Month: November 2025

By Laura Morris, lbmorris@sc.edu

The University of South Carolina opened its seventh Brain Health clinic during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 20, 2025 in Orangeburg, South Carolina.   

Highlighting the expansion of neurological care in the Palmetto State, the event included remarks from USC’s President Michael Amiridis, HopeHealth’s CEO Carl Humphries and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ed Behling, and State Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter. 

Background

Created to meet the needs of patients and caregivers in rural and underserved areas, the USC Brain Health Network partners with health systems to provide equitable diagnostic and treatment access for individuals seeking cognitive care. 

• Additional clinic locations include Columbia, Darlington, Lexington, Senecca, Sumter and Winnsboro.
• A Brain Health Center in Columbia will open in 2026 to support patients and clinical providers through innovative research and advanced imaging and treatment options. 

How it works

HopeHealth will host USC Brain Health’s team-based care model, connecting patients to a nurse practitioner, speech-language pathologist and community health worker to bridge critical gaps in early diagnosis, education and family support. 

“Cognitive health is deeply personal, for patients and their loved ones,” says Dr. Edward Behling, HopeHealth Chief Medical Officer. “Through our collaboration with the USC Brain Health Network, we’re giving families answers and support much sooner than ever before.” 

Why it matters 

South Carolinians are at a greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias when compared to other states.

• Orangeburg County ranks eighth out of 3,142 counties nationwide for Alzheimer’s incidence — with an estimated 15.2% of adults ages 65+ impacted. 
• More than 120,000 South Carolinians aged 45 and older have Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias. 
• High rates of heart disease and stroke are contributing factors, as well as an aging population. 

“We know Alzheimer’s and dementia affect not only individuals, but entire families and communities. By partnering with HopeHealth, we are helping ensure Orangeburg County has more tools and the support it needs to face these challenges head-on.” – Dr. Leonardo Bonilha, USC Brain Health Director

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$13.5 million investment will create 170 new jobs

COLUMBIA, S.C. – WiJo Pouches North America, Inc. (WiJo Pouches NA), a manufacturer of modern oral pouches, today announced it selects Lexington County to establish the company’s first North American manufacturing operation. The $13.5 million investment will create 170 new jobs.

Headquartered in Sweden, WiJo Pouches NA is a full-service, global contract manufacturer of premium quality, next-generation pouches. The company offers prototyping, scalable production and market compliance support for customers.

WiJo Pouches NA will lease the 55,000-square-foot facility, located at 381 Burton Road in Lexington, to provide contract manufacturing for nicotine, caffeine and functional pouches.

Operations are expected to be online in March 2026. Individuals interested in joining the WiJo Pouches NA team should visit the company’s website.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project.

QUOTES

“As a long-standing member of the South Carolina business community for more than 25 years, I am honored to lead WiJo Pouches NA here in the Midlands. We sincerely appreciate the support and partnership of the South Carolina Department of Commerce and Lexington County Economic Development, whose guidance made selecting Lexington the clear and strategic choice. We look forward to the future, to WiJo’s continued growth, and to being a valued and collaborative contributor to the regional business community.” -WiJo Pouches North America CEO Jerry Sweetland

“Welcoming another international manufacturer to South Carolina further strengthens our thriving business community. WiJo Pouches NA’s new facility, along with the 170 new jobs it creates in Lexington County, will provide opportunities that greatly benefit our state and people for years to come.” -Gov. Henry McMaster

“WiJo Pouches NA’s decision to select South Carolina as the home of its first North American manufacturing facility is another big win for our state. Our business-friendly environment and skilled workforce make Lexington County the ideal location for WiJo Pouches NA’s new operation, and we congratulate the company on this exciting announcement.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“WiJo Pouches’ decision to launch its first U.S. operation right here in Lexington County is a tremendous win for our community and a powerful endorsement of our global competitiveness. This FDI investment brings 170 high-quality jobs, new economic activity, and a clear signal that international companies see Lexington County as a place where they can thrive. We are thrilled to welcome WiJo Pouches to our growing international business community and look forward to a long, successful partnership.” -Lexington County Council Chairman M. Todd Cullum

