VIP Magazine

Category: Lifestyle

  • Fitness-O-Rama with Scott Garner

    Fitness-O-Rama with Scott Garner

    story by Ashley Elvington | photo by Fred Salley

        Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, Scott Garner grew up in a household compromised of tremendous love. Things took a tragic turn, however, when Scott was 16 years old. After witnessing his father pass away at the young age of 46, Scott’s life was changed forever. “Being the youngest of three children and witnessing him pass really got to me. Little did I know at the time, however, just how much the impact of my father’s love would guide me later on as a single father and a grandfather helping raise twins.” Today, Scott is the proud single father of three children – Amber, Taylor, and Tanner – and the loving grandfather of seven month old twins Peyton and Harper. As in the days of his childhood with his own father, Scott has raised a household full of unconditional love.

        Before the days of fatherhood, however, Scott developed a passion for staying active. At a young age, he grew to love sports, particularly baseball, football, basketball, tennis, and swimming. He also enjoyed weightlifting and running, and both are still a part of his life today. “I am an extremely health-oriented person. A daily routine for me is to get up at 4:30 a.m. and head straight to the one of three gyms of which I am a member. My workouts range from one and a half to two hours long, non-stop. I take a supplement called Isagenix, and I only eat healthy food and drink water all day. At the ripe ole’ age of 55, I have never felt better!”

    Scott photographed with grandkids Peyton and Harper

        If you ask Scott what the reason behind this journey to better health is, the answer is simple. “The reason I do what I do is mainly for my family. I remember how it affected me to lose my father at such a young age. That being said, I never miss a day of working out. It helps me focus, have more energy, feel better about myself, push myself, and set a good example for my children and employees.” One of his daughters and his grandkids often join him during his workouts, as Scott can be seen jogging with Peyton and Harper in their stroller. “I love to spend time with Peyton and Harper. The Rail Trail here in Florence is a favorite spot for us to go walking and running. They love it! The faster, the better! Rain, cold, or shine…they light up when we get there. I believe this helps them in many ways. Seeing their granddad and mother push and sweat helps them know that exercise is a large part of our life. We got caught in the rain recently and I was concerned they might cry; instead, they started looking up as the rain hit their faces and both started smiling and laughing. I see this as ‘toughing them up’ at an early age.”

        When Scott isn’t hitting the pavement or one of his favorite gyms, he can be found at his automotive business, Autorama. Scott entered this career field in 1989 while he was in Georgia. He eventually relocated here to Florence at a local dealership. After his 20 year career ended abruptly and unexpectedly, Scott received a call from a close friend who suggested he come back to Georgia and open his own automotive business. Scott was torn at first, but he knew he needed to talk to his children about it before making a final decision. His children loved being in Florence, as it felt like home to them. Scott felt the same, not ready to say goodbye to his beloved city. Scott decided to look for property here and the rest is history!

        At AutoRama, Scott and his team offer lower mile vehicles in the form of Lexus, Mercedes, BMW, and Infiniti. They also have bank financing for both good and bad credit, as well as warranties and gap insurance. All cars come with a three-month, 4,500 mile warranty. If there is a certain car you want that Scott doesn’t have on the lot, it’s no problem for him to utilize a locating service to find the car you’ve been dreaming of owning. “We offer everything a big store offers with a fun, family friendly environment!”

        AutoRama is also a family affair. Scott’s son Tanner and Scott’s partner’s son Drew also work there. Peyton and Harper also make weekly appearances, thanks to the nursery at AutoRama, and the family dog Samantha visits to entertain customers. “She’s the gentlest German Shepherd around!” Scott loves having his family around the business, as it helps make the work week even more enjoyable.

        Scott concludes, “Purchasing a car at the beginning of the New Year is a good idea. It’s a great time for a consumer to buy, as dealers want a quick start to a new year. Everyone has New Year’s resolutions – get your body in shape and get a new vehicle to motivate yourself even more to be more successful.” It starts with making that first step! So if you’re looking for a new ride in the New Year, stop on by AutoRama and don’t be afraid to bring the kids with you for an experience to help kick start a wonderful new year. 

    Auto-Rama of Florence | 1310 S Cashua Dr, Florence, SC | 843.673.9766 | www.autoromaflorence.com

  • The Butterfly Effect Mentoring Program

    The Butterfly Effect Mentoring Program

    The Butterfly Effect is a 12-week mentoring program for girls between the ages of 6 and 15 that is branched from One Touch Transformation, a non-profit organization that focuses on sexual abuse prevention and awareness. The program is designed to help prevent child sexual abuse while highlighting good touch versus bad touch. During the program, mentors focus on self-esteem while inspiring and promoting self-worth to support the development of life skills. Girls also learn the importance of loving and protecting their body.

