Mount Pleasant, SC May 2026

The Ladies Issue

Kitchens | Bathrooms | Interiors | ADUs

Handyman Services Available for Realtor Punch-Lists & Small Projects

At Next Chapter Charleston, we bring craftsmanship, design expertise, and a concierge-level experience to every project. Whether you’re renovating a historic property, updating a luxury home, or creating a new space entirely, our team guides each detail with precision, integrity, and care.

From curated interiors to full-scale renovations, we deliver elevated results built to stand the test of time.

Your Next Chapter Begins with Exceptional Craftsmanship. Schedule a complimentary consultation.

www.nextchaptercharleston.com | 843.978.2452 | info@nextchaptercharleston.com

To Strong Women, Lifelong Friends, and Ladies Who Inspire

May has a way of reminding us just how powerful women truly are.

This month, as we celebrate our annual Ladies Issue, we’re honoring the strength, grace, and influence of the women who shape our homes, our businesses, and our community. From boardrooms to school pick-up lines, from philanthropy to entrepreneurship, women continue to lead with a unique blend of determination and heart.

Of course, May also brings us Mother’s Day, a moment to pause and recognize the women who raised us, guided us, and showed us what resilience and unconditional love truly look like. And while the day traditionally celebrates mothers, it’s also a beautiful time to recognize the many forms nurturing love can take, whether it’s a grandmother, mentor, devoted dog or cat mom, or a cherished mother figure who has stepped into our lives and loved us like family.

For this special edition, we had the privilege of sitting down with three extraordinary women whose stories are as inspiring as they are empowering. Each of these powerhouse leaders brings her own perspective on success, balance, and purpose, reminding us that influence takes many forms, and that strength often shows up with quiet confidence.

But beyond titles and accomplishments, there’s another kind of power worth celebrating this month: the beauty of female friendship.

There’s something undeniably special about the bond women share. It’s the late lunches that turn into long conversations, the texts that arrive at just the right moment, and the laughter that somehow makes everything feel lighter. In a world that often moves far too fast, those moments with our girlfriends - filled with honesty, encouragement, and the occasional glass of wine - can be the most restorative luxury of all.

Because sometimes the greatest healing is found around a table with the women who know you best, laughing until your cheeks hurt and leaving feeling a little more understood.

This month, we invite you to celebrate the remarkable women in your life: the mothers, daughters, friends, mentors, and leaders who inspire you every day. Their stories, their strength, and their sisterhood are what truly make our community shine.

Happy Mother’s Day, and cheers to the women who make life a little more beautiful.

May 2026

PUBLISHER

Taylor Woolman | taylor.woolman@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Jeff Nelson | jeff.nelson@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Mary Elizabeth Branham mary.elizabeth@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sarah Rose, Ashley Nelson, Amy Salvagno, Kali Kasorzyk

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Lowcountry Launch, Andrew Cebulka, Amy Salvagno

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto

LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling

QUALITY

TAYLOR WOOLMAN, PUBLISHER

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: Bidding wars and big smiles, raising funds and spirits for a great cause! 2: Glamour and grace unite as these amazing women celebrate hope and wishes coming true 3: A stunning evening bringing together friends and supporters for an unforgettable event 4: Celebrating the joy of granting 165 wishes and the incredible impact of hope and kindness 5: Over ONE MILLION DOLLARS raised for Make-A-Wish South Carolina. An amazingly successful event 6: Music and magic on stage, all to support children battling cancer through Camp Happy Days 7: A night of charm, whimsy, and impact at the Wicked-inspired Camp Happy Days Gala

8: Erin Kienzle inspires generosity for an incredible cause 35th Annual Camp Happy Days Gala 9: Cheers to Island Time: Tasting, laughing, and soaking up the CHS Wine + Food event 10: Savoring every bite. Guests enjoying the flavors and fun at the Island Time event

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMY SALVAGNO

Elevated Cocktail for Brunch Beyond &

A Fun Cocktail That Is Sure To Impress

Whether you prefer to dine reclining pillow-side in pajamas or beside a beautifully dressed table, you’ll appreciate an elegant, elevated cocktail to make your brunch menu extra special. So while you’re indulging in a few extra pieces of bacon, savoring bites of flaky quiche and luxuriating over berry and whipped cream-topped pancakes, you’ll be sure to impress with this morning-friendly mix.

