Serving Barnwell County and it's neighbors since 1852
Family is at the forefront of the Town of Blackville’s newest business.
Sistas Closet, opened and operated by sisters Rita Pernell, Pearlene Lee, Evelyn Thomas, and Ethel Berry, is offering retail and consignment clothing as well as alterations right on Main Street.
Providing work attire to formal dresses with the ability to make a custom fit, Sistas Closet is aiding in the charge toward increasing local business in the town.
When original plans fell through for the space roughly six months ago, the sisters saw an opportunity to start an entrepreneurial journey together as sisters, friends, and now business partners.
Through many late nights and early mornings, they made it happen.
“We never had time, as sisters, to spend time together,” said Rita Pernell. “The Lord allowed us to retire, and now we’re here.”
A retail option is something the town has not had for nearly five decades, and the sisters are excited to allow people to feel their best without traveling far from home.
“This is going to be a renaissance for Blackville that you are the start of,” said Bob Snead, president of the Southern Palmetto Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Sistas Closet is part of a recent influx of business in the town; a new grocery store recently opened its doors and two new restaurants and a coffee shop are underway. More specifically, they are part of the national upward trend of women-owned businesses on a local level.
In recent years, Shawnta Harrison opened a storefront for her travel agency Harrison’s Travels and Tykesha Jenkins opened The Scoop House.
“What has been really heartening since I started at the chamber is all of the incredible, powerful women that are starting businesses,” said Snead. “That is a big trend that is happening nationwide, and we’re seeing it here on the local level as well.”
The sisters are proud to be a part of this movement and serve as local representation for young women looking to start a similar path, as well as honor their late sister in the process.
The journey to business ownership was embarked on carrying the spirit and wisdom of the late Alberta Williams, their sister who died in November 2021.
“We couldn’t have this Sista’s Closet and not include her in some kind of way,” said Rita.
Alberta was a fashionista, according to her sisters. With nowhere to go on a Tuesday night, she would still be dressed nicely. Rita joked there was no such thing as a T-shirt and sneakers for her sister.
“I think that was really key to her being part of this,” said Rita. All the sisters agreed they could see Alberta wearing the items they sell in the store.
Alberta worked as a corrections officer at Allendale Correctional Institution (ACI) and bonded with the juveniles she served throughout her career. She acted as a mother figure, a mentor, and a listening ear to many, so much so they would keep in touch with her after release.
“She was built for it,” said Evelyn, who remembers her sister as strong, empathetic, and the guiding hand that was sometimes needed.
The sisters expressed how strong and respected Alberta was to thrive in the environment in which she worked, and how it was fueled by her love for the individuals at the prison.
These sentiments were only heightened when it came to her sisters. When Pearlene was diagnosed with cancer, Alberta served as her caretaker. As she cared for her sister, she too was about to face a similar diagnosis.
Alberta was diagnosed with cancer and had to retire early from ACI. A large party was thrown for her under shady pine trees at the facility.
She helped each of the sisters grow into themselves, and they remember her home as full of food, love, and laughter.
“Bertha held the family together,” said Evelyn.
Pearlene remembers every time they had a disagreement, Alberta would make it right before morning because she refused to go to bed with anger amidst her sisters.
“She said, ‘I’m not going to go to bed with me and you upset with each other.’ That’s what I loved about her, she would always make it right before 12 o’clock,” said Pearlene.
At the front of the store, a watercolor portrait of Alberta painted by an inmate at ACI can be found in her honor. At the back of the store among the sewing machines and inventory, her memory lives in the fun and welcoming atmosphere the sisters maintain.
Pearlene and Ethel have been doing alterations for as long as they can remember, learning the craft from other local seamstresses and sewers.
Ethel’s experience began a bit in her high school home economics class, but her sewing rapidly increased after taking a job at Blackville Manufacturing alongside the late Virginia Black and the late Mozelle McCathy.
“She made me sit down and sew,” said Ethel of McCathy. Ethel’s alterations skills only grew upon starting work at the now closed Burnette’s Cleaners in Columbia.
Pearlene got her start in alterations with Dennis Isaac, who had a vision for a dress and needed someone to sew it. The pair made a dress from two different garments.
“If you can drive, you can sew,” said Pearlene, explaining the pedal of the machine is like the gas pedal and the lining of the fabric is like the road. Stay steady and in the lines.
Ethel and Pearlene hope to pass on their skills to anyone who is interested in learning, and have already taught other young people the basics of sewing.
Their parents, Willie and Willie Mae Williams, taught the sisters to play to their individual strengths; something they do in the store in their respective roles.
To contact the shop, call (839) 272-1023 or email sistascloset175@gmail.com.
