Site Logotype

Color Hair Salon near Daniel Island, SC

Ask us Anything

Platform Lifts-phone-nuber 843-695-8057 Platform Lifts-phone-nuberBook Appointment

Find the Beauty in You at Chroma Hair Studio & Spa

Choosing the right hair salon near Daniel Island, SC, is a little bit like finding the perfect outfit. The materials feel great on your skin, the fabric is flattering to your body type, and when you try it on, you just know - this is the outfit that you have been looking for.

With thousands of hair salons and stylists in South Carolina, choosing the right one can be difficult. You want a salon that is clean, comfortable, and chic. But, more importantly, you need a stylist that "gets" you. Someone who takes the time to understand your preferences, your style, and your personality. You need a stylist who listens, is honest, and has the technical skills to turn your vision into a reality.

An excellent stylist epitomizes all those traits and knows how to adapt to changing beauty trends. They aren't afraid to take on a challenge.

chroma service
Service Areas

Welcome to Chroma Hair Studio & Spa

Where the most talented hairstylists near Daniel Island help bring out the beauty in each of our clients. We strive to provide each of our customers with the highest levels of customer service in the beauty industry. At Chroma, we offer a relaxing environment, skillful professionals, and a variety of products with environmentally safe and good-for-you ingredients.

Our goal is to make your salon experience special, from the moment you walk in to the second you leave. With a variety of professional hair and beauty services to choose from, we're sure you will rediscover the "beauty of you" every time you visit our salon.

Here are just a few of our most popular hair and beauty services near Daniel Island:

The key to a great haircut and salon experience is to understand the services we offer, so you can choose the best selection for your needs. What do our salon services entail? Keep reading below to find out.

Hair Studio Daniel Island, SC

Professional Hair Color near Daniel Island, SC

Let's be honest: DIY hair kits can be tricky to get right. They can be complicated to apply and usually have hard-to-understand instructions. Half the time, the color you're left with looks nothing like it does on the front of the box. In a perfect world, you should be able to pop into Target, pick a boxed hair color, apply it at home, and emerge out of your bathroom with a new, beautiful hair color. For most people, this never happens.

That's why people who want flawless color, professional application, and ease of convenience get their highlights at Chroma Hair Studio & Spa.

Whether you are changing your hair color completely or just want a few highlights to switch things up, we are here to create the look and style that you've been dreaming about. At Chroma Hair Studio & Spa, we specialize in the latest hair coloring trends using cutting-edge technology. That way, our clients get the freshest looks, coolest colors, and longest-lasting highlights in town. When you get your highlights done at our hair salon near Daniel Island, we want you to leave excited and ready to share your new hair all over social.

Don't spend hours in the store trying to find the color you think will look great on you. Our team of professional stylists will consult with you about your vision and craft a custom highlight plan that fits you're your unique style. There's a reason why so many customers trust us with their highlights - we genuinely care about your hair and how it looks.

Our professional hair coloring services near Daniel Island are a combination of art and science. The artistic results only last as long as the hair coloring products used, and we use the best. Our hairstylists and colorists are committed to helping you look and feel fabulous, whether you're planning a special occasion or just want to impress that special someone.

 Women's Hair Studio Daniel Island, SC

Get the Look You Crave with Personalized Hair Treatments

Ever taken a chance on a new look or hair color, only to end up embarrassed and unsatisfied with the results? You're not alone - we get calls every week from people just like you who need hair treatment Daniel Island. Sadly, sometimes even the professionals get a color procedure wrong.

Other times, your hair has suffered from years of blow-drying and straightening, and it looks dry, brittle, and unattractive. You know you need a deep conditioning treatment, and you need it ASAP.

At Chroma Hair Studio & Spa, our technicians have treated all sorts of hair problems - from unprofessional coloring with multiple bands of different colors and tones to dehydrated hair and more. Sometimes, our client's entire hairstyle needs to be corrected. To do this, we stock multiple types of color and toners to revitalize hair and give it the color you've been dreaming of. Our team always puts a priority on the health and integrity of your hair, whether it's your first visit or your fortieth.

Appointment Request
 Women's Haircut Daniel Island, SC

Smooth Out Hair and Add Flair with a Brazilian Blowout

The Brazilian blowout: you've heard about the new craze, you've seen the stunning results, but haven't had a chance to sit down and receive the treatment yourself. Luckily, Chroma Hair Studio & Spa now offers this sought-after style right here near Daniel Island, from certified Brazilian blowout stylists.