Gin & Jam

A simple ingredient drink unites the botanical complexity of gin with the rich sweetness of your favorite jam.

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces gin

• 1 ounce lemon juice

• 1/2 ounce simple syrup

• 1 teaspoon raspberry (or your favorite) jam

• Spoonful of jam for garnish

Instructions:

1. Add the gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and jam to your mixing glass.

2. Add ice and shake for 10 seconds.

3. Strain into a double old-fashioned glass over crushed ice.

4. Top with a spoonful of jam and stir it in while you sip.

Where Wellness and Tranquility Align

Innovative therapies and calming space designed to restore balance, confidence, and inner peace.

As an LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) and LAC (Licensed Alcohol Counselor) for nearly two decades, Andrea Meier has worn multiple hats in community mental health and outpatient support, as well as being a trainer, supervisor, author, faculty researcher at an Ivy League institution and leader at the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), including international initiatives in Sweden and Colombia.

Halfway into her career, she realized a desire to find a way to synthesize all she had learned and share her knowledge. In 2013, she started her own consultation and training business and in 2023, she founded Andrea Meier, LLC | Holistic Wellness Collective, a space dedicated to supporting others along their life’s journeys- whether that was through healing, grounding or building confidence.

Meier and her team of all-female practitioners including Amanda Spivy, M.A., LPCA, NCC, who supports individuals, couples and families, Lauren Hamrick, M.S., LPC-A who specializes in integrative treatments for women and couples and Lisa Connelly, M.A., LMFT, IIN Certified Health Coach who focuses on sexual trauma healing, empower clients to overcome a range of emotional, mental and physical challenges.

The Collective implements traditional approaches such as talk therapy and mindfulness grounding practice, a core foundation for cultivating healing, presence and

ARTICLE BY SARAH ROSE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY LOWCOUNTRY LAUNCH

supporting meaningful growth. Targeting the nervous system promotes a more regulated, present, intentional and focused state throughout the day.

In addition, the Collective focuses on deeper paths to healing and growth with approaches such as Somatic Therapy, which uses the body to help process emotions, trauma and stress through awareness of physical sensations, movement and the mind-body connection; Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, a profound research-based approach to healing and emotional regulation that reduces intensity associated with traumatic or distressing memories or experiences, allowing people to feel calmer, safer and less triggered in their daily lives; and Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy,  helping clients understand and compassionately work with their inner “protectors or wounded parts” so they can heal and live more from a calm, confident core Self. Other services include Brainspotting, bio- and neurofeedback,

Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP), attachment-based therapy, Gottman method for couples, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) and more. The practitioners work with each client to personalize the best match and integrate approaches.

According to Meier, these methods support the subconscious and nervous system, bypass emotions, release blocks and reprocess experiences so that patients can release root sources, gain clarity and ultimately a more calm, secure and confident outlook. “For those who feel stuck or paralyzed in their situation, the techniques are effective on their own or when necessary, different modalities can be interwoven,” she explained.  She added, “Having access to these tools reminds patients how to calm

their inner systems, replace narratives that no longer serve them and overcome barriers that have been holding them back potentially for decades, creating confidence while generating peace of mind and spirit.”

With the practice continuing to grow every year, Meier has recently expanded the office space, which she said she has designed to feel like a warm and welcoming tranquil spa, intentionally incorporating sensory elements such as soft lighting, colors, textures, sounds and smells. Additionally, a new therapist has joined the collective, with a Breathwork specialist also coming on board.

What brings Meier the most joy in her work, she said, is, “Sharing all that I’ve learned in my own personal and professional journey with others and experiencing the healing and growth process with them.”

