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.
North Charleston South Carolina – The long-awaited grand opening of Chatty Magpie Café(3620 Ashley Phosphate Rd Ste 2, North Charleston, SC) will take place on October 17, 2024, at its location on Ashley Phosphate Road in North Charleston.
Owned and operated by Elena Werkheiser, a resilient single mother from Russia, this cozy bakery is set to become a local favorite. Chatty Magpie Café will specialize in handcrafted desserts including pecan pie, key lime pie, brownies, artisan cookies, and custom cakes.
Elena’s journey to success has been a story of perseverance and determination. After overcoming significant hardships as a single mother, she now stands proud, realizing her lifelong dream of opening her own bakery. Elena is passionate about creating a space that not only serves delicious treats but also fosters community support.
Elizabeth Ann Timothy, born around 1700, was a pioneering figure in American journalism, recognized as the first female newspaper editor and publisher in the United States. Originally from the Netherlands, she was part of a French Huguenot family that emigrated to America, settling in Philadelphia before moving to Charleston, South Carolina.
After the accidental death of her husband, Lewis Timothy, in 1738, Elizabeth took over the publication of the *South-Carolina Gazette*, fulfilling a business contract with Benjamin Franklin, who had been her husband’s partner. She became the first woman in the American colonies to own and publish a newspaper, a significant achievement given the era’s gender norms.
Elizabeth managed the newspaper and printing business with notable skill, praised by Franklin for her accounting abilities and business acumen. She continued to publish the *Gazette* for several years, eventually passing the business to her son, Peter, when he came of age.
Her contributions to journalism were later recognized with her induction into the South Carolina Press Association Hall of Fame and the South Carolina Business Hall of Fame. Her legacy continued through her family, with her son and daughter-in-law maintaining the printing tradition in South Carolina.
Partnership with Benjamin Franklin
Elizabeth Timothy’s partnership with Benjamin Franklin played a crucial role in shaping her career as a newspaper publisher in colonial America. This partnership began when her husband, Lewis Timothy, entered into a six-year business agreement with Franklin to publish the *South-Carolina Gazette*. Franklin provided the press and equipment, covering a third of the expenses and receiving a third of the profits.
After Lewis Timothy’s accidental death in 1738, Elizabeth assumed control of the newspaper, as her son Peter was too young to take over. Franklin agreed to continue the partnership with Elizabeth until Peter was capable of running the business. This arrangement allowed Elizabeth to become the first female newspaper editor and publisher in America, managing the *Gazette* under her son’s name due to societal norms.
Franklin praised Elizabeth’s management skills, particularly her accounting abilities, which he attributed to her Dutch education. Her success in maintaining the newspaper’s operations and eventually buying out Franklin’s interest in the business underscored her competence and resilience. This partnership not only facilitated her entry into the publishing world but also highlighted her capabilities, setting a precedent for women in journalism.
Elizabeth Timothy faced several challenges as a female publisher in colonial America:
1. Gender Norms: During the 18th century, societal norms largely restricted women from professional roles, particularly in fields like publishing, which were dominated by men. Women were generally expected to focus on domestic responsibilities rather than business endeavors.
2. Physical Demands: Printing was considered a physically demanding job, and it was often assumed that women were not capable of performing all the tasks required to run a press. Despite this, Elizabeth successfully managed the operations of the *South-Carolina Gazette*.
3. Financial Necessity: After the death of her husband, Lewis Timothy, Elizabeth took over the newspaper out of financial necessity. Widows in the printing business often had to continue their husbands’ work to support their families.
4. Business Acumen: Elizabeth had to demonstrate strong business skills to maintain the newspaper’s success. She was praised by Benjamin Franklin for her clear accounting and effective management, which was crucial in an era where women’s business capabilities were often underestimated.
5. Advocacy and Editorial Influence: As a publisher, Elizabeth played a role in advocating for the colonial cause, which could have exposed her to political pressures and risks during a tumultuous period leading up to the American Revolution.
Despite these challenges, Elizabeth Timothy’s successful management of the *South-Carolina Gazette* established her as a pioneering figure in American journalism and solidifying her legacy as a Charleston pioneer.
