Fig Columbia Winter 2020

CO L UM B I A

W R O N G F U L D E AT H C ATA S T R O P H I C I N J U RY WO R K E R S ’ C O M P E N S AT I O N

“I never knew that a law firm could be so awesome to work with when you’re going through some terrible life experiences.

Robert and Katie have been amazing from day one when we called.

Robert immediately made us feel better, and took the terrible burden off of our backs. They kept us in the loop every step of the way and presented the facts, allayed our fears, and helped us settle our legal issues in a fair and timely manner. Thank you, Goings Law Firm!”

— KIRK & SHELIA

Enjoy a peaceful and relaxing holiday season with your family knowing that the attorneys at Goings Law Firm will keep you and your case at the top of their mind throughout the duration of your legal proceedings.

Pictured: Robert Goings, Attorney, and Katie Gould Butler, Firm Administrator & Senior Paralegal 1510 CALHOUN STREET

803.350.9230

GOINGSL AWFIRM.COM

A heart

for columbia It’s a season full of love—from giving gifts to your loved ones to gathering and celebrating your love with friends and family—and we couldn’t do it without the extraordinary local small businesses in our community.

Turn the pages to meet these businesses that have put their hearts into everything that they have done this year to bring happiness, joy, and laughter to our lives.

Gifting

Gathering

Discover the best boutiques and shops for your holiday shopping this winter

Celebrate every occasion with the help of these professionals

PA G E 1 2

PA G E 3 4 IN THIS ISSUE

Fig Authentic

Self Care

Sharing her love of Columbia and all things local: Megan Pinckney

Rejuvanate after a unique year with the help of these businesses

PA G E 5 6

PA G E 5 8

And of course,

great shopping, dining, arts, entertainment, and services— as always.

KEEP READING

Giving Make a difference in our community with an impactful donation PA G E 7 0

Social Mission Learn more about our 2020 Social Mission Partner: Home Works of America PA G E 7 4 Photo Above: SC State Museum (page 32)

ISSUE 29 / WINTER 2020 / COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA / THE GIFTING, GIVING, AND GATHERING ISSUE

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P R O D U C E D BY BY FA R R D E S I G N byfarr.com PUBLISHER Fig Industries

DESIGNER Laura Windham

DIRECTOR Brynley Farr

PHOTOGRAPHERS Forrest Clonts Joshua Aaron Photography Andrew Swiger

WRITER Chesson Merritt

C O M M U N I C AT I O N S Chris Farr Camlin Cothran S U P P O RT Sydney Wickstrom Catalina Olvera

P R I N T I N G PA RT N E R The Standard Group

T H A N K YO U T O O U R S M A L L B U S I N E S S C H A M P I O N !

Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina

C O M M U N I T Y PA RT N E R S Aiken Downtown Development Association Central Carolina Community Foundation

ALL THINGS SOCIAL Look for Fig Columbia on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for daily coverage of local entertainment, events, food, fashion, and community.

A D V E RT I S I N G I N F I G To find out how you can strategically market your business through the Fig communications package, contact Brynley Farr at figcolumbia@byfarr.com.

Fig Industries is redefining success through social impact and environmental accountability in the communities we serve. Learn more about our B-Corp certification at figindustries.com.

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Fig Industries, LLC has made every attempt to ensure that all information contained in this publication has been obtained from reliable sources, but all such information is provided “as is” with no guarantee of completeness or accuracy. The views of contributors do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of Fig Industries, LLC. Fig Industries, LLC cannot be held responsible for errors or omissions contained in, or reliance made upon the contents of, this publication. Copyright: Copyright 2020 © Fig Industries, LLC. All rights reserved. Photography or page layout contained in Fig shall not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without the specific written permission of Fig Industries, LLC. Contact 803.200.1004 or figcolumbia@byfarr.com.

A NOTE FROM FIG

Dear Columbia, As I’m writing this—my heart is incredibly full of gratitude.

I want to first begin by saying that from the bottom of our hearts, we want to offer a big thank you to Blue Cross Blue Shield for partnering with us on this issue. Secondly, this issue wouldn’t be possible without the small businesses of our community committing to our magazine and the belief in our mission to serve Columbia well. Thirdly, thank you to all of the incredible hands that make each issue of Fig magazine possible.

When we were brainstorming the theme for our winter issue, we knew that we wanted it to be extraordinarily special for several reasons: We need everyone to gift and give locally this holiday season. Our small business community has worked to keep their dreams alive throughout the pandemic and have pivoted to offer a lot of great services like curbside pick up, home delivery, online shopping, and reservations. When I say “alive,” I mean it. Did you know? Small businesses are shuttering their doors across the country in staggering numbers this year—let’s help keep the ones in our community open by showing up for them as they have shown up for us when we needed them throughout the years.

The event industry has shown such resiliency this year.

Everything from conferences to football games and weddings were cancelled overnight or postponed to a new date, and each of these professionals have risen to the occasion with every new challenge thrown their way. Hosting an impromptu holiday gathering or planning an upcoming wedding? These industry leaders will make your event as extraordinary as it deserves to be.

We’ve been feeling it this year, too. On a personal note, this year, everything seemed threatened. I felt so exposed and vulnerable. Real or not, the fear of “what if” began lingering in my mind as last winter came to a close… what if I have to lay off a team member or five? What if someone in my family or I test positive for COVID? What if our clients go out of business? What if?

In my desk, I have a reminder of my why that gives me reason and purpose to go 110% every single day. Since I was

Hair: Process Salon Makeup: POUT Dress: Copper Penny

little, I have been obsessed with making books and in the 4th grade, a dream came true for me. My friend’s uncle worked at a printing company in Michigan, and after we wrote him a letter, something came in the mail to us in a manilla envelope: 2 pieces of paper with roses foiled on it. One for each of us. I knew from that moment that I wanted my life to be filled with creating, with printing, and with paper and I’m fortunate enough to be able to do just that every day. I’m especially grateful for the people that work alongside me and for the people that do business with us. Our small business dream is alive.

We—our team, our small business community, and the people you find within the pages of this issue—poured our hearts into this issue knowing that businesses everywhere are pouring every ounce of their energy into theirs to keep their dreams going. Our hearts are here for Columbia, which is why we foiled a beautiful heart onto our cover. We want a reminder each time we see this issue that our hearts are here for Columbia.

Will you join us this winter as we keep the heartbeat of our city—our local businesses and their dreams—alive?

B RY N L E Y FA R R & T H E F I G C O LU M B I A T E A M

TRUST, STABILITY, QUALITY BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina holds value in the quality of our plans, the stability of our company and the trust you have in us. Our team is here to help you find the right coverage for what is important to you — your employees.

Business-Minded Plans n Comprehensive dental program with a strong network of dentists

n Low copayments for urgent care at Doctors Care

n Largest provider network in South Carolina

n $500 extra for preventive services

clinics

n Low drug copayments and expansive covered drug list

BlueCross — a name South Carolinians have trusted for more than 74 years.

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HERE FOR YOU

We are thankful to be a small business supporter for Fig Magazine.

We understand the power of local! We work with agents all over the state of South Carolina to make sure your business has the right coverage at an affordable price. Visit www.ThinkBlueSC.com or call us today at 833-271-6661 to get in touch with a local agent.

stephanie defreese, vice president of agency sales

wes levitt, director of small group

paul povey, marketing manager

BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

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Forever family.

Forever First.

“I never enjoyed math until I had Mr. Blackstone, who made me love it.”

