10/13/2026
Last week, our Entrepreneurship class was thrilled to welcome Jenny Thompson and Ally Haney, the team behind Birdies of St. Simons Island. They offered students a candid and inspiring look at what it takes to open a storefront on the island and the economics that keep a retail business thriving. Jenny and Ally began by sharing their backgrounds, how their partnership developed, and the story of bringing Birdies to life.
One highlight of their visit was a discussion of wholesale pricing, a core concept in our curriculum that came alive through their real-world examples. They explained how inventory moves from manufacturers to boutique shelves, focusing on:
* Understanding Margins and Keystone Pricing: How wholesale costs translate into retail prices and how margins help cover overhead, staffing, and future inventory purchases.
* Smart Purchasing and Forecasting: How to curate collections months in advance while managing cash flow and minimizing inventory risk.
* Building Strong Supplier Relationships: Why strong relationships with apparel brands and wholesalers are essential to a successful retail business.
Students asked thoughtful follow-up questions about retail markups, standing out from competitors, managing inventory, selecting products, and building a brand identity that resonates with the island community.
Thank you to Jenny Thompson and Ally Haney for sharing their time, experience, and insights—and for inspiring the next generation of business leaders!