“WiJo Pouches NA’s decision to establish its first North American manufacturing operation in Lexington County reflects the strength of the central South Carolina region. Our skilled workforce, strong infrastructure and exceptional quality of life make this area a top destination for globally minded companies. Through our cost-benefit analysis and detailed wage and labor report, we demonstrated that Central SC offers the key advantages businesses need to succeed, and WiJo Pouches chose the right place to grow.” -Central SC Alliance President and CEO Jason Giuletti

FIVE FAST FACTS

• WiJo Pouches North America, Inc. (WiJo Pouches NA) selects Lexington County to establish its first North American operation.
• The company’s $13.5 million investment will create 170 new jobs.
• WiJo Pouches NA is a manufacturer of modern oral products.
• The company will be located at 381 Burton Road in Lexington, S.C.
• Individuals interested in joining the WiJo Pouches NA team should visit the company’s website.

Source: Office of the Governor of South Carolina

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By Mark A Leon

In Charleston’s coastal Lowcountry, where narrow roads, historic streets, and island communities define the pace of life, Island Rides, LLC has quietly become a signature way to experience the region. Owned and operated by Paula and Joe Gilchrist, this family-owned business combines sophisticated electric low-speed vehicles (LSVs) with a deeply personal, concierge-style service. What began as a luxury car-business pivot has organically grown into a Charleston lifestyle staple — offering not just transportation, but an experience rooted in hospitality, sustainability, and local charm.

From Luxury Cars to Open-Air Cruising: The Origin Story

Paula and Joe Gilchrist aren’t originally from Charleston — they moved here from Pennsylvania after building a successful career in high-end automobile sales. According to Charleston Style + Design, their background in luxury vehicles gave them a natural lens through which to view the LSV market: sleek, amenity-rich golf carts powered by lithium batteries, complete with Bluetooth, CarPlay, premium seating, and DOT-safety features.  

The couple bought Island Rides in 2022, bringing their deep understanding of clientele, vehicles, and service to a new domain. Rather than simply renting carts, they envisioned a company that would deliver — literally — a personalized, elevated transportation experience consistent with Charleston’s character.  

The Door-to-Door Custom Service Model

At the heart of Island Rides’ appeal is its delivery-first model. Unlike traditional rentals where you pick up a vehicle, Island Rides brings the cart to you. Their website clearly states: “We come to you! Island Rides will deliver the golf cart to your rental address at the start of the reservation and pick up the golf cart at the end.”  

This customer-centric service reduces hassle and elevates convenience. For instance, guests staying downtown don’t need to pick up a cart themselves — the LSV arrives at their vacation rental or hotel, ready to cruise.   For each reservation, delivery and pickup are coordinated to make the rental feel seamless, like an extension of a concierge’s role.

Island Rides’ fleet is entirely street legal. Its LSVs are fully DOT-equipped, with seatbelts, lights, mirrors, horns, and more — which means clients can drive on roads with posted speed limits up to 35 mph.   Their lithium-battery technology gives each ride an eco-conscious edge, reducing noise and emissions while offering 20–50 miles of range depending on the model.  

Deep Roots in the Charleston Lifestyle

Island Rides aligns beautifully with Charleston’s laid-back elegance. The service is available across several of the city’s most beloved neighborhoods and islands — Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, Wild Dunes, Daniel Island, Mount Pleasant, and downtown Charleston itself.  

In a region where golf carts and side-by-side vehicles are more than just novelty — they are real ways to connect communities — Island Rides adds a layer of sophistication and utility. The LSVs allow visitors and locals alike to navigate narrow roads, historic neighborhoods, and waterfront stretches in style, all while honoring the slower, more deliberate pace that makes Charleston so distinctive.

