We all want to find that perfect gift – something special, original and meaningful to show our loved ones how much we really care. Fortunately, we can find it right here at the College of Charleston!
This holiday season, look no further for gifts than our very own staff and faculty! Whether you’re shopping for your favorite environmentalist or a budding journalist, these talented and creative individuals make truly beautiful and amazing items that will show all the special people in your life that you really, truly care.
Check out their products and websites below, and feel good knowing that you’ve found the perfect thing for everyone on your list – all while keeping it local and supporting your CofC community!
Knox Smith owns Path Light Craftworks, specializing in high-quality handmade leather products. (Photo provided)
Knox Smith
Director of Video Production, Office of University Marketing
Business: Path Light Craftworks, specializing in handmade leather products like wallets, journals and jewelry
Artist Statement: “We are Knox and Nia Smith, and it is our hope that those who buy our products get as much enjoyment out of them as we did in making them. We are continually learning and growing, and look forward to sharing in some of life’s unexpected surprises with all of you!”
To order: Visit the Path Light Craftworks website to shop online and check out the holiday market schedule (including Middleton Place, James Island, Daniel Island and Summerville markets) on Facebook and Instagram (@pathlightcraftworks).
Special Instructions: Gift certificates are also available.
Lauren Mann ’07 owns Southern Bloom Press, specializing in pressed flower art and ornaments. (Photo provided)
Lauren Whiteside Mann ’07
Senior Development Officer, Division of Institutional Advancement
Business: Southern Bloom Press, specializing in art, ornaments and home décor made from pressed flowers
Artist Statement: “My aim is to capture the beauty of nature by creating artwork using flowers and foliage. With Southern style, precious memories are preserved with love.”
To order: Purchase art and ornaments by browsing designs on Instagram (@southernbloompress) or the Southern Bloom Press website and contact Lauren Mann to order.
Special Instructions: No commissioned designs being accepted during this holiday season.
Leslie Sautter owns Oceanica Designs, specializing in home décor featuring actual marine organisms. (Photo provided)
Leslie Sautter
Associate Professor, Department of Geology and Environmental Geosciences
Business: Oceanica Designs, specializing in home décor with fish and fossil designs, including fleece blankets, tea towels, pillows, coasters, mugs and totes
Artist Statement: “My work uses actual marine organisms, which I print onto muslin. I then scan the image and create digital designs that can be used on a wide variety of products! I also use photographs of fossils I have (being a geologist!) for many designs.”
To order: Visit the Oceanica Designs website or browse the designs on Instagram (@oceanica_designs) to shop online and contact Leslie Sautter at 843.709.2665 or leslie.sautter@gmail.com to avoid shipping costs (local deliveries only). You may also visit the Oceanica Designs booth at the Johns Island Farmers Market on Dec. 7 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Special Instructions: All orders must be made before Dec. 15.
Rachael McNamara owns Green Girl Living, specializing in reusable straws and other sustainable products. (Photo provided)
Rachael McNamara
Health Educator, Counseling Center
Business: Green Girl Living, specializing in sustainable products, including reusable gift bags and straws
Artist Statement: “I was deeply affected by the knowledge that traditional disposable straws were not recyclable, and so I put my talents to work making a double-pocket, reusable straw bag. So many waiters and friends commented on how much they loved it that I started making them for others. Since then, I have expanded my collection by creating reusable cloth gift bags, decorative cloth paper towels.”
To order: Visit the Green Girl Living website to shop online. If the website indicates that the product you want is sold out, please contact Rachael McNamara directly.
Special Instructions: College of Charleston employees may contact Rachael McNamara to receive a 10 percent discount.
Tamieka Milligan owns Thiss and Thatt, specializing in personalized cupcake wrappers and wine glasses (Photo by Kelvin Bonnette Photography)
Tamieka Frasier Milligan
Operations Manager, Office of Financial Assistance and Veterans Affairs
Business: Thiss and Thatt, specializing in all things personalized
Artist Statement: “I specialize in turning everyday items into works of art that are customized for my clients. The possibilities for personalization are endless, and I will work with you to create items that will reflect your individuality.”
To order: Visit the Thiss and Thatt Etsy Shop to shop online.
Special Instructions: College of Charleston employees may use coupon code COFC1 to receive a 10 percent discount during the holiday season. All orders must be placed by Dec. 17, and orders will be available for pickup on Dec. 20 before 2 pm.
Jenny Fowler Peck owns Jenny Fowler Peck Art, specializing in affordable, original, abstract acrylic paintings. (Photo provided)
Jenny Fowler Peck
Director of Development, Division of Institutional Advancement
Business: Jenny Fowler Peck Art, specializing in abstract acrylic paintings
Artist Statement: “The creative process, the textures, the freedom of abstract strokes: It’s liberating, really and something I hope to share with everyone. That’s why I’m painting for everyone: affordable, original art that will brighten your home and maybe, just maybe, inspire you a little.”
To order: Visit the Jenny Fowler Peck Etsy Shop or the Jenny Fowler Peck Art Facebook page to shop online and then contact Jenny Fowler Peck to avoid shipping charges.
Special Instructions: Paintings can be delivered on campus through Dec. 19. Commissioned work is available.
Erica Harrison-Jones ’04 owns The Sweet Life of Cupcakes, specializing in sweet treats for all occasions. (Photo provided)
Erica Harrison-Jones ’04 (M.P.A.)
Associate Director for Scholarships, Office of Financial Assistance and Veterans Affairs
Business: The Sweet Life of Cupcakes, specializing in cupcakes and cakes for any occasion
Artist Statement: “As I embark on this sweet journey, I am dedicated to bringing the vision for your event to life through your sweet treats. Our number one goal is to help make your event memorable in a ‘sweet’ way.”
To order: Visit the Sweet Life of Cupcakes website to shop online, email thesweetlifeofcupcakessc@gmail.com or send a private message via Facebook or Instagram (@thesweetlifeofcupcakessc).
Special Instructions: College of Charleston employees may receive a 15 percent discount. One week’s notice is required for all orders and a 50 percent deposit is required when order is placed. Holiday orders will be accepted through Dec. 16 and must be picked up or delivered by 3 p.m. on Dec. 24.
