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

Hi Holly, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My husband and I have always embraced a ‘do-it-yourself’ approach. When it came to our wedding in 2018, we struggled to find statement pieces that truly resonated with us, so we decided to craft them ourselves. The positive feedback we received was so overwhelming that we saw it as a perfect opportunity to turn our passion into a business and let our creativity flourish.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve always had a passion for design, and entrepreneurship runs in my family. Before starting Sawdust and Sweetgrass, I owned a clothing store where one of my favorite aspects was crafting imaginative window displays. In many ways, you could say that Sawdust began back then. I thrive on the process of creating something from scratch and watching it come to life. While turning this passion into a successful business has its challenges, I make it a point to step back and reassess whenever it starts to feel overwhelming. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial. Ultimately, I hope that what people take away from our business is our commitment to crafting fun, memorable pieces that continue to bring joy and conversation long after the event.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We’ve called Charleston home for over 14 years, and Folly Beach remains one of our favorite spots. We love its relaxed atmosphere and vibrant vibe, often bringing friends and family along for a day of rest and relaxation. When it comes to dining out, Leon’s on King and Edmund’s Oast are some of our favorite spots. Additionally, I love exploring vintage markets like Pickers Hullabaloo, Holy City Vintage Market, and Feminist Magic Market. The local vendors are fantastic. I can always find a new treasure to add to our vintage collection and supporting other local makers is just the cherry on top!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Beyond the unwavering support of my friends and family, I must give a special shout-out to my husband, Jeremy. His pivotal role in our business cannot be overstated. Jeremy continuously brings innovative ideas to the table, working tirelessly to ensure our creations and installations are not only unique but also enjoyable. Sawdust and Sweetgrass would not be what it is today without his dedication and creativity.

Website: https://sawdustandsweetgrass.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sawdustandsweetgrass/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sawdustandsweetgrass

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sawdustandsweetgrass

Image Credits
Catherine Ann Photography

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.