This edition of Clare is dedicated in loving memory to Taylor Leigh Flowers
BY ALEX FEAGIN mtscreporter@gmail.com
We interviewed the owner of Magnolia and Grace, Grace Surette, about her new customized hat bar. Here are the questions and her respective answers.
TMT: How did you get into designing custom hats for people?
G: So the reason I started off was because I’m a huge hat person. I love all kinds of hats. It’s been a huge passion of mine to have a hat wall. So, in my house I have a huge hat wall that displays all of my hats that I’ve had over the years and they just kind of tell a story. I don’t necessarily like the bland ones, I always like to put my own twist to them. I did go to Nashville last year, and I started off looking at all these hats; I was like ‘wow these are amazing, I want to do one.’ Then I sat back, and I was like ‘why not try and do this on myself? Okay! Let’s see how this goes,’ and it’s just taken off by itself. I didn’t understand that there was kind of a need for it around here. I wanted to make it affordable, but I also wanted to make it unique to each individual that came through my Nowbuilding.sometimes there are people that just come and purchase one that I’ve done, but mainly, I try and do it specific to the individual. I’ve had people come in and say ‘Hey, this is my grandma’s veil, this is my granddaddy’s napkin, this is my daddy’s bow tie,’ So, I try and create it uniquely
the last 5 or 10 years, I’ve actually got people coaching for me that grew up playing out there. So now they’ve got family of their own and they’re coaching their kids, so it’s like a cycle. That’s what I like to see, you got something out of it, now you’re putting back into it.
there are people that just come and purchase one that I’ve done, but mainly, I try and do it specific to the individual. I’ve had people come in and say ‘Hey, this is my grandma’s veil, this is my granddaddy’s napkin, this is my daddy’s bow tie,’ So, I try and create it uniquely to the individual so it tells a story. So each hat, if I haven’t done it, or if I’ve done it for someone else, I allow them to name the hat so it’s also unique to them. I’ve done some just for people in general that liked a bunch of different stuff added to them. I use leather, lace, cotton, all kinds of different stuff. And then, I’ve had people more here lately that have understood where they want to take the hat and have it made more distinctive to them. The last hat that I did, the scarf was the lady’s mom’s, the napkin was her dad’s, and both of them had passed a couple years ago so it was definitely a unique. And, it was something that they could wear all the time, but it wasn’t necessarily over the top. That’s been the pleasure of making them is they’re specific to each individual. And as I said before, I allow them to name them, so that helps make the hats even more unique to each person.
Many people believe that the Recreation Department is just about public parks and their upkeep, but obviously more goes into your job. Can you tell me a little bit about what your job entailed and how would you respond to those people?
TMT: Can you take me through your process of how you decorate each hat. I know you said sometimes people bring you stuff, but do you look at a hat and think ‘okay, I want to do this with it, or I want to put this piece with this hat?’
G: To begin with, I purchased all my hats through a company, and it’s a very sturdy style hat so that I can brand them. It withstands the materials on there. I make sure I purchase sturdy hats because I want to make sure it lasts, and I want to make sure if I start like branding on it, it doesn’t bleed through. I purchase them and then people come in, and
When I was in Goose Creek, I was strictly in charge of all athletics; youth and adult, whatever sports that we had going on at the time. When I came here as the director, we didn’t have an athletic director, so I was basically director and athletic director, as well as programming early on. You know, I had a maintenance staff, and they were the guys that were responsible for the upkeep of the parks, the cutting and cleaning. One thing I will say, the guys that I have had over the years have been really good. Something that always made me really proud was being out at the ball field for games, and parents coming up and compliment you on how clean the parks are and how clean the bathrooms are. That was a big stickler with me because at all the parks I’ve been around, the bathrooms were always terrible. That is one thing I wanted our
guys to really focus on, and they do. First thing they did at the parks in the morning was pick up the trash and clean the bathrooms. Then they would go about their daily busi ness. If it was grass cutting season, they would be cutting the parks, or they would be cleaning the parks and making
We basically started out in ’98, when I came here. Really, the only program that the county ran was youth basketball. The baseball program was run by a private parents group, but they used the county field. So, our only responsibil ity in ’98 and ’99 was to cut the grass, drag the fields, and line the fields. Then the parents group came in that night, and they ran their own canteen and did everything. We didn’t have to do anything and by 5:00, we were pretty much done. They voted in 2000 for the county to take over the baseball program, so that got things rolling. The thing was, where I came from in Goose Creek, baseball was big and girls softball was big. When I came here in ’98, if you were a girl, you had to play baseball. There was no softball, so that was one of the first things I did when we took over the baseball program. I started girls’ slow-pitch softball. In about two years, we went on to do fast-pitch. Then we started soccer, and it’s still going strong. Then we started flag football, and then after about 7 years, we offered tackle football; that’s still going on now. Over the
stuff. Then as far as like the style, I just show people what I do, like ‘this would be cute this way’ or ‘this would be cute that way.’ We first look at what they brought me and take it from there. If they brought me a scarf, then I say okay let’s try and get with the colors of the scarf to make scarf pop on the hat. I just really like to talk it over with the client and say ‘alright, this is what I’m imagining, is this the same as what you are imagining?’ and we adjust from there. Thankfully, my first try is usually the best, but every now and then I may need to take this off, or change that, or add that, and then sometimes they’re like ‘hey, I was looking in my closet and I found this can we add this to it?’
