Isabel Driggers was born in New York, but raised in Spartanburg, SC by her German mother and Persian father. Because her parents came to the US with almost nothing, Isabel quickly learned the importance of working hard. She attended Wofford College as a double major in chemistry and German then went to MUSC for dental school and University of Louisville for her pediatric residency. Isabel started Coastal Kids Dental & Braces in 2009 with her husband Jacob. She wanted to build a practice that made kids feel comfortable and happy! She also wanted to make things easier and more convenient for the parents, which is one of the reasons they kept growing!
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My husband, Jacob, is a CPA and was born and raised in Charleston. He worked for KPMG in Atlanta for many years before he and I started Coastal Kids Dental & Braces. We have three boys together ages 9, 13, and 14. We are all very active and love sports and anything outdoors!
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
Starting in high school and continuing even in dental school, I worked in restaurants. This actually helped me learn a lot about running a business and customer service. I worked in adult dentistry right out of dental school, but it didn’t take me long to realize that pediatrics was my passion. I love working with kids! Their honesty is refreshing! In general, I love helping people and make things easier for them in today’s difficult world.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
We love food and so many restaurants in Charleston! With the kids, we typically stay on Daniel Island– Vespa, Orlandos, and Wasabi– though they love Halls for a special occasion. Jacob and I enjoy date nights downtown, trying new restaurants as often as possible. Since I grew up with foreign parents, I love ethnic food and am always looking for places that serve something different.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I grew up in Spartanburg but lived in Charleston during dental school. I then moved back here and worked as a general dentist, seeing kids for close to 6 years before moving to Louisville, KY for a 2 year residency in pediatric dentistry. Once I completed that, I moved back here with my family to open Coastal Kids Dental & Braces. We currently live on Daniel Island.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Chris Singleton- I didn’t officially meet him, but he spoke at my son’s 8th grade graduation a couple of months ago. His words were uplifting and the kind of inspiration everyone needs after this past difficult year.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I would go to Iran. My dad was born in Tehran and recently passed of COVID. I never had the opportunity to visit his home country with him but hope to go back someday with some of his relatives so they can teach me more about his childhood.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I love the book and movie Wonder! I think it teaches a lot of great values while also providing humor!
Q: What advice would you give to people?
These days too many people have become very critical of others and thus too divided. I always tell my kids to worry about themselves unless they are helping someone. This would be good advice for many adults nowadays as well! I remind my kids that they should always WORK HARD and BE NICE!
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
We love to travel so there are tons of places on our bucket list! My husband and I also enjoy triathlons, so getting back into racing is in my near future. But most importantly right now, I am working towards building a large facility to accommodate adults with special healthcare needs. My goal is for this group to have one place for medical care, dental care and recreation. Currently, there is nothing like this in our state, and in the dental world it is becoming a true crisis.
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
I love all kinds of music! In college I was into local bands as well as Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Green Day, but these days I am more into top hits and any music I can dance to!
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
I am proud that we have a state of the art children’s hospital!
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Any politician or important person that could help with the Special Healthcare Needs project! And I would choose a restaurant on the water because I love the views!
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love how Charleston is a larger city with good food and activities but still feels like a small hometown where you see people you know every time you go out!
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
All of my children will almost be on their own, so I think my husband and I will mostly be traveling, exercising, and enjoying good food! At least when we aren’t working at the special needs facility.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
German was my first language. To this day my mom still speaks and writes to me in German, and I respond in English!
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Zell Am See in Austria. Jacob did a triathlon there one year, and it’s amazing!
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
September because it’s my birthday month and the kids are back in school, so we are back on a routine. I love all holidays that allow special time with family!
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Coastal Kids Dental & Braces 😉
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My kids! I am always trying to be a better role model for them.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Baked goods! And clean laundry because I am a clean freak!
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family, safe, comfortable
