Women-Owned in Charleston: 5 Shops to Know (and Love)
Charleston has always had style but lately, it’s the women behind the counters, studios, and storefronts who are setting the tone. Across the peninsula and beyond, local entrepreneurs are redefining what “Southern charm” looks like: bold, independent, creative, and full of heart.
From a downtown art hub to a King Street romance bookshop that would make Taylor Swift proud, these women-owned shops blend Charleston’s community and creativity.
Whether you’re looking for a Saturday workshop, the perfect hostess gift, or just a little inspiration, start here.
Big Gurl Shop
(Downtown)
Part craft café, part community studio Big Gurl Shop offers rotating DIY projects you can do in-shop: collage/vision boards, mosaic tile art, bracelet making, figure drawing, and more. Workshops run regularly, with an emphasis on hands-on creativity and a welcoming vibe. The concept is intentionally in-person, though you can still shop the owner’s prints and gifts online.
Good to know: The shop announced a move from King Street to 769 Meeting St. on Instagram; check their feed for new workshop dates.
Tweedle Beedle
(Mount Pleasant & Summerville)
A cheerful kids’ boutique with two locations Mt. Pleasant Towne Centre (1312 Theater Dr.) and Nexton Square in Summerville (204 Front St.)—Tweedle Beedle carries baby, children, tween, and teen apparel plus gear, gifts, swim, and pajamas. Sizes range from newborn through teen, and the stores host events and drops throughout the year.
Find them: Active on Instagram with merchandise previews and store updates.
Sweeter Than Fiction
(King Street)
Sweeter Than Fiction is a specialty bookstore on 204 King Street dedicated to romance reads—with a pink, photo-ready interior and Swift-coded winks in the curation and merch. Expect rom-coms, romantasy, YA/New Adult favorites, and stationery and gifts to match.
Hours posted on their Instagram: Mon–Sat 10–6, Sun 12–5.
Roadside Blooms
(Park Circle)
In Park Circle, Roadside Blooms is a floral studio and mercantile known for nature-led, sustainable design, local flower sourcing, and a robust workshop calendar. Beyond daily bouquets and delivery, they host workshops (seasonal themes, design basics, specialty installs) and handle weddings and events. The shop is located at 4491 Durant Ave., North Charleston.
Press & praise: Recent coverage from Charleston Style and Design Magazine highlights their commitment to in-season, locally sourced stems and community-minded atmosphere.
Nellie & Lo
(Mount Pleasant)
Run by a mother–daughter duo, Nellie & Lo is a bright Mt. Pleasant gift shop stocked with unique gifts, accessories, and home décor; frequently featuring women-owned, American-made, or locally sourced lines, with many brands giving back.
Find them at 976 Houston Northcutt Blvd., Suite B, Mount Pleasant.
Why these five
Each one delivers more than a purchase: make something you’ll keep (Big Gurl), kit out the kids with style and substance (Tweedle Beedle), get lost in a love story on King (Sweeter Than Fiction), learn a new stem-skill in Park Circle (Roadside Blooms), and grab the perfect gift that also does some good (Nellie & Lo). It’s the through-line of Charleston’s women-owned scene thoughtful curation, community at the center, and a little creative sparkle.
So next time you’re out and about, skip the big chains and stop by the spots that make Charleston feel personal.
