two doors down: An Interview with the "Bangle Sisters" of Earthly Artifacts

Last week, we made a trip to Earthly Artifacts located in the newly named "Coleman Village". We interviewed shop owners Lisa Churchill and Debbie Alfaro, also known as "the bangle sisters". Their sweet shop is located next to The Square Onion, a well known venue for delicious eats. From soothing soy candles to pots overflowing with herbs, Earthy Artifacts is a local treasure bringing all the best of local art to one amazing cottage. Lisa and Debbie’s vision and passion are so alive, we left feeling inspired and ready to plant!

First, a little background on the lovely ladies:

Lisa opened Plant'in Thyme, a local nursery, in 1999. She provided local gardeners with colorful flowers, lush plants, and her expertise until she closed the shop in 2006. Earlier, in 2002, she had purchased Earthly Artifacts and began to explore the art of making pots and planters for the garden. Debbie continues to display her planters in local shops throughout Charleston.

Debbie is a retired Swat Commander of the Mount Pleasant Police Department! She recently retired from 28 years of service to our town to explore the art of making candles. In 2008 Debbie injured her knee on an on duty “chase” which kept her out of work for 5 weeks. During her recovery, she was inspired by a vendor at the local Earth Festival to learn more about the benefits of using soy in candles. She spent the next few weeks researching and starting her own line of natural soy candles called “Breathe”.

Here is what these lovely ladies had to say about their shop, local inspiration, and so much more...

How did “The Bangle Sisters” get together?

Lisa and Debbie have been friends for years. But the decision to open a shop together occurred almost spontaneously! One day while on patrol, Debbie spotted a “for rent” sign on the cottage. She instantly called Lisa and asked her if she was ready to go into business and the rest is history.

What is your favorite part of what you do?

Lisa and Debbie agreed that they love the customers and meeting all the people that stop into the shop each day. They also mentioned that Earthly Artifacts seems to bring out the “kid” in their customers.

Do you have any local source of inspiration?

While Debbie and Lisa are both inspired by local artists, they also mentioned how the concept of “farm to table” is stirring their inspiration.

What do you wish to share with the community?

They have no agenda except for supporting one another on a local level. Especially in this economy, they agree that they want everyone to do well.

Describe your daily inspiration…

While Lisa is inspired by spending time cooking and utilizing all the wonderful herbs available at the shop, Debbie is recharged by relaxing in the garden and playing with her pups.

Right now the shop is overflowing with flowers, herbs, and veggies for your garden. Stop in and sit in the garden for a moment and you too will be inspired!

Visit Earthly Artifacts
411 B Coleman Blvd.
Mount Pleasant, SC

Here are some pictures from our visit