We want to celebrate all the businesses that make the Holy City so special.
In honor of our many movers and shakers, we’re asking readers to nominate small businesses they love so we can share them with the whole audience.
We’ll be here to share a new batch of small businesses every month, so bookmark this page to come back for more, especially if you’ve enjoyed our Small Business Week and Today’s Best coverage.
Editor’s note: Some quotes may have been edited for clarity and brevity.
Editor Callie’s Picks
Ladybird Books | Independent bookstore
“The goal from the beginning was to create a place that feels like an eclectic reflection of our community, where stories, ideas, and people come together in unexpected ways.” — Founder, Summer Anderson.
- The independent King Street bookstore features 1,760 sq ft of space, stocked with best-selling literary fiction, contemporary Southern fiction and nonfiction, culture-driven cookbooks, and a “How to be a Human” section for memoirs and thought-provoking reads.
Brackish | Apparel
“Honestly, humbled + flattered. It gives me goosebumps every time I see a customer wearing a piece we’ve created right here in Charleston out in the wild.” — co-founder, Jeff Plotner
- A Lowcountry brand celebrating fashion, beauty, nature, and hometown pride began in a Rutledge Avenue apartment. The idea for the company was sparked when co-founder Ben Ross made turkey-feather bow ties for his groomsmen, and later, he teamed up with Jeff Plotner to turn the gift into a thriving business.
167 Raw | Oyster bar + seafood eatery
“We are incredibly grateful for our new home at 193 King St. and for all of our guests who love to be there.” — Owner, Jesse Sandole
- This King Street oyster bar and seafood spot has grown into a large-scale restaurant that quite literally always has a line out the door. It specializes in seafood and offers a fun, lively atmosphere.
Retail
Local Love CHS | Gift shop
“We loved shopping at local markets, but couldn’t always get there. So, we had the idea to bring local artisan goods to a brick-and-mortar store where people could shop local during regular retail business hours. We have the largest selection of made-in-Charleston products with over 200 different makers.” — Co-owner, Medea Duffy,
- This James Island spot is overflowing with a hand-picked selection of locally made sustainable products. The spot offers a wide variety of items that make the sweetest, unique gifts, as well as experiences and hands-on classes. Bonus, it smells so good in the shop.
Nellie & Lo | Gift shop
“We saw a need for a unique and fun one-stop shop to grab a great gift, and it was important to us to carry a variety of items at a variety of price points as well as brands that are small businesses, women-owned, or give back to a great cause.” — Founders, Pam and Taylor
- From baby bibs to cocktail napkins and even luxury candles. This Mount Pleasant gift shop, located in Northcutt Plaza, is run by a mother-daughter duo and offers gifts, accessories, and home decor from other small businesses and brands that give back.
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Photo by @shopmillielynn
Millie Lynn Boutique | Women’s Clothing Boutique
“I named the store after my Grandma Millie, who always told us to live life to the fullest and buy the dress now instead of waiting. We celebrate our lovely city through our bright clothes and items in the store.” — Owner, Stacey Weismann
- When you walk down King Street, keep your eyes peeled for the giant pink bows in the windows of this female-owned women’s clothing boutique. It showcases bright clothing to reflect the Holy City’s bubbly vibes and boasts lots of Charleston merch. Don’t miss the store’s selection of products from other local small businesses.
Travel + Leisure
BagValet | Luggage pickup, storage, and delivery service
“We are a first-of-its-kind concept that was created after identifying the need as a rideshare driver. Our goal is to keep local streets and establishments clear of the clutter to maintain Charleston’s charm.” — Owner, Amanda Sheridan
- To all of our out-of-town guests, this one’s for you. The next time you visit and your hotel room isn’t ready, or you have a few hours to kill before a flight, and want to explore the city without dragging that clunky suitcase down narrow cobblestone streets, ane give BagValet a call. These folks will pick up and drop off your bags when and where you need so you can enjoy your time hands-free.
The team recommends planning to try the Wagyu Beef Panini on Saturdays.
Photo by @tedsbutcherblock
Food + Beverage
Ted’s Butcherblock | Butcher shop, deli + cafe
“I have lived in Charleston for over 30 years. At the time, no one was offering high-end, all-natural meats or international items. We filled a niche in the community. 20 years later, we are still community-driven. I love the people that support my staff and me, and as I get older, I get to mentor the next generation of the food + beverage community.” — Owner, Ted Dombrowski
- Inspired by his grandparents, who were butchers in New Jersey for nearly 40 years, Ted’s full-service butcher shop, deli, and cafe offers everything from all-natural meats and fresh seafood to handmade sandwiches and gourmet prepared meals.
Psst — If you’d like to see a small business included in CHStoday, make sure to submit it here.