Moreover, the family-owned nature of the business reflects Charleston’s deeply rooted sense of community. Paula and Joe’s commitment to customer satisfaction, personal service, and sustainable mobility has resonated with both long-time residents and first-time visitors. Their Mount Pleasant headquarters (at 488 La Mesa Road) serves not only as a showroom, but as a touchpoint for customizing carts, scheduling service, or buying an LSV outright.  

Beyond Rentals: A Broader Vision

While rentals make up around 85% of Island Rides’ business, sales and long-term ownership are integral to its model.   The company also offers service and maintenance and even retrofits traditional lead-acid battery carts with lighter, more efficient lithium batteries.   As the Gilchrists plan to expand — including a proposed 15,000-square-foot facility in Mount Pleasant for greater inventory and operations — their vision remains firmly rooted in the Charleston way of life.  

Impact on the Lowcountry

In a city where heritage and innovation dance together under moss-laden oaks, Island Rides represents a modern twist on classic Southern hospitality. It’s not just about getting from A to B — it’s about savoring the journey, feeling the breeze off the water, and connecting with the spirit of Charleston. By integrating luxurious, eco-friendly vehicles with a seamless, delivery-based rental model, the Gilchrists have filled a niche that feels uniquely local and deeply personal.

Island Rides is more than a business — it’s a reflection of the Lowcountry’s character: welcoming, elegant, community-oriented, and connected to its roots. For visitors who want to explore Charleston’s islands in style, or locals looking for a greener, more charming way to get around, Island Rides is now part of the city’s unfolding story.

Follow Island Rides on Instagram.

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Clemson University has been named one of Time magazine’s Best Colleges for Future Leaders 2026, a recognition based on an analysis of approximately 4,900 of the most influential U.S. leaders across business, government, academia and society. Time evaluated how frequently universities appeared in the CVs of these leaders and compared those results with enrollment data to identify the nation’s most significant leadership-shaping institutions.

Clemson offers extensive opportunities for students, faculty and staff to develop and strengthen their leadership acumen.

Before Fall classes begin, new students participate in Clemson Leader Day, where they are introduced to the Clemson Leader Framework. This unified concept helps them track their leadership development throughout their Clemson Journey. Students also engage in Leadership Week, the ACC Leadership Symposium, Certified Student Leader and more than 600 registered student organizations.

Each year, 14 students are selected for the Thomas F. Chapman Leadership Scholars Program, which pairs leadership lessons grounded in critical values with an academic scholarship, empowering students across the University to deepen their leadership development.

Several colleges also provide specialized leadership pathways. The College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences houses the Robert B. ’70 and Susan B. Hambright Annual Leadership Program, which supports eligible engineering students in attending leadership conferences and programs, as well as Leadership in London, the engineering leadership minor program and the Leadership & Mentoring Network.

The Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business houses the Leadership Signature Program, offering students opportunities to enhance their leadership skills, as well as the Dean’s Global Leadership Program, which blends academic and experiential learning to prepare students for leadership in the global economy. The College of Architecture, Art and Construction advances student leadership through its Dean’s Student Leadership Academy and Council, which provides hands-on leadership experiences through initiatives in the Dean’s Office.

The College of Education offers a Doctor of Education in education systems improvement science. Designed for certified PK–12 practitioners, the program focuses on school leadership and solving problems of practice within school systems.

The Clemson University Honors College enhances leadership development through the Dixon Global Policy Scholars Program, which deepens students’ understanding of global policy; the Honors Action Scholars Program, which builds leadership skills through experiential learning; the National Scholars Program, which is available to students in all majors who demonstrate a unique combination of academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, leadership ability, and demonstrated impact on their local and global communities; and the Breakthrough Scholars Program, which positions students as leaders in the STEM field.

Leadership development at Clemson extends beyond student experiences. Faculty and staff strengthen their leadership abilities through the President’s Leadership Institute, a nine-month program that supports their professional and personal growth while offering direct engagement with University President Jim Clements. Additionally, CU Grow, a yearlong professional development initiative for staff, promotes intentional mentorship, personalized development planning, authentic relationship-building and the practice of servant leadership. Clemson Extension also offers the Extension Emerging Leadership Initiative, a professional development opportunity for Extension and the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences’ professionals and staff who are dedicated to fulfilling Extension’s mission.

