Craig Conover’s credo in life is to pursue healthy hobbies that don’t hurt anyone. It has led the star of the Bravo hit reality series “Southern Charm,” who will entertain Great Big Home + Garden Show audiences from Feb. 6 through 8 at the I-X Center, to never shy away from opportunity. “I ’m flying to New York City this afternoon to host a tour of the Empire State Building before flying into Indianapolis for a home show and then back to Charleston,” said Conover, calling from his South Carolina home. “I always tend to find myself doing random stuff, but I like staying busy. “So many people in our industries aren’t ‘Yes’ people. They wait for the big thing and don’t realize that every ‘Yes’ that you commit to inches you further and builds your momentum. I tend to say ‘Yes’ to a lot of stuff.” That’s quite the understatement for Conover, whose first “Yes” a dozen years ago led to “Southern Charm,” created by Bravo to attract a male audience. The Delaware native had no idea what his future held: plenty of socialite drama and tasty margaritas. Yeah, so far, it’s been a fun and cool ride. “I’m glad you said ‘fun and cool’ — that’s how I see it,” he said. “When I started, there wasn’t anything to base the show on. We didn’t have a production presence in Charleston, and ‘Jersey Shore’ was the only show on the air. “‘Vanderpump Rules’ filmed, but it hadn’t aired yet. The goal was to make it three seasons with ‘Southern Charm,’ and then it would be worth it. In my head, I knew that there was an unseen road in front of me, maybe with some great potential.” In addition to “Southern Charm,” which is airing its 11th season, that potential led to one opportunity after another. For instance, after being teased on the reality show for his sewing passion, the actor — who is also an attorney — turned that pastime into a thriving career as the founder of lifestyle brand Sewing Down South. In fact, the Great Big Home + Garden Show attendees can peruse the Sewing Down South pop-up shop, which is filled with Conover’s lifestyle products — custom kitchenware, books, accessories and pillows. “I’ve been doing this for about three years, getting out there to meet everyone, see new places and connect with my audience,” he said. “This is one of my favorite things that I get to do. “And, actually, the sales really (aren’t) even part of this; it’s not why we do it. I get to engage and share my journey with everyone. Then, it’s a QA with the audience, where they can ask me anything and everything. I’m an open book.” Speaking of which, it was noted that Conover’s resume is obscene. Not only is he a licensed attorney and best-selling author, but also a reality television star — who can sew like a badass — known for his charitable work. Great Big Home + Garden Show set for last event at I-X Center Did he ever consider that audiences may be watching his show out of jealousy? In true Conover form, his answer is equal parts self-deprecating and inspiring. “I always make the joke, ‘I'm bad at keeping a girlfriend,’” he said. “I haven't figured out how to do that yet, but career-wise, it's one of those things where you have to stop waiting for permission. “I'm just lucky that I have this personality trait where I'm selfish about my time, and I want to do it all, but I can't do a pull-up.” It is sort of ironic that a good-looking dude known for “Southern Charm” can’t turn on the Southern charm to find a girlfriend. “No, I can find them,” he laughed. “They just don't stick around too long.” The Great Big Home + Garden Show When: Through Feb. 8. Where: I-X Center, One I-X Center Drive, Cleveland. Tickets: $15 ($13 online), $11 seniors purchased at show box office (Monday through Thursday), $5 children ages 6 to 12, children 5 and under free. Info: GreatBigHomeandGarden.com.   ...read more read less