The Haven is a ministry of City Life Charleston. The mission of The Haven Resource Center is to provide free, tangible resources to children and families within the foster care, adoption, and kinship community.
The Haven seeks to be an excellent resource for foster, adoptive, and kinship families in the Charleston area that shares the love story of Jesus by meeting tangible needs through a free boutique that serves with compassion, support, and integrity. We desire to also become a safe and strong ministry of advocacy, resources, and education for this circle.
Location: 3015 Dunes West Blvd. Suite 301, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466
Hours of Operation: Tuesday 9 AM – 11 AM / Thursday 6 PM – 8 PM / Saturday 9 AM – 12 PM
Want to donate:
DONATION DROP-OFF TIMES: Tuesday 9 AM -11 AM; Thursday 6 PM – 8 PM; Saturday 9 AM -12 PM. Unassisted drop-offs can be made in the blue laundry cart located outside of The Haven Resource Center on Sundays 7:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Charleston, South Carolina is a beautiful city with a rich history and culture, incredible coastal aesthetics and a warmth and safety kissed by true Southern Charm, but like any place, it has its challenges. We love and embrace the magic that is the Lowcountry, but we know that like any place, it isn’t the perfect cultural fit for everyone.
We wanted to share some high level challenges you may face if you choose to call the Charleston Lowcountry area home:
High Cost of Living: The cost of living in Charleston is higher than the national average, especially when it comes to housing. The city has seen a lot of growth in recent years, which has driven up property values and rent prices. One of the biggest demographics that struggles with this are single homeowners or renters.
Traffic Congestion: Charleston is a popular tourist destination, which means that the roads can be very congested during peak seasons. Additionally, the city’s infrastructure is not designed to handle the large influx of people that come with tourism, which can lead to frustrating commutes. Some of the biggest challenge roadway areas are Highway 41, 17 North, Maybank Highway, Ashley Phosphate Road, Highway 61, Dorchester Road, Crosstown, Savannah Highway and Folly Road to name a few.
Extreme Weather: Charleston is located in a coastal region, which means it is vulnerable to hurricanes and flooding. The city has experienced significant flooding in recent years, and residents need to be prepared for severe weather events. Some things you need to prepare for are higher insurance premiums closer to the coast, cars more equipped for volatile weather, gas/food shortages prior to predictive hurricane conditions and boarding up windows/sand bagging entranceways.
Racial Tensions: Charleston has a complex history when it comes to race relations, and there are still tensions that exist today. The city has been the site of several high-profile racially motivated incidents in recent years, and some residents may feel uncomfortable or unwelcome due to these issues. Overall, the tri-county is safe compared to other mid-sized and larger urban areas of the country, but there are generational issues that date back over 400 years.
Limited Job Opportunities: While Charleston has a growing economy, job opportunities may be limited in certain industries. The city’s economy is heavily reliant on tourism, hospitality, medical and manufacturing, which can make it challenging for individuals in other fields to find work.
Overall, while Charleston is a beautiful city with a lot to offer, living there may come with certain challenges. It’s important to weigh these factors against the many positives of living in Charleston when considering a move to the area.
Phillips Episcopal Church Parsonage Provincial Library in Charleston, South Carolina, was founded in 1698. It was the first public lending library in the American Colonies.
February 8, 1735 — The first opera performed in the Colonies opened today in Charleston, South Carolina. A ballad opera entitled, Flora: Or Hob in the Well, debuted at the New World Theatre.
First building used solely as a theatre: The Dock Street Theatre in Charleston, constructed in 1736.
First public museum: The Charleston Museum, organized on January 12, 1773.
First municipal college: The College of Charleston, opened on April 1, 1838.
First golf club in America: The South Carolina Golf Club, formed in 1786.
Built between 1822 and 1826, The Fireproof Building was the first fireproof building built in our nation’s history. At that time, Charleston had already had three major fires, and two more were yet to come! This building was designed by famed architect, and Charleston native, Robert Mills.