EMMA SHEALY Heathwood Class of 2018 Davidson College Class of 2022

“Coach Blackstone is the best coach I ever had—in any sport! He really wants us to win, so he coaches us to work our hardest so we can be our best.”

WALT SUBER 7 th grade

Heathwood Strong O U T S TA N D I N G T E A C H E R S H E L P I N G S T U D E N T S B E C O M E T H E I R B E S T S E LV E S Visit heathwood.org to learn more about their outstanding academic program and how their teachers and administrators invest in the future of every student.

3000 SOUTH BELTLINE BOULEVARD 803.765.2309 HEATHWOOD.ORG

Statewide teacher of the year. State championship-winning coach.

Great teachers change lives, and Rip Blackstone is one of the best.

29 years ago, Rip left his career as an attorney to teach math and coach at Heathwood Hall. His ability to inspire students both in the classroom and on the playing field has since become legendary. It’s not just that, across two challenging subjects, his students had a 100% pass rate on the 2020 AP exams. It’s that his students and players know he cares, that he wants the best for them and from them.

Rip is one of many remarkable men and women who transform lives at Heathwood Hall through gifted teaching, passionate coaching, and dedicated mentorship. It’s because of people like him that Heathwood is where futures begin.

75 Years of Premier Real Estate Service 1216 PICKENS STREET 803.771.4567 WOLFEANDTAYLOR.COM

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In 1945, Oliver Jordan Wolfe returned from serving in the South Pacific in the U.S. Army Air Force and created a one-man real estate firm. His small office was right off Main Street at 1215 Washington. His father, a retired railroad steamfitter who could “plumb anything,” joined him a few years later. Business and family were always intertwined. Oliver’s first big project was with his father-in-law, Jack Ulmer, who had built homes in Shandon and other Columbia neighborhoods.

Together they developed the old Rosewood golf course, building mostly three-bedroom, one-bath brick bungalows that remain popular today.

They built several more (and planted even more trees) near Heathwood Park until Oliver discovered he enjoyed selling and renting the homes rather than construction.

Through the years, the company’s name changed as Oliver partnered with fellow business leaders before handing over

the reins to three of his seven children, Jack, Rhett, and Dana. The brothers ushered the brokerage into the 21st century, as internet and online services became vital to helping people buy and sell homes.

Meanwhile… across town in Trenholm Plaza in the 1970s, a young Steve Taylor was watching his stepfather, Leon Garber, run his hugely popular store, Garber’s Shoes. Steve learned valuable life lessons about hard work and treating people the right way. He combined that with his father’s extensive knowledge of the construction world to launch a career in Garden City with his wife, Betsy Fellers, in construction and real estate. They eventually moved back to Columbia and built a successful real estate firm, Preferred Properties, on Devine Street.

By August 2014, The Wolfe Company had a strong team of real estate agents and 400 units in their rental division.

The brothers were seeking someone

to complement their business model when Rhett passed away. Dana wanted to focus on home sales, as Rhett had always done, and needed someone to take charge of property management and company operations. He reached out to his high school friend and college roommate, Steve Taylor. The two locally owned companies were a perfect match! Steve merged the property management divisions and became broker in charge.

Today, Wolfe & Taylor Realtors® has almost two dozen agents and a highly experienced staff that manages over 700 rental units and 21 neighborhood associations. From Downtown to Lake Murray, Shandon to Lake Carolina, they love their growing and diverse Midlands community. They donate their time and resources to local nonprofits and will always seek to make the Midlands a wonderful place for everyone to call home.

Above: Rhett Wolfe, who worked at Wolfe & Taylor for nearly 40 years.

For the past 75 years, Wolfe & Taylor has been a fixture of the Columbia landscape, adapting to meet the needs of this growing community.

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Hair: Process Makeup: POUT Dress: LaRoque Shoes: Blossom Shoes

Gift

You’ve made your list (and you’ve checked it twice). The local shops and boutiques have all stocked their stores with a curated selection of clothing, accessories, gifts, home décor, and more to make your holiday season merry and bright this year. Find everything you’re looking for, and maybe discover something you didn’t know you needed!

Grab a bite to eat from their plant-driven café that focuses on nourishing your body.

Live well, Feel well, Be well

Hot Yoga + Barre Studio Massage + Esthetics Plant Driven Café

Shop local with their curated athleisure, natural skin care, and healthy lifestyle gifts.

THEWELLCOLLECTIVECOL A .COM

THE WELL COLLECTIVE

803.764.2010

Curated Retail

3000 ROSEWOOD DRIVE, SUITE 6

Find a community that brings health and wellness to you under one roof at The Well Collective. Many small, locally-owned, and health-minded businesses have come together to help one another grow, connect, and provide tools to enhance your body and mind to our community. It’s a place where you can focus on yourself as you disconnect, recharge, and discover the sparkle of magic that you possess inside.

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2020

FROM 10AM–5PM SPECIAL ONE-DAY EVENTS AND SALES V I S I T YO U R FAV O R I T E D E V I N E S T R E E T R E S TA U R A N T S A N D R E TA I L E R S !

Anytime Fitness

The Crescent Olive

Barre3 Columbia

Duck Duck Goose

Mainstream Boutique

700 Woodrow

Best Mattress

Eggs Up Grill

Marigold Modern Kids

Silver Spoon Bake Shop

Blossom Shoes and Such

The Essential Face

Monkee’s of Columbia

Stacey O. Studio

Bohemian Home

Gardener’s Outpost

My-Kim Collection

Strictly Running

LaRoque

Pout!

Brittons

Half Moon Outfitters

non(e)such

Unforgettable Fine Jewelry

Cantina 76

Henry’s Restaurant & Bar

Palmetto Wine Sellers

Urban Cookhouse Za’s Brick Oven Pizza

Copper Penny

Il Giorgione

Parlour 818

Craft and Draft

Just the Thing

Pink Sorbet

For a full listing of businesses welcoming Devine Day Out guests, visit www.DevineStreetStreetColumbiaSC.com.

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Not sure what to buy for that hard to shop for person on your list? Many retailers and businesses offer gift cards!

Enjoy this one-day shopping event featuring amazing sales and special surprises at your favorite holiday destination, Devine Street! Discover a spectacular outfit to wear, gather around the table to celebrate with family, indulge in self-care, explore a new place to live, and toast to the new year—you can truly do it all on Devine Street!

Support your favorite local merchants on Devine Street by also visiting them on Black Friday (Nov 27th) and Small Business Saturday (Nov 28th)

Henry’s Restaurant & Bar

DEVINESTREETCOLUMBIASC.COM

Mainstream Boutique

Unforgettable Fine Jewelry

#DEVINESTREET

Adding Confetti to your Holiday Shop the best home decor, jewelry, accessories and more inside Blush Boutique and discover a unique gift to surprise a friend with (or even treat yourself!)

Pop the bubbly and throw the confetti—Stephanie and her team at Blush are here to celebrate every occasion alongside you.

5175 SUNSET BOULEVARD #7, LEXINGTON 803.520.0643 BLUSHBOUTIQUESC.COM

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Happiness Never Goes Out of Style

Andrew Jamison Bowties Duke Cannon Supply Co.

Cozy Earth

TOCCA

spartina 449

Pink Sorbet is delivering sparkle, magic, and the most colorful clothing, gifts, and accessories to your holiday celebrations this year.

Hand-selected, Exceptional Gifts Find a quaint, chic, and personable shopping experience inside Shoppes on Main as you browse through the latest in home decor, clothing, and accessories. Gifts for you, gifts for your friends, and gifts for your family… they have it all!

