7 Charleston, South Carolina Local Handmade Artisans that are sculpting a niche in the Charleston experience
By Mark A Leon
Charleston, South Carolina, is home to a thriving community of artisans and handmade business owners.
Here are seven notable local creators, their bios, locations, and hours:
1. Tonya Aiken – Sweetgrass Basket Weaver
Tonya Aiken, a Charleston native, has mastered the traditional Lowcountry craft of sweetgrass basket weaving. Her work reflects her dedication to preserving Gullah culture. Visit her booth at the Charleston City Market daily from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
2. Keith Hudson – Sailor Craft Knots
Keith Hudson specializes in intricate knot-based creations like key fobs, pet leashes, and home décor. His shop is often found at the Sunday Brunch Farmers Market on James Island, operating from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
You can follow Keith and his passion on Instagram.
3. Laura Voth – Southern Ruetz Hat Bar
Laura Voth runs Southern Ruetz, a custom hat bar and artisan mall supporting over 40 local makers. Located at 128 Meeting St, the store is open Monday-Saturday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM and Sunday from 11:00 PM to 6:00 PM. FYI – On the second floor of her shop is a Maker Mall with 40+ local artisan vendors with beautiful one of a kind products.
Stay connected with the creative and often whimsical storytelling of Laura and her team on Instagram.
4. Grace & Grit Studio (The World is Your Oyster)
This woman-owned business creates sustainable jewelry and home goods using natural materials like oyster shells. Their products are available at the Charleston City Market and pop-up events. Hours vary by event.
Stay connected with new products on Instagram.
5. Carlene & Cassandra Browner – BR Design Co. (A Tale of Two Sisters)
These sisters craft unique polymer clay earrings with Lowcountry-inspired designs. Their items are sold at local markets and select Charleston boutiques. Hours depend on the venue.
The cutest and most colorful Instagram.
Vicki Robinson, an award-winning artist, blends her interior design background into her paintings inspired by Charleston’s landscapes. Her work is displayed at various art shows across Charleston, including Piccolo Spoleto events.
This year, she is a featured artist at SEWE.
7. Andrea Davis – Motherland Essentials
Andrea Davis handcrafts natural skincare products like botanical bath soaks and essential oil soaps in Summerville, South Carolina, just outside Charleston. Her products are available online and at select markets.
Andrea started Motherland Essentials in 2015 after experiencing the loss of my son, Elijah, 20 weeks into my pregnancy the year prior. She didn’t receive resources for mental health, so she decided to lean into creative self-care to help me find community and provide a way to not feel so bad during a really heavy time.
Follow the journey on Instagram.
These artisans embody Charleston’s creative spirit while offering unique handmade treasures!
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Charleston Daily is a concept in community. Its mission is to promote, assist, and celebrate in everything Charleston, South Carolina. By partnering with businesses, community leaders, volunteers and events, we are spreading the love that is Charleston. As this city continues to grow and prosper, we want to help spread the message to all about how wonderful this community is. Charleston is about the people, community, water, land, history, heritage and the true southern warmth it brings with each and every day.