To learn more about the Holistic Wellness Collective, follow andreameierllc on Instagram and Facebook, and to book a free consultation, visit andreameierllc.com .

A Unique

Case

PHOTOGRAPHY BY LOWCOUNTRY LAUNCH

Rooted in community and driven by excellence, Jenna DePoy guides clients through life’s biggest milestones with clarity, care, and trusted legal expertise.

Jenna K. DePoy is a partner at Cobb Hammett Law Firm in Mount Pleasant, where she leads the firm’s real estate division. Her promotion to partner in 2025 — a reflection of the founding partners’ confidence in her legal abilities and leadership — came after she distinguished herself through sound judgment, intellectual rigor and an unwavering dedication to delivering results for her clients. Today, her team handles dozens of closings each month across the Lowcountry, and DePoy has become a trusted name in the local real estate community.

A Clemson University graduate, DePoy earned her law degree from Charleston School of Law. It was during law school that she met Hal Cobb, the firm’s founding partner, at a talk he gave on mergers and acquisitions. She introduced herself, thereafter, interviewed for a clerkship and was offered the position. At the time, a clerkship at Cobb Hammett was highly sought after among her peers.

“I was one of many among my friends and classmates who applied and interviewed,” DePoy recalls. “I was the one who was hired.”

DePoy’s advancement to partner reflected something deliberate about Cobb Hammett’s culture: a commitment to recognizing merit and investing in its people. “It speaks to the partners’ commitment to investing in the next generation of leadership,” she says, “and the trust they’ve placed in my ability to guide the team forward.”

That team now handles between thirty and forty closings each month, concentrated in Mount Pleasant, Daniel Island, downtown Charleston,

West Ashley and the greater Summerville area. DePoy describes her days as a steady rhythm of client calls, lender coordination, closing preparation and title insurance work.

“Because we’re based in Mount Pleasant and do so much of our work here, we’ve developed a deep familiarity with the local landscape — the HOAs, the development and zoning processes, the nuances of this market,” she explains. “That institutional knowledge makes a real difference, especially when it comes to navigating closings and resolving title matters efficiently.”

Before focusing on real estate, DePoy spent time in corporate practice, handling transactional work and litigation. The contrast between the two is what drew her to real estate full time.

“Litigation is inherently adversarial,” she says. “Someone is suing, someone is being sued, and nobody is particularly happy to be there.”

CONTINUED

I AM INVESTED IN WHAT IS BEST FOR MY CLIENTS -  THEIR FAMILIES, THEIR GOALS, THEIR PEACE OF MIND. I LIVE IN THIS COMMUNITY, I AM ROOTED IN IT, AND THE PEOPLE I SERVE ARE MY NEIGHBORS. THAT IS THE STANDARD I HOLD MYSELF TO.

Real estate, by comparison, brings everyone to the same side of the table. “The buyer is excited, the seller is ready, the realtors and lenders are collaborative, and our client walks away happy,” DePoy says. “There is nothing more rewarding than helping a family close on their first home or watching an entrepreneur sign the papers on a commercial space where they’re about to open their doors. I genuinely love being part of those milestones. Through this, I have become even more a part of the community that I love and live in.”

That sense of personal investment is central to how DePoy practices. For her, clients are not transactions or line items — they are families making one of the most significant decisions of their lives, business owners chasing a dream. Their success and happiness matter to her, and it shows in the way she approaches every file.

“Every client who walks through our door genuinely matters to me,” DePoy says. “I am invested in what is best for them — their families, their goals, their peace of mind. I live in this community, I am rooted in it, and the people I serve are my neighbors. That is the standard I hold myself to.”

DePoy is also paying forward the mentorship that shaped her career. She supervises law clerks, embedding them in real work from day one.

“They’re not observing from the sidelines — they’re handling real assignments, sitting in on client meetings and attending closings alongside me,” she says. “I pose questions about our active matters, so they build the judgment and instincts they’ll need as

practicing attorneys. Then I give them honest feedback so they’re constantly sharpening their skills.”

