Issuu

D E C E M B E R 2 02 0

LI F E + C U LTU R E M AT H SK I L L S FO R E VERYO N E PERF EC T G I F T I D E AS I N L AK E M U RR AY HOME + DESIGN PAL M E T T O AI R C O N D I T I O N I N G'S N E W WE AP O N AG AI NS T C OVI D

SPLASH OMNIMEDIA

A Journey

LIFESTYLE LETTER

DECEMBER 2020 PUBLISHER

David Hayth | david.hayth@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Happy and Healthy Holidays! HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO EVERYONE IN OUR LAKE MURRAY LIFESTYLES FAMILY.

Heide Brandes | heide.brandes@lifestylepubs.com ACCO UNT MANAGER

Elinor Fatato | elinor.fatato@lifestylepubs.com Anne Reynolds | anne.reynolds@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Miranda Read

As we come to a year's end close of 2020, we hope your family, friends and busi-

L AYO UT DESIGNER

nesses are healthy and hopeful. Yes, this was one of the most challenging years our

Emily Lisenbee

entire planet has had to go through, but community makes us strong. As we celebrate the holidays, we hope you enjoy our special articles on local businesses with unique gift ideas and restaurants in our area that can add festivities to any meal. You'll also learn about how JDRF is fighting against type 1 diabetes - a condition that 1.6 Americans live with - and how you can help end this disease that affects young children around the nation. We also have a snapshot look at one of the most successful law firms of the region, and a deep dive interview with Splash Omnimedia. Both have compelling stories behind their successes. Another exciting article we are pleased to share is how one local air conditioning

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

company has utilized new technology to wipe out COVID 19 viruses in your home.

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

Now more than ever, we need technology like this.

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

As always, we appreciate your support and aim to be your good news magazine of

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

choice. In turn, we ask that you support your local businesses and local organizations.

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Together, we can end this year on a good note!

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

CityLifestyle.com/LakeMurray

Proverbs 3:5-6 Lake Murray Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Lake Murray areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Lake Murray Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but

Lake Murray Lifestyle | December 2020

the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

INSIDE THE ISSUE DECEMBER 2020 FEATURES 10 JDRF - Supporting Families With Type 1 Diabetes JDRF Provides Resources, Research To Defeat Type 1 Diabetes In South Carolina

18 Holiday Gift Guide Resolution: LOCAL Find Unique, One-of-a-Kind Gifts From These Delightful Local Shops

22 Palmetto Air Conditioning Helps Families Fight COVID A New Product by Palmetto Kills Virus to Provide Cleanest Air Possible

26 Splash Omnimedia A Different Kind of Agency Unshakeable Faith, Strategic Focus

26 10

Helped Build One of South Carolina's Premier Agencies

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Around Town

Giving Back

Trend Setter

Localâ€™s Choice

22 Renovate & Refine 26 Financial Buzz 32 Back Stage 36 DIY 40 Parting Thoughts

HEARTS ON FIRE® THE WORLD’S MOST PERFECTLY CUT DIAMOND®

Fine Jewelers Since 1969 Join Us On Facebook 1068 Lake Murray Blvd. Irmo, SC 29063 (803) 407-5290 CityLifestyle.com/LakeMurray

AROUND TOWN

BLUEPRINT FOR LEADERSHIP ACCEPTS APPLICATIONS FOR 2021 CLASS Blueprint for Leadership is a program that prepares people for nonprofit committee and board service in partnership with the Junior League of Columbia. Applications to be a part of the 2021 class will be accepted through December 15, 2020. The Junior League of Columbia, Inc. is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism,

+ LaMyron Jenkins is the senior regional sales manager/business developer for Southeastern Paper Group. + Dani G. Stroud is the lead science teacher and department chair at Gilbert High School and is the Lexington District One Teacher of the Year for the 2020-2021 school year. + Rebecca West is an attorney and managing partner with Harling and West, LLC.

developing the potential of women, and improving

Board members help lead the Educational

communities through the effective action and lead-

Foundation’s charitable endeavors in serving and

ership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclu-

supporting Lexington District One.

sively educational and charitable. Apply today at uway.org/events/ blueprint-leadership-2021.

