Time flies when you're having fun! This edition marks my second anniversary as Publisher of Aiken City Lifestyle. Two years in and I’m still having a blast. I’m fortunate to have an incredible team that helps me bring the best of Aiken to you each month. It's a privilege to share your stories with our community.
As some of you may know, fashion isn't exactly my forte. Thankfully, our Publications Director, the ever-stylish Nikita Hanif, took the lead on our 3rd annual September Style issue. She invited her friend Jacqueline Brigido to showcase looks curated from local Aiken boutiques at her beautiful Aiken farm. We even had a special guest—Jacqueline's horse, Sailor—and a stunning Corvette loaned by our friends at Car Cave. I’m a little sad that we have to return the car, but the pictures are fabulous!
Fashion isn't just for women, so we also featured lawyers Sam Grimes and Bradley McMillian, who modeled stylish outfits provided by Tailored Gents.
Speaking of always being fashionable, Leilani Pacheco of Gold Wowie introduced us to young athletes who she sponsors through her Polo Ambassador initiative.
We also caught up with Jan Friday and his team at Aiken Transport Express, which ensures that you arrive at your events in style.
I feel incredibly blessed to make a living doing something I love and believe I was created to do. I look forward to many more years of sharing Aiken with you.
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• Understand the root causes of depression from a Biblical perspective.
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This is a chance to reconnect with hope and faith, and embark on a journey to emotional and spiritual well-being.
Unlock Hope and Healing
A Seminar on Depression
Saturday, September 14th
Cedar Creek Church
9:30AM – 12:30PM Registration is $25
inside the issue
Jacqueline Brigido Models Fashions
city scene
1: I spy Haley Maness at Amp the Alley. 2: Boss Bobby celebrating 10 years with some Bijoux Babes! 3: Networking pros Delany Tavenner and Hetal Acharekar at Business After Hours. 4: Enjoying Amp the Alley from Mellow Mushroom. 5: James and Jamie with Iron Gate Candles went all in for Beyond Bijoux’s Decade party. 6: Karla Heitkamp called a friend to make sure she didn’t miss Beyond Bijoux’s party! 7: Sean at Woodchuckers has a cold one ready to enjoy Amp the Alley in July. Photography by Gayle Bryan & Nikita Hanif
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city scene
8: Stuart Prettel and pal at Amp the Alley. 9: Will McCranie performing on a windy Thursday at Amp the Alley. 10: The Cleanup Aiken crew with Christa Turner at Business After Hours. 11: Boss Bobby and Nikita celebrating 10 Years at Beyond Bijoux! 12: Ann Young made disco ball candles, compliments of Iron Gate Candles at Beyond Bijoux’s Party. 13: Boss Bobby competing for the highest pinball score at Beyond Bijoux’s Decades Party. 14: Serving up slices at Amp the Alley. Photography by Gayle Bryan & Nikita Hani
We
Discover Discover
15: A Mellow Mushroom slice is always nice at Amp the Alley. 16: Bebette Smith spreading chocolate cheer at Business After Hours. 17: Leslie and Cat from Pitter Patter and Caroline’s supporting their peers at Beyond Bijoux. 18: There is no Amp the Alley without a visit to The Alley Downtown Taproom. 19: Broke out the vintage varsity jacket for Beyond Bijoux’s Decades Party. 20: Dillon, Todd and David networking at Business After Hours. 21: Turner had fun playing Galaga from Radioactive Pinball Arcade at Beyond Bijoux’s Decades Party. Photography by Gayle Bryan & Nikita Hani
and HORSES, HORSEPOWER
HIGH FASHION
Jacqueline Brigido Models Fashions from Local Boutiques
ARTICLE BY ASHLEY ELVIS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY REBECCA JUDY
Aiken City Lifestyle is no stranger to covering horses, cars and fashion because those are three things that Aiken does well. This article features these as a trio to create an amazing styled shoot at the home and horse farm of model Jacqueline Brigido, along with Sailor, her Thoroughbred horse, and some incredible horsepower borrowed from Car Cave.