What sets Cobb Hammett apart is the breadth of its practice and the depth of its client relationships. The firm offers a diverse range of legal services — spanning real estate, corporate and business law, family law, estate planning, probate personal injury and criminal defense. It is a relationship-driven firm, DePoy explains, built around the idea that a client’s needs rarely fit into a single category.

“We assist clients not just with purchases or sales, but with their business needs and family matters,” she says. “At Cobb Hammett, we want to be your attorneys for life.”

To learn more about Cobb Hammett Law Firm or to schedule a free consultation, visit www. cobbhammett.com or follow the team on Instagram at @cobbhammettlawfirm

Elite Pain Relief

Discover how innovative treatments and personalized care plans work together to relieve pain and restore mobility—without surgery.

ARTICLE BY SARAH ROSE

Elite Healthcare Physical Medicine offers an extensive menu of regenerative therapies to alleviate pain. Dr. Matan Umanoff, D.C. and Chiropractic Physician explained what some of them are and how they work.

Q: WHAT SERVICES DOES ELITE HEALTHCARE PHYSICAL MEDICINE PROVIDE?

A: “Elite Healthcare Physical Medicine offers traditional and holistic services such as blood work, hormone replacement therapy, chiropractic care, physical therapy, massage therapy, SoftWave, spinal decompression, traction, joint injections, IVs, PRP, Stem Cell treatment and more.”

Q: WHAT IS SOFTWAVE?

A: “SoftWave is a unique treatment that helps heal superficial as well as deeper pain by creating new blood vessels around the injured tissue so that patients can feel and move better.”

Q: WHAT LEADING FACTOR LIMITS MOBILITY?

A: “When your body is hurting, it uses the path of least resistance in order for you to do the bare minimums of your everyday actions like walking to the kitchen or going to the bathroom. When you move differently, you end up using muscles that get overworked because they are now doing the job of other muscles on top of their own job. This is the biggest contributor to spinal issues, whether that’s pinched nerves, disc bulges or even some herniations.”

Q: IS IT POSSIBLE TO TAKE THE PRESSURE OFF OF THOSE DISC AND NERVE INJURIES?

A: “Yes. We have a spinal decompression table that mechanically and comfortably opens up your back by the millimeter so that you can get the relief you need. All you have to do is lie there and relax or maybe catch up on a nap because the machine feels that good while you are on it. This technology prevents the need for back surgery –even for patients who have been in some pretty serious car accidents– as it eliminates, or at the very least, reduces all of their symptoms.”

Q: WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF STEM CELL TREATMENT?

A: “Stem Cells provide a boost at the cellular level, fundamentally restructuring the basic building blocks of what’s hurt in your body. We source, save and inject the Stem Cells so that you don’t have to worry about anything other than getting better. Our Physician’s Assistant, Roger Hazard, is available to answer any questions about this process.”

CONTINUED >

"These approaches, paired with our chiropractic and physical therapy care, build on top of each other so that we can help heal your body and make sure that the original injury doesn’t come back.”

Q: WHAT OTHER ADVICE DO YOU RECOMMEND FOR ELIMINATING PAIN?

A: “The therapies mentioned above are what we call ‘passive treatments,’ meaning that they are done to you without any muscle activation on your own. When these approaches are paired with our chiropractic and physical therapy care, led by Dr. Todd Brown and Dr. Gabe Botero, respectively, they build on top of each other so that we can help heal your body and make sure that the original injury doesn’t come back.”

Q: HOW DOES A PATIENT KNOW WHICH TREATMENTS TO CHOOSE?

“We have an initial comprehensive exam that is reviewed by all of our providers so that we can determine which treatments are best for each individual’s needs. Then our team drafts a plan that is specific to each patient.”

Q: WHY SHOULD PATIENTS CONSIDER A COMPREHENSIVE CARE PLAN THROUGH ELITE HEALTHCARE?

