We had the good fortune of connecting with Tracie Hess and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tracie, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
I struggle in the work life balance department for several reasons…#1 is I LOVE what I do and get great joy and sense of accomplishment in bringing our amazing products and services to our community #2 I admit to being a tad bit of a control freak
#3 I have trouble sitting back and admiring how far we have come and focus too much on where we are capable of being

I have given this subject a lot of thought and am trying to do better…you can’t pour from an empty cup.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am so proud of how I curate our gift selection…we source over 90% of our inventory from other women owned businesses…locally,nationally and internationally. I have not yet arrived where I hope to be professionally but I can say that consistently showing up to do the hard work and showing up with a smile on your face will take you a long way.
I would love to communicate that we encourage ya’ll to shop small and celebrate BIG and that our shop can help you do that! We love giving and helping you to give thoughtful “charming” gifts

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Charleston is an amazing city to visit and I have been lucky enough to live here over 40 years…if you come for a visit of course you have to stroll SOB (South of Broad) and take in the homes,flower boxes and The Battery (White Point Gardens) A visit to at least one (hopefully more) of the Plantations such as Magnolia and Middleton is highly recommended and this would be a great chance for you to come by the shop,as we are located enroute to the plantations!
Charleston has so many great restaurants…some amazing staples would be 82 Queen,Halls Chophouse & Melfis to name a few.A visit to the beach is a must and if you want a fun kinda hippy vibe I recommend a trip to Folly Beach where you can dine at The Lost Dog Cafe for breakfast and Bowens Island for dinner (one of the best sunsets too!!)
Some of the newer places in Charleston that are exceeding expectations are The Pass, a fantastic sandwich shop in downtowns Cannonborough neighborhood and La Bonne Franquette located West of the Ashley.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I could not do what I do or have survived in business without the love and support from my small but mighty team and my clients, customers and friends. My shop team is incredible and so encouraging…we have weathered everything from global pandemics/shortages to hurricanes and recessions.Our customers are incredibly loyal and supportive…I literally thank God for them every night.Where would any of us be without our friends??My friends have done everything from helped merchandise the store,picked up shifts and invested financially in my dream.

Website: https://www.charmedbeautyandgifts.com

Instagram: @charmedshoplifetravel_

Facebook: Charmed Beauty and Gifts

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSouthCarolina is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.