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LIFESTYLE LETTER
Letter from our Publisher Hi Friends, I’m so excited to introduce myself, and this brand-new magazine, to the wonderful Mount Pleasant community! I’m Taylor Woolman, a mom, a wife, a CofC alum, and someone who absolutely adores this area. I started this magazine because I wanted a way to feel more connected to the community I love while creating something meaningful that my kids could be proud of. This magazine is my little love letter to our town. It’s about the people, the places, and the experiences that make this community so special. From local artists, to hidden gems, from family-friendly adventures, to must-try restaurants, we’re here to celebrate everything Mount Pleasant has to offer. We’re kicking off the new year with one of my favorite themes: Health and Wellness. This issue is all about fresh starts, self-care, and finding balance as we step into 2026. From fitness and food, to mindfulness and family life, our goal is to highlight local businesses, experts, and stories that inspire a healthy and happy lifestyle right here in Mount Pleasant. I couldn’t be more thrilled to share this passion project with you and become an even bigger part of this amazing community. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I’ve loved creating it. I can’t wait to connect with you, hear your stories, and celebrate Mount Pleasant together.
January 2026 PUBLISHER
Taylor Woolman | taylor.woolman@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R
Emilie Alline | emilie.alline@citylifestyle.com CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Sarah Rose C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S
Emilie Alline, Bridgit McBee
Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt President Matthew Perry COO David Stetler CRO Jamie Pentz
Cheers,
CoS Janeane Thompson AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall LAYOUT DESIGNER Eva Tucker
TAY L O R W O O L M A N , P U B L I S H E R @MOUNTPLEASANTCITYLIFESTYLE
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 Mount Pleasant City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Mount Pleasant area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle
Visit our Instagram CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/MOUNTPLEASANT
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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R
Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Mount Pleasant City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.
Thank you to our Founding Partners Taylor Woolman MOUNT PLEASANT CITY LIFESTYLE PUBLISHER
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inside the issue JANUARY 20 2 6 | T HE P R EMI ER E I S S U E
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Featured
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Not a Traditional Doctor’s Office Elite Healthcare redefines patient care with innovation, connection, and results you can feel.
A Take on Tokyo’s Pub Scene
Don’t miss Shokudo, where Tokyo tavern vibes meet Charleston’s hottest culinary scene.
A Passion for Wellness
24 On the Cover
Departments
Kicking off the new year with perfect balance: one dink & one drink. This fun stylish pairing is brought to us by two Lowcountry favorites, Short Court Sports and Escape and Celebrate.
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Lifestyle Letter
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City Scene
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Healthy Lifestyle WELLNESS
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Local Limelight FOOD + BEVERAGE
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Hot Spot FITNESS
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Mental Wellbeing LOCAL SERVICES
How this hub has become Mount Pleasant’s one-stop shop for health, healing and recovery.
Guidance from Holistic Wellness Collective
Empower yourself with holistic strategies to manage trauma, stress, and emotional overwhelm.
Photography: JB Marie Photography
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Self Care WELLNESS
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Events
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Inspired By LOCAL SERVICES
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city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
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@STET.