A: “As we’ve been in South Mount Pleasant for almost ten years, we have seen a lot of people and have impacted a lot of lives –that is the main reason that all of our practitioners were attracted to the healthcare industry. With our combined experience, we know what works and we have plenty of tools at our disposal to make you the best version of yourself in the quickest possible fashion.

To learn more about Elite Healthcare’s services and to book a consultation, visit elitehcpm.com

Enhancing Outdoor Spaces with Quality & Craftsmanship

At Charleston Decks and Porches, we bring your outdoor vision to life. From custom new deck builds and complete deck rebuilds to sleek cable-rail systems and one-of-akind porches, we create beautiful, long-lasting spaces made for Lowcountry living. Quality craftsmanship, smart design, and clear communication—start to finish.

CharlestonDecksAndPorches.com Call for a FREE Estimate 843.619.7117 Follow us on Instagram V CharlestonDecksAndPorches

Regenerative & Wellness Center

REGENERATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR PAIN-FREE LIVING

At Elite Healthcare Physical Medicine, our mission is simple: to help those who are sick and suffering from chronic spinal and neuropathic pain. We bring only the most advanced and successful non-surgical, drug-free treatment protocols to our community and surrounding areas.

As an all-in-one medical and wellness solution, we combine advanced regenerative treatments with manual therapies to create plans that address root causes, not just symptoms. Relieve pain naturally — no medications, no surgery, just results.

At EHCPM, our team helps you move, feel, and live better with personalized therapies designed for lasting recovery. Relieve pain without medication or surgery. EHCPM is ready to help you recover faster.

OUR SERVICES:

Spinal Decompression Therapy • Chiropractic Adjustments • Back & Neck Pain Relief • Posture Correction • Joint & Mobility Therapy Charleston’s Leading Medical Clinic for: Regenerative Medicine, Spinal Decompression, Natural Pain Relief, Physical Therapy, and Chiropractic Care.

ARTICLE BY KALI KASORZYK

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

BECKY HILLYARD

From Side Hustle to Style Empire

The power of taste, trust, and the courage to “just start.”

She didn’t have a business plan, a media budget, or even a name anyone could pronounce. What Becky Hillyard had was taste, a young family, and the instinct to just start. Today, her lifestyle brand Cella Jane commands an audience the size of Vogue’s, she’s nine collections strong with Splendid, and she’s built it all while raising three kids — refusing to sacrifice one for the other. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Becky shares what it really takes to build a brand, a career, and a life you love. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full conversation.

Q: WHEN DID YOU KNOW CELLA JANE WAS MORE THAN A HOBBY?

A: Two moments. Women started emailing me saying they bought something I recommended and felt amazing — asking me to help them find a dress for a wedding. That felt incredible. Then I looked at my affiliate numbers for one month and realized I could cover our mortgage. I thought, I can actually do this. I never set out to build a business. I started it because I genuinely loved it.

Q: WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST RISK YOU EVER TOOK WITH THE BRAND?

A: Designing my own collection. It’s easy to point at items on a website and say I love these. But to create something from scratch, put your name on it, and wait to see if people connect with it — that’s terrifying. I had an incredible partner in Splendid, and women loved the pieces. It was the biggest risk and the biggest accomplishment.

Q: HOW HAS INFLUENCER MARKETING CHANGED SINCE YOU STARTED?

A: When I started, brands didn’t know whether to take it seriously. Now it’s a legitimate line item in their marketing budgets — sometimes bigger than TV. Because what we’ve built is trust. People trust a real recommendation from someone they follow far more than a commercial. There’s no question about it now.

Q: YOU’RE A MOM OF THREE RUNNING A FULL BRAND. WHAT DOES YOUR DAY ACTUALLY LOOK LIKE?

A: I try to get up at five and not hit snooze — that first hour before the house wakes up is the most productive, most peaceful hour of my day. Then it’s all hands on deck with the kids and school drop-off. After that I work — planning content, connecting with my team, editing. After pickup, the day shifts completely and it’s all about them. I’ve learned to protect both halves fiercely, because both matter.