TMT: You talked about how you brand the hats a lot, do you work with branding often? What else do you use?
G: I have my own tools, and I free hand all of the branding that I do on each hat. I do have stencil letters that I can warm up and brand on the specific hat, but most of my work is freehand. I did a bride-to-be’s future last name, so she could wear it when she’s leaving the ceremony. I freehanded that whole thing. I’ve done people’s initials, I’ve done verses. I’m getting ready to do a Coastal Carolina Hall of Fame lettering on one currently. I do a lot of different brandings.
TMT: You get a lot of people that bring stuff in, is there anything weird or interesting that sticks out?
G: Nothing is really weird to me, I’m like, ‘the weirder it is, the better.’ I feel like that makes you happy, it makes it more irreplaceable, and you’re not going to be able to find that somewhere else. Where I make a pink hat and I just put something on it, they have a pink hat and they add pictures or initials that is directed to the individual. So it makes it completely different than anyone else. You know you’re not
going to go to a country music concert or Nashville and see the exact same hat.
TMT: Do you have a favorite hat?
G: I wouldn’t really say I have a favorite one. I think my most treasured one has been the latest hat that I’ve done, where the lady brought nothing but her stuff. That was the one I mentioned earlier, where her scarf that was her mom’s, and the handkerchief was her dad’s, there were pendants that her mom and grandma wore, there was a pendant that reminded her of her husband. I’m a very sentimental person and I love connections like that. I think that’s why I haven’t created my own hat yet. I actually made one and someone was like, ‘hey I really like that scarf that you have on there, can I purchase that, and add it on a different hat?’ You know sometimes when you wear the brand, you end up having to kind of regroup, but that is the joy of doing it, you get to re-do another hat some other day. I’m looking forward to having things from my grandmas’ on either side, my dad’s parents, my mom’s parents, and some people that are very close to me that I can add to my own hat because I’m very home driven. Family is huge for me, friends are huge for me, so the more the better. I think those hats are probably some of my favorites to do, hearing the stories behind the materials is always really great.
TMT: Do you work on the hats here at Magnolia & Grace?
G: I do. I do it on site. I like to do it here because it’s fun when people walk into the doors, and see me working on something. That also encourages other people to explore the possibility of doing their own hats, and that’s kind of where I’ve got other people that have come through and said ‘hey I really want this hat could you do me a hat?’ So, that works too. People really enjoy the hands-on aspect of
TMT: What’s the easiest way for people to get a hat made by you?
G: It depends entirely on their schedule. A lot of times people just bring me stuff, and are like ‘here, I trust you, you do it,’ type of thing, but nine times out of ten I, of course, make sure that they find the perfect hat. That’s always the first thing. I brand each hat so that they know that came straight from me. It’s GE, which is Grace Emily, my first and middle name. I have had people local, and I’ve had people out of state that come through to get a hat made, in that case I can ship it. I have four that I’m working on right now, and they’re all local. I have one lady that’s headed to Nashville this week so I’m trying to get hers done so she can have it for her trip.
