We want to celebrate all the businesses that make the Holy City so special.

In honor of our many movers and shakers, we’re asking readers to nominate small businesses they love so we can share them with the whole audience.

We’ll be here to share a new batch of small businesses every month, so bookmark this page to come back for more, especially if you’ve enjoyed our Small Business Week and Today’s Best coverage.

Editor’s note: Some quotes may have been edited for clarity and brevity.

Editor Callie's Picks

Cozy bookstore interior with wooden shelves filled with colorful books. Round tables hold more books and plants, creating a welcoming, tranquil atmosphere. — In addition to offering a plethora of books, the new independent bookstore Ladybird Books will host events, readings, and conversations. | Photo by Ruta Smith

Ladybird Books | Independent bookstore
“The goal from the beginning was to create a place that feels like an eclectic reflection of our community, where stories, ideas, and people come together in unexpected ways.” — Founder Summer Anderson

The independent King Street bookstore features 1,760 sq ft of space, stocked with best-selling literary fiction, contemporary Southern fiction and nonfiction, culture-driven cookbooks, and a “How to be a Human” section for memoirs and thought-provoking reads.

Jeff and Ben started Brackish right here in Charleston. | Photo by Justin Falk via Preservation Society of Charleston

Brackish | Apparel
“Honestly, humbled + flattered. It gives me goosebumps every time I see a customer wearing a piece we’ve created right here in Charleston out in the wild.” — co-founder, Jeff Plotner

A Lowcountry brand celebrating fashion, beauty, nature, and hometown pride began in a Rutledge Avenue apartment. The idea for the company was sparked when co-founder Ben Ross made turkey-feather bow ties for his groomsmen, and later, he teamed up with Jeff Plotner to turn the gift into a thriving business.

167 Raw is one of the spots we've got our eye on this week. | Photo by Lawson Builder

167 Raw | Oyster bar + seafood eatery

“We are incredibly grateful for our new home at 193 King St. and for all of our guests who love to be there.” — Owner Jesse Sandole

This King Street oyster bar and seafood spot has grown into a large-scale restaurant that quite literally always has a line out the door. It specializes in seafood and offers a fun, lively atmosphere.

Retail

A woman in a white dress and blue flats smiles beside a vintage jukebox in a brightly lit room. The walls feature colorful, floral patterns, creating a cheerful, retro ambiance. — Before its move to King Street, the Goldbug Collection was located on Spring Street. | Photo by Cameron Wilder

Goldbug Collection | Costume jewelry, engraving, and gifts

“It’s an honor to bring the Goldbug Collection to a space I’ve known and loved my whole life. My family has been creating custom jewelry and celebrating milestones with customers for generations, and I’m so excited to continue the tradition in a shop that has brought so many people joy.” — Owner Mini Hay Avant

Founded in 2014, the Lowcountry-inspired jewelry and accessories brand is known for its charms and offers on-site engraving. Mini Hay Avant says her jewelry line was inspired by her great-grandfather, master jeweler and hand engraver William Joseph Croghan. Hay Avant’s shop, now standing in the historic Croghan's Jewel Box building, has been in her family for generations.

Nellie & Lo | Gift shop
“We saw a need for a unique and fun one-stop shop to grab a great gift, and it was important to us to carry a variety of items at a variety of price points as well as brands that are small businesses, women-owned, or give back to a great cause.” — Founders Pam and Taylor

From baby bibs to cocktail napkins and even luxury candles. This Mount Pleasant gift shop, located in Northcutt Plaza, is run by a mother-daughter duo and offers gifts, accessories, and home decor from other small businesses and brands that give back.

Ask the team to help you build a gift box and fill it with your favorite local goodies. | Photo by Vision Balm

Local Love CHS | Gift shop
“We loved shopping at local markets, but couldn't always get there. So, we had the idea to bring local artisan goods to a brick-and-mortar store where people could shop local during regular retail business hours. We have the largest selection of made-in-Charleston products with over 200 different makers.” — Co-owner Medea Duffy

This James Island spot is overflowing with a hand-picked selection of locally made sustainable products. The spot offers a wide variety of items that make the sweetest, unique gifts, as well as experiences and hands-on classes. Bonus, it smells so good in the shop.