Source: Clemson News

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South Carolina is the First State to Sign JDI with Germany

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Henry McMaster today joined German Ambassador to the United States of America Jens Hanefeld to sign a Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) to establish a formal economic partnership between South Carolina and Germany designed to attract new jobs and investment, accelerate innovation, and expand business opportunities in South Carolina. 

“By establishing a formal economic partnership with Germany, we create yet another powerful tool for South Carolina to get ahead in the fierce competition for jobs and investment,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “Together, we will create more opportunities for our people and build an even brighter economic future.”

The agreement prioritizes collaboration and cooperation in the areas of energy resiliency and sustainability, automotive and mobility technologies, and life sciences. The JDI establishes a working group that will meet to coordinate joint initiatives like workforce development, identify opportunities for further business partnerships, exchange technical and scientific information, and facilitate research and development collaboration. 

“The ties between Germany and South Carolina are an outstanding example of the transatlantic partnership. German efficiency and the strong work ethic of South Carolinians have created unparalleled success. I am pleased that we are taking the next step in this partnership today.” said Ambassador Jens Hanefeld. 

According to the Department of Commerce, Germany is South Carolina’s largest export partner. In 2024, the trade volume between South Carolina and Germany was $13 billion. South Carolina is currently home to 270 German companies that employ over 44,000 South Carolinians. 

Governor McMaster participated in economic development mission trips to Germany in June 2024 and July 2025 to strengthen partnerships with existing business partners and explore potential economic development projects.

Since taking office, Governor McMaster has announced over 98,200 new jobs and over $53 billion in new capital investment. This calendar year alone, the governor has announced over 6,000 new jobs and over $8.2 billion in new investment. 

A copy of the JDI can be found here.

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By Mark A. Leon

When Sarah Brightman takes the stage, she doesn’t just perform—she creates an experience. This December 4th, the renowned soprano will bring her “A Winter Symphony” to Charleston, promising an evening of musical magic that transcends the traditional holiday concert.

With a career spanning over five decades, Brightman has become an iconic figure in musical theater and classical crossover. From her breakthrough role as Christine in “The Phantom of the Opera” to her international concert tours, she has continually redefined musical boundaries.

In an exclusive interview, Brightman shared insights into her remarkable journey and her upcoming Charleston performance. “This time of year is very emotional for most of us,” she explained. “It’s not just about a Christian message, but about the holidays bringing people together—whether it’s about family, personal traditions, or simply creating warmth.”

The concert promises to be more than just a musical performance. Brightman meticulously crafts each show to transport audiences into a mystical holiday experience. “I’ve put together a wonderful choir, beautiful lighting, and an amazing orchestra,” she said. “It’s about creating an experience where people can be transported for two hours into a time of year which is very emotional and special to them.”

Her approach to performance reflects a lifetime of artistic evolution. When asked about advice for young performers navigating today’s complex artistic landscape, Brightman offered profound wisdom. “Embrace everything available to you,” she encouraged. “We’re no longer constrained by genres. The beauty for young artists today is the freedom to do whatever you like and potentially be embraced by the public.”

This philosophy of artistic freedom has defined Brightman’s career. She credits several key mentors for shaping her journey, including her mother, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and her producer Frank Peterson. “Andrew Lloyd Webber opened my mind to all possibilities,” she reflected. “He made me understand that you should always push further to see what else is possible.”

Despite her extraordinary success, Brightman remains remarkably grounded. “I’ve always been a perfectionist,” she admitted, “but as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that it’s the imperfections that make you perfect. The magic moments are often in the spaces in between.”

Her upcoming Charleston concert represents more than just a performance—it’s a continuation of her artistic journey. Audiences can expect a meticulously crafted show featuring stunning costumes, emotive music, and Brightman’s incomparable vocal range.