SOUTH CAROLINA STATE FAIR OFFERS DRIVE-THRU HOLIDAY LIGHTS For the second year, the South Carolina State

LEXINGTON ONE EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION NAMES 7 NEW MEMBERS

Fair is offering a drive-thru holiday light show,

The Lexington One Educational Foundation

the Lexington Medical Center Fair Park (at the SC

accepted seven new members to its board of

"Carolina Lights". Carolina Lights will take place at State Fairgrounds).

directors The new members include Michael L.

Patrons will enter at Gate 6 on George Rogers

Boone, Harriet Poe Coker, Angela C. Douda, Kim

Blvd. Cost is $20 per car, and cash or credit card is

Shealy Jeffcoat, LaMyron Jenkins, Dani G. Stroud

accepted at the gate.

and Rebecca West. + Michael L. Boone is an engineer with Westinghouse Electric. + Harriet Poe Coker is owner and president of

The light show will take place December 5-27, but is closed on Christmas. Times are Monday - Thursday: 6pm-9pm and Friday - Sunday: 6pm-10pm.

Chisolm Consulting & Design. + Angela C. Douda is a production underwriter with Harford Mutual Insurance. + Kim Shealy Jeffcoat is the chief operating officer with The Jeffcoat Law Firm.

Lake Murray Lifestyle | December 2020

Would you like to get in touch with us? We would love to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.com /LakeMurray using the Get In Touch link and let us know what you think.

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GIVING BACK

JDRF - SUPPORTING FAMILIES WITH

TYPE 1 DIABETES

Funds raised by JDRF in South Carolina and around the country help drive research towards improved treatments a cure of type 1 diabetes.

JDRF is the largest non-profit funder of type 1 research in the world, funding the best research around the globe.

JDRF CONTINUES TO PROVIDE RESOURCES AND FUND RESEARCH TO DEFEAT TYPE 1 DIABETES IN SOUTH CAROLINA

Lake Murray Lifestyle | December 2020

ARTICLE HEIDE BRANDES KEVIN SIMMONS, SOUTH CAROLINA MARKET DIRECTOR FOR THE GEORGIA SOUTH CAROLINA CHAPTER OF JDRF, KNOWS EXACTLY WHAT FAMILIES GO THROUGH WHEN A CHILD IS DIAGNOSED WITH TYPE 1 DIABETES. Twelve years ago, when his daughter was just 9, she was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. The diagnosis was a complete shock and to him and his family. Like other families faced with the diagnosis, Simmons felt fear and confusion. “No one in our family had diabetes. I noticed that she was going to the bathroom a lot, which is one of the signs but I didn’t think much of it,” he said. An ophthalmologist eventually noticed the girl’s eyesight was declining and told the Simmons to take her to a doctor immediately. That’s when they learned their daughter was one of the 1.6 million people living with type 1 diabetes in the U.S. “The biggest fear is of the unknown. The diagnosis hit us like a ton of bricks,” Simmons said. Simmons now works for JDRF (formerly Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) where he helps other families transition with the diagnosis. Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease in which insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas are mistakenly destroyed by the body’s immune system. Its causes are not fully known, and there is currently no cure. People with T1D are dependent on injected or pumped insulin to survive. From funding innovative research to advocating for government action to providing a support structure for the community, no other organization does more to fight type 1 diabetes (T1D) than JDRF. In addition, the organization provides resources, information, guides, and a community for families living with type 1 diabetes. In South Carolina, JDRF works with three major hospitals to provide Bags of Hope for families with children in the hospital, especially those newly diagnosed. The bags include pamphlets, resources, tools and a big teddy bear named Rufus. This year, the organization has seen an uptick in children being diagnosed