Q: WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO BUILD SOMETHING OF THEIR OWN BUT KEEPS WAITING?

A: Don’t wait. Don’t wait for the perfect camera, the right strategy, or enough followers. We find every excuse to stay comfortable. Just start, be consistent, and be authentically yourself. The right people will find you — and they’ll stay.

This conversation is just the beginning. Becky goes deeper on the risks that almost stopped her, the design process behind her latest Splendid collection, and what she’d tell her 2012 self today. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle Podcast.

“Trust is the only metric that actually compounds.”

— Becky Hillyard

PLAYFUL PIECES, Polished Style

Getting dressed should feel fun, expressive, and a little indulgent—not like a chore. At Hampden, it’s all about discovering standout pieces that instantly elevate your look and make you feel like yourself, just with a little extra edge. Think bold prints, luxe textures, and effortlessly chic staples that turn even the simplest outfits into a moment.

Owner and buyer Stacy Smallwood and her team of expert stylists have created a boutique experience that’s as inspiring as it is personal. It’s not about chasing

trends—it’s about finding pieces that spark joy, start conversations, and feel authentically you.

Here, style is less about rules and more about possibilities—those unexpected finds that pull everything together and quickly become favorites. And with stylists there to guide you, the process feels easy, collaborative, and genuinely fun.

Stylists Alexis and Holly have selected a few of their favorite standout pieces. From day to night, casual to polished, their looks prove that great style doesn’t have to be complicated—it just has to be intentional, a little bold, and a lot of fun.

A curated collection of bold, beautiful pieces designed to inspire confidence and personal style

ARTICLE BY ASHLEY NELSON | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY HAMPDEN CLOTHING

MARNI TRAPEZE MINI TOP HANDLE BAG IN VIVID BLUE

- A must-have piece from their Resort 26 Collection.

Eye-catching, yet very versatile.

STONED FINE JEWELRY COILED SERPENT RING IN 18K YELLOW GOLD

HAMPDEN

Alexis (left) has a personal style she describes as clean, elevated, and intentional, Alexis is here to help our customers feel inspired, confident, and completely at ease the moment they walk through our doors. Instagram: alexis.hampden

Holly (right) has an eye for edgy, dark-feminine style, and a background as bold as her favorite boots, Holly is all about helping clients find pieces that spark confidence and individuality. Instagram: holly.hampden

Visit the boutique at 314 King St.  Follow @ hampdenclothing Call/ text 843-724-6373

A timeless piece because it blends symbolism, craftsmanship, and enduring luxury. Crafted in 18k yellow gold and set with diamonds and tsavorites, it transcends trends while making a powerful statement.

BRANDON MAXWELL THE MERCER PENCIL SKIRT IN TIGER PRINT

Perfect for special occasions when you want to stand out, pairing effortlessly with classics like a simple sweater or crisp white tee!

LANVIN FITTED WAIST MIDI DRESS IN CHAMOMILE

Style it with a playful heel and a clutch for spring or summer soirées and weddings.

ALEMAIS VILLA ROMANTICA MINI DRESS IN BLUE

Wear with boots and a cropped jacket during spring transitional weather. Pair with sandals in the height of the summer season.

LANVIN SMALL FLOWERS KAFTAN IN LIGHT BLUE/WHITE

Effortless versatility and timeless glamour. The fluid silhouette moves beautifully from a luxe beach cover-up to a chic daytime look when tucked into denim, proving its styling range season after season.

