Meet Michelle Vitelli of Charleston Marsh Designs

Q: Tell us a little about your profession & why you do what you do:

Charleston Marsh Designs seemingly began with candles, but truly it’s about a love for clean products in my own home and a desire to honor and bring glory to the Lord. 

 

Q: When not at work, where can we mostly find you?

At the beach, on a boat, or chasing after my kids in our neighborhood!

 

Q: Where is your favorite place to dine in Charleston?

Charleston is full of amazing restaurant options, but my absolute favorite is The Longboard on Sullivan’s Island!

 

Q: If you could lounge anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Lanai, Hawaii – my favorite place on earth! 

 

Q: What song best describes you?

Nobody by Casting Crowns – that’s my ultimate goal!!

 

Q: What does comfort mean to you?

Joy and comfort are synonymous in my mind. A great teacher once said to me that joy doesn’t come from outward circumstances, but from inward strength. In my experience, it is possible to experience joy and comfort in the middle of a raging storm if you are willing to lean into your faith. 

 

Q: What might you say to someone who needs a little pick me up?

When we are sad or lonely or hurting, sometimes words can make it worse. I’ve found that listening, standing next to someone, or a lingering hug speaks volumes more than words ever can. 

 

Q: If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?

Read! I enjoy reading and learning so much but life seems to push that to the side easily. 

 

Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

This may sound strange, but the best advice I have ever received is that it’s okay to say no. You truly cannot pour from an empty cup and learning to stop saying yes to everyone and everything was a difficult lesson for me. 

 

Q: What is one thing you cannot live without?

I do not go anywhere without my Trek Tumbler from Simple Modern! Sometimes it’s just water, but lately my new obsession is adding True Lemon packets for a little flavor!! 

 

Q: Favorite thing to sleep in?

There’s a reason why grandma slept in a muumuu. ;-)

 

Q: What is your bucket list trip & why?

I simply want to show my kids the world and have them experience different cultures and foods and lands. 

 

Q: What kind of driver are you?

It is very rare for me to be alone in the car, so I tend to be a careful, defensive driver. 

 

Q: What makes you feel most empowered?

Helping others

 

Q: How do you recharge?

Prayer is the only thing that truly recharges me, however I have this group of ladies in my life that bring me so much joy. We meet most Tuesdays and my heart is so full after our precious time together!

 

Q: First thing you do when you get home from work?

Hug my kids and want to hear all about their day!

 

Q: What makes you most uncomfortable?

Talking about myself!

 

Q: What’s one thing you would change about yourself?

I wish I was slightly more organized!

 

Q: What do you need to rant about or get off your chest?

If I could stand on a soapbox, I would challenge the world to open their eyes. There are so many things that the world says are okay and that just isn’t true. Doing what is popular or leaning toward the majority without doing the research and discovering the truth behind popular opinion is damaging in more ways than we can imagine. 

 

Q: What’s your secret weapon?

Whispering! Y’all it works for almost anything! My kids listen when I whisper, my husband pays attention when I whisper, strangers perk up their ears! Plus, I whisper prayers all day long so I have tons of practice. 

 

Q: Any life hacks or secret talents we should know about?

I love to write! I mostly write short stories, but I’ve actually been working on a novel! 

 

Q: Favorite recipe we need to know about?

Everyone always asks for my pimento cheese recipe and I have never shared it before now! What you do is: go to the grocery store and pick up some My Three Sons brand pimento cheese, bring home, scoop into a decorative bowl, place a decorative spoon or knife in pimento cheese and serve crackers on the side.

 

Q: Anything else we need to know?

Music is a huge part of my life and my work! I love to sing and play piano!!