Rufus, the teddy bear with type 1, is the centerpiece of the JDRF Bag of Hope which is provided to children diagnosed with type 1 at any partner hospitals.

with the disease. COVID may have something to do with that as those with diabetes tend to have a harder time with the virus. “In the last two weeks, we’ve had 10 new diagnosed children in South Carolina alone,” Simmons said. “The general public has little knowledge about type 1 diabetes and the difference between type 1 and type 2.” In an effort to educate and also fund needed and continual research, JDRF is currently in fundraising mode. On Nov. 1, 200 teams in South Carolina and Georgia took part in the One Walk. JDRF One Walk is the largest T1D event in the world, raising more than $1 billion for T1D research. For the first time ever, the goal was to walk 1.6 million miles in support of the 1.6 million Americans living with T1D. As the leading global organization funding T1D research, JDRF’s mission is to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications. The JDRF Hope Gala is set for spring but due to COVID, the Hope Gala will once again be a virtual event.

JDRF Ride to Cure program is a wonderful way to support JDRF while staying fit on a bicycle either on the road or from the comfort of your own home.

“The South Carolina Georgia Chapter has a goal of raising $1.9 million by Dec. 31,” said Simmons. “South Carolina’s goal of that is $390,000.” To learn more about JDRF, to volunteer, or to donate, visit jdrf.org. CityLifestyle.com/LakeMurray

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Lake Murray Lifestyle | December 2020

CityLifestyle.com/LakeMurray

TREND SETTER

M at h S k i l l s F o r

MATHNASIUM HELPS STUDENTS BUILD CONFIDENCE FOR SUCCESS IN MATH

ARTICLE HEIDE BRANDES | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

EVERYONE

Lake Murray Lifestyle | December 2020

WHEN MATH MAKES SENSE, KIDS LEAP

what each child knows and what they need to learn.

WAY AHEAD. But for many children, math can

Based on the plan, instructors continually check

be especially frustrating and any gaps in learning

progress to make sure kids understand and retain

only build up to more gaps and more frustration.

the concepts.

However, according to Annette Sudduth, owner of

This year, students need specialized math

Mathnasium of Lexington, every child can learn and

instruction more than ever. Because many schools

excel in math.

closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, students

“We help with their classwork, but we also

lost 9 weeks or more of instruction. When it comes

assess the students to find out where the gaps are

to math, if you add this time to the normal summer

and fill them in. This helps decrease their frustra-

slide, the loss could equal a half of a year.

tion,” said Sudduth. Many kids decide that they “like or dislike” math before they leave grade school. Mathnasium discourages the idea that only certain people can excel in math.

In addition to onsite sessions, Mathnasium also offers a virtual platform where students work live face-to-face with instructors through computers. “Our big focus is to connect with the student. If a connection is there, then the student

“Everyone can do math. You just have to reach

progresses,” Sudduth said. “We have several

students where they are and at their level,” Sudduth

instructors, and our instructors make sure stu-

said. “Think of math as a sport. You have to practice

dents understand the number sense and develop

it or you do forget it.”

critical thinking skills.”

At Mathnasium, trained instructors teach in an individual setting and with customized learning

For more information, visit

plans for each student. The assessment determines

mathnasium.com/lexington. CityLifestyle.com/LakeMurray

A D U LT A N D P E D I AT R I C • O T O L A R Y N G O L O G Y • H E A D A N D N E C K S U R G E R Y

Lexington ENT & Allergy Proudly Welcomes

Jordan W. Rawl, MD Dr. Rawl specializes in advanced care and treatment of head and neck cancers. This fellowship-trained specialty is new to the Lexington Medical Center Network of Care at Lexington ENT & Allergy. These board-certified otolaryngologists, audiologists and advanced practice providers offer comprehensive care for ear, nose, throat, and head and neck disorders.