The Best Friend of Charleston made its inaugural run on Christmas Day, December 25, 1830. On that day, it pulled a passenger train along a six-mile route. With this, the Best Friend of Charleston became the first American-built steam locomotive to haul a train of passenger cars on a public railroad.
First Spoleto Festival: Held in Charleston, SC in May 1977. Spoleto Festival USA was founded in 1977 by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Gian Carlo Menotti, Christopher Keene, and others who sought to create an American counterpart to their annual Festival of Two Worlds in Spoleto, Italy.
These events highlight Charleston’s significant contributions to American history and culture.
Hey Charleston, South Carolina! Are you ready for Goodie Bag?
After a successful launch in Boulder, CO and Charlotte, NC, Goodie Bag is bringing the concept of reducing food waste and connecting patrons to local restaurants with affordable options to Charleston, South Carolina.
About Goodie Bag
After graduating from the University of Colorado-Boulder, our co-founders Eddy Connors and Luke Siegert established Goodie Bag. Our mission is to reduce food waste, offer more affordable options for quality food, and assist local shops in salvaging revenue and attracting new customers. We achieve this through our mobile app, which connects users with unsold but perfectly good food from local businesses at discounted prices for pickup. Initially founded in Colorado, we launched in Boulder, then expanded to Fort Collins and Denver. Then, in 2024, we moved from Colorado to Charlotte, NC. Our success in the Charlotte market has been significant, and we have received a lot of requests to come to Charleston as a result.
Here is a list of shops currently committed for our launch on September 6, 2024:
The Daily
Bodega
Saffron Cafe and Bakery
Atlyss Food Collective
Sabatinos Authentic New York City Pizza
Benny Palmetto’s Pizza
Daddy’s Girls Bakery
Great Harvest Bread
Little Peanut Bake Shop
Carolina Butcher and Beer
Charleston Bagel Co
New York City Pizza
Maccaro Charleston
Lillie Fuel
Heights Meat Market
Red’s Ice House
Graze Craze
Blend Juice Bar
French Chocolate Cafe
Joey Bag of Donuts
Benny Ravello’s
Holy City Bagels
Anyone whojoins the waitlist for Charleston (has to be a new user) PRIOR to launch on the 6th will get $6 in credits to use for their first goodie bag purchase. This amount covers most (if not all) of a first purchase.
From the moment I first wandered your cobblestone streets, I was enchanted. Your beauty and charm, woven with rich history, have captured my heart. The iconic Rainbow Row and the grandeur of the Battery tell stories of resilience and elegance, each building a testament to the past that whispers its secrets to those who listen.
Your warmth radiates through the smiles of your residents, whose hospitality is unmatched. Strolling through the City Market, I felt a genuine kindness that is rare in this fast-paced world. The culinary delights you offer have spoiled me for life, each meal a celebration of your vibrant culture.
What I admire most is your ability to honor your history while embracing the present. I yearn to explore every inch of you, to sit in your cafés, sip lattes, and soak in the stories that fill the air. Though my time with you may be fleeting, the memories we’ve created will forever reside in my heart.
Thank you for welcoming me into your embrace. Until we meet again, know that you hold a special place in my soul.
Charleston, South Carolina, has earned its reputation as a multifaceted destination, renowned for its dining, history, lodging, beaches, hospitality, healthcare, and quality of life. Among these attractions, the city’s vibrant culinary scene stands out, drawing chefs from across the Southeast, the nation, and even internationally. While Charleston offers a fertile ground for culinary passion projects and career advancement, the reality of restaurant ownership in this competitive market is both challenging and rewarding.
The Realities of Restaurant Ownership
Running a successful restaurant in Charleston requires more than just culinary expertise. Owners must navigate a complex landscape of business challenges to turn their visions into reality.
Financial Challenges
Tight Margins: High food costs, particularly for fine dining establishments using premium ingredients, necessitate careful pricing strategies to maintain profitability.
Forecasting: Predicting food demand in a tourist-dependent market with variable weather can be particularly challenging, especially for new establishments.