If you suffer from dull, frizzy hair that lacks life and shine, the Brazilian blowout is one of the best ways to get smooth, frizz-free hair. By using cutting-edge bonding technology, this customizable treatment doesn't damage your hair at all. Actually, it improves your hair's health by adding a protective layer of protein that smooths your hair for weeks on end.

This ultra-popular choice offers you a laundry list of benefits, like:

  • Protection Against Seasonal Damage
  • Locks in Color
  • Cuts Down on Styling Time
  • Protects Against Heat
  • Seamless Extension Blending
  • Great for All Hair Types

To get the best of both worlds, be sure to schedule your Brazilian blowout and custom hair color treatment in the same appointment. Call us today to learn more about our Brazilian blowouts and to schedule your appointment today.

 Hair Salon Daniel Island, SC

Custom Haircuts near Daniel Island Crafted for You

There are many ways that you can reinvent yourself this season, but if you're ready to make a lasting impression, nothing beats a new hairstyle. While there is nothing wrong with sporting top knots, ponytails, or straight hair, a styled cut from Chroma Hair Studio & Spa will drastically improve your hair game.

Getting a new haircut isn't just fun - it makes you feel good, too, especially when you get a lot of positive compliments.

 Hair Stylist Daniel Island, SC

Our experienced stylists are tapped into today's hottest trends, so if you want to try something new, we're here to help. If you want to play it more traditional, our stylists have a solid foundation of time-tested techniques, to give your existing cut the edge it needs to impress. And sometimes, you need something simple and low-maintenance that cuts down on styling time and primping.

Not sure what kind of a cut you need? We're happy to give you our educated opinion and are happy to provide examples of what we think works. Whatever style you've got your eye on, we can make it a reality!

Here are just a few of the most popular haircut trends in South Carolina:

Natural Textured

Natural Textured

In a time when extravagant dyes and unique hair extensions are all the rage, the natural look will always be trending. This haircut is a great way to rediscover yourself and let your beauty shine organically without overdoing it.

The Shag

The Shag

This medium-length haircut is a classic throwback to the 79s, with a layered look, messy bangs, and lots of attitude. If you like to get ahead of trends before your friends, bring back the shag and rock this retro style with pride.

Curly Bangs

Curly Bangs

This cut will look great during the summer and will give you an innocent look that will get plenty of attention. Great for a short-term haircut or even something special for a big party or Gen-X event.

Long Length

Long Length

Go against the status quo and let your hair down this season. Pixie cuts and shags are all the rage, but rocking a Rapunzel-like haircut will set you apart from the crowd. If you're looking for a more natural, classic look, this could be your haircut.

Find Your French Flair with Balayage

If you're looking to switch up your hair color but can't decide between Balayage or Ombre because, well, you don't know the difference - don't worry. You're not alone!

Balayage is a French technique for highlighting the hair in which the dye is painted to create a natural-looking effect. The goal is to create soft, subtle highlights that make your hair look like it's been kissed by the sun.

While Balayage is the technique of painting the hair, Ombre focuses on the style of the hair. It is the transition from a lighter shade to a darker shade. Typically, Ombres work best for brunettes, but the style can is suitable for blondes too. To achieve the effect of an Ombre, there must be a smooth transition between colors. While the Ombre is a beautiful look, you'll need to work with a professional to get the best results.

Luckily, we offer both Ombre and Balayage near Daniel Island, SC! Short on time? Busy schedule? Only available on weekends? Chroma Hair Studio & Spa offers flexible appointment scheduling to accommodate even the busiest clients. You deserve a fresh new style, and we're here to help when the time is right for you.

The Top Hair Salon near Daniel Island, SC

If you're looking for a hair salon that offers high-end styling without expensive pricing, you're in the right place. Our goal is to exceed your expectations and leave you feeling beautiful, whether you need a touch-up or a total makeover. We offer a relaxing salon atmosphere, skillful stylists, and only the best in professional brands. When it's time for your next haircut, highlight session, or eyelash extension, look no further than Chroma Hair Studio & Spa.

