A small business is defined as one that is “independently owned and operated, has a limited number of employees and is not nationally dominant in its field.” Nellie & Lo, located in Northcutt Plaza in Mount Pleasant, is a great example of that and so much more — and it starts with a warm welcome from the shop dogs Rizzo and Winnie.
Ten years ago, there was an off-the-cuff idea to open a shop named after two beloved bulldogs Nellie and Lola. Now there is a thriving business which offers almost any type of gift imaginable. The mother-daughter duo behind that once off-the-cuff notion is Pam White and Taylor Socci. Each worked in retail for years. After relocating to Charleston, the pair felt there was something missing in the gift-giving options available to locals. It was then that they realized their wishful thinking could actually become reality. They began planning and designing. Then before they knew it, they signed a lease — in March of 2020. Enough said, right? While the pandemic could have done a number on derailing their plans, they pressed on, intentionally focusing on a path forward, and opened their doors in October 2020.
One of the many things that sets Nellie & Lo apart is the variety of gift items they offer at varying price points. With a wide selection of goodies like jewelry, candles, baby items and men’s gifts, there is something for everyone. Customers leave feeling accomplished, having purchased the most fitting gift option for the occasion and budget. “Our goal is to provide customers with a positive shopping experience in an inviting space. We want our customers to feel like family when they come in to find the perfect gifts for everyone on their list, including themselves,” said Socci.
Need an added bonus to supporting this small business? When you shop Nellie & Lo, you are often supporting other small, women-owned businesses and companies whose profits go to support charitable causes. Brands like Bougie Bottles, Ethic Goods and Mouth Party that Nellie & Lo carry give portions of proceeds to support the rainforest, human trafficking victims and cancer research, respectively.
By Katie James
