VIP Magazine

Category: Current Articles

  • Natural Beaded Rows

    Natural Beaded Rows

    The Next Best Thing in the World of Hair Extensions

    story by Sydney Sims | photos by Tracy Rowell, Reflection Images

        You may have heard of New Year’s Resolutions, but what about New Year’s Hair Resolutions? The new year typically revolves around self-improvement. A new hair style may be just what you need to create a “new you” for 2019, and now is the perfect time to do it! Have you considered Natural Beaded Rows Hair Extensions?

        Caitlyn Maloney has worked at The Salon of Florence for two years where she was recently promoted to a level 3 stylist. Over the past few years of continuing her education and experience in hair, she discovered hair extensions, which quickly became her passion. 

        Caitlyn started out using a hair extension method called tape-in extensions, but she discovered Natural Beaded Rows (NBR) Hair Extensions and has done every bit of research she could on the technique ever since. She knew immediately that her future as a hair stylist would revolve around the new method!

               Natural Beaded Rows Hair Extensions is a unique hand tied hair extension method that does less damage, hides better, and won’t slip out. There is absolutely no glue, tape, or heat involved; simply sewing the hair onto a beaded row. This means removal time is quick and easy, lasting only about five minutes. The method was developed by a hair stylist in California who struggled to find the perfect hair extension method for her own hair. The brand has quickly grown and gained international attention. Many stylists are now educated and certified in the method and technique — including Caitlyn! Natural beaded rows give clients natural, full, light-weight, and comfortable hair!

        Not only is Caitlyn adapting to new trends, but she also has mastered the skills necessary for NBR. As someone who wears them herself, Caitlyn believes NBR can completely change the way women feel about themselves, giving them more confidence and versatility. Women with any type of hair from thin and straight, to curly or course can get Natural Beaded Rows Hair Extensions. Caitlyn shares, “I am a testimony to hair extensions and especially NBR. Anyone that has experienced extensions of some kind in the past can relate to the struggles that come with it.” As someone with fine, flat hair who had tape-in extensions for years, Caitlyn describes NBR as “life changing.” “It is more comfortable, easier to pull up into a ponytail, and holds the style a lot longer,” says Caitlyn. “I wear these because it actually gives me more confidence and it feels natural when I have them in.”

        Natural Beaded Rows Hair Extensions are the secret to natural looking hair extensions. If you are ready for a change and to experience them for yourself, give Caitlyn a call. Treat yourself this new year and feel like your best self!

    To schedule an appointment with Caitlyn, call 847-284-5540. You can also find Caitlyn on Instagram @hairbyc.styling.

  • Hulon Jewelers

    Hulon Jewelers

    Tis’ the Season to Purchase Jewelry

    story by Tanya Stone

        Hulon Jewelers of Marion was once located on the corner of Witcover and Main Street, only one block south of the current location. Hulon Jewelers was founded in August of 1968 by Mr. Jackie Hulon who had minimal experience and only fifty-dollars in the bank. Today Hulon Jewelers continues to thrive under the ownership of Jackie’s son, Jason Hulon, as they celebrate 50 years in business!

        Jackie Hulon was a graduate of Dillon High School. He then enlisted into the Navy where he achieved the rank of seaman first class, leaving in 1967. That same year, after rejoining civilian life, he was hired by Bennie Holbrook and Frank Causey, two men who had five jewelry stores in the Pee Dee area. Jackie was first hired as a manager for the Marion store which was called Holbrook’s Jewelers. In 1968, Mr. Causey wanted to sell his interest in the chain. Jackie Hulon talked them into selling him the Marion store outright. With only fifty dollars in the bank at the time, Mr. Causey spoke for Jackie at the bank to help push the loan through. After that, Hulon Jewelers was born!

        In 1980, a new building was purchased. The current location on North Main Street was once a restaurant called Earnie’s Grill. The original store sold jewelry, china, gift items, bed sheets, and record players. “If there was profit in it, we sold it,” says Jason. When Jackie moved to the current location he wanted to elevate the goods and focus on jewelry, specifically fine jewelry, though they kept the china and bridal gifts. 

