Innovation rarely arrives fully formed. More often, it’s sparked by curiosity, shaped by risk, and refined through community. In this Innovators issue of TOWN, the Upstate’s creative leaders reflect on the people and moments that push them forward.
Who or what inspires you?
“I really try not to look up to a person, but more to a movement or what they are trying to do. Another part of being innovative is [when you] miss. You have to try. That’s a big part of the innovation. You have to not be scared. If you do something, it might not work, but that’s how you learn.”
What inspires me is an innovative company in Costa Rica called Spoon. It’s like a miniature version of Starbucks with [locations] throughout the whole country. That’s the business that inspired me to get my wife’s family recipes and create a new concept for a coffee shop.”
—Mario Castro, owner, D’Cafe On the Swamp
“The first thing that comes to mind is cultural innovators like Anthony Bourdain. I remember reading Kitchen Confidential when I was a teenager. And people like Julia Child, who push the culture forward and showcase something that’s not readily seen.”
– Conner Hinderks, Little Secret
Innovations in technology to aid in jewelry making, such as Computer-Aided Design software and 3-D printing, have become much more accessible to the small studio jewelry artist. And I do sometimes use these tools in my business. However, I find it equally innovative to embrace old-world techniques, especially now that AI is creeping into our field. We need to make sure these old-world techniques and skills are not forgotten by modern technology.
—Danielle Miller, Danielle Miller Jewelry
I really admire what Abigail Glaum-Lathbury is doing with her work. She’s an extremely talented pattern maker and she’s always thinking outside of the box. She really pushes against the system of what we think fashion is and how we consume it. It’s inspiring to see someone challenge the status quo the way she has on normalized toxic fashion ideals—she makes the viewer think, and I love that. She rethinks how things should be in fashion. She imagines boldly, takes risks, breaks conventions, and creates unique and unpredictable garments because of it. I had the great experience of being one of her students before I transferred to Central Saint Martins. It was an honor of a lifetime to learn from her.
“When I think of innovation that is inspiring to me I think about how important the symbiotic relationship of audience to artist is. I think about the impact of “showing up” and how that creates change . . . I think about people like naturalist/scientist Jeanne Villepreux-Power who, in the early 1800s, took a chance and invented the aquarium so she could observe the paper nautilus more closely, which changed our ability to be close to animals we wouldn’t have before.”
—Darby Wilcox, Greenville-based singer-songwriter
“I want to acknowledge Christian and Allison Wolters as local innovators and entrepreneurs who unknowingly inspired my decision to start Sofar Greenville. They own The Red Horse Inn in Landrum, a venue so stunning it has been spotlighted as one of the very best within the global Sofar Sounds community.”
—Cassie Scott, Upstate producer for Sofar
Theresa Gevaert finds inspiration in Spanx founder Sara Blakely, who revolutionized the intimate apparel industry when she went from selling fax machines to inventing shapewear. The company has also become known for its loungewear and comfortable clothing.
“She’s got a lot of moxie, and she really speaks with authenticity and warmth,” Gevaert notes, adding that she once heard Blakely share how one-on-one conversations with women drove Spanx’s marketing strategy.
“I do a lot of our communication efforts; I’m very focused on conveying who we are and our message to our women,” she adds. “That’s always been impressive to me—how as a company they really just want to be authentic and use a sense of humor.”
– Theresa Gevaert, Incora Health