Appointment Request

Latest News in Daniel Island, SC

Construction begins on Daniel Island townhome community

Listen to this articleConstruction is underway on a build-to-rent luxury townhome community on 5.5 acres in Nowell Creek Village.Holder Properties announces a partnership with East West Partners and SilverCap Partners to develop a purpose-built rental townhome community on 5.5 acres in Nowell Creek Village. The marsh-front community will feature premier amenities and three and four-bedroom units with attached garages.Holder Properties said in a news release that it has partnered wit...

Listen to this article

Construction is underway on a build-to-rent luxury townhome community on 5.5 acres in Nowell Creek Village.

Holder Properties announces a partnership with East West Partners and SilverCap Partners to develop a purpose-built rental townhome community on 5.5 acres in Nowell Creek Village. The marsh-front community will feature premier amenities and three and four-bedroom units with attached garages.

Holder Properties said in a news release that it has partnered with East West Partners to develop the project. SilverCap Partners provided majority equity for the project, with construction financing provided by Georgia Banking Co. Patterson Real Estate Advisory Group led the capital raise and debt placement process, the release stated.

The project is the latest phase of Holder’s broader development plans at Nowell Creek Village on Daniel Island. Holder Properties purchased the 36-acre site between Nowell Creek and Beresford Creek in 2019 and set out to create a mixed-use community surrounded by the natural environment.

The waterfront community is currently home to Marshside, a Class A office building owned and managed by Holder, as well as a 320-unit multifamily project under construction by Middle Street Partners. Boutique retail, as well as a community park and dock, are in the planning and permitting phases, the release stated.

“We’ve owned this land for nearly five years and have been intentional about its purpose and our partners,” Will Menkes, president of Holder Properties, said in the release. “Limited residential inventory, coupled with high demand to live on Daniel Island, has created a strong need for purposefully built rental homes that provide access to the island’s great schools and amenities. The ability to move this project forward in today’s challenging macroeconomic environment speaks volumes about the merits of this project and the team assembled to bring it to life.

East West Partners is a luxury developer “devoted to supporting high-quality real estate and lifestyle experiences.” On Daniel Island, they also developed The Waterfront, a luxury 22-acre community featuring residences, retail and community amenities.

“This new townhome community within Nowell Creek Village represents an incredible opportunity for East West Partners to expand our portfolio into the build-to-rent market and continue addressing the demand for luxury residences on Daniel Island,” East West Partners Managing Partner Miller Harper said in the release. “With interest in the lifestyle that Daniel Island affords at an all-time high, we are excited to bring to market a project that aligns with our values of offering high-quality real estate with a focus on community.”

The first units are expected to be ready in spring 2025, the release said.

In Loving Memory of George “Ryan” Butler

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of George “Ryan” Butler on March 25, 2024. Born on Dec. 19, 1974, Ryan’s early years were spent in Medford, New Jersey. His adventurous spirit and boundless love found its home on Daniel Island with his beloved wife and children, where they lived for the last 19 years, following a move from Atlanta.Ryan leaves behind his loving wife, Jenny, of 23 years; his whole world, daughter Ella and son Jackson “Banks;” his mother Jean; his siblings, Carole, Jackie...

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of George “Ryan” Butler on March 25, 2024. Born on Dec. 19, 1974, Ryan’s early years were spent in Medford, New Jersey. His adventurous spirit and boundless love found its home on Daniel Island with his beloved wife and children, where they lived for the last 19 years, following a move from Atlanta.

Ryan leaves behind his loving wife, Jenny, of 23 years; his whole world, daughter Ella and son Jackson “Banks;” his mother Jean; his siblings, Carole, Jackie, Kathy and JD; and his adoring nieces and nephew. His familial bond, woven with love, laughter, and countless memories, remains unbroken.

Ryan was a proud graduate of Shawnee High School and Bowling Green State University. He was a member of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity while at Bowling Green and his Beta brothers were a second family. Ryan’s passion for home building was kindled by his father Jack, who was also a home builder. His illustrious career began with John Weiland Homes and Neighborhoods, before founding Shelter Custom-Built Living in 2013.

Under his leadership, Shelter garnered multiple “Prism Awards” and also became the first builder in South Carolina featured on the “Today’s Builder” television show, a testament to Ryan’s vision and dedication.

Ryan’s true legacy lies in both his professional accomplishments and the warmth and love he shared with his family and friends. Ryan was a natural athlete in all sports he tried. He was an avid ice hockey and soccer player growing up and an outdoors enthusiast.