    The program started Fall of 2016 with just one girl in Florence, but has since expanded to Hartsville and Darlington. There were a total of six participants in Hartsville, four in Darlington, and seven in Florence this semester. The program is 12-weeks during the semester of the school year. During the Fall, it ranges from September-December. The program meets in Hartsville at Seersuckergypsy on Monday evenings from 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., meets at the Housing Authority Facility in Darlington on Tuesday afternoons from 4:30 p.m.-6 p.m., along with a representative from the Clemson Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program, and meets at the One Touch Transformation office in Florence on Coit Street on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

    Class from 2018

    “I feel the program is making an impact because it’s a different type of mentoring program,” says Director, Arthenius Jackson. “Most programs don’t like to even touch on the topic of sexual abuse or even introduce the topic of body safety to kids. We’re living in a time where sexual abuse is so rampart in the media and in the community and we’re taking advantage of the moment to teach these girls that their body belongs to them, and what to do just in case someone tries to touch them inappropriately. I also want to stress that we discuss other topics other than body safety, but we focus on self-worth and confidence, and to see the growth and even hear parents tell us the difference they see in their girls, lets us know we are making an impact on these girls, which will ultimately allow them to impact their homes, schools, communities etc. My favorite part of the program is seeing the growth in these girls from the time they attend the first week up until the 12th week. It’s amazing seeing them come out of their shells and blossom, or in our case, find their wings.”

      The next program will start the week of January 21 and the cost is $30. Those interested can download the application online at www.onett.me and pay via paypal or cashapp $onetouchott. Applications can be turned in via email ottbutterflyeffect@gmail.com or dropped off at any of the three locations (Seersuckergypsy, Housing Authority of Darlington, and One Touch Transformation office). If there are parents who are not financially able to pay the fee, there are slots set aside on a first come-first served basis.

    www.onett.me | Facebook, Instagram & Twitter: @ottbflyeffect

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  • Cocktails for Midnight

    Cocktails for Midnight

    24k

    1/2 glass of champagne

    1 oz. st. germaine elderflower liquor

    1 tsp. passon fruit puree

    Garnish rim of glass with edible gold

    crystals and top with a cherry.

    provided by Jazz on Dargan, 137 N Dargan St, Florence

     

     

    Crown Pleaser

    2 oz. Crown apple

    1 oz. peach schnapps

    1/2 c. pineapple juice

    1/2 c. cranberry juice

    Splash of grenadine

    Garnish with lime.

    provided by Shiners, 105 E. St. Paul Road, Coward

  • Tradition

    Tradition

    What Does Tradition Mean To You?

    story by Murphy Monk

        The dictionary definition of tradition is “a long-established custom or belief that has been passed on in this way.” Now, I’m not trying to knock Webster’s or anything, but in my mind a tradition can be something you’ve done as few as two times.

        Traditions, as well as lives, look a lot different than they used to. People used to start a job, work in that company climbing the ladder for 40 years, and retire in their home town. They did Thanksgivings and Christmases with their families in the homes and churches they grew up in.

        Now, in the world of being able to find anything on a smart phone in one minute or less, people have become accustomed to having things instantly. Don’t like your job? Apply for another one. Don’t like your house? Sell it. Don’t like the breakfast casserole you’ve eaten for 25 years on Christmas morning because it’s “just what you do?” Don’t eat it. As a society, we’ve gotten really great at realizing things we don’t want to do and not doing them…we just might not have figured out exactly how to make all of the things happen that we do want.

        You might be a person that has had the same Christmas activities your entire life — but then you got a new job. You are living in a new town where you know no one. In order to have your new town actually feel like yours, you have to make it happen. Get involved. Sadly, new friends aren’t going to pop out of your television after binge-watching Netflix for hours. (That would be so awesome though!) Go to the tree lighting and downtown holiday open house. Go to the local Young Professionals Group’s Christmas Party; Mingle & Jingle is on December 7th at Black Creek Arts, if your new town happens to be Hartsville! Figure out an area that you can plug in to and make your new town feel like home. Put down your phone or computer when checking items off your Christmas list — shop local. Take a stroll through your downtown and meet store owners. Go across the street and get a cup of coffee. Stay for dinner.

        When we think about traditions, we have a tendency to look backwards at how things have always been. Personally, I think that is a mistake. You have to respect the past obviously, but in my opinion, you have to have an eye on the future when thinking about your best traditions. While we long for familiarity, especially during the holidays, we have to realize that some of our best traditions haven’t even been formed yet! If you had asked me five years ago my favorite part of Christmas, my answer would’ve been completely different than my answer today. We can’t forget all of our old traditions (especially if that requires me not getting BBQ on Christmas Eve), but we have to be open to making new ones. New doesn’t always mean bad, especially when it means adding more people and places to your heart for you to love. Happy Holidays everyone! Add a new tradition to your list this year. Cozy, matching Christmas socks might be a perfect place to start!

