Entrepreneurs With The POWER of Elderberries, and Lovers of The Great Outdoors
by Melissa LaScaleia
Introduce me to your family.
It’s myself and my husband Jake. We have a girl and two boys: Rowyn, Beckham and Pearson; and our Himalayan kittens, Cotton and Candy.
Where are all the places you came from? Where do you live now?
I was born and raised in Michigan. In 2003 when my parents moved to Charleston, I came to Myrtle Beach to attend Coastal Carolina University. My husband is originally from St. Louis, Missouri and his family moved to Myrtle Beach in 1992. We moved to the Market Common last month.
What is your favorite place in Myrtle Beach?
Though I get busy and can at times take it for granted, the beach is my favorite place. Outside of the beach, I also love the Market Common. The area really draws us in because of all the family-friendly activities; it’s very conducive to our lifestyle.
What do you like the most about living in the Market Common?
The biggest reason is we are close to everything that brings our family joy. We love the outdoors and staying active. We don’t feel like we ever have to leave with how much the Market Common has to offer: bowling, the pool, the beach, playgrounds, ice cream, and everything in between. My husband loves to take our boys fishing, and we can see the pond they fish at from our front porch. We’re close to Savannah’s playground for the kids, and our business participates in the farmers market on Saturdays. Since moving to the Market Common, we have all that, right at our fingertips.
What new activities have you taken up since moving to Myrtle Beach?
Three years ago, I started a business called The POWER of Elderberries. Today, our brand is available nationwide through our website and Amazon. We also participate in the Market Common farmers market, and other markets. We also like to take bike rides, watch baseball games, picnic in the fields, and watch outdoor movies.
What is one thing that your neighbors don’t know about you?
I was a lecturer at Coastal Carolina University in the public health department for almost eleven years before jumping whole-heartedly into The POWER of Elderberries. My husband and I both resigned from our past careers to focus on this business full time.
Is there anything that you miss or would like to see in Myrtle Beach?
No. Growing up in a small town that had little more than a small bowling alley, I feel like Myrtle Beach truly has everything I could need or want.