As she looks to the future, Brightman hints at exciting developments. “I’ve got two things in my mind,” she shared mysteriously. “One is what people would expect, and the other is about evolving.”

For Charleston music lovers, this December 4th concert promises to be an unforgettable evening of holiday magic, artistry, and inspiration—a true Sarah Brightman experience.

Click HERE to purchase tickets for this beautiful holiday event, Sarah Brightman in Concert:  A Christmas Symphony.

A special thank you to Sarah Brightman for her kindness, charm and wisdom.  We are grateful for the time you shared with us.

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by Beth Schneider

With a $16.5 million gift from Don Quattlebaum ’76, the Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine has received its largest private donation. This generous gift will support the College in its efforts to serve South Carolina as the only college of veterinary medicine in the state. Quattlebaum is Clemson University’s latest Cornerstone Champion.

Quattlebaum’s donation will support multiple areas of the College, including the centerpiece of the College – the newly named Quattlebaum Hub, a state-of-the-art building featuring classroom space, conference rooms, a library, and a bookstore.

In addition to the Quattlebaum Hub, the Andy Quattlebaum Pavilion, named for Don and Hayden Quattlebaum’s beloved son, will serve as a serene outdoor space within the campus, providing students with a relaxing area to study and enjoy the outdoors, and offering a vital respite amidst the demanding course of studies.

His gift will also ensure that the College will attract top-tier faculty members through the Don and Hayden Quattlebaum Endowed Professorship and through an unrestricted endowment to address the College’s most pressing needs.

“I am honored to call Don Quattlebaum my friend and am grateful for the opportunity to continue the legacy of Hayden, Andy and the Quattlebaum and Blackwell families. Don’s gift represents an investment in the future of South Carolina. Their family’s legacy is significant and will continue to make a difference in the lives of future Tigers for generations to come.” – Clemson University President Jim Clements 

Quattlebaum, together with the Andy Quattlebaum and Blackwell Family Foundation, has been a longtime supporter of Clemson and an advocate for animal-wellness and education across the Southeast. A hallmark of their philanthropic activities at Clemson has been student experiences focused on wellness and protection of natural resources, including the Andy Quattlebaum Outdoor Education Center on Clemson’s main campus and Andy’s Cottage at the Belle W. Baruch Institute in Georgetown, South Carolina.

“I am so thankful for Don’s continued commitment to our great University. His legacy of philanthropy continues to center around making a positive impact on students. This gift will support his great love for animals and the state of South Carolina and makes him our newest Cornerstone Champion, helping us move Clemson Fiercely Forward,” said Vice President of Advancement Brian O’Rourke.

“The Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine will serve South Carolina and its farmers through large animal care, as well as the citizens of South Carolina who need care for their pets. I am proud to play a part in the establishment of this important College. This gift is for Andy and Hayden whose spirits I carry with me every day.” – Don Quattlebaum

“Don Quattlebaum’s gift is an investment in the future of animal and human health in South Carolina. It will allow us to train the next generation of veterinary clinicians and scientists to enhance the human animal bond for the benefit of our state and beyond,” said Steven Marks, founding dean of the Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine.

Quattlebaum’s gift comes at a pivotal time for the College as it recently began accepting applications for the first class of students, slated to begin in the Fall of 2026.

The College will leverage Clemson University’s strong foundation in animal science, agriculture, veterinary technology, and research programs. Its mission: to educate veterinarians who serve both large-and companion-animal populations, to drive research that safeguards animal and human health, and to help strengthen rural and agricultural economies across the region.

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Nov 19, 2025

• Expansion represents significant investment in North Carolina and is expected to create 700 new jobs in the state by end of 2030
  
• Enables manufacturing of medicines across company’s main therapeutic areas in one geographic location
  
• Marks latest milestone in company’s previously announced $23 billion investment in US infrastructure

Basel, November 19, 2025 – Novartis, a leading global innovative medicines company, today announced plans to expand its operations in North Carolina, creating a new flagship manufacturing hub with end-to-end manufacturing capabilities. The strategic investment is a major step to ensure all key Novartis medicines for US patients are manufactured in the US and delivered to patients across the country at scale.