His happiest moments were spent in nature, whether running, surfing, or simply enjoying the company of his loved ones under the open sky.

Ryan’s compassionate spirit, characterized by his easy smile, infectious laugh, and timeless adoration for his family, forged bonds that transcend his passing. His zest for life, evident in his love for music, adventurous tasting of new beers, and the simple pleasure of companionship, will forever echo in the hearts of those he touched.

As we say goodbye to Ryan, let us honor his memory by embracing the beauty in everyday moments, the strength in togetherness, and the joy in love shared. His legacy of kindness, resilience, compassionate spirit, great faith and unwavering affection will continue to inspire and guide us.

In remembrance of Ryan, a celebration of his life was held on April 5 at the Daniel Island Club.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Ryan Butler Memorial Fund at any Synovus Bank.

Farewell Ryan, until we meet again. Your light shines on in the lives you’ve gracefully touched.

- provided by the family

Charleston restaurant to close this month after 22 years on Daniel Island

DANIEL ISLAND — A restaurant that has been a fixture on Daniel Island for more than two decades will serve its last customers this month.Laura Alberts Tasteful Options, opened by Laura Leppert and Karen Elsey in 2002, will permane...

DANIEL ISLAND — A restaurant that has been a fixture on Daniel Island for more than two decades will serve its last customers this month.

Laura Alberts Tasteful Options, opened by Laura Leppert and Karen Elsey in 2002, will permanently close March 15.

The mother-daughter duo has sold the 891 Island Park Drive building the daytime restaurant calls home, Elsey said in an email response to The Post and Courier.

“She and I have appreciated the support and patronage the tri-county area has shown our little restaurant on Daniel Island,” Elsey said. “We've enjoyed becoming a part of families’ celebrations and special events, along with supporting local corporations with yummy fare for their business meetings.”

Both native Charlestonians, Elsey and Leppert had the foresight to purchase property and build a 5,000-square-foot building approximately five years after Daniel Island launched development.

Embracing their love of wine and their heritage of Lowcountry cooking, they set out to establish a small lunch café, naming the restaurant after Laura and her late husband, Albert.

In the years since its opening, Laura Alberts became a community gathering place with its Monday through Saturday lunch and Wednesdays-only dinner offerings. The menu includes Southern-inspired sandwiches and entrées like fried green tomatoes, crab cakes, pan-seared mahi and a blackened tuna BLT, among many other options.

A new tenant for the Daniel Island restaurant space has not been announced.

A restaurant that opened with an Indian menu of tandoori masala-spiced quail and country captain tikka has changed its culinary tune under new executive chef Damian Sandoval.

Born in Mexico and raised in Chicago, the former Xiao Bao Biscuit and Obstinate Daughter chef’s recently launched offering is billed as “modern American.”

Like many of the country’s top restaurants claiming that same style, Coterie now relies on a mashup of global cuisines at 17 Warren St., where Italian restaurant Pan e Vino previously served.

There are pork-filled wontons charged by a spicy soy glaze, and scallop ceviche with serrano chiles, lime, orange, radish, tarragon and a heavy hit of fennel. Mashed potatoes — served underneath jaggery- and tamari-sauced steak — are infused with kimchi Sandoval makes in-house.

Paired with owner Jeremy Buck’s inventive cocktail menu, Coterie 2.0 is all over the map. In this case, that’s the intended approach.

When Buck and his wife, Jital Vaghela, first opened Coterie, they teamed up with Viraj Borkar to create a menu that bridged Indian and Southern cuisine. The one-time Rasika culinary director developed recipes for appam, paratha and other Indian-inspired plates that multiple Coterie chefs executed over three years at the Charleston restaurant.

Issues with the menu didn’t lead to the recent change, Buck said. It was Sandoval, who Buck and Vaghela invited into Coterie to prepare a few dishes one day last summer.

During the restaurant’s version of a job interview, Sandoval riffed on three Coterie classics, showcasing the finesse of a chef who cooked in prestigious Chicago kitchens like North Pond before coming to the Holy City. The two Mexican street food bites he served gave the Coterie owners a glimpse at Sandoval’s culinary perspective.

“We basically decided right there,” Buck said.

The couple didn’t just give Sandoval the job; they offered him the freedom to build his own menu, which the restaurant unveiled in January.

