieces of their own.

You'll also find a growing collection of gifts and specialty products, including Southern Pickens × Barnyard Coffee, locally roasted right here in North Louisiana. Whether I'm painting it, designing it, using it in my own studio, or choosing it for the shop, I want the products under the Southern Pickens name to feel intentional.

One thing that has remained at the center of Southern Pickens from the very beginning is Colossians 3:23:

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord…”

That verse has been a reminder through every season of this business that the work I do is about more than simply creating or selling something. Whether I'm painting a custom piece, packing an order, helping someone choose the right paint, or serving my local community, I want to do it wholeheartedly and with purpose.

And really, that’s the heart behind Southern Pickens:

Create with purpose. Inspire creativity. Support community. And help others find beauty in the handmade.

Whether you found me because you're searching for the perfect door hanger, picking out a new paint color, planning your next furniture makeover, grabbing a bag of coffee, or simply looking for a little creative inspiration; I'm so glad you're here!

Thank you for supporting Southern Pickens and this little dream that has grown far beyond that first booth. Every order, share, comment, recommendation, and kind word has helped make the last decade possible, and I'm incredibly grateful to have you along for whatever we create next.

— Kristi
Owner + Artist, Southern Pickens