I've always been passionate about helping people, and I know that medicine is my purpose in life,” said Dr. Nicole Dahlkemper of Water’s Edge Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Mount Pleasant. “In college, I discovered my artistic qualities and really liked working with my hands. I realized my fine eye for detail and desire to improve the lives of others could make me a great … [Read more...]

Heather Ackermann is not one to let a good idea escape into the ether. The notion to begin ARTspiration, for example, uttered into her mind while driving through East Cooper traffic with her family – and she was swift to latch onto it. Today, her walk-in art studio is bustling with talented adults and children.“I started this business because local places to create art were … [Read more...]

For Caroline Robinson, owner of Drift Charleston, the breeze and tide have always acted as guides, navigating her career in fashion. A lover of the sea, nature and all things tropical, her voyage into crafting earthy yet elegant jewelry and  swimwear was an evident one. Since opening in 2013, Drift has kept the good folks of Mount Pleasant and beyond looking beachy chic in … [Read more...]

When Debbie Geeter asked her daughter, Taryn Gadbois, if she’d like to be her own boss, Taryn immediately said yes. The two had worked together before and got along well. “We had an amazing, great time working together,” said Debbie. The mother-daughter team opened Eclectic Finds, near Mathis Ferry Road on Highway 17 in Mount Pleasant, in mid-April. The 14,000-square-foot … [Read more...]

When she was 23, Charleston native Windi McKeithan took a leap of faith and decided to buy two children’s wear shops in Mount Pleasant. Armed with a Fashion Merchandizing degree, good taste, an eye for trends and an entrepreneurial spirit, she grew her trio of small businesses – Ragamuffin Children’s Boutique, Stride Rite Shoes and Radical Rags – into a success story. This … [Read more...]

After many years as a grocery store manager and retail consultant, Lisa Carrels pursued her desire to own her own business. Armed with her Marketing and Management degree, along with her extensive business background and years of retail experience, the native of Indianapolis, who has lived in Mount Pleasant for 13 years, visited For the House: The Barstool Shop. She discovered … [Read more...]

New business owners Janis and Jennifer Emplit have experienced life together as mother and daughter and are now excited to take their next journey together with Eucalyptus Wellness Company. “Our store showcases over 2,300 natural products that include vitamins, supplements, herbs, teas and body care products. We find the best products both locally and nationally that are … [Read more...]

For Jordan Eads, makeup artist and franchise owner of Merle Norman Cosmetics, a business built on beauty and color was a clear choice. Fueled by a love of bringing out the best in others, she makes daily transformations in her studio on Coleman Boulevard. “I really enjoy the work I do – helping women look and feel beautiful. It’s rewarding getting someone in a skin-care … [Read more...]

Success comes from hard work, life balance and the willingness to invest in others. Michele Hensel has committed to live out these positive attributes by creating something more than just a local business. At a young age, Michele saw that achievement didn’t come easy. She watched her father as he struggled in the working world and wanted more for himself and his family. He … [Read more...]

Chris McFarlane, manager of Mount Pleasant Mall, is certainly one very busy lady. She oversees the operations of 140 participating vendors – approximately 95 percent of them are women – giving her the opportunity to help keep businesses viable, solvent and secure. Emphasizing the importance of maintaining a sense of community, Chris revealed that “Many of our vendors … [Read more...]