        Today, as with other businesses, the landscape has changed for brick and mortar stores. They have also had to change with consumer and industry trends. Where Hulon Jewelers once had twenty brides a year, they now have zero. Today they mostly focus on repair work doing anything from pearl stringing to watch repairs, and also custom design to create one-of-a-kind pieces. “The metal has also changed. The big three have always been gold, silver, and platinum and now we sell tungsten, titanium, cobalt and palladium.” Jason explains that one thing never goes out of style, and that is diamonds! Other top sellers at Hulons include anything with the South Carolina shape or state tree, and gold bar and heart beat pendants.

        Hulon Jewelers is in the process of updating with new interior paint, a new exterior sign, and hopes to have a new computer system to help with tracking sales, repair work, and special orders. Tis the season to purchase jewelry as a gift for your special loved one. At Hulon Jewelers they can share their personal touch and knowledge, so you feel confident in finding the right piece. “You cannot appreciate jewelry until you hold it in your hand,” explains Jason. “Online purchases do not allow that. In 50 years, we have employed over one hundred people. Small businesses are the driving force of our local economy.”

     

    325 N Main Street,Marion   843.423.3404

  • Avoid Underage Drinking

    Avoid Underage Drinking

    Keys to an Incident-Free Holiday

    story by Circle Park Behavioral Services

        The Holiday Season is a busy time for many adults with family gatherings, social events, celebrations and traditional festivities. According to Nicole Cogdell-Quick, a licensed clinical counselor with Circle Park Behavioral Services, it is also a particularly important time to focus on the safety of their teens and even pre-teens. “The holidays can be an extremely challenging time as youth are faced with difficult choices in how to safely and legally enjoy the holidays with their friends. They will have more social opportunities and activities during the holidays, many away from the supervision of their parents. It is important during this busy time to take a time out with them and discuss your expectations and boundaries for the choices they make, particularly in regards to underage drinking.”

        Mrs. Quick added, “Research continues to show that parents have a great deal of influence on the choices their children make. In fact, many teens find it comforting to have parents show enough interest in them to set boundaries and rules in regards to their choices. When parents are clear on their ‘no alcohol use rules and consequences,’ their children are less likely to partake in underage drinking during the holiday season.”

        We encourage all parents to exercise their right to set boundaries and expectations for good choices and join us in ensuring that our community enjoys a safe and incident free holiday season.

    Parents can help to avoid underage drinking incidents by utilizing a few of the following tips:

    •  Be clear with your expectations; let your child know that regardless of the situation, underage drinking and/or being at a location where it is taking place is simply illegal and unacceptable.

    •  Teach your children it is not necessary to have alcohol to have a good time. Plan and provide a non-alcoholic kid friendly holiday party.

    •  Help your children serve and enjoy traditional holiday drinks without alcohol such as cider, eggnog or punch.

       For parents of underage youth it is important to monitor all temptations with the social activities that accompany the holiday season. It is important to pay close attention to the age of anyone consuming alcohol.

    A few tips to assist with this would be:

    •  Never serve alcohol to anyone under the age of 21.

    •  If you maintain alcohol at home, make sure to keep track of your supply at all times.

    •  Establish a friendly relationship with parents of your children’s friends so that you can call ahead and make sure alcohol will not be involved in the parties or activities your child may be attending and that appropriate supervision will be on hand.

    •  Make sure your child is maintaining healthy friendships and having friends who chose not to make alcohol a part of their holiday season.

    Mrs. Nicole Cogdell-Quick, LPC,CACII,SAP is a clinical counselor atCircle Park Behavioral Health Services. Learn more about Circle Park, visit by www.circlepark.com or calling calling  843-665-9349.

  • Main Street Mercantile

    Main Street Mercantile

    Holiday Shopping Done Right!