Beyond Bijoux
Beyond Bijoux, one of downtown Aiken’s favorites, is a fashion accessories store but their offerings go beyond jewelry, belts and bags. The store is full of really fun, trendy boutique pieces for any style. Here, Jacqueline is featured in two outfits from Beyond Bijoux. The first is a jumpsuit perfect for a dinner date or a night out on the town with the girls. The color is cactus and with an elastic waist and swingy pleats, this piece is flattering on all body types and really comfortable. Jacqueline’s second outfit is a super versatile one with a really pretty blue tank tucked into black, elastic-waist trousers. This look would be great paired with heels and a blazer for work, sneakers for travel, or cute flats for lunch downtown.
Aiken Dry Goods, known as a premier lifestyle boutique, offers fashionable, trendy clothes that also feel “purposefully collected and timeless”. Along with curated, handpicked pieces, Aiken Dry Goods also carries bags, boots, leather goods, gifts and soaps. For the shoot, Jacqueline wore three outfits from Aiken Dry Goods. The first one is a beautiful floral dress in neutral shades with a soft beige shawl. This would be ideal for a baby or bridal shower, church or a casual outdoor wedding in the fall. The second is another dress but with rich colors perfect for fall. The belt adds a nice touch and creates a really pretty silhouette. Anyone would feel great in this dress; it could work for any occasion and looks good with heels, boots or even sneakers. Rounding out the picks from Aiken Dry Goods is a really fun denim jumpsuit with colorful threaded flowers down the leg, perfect for a concert or a night out with friends.
Curated Clothiers, known for their high-end fashion pieces, is one of Aiken’s newest clothing boutiques. They choose pieces made from quality materials that boast unique designs for women to feel luxurious and chic. After all, “fashion isn’t just about clothes, it’s about making a statement.” For this shoot, Jacqueline is wearing a stunning floral dress. The blue and green color combo is vibrant while the dress feels really feminine and flowy, inspired by the past but timeless. This would be a great choice for an upscale, outdoor wedding or garden party. The second is a gorgeous, feathery top and long skirt combination. The top is really unique-something to wear to a special occasion. This would be great for a formal wedding or a black-tie event.
Aiken Dry Goods
Our model, Jacqueline is originally from Florida but calls Aiken her home. She made her way here through USCA where she attended college. She then received her master's at AU and now works at SRNL in the Global Security Directorate. When Jacqueline isn’t working, she is with her horses! She is a hunter/jumper and trains with Erin Holsenback. Also filling her days are travel adventures, scuba diving and spending time with her fiancé, Conrad.
Our other model, Sailor, is Jacqueline’s 18-year-old Thoroughbred horse who she has had since she was 18 herself! Though he is most-opinionated, fearless, bold and confident, he can be easily convinced with food,
especially a carrot-his favorite! Sailor and Jacqueline both love life and are each other's best friends. An old injury has Sailor mostly retired, so this photo shoot was a great way for them to spend time together making memories.
And, of course, the red Corvette Stingray was the perfect touch to bring together the theme of Horses, Horsepower and High Fashion.
Thank you to Beyond Bijoux, Aiken Dry Goods and Curated Clothiers for dressing our model. Thank you to Jacqueline and Sailor for modeling, and thank you to Chris Swindle of Car Cave for letting Aiken City Lifestyle borrow the amazing Corvette!
Curated Clothiers
MCMIL L I A N AND GRIMES
ALL WORK AND A LITTLE PLAY
ARTICLE BY NIKITA HANIF | PHOTOGRAPHY BY REBECCA JUDY
Bradley McMillian and Samuel Grimes are dedicated attorneys specializing in personal injury and DUI cases. They firmly believe in the power of the law as both a weapon and a shield, which is reflected in their motto, Sword & Shield. This motto underscores their commitment to working tirelessly for their clients. In the office, they maintain a relaxed and inviting atmosphere, often seen in golf shirts and khakis, which helps to make their clients feel less intimidated and more comfortable.
Recently, McMillian and Grimes decided to take a break from their demanding work and enjoy a night out. They dressed up in stylish attire from Tailored Gents Boutique and headed over to Radioactive Pinball Arcade. There, they spent the evening releasing the burdens of the day by playing pinball, competing to see who could achieve the highest score. In many ways, this friendly competition parallels their professional lives, where they consistently strive to secure the best outcomes for their clients. The dedication they show to both their work and clients is evident in their approach, making them highly respected attorneys in the community.
