I was born and raised in West Virginia on a small beef farm. I was an active member of 4-H and FFA growing up and agriculture education is still a passion of mine. When I wasn’t playing on the farm I was playing volleyball. I continued my volleyball career at West Virginia Wesleyan College. I graduated in 2016 with three degrees. I have two Bachelor of Arts, one in History and one in Secondary Education. I also have a Masters of Edu in Special Education. I applied for jobs all over the east coast and happily accepted a teaching position in Greenville County and moved south without knowing anyone. I have been in the area ever since and I have loved creating my own community here in the south. When I am not teaching full time, I love coaching volleyball with FCA, running my photography business, Belle Bee Photography or serving at Capstone Church.
Q: Tell us about yourself, including a little bit about where you grew up, your education, your family, interests, passions, and career?
See above.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in The Golden Strip?
I moved to South Carolina in 2016 and I haven’t looked back since!
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I love to craft and create. I enjoy crocheting, hand embroidery and quilting is my most recent hobby. I love picking up a new hobby and surprising my friends with a fun gift.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in The Golden Strip?
Taylor Hames! She is a devoted dog mom, an amazing ED nurse and she also has a flourishing photography business. She does it all!
Q: What current / former local business makes you the most nostalgic about The Golden Strip?
Sweet Catherine’s! I love sneaking over to Fountain Inn for lunch whenever I have a day off work.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about The Golden Strip?
I love how each small town – Simpsonville, Mauldin, and Fountain Inn-all have their own flare but also go together so cohesively.
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.
Absolutely not a new spot but I recently found Harrison’s in Mauldin and I love going there.
Q: What 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME or NEIGHBOR?
Community, Support, Friendship.
Q: If you had friends or family visiting you from out of town, what is the one place that you must take them to?
Harrison’s for sure to shop and Azteca Mexican Restaurant to eat!
Q: If you had a free day with no plans, what would you do? Or where can we find you on the weekends?
I love visiting Conestee Park to walk around, I enjoy hiking all over the upstate. I would absolutely eat at Sweet Catherine’s for lunch. I would also probably visit Swanky Steer and do a little shopping.
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?
This was the hardest question for me in the whole questionnaire! I think I would choose Sandra Bullock or Matthew McConaughey!
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I want to plan a big trip to New England. I want to visit Boston, Philadelphia and then keep going north to Vermont and Maine.
Q: What advice would you give to a crowd of people?
In any situation, find the one thing that anybody can do but nobody wants to do and complete the task. Leave any place you leave better than you found it.
Q: Who would you like to see nominated for this project, The Faces of The Golden Strip?
Taylor Hames! She is a local photographer and ED nurse! She is AMAZING!