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ED BRANTLEY COURTESY OF CHRIS AND CAMI PHOTOGRAPHY CAMERON WILDER
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CAMERON WILDER
KATIE HEATLEY
KATIE HEATLEY
1: Steeple Chase of Charleston: Thank you Bumps Caviar for bringing the luxury 2: A Night of Hope and Healing: A spectacular event raising funds for Windwood Family Services 3: Lights Up: Kicking off the holiday season at Mount Pleasant Town Center 4: Food & Wine Classic in Charleston: Anthony Giglio, Tyler Florence, & Gail Simmons 5: Food & Wine Classic in Charleston: Local Chef Rodney Scott 6: Redux Annual Art Auction: Auctioneer Emily Grimball stirring up a bidding frenzy 7: Redux Annual Art Auction: Live artist Marsha McDonald
Want to be seen in the magazine? TA G Y O U R I N S TA G R A M P H O T O S W I T H @ M O U N T P L E A S A N T C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E
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C I T Y SC E N E
Not a Traditional Doctor’s Office Elite Healthcare Promotes Collaboration Between Providers Practicing Different Disciplines In 2002, after graduating from Life University in Marietta, GA, Doctor of Chiropractic Todd Brown moved to Miami, Florida to practice alongside his close friend and mentor, Dr. Joe Gambardella. There he realized how his work could change patients’ lives, helping them move better, feel better and even avoid surgery. “The experience opened my eyes to the impact this profession can have and it was in that office that I knew this wasn’t just a job for me,” he said. “It was the career and calling I wanted to dedicate my life to.” Early on in his profession, Dr. Brown recognized that a major challenge in healthcare was the lack of communication and collaboration between providers. “I believed patients deserve a team-based approach where chiropractors, medical providers and therapists could openly discuss care plans and progress in real time,” he explained. “It wasn’t about one profession being better than another, it was about how powerful the results can be when everyone works together toward the same goal. By creating a true one-stop shop, we could make care more efficient, more cohesive and ultimately more cost-effective for our patients.” After moving to Mount Pleasant in 2016, his vision led to the establishment of Elite
ARTICLE BY SARAH ROSE PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF DR. BROWN
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Healthcare where like-minded professionals from different disciplines practice under one roof. As the clinic’s Director, Dr. Brown said, “We wanted to completely rethink the traditional medical office experience, the one where patients sit in a silent waiting room, only to be moved to another room to wait even longer. So we created an open-therapy concept that encourages connection. Patients can talk with one another, engage with our team and be part of an environment that’s full of energy. On any given day, you’ll hear people laughing, sharing stories, talking about sports, their kids, their grandkids and whatever else brings them joy. It’s a fun, light and genuinely welcoming atmosphere. Patients come for excellent treatment, of course, but they also come because it feels like family. We know every patient by name. They’re never a number to us. They become part of our community and seeing them improve is something we take personally.”
He continued, “We always ask our patients what they’re working toward, because everyone’s motivation is different. For some, it’s as simple and meaningful as getting down on the floor to play with their grandkids. For others, it’s training to run a marathon. No matter what the goal is, the day they reach it is a celebration not just for them but for us as their providers. Those victories, big or small, fuel everything we do. They remind us why this work matters.” Looking to the future of the practice, Dr. Brown said he is embracing new cutting-edge therapies. “I’m always searching for innovative treatments that can truly make a difference, especially for patients who feel like they’ve run out of options. There’s nothing more rewarding than introducing a therapy that restores hope and delivers results that a patient didn’t think were possible.” Outside of the office, Dr. Brown enjoys spending quality time and traveling with his wife and daughter. “Family is everything to me,” he said. “I also enjoy staying active, whether that’s working out, being outdoors or playing sports. And if I really want to unwind, you’ll find me fishing or out on the water. That’s my happy place.” To learn more about Dr. Brown and the services offered at Elite Healthcare, visit elitehcpm.com.
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A TA K E ON
T OK YO’S P U B S C E N E HOW SHOKUDO IS MODERNIZING TRADITIONAL JAPANESE TAVERN FOOD
ARTICLE BY SARAH ROSE PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY, THE INDIGO ROAD, ANDREW CEBULKA & REESE MOORE
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Although Masa Hamaya has always found beauty in hospitality, he didn’t view the food and beverage industry as a career path until after he graduated from Arizona State University and returned to Tokyo, Japan, where he was born and raised. During his time working there in a different role, he realized a desire to move back to the United States and found that pursuing a profession in the culinary arts was the fastest track he could take for finding his way stateside.