for the regional medical Orangeburg South Caroand her husband lived in which was one of many lived. Myers has held pospecial events, marketing, director of tourism for the County Chamber of ComMyers and her family reClarendon County in 2016, working as the director of tourism.Myers had previous experithe project manager posiinspired her to be a part of bigger because the industhe county play a huge community. Myers discovseveral new positions were the chamber of commerce, allowed her to request informany of the chamber’s including the newly created project manager, which she decided to apply for by contacting George Kosinski, executive director of the development board. Myers had previously worked with Kosinski when she was the director of tourism. She
Clarendon County Economic Development Team promotes the success of existing industry and recruits companies and entrepreneurs worldwide to be part of our exciting future and join our growing economy
Fruit Salad
2 8 oz. cans of peaches
3 cups of strawberries
1 large can of pineapple
3 cups of grapes (green or purple)
½ cup of tang
1 small box of instant vanilla pudding
2 Bananas (optional)
Slice all the fruit. Pour canned fruit, including the juice into a bowl with the rest of the fruit. Put the tang and dry pudding mix in a bowl and mix the dry ingredients together. Pour the dry ingredients into the fruit mixture and mix thoroughly. Add banana when serv-
ing.
Grape Salad
8 oz. cream cheese
1 cup sugar (may substitute Splenda)
½ cup light brown sugar
1 tsp. vanilla (optional)
4 cups small, sweet grapes, white, blue or blue & white
1 cup nuts, toasted (optional)
1 (8 oz.) container of sour cream
Combine cream cheese and sugars. Add sour cream, vanilla and nuts. Stir in grapes, washed and dried thoroughly.
Refrigerate. Keeps well in the fridge.
Mandarin Orange Salad
1 cup mandarin orange slices, drained
1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
1 cup sour cream
1 cup coconut
1 cup mini marshmallows
1 cup pecans
Mix ingredients lightly. Chill and serve.
Mandarin Orange Salad
¼ cup oil
4 tbsp. sugar
2 tbsp. vinegar
1 tsp. salt
Dash of pepper
Dash of hot sauce
2 tbsp. chopped parsley
Mix above ingredients well. Cover and refrigerate.
1 bunch Romaine lettuce
1 head iceberg lettuce
2 (11 oz.) cans mandarin oranges, drained
4 green onions with tops, chopped ½ cup slivered almonds that have been cooked (caramelized) in 3 tbsp. of sugar
is often discussed in
can have when selling
tons of exported wheat this year.
Renovations are a great way for to reshape their homes. Some renovate so their home is of their personal taste, while so in an effort to make their align with modern styles and Regardless of why a homeownrenovate, the need to do so is to the naked eye, especially comes to update home exte-
Curb appeal is often discussed in effects it can have when selling curb appeal is equally importhomeowners who aren’t putting their
Multiple curling shingles indicate it’s time to replace the roof. The sight of curling shingles is not pretty, but the larger issue in such instances is the potential for costly water
southern Kansas. Aboveaverage yield may occur northwest Missouri south-central Illinois. Despite more normalized yields, operating costs have climbed, including the costs nitrogen fertilizer used corn production, so store prices of corn, corn oil and corn products may remain high. The agricultural sector continues to make strides provide products people However, various fachave affected the cost availability of a number products.
market. Russia, the United States, Canada, France, and Ukraine were the world’s top wheat exporters in 2020, according to Statista. The United Nations reported that 30 to 40 percent of the fall 2022 harvest in Ukraine is at risk, as farmers have been unable to plant crops. This could result in a potential loss of 19 to 34 million tons of exported wheat this year.
pride, while a home with fading curb appeal can make homeowners feel a little sheepish. Homeowners who want their homes to maintain their curb appeal can look for signs that it’s time to update their home exteriors.
Curling shingles: The roof may not be the first thing people think of when pondering curb appeal, but a damaged roof can contribute to problems that ultimately affect the exterior and interior of the home. Multiple curling shingles indicate it’s time to replace the roof. The sight of curling shingles is not pretty, but the larger issue in such instances is the potential for costly water
803-590-9199
Grass seed
The abundance of spring rain in the Pacific Northwest, as well as areas of Minnesota and Canada, contributed to an expected above-average crop of grass seed. However, the upper midwest crop was forecasted to be a week to two weeks late due to cooler than average temperatures.
Despite an abundance, the Oregon Grass Seed Bargaining Association expected that growers will ask for higher prices on seed throughout 2022 for perennial ryegrass and tall fescue due to greater input costs and land rent increases, among other factors.
The abundance of spring rain in the Pacific Northwest, as well as areas of Minnesota and Canada, contributed to an expected above-average crop of grass seed. However, the upper midwest crop was forecasted to be a week to two weeks late due to cooler than average temperatures. Despite an abundance, the Oregon Grass Seed Bargaining Association expected that growers will ask for higher prices on seed throughout 2022 for perennial ryegrass and tall fescue due to greater input costs and land rent increases, among other factors.