2726 DEVINE STREET

803.251.2525

SHOPPINKSORBET.COM

Shop local with Pink Sorbet in their shop or online!

1604 MAIN STREET

@THESHOPPESONMAINSC

SHOPPESONMAINSC.COM

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Unwrapping a new look at Pout With an extensive background in the beauty industry that includes 16 years with STILA as a senior account executive, global educator, and makeup artist, Pout’s new president, Diana Shelton, has the expertise and knowledge to take your experience at Pout to the next level.

Owner Melissa Blanchard and the team at Pout will work alongside Diana as she expands to new offerings and continues to grow the business. She’ll introduce you to everything from a new beauty routine to enhance your look to just the right gift to wrap up and put under the tree this year.

2738 DEVINE STREET 803.254.5051 SHOPPOUT.COM

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Stocking stuffers to self-care, Pout has what you need this holiday season!

A P PA R E L , ACCESSORIES & SHOES FROM Allie Beads CeliaB Karlie Marie Oliver Mignonne Gavigan Milly Misa Los Angeles Parker NY SAYLOR

COLUMBIA .SCOUTANDMOLLYS.COM

Spread joy everywhere that you go this holiday season as you shop locally with Scout & Molly’s for everything from the right gift for the fashionable women on your list to a show-stopping outfit for your holiday intimate gatherings. Owner Amanda Gunn has filled her boutique with the designer clothing, accessories, and shoes that will make your holidays bright—and you’ll make Scout & Molly’s holidays bright by shopping local with them!

803.724.2722

The Joy of Shopping Local

4840 FOREST DRIVE

Sheridan French

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H O M E F O R T H E H O L I DAY S

4825 FOREST DRIVE

803.790.0015

COPLONS.COM

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Castangia Emanuel Berg H. Freeman Luciano Barbera Oxxford Clothes Scabal Zanella

’ Tis the Season Allow the expert menswear clothiers at BP Skinner to guide you in selecting the fabrics, finishes, and fit of your custom tuxedo, dinner jacket, or suit that will have you dressed for every intimate black tie gathering and wedding that you have on your calendar.

Shopping for someone else this season? Their store is filled with just what you need to wrap up and place under the tree.

1003 GERVAIS STREET, SUITE A 803.661.7665 BPSKINNERCLOTHIERS.COM

Eton

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To Columbia, with Love Deeply infused in every brand design, marketing plan, letterpress print, and luxe stationery set that comes from ByFarr Design is a love and sincere appreciation for the incredible clients that they are fortunate enough to work with and for the city that they call home.

Everyone has a story to tell—from the small business owner to the couple planning their dream wedding day—and the ByFarr Design team works to tell every last detail through their design.

Each custom-designed letterpress piece is hand-fed through their early 1900s Chandler & Price press to create a unique print that will leave a lasting impression.

Design Branding Marketing Social Media Management Letterpress Printing 2112 SUMTER STREET 803.200.1004 BYFARR.COM

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Wedding Stationery Design Website Design

Visit shop.byfarr.com to get your own Columbia coloring print and COLA sticker!

Sparkle & Shine This Holiday Season Pop the champagne and throw the confetti—Judy and Reece have filled their boutique, Monkee’s of Columbia, with gorgeous clothing, shoes, and accessories that will have you perfectly styled for all of your special occasions this holiday season.

You’ll also leave with just the right present for even the most fashionable woman on your list.

CeliaB Chocolat Blu

GiGi NY J Brand Lele Sadoughi Marie Oliver

803.764.2890

Shoshanna

3211 DE VINE STREET

Crosby by Mollie Burch

MONKEESOFCOLUMBIA .COM

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Shop her custom hand-painted oyster ornaments online at Anthropologie!

stylish • versatile • modern Jewelry designer Laura “Lola” Okoniewski has an eye for creating jewelry featuring natural gemstones and materials at accessible price points. From the special charms, pearls, labradorite, and diamonds to the chains, metal, and leather, her pieces are ones you’ll love to wear and gift.

necklaces earrings bracelets cuffs rings

LOCATED IN THE SHOPS AT CRICKET NEWMAN DESIGNS SUGAR ANDLOL A .COM @SUGAR ANDLOL A

With a flair for all things creative—she’s an artist, photographer, and designer—Jordan Mikal fuses modern simplicity with old-world elegance in her masterful paintings. Her paintings are inspired by her love for environmental elements, as well as your trips, your memories, and your dreams in her commissioned artwork.

JORDANMIK AL.COM

Designer Clothing Shoes Jewelry Accessories

803.376.4 411

Close out the year and ring in 2021 with all of the style, fun, and confidence that a skillfully curated outfit can bring to your look. The women at Copper Penny will guide you in selecting everything from your dress to your accessories to create a style that will inspire you into the new year and beyond.

2702 DEVINE STREET

With Glitz and Glamour

COPPERPENNYCOLUMBIA

Custom Clothing on Demand.

Fit for your Lifestyle, your Physique and on Your Time!

Time!

Our exclusive new App makes custom measuring and fitting quicker & easier — at-home or in-store.

Experience made-to-measure custom sport coats, sport shirts, pants & suits delivered to your door steps in just three weeks.

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Scan this QR code to go directly to grangerowings.com/pages/virtual-fittings

Exclusively in Columbia at Granger Owings

Barbour

Peter Millar Crown

Peter Millar Collection

Find the Perfect Gift Shop Online at bit.ly/grangerowings with Free Shipping!

Scan this QR code to go directly to grangerowings.com/collections/barbour-outerwear

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No time to swing by the museum? Check out their selection of gifts online! Curbside pickup now available.

301 GERVAIS STREET 803.898.4967 SCMUSEUM.ORG

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From Every Corner of the State Step inside the 4,000 square foot store, The Cotton Mill Exchange, at the South Carolina State Museum to discover fabulous gifts and food products that each represent something special about our state. Every corner of South Carolina was explored to find the best of the best for you to shop— you’ll find beautiful gifts to wrap up for your loved ones as you celebrate the holidays this year.

Local Gifting and Giving

For the Southern Entertainer

Specializing in locally-sourced flowers and plants, alongside one of a kind accessories, home decor, and personalized gifts, The Shops at Cricket Newman Designs have carefully curated a divine local shopping experience for you.

Located within The Shops at Cricket Newman Designs, find Bergamot, a collection of beautiful home decor and distinctive gifts for every occasion. Bridal Registry and complimentary gift wrap available.

BERGAMOTHOME.COM

2710 - C GERVAIS STREET

803.834.7992

CRICKETNEWMANDESIGNS.COM/ THE-SHOPS

Check out their regularly scheduled classes and workshops, too!

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Custom Embroidery

Screen Printing

Promotional Products

Local Supporting Local

2 MAUNEY COURT 803.748.7101 SCEMBROIDERY.COM

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This is SC Embroidery and Screen Printing, a family-owned and operated business in the Midlands offering exceptional services with quick turnarounds for timely deliveries of custom embroidery, screen printing, and promotional products. Their family and team strongly focus on providing the best customer experience to everyone that walks through their doors. They believe in supporting our local community by buying local all year long, especially during the holiday season, and they encourage others to do the same.