Top Row: Andrew P. Battiata, MD; Brian K. Heaberlin, MD; Edward A. Woody, MD Bottom Row: Melanie W. Seybt, MD; Neal W. Burkhalter, MD

Jordan W. Rawl, MD

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Lake Murray Lifestyle | December 2020

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LOCALâ€™S CHOICE

Holiday Gift Guide RESOLUTION: LOCAL WHETHER YOU ARE LOOKING FOR DIAMONDS OR DENIM, BOOKS OR BOUTIQUES, OR TOOLS AND TRINKETS, TRY SHOPPING AT THESE LOCAL PLACES TO FIND ONELOCAL BUSINESSES.

FIND UNIQUE, ONE-OF-A-KIND GIFTS FROM THESE DELIGHTFUL LOCAL SHOPS

Y DA

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Lake Murray Lifestyle | December 2020

ARTICLE LAKE MURRAY LIFESTYLE STAFF

g i f t s fo r

RESOLUTION: LOCAL

1. THE CLASSY CRUET OLIVE OILS AND BALSAMIC VINEGARS, Lexington and Chapin - For the foodies in your life, a gift of high-quality olive oils and balsamic is sure to be a hit. The Classy Cruet offers customers the opportunity to experience some of the finest 100% Extra Virgin Olive Oils. | 2. MASSAGE MECHANICS - Treat yourself and loved ones to a Swedish or Deep Tissue massage. Call Erin Plott or visit massagemechanicssc.com | 3. DEMS FINE JEWELERS, 1068 Lake Murray Blvd, Irmo - This family-owned jeweler adds sparkle to Christmas with beautiful collections of Tacori and Hearts On Fire diamond jewelry, along with other collections. www.demsjewelers.com | 4. OLD TIMEY MEAT MARKET, Lexington and Irmo, is your local go-to for quality meats, sauces and rubs. Great selection of wines and Traeger Grills. www. oletimeymeatmkt.com | 5. ZEDDI’S PARTY SHOP - well known for a Hot Dog, cold beer or coke. We carry Brand Beer, Craft & Christmas Beer. Even Santa Claus visits Zeddies, on 378 in Lexington | 6. JAN PRO, Give the gift of cleanliness. Business cleaning & disinfecting with quality service guaranteed. Provided by stable and reliable operators. jan-pro.com/columbia | 7. CAPITAL CITY LAKE MURRAY COUNTRY, North Lake Dr, REMAINS #TOURISMSTRONG. For updated information and our new line of Lake Murray gifts for the Holidays, lakemurraycountry.com. CityLifestyle.com/LakeMurray

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Lake Murray Lifestyle | December 2020

From our family to yours, we wish you a happy holiday season! Lisa Hostetler Brown, J.D., CELA* Managing Attorney Certified Elder Law Attorney*

Lane K. Cook, J.D., CFP® Attorney *CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional

ESTATE PLANNING IS A HEARTFELT GIFT YOU CAN GIVE YOUR LOVED ONES Estate Planning - Guardianships - Wills & Trusts - Conservatorships - Asset Protection - Special Needs Trusts www.LawyerLisa.com | 803.563.5163 | 5175 Sunset Blvd Ste 1 Lexington SC 29072 | 3202 Fernandina Road Columbia SC 29210

CityLifestyle.com/LakeMurray

PALMETTO RENOVATE & REFINE

AIR CONDITIONING HELPS FAMILIES FIGHT COVID ARTICLE HEIDE BRANDES

A NEW PRODUCT BY PALMETTO KILLS VIRUS, ADDING TO PALMETTO'S MISSION TO PROVIDE CLEANEST AIR POSSIBLE

IN AN ONGOING EFFORT TO FIND THE

“Our new system cleans indoor air

BEST PRODUCTS FOR CUSTOMERS,

through a process known as ionization.

PALMETTO AIR CONDITIONING OF

During the ionization process, a high con-

LEXINGTON HAS TEAMED UP WITH A

centration of positive and negative ions are

NEW PRODUCT FROM TOP PRODUCT

generated, attaching to particles traveling in

INNOVATIONS,

INC.,

INDOOR

the HVAC system’s air stream,” said Trent

AIR

INDUSTRY

LEADER,

Jackson, owner.