With shareable small and large plates, sides and desserts, Coterie specializes in options like rice noodles with five spice caramel sauce and a baby kale, radish and turnip salad, placed on bread like a souped-up avocado toast. Smoked feta lends creamy, earthy notes to the sourdough toast, which shares the crumbled Mediterranean cheese with another colorful Coterie plate.

Huaraches — prevalent in Mexico but rarely served at Mexican restaurants in the U.S. — consist of flat, oval-shaped masa and a layer of toppings. The shape is meant to mimic the sole of a Mexican sandal, or huarache.

Sandoval makes his own, mixing heirloom corn flour with salt and a blend of oils to make the huarache base, which rests for 30 minutes before being rolled into the sandal shape.

He trades the traditional topping of beans, meat and salsa for a combination of smoked feta, crispy rice noodles and chicken that’s shredded and paired with chipotles to make what’s called tinga. It’s served with sambal, crafted with the same Fresno chiles that add a bright pop of color as a garnish topping the mildly spiced fork-and-knife dish.

The flight from Mexico to Asia is a short one at Coterie, where curry — a staple of not just Indian food but also Jamaican, Sri Lankan, Pakistani, Malaysian and other global cuisines — still finds its way onto the menu.

Those who dine inside or, better yet, on Coterie’s outdoor oasis of a patio might find themselves with a forkful of palak lamb one moment and a pile of Thai-influenced pork belly yellow curry the next. The latter had us scooping up spoonful after spoonful of soft white rice, cooked so that each grain holds its form while soaking up the fragrant coconut milk-fattened sauce.

Food

When Coterie opened in 2021, Buck said the restaurant’s name — defined as a small group of people with shared interests — would drive the concept. He wanted the space, which operates as pop-up coffee shop Idle Hands during the day, to constantly evolve and “have a lot of influences in one place,” he told me after the opening.

With Mexican, Korean, Indian, Thai, Latin American and other cuisines dotting the menu, that ethos holds true today, one of the reasons Buck did not feel the need to change the restaurant’s name when Sandoval took over.

Some diners might expect to find traditional steaks, pastas and potatoes when they see that Coterie is a “modern American” restaurant; not ribs with chamoy, Chinese broccoli and cardamom vanilla cake. But this melting pot of flavors is American to Sandoval, an immigrant chef who grew up in a large, diverse U.S. city.

“It’s nice to just have that diversity on the same table,” said Sandoval, who has worked in restaurants since he was 17. “I think it’s fun for people.”

Coterie opens for dinner at 5 p.m. daily. For more information, visit coteriechs.com.

Food

We publish our free Food & Dining newsletter every Wednesday at 10 a.m. to keep you informed on everything happening in the Charleston culinary scene. Sign up today!

Popular Charleston eatery bringing smashburgers and more to Daniel Island this summer

DANIEL ISLAND — When John and Brenda Haire first moved to South Carolina in 2009, they lived on Daniel Island. Fifteen years later, the couple will open a restaurant in this part of Charleston, one of the fastest growing in the area.Taking over the space that for the last 22 years housed ...

DANIEL ISLAND — When John and Brenda Haire first moved to South Carolina in 2009, they lived on Daniel Island. Fifteen years later, the couple will open a restaurant in this part of Charleston, one of the fastest growing in the area.

Taking over the space that for the last 22 years housed Laura Alberts Tasteful Options, Heavy’s Barburger will open this summer, John Haire told The Post and Courier. The Haires finalized the purchase of the building at 891 Island Park Drive just three days after Laura Alberts permanently closed on March 15.

“Our friend base is still centered here on Daniel Island,” John Haire said. “I think it’s ready for something like us.”

Heavy’s original location opened in 2022 in the 1137 Morrison Drive space previously occupied by The Tattooed Moose. It’s named after John Haire’s grandfather, who was fondly referred to as "Heavy" by family members and friends in his hometown in Florida.

Heavy’s menu features chicken wings, a chili dog, crinkle-cut french fries and the restaurant’s namesake burger featuring two smashed patties, American cheese, sliced tomato, red onion, lettuce, pickles and “Heavy’s sauce.” The Daniel Island menu will mirror that of the original with a few new additions, Haire said.

A restaurant that opened with an Indian menu of tandoori masala-spiced quail and country captain tikka has changed its culinary tune under new executive chef Damian Sandoval.

