Author: Charleston Daily

By Mark A Leon

Charleston, South Carolina—a city steeped in history and timeless Southern charm—now welcomes Forever Fine Jewelry, a custom jewelry brand founded by Hollie Harris. This expansion marks a new chapter for Hollie, whose passion for creating meaningful, heirloom-quality pieces is deeply rooted in her belief that jewelry should reflect the eternal beauty of the soul.

The Origin Story of Forever Fine Jewelry

Hollie’s journey began at age five, sketching designs that would later evolve into a thriving career. With over eight years of experience in custom design, diamond sourcing, and client relations, Hollie has cultivated a reputation for excellence and creativity. Her work is inspired by global travels and cultural influences, culminating in her earning the prestigious GIA Diamond Graduate degree in 2025.

Forever Fine Jewelry specializes in crafting custom engagement rings, redesigning heirlooms, and offering ready-made pieces that celebrate life’s most precious milestones. Hollie shares: “Collaborating with clients to bring their visions to life is the most rewarding part of what I do. Each piece tells a story—a reflection of love, commitment, and cherished memories.”

A Passion for Connection and Creativity

Operating by appointment only, Hollie works closely with clients to ensure every piece is uniquely tailored to their vision. Whether it’s designing a custom engagement ring or modernizing an heirloom, Hollie approaches each project with care and purpose. Her dedication to personalized service sets Forever Fine Jewelry apart, allowing her to build deep connections with clients and craft truly meaningful pieces.

Charleston, SC: The Perfect Backdrop for Timeless Beauty

Charleston provides the ideal setting for Forever Fine Jewelry’s expansion. The city’s rich history and enduring charm mirror the essence of Hollie’s work—timeless designs that honor tradition while embracing modern elegance. From its iconic architecture to its vibrant arts scene, Charleston is a place where craftsmanship thrives, and stories are celebrated—a natural home for a brand dedicated to creating meaningful keepsakes.

Celebrating Life’s Most Meaningful Moments

At its core, Forever Fine Jewelry is about celebrating life’s most meaningful moments with elegance and ease. Hollie understands that jewelry is more than just adornment—it’s an expression of love, commitment, and identity. Her creations are designed not only to enhance beauty but also to carry emotional weight—a tangible reminder of memories worth cherishing.

As Forever Fine Jewelry settles into its new home in Charleston, it invites residents of the Lowcountry to embark on journeys of creativity and connection through custom-designed treasures. With Hollie Harris at the helm, this boutique brand promises to bring timeless artistry into your life—one dazzling piece at a time.

Whether you’re looking for an engagement ring that captures your unique love story or seeking a way to preserve family history through heirloom redesigns, Forever Fine Jewelry offers an unparalleled experience rooted in passion, craftsmanship, and care. Welcome to Charleston, Forever Fine Jewelry—where timeless beauty meets heartfelt artistry!

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• Official Website – Forever Fine Jewelry
• Official Instagram – Forever Fine Jewelry
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• Schedule a free consultation
• Shop online

• Related:  5 Wonderful Full-Service Charleston, SC Wedding Providers
• Related:  8 Great Venues to Consider for Your Charleston, SC Destination Wedding
• Related: Amazing Wedding Day Photography Ideas

Lowcountry Land Trust Helps Protect Historic Red Top Park, Preserving Nearly 100 Years of Community Legacy

Preserving Place and Purpose: Red Top Park Safeguarded as a Cultural and Ecological Landmark

Charleston, SC, May 19, 2025 – Lowcountry Land Trust, a nonprofit committed to preserving Lowcountry landscapes and waterways for current and future generations, is proud to share the permanent protection of Red Top Park, a cornerstone of community life in the historic Red Top neighborhood of Charleston County. The conservation of this culturally significant property, spearheaded by the Red Top Improvement Association and Dr. Melody Dover, ensures it will continue serving local residents as it has for nearly a century.

The protection of Red Top Park preserves an irreplaceable piece of community-owned land, providing a rare opportunity to interpret and celebrate the historical and cultural legacy of the Red Top community. Established by formerly enslaved people and their descendants, the Red Top community has long served as a symbol of resilience, heritage, and shared identity. The property will now remain publicly accessible and will continue to serve as a gathering space for generations to come. 

