24e Furnishings @ Broughton

A new take on the family business

Rooted in Savannah’s downtown historic district, lifestyles store and creative services outlet, 24e., is more global than southern, more urban than suburban. Someone around here said it’s a sweet, southern belle with a racy hemline. That sounds about right.

What it is in fact is a family affair – a former family furniture business that’s been given a swift kick and edgy re-do by the founder’s son, Ruel Joyner, Jr. and his wife, Delaine.

For Joyner, Savannah’s definitely been a great place for him to make a name for himself and to do his family proud. The advantages are priceless:

“You can get in on ground level,” he says. “Savannah is growing exponentially, it’s growing quickly. This has definitely been fun.”

As for the future, it means a growing internet presence, no franchising (they’ve already been approached) and lots of cool opportunities like working with the Inc. 500 Conference and Awards Ceremony, which they’ll do in May of this year.

He also likes to salute other kindred spirits, like The Creative Coast’s own Chris Miller, who Joyner says is pretty fantastic.

“He’s part of that new Savannah that we’re about – looking back to heritage and honoring it and loving it, but realizing there’s so much more to do now. Barriers are being broken down daily.”