It’s laborious to not do a double-take when strolling by the Tiny Tassel in Charleston. Inside are glimpses of gingham-print pants, brightly beaded clutches, and, sure, tassels, that are made into earrings in each hue possible.
This world of colour belongs to Mimi Striplin, a South Carolina native who, after graduating from the School of Charleston, discovered herself unfulfilled by a day job in company communications. In her spare time, Striplin began making what would turn into her signature product: eye-catching tassel earrings in vibrant shades. The enterprise started as a humble Etsy store in 2015, however shortly blossomed right into a thriving on-line jewellery model. In March 2021, Striplin went all-in, opening a brick-and-mortar store on Spring Road, within the leafy Cannonborough Elliotborough neighborhood. Along with the well-known tassels, the shop carries attire, purses, stationery, and décor.
The Aneris Collective/Courtesy of The Tiny Tassel
It’s additionally a household affair: the clothes and headbands are designed by Mimi’s mom, Keiko Striplin, who studied trend in her native Japan. Keiko not too long ago created a blue and white toile print for a brand new clothes line. “The print has so many little items of Black historical past intertwined in there,” says Mimi, who takes care to inventory the shop with items from different corporations owned by Black and Asian ladies.
For Striplin, the Holy Metropolis’s historic appeal is balanced by a contemporary, joyful sensibility. “What I really like most about Charleston is you may get all the pieces you want, however you can too retreat to neighborhoods like ours, the place it’s slightly extra quaint,” she says. Learn on for Striplin’s information to Lowcountry dwelling.
Up and At ‘Em
“These days I’ve been stopping into Island Provisions, which simply opened on our avenue, for a smoothie or breakfast sandwich. One other stunning spot to begin your morning is Hampton Park, the place, in early spring, all of the camellia bushes are in bloom.”
Brittany Davis/Saturday Studio/Courtesy of Island Provisions
Paint the City
“My pals and I by no means get uninterested in the First Friday Artwork Stroll, which is run by the Charleston Gallery Affiliation. We often do that every month after which seize dinner and drinks. A favourite is the pizza at Frannie & the Fox, which is a part of the Emeline resort. Or we would go to Chez Nous. It’s tucked away in a backyard and the menu adjustments each night time—it appears like slightly little bit of Europe in Charleston.”
Within the Know
“After dwelling right here for 12 years, I not too long ago went on my first strolling tour. I did the ‘Actual Rainbow Row,’ which centered on LGBTQ+ historical past within the metropolis, with Stroll & Speak Charleston. It was so entertaining and informative. I can’t advocate it sufficient.”
iStockphoto/Getty Pictures
Native Procuring
“I simply found Boysterous Couture, a brand new boutique run by two gents who craft purses, wallets, belts, and watchbands, a few of that are created from alligator and stingray leather-based. They even make bow ties from oyster shells. And naturally, there’s J. Stark. It’s a longtime family-owned bag and leather-goods firm, and you’ll go in and watch them stitching. I exploit my customized scorching pink tote day by day.”
From left: Courtesy of J. Stark; Courtesy of Boysterous Couture
Staycation Central
“I really like Emeline, a resort that opened a few years in the past. Their retailer has nice prints, clothes, and residential items. I’m additionally a fan of the Parson Inn, a Black owned six-suite B&B in our neighborhood.”
Lindsey Harris Shorter/Courtesy of Emeline
A model of this story first appeared within the September 2023 situation of Journey + Leisure below the headline “Keys to the Metropolis.”