The former site of the historic Red Top Rosenwald School, built in 1927, the park has long served as a central gathering space and symbol of resilience, learning, and pride for generations of families. Its legacy continues to be shaped by the people who have loved and maintained it, and who now have the opportunity to shape its future for the better. Beyond its cultural importance, the property also protects critical upland habitat adjacent to the salt marshes connected to Rantowles Creek and the Stono River, contributing to the ecological integrity of the surrounding landscape.

“This protection ensures the property will continue to serve the local community as it has for the last 100 years,” said Sam Seawell, community lands director at Lowcountry Land Trust. “Owned and operated by the Red Top Improvement Association, this community-owned land will not only preserve the existing park but also lay a path forward for its continued prosperity. It will provide a truly unique, publicly accessible open space that features cultural and historical interpretation highlighting the significance of the property and the Red Top community.”

Protecting Red Top Park was made possible in part through funding from the Charleston County Greenbelt Program and the South Carolina Conservation Bank, highlighting the power of collaboration in preserving places that matter. This project was made possible through the vital leadership of the Red Top Improvement Association and support from Conservation Voters of South Carolina.

“The Red Top Community extends heartfelt gratitude to our fellow nonprofit partners: Charleston County Greenbelt Program, South Carolina Conservation Bank and the Lowcountry Land Trust whose generous support has helped secure the future of the Red Top Park—a cherished space that holds deep historical significance and collective memory for generations within our Black Settlement community,” says Dr. Dover, Red Top Improvement Association’s President. “This park is more than green space—it is a living testament to our heritage, resilience, and the stories that have shaped our identity. Through collaboration and shared commitment of these organizations, we are able to protect this landmark for future generations and ensure it remains a place of reflection, celebration, and inspiration.” 

Stay connected by following @LowcountryLandTrust on social media and signing up for their email newsletter to receive the latest updates on conservation efforts and ways to get involved.

ABOUT LOWCOUNTRY LAND TRUST

Lowcountry Land Trust—a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization—permanently protects land throughout coastal South Carolina that is foundational to the area’s coastal ecosystem and residents’ quality of life. Having protected over 163,000 acres of land since its founding in 1986, Lowcountry Land Trust is one of the most impactful local land trusts in the United States. More information about Lowcountry Land Trust is available at www.lowcountrylandtrust.org.

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Charleston, SC (May 14, 2025) – PURE Theatre is proud to announce their 23rd season,  featuring three regional premieres and a World Premiere new play. In addition to the five shows in the mainstage season, there will also be a Preseason Summer Slam in July and August 2025. Performances in the 2025–2026 season will take place at the Cannon Street Arts Center and virtually through PURE Live, the company’s live-streaming program (subject to rights availability). 

“Theatre is critical. It wakes us up, makes us feel more, see more, and connect more deeply with ourselves and each other,” says Artistic Director Sharon Graci. “PURE is asking for six nights (or afternoons) of your time this season. That’s all we need to change your life, broaden your horizons, entertain you, help you get away, and give you something to talk about. Each of these plays is extraordinary, funny, fierce, smart, and unflinchingly human. From a gothic blues myth to a progressive school council in chaos, from a Nobel-obsessed novelist to a psychological thriller for the ages, and a stunning new world premiere set right here in the Lowcountry—Season 23 is dialed in and dialed up in all the right ways.”

You can get a sneak peek of the season to come with the Preseason Summer Slam, Zelda in the Backyard by Elyzabeth Gregory Wilder. Based on the playwright’s own life, this one-woman show follows Libby as she repairs a 1961 Rolls-Royce left to her by her father. A little broken herself, Libby finds herself with a new understanding of marriage and family during this journey of love, loss, and all the roads in between. PURE Resident Designer Miles Boinest will be making his directorial debut on this show, which stars Core Ensemble member Camille Lowman. 