Later planting dates of corn across the United
States corn belt has led to stalled development of the crop in 2022. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Crop Watch anticipated nearaverage levels of corn on irrigated fields. Across rainfed locations, predictions are more uncertain due to we gather throughout July and August (which had yet to be documented at press time). While most sites are expected to see nearaverage corn crops, a high probability of below-average yield may occur in Iowa, southwest Nebraska and southern Kansas. Aboveaverage yield may occur in northwest Missouri and south-central Illinois. Despite more normalized yields, operating costs have climbed, including the costs of nitrogen fertilizer used in corn production, so store prices of corn, corn oil and other corn products may remain high.
The agricultural sector continues to make strides to provide products people need. However, various factors have affected the cost and availability of a number of products.
Later planting dates of corn across the United
to be documented at press time). While most sites are expected to see nearaverage corn crops, a high probability of below-average yield may occur in Iowa, southwest Nebraska and southern Kansas. Aboveaverage yield may occur in northwest Missouri and south-central Illinois. Despite more normalized yields, operating costs have climbed, including the costs of nitrogen fertilizer used in corn production, so store prices of corn, corn oil and other corn products may remain high. The agricultural sector continues to make strides to provide products people need. However, various factors have affected the cost and availability of a number of products.
more reflective of their personal taste, while others may do so in an effort to make their homes better align with modern styles and sensibilities. Regardless of why a homeowner chooses to renovate, the need to do so is often evident to the naked eye, especially when the time comes to update home exteriors.
Curb appeal is often discussed in regard to the effects it can have when selling a home. But curb appeal is equally important for homeowners who aren’t putting their
exteriors. not be pondering can contribute affect Multiple replace gles is instances
Mix above. Pour dressing over. Top with almonds. Serve immediately.
Pineapple Lemon Salad
1 (20 oz.) can plus 1 (8 oz.) can
1 (14 oz.) can sweetened
crushed pineapple, drained, reserving 1 cup juice
condensed milk
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup water
1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
2 (3 oz.) boxes lemon-flavored gelatin
1 cup pecans, chopped
In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup reserved pineapple juice and 1 cup water.
Bring to a boil over medium heat. Add gelatin stirring to dissolve. Remove from heat and pour gelatin mixture into a
large bowl. Stir in condensed milk and mayonnaise, whisking until smooth. Stir in pineapple, cheese and pecans.
Spoon mixture into a 13x9 inch baking dish; cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or until set.
Red Hot Applesauce Salad
2½ cup boiling water
2/3 cup small red hots (candy)
2 (3 oz.) packages lemon Jello
8 oz. cream cheese
½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup pecans
1 (1 Ib.) can (2 cups) applesauce
Boil water. Add red hots and turn stove to low. Keep stirring until candy melts. Take off stove and stir in Jello. Stir in applesauce. Put ½ of mixture into 2 quart mold or 8 inch square pan. Chill until firm. Stir softened cream cheese, mayonnaise and nuts together. Spread over hardened Jello. Pour remaining Jello mixture over top. Put in refrigerator several hours to get it firm. Serves 9-12.
Strawberry Salad
First layer:
2 cups crushed pretzels
3 tbsp. sugar
¾ cups margarine
Melt margarine. Add sugar and pretzels and spread in 13 × 9-inch pan. Bake at 400° for 8 minutes.
Second layer:
8 oz. cream cheese
8 oz. Cool Whip
¾ c. sugar
Mix and spread over crust.
Third Layer:
1 (6 oz.) package strawberry Jello
2 (10 oz.) packages frozen strawberries
2 cups boiling water
Dissolve Jello in water. Add strawberries. Cool until starts to thicken. Pour over second layer and refrigerate.
Tomato Pie
2 pie crusts, baked
1 cup mayonnaise
2 tomatoes, sliced
2-3 cups grated cheese
1 small onion, chopped
6-8 slices bacon, cooked & crumbled
Salt, pepper, basil to taste
Preheat oven to 350°. Layer sliced tomatoes in pie crusts. Top with chopped onion. Add seasonings. Mix eggs, mayonnaise and cheese. Pour on top of toma-
toes and onions. Top with bacon. Bake 30-35 minutes. Cool 20 minutes.
