This time of year always brings a sense of nostalgia, but Small Business Saturday holds a particularly special place in our hearts. It’s more than just a day for shopping small or supporting local businesses—though that’s certainly important. It’s a moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate what it means to be part of a community.
Standing here on King Street, in the heart of Charleston, we’re reminded of how far Old Whaling Co. has come since those early days. The journey hasn’t always been linear or smooth, but it’s one we wouldn’t trade for anything.
Opening our King Street store happened in true Old Whaling Co. fashion—a mix of serendipity and spontaneity. The day before we got married in July 2020, I was running errands when our Broad Street store landlord called, as he often did. During our chat, I mentioned we were exploring King Street, and he just so happened to have a space across from Hotel Bennett that was becoming available. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect—we were staying at Hotel Bennett the next evening to celebrate our wedding.
The morning after, following a breakfast at Virginia’s, we walked across the street to check out the space. It felt like it was meant to be. While spending the week on Folly Beach for a staycation with the kids, we worked out the details, blending our personal and professional lives as we always have. That’s the essence of Old Whaling Co.—a story always unfolding, with surprises just around the corner. We opened months later in October of 2020.
When we think about the bustling energy of King Street during the holidays, we can’t help but feel proud. The mix of locals and visitors weaving through shops, sharing smiles, and embracing Charleston’s charm is truly magical. Owning a shop here is more than just a storefront—it’s being part of someone’s story. Maybe it’s a visitor discovering Old Whaling Co. for the first time, or a family making it a tradition to stop by on every trip.
It’s the heartfelt conversations, the kids smelling soaps and candles, the support from locals, and the incredible team behind the scenes that make it all so meaningful. Knowing that the handcrafted products we create become part of daily routines and thoughtful gifts is humbling.
This season, we’re excited to make Small Business Saturday even more special with a brand-new tote bag, designed exclusively for us by Charleston artist and illustrator Emily Kirby of Texture Design Co. Available at our King Street flagship store and Charleston City Market location, we’ll be gifting these stunning totes to customers with purchases over $75 as a heartfelt thank you. For anyone who loves a touch of local flair, the tote will also be available for purchase.
This Saturday, we encourage you to visit the businesses that make your community unique. Whether it’s a favorite café, a boutique, or a shop like ours, your support means more than words can express. Many small businesses, including ours, count on the time between Black Friday and Christmas Day for year round survival, and the success of the holiday season determines if doors stay open another year. It truly is that important. For those who stop by our King Street store, thank you. Your visit isn’t just another transaction—it’s what keeps this dream alive.
As we head into the holiday season, we extend our deepest gratitude for walking this journey with us. Every purchase, kind word, and recommendation to a friend helps us continue to grow.
Here’s to celebrating small businesses and the heart they bring to our communities—on King Street and beyond.
With gratitude,
April, Michael, and family
