Today we’d like to introduce you to Sonder Luxury Suites (Courtney Kelly).
Sonder Luxury Suites (Courtney Kelly), we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Sonder, co-owned by Courtney Kelly and Brittney Hart since 2021, was born from a post-lockdown vision in 2020 to create a supportive, affordable space for creatives and small business owners. During that uncertain time, we imagined a place where entrepreneurs could grow their businesses without the burden of full-scale leases. When we found the space beneath the Citizen apartments, we knew it was the perfect fit for our mission to empower others to thrive independently.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely not! We hit early challenges with construction and contractor issues—valuable lessons that became stepping stones, not setbacks. Then came the challenges of launching during a global pandemic—logistics were harder, delays were constant, and every step took extra effort.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Sonder began as a home for beauty and wellness pros—hairstylists, barbers, nail techs, wax specialists—and has since grown to welcome tattoo artists and other creatives.
Our model includes an on-site concierge who supports business owners with tasks like cleaning and lunch runs. We also partner with the Citizen to promote Sonder businesses and share their specials with residents.
What were you like growing up?
Brittney and I go way back—we worked together for years in Florence, AL, where we’re both from. I worked in her salon before moving to Memphis in 2014. We’ve been longtime friends with a shared dream of owning a business together.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @sondersuites
- Facebook: Sonder Luxury Suites