        Your holiday shopping isn’t complete until you step inside Main Street Mercantile in Lake City. With an expertly curated collection of clothing, accessories, and house-wares, Main Street Mercantile is the spot to buy exceptional gifts for the whole family. Unique items from local and regional designers including Caldrea, Spartina, Brackish, and Michael Michaud line the beautifully renovated walls of this century-old brick building, and the friendly staff is always ready to gift wrap your holiday purchases.

        From silver platers to beard oils and hand-crafted scarves, Main Street Mercantile brings the old spirit of the locally-owned department store to the modern artisan-driven arts economy of Lake City. Store clerks shared some of their favorite gift items with us that will help complete your holiday shopping list!

    111 E Main St, Lake City • 843.374.2333

  • New Orleans-Style Scalloped Corn

    New Orleans-Style Scalloped Corn

    Recipe provided by David Gowdy

    New Orleans-Style Scalloped Corn Recipe:

    2 tbps. unsalted butter

    1 tsp. sugar

    1 c. onion, diced

    1 tsp. Tabasco sauce

    3/4 c. red bell pepper, diced  

    1/2 tsp. dried thyme

    4 c. frozen corn kernels

    1 c. Ritz crackers, crushed

    1/4 c. dry sherry          

    1/2 c. scallions, sliced

    2 eggs, beaten 

    1 c. milk          

    Kosher salt, to taste

    Black pepper, to taste

    Directions:

    Preheat your oven to 350o. Coat a 1 1/2-quart baking dish with nonstick spray Melt the butter in a large saute pan over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in the corn and continue to cook, about 5 minutes more. While this is cooking, in a large bowl whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, Tabasco, and thyme. After 5 minutes, add the sherry to the saute pan and cook until all of the liquid evaporates. When done, stir the corn mixture in with the liquid ingredients in the large bowl. Now add the cracker crumbs, scallions, salt and pepper and put it all in the baking dish. Bake the corn until it’s brown around the edges, about 35-40 minutes.

     

     

  • Brown Sugar & Dijon Mustard Glazed Ham

    Brown Sugar & Dijon Mustard Glazed Ham

    Recipe provided by David Gowdy

    “I have loved cooking all of my life. Through the years, I’ve learned many wonderful recipes from family and friends. These days, I enjoy cooking most anything for my family. Christmas is one of my favorite times to gather around the table!”  – David Gowdy

    Brown Sugar & Dijon Mustard Glazed Ham Recipe:

    10-16 lb. spiral-cut smoked ham, fully cooked

    6 cloves of garlic

    8 1/2 oz. jar of Major Grey’s mango chutney (usually found with the preserves)

    1/2 c. dijon mustard

    1 c. light brown sugar, packed

    1 orange, zested

    1/4 c. freshly squeezed orange juice

    Directions:

    Preheat the oven to 350oF . Place the ham in a heavy roasting pan. Using a food processor, start by mincing the garlic. Then add the rest of the ingredients and process until smooth. Pour the glaze over the ham and bake it for 1 hour, until the ham is fully heated and the glaze is well browned. 

    This ham can be served hot or at room temperature.

  • Fashion Forecast – Animal Frenzy

  • Shade Tree Outfitters

    Shade Tree Outfitters

    Building a Business

    story by Jordan Pupa

        Shade Tree Outfitters is so much more than an outdoor & sporting goods store. Located on East Main St. in downtown Lake City, the charming store has an inviting and relaxed feel where a whole family can stop in for a shopping trip and find something of interest. Calvin Porter is the sole owner of Shade Tree Outfitters with everyday operations run by his mother, brother, and wife. A family environment full of laughs, southern hospitality, and an extra sense of purpose and pride are sure to keep customers returning!