Season 22 officially kicks off in October 2025 with the Southeast Regional Premiere of Covenant by York Walker. Inspired by the myth of Robert Johnson, this haunting, Gothic play explores the power of belief and tests the thin veil between rumor and truth. Two years after his sudden disappearance, struggling guitarist Johnny “Honeycomb” James returns to his small Georgia town a blues star, sparking rumors that he may have made a deal with the devil to attain his musical genius. Before long, however, it becomes clear he’s not the only one with a secret. 

Covenant will be followed by the Southeast Regional Premiere of Eureka Day by Jonathan Spector. This 2019 breakout hit follows the antics of five school board members at the Eureka Day School, a bastion of progressive ideals and acceptance. When a mumps outbreak threatens their community, the board realizes with horror that they’ve got to do what they swore they never would—make a choice that won’t please everyone. 

Winter 2026 brings another Southeast Regional Premiere and recent Broadway hit, McNeal, by Pulitzer Prize-winner Ayad Akhtar. This “brilliant and transfixing new play” (The Atlantic) follows Jacob McNeal as he deals with an estranged son, a new novel, and an unhealthy fascination with artificial intelligence, all while facing perpetual candidacy for a Nobel Prize in Literature. Wickedly smart and startlingly relevant, McNeal is an examination of the inescapable humanity—and increasing inhumanity—of the stories we tell.

March 2026 ushers in the revival of a classic in Steven Dietz’s Gaslight. Based on the critically acclaimed play and blockbuster film, Gaslight is a heart-pounding, haunting classic for the new age, twisting reality into a nightmare as a young wife fights to escape the dark grip of manipulation.

The season concludes in April 2026 with the World Premiere of The Ocean We Swim In by Brad Erickson. Developed in the PURE Lab, the show follows disgraced art critic Jack as he and his husband flee to the marshy refuge of South Carolina. “I’m thrilled to be working with Sharon Graci and PURE Theatre on the world premiere of my new play,” says Erickson. “The action is set here in the Charleston area and is steeped in the culture of the Lowcountry. There’s no better theatre in the country to bring this story to life for the first time than PURE.”

The Season 23 Flex Pass is on sale now and includes five flexible tickets for the mainstage season, concierge ticketing services, first invitations to all PURE events, and discounts on additional ticket purchases (including tickets for the Summer Slam). The Flex Pass also includes access to PURE’s Dining Benefits Program in partnership with the Charleston Arts Festival, giving you discounts and specials at your favorite local restaurants throughout the season. Current and retired K-12 educators can receive a special discount on their Flex Pass by contacting PURE.

Patrons and ticket buyers should visit PURE Theatre’s website (puretheatre.org) for additional information on Season 23. Information on purchasing season passes as well as individual tickets is also available on PURE’s website, social media platforms, and via PURE Theatre’s box office at 843-723-4444, Tuesday-Friday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. 

ABOUT PURE THEATRE

PURE Theatre is a professional regional theatre in Charleston that creates consequential theatre experiences by and for a diverse gathering of artists and audiences. PURE produces work that inspires thought, ignites dialogue, heightens consciousness, and contributes to our community’s urgent exchange of ideas, viewpoints, aspirations, and inspirations.

PURE’s staff includes Sharon Graci (Co-founder and Artistic Director), Rodney Lee Rogers (Co-founder and Director of New Media and Education), David Mandel (Associate Artistic Director), Joy Vandervort-Cobb (Associate Artistic Director), Richard Heffner (Technical Director), Shivam Patel (Education and New Media Associate), Meagan McMahon (Patron Experience and Marketing Manager), and Tippy Trombly (Patron Experience Associate). 

Michael Culler (President), Peter Calcagno (Treasurer), Chris Burgess (Secretary), Amy Gaffney, Bridget Durkan Laird, Liza Elsner, David Smalls, Brad Erickson, Stephanie Hunt, and Drew Childers serve on PURE Theatre’s board of directors.

