A Niche Found in the South

Favorite catalogs: “I’ve been smitten with Wisteria lately,” says Edmondson.

Hobbies: “I’ve done the New York Times crossword puzzle every Sunday for 30 years,” she admits.

Management philosophy: She feels it’s important to explain the how and the why behind the business so employees feel they’re part of a team. “Being a manager is a lot like being a teacher — you inform, direct, lead, correct and then later if necessary, clean up the mess.”