Schirmer Insurance Group is family owned and operated by Sam and Gina Schirmer, leading a business that understands just how important family is in every sense of the word. Gina and Sam Schirmer both grew up in families that worked hard in running their own businesses, a shrimp boat captain and insurance agent, respectably. It was no surprise that their children were drawn to … [Read more...]

As we have watched businesses all around us struggle .to survive in this pandemic, one industry that has thrived, at least in the Lowcountry, is real estate. But what is the true reason it’s doing so well here? Bill Payne, CPA and assistant branch manager at First Home Mortgage in Mount Pleasant, said that it is a combination of many factors. In particular, he described … [Read more...]

Known as a subject matter expert in indoor air quality management, Jim Clark, owner of Environmental Solutions and Services, or ESS, .began researching an area of his business that he believed was lacking back in fall 2019. While he saw the need for a product that could deep clean for mold, pathogens and viruses, Clark had no idea how vital this product would become. When … [Read more...]

By Fay M. Boudet Anyone who has taken a vacation knows the relaxation and joy it can bring — but there are often elements .that can cause stress, too. Prepping, packing, fueling up, buying snacks, driving and “Are we there yet?” questions can continue for hours. By the time you arrive at your destination, you’re ready to unpack as quickly as possible and unwind from the … [Read more...]

Shannon Gallo is passionate about her family, her love of the ocean and her responsibility to live conscientiously on this earth. She is also passionate about oysters. It’s no surprise that her home-grown business, Oyster Candle Company, reflects all these interests. Gallo’s signature oyster shell “tea lights,” created with oyster shells recycled from local restaurants, are … [Read more...]

Each year, Charlestonians collectively cross their fingers, hoping the next hurricane to hit the East coast doesn’t make landfall with the force and destruction of Hugo. Thankfully, there has yet to be a repeat of 1989. Still, to combat the potential power of mother nature, homes in the coastal zone are required to have hurricane glass or an additional hurricane panel to shield … [Read more...]

In a time when many industries are being turned upside down, it’s hard to imagine what the future of education might look like. At Webster University, they’ve worked hard to provide students with study-from-home solutions that have maintained and enhanced the stellar learning experience they’re known for. Prior to the pandemic, Webster was beginning to integrate a virtual … [Read more...]

The heat. Oh my gosh, the heat. August makes us beg for relief. We dream of feeling one cool breeze to let us know fall is a reality, that there will be a moment without humidity wrapping its sticky, warm arms around us. Ah, yes, the salvation of falling fall temperatures. But what about the garden that has been languishing in the heat with us? Its parched beds beg for our … [Read more...]

These days, I feel my descriptors range from managing editor of Mount Pleasant Magazine to Beezus’ mom and Instagram manager (Beezus is my golden retriever) to daughter, sister and aunt within a rapidly growing family scattered all over the U.S. (and soon abroad); but what many may not know about me is I also moonlight as a babysitter several evenings and weekends a month — and … [Read more...]