This announcement is part of Novartis’ $23 billion investment in US-based infrastructure over the next five years, designed to increase manufacturing capacity and enable 100% of the company’s key medicines to be produced end-to-end in the US.

As part of this flagship hub in North Carolina, Novartis will:

• Build a new site in Durham with the construction of two new facilities dedicated to manufacturing biologics and sterile packaging 
• Build a new site in Morrisville with one facility for the production of solid dosage tablets and capsules, including packaging 
• Expand the scope of its existing Durham facility with the added capability to support sterile filling of biologics into syringes and vials

The company is on track to produce all its advanced technologies in the US with:

• Cell and gene therapies manufactured in Morris Plains, NJ, and Durham, NC
• Radioligand therapies manufactured coast-to-coast at facilities in Millburn, NJ, Indianapolis, IN, and Carlsbad, CA, and two new sites planned in Florida and Texas
• xRNA therapies to be manufactured at a new facility whose location will be announced in the coming months

Currently, Novartis produces innovative, life-changing gene therapies in Durham. Together, the new and existing facilities will create a single hub, expanding capabilities to produce medicines across the company’s main therapeutic areas: oncology, immunology, neuroscience, and cardiovascular, renal and metabolic. The proximity of the facilities will allow teams and production processes to work in tandem – from manufacturing active ingredients to final packaging – and create efficiencies in its manufacturing. 

“This announcement is a commitment to American innovation and to the patients we serve,” said Vas Narasimhan, CEO of Novartis. “By building a full, end-to-end manufacturing presence in North Carolina for our broader portfolio, we are expanding our capacity to deliver medical breakthroughs, securing a more resilient US supply chain, and investing in the local communities that make our mission possible.” 

“North Carolina continues to lead in advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing, and Novartis’ expansion in the Triangle reflects our state’s talent and innovative spirit,” said Governor Josh Stein. “This investment will strengthen our state’s economy and ensure life-saving medicines continue to be made right in North Carolina.”

Anticipated to open in 2027-2028, the flagship manufacturing hub, encompassing more than 700,000 square feet between the existing campus and new facilities, is expected to create 700 new jobs at Novartis and more than 3,000 indirect jobs across the supply chain by the end of 2030. 

This latest expansion builds on the existing Novartis presence – creating skilled jobs, fueling workforce growth, supporting local communities, and solidifying North Carolina’s strength in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Disclaimer 
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by words such as “potential,” “can,” “will,” “plan,” “may,” “could,” “would,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “look forward,” “believe,” “committed,” “investigational,” “pipeline,” “launch,” or similar terms, or by express or implied discussions regarding potential marketing approvals, new indications or labeling for the investigational or approved products described in this press release, or regarding potential future revenues from such products. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on our current beliefs and expectations regarding future events, and are subject to significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. There can be no guarantee that the investigational or approved products described in this press release will be submitted or approved for sale or for any additional indications or labeling in any market, or at any particular time. Nor can there be any guarantee that such products will be commercially successful in the future. In particular, our expectations regarding such products could be affected by, among other things, the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including clinical trial results and additional analysis of existing clinical data; regulatory actions or delays or government regulation generally; global trends toward health care cost containment, including government, payor and general public pricing and reimbursement pressures and requirements for increased pricing transparency; our ability to obtain or maintain proprietary intellectual property protection; the particular prescribing preferences of physicians and patients; general political, economic and business conditions, including the effects of and efforts to mitigate pandemic diseases; safety, quality, data integrity or manufacturing issues; potential or actual data security and data privacy breaches, or disruptions of our information technology systems, and other risks and factors referred to in Novartis AG’s current Form 20-F on file with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Novartis is providing the information in this press release as of this date and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. 

