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At Souk Bohemian and Nomad, nestled inside Atlanta’s Ponce City Market, every item is chosen with intention, from the perfect neutral-toned linen shirt to a hand-formed incense holder with soft imperfections. For founder and creative curator Vanessa (Nessa) Coore Vernon, this is more than retail. It’s about creating moments of belonging and beauty.
“When someone walks into my shop for the first time, I want them to feel incredibly loved and considered”, Nessa says. “I want you to see bits of maybe your homeland or something that reminds you of comfort and ease.”
Souk is a space that evokes care for people, objects and the stories that connect them. And Faire plays a key role in helping Nessa deliver that extraordinary experience to everyone who visits.
The joy and discipline of curation
“Curation is probably one of my biggest joys”, says Nessa. More than an aesthetic exercise, it’s a commitment to creating cohesion across everything she brings into Souk.
“My role as a curator shapes the experience from the lens that all the items really work well together”, she says. “I’m always looking at where something’s coming from, who’s making it, the story behind it. I want these pieces to live inside your home with longevity, not just for the season.”
Nessa and her staff often test pieces before they ever hit the floor. “We take them home, wear them, live in them”, she says. “We talk about what works for different bodies, climates and events – from everyday wear to a trip to Monaco. That’s how we guide people. It’s less about size and more about spirit. Do you feel good? Do you feel like you can move with ease?”
Smarter, values-aligned discovery
With a focus on gender-neutral silhouettes, eco-friendly materials and small-batch sourcing, Nessa’s process demands constant discovery. Faire makes that exploration smarter and more values-driven.
“I appreciate Faire’s values tags“, she says. “Most of the pieces we bring in are sustainably sourced, and when we can’t ensure that, we still shop small-batch. Faire helps me make sure what we’re offering has been made with care – either ethically or in limited runs, so nothing is wasted.”
Nessa also relies on Faire’s Showroom feature to vet quality as her brand grows. “There’s just so much product out there. Showroom helps me filter through what’s tried and true and helps make sure we’re still aligned with brands that share our values.”
Convenience without compromise
While the intentionality behind Souk’s selection is non-negotiable, time is always limited, and Faire’s all-in-one platform has become essential.
“Sourcing is a full-time job,” says Nessa. “Travelling, shipping, coordinating. As a small business, you’re already doing 10 jobs in one. Faire lets me sit down and curate everything in real time, right from one search engine. I use my Favourites as vision boards and build out collections I want to bring into the shop.”
With Faire’s Shopify integration, Nessa can also reorder quickly and keep bestsellers in stock. “If I’m low on something, Faire shows me exactly how many units I have left while I’m reordering”, she says. “It’s been a huge help when customers are asking for something specific.”
And with Faire Insider’s free shipping, the economics of restocking make more sense too. “I’ve been an Insider from the start”, says Nessa. “It lets me put more money back into the product instead of weighing whether shipping costs make something feasible. That makes a real impact.”
Low minimums, big opportunity
A surprising and powerful benefit Nessa has found through Faire is the low order minimums, which allow her to take creative risks without overextending her budget.
“A lot of brands require minimums of £1,500 to £2,000, which we can’t always commit to unless we’re already confident in the product”, she explains. Since Faire’s minimums are typically £200 to £300, she can try new things. “It’s helped us diversify the shop and introduce new stories. We often go back and place bigger orders, but that low barrier to entry gives us the freedom to explore.”
That flexibility has helped Souk expand into new categories, like zero-proof spirits for her in-store tastings. “It started with a few brands and now it’s a whole category. We host monthly tastings called Mindfully Spirited, and Faire makes it easy to keep our bar stocked with emerging brands in that space.”
Low minimums aren’t the only way Faire gives independent businesses some financial breathing room. “Faire’s net terms make a world of difference. A lot of small brands don’t have those systems in place, but Faire’s terms let us try more and manage cash flow better”, Nessa says. “The return policy also makes trying new things feel safe. I rarely return, but just knowing I could – that I’m not stuck – helps.”
Building a space that feels like home
For Nessa, Souk isn’t just about selling, it’s about connecting. “We’re building a community through curiosity and newness”, she says. “The space is meant to invite conversation and memory. People walk in and say it’s the most beautiful space they’ve ever been in. They bring friends. They bring family.”
Even the scents, the music and the films projected on the wall are curated to evoke presence and peace. “Beyond being a place to shop, the art of discovery and curiosity is at the helm”, says Nessa. “You come in and take something home – a book, a candle – and it leads you down your own path of exploration.”
The products reflect that philosophy too. Take Nessa’s beloved Oaxacan candles: “Each one is handmade with a different face, slightly different tonality. Once the candle burns down, you can reuse the vessel. They’re beautiful storytelling pieces.”
She even offers custom-branded palo santo sticks made by a Faire vendor, a testament to the collaborative possibilities the platform opens. “Some brands have been willing to tailor products to our needs. They send samples; they adjust offerings”, she says. “That’s been such a special surprise.”
Faire as a partner in sustainable growth
Running a brick-and-mortar in today’s climate isn’t easy. But Faire helps Nessa stretch her resources while staying true to her mission.
Ultimately, Faire empowers Souk to source with intention, support emerging makers and offer a truly immersive experience to everyone who walks through the door.
“I recommend Faire to everyone, brands and retailers alike”, says Nessa. “It lets us focus on our craft, while knowing we have a partner who’s looking out for both sides of the business.” [#]