WHY CHOOSE PEDEGO? • S hops are locally owned & treat you like family • 5-Year warranty • 12+ years in the eBike industry • 18 models to choose from

Get a New Sleigh for the Holidays

4019 PAVILION PASS, AIKEN

©2019, Ellen Schneider, Photographer. www.RealSantaKen.com

803.226.9007

Premium Electric Bikes Premium Service Premium Experience

PEDEGOAIKEN.COM

Whether you’re dashing around town on your eBike like Santa as you shop the local boutiques for gifts for family and friends, or you’re hoping to find a brand new eBike under the tree with your name on it, Pedego is ready to assist you. They do everything including fitting you for the right eBike for your lifestyle, giving you trips and tricks for getting the most out of it, and even helping you keep it in tip-top shape under Pedego’s exclusive 5-year warranty.

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All I want for Christmas is in Downtown Aiken The locally owned shops and boutiques of downtown Aiken have created an exceptional shopping experience for you.

Their shelves are filled to the brim with unique, beautiful gifts from handmade jewelry and artwork to clothing, home décor, toys, and more. It’s your one-stop shop for everything that you need to celebrate the holidays this year.

J O I N T H E M F O R F U N H O L I D AY E V E N T S I N D O W N T O W N A I K E N !

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Holiday Open House

Small Business Saturday

November 19 | 6-8pm

November 28

Carriage Rides in Downtown Aiken

Night of 1000 Lights

Christmas Tree Lighting

Every Friday & Saturday in December (*tickets required)

December 3 | 6-8pm

December 4 | 6–7:30pm

Holiday Cookie Stroll

Ladies Night Out

December 13 | 1–4pm

December 17 | 6-8pm

Santa in Downtown Aiken Every Saturday & Sunday in December

After you’ve finished your holiday shopping and have checked everyone off your list, gather together with family and friends around the table to toast to the holiday season in Aiken. Raise your glasses to a great day, for quality time with those you love the most, and to the delectable meal that you’re enjoying at a local restaurant in downtown Aiken.

208 THE ALLEY SW # A, AIKEN 803.649.2221 DOWNTOWNAIKEN.COM

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Gather It’s time to celebrate—time to gather, time to make a toast, time to share your love, and time to create new memories together—no matter how your celebration looks. Is it an intimate backyard wedding? Is it a cozy dinner at your favorite restaurant? Is it a postponed event that you’ve waited months to have? Turn the pages and find a host of professionals who can help you put on just the celebration you’ve always wanted.

Photography: Joshua Aaron Photography Fashion: Coplon’s Make-Up: Eyebrow Junkie Hair: Metropolis Salon

# L E T U S H E L P YO U C E L E B R AT E

Florals: Something Special Florist

Time to Celebrate!

701 WHALEY STREET #104

Guests lists and hotel blocks, meetings with florists and caterers, final decisions on bridesmaids dresses and music for the ceremony… what couple has time to manage every last detail of their wedding day? This is where Melanie Murphy and her talented team of wedding planning experts step in. They’ll design the impeccable day full of elegance and wonder that you’ve been dreaming of for you and your guests, and they’ll do it with amazing style.

803.467.9822

Ashly Gregor, Planner & Designer

MURPHY WEDDINGS.COM

Pictured from left: Melanie Murphy, Owner and Lead Planner/Designer

Main Street’s One-Stop Block

1600 BLOCK

Be dazzled by the array of cocktails, games, and dining that The Grand has to offer. This boutique bowling alley throws a strike every time that you’re looking for a fun evening out!

It’s a grand place to host your next event, too! Plan your corporate function, birthday party, or holiday gathering at The Grand.

1621 MAIN STREET @THEGR ANDONMAIN THEGR ANDONMAIN.COM Memberships beginning at $100/month.

Experience a modern-day indoor country club on Main Street at The Players Club, located at The Main Course. This club features state-of-the-art golf simulators with over 80 real-life courses, a virtual putting green, PGACertified golf professionals, private event space, with premiere food and beverage.

Gift a membership to the golfer on your list this year or add it to your own wish list.

1626 MAIN STREET, SUITE 300 803.608.7692 MAINCOURSESC.COM

An interactive, exploratory art space for you to immerse yourself in, Immersion is a unique art experience located on Columbia’s Main Street. Local artists have completely transformed eight rooms—from floor to ceiling—creating a unique venue to explore and host your holiday parties in this season.

2 ND FLOOR OF MAIN COURSE

@IMMERSIONSC

IMMERSIONSC.COM

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Weddings

Private Parties

Corporate Events

803.432.0311 WAVERINGPL ACE.COM

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Fresh Air, Winter Sun and Wide Open Space Prepare to celebrate at this notable historic landmark, minutes from downtown Columbia. Shuck some oysters fireside in Green Tree House or lounge on the scenic surrounding lawn and gardens for family fun and memorable occasions.

WAVERING PLACE est.1768

Light up the Night Snazzy and sophisticated, the drinks poured by the talented, professional bartenders of Black Tie Bartending will leave you and your guests in awe. Put their experience to the test and allow them to create an innovative, handcrafted specialty cocktail to match the mood and theme of your event. They keep the drinks flowing, the lines short, and your guests smiling all night long.

C ALL TO BOOK YOU R : Wedding Corporate Gathering Private SoirĂŠe 803.237.3999 BL ACK TIEBARTENDING.NET

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Be Dazzled and Delighted From the first passed hors d’oeuvre to the last bite of dessert, your guests will be thrilled with hand selected, locally sourced ingredients and the culinary expertise of the chefs at Southern Way.

100 E EXCHANGE BOULEVARD 803.783.1061 THESOUTHERNWAY.COM

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Now booking 2021 events!

Bringing Technology to Any Setting 1211 VIRGINIA STREET

I N S TA L L AT I O N S : Corporate Offices, Athletic Venues, Churches, Retail Stores, Restaurants, Hotels, & More

SOUNDANDIMAGES.NET

E V E N T S : Press Conferences, Live Events, Sports Functions, Speaking Engagements, & More

803.791.3925

Sound & Images will set up your event virtually anywhere, anytime. They will bring everything that your event needs, from monitors to speakers and lighting, to ensure that your guests will be able to see and hear you both in person at your event and via online streaming. Step back from the technology and enjoy time with your guests—the team at Sound & Images will have all of your audio and visual needs covered throughout your event.

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Winter Dates Available!

500 WILDLIFE PARK WAY 803.602.0900 RIVERBANKS.ORG/PL ANYOUREVENT

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Release your Social Butterfly At Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, you and your guests can escape to an extraordinary setting just outside of downtown Columbia that offers plenty of indoor and outdoor spaces for both corporate and social events. Each of their event spaces are versatile in style and appearance, and allow for you and your guests to safely gather together.

A significant portion of your event’s proceeds support animal conservation, helping to protect endangered animals and their habitats around the world.

Keeping Love in the Picture With a great client experience at the forefront of their business and an eye for every lovely detail, Joshua and Aaron—the husband and wife photographer team behind Joshua Aaron Photography—deliver stunning, timeless wedding day images to their couples. From local celebrations to destination weddings, Joshua and Aaron work closely with each client to better know their story. Every experience is important in every detail as an opportunity to provide lasting memories.

701 WHALEY STREET #104 803.260 -1989 JOSHUA A ARONPHOTOGR APHY.COM

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The Heartbeat of the Columbia Wedding industry Your wedding day is the biggest day of your life, and you need the right team beside you that’s as passionate about creating the wedding of your dreams as you are. The collection of experience and knowledge within the group of wedding industry professionals that make up the Columbia Bridal Associates is vast. They’re a talented group of the best in the industry from cakes and catering to photographers and venues. Each of them is dedicated to not only supporting you and your love on your day, but supporting one another.