“As we ate our way through countless Japanese restaurants, we were inspired by the energy of the izakayas, and wanted to bring that pub-style experience to Charleston.” CONTINUED > JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/MOU N T P L E ASA N T
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Hamaya’s journey took him to Atlanta, Georgia, where he served as chef at Oku, a sushi restaurant backed by restaurateur Steve Palmer’s group, The Indigo Road. During a trip he took with Palmer to New York City, the two conceptualized an idea for a new project. “As we ate our way through countless Japanese restaurants, we were inspired by the energy of the izakayas, and wanted to bring that pub-style experience to Charleston,” Hamaya said. “That’s how the concept for Shokudô, my take on tavern food, elevated through sourcing and technique, was born.” On October 30, 2025, the co-creators opened Hamaya’s namesake, Shokudo,
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downtown at 479 King Street. Hamaya said he and Palmer chose Charleston as their destination because they knew its exceptional culinary community would be receptive to his approachable style of authentic Japanese cuisine. Whether sourcing the freshest catch from Japan or antioxidant-rich shiso from California, Hamaya prepares every recipe with traditional Japanese methods. “What I enjoy most is making traditional Japanese dishes with unique flavor profiles. I’m not infusing two cuisines but am utilizing Japanese flavors and techniques with American ingredients,” he explained. “At Shokudo, we set out to create something
one of a kind, a space where Japanese tradition meets Southern hospitality. So, every flame, skewer and hand roll tells a story of care and craft.” Indeed, the casual, intimate and deeply rooted home-style Shokudo attracts patrons for its slow heat, clean flavors and thoughtful small plates. “The smaller portion size is intentional because we want guests to feel encouraged to explore the menu and try a ton of different things,” Hamaya explained. Inventive choices include skewers with pork katsu or lamb shoulder with curry-pickled onion, duck meatballs with lotus root or dry-aged fish such as king mackerel, grouper and snapper.
“I love spreading valuable knowledge about traditional Japanese craft, technique and culture to those who are willing to listen and learn.”
To enhance the overall dining experience, Shokudo's swanky decor is as scrumptious as Hamaya’s culinary presentations. “The interior design was created by David Thompson Studio as an extension of the food's philosophy. That is, rooted in tradition but decidedly modern,” Hamaya said. “One of David’s team members had the opportunity to go to Tokyo, which provided a lot of inspiration for the design you see in Shokudô, including a mural that inspired Nysa Hicks’s work in our Japanese Beer Garden. Her colorful art lends a flavorful aesthetic to the space.” While Japanese cuisine is Hamaya’s passion, he is equally as enthusiastic about contributing to the community and supporting other local chefs. “In my experience, giving back happens on two levels – my peers and sharing my knowledge and culture,” he said. “I’ve prioritized working with The Giving Kitchen closely for many years. The work that they do to provide emergency assistance and stability to food service workers in crisis is so
important in our industry. I also recently joined the James Beard Foundation advocacy group, which works directly on policies to build a more equitable and sustainable food system.” He continued, “Because I love spreading valuable knowledge about traditional Japanese craft, technique and culture to those who are willing to listen and learn, the main way I feel I give back is not only to my staff but anyone who walks through Shokudô’s doors.” Outside of his own kitchen, Hamaya enjoys dining around at other establishments in Charleston. “I love trying out different local restaurants,” he said. “In a beautiful, perfect world, I’d go to as many in one day as possible to introduce myself to fellow chefs because my way of doing research is connecting with the ones who are deep in their craft, learning what they’re doing and seeing how they’re having fun with what they do.” To see what Hamaya’s cooking up next, follow shokudochs on Instagram and visit shokudochs.com to reserve a table.
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A PASSION
FOR WELLNESS As a teenager growing up in Worcester, New York, Morgan Rutkowski enjoyed playing soccer and basketball as well as participating in band and chorus. Driven by an affinity for movement, rhythm and music, she pursued a bachelor’s of science degree in public health from the State University of New York at Potsdam.
