A native of Des Moines, Iowa, I relocated to the Mauldin/Simpsonville area in 1997, which means I can solidly call South Carolina “home.” An executive assistant by profession, I relocated to South Carolina to work for a video store chain – Moovies, that was headquartered in Greenville. The area is so welcoming and I appreciate the mild climate. Although my employers during my time in the area have changed from the video store chain, to a financial services company, to a commercial real estate management company, I seem to have landed in a law firm downtown where for the past 13 years, I have supported many facets of the administration of a law firm.
In my home life, I have enjoyed training and competing in dogs sports with my golden retrievers and doing pet therapy visits with several of my dogs over the years, bringing comfort and joy to the youth in our area.
A year ago, I scribbled on the driveway to share a Happy Fourth of July message to my neighbors, and a fire ignited inside my soul! For the past year, I have been developing my skill and finding outlets to leave little happy surprises around my community with little doodles and messages of encouragement in chalk.
Whether it’s through dogs or through chalk, my greatest joy is leaving a little piece of joy behind to lift up others who cross my path.
As I approach a new season in life, whether that is sooner or later, I would love to grow this passion into a business to afford others an opportunity to share joys with others, where I can be their hands and heart. That is why I introduce you to: Smiles on the Sidewalk Art by Patrice Hoerster
Q: How long have you lived or worked in The Golden Strip?
I moved to Mauldin in Fall of 1996. I have resided in Standing Springs Estates in Simpsonville since Spring of 1997.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
There are things that I won’t do, like ride a roller coaster, but if that’s what you want to do, I’ll be the first one in line to cheer you on! I like to see people succeed.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in The Golden Strip?
Unfortunately, didn’t get his name, but I find the most interesting people are the people you don’t expect. People that others might not “see”. I was heading back to Iowa for a final visit with my mother who was ailing and my washing machine broke. I found myself at the laundromat on Main Street in Mauldin sharing my woes with the man working the shift. Two strangers sharing heart felt encouragement in difficult times. He connected with my Midwestern roots and made me feel at home in the middle of an emergency chore.
Q: What current / former local business makes you the most nostalgic about The Golden Strip?
The Ice Cream Station. It is an historical treasure that brings people together today as it did in the past. While it wasn’t always a place to gather for a cool treat on a summer day, it was a stopping place along the railroad that brought community together. I enjoy sitting on the benches, watching people and wondering who had crossed those tracks so many years ago when Simpsonville was first incorporated.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about The Golden Strip?
With growth comes traffic, but with traffic comes people. I enjoy watching the development of many unique gathering spots where people can enjoy community. Southern Hospitality at its best.
Q: With so much growth in our area, there are always new places popping up. Tell us about the a “new to you” place that you recently tried.
I finally made it to Bridgeway Station. It was a Friday afternoon late lunch at Bourbon Burgers. Great wait staff. Cheerful. Friendly. Efficient. I noticed games on the patio. I’m going to have to mingle with the night crowd!
Q: What 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME or NEIGHBOR?
You belong here. You have value. You are seen. Tell me your story, I’ll tell you mine.
Q: If you had friends or family visiting you from out of town, what is the one place that you must take them to?
We would meander in downtown Simpsonville. There is something for everyone.
Q: If you had a free day with no plans, what would you do? Or where can we find you on the weekends?
A free day with no plans!? Sign me up! I will fill it with chalk and dogs. Let’s play outside!
Q: If you were cast into a major motion picture and had your choice of anyone to be your co-star, who would you choose?
I think I would choose one of my nieces. They have grown into fine women, raising small children in a difficult world. It’s pretty amazing to see who they are becoming and what I can learn from them.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
When I was a girl, I read a book entitled “Misty of Chincoteague”. My lifelong dream is to visit Chincoteague Island, Virginia and watch the annual pony round up. If life is kind, that dream will come true in 2025!
Q: What advice would you give to a crowd of people?
Smile. Be Patient.
Q: Who would you like to see nominated for this project, The Faces of The Golden Strip?
Beth Saadati. She is a mom, a teacher, a writer with an amazing story of tragedy of losing a child to suicide and rising from the ashes to bless others through that pain.