     Murphy Monk, Membership Development Coordinator, Hartsville Chamber

    Greater Hartsville Chamber of Commerce, 214 N 5th St, Hartsville  (843) 332-6401

  • De Baz

    De Baz

    A Fair Trade & Ethically Sourced Boutique

    story by Jordan Pupa

     

        De Baz, a quaint boutique in downtown Hartsville, is packed with a multitude of eclectic artisan products.  Many shoppers don’t realize that there is so much more to this store than the unique items they carry. Dedicated to fair trade and ethically sourced products, they are connected to the livelihoods of others and each sale makes a direct impact on a better world. De Baz is where style and purpose collide.

        When De Baz first opened their doors three years ago, they represented 16 countries. Today, the store carries clothing, jewelry, baskets, pillows, gifts and so many other one-of-a-kind items from over 40 countries around the world, including the USA.  They recently doubled their size, giving them the room to double their impact. With the store expansion, they have grown to reach 125 artisan groups and small businesses. To date, De Baz has made nearly a quarter of a million-dollar financial impact globally. Owner, Lindsey Dowling says, “When we look at the portraits of the artisans on our walls, we are reminded every day that De Baz is bigger than us and bigger than Hartsville.” Through their partnership with one of their first artisan groups in Kenya, De Baz was able to help bring a ten-year goal of purchasing nearby property to build a school for artisans’ children to fruition in a matter of months.

        De Baz’s heart and mission is that of “people over products” and you will only find items in the store from those that operate under shared values- fair trade certified and small businesses who follow fair trade practices. While many believe that fair trade and charity are one in the same, that is not the case. Fair trade is a hand up, not a hand out; it empowers entrepreneurs, both globally and domestically. Lindsey shares, “Really, the goal of fair trade in America is to raise awareness and to explain that it is not limited to third world practices. We stand for ethical standards and for artisans being fairly paid. While charity is usually specific-cause oriented or short-term, fair trade’s goal is self-sufficiency and long-term provision for the artisan or small business owner.”

        Because nothing comes from big box manufacturers, every handmade piece carried in De Baz has an extraordinary story of an artisan who made it and with whom it impacts. For instance, Starfish Project, rescues women from trafficking and reintegrates them back into society with sustainable skills and income. Ten Thousand Villages and Elegantees offer similar stories of restoration and hope. These are just a few of many life-changing products proudly carried in-store.

        As the holidays approach, it is a great time to consider purchasing from a fair trade dedicated business.  Many people have the perception that fair trade items are expensive, but De Baz intentionally prices items so that every shopper can be a world changer. “Our goal is not for you to change your entire lifestyle to fair trade, but to work fair trade into your lifestyle. If even ten percent of everyone’s Christmas shopping was a fair trade purchase, the impact would be massive.”

    Shop In-Store at  108 East Carolina Ave in Hartsville, SC

    Shop Online at www.DeBazStyle.com

    Facebook & Instagram @debazstyle

    Phone: 843-309-9643

    #PowerInYourPurchase

     Owner, Lindsey Dowling

    “Because nothing comes from big box manufacturers, every handmade piece carried in De Baz has an extraordinary story of an artisan who made it and with whom it impacts.”

  • Staying Home for New Years

    Staying Home for New Years

    10 Fun Ways to Bring in 2019 While Staying Home

    story by Jordan Pupa

    Exhausted from the holiday season and looking to stay low key this NYE? Here are a few ways to get you staying home!

    • Countdown to the new year by popping a balloon every hour with fun activities or quotes inside!

    • Create a photo booth backdrop with wrapping paper or streamers. Print free props online and use your smartphone for easy social media sharing!

    • Get cozy outside by the fire pit and roast some s’mores and hot dogs!

    • Create a “NYE Resolution Wall” with giant paper and sharpies for everyone to share their goals!

    • Wait until the next day, then host a traditional New Year’s Day meal or brunch that will guarantee good luck throughout the year!

    • Pick up a board game and interact without technology. You may even find traditional board game favorites at your local Habitat for Humanity or thrift shop!

    • Make fancy “mocktails” for the kids with sparkling grape juice!

    • Set up “Prosecco Pong” with plastic champagne glasses and ping pong balls!

    • Create your own ball drop event with a bunch of balloons, some painters tape, and plastic table cloth. Release the balloons when the clock strikes midnight!

    • Plan a fun meal with chocolate or cheese fondue or themed favorites like Good Luck Black-Eyed Salsa!

     

  • 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.