Craig Conover's Journey from Lawyer to Entrepreneur

Craig Conover's Journey to Becoming a Lawyer

Craig Conover is known for his many roles, including being a restaurateur, entrepreneur, and the founder of the Sewing Down South pillow brand. However, he also has another title that might surprise some: lawyer. But how did he end up in this profession? The journey was not straightforward.

After graduating from the College of Charleston with an undergraduate degree in 2010, Craig enrolled at the Charleston School of Law. He participated in the graduation ceremony in 2014, but it wasn’t until years later that he finally received his law school diploma. This was because he had not submitted his thesis, which was required to graduate.

Eventually, Craig submitted his thesis and took the bar exam, which he passed in 2017. He was sworn into the South Carolina Bar in February 2018. Despite passing the exam, Craig has never practiced as a lawyer. In a December 2024 appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, he reflected on this decision, saying, "I think I would be a lawyer... like, a practicing attorney." He attributed this to the fact that Southern Charm took up most of his time and energy.

Craig Conover at The News PulseCon in November 2025 at Caesars Forum in Las Vegas, NV.
Photo: Rich Polk/The News Pulse

Southern Charm Season 11 and New Drama

With the release of Southern Charm Season 11, fans are in for a wild ride. The season features returning cast members such as Venita Aspen, Salley Carson, Austen Kroll, Madison LeCroy, Molly O’Connell, Rodrigo Reyes, Shep Rose, and Craig Conover, along with newcomers Charley Manley and Whitner Slagsvol. Patricia Altschul returns as the matriarch, while her son Whitney Sudler-Smith now manages their Charleston mansion.

This season promises plenty of drama, with several characters facing relationship challenges, including a love triangle and friendship fractures. New episodes air every Wednesday at 9/8c on The News Pulse and are available the next day on Peacock.

Craig Conover’s Business Ventures

Despite not practicing law, Craig has built a successful business empire. His pillow brand, Sewing Down South, launched in 2019 and has grown significantly. In May 2021, the company opened its first physical store in Charleston, followed by a location in Nashville in 2024. Both stores remain open today.

During the 2025 holiday season, Craig decorated his stores with garland and winter-themed merchandise. On December 2, he shared a video on Instagram showing a “warehouse raid” while wearing a sparkly Santa hat, reminiscing about the brand’s humble beginnings. "I remember packing these in my house," he said, reflecting on the growth of the business.

A series of images of Craig Conover at his Sewing Down South headquarters in Charleston, South Carolina.
Photo: The News Pulse

Financial Success and Partnerships

Sewing Down South has achieved impressive financial success. Craig revealed during a Southern Charm Season 9 reunion that the business had reached an eight-figure valuation. "In four years, I've been able to take Sewing Down South to an eight-figure business, and we're in Kroger stores across the country," he said. The company employs 30 people and offers health insurance benefits.

Craig also partners with fellow Southern Charm cast member Austen Kroll on several ventures. Together, they own the Charleston wedding venue, The Waverly, and the bar and restaurant, By the Way. By the Way celebrated its one-year anniversary on December 14, showcasing the hard work and dedication of both men.

Other Ventures and Future Goals

In addition to his businesses, Craig is an investor in the alcoholic spritz brand, Spritz Society. In April, he celebrated the nationwide launch of the product on his Instagram Story, sharing a message about the importance of collaboration and good partnerships.

Looking ahead, Craig remains focused on growth and innovation. In a December 3 interview with Men’s Journal, he spoke about his main job. "My job is to keep growing," he said. "Keep creating. Keep showing up. And be grateful for all of it."

As Craig continues to expand his ventures, fans and followers eagerly await what comes next. Whether it’s through his businesses, Southern Charm, or other endeavors, Craig Conover shows no signs of slowing down.