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The South Carolina Hurricane Guide is updated annually by SCEMD in collaboration with local and state partners of the S.C. Emergency Response Team. All information contained in the Guide is valid at the time of publishing each year, but is subject to change depending on actual storm conditions.
Printed copies of the Guide are available at all South Carolina Welcome Centers, at any Walgreens store statewide and at SCDMV offices in Bamberg, Beaufort, Bluffton, Charleston, Conway, Dillon, Florence, Georgetown, Kingstree, Ladson, Lake City, Little River, Mullins, Moncks Corner, Mount Pleasant, Myrtle Beach, North Charleston, Saint George and Varnville.

South Carolina has a new online home for hurricane preparedness. Visit hurricane.sc to know your hurricane evacuation zone and to get started on your hurricane safety plan. Find all of the information in the official South Carolina Hurricane Guide and more at hurricane.sc whenever you need a quick, online resource to prepare for a hurricane in the Palmetto State.

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COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Henry McMaster today released the following statement in response to the South Carolina Supreme Court’s ruling in Planned Parenthood South Atlantic v. South Carolina:  

“Time and time again, we have defended the right to life in South Carolina, and time and time again, we have prevailed,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “Today’s ruling is another clear and decisive victory that will ensure the lives of countless unborn children remain protected and that South Carolina continues to lead the charge in defending the sanctity of life.”

Click HERE for the full ruling by the South Carolina Supreme Court.

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The company doesn’t believe this mill in Cedar Springs, Georgia, can competitively serve customers in the long term.

By Katie Pyzyk

Georgia-Pacific announced Wednesday it will permanently close a containerboard mill in Cedar Springs, Georgia, along the state’s southwest border with Alabama. All 535 employees there will be let go, with most positions eliminated by Aug. 1.

No overall schedule for the ramp down and ultimate closure has been finalized, said Nicole Linton, company spokesperson, via email. “Production and runtime at Cedar Springs will continue as the site works to fulfill customer commitments and plan for a safe and orderly shutdown and depletion of raw materials,” she said.

As a private company, Georgia-Pacific does not comment on production capacity at its facilities, per Linton. But she confirmed the company will begin shifting some of the Cedar Springs production to other facilities, including containerboard mills in Big Island, Virginia; Toledo, Oregon; Monticello, Mississippi; and Brewton, Alabama.

While the company says multiple factors led to this decision, primarily it doesn’t believe the mill can competitively serve customers in the long term. “This decision has nothing to do with the quality of work of Georgia-Pacific’s employees at the Cedar Springs mill,” the company said in a news release. 

A worker adjustment and retraining notification filed with the state of Georgia on Wednesday morning notes that some employee layoffs might occur before or after Aug. 1 “depending upon the business needs.” Some employees also are expected to remain with the company past the closure date to help with shutting down the facility. Certain hourly employees are represented by unions: United Steelworkers Locals 1703 and 1864 and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1980.

All salaried employees will receive severance upon leaving the company, Linton confirmed. Soon, Georgia-Pacific will enter into effects bargaining with the labor unions to discuss hourly benefits, including severance. All employees will receive pay and benefits through Aug. 1, 2025, as required by law, Linton said.

The company also plans to assist employees with finding other jobs within Georgia-Pacific, at other businesses owned by parent company Koch, or outside the company. “Georgia-Pacific is committed to supporting employees in finding employment through job fairs and placement services or other available resources,” Linton said

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In April, the local publication Early County News reported that Georgia-Pacific would temporarily cease production on its No. 2 paper machine at Cedar Springs and that short-term impact would be minimal. It was the first announced production reduction at the facility since idling the No. 3 machine in 2020 due to lack of demand amid the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the publication.

Georgia-Pacific did indeed notify Cedar Springs employees in April that it would idle paper machine No. 2 along with some associated backend equipment, Linton confirmed. That decision was largely driven by near-term market disruptions related to the ongoing trade situation, she said.

However, she reiterated that the newly announced decision to permanently close Cedar Springs stems from the belief that the mill can’t fully serve customers long term. “Despite the closeness of timing, these decisions were independent of each other,” Linton said.

Earlier this month, Georgia-Pacific announced it would immediately close a plywood plant in Emporia, Virginia, affecting 550 employees. In May 2024, Georgia-Pacific announced it would close its corrugated plant in Milan, Michigan, and eliminate all 113 positions.