Market Dynamics
Constant Competition: Charleston’s love for “new” concepts means existing restaurants must work harder to maintain relevance.
Customer Loyalty: Building a loyal customer base is crucial but challenging, given the diverse dining options and budget considerations of patrons.
Operational Hurdles
Staffing Issues: The shortage of qualified front and back-of-house staff remains a significant challenge, requiring diligence in hiring and retention.
Marketing Demands: Continuous promotion across various platforms (social media, influencer partnerships, events) is essential but time-consuming.
Strategies for Success
To thrive in Charleston’s competitive restaurant scene, owners employ various tactics:
Diversification: Expanding beyond traditional restaurant models through food trucks, festival participation, and local partnerships.
Brand Building: Leveraging merchandise, ambassadorships, and influencer collaborations to increase visibility and create additional revenue streams.
Adaptability: Staying relevant through menu innovation, theme nights, and responding to customer feedback.
Community Engagement: Participating in local events and collaborating with artisan vendors to strengthen community ties.
The Reward: Bringing a Vision to Life
Despite the challenges, many restaurant owners find immense satisfaction in seeing their culinary visions become reality. The ability to contribute to Charleston’s renowned food scene and create memorable experiences for diners makes the hard work worthwhile.
“Not being part of a restaurant group or having big money investors means smaller budgets for advertising, less time, less visibility, etc. Any mom-and-pop restaurant is working so much harder in this industry. By this same turn, I have found that because I have to work harder at a lot of things that might come easier to the big names that I have made really personal and impactful connections. The reward is definitely in the strong community bonds I have built in doing events, having live performances, and all of the other unique things I have done.”– Danielle Sweatman, Owner and Operator of Sweatman’s Garden
As diners, understanding these challenges can foster a deeper appreciation for the effort behind each meal. Supporting local restaurants becomes not just about enjoying great food, but also about contributing to the dreams and livelihoods of passionate culinary entrepreneurs who help make Charleston a world-class dining destination.
Lendio revealed the results of a study ranking the best states for small businesses. Florida came in as the number one state to start a business with Texas and North Carolina coming in second and third.
The rankings were based on an analysis of 10 metrics from government and nonprofit sources and Lendio’s internal data including startup survival rates, access to business financing, favorable tax environments, and cost of living.
Each of the 50 states ranked.
Colorado, South Carolina, Ohio, Georgia, Massachusetts, Utah, and Oklahoma also made the top 10 list. While the states that made the top 10 stayed the same from Lendio’s 2023 analysis, there were some shifts in the line-up including Florida edging out Texas for the top spot.
Hawaii, New Hampshire, and Nebraska ranked as the bottom three states, due to low business funding and venture capital availability, limited local incentive programs, high tax rates, and high cost of living.
“Small businesses are a critical part of our economy, but they’ve faced unprecedented challenges in the past five years from a global pandemic to high interest rates,” said Brock Blake, CEO and Co-Founder of Lendio. “Despite these challenges, small business owners continue to fight for their dreams and start new businesses in record-breaking numbers. States that create a favorable business environment will benefit from the influx of small businesses opened in the past year.”
States with the highest ranking by individual metrics include:
5-year survival rate: Minnesota
SBA loans approved/100K Population: Utah
Loan offers received through Lendio’s marketplace/100K population: Wyoming
Venture capital/$1 million GDP: Massachusetts
Lowest corporate tax rate: Arkansas
Most business incentives: Maryland
Greatest population gains: Florida
Most educated workforce mobility/100K population: Colorado
Lowest housing costs: West Virginia
Greatest personal consumption expenditures: California
Top 10 best states to start a small business
10. Oklahoma (Previously 7)
This state boasts some of the most favorable local incentives in the country for business owners, with 84 inventive programs in total. Housing prices and cost of living are lower, compared to other states. Combined with a low, 4% corporate income tax rate, this creates an environment many entrepreneurs will find attractive. On the flip side, businesses in Oklahoma have lower-than-average access to capital and have seen a decline in educated workers moving to that state.