Pro tip: Sign up for emails to receive a discount. | Photo by @shopmillielynn

Millie Lynn Boutique | Women's Clothing Boutique

"I named the store after my Grandma Millie, who always told us to live life to the fullest and buy the dress now instead of waiting. We celebrate our lovely city through our bright clothes and items in the store.” — Owner Stacey Weismann

When you walk down King Street, keep your eyes peeled for the giant pink bows in the windows of this female-owned women’s clothing boutique. It showcases bright clothing to reflect the Holy City's bubbly vibes and boasts lots of Charleston merch. Don't miss the store's selection of products from other local small businesses.

Health + Wellness

Modern Movement Yoga | Health and wellness

“I built this business on the idea that everyone has power within, and we use the mat as a catalyst to build on that inner strength each time we show up. It is about feeling empowered in yourself and learning to lean into self-love so that you can spread your love and power out into the world. I feel this is the ripple effect needed to create a better and stronger person and community, and I wanted to foster that change.” — Owner Jolene Newman

This boutique yoga experience both pampers and challenges you to develop your mind and body. The studio boasts exceptional cleaning standards and says the sessions are more than just a class; they aim to inspire participants to create a better community through movement.

A yoga instructor in green assists a participant lifting a dumbbell in a serene studio with large windows, creating a focused and supportive atmosphere. — The studio says building community is one of their main priorities. | Photo by @modern_movement_yoga

Travel + Leisure

BagValet | Luggage pickup, storage, and delivery service
"We are a first-of-its-kind concept that was created after identifying the need as a rideshare driver. Our goal is to keep local streets and establishments clear of the clutter to maintain Charleston's charm." — Owner Amanda Sheridan

To all of our out-of-town guests, this one's for you. The next time you visit and your hotel room isn't ready, or you have a few hours to kill before a flight, and want to explore the city without dragging that clunky suitcase down narrow cobblestone streets, ane give BagValet a call. These folks will pick up and drop off your bags when and where you need so you can enjoy your time hands-free.

The team recommends planning to try the Wagyu Beef Panini on Saturdays. | Photo by @tedsbutcherblock

Food + Beverage

Ted's Butcherblock | Butcher shop, deli + cafe
"I have lived in Charleston for over 30 years. At the time, no one was offering high-end, all-natural meats or international items. We filled a niche in the community. 20 years later, we are still community-driven. I love the people that support my staff and me, and as I get older, I get to mentor the next generation of the food + beverage community." — Owner Ted Dombrowski

Inspired by his grandparents, who were butchers in New Jersey for nearly 40 years, Ted's full-service butcher shop, deli, and cafe offers everything from all-natural meats and fresh seafood to handmade sandwiches and gourmet prepared meals.

Pets

A woman in sunglasses and a baseball cap smiling alongside a brown dog on a sunny day. The background features green trees and a clear blue sky. — Owners will receive photos and notes from each service to ensure the pet is happy, safe, and well-cared for. | Photo by Charleston Dog Walker

Charleston Dog Walker | Pet services

“I wanted to create something that takes that worry off your plate completely and replaces it with real peace of mind. This business is incredibly personal to me because I’ve always believed pets are family." — Founder Mallory Cooper

Designed for busy Charleston pet parents, Charleston Dog Walker is a trusted, professional pet care team that provides personalized dog walking and pet sitting in your home. Year-round customizable care is offered to support you on busy weekdays, during travel, and on holidays.

Covey Collection | Pet accessories

“Inspired by the coast and a deep love for cavaliers, we set out to create a brand that captures the essence of coastal living.” — Founder Kate Lacey

This local online business was named after a little dog with a big personality, Covey. The small-batch pet products feature bright, whimsical Charleston designs.

Psst — If you’d like to see a small business included in CHStoday, make sure to submit it here.