        Calvin Porter describes himself as a “plain ole country boy” and has been able to share his love of southern roots with others. Years ago, he had an idea of opening a business that sold southern t-shirts. Over the years the ideas for the store continued to grow as he started to think about fishing and hunting supplies. As a husband and father of three little girls, he also knew it would be essential to include some ladies and kid’s apparel as well. Lake City was the desired location of choice in order to cater to the needs of family and friends. With the will to make it happen and a market need for offered products, he finally brought his idea to life. Shade Tree Outfitter’s grand opening was held at the end of October. “I wanted a local store that offered hunting and fishing supplies with a hometown feel and to offer local clothing options that were lacking in the area,” explains Calvin. “Now, you don’t have to drive to a surrounding city to find a big selection of Carolina and Clemson apparel or other name brand clothing that is popular in the south. Here in Lake City, we get to see all those familiar faces and still get to build relationships with new customers too.”

        The store carries everything from hunting and fishing gear to other items like t-shirts and southern apparel. They also support local businesses by carrying their products including BugScreen out of Lake City, Oak 84 candles out of Hartsville, AC Designs necklaces out of Columbia, Local Boy out of Columbia, and Dorman Lures out of Kingstree. “We try our best to support and carry as many local items as we can as long as they appeal to our clientele,” says Calvin. The store even supports East Clarendon High School’s Bass Fishing Team by offering discounts on certain items. “Bass fishing is not your average leisure activity for high school students and we have enjoyed them becoming regulars and giving us feedback. We wish them the best of luck!”

          For more information on sales and to check out new items, you can keep up with Shade Tree Outfitters on Facebook (@shadetreeoutfittersllc). They hope to have a fully functioning website in the near future where anything in the store can also be purchased online. Feedback and desired product suggestions from customers are also appreciated as they take off. When you support local at Shade Tree Outfitters and meet the family behind the business, you enjoy a connection you would not otherwise have. Shade Tree Outfitters will ensure that uniqueness is preserved as a part of Lake City. Stay tuned for great sales this holiday season at Shade Tree Outfitters!

    Shade Tree Outfitters, 124 E Main St, Downtown Lake City, 843.374.0124

  • Grace DuBose’s Journey with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

    Grace DuBose’s Journey with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

    Bringing Confidence to Women Through Jewelry

    story by Jordan Pupa

        At just six weeks old, Grace DuBose was diagnosed with an extremely rare blood vessel tumor called Kaposiform Hemangioendothelioma. She had less than a 10 percent chance of living. However, by the grace of God, she survived. Later in life, at the young age of 24, Grace was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Her situation of battling cancer could lead to feelings of defeat, however, Grace’s positive attitude throughout her journey has inspired her to help others. Grace started a jewelry line, Glam & Grace, aimed to increase confidence in women through simple, fun pieces of jewelry that will make them feel fabulous!

        Grace was born and raised in Florence, where she graduated from West Florence High School then later from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Theatre and Broadcast Communications. It wasn’t until college that she developed a real relationship with God. She shares, “I battled with depression in college and after trying many ways to help cope with that depression I found that I was losing hope, so I decided to turn to God. The only place I felt hope and happiness was going to a local church, and that’s when I truly began to experience what it meant to have a relationship with Jesus.” Grace joined a bible study, found a mentor, and found herself turning to Christ, especially during tough times. Two years later she felt herself drifting away and turned to God for answers as she struggled to find her purpose in life. Grace had dreams of being an actress, though that dream faded and led her to feeling confused and hopeless. “I asked God to help me make a decision for my future because I felt lost,” she explains. “Most importantly, I asked him to come back in my life again, to change my life somehow, to do something. Little did I know that ‘something’ would be cancer.”

        Grace was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma on May 21, 2018. Two months prior she noticed a swollen lymph node near her collarbone. A cat scan was done and bloodwork was taken. The cat scan revealed a cluster of enlarged lymph nodes. A biopsy lead to the final diagnosis of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. “It was the weirdest thing because I remember I had no fear,” explains Grace. “Well, I did have one fear and that was losing my hair, but other than that, I felt fine. In that moment I remember feeling complete peace in my heart that only God can give. It was unexplainable. I just knew that I was meant to go through this. It’s part of my purpose that I was looking to find.” Grace currently receives chemo treatments every two weeks with two treatments left. Then, three weeks of radiation will follow.

