Why I'm Starting SouthernSweetMess

I’ve always believed life is a little sweeter when it’s shared—even the messy parts. So welcome. I’m really glad you’re here.

I’m a wife, a mom to teens (one of whom is graduating and heading off to college!), a business owner, and a woman walking the winding road of parenting, autism, family life, and everything in between. SouthernSweetMess is my way of opening the door and saying: Come in. This is what real life looks like.

For a long time, I’ve felt the tug to share more than just the highlight reel. Life lately has been beautiful, but it's also been overwhelming, emotional, hilarious, and straight-up chaotic at times. Between supporting a child with autism, figuring out how to let go of one heading off to college, and still making dinner (when I remember)—there are moments where I just sit back and laugh... or cry... or both.

And somewhere in the middle of it all, I realized: I can’t be the only one feeling this way.

So, I’m starting SouthernSweetMess to tell the whole story—the wins and the fails, the funny moments that save the day, the quiet struggles that don’t make it to social media, and the little victories that remind us we’re doing okay.

Here, you’ll find real stories from a real home. I’ll talk about:

• Parenting teens and learning to let go

• Navigating life with a child on the autism spectrum

• Balancing marriage, motherhood, and business

• Tips and lessons from the trenches of organizing family chaos

• The unfiltered truth (and occasional humor) of this season of life

This is not a space for perfection. It’s a space for connection.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re just trying to keep the plates spinning without dropping your soul in the process—me too. You’re not alone.

So, let’s walk through this together. Laugh when it’s funny, cry when it’s hard, and always look for the lesson (and the joy) at the end of the day.

Thanks for being here. I’m just getting started—but I already feel like we’re in good company.

With love,
Jennifer Richardson
SouthernSweetMess