1. Casey Davidson ’08, Toadfish 

Casey Davidson ’08 founded Toadfish in 2016, launching the coastal lifestyle brand from Charleston farmers markets with a single product: an oyster knife. Inspired by a passion for coastal conservation and life on the water, Mr. Davidson built the company around a mission to restore and protect oyster habitats. What began as a humble startup has since grown into a nationally recognized brand known for its innovative outdoor products designed for fishing, boating, entertaining, and enjoying the coastal lifestyle. Today, Toadfish offers a wide range of gear and accessories that have become staples for outdoor enthusiasts across the country. 

 

Environmental stewardship remains at the heart of the company’s mission, with 5% of all profits dedicated to oyster habitat restoration projects. In addition to leading Toadfish, Mr. Davidson actively supports local conservation initiatives through organizations such as Charleston Waterkeeper and the South Carolina Oyster Recycling and Enhancement (SCORE) program. He also founded the Toadfish Conservation Coalition, a nonprofit organization focused on preserving coastal ecosystems and promoting sustainable environmental practices. While at the College, Mr. Davidson earned a BA in communication and political science. 

 

2. Rachel Gordon ’06, Grit & Grace Studio

Rachel Gordon ’06 opened Grit & Grace Studio, where inspiration was drawn from oysters and the beauty of the Lowcountry coast. Using discarded oyster shells, Ms. Gordon began creating meaningful, wearable art that not only celebrates Charleston’s coastal heritage but also advocates for reef restoration and conscious entrepreneurship. What started as a creative passion has grown into a well-recognized, community-powered brand that uniquely combines art with environmental responsibility. It is hard to walk down King Street without seeing a Grit & Grace shopping bag, a testament to the impact the brand has made throughout Charleston. 

 

Ms. Gordon is also dedicated to environmental stewardship, frequently partnering with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and local restaurants to encourage oyster shell recycling and support the restoration of local oyster reefs. Prior to opening Grit & Grace Studio, she worked in fashion design and later began designing wedding dresses, gifting each bride a hand-painted oyster shell that reflected her love for the coast. Those keepsakes ultimately inspired the vision for Grit & Grace Studio. While at the College, Ms. Gordon earned a BA in communication. 

 

3. Neely Woodson Powell ’00, Charleston Shoe Company

Neely Woodson Powell ’00 comes from a family of entrepreneurs, making it no surprise that she found her own path in business. Her inspiration came after discovering a cobbler in Central Mexico who crafted shoes that were both stylish and exceptionally comfortable. Realizing that footwear combining fashion and comfort was difficult to find, she began selling the shoes at her mother’s furniture markets and trade shows, where she quickly recognized a niche among the women spending long days on their feet who wanted shoes that could keep up without sacrificing style. 

What began as a small venture soon grew into Charleston Shoe Company. As demand increased, Ms. Powell expanded into wholesale accounts and opened storefront locations in Charleston, Savannah, both Florida coasts, and most recently, St. Thomas, USVI. Known as shoes that can take women “from cobblestones to cocktails,” her collection has become a favorite for those looking for footwear that transitions effortlessly from day to night. Today, her shoes are carried in more than 200 boutiques across the country. While at the College, Ms. Powell earned her BA in studio art. 

 

4. Chad Ross ’18, Dorsal Bracelets

Chad Ross ’18 founded Dorsal Bracelets in 2018 with a mission to raise awareness of ocean conservation and beach cleanup efforts. What began as a small t-shirt brand quickly evolved into a recognizable coastal lifestyle company offering bracelets, apparel, and jewelry inspired by a love for the ocean. From the beginning, Mr. Ross built the company around sustainability, believing that every purchase should make a positive impact. 

Today, Dorsal Bracelets is dedicated to creating cleaner oceans by removing one pound of plastic from the ocean with every purchase. The brand has grown significantly since its launch, with products now carried in more than 29 retail stores across the United States. Through its commitment to conservation and coastal communities, Dorsal Bracelets continues to encourage customers to protect the places they love. While at the College, Mr. Ross earned his BS in biology. 

 

5. Tommy Dew ’90, Tommy Dew’s Walking Tours

Tommy Dew ’90 has always had a passion for performing. Early in his career, he toured up and down the East Coast with his band, the Archetypes, entertaining audiences through music. When the group eventually disbanded, Mr. Dew found a new passion, combining his love for storytelling, performance, and local history by becoming a tour guide. 

Since launching his history tours in 1996, Mr. Dew has become one of Charleston’s most well-known and sought-after tour guides. His tours are celebrated for blending historical knowledge with humor and engaging storytelling, creating an experience that is both educational and entertaining. Because no two tours are exactly alike, many visitors return to experience a different perspective on the Holy City. While at the College, Mr. Dew earned his BA in fine arts. 

 

 

6. Ellison Wofford ’13, Susurrus Sparkling Teas

Ellison Wofford ’13 recently launched Susurrus Sparkling Teas, bringing together her passion for the wine industry and wellness to create a unique, non-alcoholic beverage. While at the College, Ms. Wofford earned her BS in business administration before beginning her career in Napa Valley’s wine industry. There, she gained experience across multiple areas of the business, building the knowledge and confidence that would eventually lead her to become a solo female founder. 

In addition to her work in wine, Ms. Wofford is a 500-hour-certified yoga instructor whose passion for wellness inspired her to explore the world of tea. After recognizing the similarities between wine and tea, including their complexity, craftsmanship, and sense of place, she created Susurrus Sparkling Teas, which she calls wine’s “sober sister.” Rather than serving as a substitute for wine, her sparkling teas are an intentional alternative for those seeking the same depth of flavor and elevated drinking experience without the alcohol. While at the College, Ms. Wofford earned her BS in business administration.

 

7. Mimi Striplin ’14, Tiny Tassel

Mimi Striplin ’14 was inspired to launch The Tiny Tassel after receiving a pair of pink tassel earrings as a birthday gift. What began as a creative hobby quickly turned into a thriving business as she crafted tassel earrings in her spare time and sold them on Etsy while working in retail. As demand grew, so did the brand, gaining national attention through social media and features on The Today Show, Essence, and Southern Living. 

In March 2021, Ms. Striplin opened the doors to The Tiny Tassel’s first brick-and-mortar shop in Charleston. While the colorful tassel earrings remain at the heart of the business, the boutique has expanded to include clothing designed by her mother, Keiko Striplin, as well as products from other Black female-owned businesses. Through The Tiny Tassel, Ms. Striplin has created a vibrant brand that celebrates creativity, community, and support for fellow entrepreneurs. While at the College, Ms. Striplin earned her BA in communication.