AIKEN TRANSPORT EXPRESS
ARTICLE BY NIKITA HANIF | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCOTT WEBSTER
Aiken Transport Express stands out with its personalized service, treating every customer like a VIP. Their exemplary communication, especially when tracking clients' flights, ensures updated schedules and punctuality. The company's fleet of vehicles and team of drivers are capable of meeting diverse needs. Their reputation for reliability has made them the preferred transport service for Aiken locals, hotels and golf courses. Jan Friday and Jeff Rienzo, the 'Ambassadors of Aiken', take pride in sharing their hometown with locals and tourists.
Aiken Transport Express, with its distinctive bow tie logo on their vehicles, is a versatile transport service. They excel in providing seamless transportation for a variety of occasions, including airport transfers, corporate events, weddings, golf outings and more. Friday and Rienzo care personally about each client and discuss a memorable moment involving a gentlemen who broke his leg while visiting Aiken and was unable to fly back to New York. The client and his wife were so impressed by the care and concern shown by
Delivering Big City Service with Small Town Charm
Aiken Transport Express that they booked the company to drive them back home to Buffalo. Another notable moment was the honor of driving down Magnolia Lane at Augusta National to pick up a professional golfer and take him to his private jet, further evidence of their impeccable service and the trust they have earned. Their passion for customer service and the relationships they build are apparent in the exponential growth of their clientele. Recently, they opened a new office in Downtown Aiken, further cementing their presence in the community. With their dedication to care and trustworthiness, Friday, Rienzo and their drivers continue to make Aiken Transport Express the go-to service for upscale and personalized transportation.
in Style
• Services Offered: Airport Transportation, Local Events, Corporate Events, Special Occasions, Drop off and Pick up, Date Nights, Golf Outings, Weddings
• Clean and well-maintained vehicles
• Complimentary water and snacks are provided
• Assistance loading and unloading baggage
• Prompt pickup and day-before confirmation via telephone
• 100% money-back guarantee on deposits with 24-hour notice of cancellation
• Background checks on all drivers
• Commercially insured
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GOLD WOWIE CHANGING THE GAME
A Cutting Edge Polo Ambassador Program Featuring Young Athletes in Aiken
ARTICLE BY NIKITA HANIF
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATIE ROTH & SHELLY MARSHALL SCHMIDT
Gold Wowie CBD, a prominent boutique wholesale CBD company owned by Leilani Pecheco, proudly announced the induction of three promising young polo players into its inaugural Polo Ambassador program for 2024 in Aiken, SC. The program features Lucas Arellano, Pedro Lara and Andrew Scott, who hold outdoor handicaps of 3, 2 and 1, respectively.
This groundbreaking initiative is not aimed at promoting Gold Wowie products. Instead, it is designed to provide a platform for the ambassadors to cultivate essential life skills off the polo field, steering them toward successful futures. The ambassadors will develop self-confidence and
enhance their public speaking skills by engaging with the public at educational events. They will also demystify the sport of polo, offering a player’s perspective on the “game of kings,” one of the world’s most exhilarating and fast-paced team sports. This program allows the public to see the personalities behind the players they cheer for on the field. Pacheco is partnering with PR specialist and photographer Katie Roth to launch the program and develop a platform to showcase the legacy of ambassadors for years to come.
Pacheco, founder of Gold Wowie LLC, articulated the vision behind the program: “I wanted to create a Polo Brand Ambassador program as a way for polo players to become mentors for the betterment of the sport. To survive in any sport, having a Plan B is vital, and this program will give ambassadors the tools to help attract potential sponsors and new opportunities they will need to secure their futures, whether they want a career in polo or business.”
The selection process for these ambassadors was extensive and meticulous, spanning over two years. A committee evaluated dozens of players in the Aiken area, ultimately selecting ambassadors based on their talent, humility, optimism, motivation, commitment, professional demeanor and team leadership. These young athletes are known for their hard work and are actively involved in charitable endeavors, embodying the core values of Gold Wowie.
“I WANTED TO CREATE A POLO BRAND AMBASSADOR PROGRAM AS A WAY FOR POLO PLAYERS TO BECOME MENTORS FOR THE BETTERMENT OF THE SPORT.”
Exploring Local Antique Stores and their Hidden Treasures
Discover Aiken’s Hidden Gems
Discovering hidden gems is a delightful part of living in Aiken. Our charming city is home to several antique shops that offer unique finds and a glimpse into the past. Here are three must-visit antique stores that you can spend some time exploring this fall. Happy hunting!