AND

QUALITY THIS

CAN

“As more particles are attracted and

HELP FAMILIES FIGHT AGAINST THE

attach to one another, they grow larger, mak-

COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

ing them easier to eliminate from the air flow

Phenomenal

Lake Murray Lifestyle | December 2020

NEW

Aire’s

PRODUCT

Cold

Plasma

with particulate filtration.”

Generator Technology is designed for use

Palmetto Air Conditioning has provided

in both residential and commercial HVAC

the Lexington area with professional heat-

applications and cleans indoor air through a

ing, air conditioning, and electrical services

process known as ionization.

since 2001.

The new product offering is just another way Palmetto cares for the health of its customers, especially in the fight against COVID-19. Third-party ionization testing results validated Top Product Innovations technology’s ability to effectively deactivate COVID19 surface strain with a 99.40% reduction.

Independent

test-

ing by Innovative Bioanalysis also showed that a 60-minute test verified that 99.9% of the virus was inactivated at 60 minutes, 99.4% at 45 minutes, and 82.3% at 30 minutes. “Even if no one in your home suffers from allergies or respiratory conditions, cleaner air helps keep you healthier overall,” Jackson said. “Every time you breathe in dust and pollutants, they have the potential to trigger sneezing and coughing, as well as impact your sinuses or bronchial congestion. Cleaning your air ducts ensures you’ll have a cleaner air.” Call Palmetto Air Conditioning at 803-358-9673 for more details.

CityLifestyle.com/LakeMurray

Lake Murray Lifestyle | December 2020

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FINANCIAL BUZZ ARTICLE HEIDE BRANDES

Splash Omnimedia

A Different Kind of Agency UNSHAKEABLE FAITH, STRATEGIC FOCUS HELPED BUILD ONE OF SOUTH CAROLINA'S PREMIER AGENCIES - BUT IT WASN'T ALWAYS EASY

Manning Kolb, Matt Thompson and Michael White, the leadership of Splash Omnimedia

“From 2006 to 2008, as you may remember, we saw the largest real estate recession of our adult life. Both Michael and I were in mortgage banking, and we constantly thought of how we could help our clients do more business in order for them to help us do more business,” Thompson said. “So

SPLASH OMNIMEDIA MAY BE ONE OF THE

we started down the road of marketing before

TOP MARKETING/ADVERTISING/COMMUNI-

marketing was cool, I guess. We started helping

CATIONS COMPANIES IN SOUTH CAROLINA

develop people in the real estate industry, helping

TODAY, BUT IT IS REALLY A BUSINESS

developers get more business, helping real estate

THAT EVOLVED FROM A CHRIST-FOCUSED

agencies get more business and helping every-

INSPIRATION, YEARS OF STRUGGLE AND

one in the industry get more business.”

A DREAM OF HELPING CLIENTS DEVELOP

What the pair was actually doing was the same

STRONG COMMUNICATION CHANNELS FOR

types of things Splash Omnimedia does today,

INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL PURPOSES.

which is developing strategies to make customers

Basically, Splash Omnimedia serves as a cli-

buy into a client’s “why.”

ent’s entire full-service marketing team for one

“People buy into your why faster than they’ll

price, made to provide a fully-inclusive strategic

buy into your what,” said Thompson. “So while

marketing message.

we were still in banking, we started pivoting and

But the journey to success wasn’t all “peaches

felt like the best way to help clients was to help

and cream,” said co-founder Matt Thompson.

them tell stories better as a way to help business.

Only through hard work, an unshakeable belief in

We helped them define who they needed to tell

success and strong faith did Splash Omnimedia

their story to.”

become the company it is today.