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In 2016, Rutkowski moved to Denver, Colorado to work as a home health care provider. From that experience, she realized she wanted to provide a proactive service to clients rather than reacting to their circumstances. Instead of enabling patients to justify their pain due to aging, for example, she wanted to guide them towards tangible resources that would help them feel better. Searching for a way to make a more meaningful impact, she moved back to her home state and took a position in discharge planning, social work and recreational therapy for a 500-bed nursing home. While she enjoyed aiding patients with movement and dexterity, she still hadn’t found the passion she was searching for in her career. Recognizing that she had an entrepreneurial spirit and an excess of energy to share, Rutkowski opened Essential Habits Wellness Center in Liverpool, New York in 2021. “I’ve always wanted to help build confidence in others and show them what they are capable of achieving,” she said. “Building on that, I realized I could make more of a lasting difference than I had in social work.” When the time came in 2023 to make another change, Rutowski followed her dreams to Charleston where she opened the Holy City Wellness Hub. “More than a training studio, the space is designed for collaboration,” she explained. Along with personal trainer and Pilates instructor, Kyra Eby and DPT Karlye Capplemann, Rutowski, the team creates individualized approaches to promote strength, mobility and forward movement, she said. Additionally, because the Hub offers individual work stations for the providers, sessions are semi-private. “We start by talking about your goals and address your needs. From there, we guide you to find your path, your pace and your strength, opening the door to a healthier and more confident you.”
CONTINUED >
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“WHETHER WE ARE TAKING WALKS ON THE BEACH OR BUILDING STRENGTH IN THE STUDIO, OUR PERSONALIZED RECOVERY PLANS HELP YOU HEAL IN A WAY THAT FITS YOUR BODY, GOALS AND LIFESTYLE.”
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The Hub’s wellness packages include options such as physical therapy, dry needling, cupping, Pilates, strength training and more. “Whether we are taking walks on the beach or building strength in the studio, our personalized recovery plans help you heal in a way that fits your body, goals and lifestyle,” Rutowski said. “Recovery doesn’t look the same for everyone. Healing isn’t one-size-fits-all. Whether it’s rest, movement or hands-on therapy, the process is personal. Perfection isn’t the goal, progress is. By focusing on consistency, trusting the journey and showing up every single day, each challenge will make you stronger.” Rutowski added that she’s currently working on bridging the disconnect from medical services and wellness practitioners so the Hub can provide the most cohesive care, refer doctors and prescribe exercises based on doctors’ guidance. Having found passion and joy in her work, Rutowski and her husband also enjoy hanging out with their Husky mix named Mango, hiking, kayaking, and taking walks along the beach. Rutowski also loves to cook and bake. In addition, she volunteers for Sleep in Heavenly Peace, an organization that builds beds and delivers them to underprivileged children. “When you’re having a bad day go do something nice for someone else,” she said. “You’ll be surprised how much better it makes you feel.” To learn more about the services that the Hub provides, visit holycitywellnesshub.com and follow holycitywellnesshub on Instagram.
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GUIDANCE FROM Holistic Wellness Collective
HEALING, GROUNDING AND CONFIDENCE-BUILDING PRACTICES TO BREAK GENERATIONAL TRAUMA AND ADDICTION ARTICLE BY SARAH ROSE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIDGIT MCBEE
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As a child growing up in a family that suffered with inter-generational trauma and addiction, Andrea Meier knew from an early age that she wanted to help others overcome the pain they were enduring from similar situations. Without anyone to talk to who could understand what she was experiencing and who could guide her towards the tools she needed to break the cycle, she spent her young adulthood seeking knowledge while navigating her own healing journey. Meier’s experience led her to persue a career in the fields of community mental health and addiction. For nearly two decades, she’s held her Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Alcohol Counselor (LAC) certifications. In 2023, she launched her consultation and training business, Andrea Meier, LLC | Holistic Wellness Collective. “My inspiration was to create a dedicated space where I could support clients with the healing, grounding and confidence-building practices that I’ve studied and implemented in my personal and professional experiences,” she said. “Because thoughts and beliefs shape the lens through which we look at ourselves, others and the world, it’s important to be intentional with the therapists I welcome into the Collective, ensuring that we share the same holistic mindset and integrative approaches that focus on the mind, body, spirit and emotional experiences,” she continued. “We want our clients to feel welcomed, understood, supported, nurtured and empowered. Doing this work can often be such a vulnerable, raw and scary journey and we have so much compassion for the courage it takes to prioritize yourself.”
