Southern Gates + Southern Charm: The Story Behind the Shine for Jesus Pendant

Before there was a pendant, there was simply admiration.

We admired Diane Altman Leary, affectionately known as “MeMe,” for quite some time before ever imagining we’d have the opportunity to create something together. As the heart behind the beloved MeMe’s Recipes brand, MeMe has built a community around so many of the things we value at Southern Gates—family, tradition, and faith.

We admired her warmth and the genuine way she shares her life and faith with her community. She felt like such a natural fit for Southern Gates—not just aesthetically, but in the values and traditions that mean so much to our brand.

So, of course, we hoped that one day we might find the right way to work together.

When we finally connected, the conversation quickly became about more than simply collaborating on a piece of jewelry. We wanted to create something that felt personal, meaningful, and true to both MeMe and Southern Gates.

Together, we dreamed up the Shine for Jesus Pendant.

Crafted in sterling silver, this signature pendant features the words “Shine for Jesus” in elegant script—a simple yet powerful reminder to let your faith shine in your everyday life. Whether worn as a personal symbol of encouragement or gifted to someone special, it’s a timeless piece designed to celebrate the values that matter most.

The idea felt especially fitting for a collaboration with MeMe. She affectionately uses the phrase “Shine for Jesus” often in her content—a simple sentiment that has become familiar to her community. Her faith is something she shares naturally and authentically, woven into the everyday moments that have made so many people feel connected to her over the years. We wanted the pendant to capture that same spirit: meaningful without feeling overly formal and special enough to carry with you every day.

For Southern Gates, jewelry has always been about more than accessorizing. The pieces we hold onto are often the ones that tell a story: where we come from, what we believe, who we love, and the traditions we hope to pass down. While our design roots may be in Southern architecture, faith has always had a place in the Southern Gates story.

That’s what made creating the Shine for Jesus Pendant with MeMe feel so special.

What started with admiring her from afar turned into a connection, a conversation, and eventually a piece we’re incredibly proud to share. We hope it becomes one of those pieces you reach for again and again.