When Thompson and White began doing that, they discovered that the process not only helped

BUILDING A DREAM Matt Thompson and Michael White, founders

a business’ current and future customers, but the internal team and organization as well.

of Splash Omnimedia, both worked in banking -

“We very quickly started realizing that we had

specifically mortgage banking - before embarking

to create a message that resonates with the

on their journey.

internal team that we could then take and craft

Lake Murray Lifestyle | December 2020

it to where it would resonate with external prospective customers and clients and patients,” Thompson said. Though they were primarily marketing and consulting with real estate related companies, someone outside the real estate industry called and requested marketing for their business. Why not, the two thought? “We saw the writing on the wall in 2006, which would have been my second major real estate recession cycle. To be honest with you, I didn’t want to go back through another down cycle in the mortgage real estate industry,’ Thompson said. “And so I said, ‘Hey, let’s start expanding our client base to non-real estate related folks. It wasn’t me or Mike who came up with that. We were Christ-led, and we are a Christian-based organization. We feel like God directed us in that way, which is where Omnimedia comes from. The word Omni resonates with us because Christ is all present and ever-present in our business.” In 2006, the pair created Splash Omnimedia with a handful of employees. However, the road to success was a rocky one. SUCCESS THROUGH STRUGGLE While researching the marketing / advertising industry, Splash Omnimedia quickly learned that most firms were owned and operated by web designers, graphic designers, or long term advertising professionals. Thompson and White were business and banking consultants. “We now serve hundreds of corporate clients from small businesses all the way up to extremely large businesses. But it wasn’t always peaches and cream, if you will,” Thompson said. The recession was in full swing as Splash Omnimedia began, and starting a brand new company in a new industry was difficult. The two invested everything they had into the agency, struggling at times as they attempted to wear every hat possible. “We really, really struggled. I mean, we got down to the point where we didn’t really know how we were going to even keep our lights on in our house. There was a stint in my life when I really questioned if I was doing what I was supposed to be doing,” Thompson said. “But we had faith. We just kept getting nudges and over time, things just so slowly appeared for us. Over the last three to five years, things started picking up significantly and now we’ve become one of the top communication firms in the state of South Carolina,” said Thompson. The firm welcomed Manning Kolb joining as a partner in the ownership team in 2017. CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/LakeMurray

FINANCIAL BUZZ (CONTINUED)

Lake Murray Lifestyle | December 2020

A DIFFERENT KIND OF AGENCY While most advertising agencies only cared about buying the right mix of media like TV commercials, radio ads, and billboard campaigns, Splash Omnimedia focuses on the results and measuring them. The business creates strategic plans and communication systems with a team that thinks beyond their relative area of concentration. In turn, Splash Omnimedia is a true marketing firm, not just an advertising agency. “When someone hires us, we have all-inclusive pricing, which is very different from our industry. When someone hires us, they pay one price. And for that price, you get a staff of 20 to 25 people,” Thompson said. “You have basically a chief marketing officer and an entire team that literally works on their own that client’s business every single day.” This is what Splash Omnimedia is all about. We understand business, we understand what the good times look like and we understand what the bad times look like in business. Therefore we come at it from a doctor’s perspective where we come in and try to figure out your symptoms and figure out what your goals are in life and everything you got to do,” Thompson said. “We figure out the solutions, prescribe it and then manage it. Because of our own struggles, we are very empathetic and understand that there are ups and downs in every business, and we can ride through those ups and downs to help our clients.” The leadership actually now has four organizations,

which

include

Splash

Omnimedia. Brand Buzz is a promotional and apparel products company under managing partner Manning. The Brain Storm radio show and podcast serves as the content marketing arm and Next Degree Leader is a leadership coaching and team development organization. CityLifestyle.com/LakeMurray

Lake Murray Lifestyle | December 2020

CityLifestyle.com/LakeMurray

BACK STAGE

The Lawyer Lisa

IDENTIFIED BY THE GREEN SIGN JUST OFF I-26 NEAR THE ST. ANDREW’S ROAD EXIT SITS A SMALL BUILDING, HOME TO A QUIETLY BOOMING LAW PRACTICE. LawyerLisa, LLC, a firm focused on estate planning, long term care, and real estate, has grown at an astounding rate. Originally from Parma, Ohio, its founder and namesake, Lisa Brown moved to South Carolina to attend the University of South Carolina School of Law in 2004. After becoming a partner at her prior large firm, Lisa found herself wanting to strip away the over-worked and overly competitive nature the profession of law often lends itself to. So, she sat down and made a plan for a firm with the culture she had always envisioned and believed the people of the Carolinas needed as well; a culture fueled by compassionate people helping each client on a personal level.