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To further help clients achieve healing and growth, the Collective’s practitioners utilize methods such as traditional talk therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), which, according to Meier, reduces emotional intensity of traumatic or distressing memories or experiences, allowing people to feel calmer, safer and less triggered in their daily lives. Additionally, the Collective uses Internal Family Systems (IFS) to compassionately work with inner protectors or wounded parts, Meiers said, “So we can heal and live more from our calm, confident, core Self.” Another modality the Collective practices is Somatic Therapy, a technique that supports the body through awareness of physical sensations, movement and the mind-body connection as it processes emotions, trauma and stress. Meiers also shared that, “Taking the time for daily grounding exercises such as mindful deep diaphragmatic breathing, feet-on-the-floor, progressive muscle relaxation, temperature shifts, anchoring phrases and meditation are core foundations that cultivate healing and presence, while supporting meaningful growth and keeping the nervous system at a calmer, more regulated state. Being more present, intentional and focused in the day prevents spikes or hijacks such as emotional flooding or dysregulation.”
Practicing what Meiers calls “the daily book ends,” which include a morning ritual of affirmation and intention-setting for the day and an evening ritual of journaling and gratitude are other effective means of grounding. She frequently uses wave analogies in her healing modalities as well. As she explained, “We often try to resist as if swimming away just to get pulled back in or engage, giving the wave strength until it becomes a tsunami. Floating upon the wave is a smoother, calmer experience than finding ourselves in a reactionary panic inside the wave. Once we understand that thoughts, emotions, body sensations and urges will pass and are temporary, the above rituals and grounding practices can help us be proactive, preventing the wave and reducing its impact.” During her time outside of the office, Meiers enjoys spending time with her husband, to whom she’s been married for 25 years, three rescue dogs and two teens, one who is about to head to college. Her favorite pastimes include walking on the beach on the Isle of Palms or Sullivan’s Island, interior design, making flower arrangements, cooking and enjoying the local culinary scene. To learn more about working with Meier and the services offered by the Collective, visit andreameierllc.com.
“My inspiration was to create a dedicated space where I could support clients with the healing...” — Andrea Meier
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M EN TA L WE LLBE IN G | LOCAL SE RVICE S
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The New Frontier of Health U N D E R S TA N D I N G T H E “WHY” BEHIND WELLNESS ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES AND PROVIDED
AN INTERVIEW WITH DR. KYLE GILLETT
Why do so many people feel exhausted, foggy, or unwell, even when their medical tests insist everything is “fine”? Why are we prescribed quick fixes instead of being given real answers? Across modern medicine, a shift is happening. More patients are demanding real explanations, and more clinicians are rethinking what “healthcare” should actually mean. Leading that shift is Dr. Kyle Gillett, a dual board-certified physician in Family Medicine and Obesity Medicine and an expert in metabolic, hormonal, and preventive health. Through his clinic, research, and The Gillett Health Podcast, he’s become a trusted voice for people seeking science-based, root-cause solutions rather than symptom-based band-aids. “Functional medicine is really ‘root cause medicine,’” Dr. Gillett often says. “It’s about asking why the problem exists and not just quieting the noise.” In this Q&A, Dr. Gillett breaks down the most common questions he hears from patients and offers simple, actionable guidance anyone can begin using today.
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1. “WHY DO I FEEL AWFUL EVEN THOUGH MY LABS ARE ‘NORMAL’?”
Dr. Gillett: I like to say, “There is no such thing as ‘we’ve done everything.’” We can always dig deeper. Often, the labs ordered are the wrong type of assay, or important markers like ferritin or SHBG—which binds testosterone and estrogen—are completely missed. Beyond lab work, there are other factors: mitochondrial health, sleep quality, mental health, and even how sensitive your dopamine and serotonin receptors are. “Normal” labs do not always equal normal physiology for you.
2. “HOW DO I FIX MY ENERGY, BRAIN FOG, OR SLEEP WITHOUT 20 MEDICATIONS?”
Dr. Gillett: Start with a good, comprehensive lab panel to assess nutrients and hormones. Then build the foundation with sleep. My favorite tool is the 10/3/2/1/0 rule: • 10 hours before bed: No caffeine • 3 hours: Avoid large meals and alcohol • 2 hours: No vigorous exercise • 1 hour: No bright blue or white light • 0: No snoozing and no inconsistent sleep/wake times Aim for 7+ hours of high-quality sleep. When sleep improves, energy almost always follows.