Born in Mexico and raised in Chicago, the former Xiao Bao Biscuit and Obstinate Daughter chef’s recently launched offering is billed as “modern American.”

Like many of the country’s top restaurants claiming that same style, Coterie now relies on a mashup of global cuisines at 17 Warren St., where Italian restaurant Pan e Vino previously served.

There are pork-filled wontons charged by a spicy soy glaze, and scallop ceviche with serrano chiles, lime, orange, radish, tarragon and a heavy hit of fennel. Mashed potatoes — served underneath jaggery- and tamari-sauced steak — are infused with kimchi Sandoval makes in-house.

Paired with owner Jeremy Buck’s inventive cocktail menu, Coterie 2.0 is all over the map. In this case, that’s the intended approach.

When Buck and his wife, Jital Vaghela, first opened Coterie, they teamed up with Viraj Borkar to create a menu that bridged Indian and Southern cuisine. The one-time Rasika culinary director developed recipes for appam, paratha and other Indian-inspired plates that multiple Coterie chefs executed over three years at the Charleston restaurant.

Issues with the menu didn’t lead to the recent change, Buck said. It was Sandoval, who Buck and Vaghela invited into Coterie to prepare a few dishes one day last summer.

During the restaurant’s version of a job interview, Sandoval riffed on three Coterie classics, showcasing the finesse of a chef who cooked in prestigious Chicago kitchens like North Pond before coming to the Holy City. The two Mexican street food bites he served gave the Coterie owners a glimpse at Sandoval’s culinary perspective.

“We basically decided right there,” Buck said.

The couple didn’t just give Sandoval the job; they offered him the freedom to build his own menu, which the restaurant unveiled in January.

With shareable small and large plates, sides and desserts, Coterie specializes in options like rice noodles with five spice caramel sauce and a baby kale, radish and turnip salad, placed on bread like a souped-up avocado toast. Smoked feta lends creamy, earthy notes to the sourdough toast, which shares the crumbled Mediterranean cheese with another colorful Coterie plate.

Huaraches — prevalent in Mexico but rarely served at Mexican restaurants in the U.S. — consist of flat, oval-shaped masa and a layer of toppings. The shape is meant to mimic the sole of a Mexican sandal, or huarache.

Sandoval makes his own, mixing heirloom corn flour with salt and a blend of oils to make the huarache base, which rests for 30 minutes before being rolled into the sandal shape.

He trades the traditional topping of beans, meat and salsa for a combination of smoked feta, crispy rice noodles and chicken that’s shredded and paired with chipotles to make what’s called tinga. It’s served with sambal, crafted with the same Fresno chiles that add a bright pop of color as a garnish topping the mildly spiced fork-and-knife dish.

The flight from Mexico to Asia is a short one at Coterie, where curry — a staple of not just Indian food but also Jamaican, Sri Lankan, Pakistani, Malaysian and other global cuisines — still finds its way onto the menu.

Those who dine inside or, better yet, on Coterie’s outdoor oasis of a patio might find themselves with a forkful of palak lamb one moment and a pile of Thai-influenced pork belly yellow curry the next. The latter had us scooping up spoonful after spoonful of soft white rice, cooked so that each grain holds its form while soaking up the fragrant coconut milk-fattened sauce.

Food

When Coterie opened in 2021, Buck said the restaurant’s name — defined as a small group of people with shared interests — would drive the concept. He wanted the space, which operates as pop-up coffee shop Idle Hands during the day, to constantly evolve and “have a lot of influences in one place,” he told me after the opening.

With Mexican, Korean, Indian, Thai, Latin American and other cuisines dotting the menu, that ethos holds true today, one of the reasons Buck did not feel the need to change the restaurant’s name when Sandoval took over.

Some diners might expect to find traditional steaks, pastas and potatoes when they see that Coterie is a “modern American” restaurant; not ribs with chamoy, Chinese broccoli and cardamom vanilla cake. But this melting pot of flavors is American to Sandoval, an immigrant chef who grew up in a large, diverse U.S. city.

“It’s nice to just have that diversity on the same table,” said Sandoval, who has worked in restaurants since he was 17. “I think it’s fun for people.”

Coterie opens for dinner at 5 p.m. daily. For more information, visit coteriechs.com.