Lake Murray Lifestyle | December 2020

ARTICLE HEATHER MCDONALD PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

LawyerLisa Legal Elite of the Midlands Attorneys (2020) Dan Guiney, Priti M. Patel, Lisa Hostetler Brown and Lane K. Cook

Today, LawyerLisa boasts a team of around twenty employ-

estate planning practice is to be able to create comprehen-

ees. The firm’s seven attorneys each bring a different element

sive plans customized to the clients and their families. “We

to the business, varying in practice area, age, and gender. One

take the time to sit down, get to know the individual, and get

of the first attorneys to join the firm was Priti M. Patel. Now

a full picture of their goals so we can better assist them in

head of the real estate department, Priti brings a lighthearted,

reaching those goals,” Lane said.

charismatic element to LawyerLisa. “Most people think real

Lane is not the only attorney with extra credentials in

estate lawyers only perform closings, but the truth is they per-

the firm. Lisa is a Certified Elder Law Attorney, known as

form a majority of the work behind the scenes as well, working

a CELA, certified by the National Elder Law Foundation,

with lenders, agents, abstractors, and clients to bring everyone

a credential which sets her apart from many of her col-

to the table,” Priti said. Priti, who in a past life worked in fore-

leagues. Her services extend beyond the elderly though.

closure, brings a heap of experience to the team not just for

“We do a lot of special needs trusts and help people

residential transactions but commercial as well.

with long-term care planning, especially as it relates to

The firm’s depth of experience and excellent reputation

government assistance and benefits,” she told me. This

has fueled their growth over the past year, but this expansion

includes setting up separate trusts so individuals can

has not stopped them from giving back to the community.

maintain their benefits and still receive money to sup-

One of the firm’s biggest partners is Habitat for Humanity.

plement their care over time.

LawyerLisa also supports numerous other non-profits such

“We want our firm to be a place people feel like they

as Camp Cole, Special Olympics, Therapy Place, PAALS,

meet not just lawyers and legal staff, but real people.

and Rotary, among many others.

One of our greatest assets is our ability to connect with

Located in a small office on the other side of the build-

our clients on a personal level, and the better we under-

ing sits one of the primary estate planning Attorneys, Lane

stand them the better we can meet their needs,” Lisa tells

Cook. His knowledge of estate planning is compounded

me. The firm’s growth is no surprise. LawyerLisa is not

by his credentials as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™

just a law firm, but a home to its employees and a source

professional. One of the primary objectives of the firm’s

of strength for its clients. CityLifestyle.com/LakeMurray

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DIY

bullet journaling 101 ARTICLE NICOLETTE MARTIN

PHOTOGRAPHY ESTÉE JANSSENS

Let’s face it—in today’s so-much-to-do-and-so-little-time cultural mindset, it

can be hard to keep track of everything we need to do. Wake up—did you get enough sleep? Brush your teeth. Feed the kids. Feed the dog. Get ready for work. Make your lunch. Those are just six things to think about in the span of 15 minutes after your alarm goes off.

With all of these things to keep track of and our lives moving a mile a minute,

anything we can find to streamline our obligations (and our thoughts) can be a lifesaver! Enter: bullet journaling. It’s equal parts calendar, meal tracker, diary, self care and, well, really anything else that you want to keep tabs on! The “mindfulness practice disguised as a productivity system,” coined by creator Ryder Carroll, can help you master the art of intentional living—any way you want to.