As everyone has navigated through a challenging year, the event industry has taken a harder hit than most. However, this amazing organization has been a phenomenal support to one another as everyone has had to discover new ways to host celebrations and events. They have persevered to ensure that every couple they work with has had the opportunity to celebrate their marriage, and they have utilized their deep network of connections to handle every postponement, new event guideline, and challenge thrown their way.

COLUMBIABRIDAL ASSOCIATES.COM

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Audio, Visual, & Lighting Bar Bridal Gowns Cake Catering Entertainment Florists Gifts & Registry Lodging Photographers Planners Rentals Show Producer Transportation Venues Video & more

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Partial Planning

Month-of Coordination

Photographer: Sacia Matthews Photography

Full Planning

Designing Chic, Exquisite Celebrations

1332 MAIN STREET 505.603.564 4 ALEX ANDR AMADISONWEDDINGS.COM

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At Alexandra Madison Weddings, luxurious details meet the latest trends and stress-free planning to create the gorgeous ceremony and reception of your dreams. Planners Alexandra Woodlief and Jessica Jones, along with their team, will walk alongside you every step of your engagement to provide the guidance, expertise, and style you need to make your vision a reality.

Bohemian to classic, casual to black-tie, they can do it all!

Spend an Evening in Italy with il Giorgione

803.521.5063 ILGIORGIONE.COM

Their tables book quickly—make your reservation by calling 803.521.5063!

2406 DEVINE STREET

With their in-house handmade mozzarella, the authentic tastes of Italy, and the most inviting outdoor patio in all of Columbia, il Giorgione is the restaurant to go to for all occasions.

Celebrate a special anniversary, grab dinner out with the girls, or gather around the table with your family to toast the holiday season.

Begin the evening with their divine Caprese salad and save room room for gelato. Buon appetito!

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Shop, love, stay, dream local

A Toast to Winter

You’ll find love in abundance throughout every last carefully thought out detail of Hotel Trundle. Husband and wife team Marcus Munse and Rita Patel have poured their dreams, their imagination, and their creativity into creating a handcrafted treasure in the heart of Columbia’s Main Street district that lives and breathes the best of what our town has to offer. Allow Marcus, Rita, and the team at Hotel Trundle host you for your next staycation or your out-of-town guests for your next event.

Executive Chef Michael Perez and Beverage Director Sebastian Griffin craft fiery twists on classic flavors, bringing you exceptional farm-to-table cuisine and unbelievable cocktails to warm up with this season at Hendrix.

1224 TAYLOR STREET 803.722.5000 HOTELTRUNDLE.COM

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Sustainable, local, and ethically-sourced scratch kitchen alongside Main Street’s premiere rooftop

Add a curated guest experience to your stay to create a one-of-a-kind staycation in Columbia.

1649 MAIN STREET

803.834.5132

HENDRIXSC.COM

Staying safe this winter

PURE® Hard Surface is non-toxic, odorless, colorless, and EPARegistered—it’s safe to use anywhere, anytime!

Want peace of mind at your business, in your home, or at your next event? Protect yourself and those around you with ADS Supply’s PURE® Hard Surface, a safe, ready-to-use sanitizer and disinfectant that kills the Human Coronavirus within 60 seconds of application. The best part?

It provides 24-hour residual protection against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. You can relax knowing that you’re doing your part to keep everyone healthy and safe this holiday season.

Schools Places of worship Daycare Businesses & more

ADSSUPPLYINC.COM

Gyms

888.788.2377

Private residences

305 MAGNOLIA L AKE COURT, AIKEN

SERVING BOTH RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL CLIENTS

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Home for the Holidays As you gather around the table this holiday season with your family for a cozy meal and quality time with one another, enjoy the locally grown produce from WP Rawl. They have been dedicated to providing fresh, wholesome greens and specialty vegetables from their family farm since 1925 and have built their business to thrive for future generations. All of their produce is produced with innovation and sustainability at the forefront to provide you the most nutritious, socially responsible food to put on your table for your family.

824 FAIRVIEW ROAD 803.894.1900 R AWL.NET

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I TA L I A N S A U S A G E WHITE BEAN AND COLLARD GREEN SOUP Serves: 6–8 Prep Time: 10 Minutes Cook Time: 45 Minutes What You Need • 1 lb mild Italian sausage, casings removed • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil • 1 onion, chopped • 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 8 cups chicken broth • 1 6oz Nature’s Greens ® Collard Greens • 1 19oz can of white cannellini beans, drained and rinsed • 1 tbsp green Tabasco sauce • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar What You Do I n a large pot over medium heat, heat the oil. Add sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink, about 10 minutes. Remove sausage from pot and set aside. Add carrots, onions and garlic to the pot and cook, stirring often, until onions are soft. Add sausage back to the pot and all remaining ingredients, except beans.

Cover pot with a lid and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to mediumlow, vent lid and cook for 20 minutes. Add beans and cook for another 10 minutes. Serve with a crusty baguette, for dipping, and hot sauce.

Recipe courtesy of Amee’s Savory Dish

Celebrate Among the Stars Soaring above downtown Columbia you’ll find Capital City Club, a private and elegant club dedicated to providing first-class amenities, an atmosphere of unparalleled excellence, and spectacular service alongside stunning views over the city. Sit down for an intimate dinner or plan a private event—Capital City Club is ready to make any occasion a memorable one for you!

You don’t have to be a Member at Capital City Club to host an event with them! Contact their Private Event team to start planning your next celebration.

1201 MAIN STREET #2500 803.256.2000

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Fusing Cajun Flavors with Southern Hospitality With the rich flavors of New Orleans and the hospitality that the South is known for, Private Property has created a dining experience unlike any other in the Midlands. Sit down for a special anniversary, a holiday celebration, or a date night out to enjoy their Blackened Alligator appetizer, Seafood Jambalaya, or their most popular dish, Shrimp and Grits (made with locally produced Adluh grits!)

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220 W MAIN STREET, LEXINGTON

803.399.8085

PRIVATEPROPERTYSC.COM

Introducing: Private Property Pantry!

The Pantry offers dips and spreads, wine by the bottle, and take-and-bake meals that you can enjoy at home or for your holiday gatherings this season.

Screen Printing Embroidery Promotional Direct-to-Garment

Blazon is here to personalize your wedding and reception with everything from sunglasses to water bottles, shirts, napkins, and more.

Make it Personal Your wedding day is a day that tells the story of you and your spouse, and it’s one that your family and friends will reminisce over for years to come. Make your day extra special with a custom touch and give your guests something special to take home with them after you drive off into the night from your reception.

5337 US -321, GASTON 803.796.9100 WEAREBL A ZON.COM

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Kate is a Mem ber of the Re/M ax Hall of Fam e!

Home is where your Family is

955 E MAIN STREET, SUITE R, LEXINGTON

Come home for the holidays and begin the new year in a house that’s perfectly suited for you and your family. Kate Sweeten and her team will guide you through the home buying process to find you a house to create precious new memories and traditions in with your family. If you’re selling your house, she’ll work her magic to style it, photograph it, and list it with just the right attention to detail so that it sells as quickly and as seamlessly as possible.

803.960.5024

DYK: buyers are allowed to have their own agent during a new construction purchase. This means that a buyer can have someone to impartially guide them through the process and to fight for them if anything goes wrong.

A New Location to Love!

