Meet the Mermen: Rian
The Grit & Grace Studio family consists of passionate individuals, though we can confidently say that Rian might be the only team member who is passionate about playing with snakes.
And where would we be without this oyster shell-slinging, furniture-assembling, snake-loving microplastics expert? Rian and Clayr are the backbone of our in-house oyster shell recycling program, which has rescued more than 9,150 gallons of landfill-destined oyster shells and returned them to SCDNR's oyster reef restoration programs.
Rian, each day you ground us and inspire the Grit & Grace family to work for a greener, healthier, more sustainable world for all its species.
We are so grateful for your hard work, determination, and for showing us the wonder of snakes (from a reasonable distance).
Grit & Grace Family: Rian
Tell us about yourself. Where are you from, how did you come to Charleston, and what led you to join the Grit & Grace family?
I am originally from Red Bank, SC. I moved to Charleston 6 years ago to attend The Citadel. I studied microplastics in college, and a lot of that work involved microplastics in oysters. When that ended, I was looking for oyster-related jobs in Charleston and came across G&G. I was really drawn to the opportunity to learn more about our oyster shell recycling program here in South Carolina.
photo credit: Reese Moore Photography
What do you do at Grit & Grace Studio?
I help facilitate oyster recycling by picking up used shells from restaurants and delivering them to the recycling center in North Charleston. I collect, sort, wash, and paint shells. I am also a catch-all handyman and furniture mover/builder!
You have a day off, and it’s gorgeous outside. How will you spend your day?
Anyone that knows me knows that I am an avid fossil hunter and field herper. On a day off (rain or shine), I can be found in a local marsh or forest looking for shark teeth, fishing, or searching for snakes to photograph.
photo credit: Reese Moore Photography
You’re a passionate naturalist and conservationist. What are 3 environmental issues you’d like to increase awareness about?
Three environmental pet peeves of mine:
The harmful effects that feral and outdoor cats have on native species. People do not realize the devastation caused by unmonitored outdoor cats killing native wildlife (birds, reptiles, small mammals, etc.).
Monoculture lawns and nonnative landscaping. It irks me to see plain grass lawns landscaped with nonnative species when there are so many beautiful native species that would be much better suited for the environment and much better for local pollinators.
Single-use plastics. Single-use plastics are a huge problem. Not only are they unsightly and wasteful, they also degrade into microplastics that can now be found everywhere imaginable.
What’s your favorite type of sea turtle?
While not technically a “sea turtle”, the diamondback terrapin is my favorite South Carolina turtle species. They are small, estuarine turtles that inhabit coastal South Carolina marshes, and they are absolutely stunning. I come across them frequently when I’m out in the marsh and always enjoy seeing them.
You’ve spent a lot of time working with SCORE. What’s something you wish more people knew about oyster shell recycling?
I wish more people realized the importance of keeping trash out of their recycled shell. The amount of saltine cracker wrappers, beer cans, single-use plastics, and other trash is disheartening. Luckily SCDNR does a wonderful job of removing litter before placing the shell back into the marsh.
A friend is visiting Charleston for the first time. What are your top three must-see spots or things to do in the Lowcountry?
Casual Crabbing with Tia, or Let’s Go Crabbing on Airbnb experiences, is a must for anyone visiting Charleston. I may be biased because I work there as well, but it really is quite the experience. You can learn to crab, fish, and throw a cast net like a true local. You may even leave with dinner!
photo credit: Reese Moore Photography
I would recommend the usual touristy things like visiting White Point Gardens (where my parents got married), checking out the Angel Oak, and maybe fishing from the Mount Pleasant Pier under the Ravenel Bridge.
For dinner, I would recommend they get a bucket of oysters at Bowen’s Island and watch the sunset.
What’s the best part about working for Grit & Grace Studio?
The best part of working for Grit & Grace is having a work family to hang out with and talk to while you work. Clayr and I really have fun going on “treasure hunts” at the port, looking for lost oyster shuckers, knives, and other goodies in the piles of used oysters.
Shop our Everything Oyster Collection today to support the Grit & Grace Studio in-house oyster shell recycling program. We are proud to recycle 10 shells for each item purchased!
Are you shopping for the perfect sustainable gifts to celebrate the earth goddess in your life? In addition to our signature oyster creations, we carry Renewable Fiber Beach Totes, sustainably sourced Sage Smudge Sticks, soy wax candles, and organic cotton Baby Onesies.
One Love & Blessings,