Source: Packaging Dive

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By Alexandria Sands

Coinbase, the nation’s largest crypto exchange, is tapping into Charlotte’s fintech talent pool with plans to hire more than 130 employees.

Why it matters: The crypto giant’s investment in Charlotte is a testament to its strong workforce and helps position the longtime banking city to evolve with the future of finance.

Driving the news: Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong announced plans to hire about 1,000 U.S. employees this year in response to recent actions by the pro-crypto administration. President Trump has promised to be America’s “first crypto president.”

Context: Coinbase, once headquartered in San Francisco, transitioned to a remote-first company in 2020. Amid the pandemic, many tech companies reevaluated their businesses, creating an advantage for lower-cost tech towns like Charlotte.

• Coinbase still maintains hub offices in San Francisco and New York, where regional employees can meet in person periodically. The company has about 4,000 employees, with roughly 95% working remotely.
• Coinbase will establish an office in Charlotte for its new hires, but declined to share specifics.

The big picture: Coinbase is targeting Charlotte with this hiring push for its growing tech and financial sectors. Although the company is remote-first, Chief People Officer LJ Brock says their strategy focuses on “meeting talent where they are.”

• “We’re going to be committed to this market, and we’re going to get synergies by having these people in the same geography,” Brock says.
• He adds that the experience at Coinbase will be distinct from what employees of Charlotte’s traditional financial institutions are used to. He describes it as a leaner organization with less bureaucracy, with the goal of creating “more economic freedom for people through a better financial system.”
• “This is an opportunity to work in a fundamentally different environment, but one with as large an impact globally as they would expect,” Brock says.

Between the lines: Companies are catching on that Charlotte has a “secret” wealth of tech talent hidden in industries like banking and insurance.

• The cost of hiring high-quality talent here is significantly less than in major tech hubs, as we previously reported. Plus, employers don’t have to compete with the “coolness” of companies like Google or Meta when recruiting candidates.

Zoom in: Hiring will occur over the next six months. The open roles are across Coinbase’s compliance and customer support teams.

• Hourly positions range from approximately $32 to $41, and salaried roles range from about $96,000 to $117,000.

What they’re saying: “Investments like this not only validate the region’s deep bench of talent but also position Charlotte as a national leader in the next wave of financial innovation,” says Rich Spuller, founder of Cryptolina, a blockchain conference first held in North Carolina.

• “Coinbase investing in Charlotte is a powerful vote of confidence in our city’s workforce,” says Eric Porper, co-chair of the North Carolina Blockchain Initiative. “This kind of investment helps Charlotte grow not just as a fintech hub, but as a place where people can build meaningful careers.”

What’s next: If the initial hiring push is successful, Coinbase may grow further in Charlotte.

• “Certainly, if it meets or exceeds our expectations, I can see us continue to invest,” Brock says.

Source: Axios Charlotte

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Big News! GiGi’s Playhouse will open its 62nd physical playhouse on Remount Rd in North Charleston on Saturday May 17th from 2–4 PM!

🎈You’re Invited 🎈
We’re opening the doors to our beautiful playhouse, and everyone is welcome to come tour the space, meet the team, and celebrate this exciting milestone with us! 

Bring your friends, your family, and your curiosity—it’s going to be a joyful afternoon you won’t want to miss!

• Location: 1213 Remount Road Suite F, North Charleston, SC 29406 
• RSVP: https://ow.ly/22aI50VQhxF

$34 million investment will create 135 new jobs

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Mega Metal, a copper wire manufacturer, today announced it selects Fairfield County to establish the company’s first South Carolina operation. The $34 million investment will create 135 new jobs.

Headquartered in Turkey, Mega Metal manufactures copper wire to serve critical industries including automotive, medical, aerospace and defense, and more. The company has over 700 employees and distributes products to more than 30 countries.

Located at 364 Blue Granite Parkway in Ridgeway, Mega Metal’s 91,000-square-foot facility will manufacture superfine electrolytic oxygen-free (EOF) copper wire. Once fully operational, the state-of-the-art manufacturing facility is expected to produce 55 million pounds of wire annually.