9. Utah (Previously 10)
Businesses in the state of Utah have exceptional access to capital. Utah is approved for the highest number of SBA loans per 100,000 population in the U.S. It also had $10,000 in VC funding per $1 million GDP, ranking No.10 in the U.S. in 2023. The state also has a lower corporate tax rate of 5% and offers 34 tax incentives to small businesses. The reason Utah did not rank higher on our list is that it has become an increasingly popular destination, and as a result, housing costs have increased significantly.
8. Massachusetts (Previously 4)
It’s no wonder tech-savvy Massachusetts gets the most amount of venture capital disbursed per $1 million of GDP, ranking No. 1 in the U.S. The state offers 73 different incentives for business owners. Massachusetts businesses also have one of the highest five-year survival rates of 57%. On the flip side, it has one of the highest median housing values in the U.S., and it is seeing more people leaving (57,000)—rather than moving to—the Bay State.
7. Georgia (Previously 9)
Georgia is also a great place for businesses, as it is within the top states with the most small business loans approved—over 30 small business loans per 100,000 residents through Lendio’s marketplace. Georgia has seen an influx of 81,406 people move in, making it the sixth-best state in this crucial category. Although the housing prices remain reasonable, Georgia has the second-highest growth in cost of living.
6. Ohio (Previously 3)
Ohio has no corporate income tax rate. Even with the state’s gross receipt tax rate, which is not strictly comparable to the corporate income tax rate, it’s still considered a low-tax state. Ohio is also among the top states that have small business loans approved per 100k residents. With very low housing costs and good local incentive programs for businesses, Ohio is a good place for small businesses to settle.
5. South Carolina (Previously 8)
Half of all startups in the Palmetto State have survived at least five years, and the state government offers 77 different incentives for small business owners—only three states offer more incentives than South Carolina. The state has a low 5% corporate income tax rate. In addition, housing prices and cost of living are among the lowest of all states, and 84,030 people moved in in 2022, making it the 4th-hottest place to relocate.
4. Colorado (Previously 6)
If you are in Colorado, you may have a good chance to land a small business loan. Colorado ranks No. 7 in the U.S. for issuance of small business loans, with 27 small business loans per 100,000 residents. It also has the 7th highest amount of venture capital per $1 million GDP. With 55,768 educated workers moving here and a 4% corporate income tax rate, business owners can find a good place to start a small business.
3. North Carolina (Previously 5)
North Carolina has been a hot place for in-migration, with 99,796 people relocating there in 2022 (the 3rd highest in the U.S.). Businesses here have an above-average, five-year survival rate. The state also has a low corporate tax rate of 2.5% and above-average access to business loans. With low housing costs, business owners find it an attractive location to start and run a small business.
2. Texas (Previously 1)
Texas ranks as the second-best state for small businesses. While Texans receive a lower amount of SBA loan approvals/100K residents than other states, they were the 7th highest state for loans offered through Lendio’s marketplace. Of all businesses started in 2017 in the state, more than half survived five years of operations, outlasting those in many other states. According to Census Bureau data, over 400,000 people with at least some college education moved into Texas in 2022, making it a prime location for educated entrepreneurs to spread their wings. Beyond just workers, Texas has become one of the most popular places for Americans to relocate—thanks, in part, to its lack of a state income tax.
1. Florida (Previously 2)
Florida is the best state to start a business due to a low corporate tax rate (5.5%) and the mass migration of consumers and companies to the state. The Sunshine State sees more than half of its startup businesses survive for at least five years. It’s also a top recipient of SBA loan dollars (12th compared to other states) and ranked 2nd for the number of loan offers facilitated through Lendio’s marketplace.
See the full report for a breakdown of each state and the methodology behind the rankings.
About Lendio
Lendiois transforming small business lending by connecting small businesses, lenders, and small business service providers through a single integrated technology platform. Lendio provides purpose-built software that automates small business loan decisioning and underwriting for both banks and digital lenders, uses AI to match small businesses to the financing offers that best meet their needs, and embeds a full small business loan marketplace directly within small business service providers’ platforms – all of which work together to get small businesses access to the capital they need to be successful.
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