Mount Pleasant Magazine Jan/Feb2016

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E very February, artists, out-
doorsmen and nature lovers gather in the
Lowcountry for a three-day event unlike
any other. At The Southeastern Wild-
life Exposition, attendees truly get to
experience the best of the great outdoors.
Where else can folks sip on the region’s
tastiest bourbon, beneath mossy oaks, while getting to see
a bald eagle show off his impressive wingspan?
Now in its 34th year, SEWE continues to attract visi-
tors from across the country eager to learn more about
the winged beauties and various creatures that share our
marsh-filled peninsula. Not only does this event gener-
ate funds to keep conservation projects blooming, it also
serves as a launching pad for up-and-coming-artists. To
be featured at SEWE is a high honor – one that has made
many a career soar.
“It’s really exciting and almost surreal to have been
chosen as a vendor at SEWE,” said Tom Mauldin, owner
of HookNHide – a company specializing in handcrafted
fish-inspired belt buckles and bottle openers. “The expo-
sure that artists get at the event is amazing.”
As a second-year participant, Mauldin has seen first-
hand the positive impact SEWE has had on his business.
The amount of buzz generated by being showcased at the
renowned event can connect an artist to the right audi-
ence. An avid fisherman and resident of Sullivan’s Island,
Mauldin found plenty of inspiration for his innovative
product line in the environment that surrounded him.
“I would definitely say that being on Sullivan’s was a great
experience for me during the growing stages of HookNHide,”
said Mauldin. “My love for the ocean and the natural setting
of this area definitely fueled my creative juices.”
Fusing art with functionality, HookNHide products
make the perfect gift for that male in your life who seems
nearly impossible to shop for. The detailed depiction of a
bull dolphin or rainbow trout stirs emotion in those who
have reveled in ocean waves and choppy chill.
“I am so grateful to everyone who has dedicated time
and effort in helping me to be where I am and especially all
the great customers who like my product,” said Mauldin.
Another SEWE artist who gathers inspiration from her
natural surroundings is Haley Keisler, owner of Hermosa
Jewelry. At the young age of 12, she discovered her pas-
sion by reconstructing pieces of vintage jewelry into new
accessories. By the age of 15, she has already started doing
trunk shows and selling to a loyal clientele in Charleston.
Now she is a complete one-woman-show, singlehandedly
orchestrating all aspects of her thriving company.
“I feel so blessed to have found my passion as a young
girl,” said Keisler. “It has given me a direction to pursue
and brought so much purpose to my life.”
From delicate turquoise earrings to chunky, multistrand
abalone statement necklaces, the variety of stunning pieces
Keisler crafts is unmatched. She has found great inspiration
in her various travels, which always seem to provide new
experiences that translate into fodder for her designs.
“I feel honored to be one of the featured artists for
SEWE,” said Keisler. “I am a conservationist myself and love
that this event celebrates wildlife and nature, which is what
makes Charleston such a special place for me to call home.”
Like Mauldin, Keisler is fueled by the very landscape
her backyard provides. She counts on her time spent
emerged in nature to leave her recharged and eager to
jump into a new project.
“The Lowcountry has directly inspired my ‘Oyster
Collection,’ made from locally found oyster shells,” said
Keisler, who rocks this specific creation at all the season’s
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