DUCK INGREDIENTS:

• Duck fat: 7 oz (about ¾ cup melted)

• Kosher salt: 1 Tbsp + ¾ tsp

• Fresh thyme: 1½ Tbsp (leaves or lightly crushed sprigs)

• Bay leaf: 1 small leaf

CURE THE DUCK

• Orange: Zest of ½ orange

• Black pepper: 1½ tsp, freshly ground

• Ground coriander: ¾ tsp

• Duck leg & thigh quarters: 2–3 pieces (about 2½–3 lb total)

1. In a bowl, combine your dry ingredients (salt, herbs, spices — no fat).

2. Place the duck legs in a container just large enough to hold them.

3. Rub the dry mixture all over the duck legs so they are well coated.

4. Cover and refrigerate for 24 hours.

After 24 hours:

5. Rinse the duck under cold water to remove the cure.

6. Pat completely dry with paper towel

NICO Duck Confit with TOMATO SAUCE

ARTICLE BY ASHLEY NELSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREW CEBULKA

COOK THE DUCK:

1. Preheat oven to 275°F.

2. Place duck legs in a baking dish.

3. Cover completely with melted duck fat.

4. Cover dish tightly with foil.

5. Bake for 3 hours.

6. Remove from oven and let rest 15–20 minutes.

7. Carefully remove duck from fat and let it drain on a rack or paper towels.

(The duck can be stored in the fat in the refrigerator if not using right away.)

REHEAT & CRISP:

1. Heat a sauté pan over medium heat.

2. Add a small spoonful of duck fat.

3. Place duck skin-side down and cook 2–3 minutes until crispy.

4. Flip and cook 1–2 more minutes.

5. Spoon some hot fat over the skin to baste.

6. Let rest briefly and serve.

TOMATO SAUCE INGREDIENTS:

• 1 can whole plum tomatoes

• ½ cup smashed garlic

• 1 small shallot, chopped

• ½ cup white wine

• 3 sprigs of rosemary

• 8 sprigs thyme

• 2 bay leaves

• Salt to taste

TOMATO SAUCE DIRECTIONS:

1. Separate the tomato juice from the whole tomatoes. Set tomatoes aside.

2. In a saucepan, gently cook garlic and shallot in olive oil over low heat until fragrant (do not brown).

3. Add white wine and simmer 5 minutes.

4. Add the reserved tomato juice, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves.

5. Simmer gently until reduced by about one-third. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

6. Strain out the herbs.

7. Add the reduced liquid back to the whole tomatoes and mash together.

8. Season with salt to taste.

9. Cool and refrigerate if not using immediately.

FINAL PLATING:

Recreate one of NICO’s signature dishes at home and savor a taste of coastal culinary excellence kitchen.

Serve the crispy duck with tomato sauce and your choice of side.  NICO recommends a ratatouille.

Bon appétit!

ARTICLE BY ASHLEY NELSON

Balance? Never Heard of Her

A little less hustle, a little more help, and a lot more time with the people who keep you sane

Lately, my friends and I keep saying the same thing: something has to give. We’re smart, capable, driven women who seem to have it all…until the group texts, calendar invites, and never-ending to-do lists remind us that balance? Yeah, we’ve never heard of her.

Because the truth is, women are carrying a lot. There’s an invisible mental load that tags along everywhere—the planning, the remembering, the anticipating. It’s not just being busy; it’s being always on . Emails, schedules, mental checklists… our brains never get a coffee break.

And yes, women are strong (like, superhero-level strong), but even superheroes need sidekicks. Strength doesn’t mean doing it all alone—or burning out in the process.

Thankfully, more of us are starting to realize that protecting our peace is just as important as productivity. That might look like saying no without a long explanation, blocking off time that’s just for you, or finally making that workout class or solo coffee happen - without guilt. Because making space for yourself isn’t selfish—it’s survival.

But here’s the real magic: connection. Lunch with a friend, a last-minute dinner, or a walk that magically turns into an

hour of giggles and venting—these aren’t indulgences, they’re essential. They’re the reset button we didn’t know we needed. They remind us who we are outside of our responsibilities, and give us space to show up as ourselves—not just everything we do for everyone else.

And then there’s the “village.” They say it takes one, but today, we build it ourselves. It’s the friend who swoops in, the neighbor who drops off coffee, the group chat that somehow keeps our sanity mostly intact. It’s less about perfection and more about showing up for each other in small, meaningful ways—and letting those small moments add up to something really supportive.