After pouring an immeasurable amount of coffee, heart, and dedication into Loveland Coffee throughout the years at their original kiosk location, owners Beach and Jessica Loveland are excited to welcome you to their beautiful new space that our entire community can enjoy together. It’s a place to gather—to sit down with a cup of freshly brewed coffee to catch up with a friend, to enjoy a beautiful day outside on their large patio, to knock out some work in their private meeting spaces, and to simply watch and learn as you observe their roasting process from glass observation areas overlooking the Roastery. How will you experience Loveland Coffee this winter?

Purchase a bag of coffee or a bottle of their cold brew to give as a gift this holiday season!

DYK: Loveland Coffee became the Midlands’ first 1% for the Planet Business in February 2019, with their 1% being donated to local non-profit Congaree Riverkeeper.

NEW LOCATION: 7475 CARLISLE STREET, IRMO DRIVE THRU: 7001 ST. ANDREWS RD 803.851.6878 LOVEL ANDCOFFEE.COM

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AUTHENTIC Leading the way through innovation and example.

Authentic: Megan Pinckney A S A WO M A N W H O G R A D U AT E D FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF S O U T H C A R O L I N A , who represented as Miss South Carolina in the 2013 Miss USA pageant, and someone who has traveled the world, there’s only one place that Megan Pinckney wants to call home.

“I love how close knit Columbia is as a community,” Megan said. “My fiancé and his family are from Columbia, and his family has been here for generations. They have family friends that they have known for generations, and I think that’s so unique. It makes you realize how special this town is and makes you want to raise a family here.”

From the friendly faces and the sense of community that is found all throughout town to the wonderful local shopping and dining experiences, there’s a lot to love about calling Columbia home. Supporting local is important to Megan and she enjoys frequenting businesses such as Pout on Devine Street, the Old Mill Antique Mall in West Columbia, and Monkee’s of Columbia, and she enjoys dining out at the locally owned restaurants that can be found up and down Columbia’s Main Street district.

“When it comes to eating local in Columbia, I love to go out on Main Street,” said Megan.

“There’s no one particular place—they are all great. But I do think that the 1600 block is especially impressive with all that the Middleton family has done to revive it.”

One of Megan’s favorite shops is just outside of downtown Columbia, and is a boutique filled with everything from gifts

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LEARN MORE ABOUT FIG AUTHENTIC AT FIGCOLUMBIA.COM

Hair: Process Salon Makeup: POUT (page 26) Dress: Copper Penny (page 35)

for mamas-to-be or brides to perfect touches to add to your home decor.

“Blush Boutique in Lexington is one of my favorite little shops,” said Megan.

“It’s filled with things you didn’t know you needed!”

She’s passionate about why supporting local businesses is so important, more so this year and holiday season than ever before.

“I really do believe that small businesses are the foundation of our community,” said Megan. “They’re the backbone.

Supporting them is so important. For one, they employ locals in their business which is great, but also, their tax dollars go directly back into our community which is great for everyone. It’s at the local shops and boutiques where you are really able to build a relationship with the owners and their team. Once you build that relationship and they know you, they are able to personally recommend exactly what you’re looking for. Or they might spot something they know you’ll love, so they’ll give you a heads up about it. It’s so nice.”

Supporting local extends to her weekends spent in Columbia, too.

Megan’s perfect Saturday morning begins at Soda City Market bright and early as the market opens for the day and ends at Williams-Brice Stadium, cheering on the South Carolina Gamecocks football team.

“That’s basically every Saturday in

the fall,” Megan said. “Soda City is so special—even if you can’t make it every weekend, you know that it’s happening and that you can get back to it the next week. It’s one of the best things that our city has to offer. Even during the pandemic, you can go and be around people, feel the energy of the city, and not have to get close or talk to anyone if you do not want to. Saturday mornings spent at Soda City are perfect. You could even consider it a ‘free’ activity, but I’ve never made it in and out of the market without stopping to buy something!”

Megan is currently planning her upcoming wedding with her fiancé, Todd, and as with most weddings in 2020, her original plans have drastically changed.

“We originally were planning a much larger celebration with several hundred guests in Charleston,” said Megan. “We booked everything in March right before things began shutting down. At first, we were waiting to see if our plans would stay the same. Then it became a game of uncertainty. There’s a lot of unknown right now and it’s super frustrating for everyone” Now, Megan and her fiancé are planning a much smaller, intimate ceremony with just their immediate family and will be celebrating with a special dinner afterwards.

“We had to think about what was really important,” Megan said. “And at the

end of the day it was just starting our lives together, so we’re just focused on something very intimate right now.

Hopefully we’ll be able to celebrated with everyone we love in the future.”

As we move into the busy holiday season, everyone is looking at their typical traditions, celebrations, and gatherings and considering how they might change due to the ongoing pandemic.

Everything from the tree lightings around town to favorites performances, like The Nutcracker, have been affected in one way or other. Megan serves on the board for Columbia City Ballet, the ballet company that puts on The Nutcracker at the Koger Center each holiday season, and is actively working to determine how to safely produce the holiday favorite.

“We are so excited that the Nutcracker is able to happen this year,” Megan said.

“After all, what is Christmas without The Nutcracker?”

Outside of The Nutcracker, some of Megan’s favorite traditions around Columbia include Vista Lights and their annual tree lighting along with driving through the festive light display at Saluda Shoals Park.

“We don’t know what the holidays will look like this year,” Megan said. “Will there be parties and family dinners? One tradition I’m looking forward to keeping alive this season is family holiday matching pajama night!”

ISSUE 29 / WINTER 2020 / COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA / THE GIFTING, GIVING, AND GATHERING ISSUE

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Take Care We can all agree—2020 has been quite a year, and there’s nothing we have earned more than time to indulge in some much-needed self care. Block off time on your schedule and head to the studio for a yoga class, spend an hour in the salon freshening up your locks, or take a deep dive one afternoon with your therapist. Treat yourself to the self-care that leaves you feeling rejuvenated, refreshed, and ready to take on 2021.

B E N D + B A R R E - Hot barre W E L L F L O W - HIIT and vinyasa

STUDIOFIRECOL A .COM

F I R E F L O W - Vinyasa Yoga

Step inside this non-intimidating studio where you can focus on moving, growing, and connecting. With 3 core classes offered daily you’ll find everything you need with infrared fusion fitness, at Studio Fire.

Heart-pumping and challenging, you’ll sweat your way to a new you in 2021.

3000 ROSEWOOD DR, STE 6

Stop searching, you’re here

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Anytime, Anywhere For 10 years, Drew Mobley has been encouraging, training, and providing expectational health and fitness services to his clients at Anytime Fitness on Devine Street. No matter the weather— whether it’s a cold winter’s morning or a muggy summer afternoon—he and his team continually show up for their clients to provide motivation and guidance for their fitness journey. His health club is ranked among the top Anytime Fitness locations in the country and it’s all due to the quality service provided to everyone seeking to improve their health.

Now, Drew is expanding his footprint in Columbia with Susanne Hicklin with the opening of Basecamp Fitness.

Commitment to a safe & sanitary environment 24-Hour Access Reciprocity to 2500+ Clubs Personal Training Free Weights Cardio Peloton Bikes

2808 DEVINE STREET

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803.546.8578

ANY TIMEFITNESS.COM

Coming Spring 2021!

The exercises are easily modified to meet you where you’re at and challenge you to push beyond.

Beginner? Advanced?

All you need to be is a driven go-getter.

