The Mustard Seed Gifts was started in 2016 by Susan Southerland. From the earliest days of her life, Susan always felt like a decorator and collector at heart. Her mother always said that she was born with a hammer in her hand. She began showing her passion for decorating as a little girl when she always sought to improve and enhance her Barbie’s dollhouses.

Susan always dreamed of opening her own store and The Mustard Seed Gifts is the realization of that dream.The name of the store comes from one of Susan’s favorite verses in the Bible, Matthew 17:20. The verse says, “He replied, ‘Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.’” This verse has helped her through the years as she has dealt with life’s ups and downs, including being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010. Her faith has been instrumental in overcoming challenges and obstacles, and the mustard seed is a perfect reminder of the power of faith.

In addition to the verse, the name is also a tribute to the piece of jewelry that Susan’s grandmother and mother used to wear: a mustard seed necklace. Upon opening the store, she decided to create a new take on this traditional piece of jewelry. Her niece, Hannah, had been studying jewelry making and the two of them worked together to create the store’s namesake and signature piece.

Susan is passionate about helping her customers decorate their homes, enhance their wardrobes, and find the perfect gift for a friend or loved one. If you are in the Chattanooga area, please visit her and her team at The Mustard Seed Gifts.