About Novartis 
Novartis is an innovative medicines company. Every day, we work to reimagine medicine to improve and extend people’s lives so that patients, healthcare professionals and societies are empowered in the face of serious disease. Our medicines reach nearly 300 million people worldwide.

Reimagine medicine with us: Visit us at https://www.novartis.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X/Twitter and Instagram.

By Mark A Leon

Lindsey Kraft has opened for Ben Folds for the last two tours that have rolled through Charleston, SC. Behind this whimsical pianist and songwriter is a remarkable story of transformation, storytelling, and the blueprint of a musical. What audiences see onstage—a witty performer with a rapid-fire sense of humor and a tender, emotionally tuned voice—is only the surface of a creative evolution that began long before she ever sat down at a piano.

For more than 20 years, Kraft built a career as a television and film actress, known for her sharp comedic timing and grounded character work. But after two decades of inhabiting other people’s words, she began to feel the tug of her own stories demanding to be told. She realized she had songs—real songs—living inside her, asking for form and melody. The only catch? She didn’t play an instrument.

At 38 years old, an age when many artists feel their paths are already carved, Kraft made a choice that would reshape her creative life. She learned to play the piano from scratch. What started as a quiet, personal challenge quickly became something more powerful. The piano became a portal—one that allowed her to translate humor, heartbreak, memory, and self-reinvention into music.

Now, just four and a half years later, Kraft is developing her first musical, a semi-autobiographical work that draws from her circuitous path through adulthood, creativity, and identity. Instead of shying away from the messy or vulnerable chapters of her story, she leans into them, treating them as raw material for something larger and more universal. Her songs, often buoyed by clever lyrical twists and an uncanny sense of emotional timing, reflect the experience of someone who has lived enough life to understand its absurdities and enough heartache to appreciate its beauty.

Sharing the stage with Ben Folds—himself a master of narrative songwriting and piano-driven performance—has helped amplify her artistic voice. Audiences who initially arrive expecting only the headliner often leave talking about Kraft’s unexpected charm and the refreshing specificity of her perspective. Her style is as theatrical as it is intimate, full of comedic asides that dissolve into moments of genuine sincerity. It’s clear she’s not merely opening shows; she’s building a world, one song at a time.

What makes Kraft’s story especially compelling is the way it reframes the idea of creative timing. So often, music careers are presented as pursuits for the young, but Kraft’s journey is a reminder that artistry follows no linear path. Reinvention is not only possible—it can be the catalyst for deeper, more fearless work. By starting something new at 40, she offers a counter-narrative to the pressure of early success and proves that beginning again can be an act of profound artistic courage.

As her musical continues to take shape, Kraft is stepping into a role she was always meant to play—not simply actress or songwriter, but storyteller in the broadest sense. Whether through scenes, songs, or onstage banter that leaves audiences laughing, she’s crafting a voice uniquely her own.

And if her recent performances are any indication, Lindsey Kraft is just getting started. Her evolution from actor to pianist to musical creator isn’t merely a career pivot—it’s a testament to the unexpected places passion can lead when you give it permission to change your life.

Photo Credit: Lindsey Kraft

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This one hit hard. Herd Provisions has truly been a spirited gift to Charleston with thoughtfulness and care to their menus, local partnerships and deep connection to their customers. We have truly found inspiration in Herd and they have been one of the pioneers of this culinary evolutions we are all a part of in this wonderful city. From a personal note, we are saddened.

From the beautiful ownership team of Herd Provisions today on social:

“It is with a heavy heart, and after thoughtful consideration, that we have made the decision to close Herd Provisions after nearly seven years in business. Our final day of regular service will be November 29th, and throughout December we will shift our focus entirely to previously scheduled events.

Thanksgiving Pre-Orders will still be available for pickup on November 26th from 12–4 PM, and all guests who have pre-booked large parties will continue to be fully accommodated.

It has been a joy and a true privilege to serve Wagener Terrace and the Charleston community. We are deeply grateful to our customers and to our incredible, dedicated staff for your support and patronage over the years.

Sincerely, 
Alec Bradford”

You will be missed!

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