GO ALL IN WITH BASECAMP Push yourself to new limits in 2021 as Basecamp Fitness comes to Columbia. Co-owned and operated by local fitness enthusiasts Drew Mobley and Susanne Hicklin, expect a new twist on group fitness. These classes are designed for every fitness level and are quick, but effective at enhancing your strength, cardio, and core. Challenge yourself and a friend to take classes together, and discover new heights for your fitness journey.

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2728 SUNSET BLVD., MEDICAL PARK 1, SUITE 202, WEST COLUMBIA

Skincare Treatments Injectables CoolSculpting Vaginal Wellness Laser Hair Removal Laser Skin Services

803.978.9128 ABOUT YOUAESTHETICS.COM

Take Time for Self-care This holiday season, treat yourself to state-of-the-art nonsurgical aesthetic treatments that will enhance your youthful appearance. The team at About You Aesthetics cares for the unique needs of women while working alongside gynecologists and obstetricians to give you the comprehensive care for your entire heath and wellbeing that you deserve. Look as beautiful on the outside as you feel on the inside as you begin 2021 with a renewed sense of self!

From left: Susan Steiner, Dr. Kyllan Hutchinson, Lauren Coggiola, RN, Jennifer Trogdon, Kathleen Stesienko

Your Destination for Great Hair Custom hair color Personalized hair extensions Luxury texture treatments Haircuts Makeup & styling

Inspired by his travels to NYC, owner Gregory Garrett wanted to create a studio experience unlike any other in Columbia—one that was welcoming, yet luxurious, and one that focused on elevating the beauty experience to new heights. He and the team of stylists at Metropolis have established the perfect balance between style and comfort that welcomes everyone to their color and extension studio.

1218 TAYLOR STREET 803.764.5738 METROPOLISSALONSC.COM

A New Perspective for a New Year There’s a pandemic and people are dying. Home schooling is now a reality for many. Elections are dividing and exhausting us. Fires and hurricanes are not letting up. A summer of protests and heartache around police reform and black lives mattering. And then there are all the daily challenges we all live through—relationships, kids, parents, jobs, money, health.

The rabbit trails of worry can feel endless.

Therapy is a safe, predictable place to unpack it all. In sessions we talk about the rabbit trails. Sometimes we follow them, realizing they do end eventually. Other times, we explore patterns in our thinking that invite the helpless, angry, I-never-win stories to take over.

M E N TA L H E A LT H R E S O U R C E S • For a life-threatening mental health emergency: Call 911.

• For suicide prevention, call 1-800-273-8255 or text “home” to 741 741 It might calm anxiety to focus on concentric circles of care: Focus on yourself and family, then neighbors, then community. Reach out only in those circles, based on what you have the energy and bandwidth for. This way you focus on what you can control—quieting anxiety which likes to thrive when we feel a lack of control.

2020 has thrown so much at us. Consider a media “diet” intentionally limiting the news, political commercials and social media updates on protests, national disasters and political poles.

This isn’t avoiding reality; it is limiting yourself to healthy amounts. Balance news with a walk, a dance, with rest, with reading, meditating (try the Calm app), talking with friends, petting the dog.

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1231 ELMWOOD AVE, COLUMBIA

T H E R A P Y F O R P E O P L E L I K E YO U

The most important thing: don’t become isolated. Reach for others—at work, over the phone, whatever works for you.

Isolation can enhance mental health challenges. Don’t let it take over—connect with someone.

Therapy looks different every week. There is no one conversation or one way to “be” in therapy. We start with how you are today, in the moment. From there we look for patterns and build on insights. We hope to make you feel empowered to not only get through this time, but to learn something about yourself. Maybe even thrive.

We are all in this together.

130 GIBSON RD, LEXINGTON

803.815.1129

JSACOUNSELING.COM

Freedom from Glasses and Contacts Offering laser vision correction, including LASIK, for patients with nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. iDESIGNÂŽ next generation technology takes more than 1,200 measurements of your eye to create a personalized plan to correct your vision.

Schedule a consultation to see if laser vision correction can reduce or eliminate your dependence on glasses and contacts.

columbiaeyeclinic.com

Dress: Monkee’s of Columbia Shoes: Blossom Shoes Hair: Process Makeup: POUT

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The Perfect Gift Give the gift of independence this holiday season to the elderly loved ones in your life.

In return, you’ll receive peace of mind knowing that they are receiving exceptional care from the family-owned Daybreak Adult Care team. It’s a gift that will continue to give long after the holiday celebrations have ended and one that will be appreciated each day of the year.

Arrange your holiday gift today!

OFFICE LOCATIONS IN LEXINGTON AND AIKEN

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803.356.4 451 DAYBREAKCARE.COM

New Year, New Lifestyle Profile isn’t a diet, it’s a lifestyle change for you. The coaches at Profile are ready to create a personalized nutrition, activity, and lifestyle coaching program designed to help you lose weight and enjoy a healthy, active life.

Two locally owned & operated locations!

4 400 FORT JACKSON BLVD, SUITE 600C 803.542.9759 5232 SUNSET BOULEVARD, SUITE G, LEXINGTON 803.756.3403

Sparkle & Shine Treat yourself to the ultimate hour of relaxation at The Nail barre with a mani and pedi as you get holiday ready. Give the same gift to your loved ones—and plan a nail date together in the new year!

3006 DEVINE STREET 803.834.7000 2900 DREHER SHOALS ROAD 803.851.4830 THENAILBARRE.COM

Purchase a gift card for the perfect stocking stuffer or for your girls’ night gift exchange!

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at home and abroad. Through it all, they’re becoming the kind of leaders the world will one day need.

Hammond is about more than impressive test scores. The arts, athletics, and service to others help round out the school experience. We believe in the power of the arts to liberate minds and spirits to create without limit, and likewise, athletics is less about trophies and more about working together toward a common goal.

Opening Doors for the Future We don’t live in the same world we did yesterday. Now more than ever, schools must keep pace and prepare students to compete and lead—in a global society.

It’s a world in which we are all connected, a world in which anything, it seems, is possible.

At Hammond, we know our students will inherit a world we can scarcely imagine.

Our job? To make sure they’re ready for whatever the future holds. We prepare them to think ahead.

While we can’t predict the future, we think we have a good idea of what will matter 20 years from now. We believe students of today will need intelligence to understand a complex world, imagination for envisioning what could be, resilience to bounce back, an optimistic attitude, and love—because it makes life worth living.

We help prepare students for tomorrow with rigorous academic standards, challenges that build the mind, body, and spirit, and create a culture and

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environment of high expectation that enhances, rather than impedes, possibility.

Beginning in the lower grades, we see the infinite possibility in each child and nurture their innate curiosity and insatiable inquisitiveness in the earliest grades. We do that by exploring everything from Spanish to writing computer code.

Our goal is to give even our youngest students a headstart by learning to love learning. There’s no better preparation for whatever the future may hold.

Middle Schoolers take on new challenges, embrace new perspectives, and venture out into new cultures. Along the way, they discover what it takes to come into their own. They learn to think fast, on their feet, and ahead. After all, what you learn today feeds what you can accomplish tomorrow.

Upper School students dive deep into every subject from computer science to global issues to creative writing. They expand their comfort zones via field studies that take them to far-flung places,

854 GALWAY L ANE 803.776.0295 HAMMONDSCHOOL.ORG

At Hammond, we learn and grow together as a community. One of the biggest lessons we teach is that character counts mightily. We talk about what it means to be a part of something bigger than yourself and personal responsibility. Across all grades, students engage in community giving, environmental stewardship, and myriad extracurricular clubs that foster selfexamination and community connection and help them discover their own power to spur on positive change.

