BY:
MARIE ROCHA-TYGH
Daniel Island’s favorite framing and go-to gift stop will host a re-opening event the end of September. Recently Island Expressions changed hands, but new owners Pete and Dyan Heineck don’t plan on straying far from the store’s winning formula.
Longtime customers of the Daniel Island mainstay will still be able to find their favorite items along with exciting new additions to the store’s eclectic inventory.
“Island Expressions is going to remain the go-to gift shop and custom frame shop on the island,” said Dyan. “We are gradually increasing the inventory in the gift shop and bringing in new mer-chandise while also keeping the tried and true items that many of our regulars purchase.”
Dyan met the previous owners, Sara and Ed Cooper, when she moved to the island and wandered into Island Expressions. The Coopers discovered Dyan was a custom framer and within a couple of weeks offered her a job. Dyan worked eight years at the store before she and her husband bought the business.
Dyan and Pete both have extensive art backgrounds and plan to offer more framed artwork throughout the store. Pete is currently creating designs especially for Daniel Island.
In the upcoming months, the store will add more inventory and do some minor cosmetic changes, but Dyan says it will be a seamless transition for customers.
“We have so many fabulous regular customers that count on us to get their custom framing orders completed in a timely manner,” she added. “Many customers stop in more than once a week on their way into Publix to see what is new in the gift shop for either themselves or to grab a quick, convenient hostess gift.”
Renee Flowers has lived on the island since 2011 and calls the store her go-to for Charleston gifts.
“I travel a lot and often stay with family and friends who love the Charleston books, candles, and treats I bring them from Island Expressions,” Flowers said. “I also love how they transform the shop, and sell adorable and unique items, for each holiday. I love that there’s no other place on the island like it.”
Island Expressions carries locally-made jewelry, sweetgrass baskets, and artwork. Other local luxuries include Loft & Vibe candles made in Hanahan, Sea Jewels from Charleston, Mount Pleasant’s Welcome Beads, and the Mission Essentials body care line, made right here on Daniel Island.
Longtime employee Pamela Bailey enjoys working with regulars who often come in weekly just to see what’s new and talk. Bailey says customers “like our variety and our support of local vendors.” For Bailey, the store is her home away from home.
“The women I work with are like family,” she said. “There are currently only six of us and we all work part time. We all bring different skills to the mix and genuinely like and respect one another.”
To see all that Island Expressions has to offer, check out their grand re-opening party on Wednesday, Sept. 25, from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. The event will feature tasty treats from local DI establishments, random drawings for prizes, and presentations from local vendors. For more information on Island Expressions’ grand re-opening visit their Facebook and Instagram pages.
Comments