We want to celebrate all the businesses that make the Midlands 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.

Knick Knacks & More brings together local vendors under one roof, offering a mix of handmade goods, vintage finds, and small business products. | Photo via Knick Knacks & More

Charging Solutions LLC | Personal services
"We started this business because we want to support and advance the electrification process. Many businesses and multifamily communities have employees, customers, or tenants who are driving electric vehicles and are looking for charging either while they work or while they sleep." — Adam Regenthal

Charging Solutions LLC specializes in electric vehicle charging installations and infrastructure. The company helps homeowners and businesses transition to EV technology with reliable, forward-thinking solutions.

Edmondson Restoration | Construction
“When surveying the restoration industry, we noticed a gap in high-level customer service paired with an informative and educational experience. We pride ourselves on slowing down the process and making sure customers understand the what and why of everything as we work to restore their property.” — Steve Rebl

Edmondson Restoration helps homeowners and businesses recover from water, fire, mold, and storm damage. The full-service general contractor handles mitigation, remediation, and reconstruction, with free inspections and estimates.

Hotel Trundle | Travel + leisure
“Columbia didn’t have a boutique hotel with real personality, one built inside buildings with real history, and I saw that as our unicorn opportunity. Three neglected historic structures on Taylor Street were sitting there waiting for new life.” — Rita Patel

Hotel Trundle is a locally owned boutique hotel created from three historic buildings on Taylor Street in downtown Columbia. Open since 2018, the hotel pairs its preserved architectural details with local art, community partnerships, and playful design touches.

Jessica Corley Law Firm | Personal services
"I started my law firm to empower injured women with knowledge, empathy, and skill." — Owner, Jessica Corley

Jessica Corley Law Firm offers legal services focused on guiding clients through complex situations with clarity and care. The practice emphasizes personalized support and straightforward communication.

Knick Knacks & More | Retail
“We didn’t just open a retail shop. We built a community — a space where small businesses can grow together instead of alone.” — Kelley Kelly

Knick Knacks & More brings together local vendors under one roof, offering a mix of handmade goods, vintage finds, and small business products. The space is designed to support makers while creating a place for shoppers to browse and connect.

Little Loggerheads Swim School | Health + wellness
“We get very young children completely independent in the water in less than six hours, giving them the ability to save their own life, even as young as 8 months.” — Shannon O’Lear

Little Loggerheads teaches aquatic survival skills for children as young as 8 months, helping them become water-safe quickly. The program focuses on water independence, giving families peace of mind through practical, life-saving techniques.

Mahjong with Alice is dealing up classes and events for players looking to learn the game, sharpen their skills, and meet others around the table. | Photo via Mahjong with Alice

Mahjong with Alice | Personal services, Travel + leisure
“As a former educator, mahjong player, and event planner, I realized I could combine all three to bring more mahjong to the Midlands. The game is social and strategic. It brings people together while offering a mental challenge.” — Alice McMahan

Mahjong with Alice offers beginner and Next Level classes for players looking to learn the game or sharpen their skills. The business also hosts community events for open and competitive play.

Pivot Pelvic Health offers one-on-one physical therapy to help women address pelvic health concerns throughout different stages of life. | Photo via Pivot Pelvic Health Physical Therapy

Pivot Pelvic Health Physical Therapy | Health + wellness
“I started Pivot Pelvic Health after seeing how often women’s symptoms were dismissed or rushed through in traditional healthcare settings. I wanted to create a space where women feel heard, supported, and truly understood.” — Jennifer Hines

Pivot Pelvic Health helps women across the Midlands address pelvic pain, urinary and bowel issues, pregnancy, birth preparation, and postpartum recovery. The practice offers one-on-one, hour-long sessions with the same physical therapist and takes a whole-body approach to care.

Skyler M Wellness | Health + wellness, Retail
“I created Skyler M Wellness to be the kind of space I needed, a place where women can reconnect with themselves, build meaningful connections, and be reminded that they are worthy of rest, wellness, and investing in themselves.” — Yolanda McCray

Skyler M Wellness creates wellness experiences for midlife women through workshops, community gatherings, faith-centered encouragement, and curated wellness products. The business focuses on helping women slow down, reconnect, and prioritize their well-being.

Tip Top Tree Service handles tree removal and trimming across the Midlands, using specialized equipment and techniques to keep properties safe and well-maintained. | Photo by Tip Top Tree Services

Tip Top Tree Service | Personal services
"We aim to help educate customers about their trees and bring their project to life.” — Rachel Thomas

Tip Top Tree Service provides tree removal, trimming, and maintenance across the Midlands. Known for its hands-on approach, the team combines technical expertise with customer education to help homeowners make informed decisions about their outdoor spaces.

Editor David's picks

City Art | Arts + Craft Store
Tucked beneath its gallery space in the Vista behind Blue Marlin, this shop has everything you need to explore your creative side. It has served USC students and local creatives for years with frames, canvases, paints, and more. I like to dabble in watercolor.

The Book Dispensary | Bookstore
You could spend hours exploring used gems and rare finds. The local section, featuring books by area authors and books rooted in local topics, is especially worth browsing.

Scratch N Spin | Record store
Beyond tapes, CDs, and vinyl, this West Columbia shop offers a wide range of media and what feels like an endless collection of vintage items to dig through.

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