3. “IS MY GUT ACTUALLY CAUSING ALL THESE OTHER PROBLEMS?”
Dr. Gillett: Gut health influences most major health issues, but it’s rarely the only problem. Diet is my second pillar of health for a reason. Exercise, sleep, and stress reduction all improve gut function too. Even simple tools like self-hypnotherapy apps can reduce gut-related symptoms.
4. “WHAT CAN I DO RIGHT NOW, TODAY, TO START FEELING BETTER?”
Dr. Gillett: Focus on the pillars of health: diet, exercise, sleep, stress, sunlight, social connection, and spiritual health. Treat them like habits and find ways to make them enjoyable or easy to start. Supplements and medications are supportive tools, not substitutes. Think of them like turbo chargers: they enhance a system that’s already functioning.
A FINAL WORD FROM DR. GILLETT
“The goal isn’t to tell people what to do, rather it’s to give them the information they need to decide what’s best for themselves.” By understanding the why behind your symptoms, labs, and lifestyle choices, you become the driver, not the passenger, of your health journey.
“I believe that true innovation requires a commitment to constructive selfcriticism to continuously raise the standard of care.” To hear the extended conversation with Dr. Kyle Gillett, scan the QR code for an exclusive podcast episode.
JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/MOU N T P L E ASA N T
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elitehcpm.com • (843) 483-1482
1300 Hospital Drive #220, Mount Pleasant
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@elitehealthcaremtpleasant
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Elite Healthcare
YOU R D IGITAL D ESTINATION FOR LOCAL LIVING
Fall In Love With Your Dental Office. Changing Smiles. Changing Lives.
One-Stop Pool Service & Contractor
Visit us online or call to schedule a consultation and learn about the many services we offer
AdvancedDentistryMtP.com | 843.936.1690
1149 Oakland Market Rd
V@AdvancedDentistryMtP
Bring New Life to Your Pool—With a Team You Can Trust We specialize in expert pool renovation services that restore, modernize, and protect your pool for years. Whether your pool is outdated, damaged or needs a fresh new look, our highly trained and nationally certified team is equipped to deliver exceptional results with unmatched professionalism. Dedicated Pool Service You Can Count On We’re committed to delivering consistent, high-quality service that takes the stress out of pool ownership. We don’t just “check the boxes”—we treat every pool like our own.
Monthly Pool Service and Repair
FEELING COLD DRAFTS?
Pool Renovation and Replastering Services
SEEING MOLD OR CONDENSATION AROUND WINDOWS & WALLS? These are signs of air infiltration and high humidity. We test, locate, and solve the cause. Our whole-home assessment uncovers leaks, moisture pathways, insulation gaps, and HVAC sizing issues using blower-door testing, duct diagnostics and thermal imaging. We find the source and provide clear solutions so your home stays comfortable, healthy, and efficient.
Schedule a Home Wellness Check with Charleston's Building Performance Experts. 843-990-3430 | GreenThinkingllc.com V@greenthinkingllc 278 E Shore Ln Charleston SC 29407
SCAN HERE
www.preservepools.com 843-494-0724 JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/MOU N T P L E ASA N T
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JANUARY 2026
events A S E L E C T I O N O F U P C O M I N G LO C A L E V E N T S
JA NUA RY 1 ST - 3 1 ST
Museum Mile Month Downtown Charleston January means Museum Mile Month in Charleston! Enjoy discounted access to multiple historic and cultural sites. In January, tickets must be purchased in person at Visitor Centers in Downtown, Kiawah Island, Mount Pleasant, or North Charleston. More info at www.charlestonmuseum.org. JA NUA RY 3 RD
Mount Pleasant Market North Park Bend - 3510 Park Ave Blvd | 10:30 AM A lively, family-friendly farmers market located within Park Bend! Explore fresh, locally grown produce, handmade crafts, unique art, and delicious food. Happening the first Saturday of every month from 10:30am–1:30pm. JA NUA RY 2 3 RD - 2 5T H
Charleston Boat Show Charleston Area Convention Center As the largest boat show in the Lowcountry, the Charleston Boat Show offers something for every boater. Check out fishing boats, cruisers, center consoles, yachts, pontoons, and personal watercraft from top brands and local dealers. JA NUA RY 2 4 T H
Fairy House Day Palmetto Islands County Park, Mt Pleasant | 10:00 AM A magical day at Palmetto Islands County Park where children can create fairy houses and gnome homes using natural materials. Tickets are $7 per person and can be purchased on the Charleston County Parks website.