ARTICLE BY SHELBY MAYER PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCOTT WEBSTER & PROVIDED
York Cottage Antiques
Nestled in downtown Aiken, York Cottage Antiques is a cozy haven for antique shop enthusiasts. This unique shop offers a curated collection of both French and English furniture, sterling silver, vintage sporting collectibles and more. The friendly and knowledgeable staff are always on-hand to help you find that perfect treasure. Whether you’re hunting for a statement piece for your home or an eclectic gift, York Cottage Antiques promises a memorable shopping experience in a warm, inviting atmosphere.
409 Hayne Ave SW | 803-642-9524
Aiken Antique Mall
As long as you’re downtown, make sure you drop by Aiken Antique Mall. This sprawling marketplace is filled to the brim with an array of fine antiques and vintage collectibles. With over 50 dealers under one roof, the selection is vast and varied, ranging from vintage jewelry and classic books to mid-century furniture and rare artifacts. When you arrive, make sure you take a few minutes to appreciate their ever-changing (and often seasonally-inspired) window displays. No matter what you’re looking for, the Aiken Antique Mall is the perfect spot to spend a leisurely summer afternoon, soaking in the nostalgia.
112 Laurens St SW | 803-648-6700
Antiques and More Mall
Located conveniently on East Pine Log Road, Antiques and More Mall offers an expansive selection of fine antiques, eclectic vintage finds and handmade items crafted by local artisans. This store is an Aiken favorite, known for its diverse range of options, including unique home decor, retro furniture and even a garden patio collection. The spacious layout allows for a relaxed browsing experience, making it easy to lose track of time as you explore the aisles and search out some timeless treasures that are sure to add charm and character to your home.
640 E Pine Log Road | 803-644-1060
Welcome To The Eastside
Richland Ave E & 110 Horry St AIKEN SC.
A
SELECTION
OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
SEPTEMBER 6TH
Aiken's Makin'
Downtown Aiken | 9:00 AM
Lifestyle Village
Come and experience the Aiken’s Makin' Arts and Crafts Show on September 6-7! This two-day event kicks off in front of the City of Aiken’s Visitor Center and Train Museum, extending over three and a half city blocks to Chesterfield Street. Start your holiday shopping early, discover gourmet treats and enjoy delicious food, drinks and desserts. Don't miss out on this fantastic community celebration!
SEPTEMBER 8TH
The Concert Truck
Etherredge Center | 2:00 PM
Catch the unique and exciting performances of The Concert Truck, a mobile music venue created by pianists Nick Luby and Susan Zhang. After a week of Aiken County Public Schools performances, they will perform on the Etherredge Center Stage with a ninefoot Steinway Grand Piano. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy live music in a fully-functioning, mobile concert hall with lights, a sound system and a piano.
SEPTEMBER 14TH
Sunset Picnic and Jazz Concert at LA BOURGOGNE CLUB DE POLO
LA BOURGOGNE CLUB DE POLO | 7:30 PM
Enjoy a sunset picnic and jazz concert on the grounds of LA BOURGOGNE CLUB DE POLO. Jazz singer Jerry Eisenberg will perform with musicians Donald Vega, Luke Sellick and Pete Vannostrand. Picnic Baskets include four concert tickets and a sumptuous picnic, including wine. Visit labourgognepolo.com for all the details.
CONTINUED
SEPTEMBER 19TH
Equus Film and Arts Fest/ The Mustang Summit
532 Glenwood Dr | 9:00 AM
Support Aiken Equine Rescue at the EQUUS Film and Arts Fest at Aiken Equine Rescue. Celebrate equestrian films, arts and the Mustang Summit, which includes demos, training sessions and expert panels. Don’t miss it!
SEPTEMBER 20TH
Stable View "Fall Frenzy" Dressage
Stable View | 9:00 AM
Don’t miss USEF/USDF "Fall Frenzy" Dressage at Stable View in Aiken, SC. This prestigious event, recognized by both the USEF and USDF, promises a competitive and exhilarating experience for participants and spectators alike. Make sure to visit Stable View and witness top-tier dressage performances. For more details, visit stableviewfarm.com.
SEPTEMBER 27TH
Aiken Seafood Festival
Newberry St SW | 12:00 PM
Check out the Aiken Seafood Festival from September 27-29, on Newberry St SW. Enjoy a kids' zone, arts & crafts, beer and wine gardens and live music all weekend. No tickets required; just get a wristband for alcohol. Don't miss this fun-filled event!