If your village feels a little under construction, start small. Join the pickleball league, say yes to the dinner invite, try the workout class, sign up for mahjong. These aren’t just plans—they’re how friendships grow and support systems take shape. And often, they become the very thing you look forward to most in your week.  These modern-day villages aren’t built overnight, but the friendships you invest in become the ones that carry you through everything.

And learning to actually accept help? That might be the hardest part. But it’s

Because let’s be honest with ourselves: balance isn’t about doing less—it’s about not doing it solo.

also the most freeing. Because the moment you stop trying to do everything alone, you create space to breathe again. Because let’s be honest with ourselves: balance isn’t about doing less—it’s about not doing it solo. It’s about keeping your sanity, owning your identity, and surrounding yourself with

people who make life lighter, brighter, and way more fun. It’s about building your village, leaning on it, and laughing through the chaos. And in the middle of all that juggling, friendship, and self-care, you realize the truth: doing it all perfectly was never the goal. Feeling like yourself again—that’s the victory.

events

MAY 2ND

Charleston Dragon Boat Festival

Brittlebank Park | 8:00 AM

A vibrant community-driven event where teams race along the water to raise funds and awareness for local cancer survivor programs. Bringing together nearly 1,000 paddlers, it’s a day of friendly competition, wellness, and meaningful connection in support of the Lowcountry community.  The festival is free and open to the public.

MAY 2ND

Charleston Air Show

Charleston Harbor

This years show has changed slightly to a one-day event over the Charleston Harbor. Find your spot near the Cooper River Bridge to watch the exciting flights of the Blue Angels and F16 Demo Team! Tickets are not needed.

MAY 2ND - JUNE 7TH

Spoleto Festival USA

Charleston

A world-class, 17-day performing arts festival that should not be missed. It fills historic theaters, churches, and outdoor venues with opera, dance, theater, jazz, and classical music performances by renowned and emerging artists. The annual spring celebration draws diverse audiences and highlights top artistic talent throughout the city.  For event schedules and ticket information, go to www.spoletousa.org

Personal Training & Physical Therapy

CONTINUED

MAY 2ND - JUNE 7TH

Piccolo Spoleto Festival Varies

Running alongside Spoleto, Piccolo Spoleto celebrates Charleston’s thriving creative community with hundreds of performances, gallery exhibitions, and outdoor concerts throughout the city. It’s an elegant way to experience the city’s artistic pulse while supporting local talent. For event schedules and ticket information, go to www.piccolospoleto.com

MAY 21ST

Isle of Paws Music Fest

IOP Rec Center | 4:00 PM

A fun, pet-friendly celebration featuring live music, local vendors, food trucks, and a lively dog show. Held under the oaks at the Isle of Palms Recreation Center, this free community event invites guests to enjoy great entertainment alongside their four-legged friends.

MAY 30TH

Sweat on the Ship

USS Yorktown | 5:00 PM

A high-energy group workout event aboard the USS Yorktown, bringing the community together, to move with purpose. Featuring guided fitness classes, music, and vendors, the event promotes physical wellness while supporting and raising awareness for mental health initiatives.  Tickets are $40 and benefit Charleston Hope.  This event is a blast and will sell out!

Deeper paths to healing & growth

Andrea Meier, M.S., LPC, LAC

Individuals, Couples, Families

Leadership in Integrative Therapy

Lauren Hamrick, M.S., LPC-A

Individuals & Couples

Women’s Issues & Wellness

Amanda Spivey, M.A., LPC-A, NCC

Individuals & Couples

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Lisa Connelly, M.A., LMFT, Certified Health Coach

Women Only

Healing from Trauma

Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or simply ready for deeper growth, our Collective of women supporting women provides a safe, empowering space to heal, reconnect, and move forward with clarity and confidence.

Anxiety & Trauma

Relational Distress

High Achieving

Addictions

Transitions & Burnout

Sexual Wellness

Attachment Issues