STRUGGLING WITH PAIN OR WEIGHT LOSS? ShapeScale’s 3D Body Imaging Exclusively at Holy City Wellness Hub Streamline your wellness with efficient routines that respect your body while maximizing your time. Track Your Gains, Visualize Your Progress, Feel Your Strength. Claim your Complimentary Consultation. FREE 3D Body Imaging. Schedule your scan now, using PROMO code: LIFESTYLE
www.holycitywellnesshub.com | 843-830-3418 1007 Johnnie Dodds Blvd, Suite 227
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V@holycitywellnesshub
Want to be featured? G E T I N T O U C H AT C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E . C O M / M O U N T P L E A S A N T
JA N UA RY 2 9 T H - FE B RUARY 16TH
Garden Lights at Middleton Place Middleton Place Experience Middleton Place Gardens aglow with colorful lighting that highlights its most stunning features, perfectly timed for camellia season. Bring your friends and family to enjoy America’s Oldest Landscaped Gardens in a magical new way. F E BRUA RY 1 ST
The 42nd Lowcounty Oyster Festival Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens | 10:00 AM A cherished Lowcountry favorite, this event serves up mountains of fresh oysters, live music, local wine and beer, and all the coastal charm. Don’t miss the oyster-shucking contests and fun for the whole family.
We’reredefining
dermatologic care.
Our Direct Care Model means clear, upfront pricing, no surprise bills, and personalized care that fits your schedule.
Mara Dermatology 1300 Hospital Drive, Suite 250, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 (843) 896-2789 | MaraDermatology.com JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/MOU N T P L E ASA N T
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ARTICLE BY TAYLOR WOOLMAN
The Heart Behind the Magazine A GLIMPSE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS... SURE TO INSPIRE EACH ISSUE
A rt Art is everywhere in my life. From messy kitchen crafts with my kids to the stunning work of local artisans. Art has the power to make a moment unforgettable. While this magazine is my own canvas, I can’t wait to highlight Charleston’s incredibly talented artists.
Trave l Travel is my favorite way to discover new flavors, colors, and stories. Whether it’s a fabulous staycation or an international adventure. I can’t wait to share some of my favorite destinations.
Fa mi ly Family is my everything, and momming is hands down my favorite pastime. My kids inspire me every single day, and I love exploring all the family-friendly activities Mt. Pleasant has to offer.
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Fo o d
D e sign
Food is pure happiness. There’s nothing better than gathering around a delicious meal with friends and family. Each month, you’ll find features that celebrate local restaurants and some of my favorite food and drink recipes.
Design and fashion have always been passions of mine. I’m fascinated by beautiful spaces and fabulous outfits. You’ll see plenty of impressive interiors, unique décor ideas, fashion inspiration, and tips on where to shop local.
I NSP IR E D BY | LO CAL S ERVICE S
Accepting New Clients
Contact us for personal support in Mount Pleasant or virtual.
We specialize in holistic therapy, incorporating integrative evidence based approaches to foster growth and healing. Our client-centered approach meets individual needs through therapy, coaching, and personalized care. Specialties: Anxiety | Trauma | Women's Issues | Attachment Insecurities | Relationship Satisfaction Addictions | Life Transitions | Perfectionism | High-Achieving Individuals | Reproductive Journey
www.andreameierllc.com | 843.994.2838
The Most Important Thing We Build Is TRUST. Schedule your free consultation today to swim this spring! Residential Aquatic Design + Build I Fencing + Lighting Backyard Transformation | Landscaping + Hardscaping www.briccpools.com | 843-214-5099 info@briccent.com | V @briccpools