Craig Conover is a “lawyer and a storyteller” in addition to being a restaurateur, entrepreneur, and pillow magnate. But, did the Southern Charm cast member actually pass the bar? As it turns out, it was quite the journey to get there.
Craig ultimately passed the bar exam in 2017Â and was sworn into the South Carolina Bar in February 2018, but it took him a while to get there. After receiving his undergraduate degree from the College of Charleston in 2010, Craig attended the Charleston School of Law and walked in the graduation ceremony in 2014. But, he eventually revealed that he had not received his law school diploma because he never turned in his thesis, which was required of him to graduate.
Years later, Craig ended up submitting his thesis and taking the bar exam, which he eventually passed. “I’m glad it’s over,” Craig told The Daily Dish in 2017. “I’ve had to deal with this stuff for two-and-a-half years now, and it was kind of taken out of my hand, and everyone else ran with it. So I’m just so happy for it to finally be over…It’s a huge, huge relief. Obviously, I’m excited for my future, but also just for everyone to shut up and leave me alone and let me live my life is something pretty awesome to look forward to.”
Get the latest updates on Craig’s businesses and his hopes for the future.
Is Craig Conover a practicing lawyer after passing the bar?
Craig Conover shares updates on Sewing Down South pillow brand
Craig’s pillow and houseware business, which he launched in 2019, Sewing Down South, is still going strong. In May 2021, the Delaware native opened his first brick-and-mortar location in Charleston, and opened a location in Nashville in 2024, which are still open today. In late October, Craig got his stores fully decorated for the 2025 holiday season, decking the walls and ceiling with garland and winter-themed merch.
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Sewing Down South also recently celebrated Cyber Monday. Craig took to his Instagram account on Dec. 2, where he posted a video of himself doing a “warehouse raid” while wearing a sparkly Santa hat and reminisced on Sewing Down South’s humble beginnings. “I remember packing these in my house,” Craig said of the pillows, as he walked through the warehouse. “Now we’re doing Cyber Monday. Jerry [Casselano] used to pack in DC. It was awesome. I mean, it was cool because we were just starting.”
Craig Conover discusses Sewing Down South’s financial success
Previously, Craig revealed that Sewing Down South holds 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,” Craig told host Andy Cohen during the Southern Charm Season 9 reunion. “We have 30 employees with health insurance.”
Craig Conover and Austen Kroll’s By the Way bar celebrates a major milestone
Craig also has several businesses with his Southern Charm cast member, Austen Kroll. Together, they are partners and investors in a Charleston wedding venue, The Waverly, and the Charleston bar and restaurant, By the Way. By the Way will officially celebrate its 1-year anniversary on Dec. 14, according to an Instagram post, which is just a product of Craig and Austen’s hard work to bring a bit of their lives to Charleston.
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“You know, we send everyone that visits Charleston and all the fans and viewers to everyone else’s bars,” Craig explained in a December 2024 interview with The Daily Dish. “Why not give them a space that we would enjoy hanging out at too?”
Details on Craig Conover’s involvement with Spritz Society
Craig is an investor in the alcoholic spritz brand, Spritz Society. In April, Craig took to his Instagram Story, where he celebrated the business as it was launching in stores nationwide.Â
“Collaboration will always win,” he wrote in the caption of his Instagram Story at the time. “Good teams will always win. Find good partners. Win together. It’s more fun that way. I didn’t think I’d design a beverage that ended up on the trading floor! Life is about twists and turns. Let’s embrace them.
Craig Conover shares his hopes for his future in his career
Although Craig wears so many hats, he spoke with Men’s Journal on Dec. 3, where he opened up about his one main job. “My job is to keep growing,” he told the publication.
“Keep creating. Keep showing up. And be grateful for all of it,” he concluded.
Learn more about how much of Sewing Down South Craig owns and how he has been able to expand the business.
