Editor’s Note: Anderson SC Living is partnering with Rettew Creative to expand the audience for Storefront Stories as area businesses continue to rebuild from COVID-19. Bobby Rettew and digital media students from Anderson University’s Communications program recorded the first Storefront Story on April 22, 2021, and since have captured the experiences of almost 30 downtown businesses. Look for a Storefront Story every Wednesday here at Anderson SC Living.
Being a business owner was always a dream for Lauren James, and becoming one happened by accident while she was working a corporate job.
A graphic designer, James opened The Olive Shoe Paperie & Goods next to Carolina Wren Park in downtown Anderson in 2015 after a 10-year stint at TTI where she was designing warning labels for tools in English, French and Spanish. Asked to design every kind of invitation by friends and co-workers, James turned her side hustle into the business she’d dreamed about.
While the coronavirus pandemic was disruptive for business owners, large and small, James said it helped her gain perspective.
“The pandemic, as disruptive and tragic and terrifying as it has been for so many people, has forced us to slow down in a lot of ways,” she said. “It’s forced us to re-evaluate what our priorities are and our values and just make sure that we have everything in the right order.”
In addition to custom stationary, invitations and branding design, James has designed several hand-drawn collegiate toile patterns for Pittypat’s Clothing Co. Each pattern highlights colors, landmarks, mascots and more of the featured schools.
Want to visit?
The Olive Shoe, 125 E. Whitner Street, Anderson SC 29624, (844) 472-7374, shop.theoliveshoe.com.
This video story was crafted and produced by digital media students from Anderson University’s Communication Program. As an Assistant Professor of Communication and owner of Rettew Creative, Bobby Rettew led a team of students in the COM 351 Corporate Video Production class to create these stories. This project provided a unique opportunity where students were able to leverage their technical video production skills along with enhancing their soft skills by interacting with clients and connecting with the downtown Anderson business community.
Anderson University Production Team: Kelsey Jowers, Camera 1 + audio; Zack Freeman, Camera 2 (OSMO)/Equipment Manager; Katie Cook, Interviewer/Director/Producer; David Trotter, Editor.
