Profile: Modern Manor

A unique marketplace with 50 unique home décor boutiques

By Liesel Schmidt

The Charleston area is deeply rooted in history—and its architecture tells a tale in ways that nothing else can. Part of Mount Pleasant’s architectural heritage, The Boone Hall Market was once a hub of the community, and it was only fitting that it would find new life as something beautiful in the hands of business partners Karen Massarotti and Jessica Wiley, who own Modern Manor, a unique marketplace with 50 unique boutiques under one roof.

“As entrepreneurs, we have backgrounds in interior design,” says Wiley, a former teacher with a natural talent for aesthetics and a deep passion for creative expression. Massarotti, meanwhile, brought her background in interior design and construction, a wealth of skills as well as an invaluable network to the marketplace.

“When we saw that the historic Boone Hall building was available, we decided to open a collection of boutiques that would offer an array of home goods, furnishings, antiques, apparel and gifts,” Wiley said. “We also saw the perfect opportunity to open a coffee shop that would provide pastries and sandwiches, as well as a variety of coffees, wine and beer—all to be enjoyed under the trees on our open Southern outdoor patio.”

Clearly, theirs was a vision for more than simply a brick-and-mortar store. Rather, Massarotti and Wiley wanted to create a unique, central source for all things beautiful that was also a gathering place to form community and connection—a singular shopping experience that would set the Modern Manor name apart.

“Aside from our unique business model, we offer home decor in our store that other stores don’t carry,” says Wiley, who opened the business with Massarotti in 2024. “It’s important for us to find relevant brands and furnishings that resonate with our community but are not a repeat of what other stores or boutiques carry.”

A shared passion is a uniting force between the two women, who have built a successful company on that foundation, fortified with their respective expertise and talents.

“Our passion is design, and we love offering the community of North Mount Pleasant a space where they can find items for themselves and their homes. We’re pleased that the community shops local and supports a women-owned business. Building relationships with our customer base is vital to us, and we look forward to growing and evolving as we settle in.”

In addition to home decor, lighting, art, furniture, live plants, apparel and antiques within its spaces, Modern Manor also comprises a makeup boutique as well as the café, with more plans to expand in the works.

Modern Manor

2521 North Highway 17, Mt. Pleasant

843-936-2457

Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.

modern-manor.shop