Operations are expected to be online in September 2025. Individuals interested in joining the Mega Metal team should visit the company’s careers page.

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

QUOTES

“This investment in Fairfield County is not only a manufacturing milestone – it is a reflection of our long-term commitment to the North American market. We are proud to grow alongside the state of South Carolina, contribute to the regional economy and build a foundation of industrial excellence. Through this investment, Mega Metal is poised to become a key player in the U.S. supply chain, offering strategic support to high-demand industries across the continent.” -Mega Metal Inc. Board Chairman Cuneyt Turgut

“Congratulations to Mega Metal on establishing its first South Carolina location. This $34 million investment and 135 new jobs will bring opportunity to Fairfield County, boosting the region’s economy. Manufacturing is thriving in South Carolina, and I’m confident Mega Metal will be well-positioned with our strong workforce.” -Gov. Henry McMaster 

“We are thrilled Mega Metal is establishing operations in Fairfield County, creating 135 new jobs and joining the state’s thriving manufacturing industry. Today’s announcement is another victory for our talented workforce, and we are excited to support Mega Metal as it launches its legacy in South Carolina.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“We’re thrilled that Mega Metal saw the incredible potential in Fairfield County and made the decision to grow with us. This project is a big win – not just for creating new opportunities right here in our community, but for boosting South Carolina’s supply chain in a powerful way.” -Fairfield County Council Chairman Clarence Gilbert

”Fairfield County celebrates the arrival of Mega Metal, bringing 135 new jobs and a $34 million investment to the central region of South Carolina. With a strong foundation in industries thriving here, we’re confident they’ll achieve great success here in the heart of our state.” -Central SC Alliance Chairman Matthew Shaffer

FIVE FAST FACTS

• Mega Metal selects Fairfield County to establish its first South Carolina operation.
• The company’s $34 million investment will create 135 new jobs.
• Mega Metal is a copper wire manufacturer.
• The company will be located at 364 Blue Granite Parkway in Ridgeway, S.C.
• Individuals interested in joining the Mega Metal team should visit the company’s careers page.  

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FROM PARIS TO THE PALMETTOS: SÉZANE MAKES ITS CHARLESTON DEBUT

This May, Sézane arrives in Charleston with the opening of its latest U.S. pop-up at 222 King Street, nestled on the corner of the city’s vibrant and historic King Street. Opening early May, L’Appartement Sézane Charleston follows the Parisian brand’s pop-ups in Austin, San Jose, Boston, Nashville and Washington, D.C.

Spanning 2,500 square feet, the boutique will showcase Sézane’s beloved French Essentials Collection—high-quality, perfectly tailored pieces designed in Paris and made to complement Charleston’s effortless blend of coastal charm and timeless style.

Taking cues from the region’s best-selling styles on Sezane.com, the Collection will feature airy blouses perfect for strolling through the Historic District, soft knitwear for layering on breezy porch evenings, versatile outerwear for crisp waterfront walks, and GOTS-certified denim made for exploring cobblestone streets year-round. The selection will be rounded out with handcrafted handbags, footwear, andjewelry, made in some of the finest ateliers globally.

As with every stop on Sézane’s Amour Tour across the U.S., the Market Street pop-up will offer more than just shopping. Customers can expect surprises à la française, exclusive events, and collaborations with local businesses and artisans throughout the year-long residency.

“ Charleston has always held a special place in our hearts for its vibrant contemporary cultural scene,” shares Morgane Sézalory, founder of Sézane. “ We’re thrilled to bring Sézane to this dynamic city for the first time, drawing inspiration from neighborhoods like the French Quarter. We can’t wait to connect with Charleston’s warm and creative community.”

Founded in Paris, Sézane was born from a simple idea: to create high-quality, beautifully designed pieces that feel like they’vealways belonged to you—at fair prices, with no middlemen and no shortcuts. A digital-first brand from the start, Sézane has grown globally, with permanent boutiques in New York and San Francisco and pop-ups in Los Angeles, Seattle, and more.Alongside 24/7 access on Sezane.com and the App, each location offers a distinct experience inspired by its surroundings.

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