Alumni Gift Guide

WODA

Brittany Orzech Gardner ’08, co-owner

After more than a decade as a water engineer in Charleston, Britt Gardner ’08 traded her hard hat for an entrepreneurial vision rooted in Lowcountry living. She designed the Woda Bag, a durable, waterproof backpack built to withstand sand, saltwater and a hose. After three years perfecting the design, her bags have found their way to beaches and retailers across the country.

Kanga

Logan LaMance ’18, Austin Maxwell ’17 and Ryan Frazier ’17

Logan LaMance ’18, Austin Maxwell ’17 and Ryan Frazier ’17 launched Kanga Coolers to combat the impracticality of large, heavy coolers. Their Kase Mate is a lightweight solution that combines the technology of a can insulator with a cooler, creating a convenient way to keep drinks cold. Since its Shark Tank appearance, Kanga Coolers has expanded its products, catering to various occasions that call for a cold drink.

Covered in Cotton

Ty ’07 and Tracy Free ’08 Woodard

The Woodard family has been farming cotton in Darlington, South Carolina for three generations. Now, Ty ’07 and Tracy Free ’08 Woodard cultivate that cotton and weave it into products that impact families beyond the fields, including plush blankets, apparel and hand towels. For every ten blankets sold, they donate one to a local children’s hospital.

Twin Creeks Lavender

Michelle Ducworth ’00

After her father’s passing in 2015, Michelle Ducworth ’00 felt a calling to convert part of her family’s cattle farm into a lavender farm. Since then, she has cultivated the crop and made numerous lavender-infused bath, body and home products made with lavender distilled on the farm.

Methodical

David Baker ’05, co-founder

Driven to build community and a warm, welcoming environment, David Baker ’05 opened the first Methodical Coffee in 2015, which has now expanded to four locations, including three locations in Greenville, South Carolina. With a strong passion for coffee and “Methodista” values, Methodical Coffee roasts its own beans on-site. Coffee and pastries can be enjoyed at one of the shop locations, or packaged coffee, tea and candles can bring the experience home.

The Nut House & Country Market

Kevin ’98 and Lydia Yon ’87, M ’89

The Nut House & Country Market is proudly operated by the second generation of the Yon family – Sally ’13, Drake ’14, and Corbin Yon ’16 – who are the children of Kevin ’98 and Lydia ’87, M ’89 Yon. This family-run business has become a staple in Ridge Spring, South Carolina, specializing in premium pecans, gourmet pecan candies and pecan pies. For more than two decades, the Nut House & Country Market has continued a tradition of Southern flavor that keeps customers coming back for more.

Collettey’s Cookies

Collette Divitto ’13

Collette Divitto ’13 discovered her love for baking in high school and later transformed her passion into Collettey’s Cookies, a successful business that has been featured on shows including CNN, Good Morning America and MSNBC. The young entrepreneur graduated from the ClemsonLIFE program, and along with her sweet company, she established a nonprofit that provides workshops and training to people with and without disabilities, empowering people across the world.

Dr. Shica’s Bakery

Washica “Shica” Hagood ’96

Inspired by her lifetime love of baking, South Carolina native Washica Hagood Little ’96, AKA Dr. Shica, has propelled her desserts from a childhood Easy-Bake Oven to a successful business that delivers cookies to the doorsteps of Hollywood executives. Responding to the growing demand for plant-based treats, Dr. Shica’s Bakery developed vegan desserts with clean ingredients that deliver mouth-watering flavor praised by renowned and at-home chefs alike.

Hook+Gaff 

Michael Sims ’03

Classmates Michael Sims ’03 and Gash Clayton ’03 founded Hook+Gaff with a shared love for the outdoors and craftsmanship. Their watches combine sophisticated design with durability, built to endure long days on the water or nights out on the town. The line includes models for fishing, diving and hunting. Custom pieces are also available.

Local Dog

Elizabeth Cantey Waters ’97

Local Dog is a T-shirt brand created by Elizabeth Cantey Waters ’97. As a born-and-raised South Carolinian and dog lover, Elizabeth aimed to create a comfortable and casual brand that celebrates people’s hometown hangouts, showcasing towns throughout the state. The T-shirts feature a dog at different landmarks in South Carolina, evoking the familiarity of home for South Carolinians.

Saltwater Swaddles

Charlotte Carroll Fraser ’08 and Meredith Gwynn Darr ’09

Charlotte Carroll Fraser ’08 and Meredith Gwynn Darr ’09 founded Saltwater Swaddles after meeting at Clemson University. As artists, their goal is to create beautiful, high-quality children’s items inspired by their South Carolinian roots. Each pattern begins as a hand-made painting by Charlotte, which Meredith then transforms into a graphic design pattern before it is printed on swaddles, pajamas, clothes and crib sheets.

True Orange

Melissa Cherry ’91

Located in downtown Clemson, True Orange Boutique is owned by Melissa Cherry ’91, whose grandfather, father, husband and children are fellow Clemson graduates. The family’s generational Clemson pride inspired the store’s collection of stylish game day looks, and Cherry’s eye for fashion places spirited apparel alongside on-trend looks for every day.

Goldbug Collection

Mariana “Mini” Hay ’13

Douglas Piper Art

Doug Piper ’09

Greenville native Doug Piper ’09 creates print block artwork on old maps, evoking a sense of adventure and nostalgia for past travels. Moved by the surrounding nature, his art is inspired by his outdoorsy lifestyle. In addition to prints, Doug features his artwork on apparel and accessories that you can find in his online shop.

Ali Kerns Lettering

Ali Kerns ’18

While a student, Ali Kerns ’18 began designing hand-lettered artwork celebrating the traditions of her alma mater. What began as small prints made at the Campus Copy Shop has grown into Ali Lettering, a store with officially licensed Clemson products. Kerns runs the shop independently, creating custom stationery, graduation announcements, art and more.

Wishbone Kitchen

Meredith Hayden ’18

Merideth Hayden ’18 has poured her culinary expertise and love for hosting into Wishbone Kitchen, a cookbook that combines elegant taste with approachable recipes. Inspired by her work as a chef in New York City and the Hamptons, the cookbook features witty commentary alongside recipes for everything from 20-minute meals to themed menus.

The Villain Edit

Laurie Devore ’11

Breach of Trust

Helen P. Bradley ’81