Meet Jocelyn Patterson | Shoe Designer & Creative Director of Gola Sweetgrass

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jocelyn Patterson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jocelyn, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I am from Georgetown, SC , a small rural town about an hour from Charleston, SC. My upbringing taught me the importance of community service. I come from a family of educators so I learned early on that education is the key to success. And so I am always eager to learn and gain skills and knowledge in my life.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Inspired by Sweetgrass baskets of the Gullah/Geechee culture, Gola Sweetgrass is focused on shining a light on the artform of sweetgrass baskets and basket makers. Our mission is to educate and preserve the history and create a comfortable and quality leather sandal that reflects Lowcountry living. I am most proud that I’ve created sandals that shows how sweetgrass can be showcased in ways other than baskets.

I left corporate America in 2011 and I’ve never looked back! I wanted to live a more a purpose-driven life and do things I was passionate about but could also make a living and support myself. I knew that this path was not going to be easy but I was up for the challenge. I was willing to take the risk. One thing I learned along the way is taking risks gets you closer to achieving your goals. Will the risks always payoff – no! But the lessons you learn will allow you to grow from the risks you’ve taken and that will make you a better person in business. Another lesson I learned is that you don’t have to know how to do everything. Surround yourself around likeminded individuals and put yourself in spaces that will help you succeed.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First stop will be the beach! One of the best things about living in Charleston is you are minutes away from some of the best beaches along the coast! There’s Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island and of course the locals beach, Folly beach.

You can’t come to Charleston and not go on King St. The downtown Historic Charleston area has the best shopping, restaurants, nightlife and of course the rich history of one of the oldest cities in South Carolina. Shopping at the Charleston City Market, a visit to the Gibbes Musuem, walks around the French Quarter are just the tip of all the things we would do.

Take a drive across the Ravenel bridge to Mount Pleasant for lunch at my favorite restaurant, Paige’s Okra Grill! Or we can go to Shem Creek and have drinks at Saltwater Cowboy or fresh seafood at one of the seafood restaurants.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my mom! She is my biggest supporter and I am so blessed to have her in my life!

Website: golasweetgrass.com

Instagram: @golasweetgrass

Facebook: Gola Sweetgrass

Image Credits
Aneris Photography