        Creativity runs in Grace’s family. She turned to jewelry-making as a fun craft after chemo days due to not being able to read or watch TV because of nausea. “Since being diagnosed with this cancer, I have gained weight, lost some of my hair, and have been exhausted,” says Grace. “I have felt horrible about myself. I have struggled with self-confidence.” After much sadness, she realized she had a choice. She could either allow the cancer to destroy her self-confidence, or she could change her perspective. Her change of attitude led her to develop a new jewelry line called Glam & Grace, with hopes of bringing confidence to many other women no matter their personal situation through fabulous jewelry pieces. Each piece is handmade and original. You can currently find Glam & Grace at Pieces in Florence.

        Grace is still trying to figure out how to use all her passions to make a difference in the world. She hopes to start selling Glam & Grace in other boutiques in different cities. She also wants to continue to give back to others. She has helped out with the youth group at First Presbyterian for multiple years and hopes to get involved with a cancer organization in the future. “As far as changes go, I hope to really start focusing on taking action and making some kind of difference. I’ve learned through this experience that each day is a gift. If you have a drive to make a difference, don’t hold back!”

    Grace & Glam  can be purchased at:

    Pieces Boutique, 1228 Celebration Blvd, Florence

    Blush –  A Merle Norman Studio, 115 N. 5th St.,  Hartsville

     

  • Girls In Science

    Girls In Science

    GSSM’s Girl UP Organization

    story by GSSM student, Madelyne LeVassiur

        Chances are you’ve seen the groups of teenagers that swarm downtown Hartsville on Friday nights, or caught a glimpse of high school students that jaywalk across a four-lane road. These are more than likely kids enrolled at the Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics (GSSM) – an intensely rigorous, residential high school which specializes in taking cream of the crop students from all across the state and preparing them for college and careers in STEM. Where kids who previously held class ranks in the single digits can embrace mediocrity.

        The academics at GSSM are an enormous draw to the school, students who apply are looking for the best education possible, but there is also more to GSSM than labs and Advanced Placement (AP) classes. Every student on campus is involved in extracurriculars, whether they play on one of the varsity athletic teams or are a member of the multitude of clubs that are offered. A club that stands out at GSSM is Girl Up.

        Girl Up is an organization that through a partnership with the United Nations works to improve the lives of girls internationally. Girls take the center stage in the effort to increase access to healthcare, offer educational opportunities, and instill leadership qualities into young women in need.

        “I joined Girl Up because I thought it would be a great chance to build a community of girls here and to contribute to empowering girls all over the world,” says Anaïs Lawson, a GSSM senior and treasurer of Girl Up.

        Previously, the club has collected supplies to donate to a local women’s shelter, and there are hopes of attending a women’s march in the future, along with fundraising events.

        “We have a never-ending goal of helping women in our local community. We want girls to know that we’re here for them even when they feel the world may not be,” says Lawson.

        In Hartsville where it’s nearly impossible to go out for coffee without being heckled by a passing car, it’s a relief to be able to feel a sense of belonging with those who have experienced the same hostilities. The residential aspect of the school furthers this feeling of community, and classmates become family. “The emotional stability we can provide for each other helps with the rigor of the school,” says Lawson.

        It’s important to cultivate the interest that many young girls have in STEM, especially in fields such as engineering and computer science where men hold the overwhelming majority. Stereotypes and antiquated gender roles are major influences in girls not engaging in STEM activities when they are young, and it is crucial for girls to be encouraged to explore their potential interests in science and math without unnecessary obstacles.

        “I think it’s important to close the gender gap in STEM fields in order to work towards eventually closing the gaps in achievement that have been caused by discrimination women have faced in the past,” says Randi Jennings, a junior member of Girl Up.

        As more women get involved, the amount of female role models will inspire new generations. Strides have been made in making opportunities themselves more available to women pursuing a career in science, now the focus should be on building interest and improving the environment that women scientists will walk into.

    Madelyne LeVassiur lives in Fort Mill, SC and is a junior attending GSSM. She enjoys biology, astronomy, and punk rock. After graduation, she hopes to travel the world.