The world as we know it has changed, but one thing is for certain. Today’s students need an education that will help equip them for the next step in the journey. We’ve heard much of late about hindsight being 20/20. While true, we at Hammond were fortunate to have the foresight to prepare for moments that push us out of our comfort zones, test boundaries, and demand paradigm shifts.

Throughout the Hammond experience, we carefully prepare students for the future and whatever it might hold. The future arrived and we were ready. Let us help predict the future for your child.

Our doors are always open.

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ISSUE 29 / WINTER 2020 / COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA / THE GIFTING, GIVING, AND GATHERING ISSUE

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Give In a season of gifting and giving, Columbia’s nonprofits are busier than ever doing what they can to serve those in need. Consider making their holidays extra bright this year by giving back to those that do so much to improve our community and our state. Donate an afternoon of time and volunteer with your family at a nonprofit; make a monetary donation in honor or memory of a loved one; gather much needed supplies and drop off at your favorite nonprofit. Even a simple thank you note for all of the incredible work that they do would go far this season. Let’s show our local nonprofits how much we appreciate their necessary work!

A Place to Shine Camp Cole—a children’s camp built in honor of an eleven year old boy, Cole, who passed away from cancer in 2004—is a special place that provides unique camp experiences for children who typically might not be able to attend camp. Their beautiful campus sits on 40 acres of land just outside of Columbia and is the perfect setting for swimming, fishing, and therapeutic horseback riding while providing accessible, state-of-the-art amenities for cabins and the dining hall. Be a reason others can shine— get involved with Camp Cole through donations, volunteer hours, and by connecting those who could benefit from the traditional camp experience to Camp Cole.

Camp Cole’s Therapeutic Riding Program is the only program of its kind in the area. It aims to nourish the human spirit through horse and human connection, and serves individuals ages 4 and older with a variety of disabilities and life challenges. The physical, cognitive, emotional, and social benefits of the program are broad and lasting for all the riders.

Left to right: Amanda Malanuk, Director & Certified PATH Instructor for Camp Cole Therapeutic Riding Kelsey Sawyer Carter, Founder & Executive Director Margaret Deans Fawcett Grantz, Founder & Director of Development & Marketing 803.849.8697 CAMPCOLE.ORG

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On stage and beyond J OY E I N A I K E N BR IN G S T HE A NNUA L F E STI VA L TO A I KE N I N A NE W FO RM AT Performing arts and the artists behind the performances—from live jazz music to beautiful dance performances—have the power to completely transform someone’s life or way of thinking. They offer hope and spread joy; they provide inspiration and a way to momentarily escape the real world; they give us a renewed sense of self and bring clarity to our lives. They are vitally important to our way of life, now more than ever.

After a chaotic and challenging 2020 that has reshaped and redefined us all, Joye in Aiken is passionately committed to

continuing to bring world-class talent to the annual Joye in Aiken Festival. The 2021 Festival brings changes designed to protect the health and safety of everyone from artists to attendees. Instead of a single Festival week, the nonprofit will bring a schedule of top-tier performances and outreach events spread out over several months during the spring of 2021. This will allow the organization to maintain strict health and safety guidelines, while getting creative with new ideas and venues.

Most performances will be outdoors; the extensive Outreach

Program will be presented in a new virtual format. Flexibility and innovation will be the watchwords as Joye in Aiken continues its mission to make the very best in the performing arts available to the community and to area students.

Joye is something to hear, something to share, something to experience, something to give, and something to see. Experience Joye in Aiken 2021 and allow the arts to transform you.

Find Joye in Aiken on Facebook and Instagram, or visit their website at JoyeinAiken.com for more information.

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Student volunteers at a Midlands Work Day sponsored by Home Works and Youth Corps

Social Mission: Home Works of America AT F I G , W E B E L I E V E I N T H E P OW E R O F A C O M M U N I T Y that works together to identify needs and find solutions—one that creates connections and is passionate about helping its neighbors. For our 2020 Social Mission partner, we’ve chosen Home Works of America, an impactful non-profit whose good works contribute to our thriving, local community.

At every Home Works repair session, you can be sure of one thing: construction will meet compassion.

Youth volunteers meet elderly, lowincome homeowners as they come together to work on everything from wheelchair ramps to sheetrock repair, roof repair and replacement, exterior repairs, and more, they discover the power that hope has in someone’s life.

Hope comes to the homeowners in the form of having much needed repairs completed, and having them completed without dipping into their already severely limited funds. This lifts a weight off of their shoulders—their home is now safer and more reliable to

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live in, and their health and safety is no longer at risk in the place that they call home. Their home is often upgraded to be more efficient, which in the long run saves the homeowner money that can then be used to purchase necessary food and medicine.

These homeowners are often homebound, have no family or friends that live nearby, and don’t get as much social interaction in their daily lives as they once did. The social interaction provided during the repair sessions boost the homeowners mental and emotional health, as do the lasting friendships that form between volunteers and the homeowner.

Hope comes to the volunteers as they see the power that one day can have in someone’s life. One Saturday, given up to be in service of someone else, has the power to completely change everyone’s life for the better. This lesson stays with the student volunteers long after the repair session is over—it’s one that resonates in their lives as the grow up and discover the ways they want to

LEARN MORE ABOUT FIG SOCIAL MISSION AT FIGCOLUMBIA.COM

continue volunteering their time and their money in their community.

Your donation to Home Works— whether it is monetary, time, or supplies—provides a shining light of hope to senior citizens in our state.

It enables Home Works to continue providing compassionate construction and renovation to their homes to ensure that the homes are stable, safe environments for a senior citizen to continue living in. It also allows them to build communities, to help ease the affordable housing crisis, and to mentor the next generation through workforce development. These are things that we find crucial no matter the time of the year, but especially during the holidays after a year like we have all gone through together.

Learn more about Home Works of America, the work that they do, and how you can make a donation to their mission by visiting their website, homeworksofamerica.org or by calling 803.781.4536.

DYK: Since 1984, Central Carolina Community Foundation has awarded more than $200 million in grants and scholarships thanks to the generosity of their fundholders and donors across the communities that they serve.

803.254.5601 YOURFOUNDATION.ORG

Looking for a meaningful and unique way to celebrate the holidays, a birthday, or other special occasion this year? Choose a gift that will continue giving long after you give it to your recipient. Purchase a Midlands Gives Giving eCard. These eCards can be redeemed on the MidlandsGives.org website to support over 400 local nonprofits during the Midlands annual day of giving, Midlands Gives.

2142 BOYCE STREET, SUITE 402

The Gift That Keeps Giving

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F I G C O LU M B I A 2112 Sumter Street Columbia, SC 29201

T H I S B O O K WO U L D N O T H AV E B E E N P O S S I B L E W I T H O U T O U R S M A L L B U S I N E S S C H A M P I O N .

T H A N K YO U , F R O M T H E B O T T O M O F O U R H E A RT S .

Forever on a mission.

CHAMPIONS FOR CHANGE

Fig believes creative thinking and powerful communication can transform businesses and communities.

B U I L D I N G R E L AT I O N S H I P S Fig creates connections—between businesses, between people, between communities, and between ideas.

LO V I N G LO C A L Fig believes in supporting neighbors and strengthening local economies.

In fact, it’s at the very heart of what we do.

Thank you to our Community Supporter, Aiken Downtown Development Association