Well, you just never know. About 12 years ago, Joe Fenton--former Polk County High School student and Clemson engineering graduate, entrepreneur, and owner of the Dark Corner Distillery, along with his wife Roxanne, who is also a PCHS graduate--sat in my Honors English I class. And I mean sat. What else can you do when you're a student exploring the intricate uses of the semicolon and analyzing Rome and Juliet.
Joe, along with a sea of my blossoming 9th graders, got the new teacher, Mrs Weicker-- a career change for me and an "older" first year teacher. Joe did very well in my class--all the way through his high school career--and I frequently saw him in the hallway, as a senior and key part of clubs, sports, and Student Council. I knew he marched to his own drum--to use a cliche' that I tell my seniors to not use in their college essays.
I recently visited his and his wife's--Roxanne- Dark Corner Distillery in downtown Greenville, just across Main Street from the Hyatt hotel. Joe and Roxanne, along with their business partner, have established the first legal moonshine still in S.C.
My great grandfather made shine and sold it in his country store in Pea Ridge. It's fitting that my biodiesel "still" glycerin and my barrel of soaps journey on down to the DCD (Dark Corner Distillery). Plus, Be Kind is able to continue on with former PCHS student talent. Joe said it was "Divine," and I might agree. Who knew I would be taking advice and "working for" one of my ex students. If you get to the DCD and see Joe, he can tell you a story about ole Weicker and a little bit of trouble...
Well, as I tell my current sea of seniors, young people have so much to offer--creativity, determination, and talent. Joe has all of these traits. The DCD is beautiful and "primitive," with patina walls, a copper moonshine still, and a passion for his "dream." When I went there this past weekend, Joe, Roxanne, and Michael (who is a PCHS graduate, works for DCD, and makes Internet videos and is talented in his own right) all were so excited to show us the moonshine process.
You need to go there for a shot of Appalachia Moonshinin' history. You can see the moonshine process through a wall of glass, and the still is up close and personal. If you wish, 3 shots are legal, and you can purchase moonshine to take home for friends, family, and foes. Joe is well versed in Dark Corner traditional moonshine making and is all about supporting his local community.
I am honored that Dark Corner Distillery has asked Be Kind Solutions to customize some of my glycerin soaps for their store. We are calling the body soap "Shine. A perfect name for DCD soap.
As I just told my current sea of senior English students, "You never know when you will need the help of someone from your past. Always treat others with respect and honesty." I hope my green, glycerin soaps do well in downtown Greenville. After visiting Dark Corner Distillery, I believe Joe's passion and work ethic has created an awesome, unique business. Go see if for yourself and visit their website and read about Joe and Roxanne's Dark Corner story.
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