THE BASICS YOU NEED TO KNOW TO START ORGANIZING YOUR LIFE + ACCOMPLISHING YOUR GOALS

start simple

make it your own

There’s so much you can do

When you start searching for

The most important thing to

here with just a notebook (you’ll

bullet journaling on Pinterest,

remember is that it is for you

probably want one with a dotted

it can get really overwhelming

and not anyone else. Find lay-

grid) and a pen! If you want to

really fast. Decide what is most

outs that help with what you

add some creative flair, consider

important for you to keep track

need, use your favorite colors,

incorporating markers, stickers

of and start with that! If you try

doodle things that help you out

and washi tape.

to do too much at once, you’ll be

and make it work for YOU and

less likely to stick with it.

your goals!

what you need

Lake Murray Lifestyle | December 2020

page styles

t ypes of pages in a bullet jour nal + Mood tracker + Activity tracker + Exercise tracker + Ideas list + Chore list + Budget tracker + Spending log + Bucket list + Reading list + Yearly goals + Happiness log + Sleep tracker

symbols

s ymbol char t A bullet journal really becomes what you make it. Use symbols that speak to you! Here are some basics to start with:

Task

Event Note Complete CityLifestyle.com/LakeMurray

Lake Murray Lifestyle | December 2020

CityLifestyle.com/LakeMurray

TASTEMAKERS

PARTING THOUGHTS

OF THE LAKE LOCAL RESTAURANTS TO CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS WITH

ARTICLE LAKE MURRAY LIFESTYLE STAFF

BODHI THAI DINING Explore vibrant Thai flavors from this gourmet restaurant’s award-winning Chef Nivit Tipvaree. Explore their new take-out menu, and let your taste buds travel the world through Bodhi’s cultural dishes.

B L AC K R O O S T E R This easy-going French-ish bistro is the place for French basics, as well as some fun dishes from countries where France had an impact. Roof Top Bar has the best view of Columbia, and would be a perfect setting for an intimate gift exchange. Try small plates like Fried Gulf Oysters with Duck Fat Remoulade.

DI VINO ROSSO Di Vino Rosso opened in November under Brad Spehl and executive chef Mike Deevey, in a restored part of the historic Dupre Building at 807 Gervais St. This restaurant specializes in iconic Italian dishes with local, farm-to-table twists. Take a break from all that holiday shopping and cooking and try out Lake Murray's hottest new restaurant.

GOODFELLAS G R I L L & B A R Known for a neighborhood atmosphere, check out their tailgate specials. For a truly adventurous burger, go for the Not Your Momma's PB&J - a delicious combination of peanut butter, bacon, jalapenos, and pepper jelly. 40

Lake Murray Lifestyle | December 2020

M KITCHEN AND MIYOS The M Gourmet group serves quality interpretations of authentic Chinese fusion dishes, global eats, daring new ventures in food. The open-aired restaurant allows you to observe fresh sushi being prepared! This is a great place to bring all your holiday guests.

TRAVINIA ITALIAN KITCHEN & WINE BAR If you're tired of all that holiday cooking, Travinia’s provides contemporary American Italian cuisine combined with regional ingredients. They are known for their gluten-free menu, an impressive collection of wines, and a comforting atmosphere.

NONNAHS AT THE HAVEN COFFEE HOUSE A popular sweet spot in Lexington, Nonnah's opens at 6 p.m., but desserts will be available throughout the day during coffee shop hours. This coffee house touts “coffee with a purpose” and donates a portion of its proceeds to Lighthouse for Life, which works to educate the community about human trafficking. Pick up a bag of coffee or a bag of sweets for that easy holiday gift.

P R I VAC H E F Renowned local chefs come to your home to serve dinner parties of 8-10 guests. Create a unique menu and let the chefs plan your holiday parties, events and dinners. Chef brings all the necessary ingredients and to ensure your safety, guests have very little contact during the party. Treat yourself this holiday season. CityLifestyle.com/LakeMurray