Ellington

Sue Hernandez says she did not use social media for a long time until one of her Hinds Community College professors told her that she needed to use it if she really wanted to be a small business owner, she says.

"I have a business background, with bookkeeping and sales and marketing, but social media is such a new trend," Hernandez says. "You're either with it, or you're not."

Hernandez, 34, works as a social-media manager for Winstead Clothing Company and does social-media marketing for Timothy Lewis, who is currently running for Hinds County tax collector.

Born in Mexico City, Hernandez lived in Chicago and Texas before her dad's business brought her to Mississippi in 1991.

Hernandez grew up and went to school in Clinton.

She received her associate's degree in landscape management in 2005. Three years ago, she and boyfriend Matt Middleton started Gluckstadt Garten in Gluckstadt, where they grow organic vegetables.

"We use it as a platform to go to farmers markets and talk to people about the importance of eating fresh, local produce and supporting local businesses," Hernandez says.

Hernandez began working with Davis Winstead at men's clothing store Winstead Clothing Company in 2018.

"I'm the kind of person that sees a need, and I try and meet it," she says. "I saw he needed help, and he was hesitant."

Her pop-up shop, Local Bunny, was in his store until he had to switch locations due to property conflicts. She sold herbal teas, local products, local art and T-shirts that she made promoting the plant-based and vegan lifestyle. The store closed on Dec. 31, 2018.

Hernandez says that she wants to incorporate community into the brand of Winstead Clothing. She especially likes the button-down shirts in the Winstead store that help Hard Places Community, a ministry helping fight human and sex trafficking.

"I realized that my strengths are better in helping other people and other small business owners," she says. "When people come ask me for information, I'm just going to share it with them. If these small business owners do better in our community, then that money stays in our community."

In her free time, Hernandez likes to garden and read about personal growth, as well as spend time with her two sons, ages 14 and 9, and her boyfriend.

Hernandez says she loves Jackson because of her family, the community feel and the kindness of the locals.