Food

We publish our free Food & Dining newsletter every Wednesday at 10 a.m. to keep you informed on everything happening in the Charleston culinary scene. Sign up today!

Daniel Island students use their voices to bring change to their school

DANIEL ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - Berkeley County Council allocated $100,000 to Daniel Island School and it’s all thanks to a group of students advocating for their classmates.When eighth-grader Emily Hughes was elected as student council president, she knew she wanted to make a difference at her school. She said in years past, student council members were not able to turn their ideas into a reality, but she wanted to change that.“This year I think we can actually get something and get it done,” Hughes said....

DANIEL ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - Berkeley County Council allocated $100,000 to Daniel Island School and it’s all thanks to a group of students advocating for their classmates.

When eighth-grader Emily Hughes was elected as student council president, she knew she wanted to make a difference at her school. She said in years past, student council members were not able to turn their ideas into a reality, but she wanted to change that.

“This year I think we can actually get something and get it done,” Hughes said.

With the help of sixth-grade vice president Keegan McGivern and fifth-grade members Sara Whitley and Olive Abney, they were able to do just that. The student council got together and jotted down ideas that they wanted to implicate. Hughes said that Abney noticed a classmate who was unable to use the playground equipment at recess due to a physical disability, so he spent his recess reading inside. Hughes said it saddened her that recess was not something he enjoyed in the same way she was able to.

“It was upsetting because we could all use it. I loved playgrounds, like my whole life. And whenever other students can’t enjoy it the same way, we just want them to be included too,” she said.

Together, the student council decided that they wanted to create an inclusive playground. They knew this would be an expensive endeavor, so they first teamed up with their school’s Beta Club members to host a Valentine’s Day-themed fundraiser. Through that, they were able to raise $588, but these students were ambitious. They wanted to take it a step further.

The students got together again to propose a letter to Berkeley County Council. Less than a week after the letter was submitted, the council invited the students to speak at Monday’s council meeting.

“It all happened really fast,” Hughes said.

Hughes took to the podium to share their ideas with the council members. She told them how they didn’t want any students to be left out at recess anymore. District 2 Councilman and Finance Committee Chair Josh Whitley made a motion to allocate $100,000 to the school to get this new, accessible equipment. The motion passed unanimously, and the students received high praise from Berkeley County Supervisor Johnny Cribb for their efforts.

“We were all so amazed and excited. It was really exciting and fun,” Hughes said with a grin on her face.

The students’ principals and staff could not have been prouder. The actions of these students hit home for Assistant Principal Jay Burnsworth.

“The biggest thing for me is, and it makes me really emotional in a lot of ways, is that my own son has special needs. And at the end of the day, these kids are doing it for everyone, for the community - not just Daniel Island School, but everyone,” Burnsworth said. “As a father, as an administrator, friend, dad, everybody, I’m just really proud of these kids.”

Once the playground is open, it will be open to the entire community, not just the students of the school.

Burnsworth was not the only one beaming with pride for these four kids. Principal Laura Blanchard shared her praises.

“We just thought it was great that our students recognized that need and wanted all of their friends to be able to play alongside them to the point that they would take action in the way that they did,” she said.

Blanchard and Burnsworth think that the playground will be an incredible physical reminder to the children, for many years to come, that they were able to make a difference.

“It’s really neat to see them empowered in that way. And it’s such a good and positive way,” Blanchard said.

She shared that this was a wonderful learning experience for these kids.

“They learned from the adults in their community that they have a voice. And that we are going to come alongside them and help put feet to their dreams,” Blanchard said.

Blanchard and Burnsworth said that they are already working on initiating the process. They emphasized that they want the students to be fully involved every step of the way. While they are working on the design process, they plan to take the students to different accessible playgrounds in the area so that they can get some ideas. Blanchard said that this is the children’s space, and she wants it to be representative of them, so they should be the ones to decide what is needed.

Hughes expressed some ideas she already had. She said that she would love to have rubber flooring to make wheelchair access easier. She would also love to have wheelchair-accessible swings put in. They also plan to add a sensory garden to the community garden that already exists.

Hughes said she is excited about the next steps.

“We all thought there was space to grow in this area,” she said. “This is something important that needs to happen. So, it was worth it.”

Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.

Disclaimer:

This website publishes news articles that contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The non-commercial use of these news articles for the purposes of local news reporting constitutes "Fair Use" of the copyrighted materials as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.