The Magnolia Inn Marks Its One Year Anniversary
Jordan Robinson, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and former federal agent, is contributing to Clayton’s growing hospitality and tourism sector through The Magnolia Inn, a local business that has quickly earned regional recognition and a five-star reputation.
A South Carolina native, Robinson brings a global background in communications, security, and strategic planning shaped by years of military and federal service. She served in the U.S. Marine Corps, earning a top secret clearance and completing embassy security tours in Mozambique, Austria, and Cuba.
Following her military service, she pursued a career in communications and diplomacy, earning a Bachelor of Science in Television, Radio, and Film and dual master’s degrees—Public Relations and International Relations—from Syracuse University.
Robinson spent eight years supporting communications programs across the U.S. Department of State, the Intelligence Community, and the Department of Homeland Security. She also served at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, helping lead public messaging campaigns that built public understanding and trust during critical, lifesaving COVID-19 response efforts. These experiences honed the communication, coordination, and leadership skills that later supported her transition to entrepreneurship.
After relocating to Clayton to be closer to family, Robinson and her husband strategically invested in the Oscar G. Smith home, reopening it as The Magnolia Inn, a luxury boutique bed and breakfast focused on hospitality, events, and destination experiences. After just ten months of operation, the business was recognized as the 2025 New Business of the Year by the Clayton Chamber of Commerce. The Inn currently holds a five-star rating on Google with more than 100 reviews and attracts a diverse guest base, including wedding parties, retirees considering relocation, and visitors exploring the Clayton area.
Translating a lifetime of public service into a service-oriented business model, Robinson designed The Magnolia Inn to be more than a place to stay—it functions as a destination driver for Clayton. Guests increasingly travel specifically to Clayton to experience the Inn’s unique hospitality, events, and curated offerings, with many later returning to explore relocation or investment opportunities in the area. In this way, The Magnolia Inn is not just a business on Clayton’s map; it actively helps put Clayton on the map.
Beyond lodging, The Magnolia Inn creates new opportunities for connection through events that bring residents and visitors together. From family-friendly programming and hobby-based workshops to date-night experiences and cultural gatherings, the Inn helps meet a growing community need for accessible, high-quality local activities. These offerings strengthen Clayton’s social fabric while supporting local instructors, artists, and small businesses.
Community engagement is central to Robinson’s business model. The Magnolia Inn supports nonprofit and philanthropic efforts, including partnerships that provide respite opportunities for caregivers and hospice workers, and regularly donates Magnolia Inn gift certificates to support local causes throughout Johnston County. Robinson also serves as Veteran Outreach Council Chair for the Clayton Chamber of Commerce, where she advocates for veteran-owned small businesses and champions economic growth initiatives that further diversify the local economy.
Robinson chose Clayton for its strong business culture, collaborative Chamber support, and sense of community. Through The Magnolia Inn, she continues to create jobs, attract visitors, and contribute to Clayton’s identity as a welcoming, vibrant place to live, visit, and invest.
Looking ahead, Clayton can expect continued growth in visitor traffic driven by The Magnolia Inn, with travelers spending time and money at local shops, restaurants, and service providers. The Inn’s success elevates Clayton’s profile as a small but charming town with destination-worthy experiences, encouraging greater cross-collaboration among local businesses and increasing Clayton’s visibility as a place to visit, invest, and build a life. Through this work, Robinson continues to contribute to a vibrant, interconnected local economy rooted in hospitality and community.
For more information on the Magnolia Inn, visit claytonmagnolia.com.
