Monica Selinsky can best be described as an outgoing, entrepreneurial Enneagram 7 (“The Enthusiast”). Having lived all along the Atlantic, she calls herself a mutt of the East Coast, but feels grounded in the Birthplace of Sweet Tea! As a former Division 1 collegiate athlete with UConn Women’s Rowing, Monica’s athletic and competitive mindset is the driving force behind everything she puts her mind to personally and professionally. She’s never met a stranger and loves welcoming humans from all walks of life into her home, the Chick Inn on Main. As a former guest described in her review, “Monica is like a 5-star concierge and your favorite aunt, all rolled into one.”
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
We are a family of four: my husband Eric and our 2 boys, Jake (6) and Campbell (2). I’m saving up a therapy fund for our boys, but we’re doing the best we can in the parenting world, and we love them unconditionally! 😉 Eric and I met on eHarmony before online dating was “cool”. We are both UConn grads and avid adventure seekers! He loves and spoils me HARD. We craved warmer weather and nicer people, so without knowing a soul we landed in Summerville to begin our careers and growing family. The summers may be hot, but you don’t have to shovel heat! 😉 We are avid travelers, but as much as we love going on family adventures with the kids, we equally prioritize getaways sans kids! Hosting guests is our normal, so our kids have the incredible opportunity of meeting people from ALL walks of life and welcoming them into our home. We also have an old man chocolate lab named Bear (almost 12), an outdoor cat named Salem, and 13 hens!
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I worked in “Corporate America” for a time, followed by the incredible non-profit organizations Dragon Boat Charleston and Summerville DREAM. I now fully manage and run our small family business and home at the Chick Inn on Main! What started off as a side hustle 5 years ago has turned into a thriving business. Exceeding guests’ expectations and providing our guests with an overall experience during their stay is what I love most about what I do. Sharing our historic, charming home with others is our JOY, and we wouldn’t do it if we didn’t love it!
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Five Loaves and Eclectic Chef
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
11 years
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Steve Doniger (Executive Director of Summerville DREAM)
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
South Africa; I’ve always wanted to go on an African Safari!
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Up (movie) and This is Us (TV show)
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Step out of your comfort zone and attack the thing you’ve always aspired to do!
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Learn how to scuba dive!
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
Jason Mraz
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Perfectly Franks
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?
Jen Hatmaker– She is one of my favorite influencers. She’ so full of life, positivity, and the most hilarious sense of humor. Lunch would be MY TREAT with her at Accent on Wine (charcuterie board & wine for the win)!
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Our thriving historic district/downtown Summerville has a small town charm and amazing community events (Sweet Tea Festival, Flowertown Festival, Third Thursdays, live music in Hutchinson Square, Christmas Parade, outdoor ice skating in the winter).
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Owning a 2nd property with acreage and water and growing our hospitality business in SOME way… we love to DREAM BIG!
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I have jumped out of a perfectly good airplane twice– soon to be 3 times!
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Croatia
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
October, Christmas, August 22
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Cracklin’ Oat Bran Cereal
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Glennon Doyle – Untamed is one of my FAVORITE books, and I love her “We Can Do Hard Things” podcast!
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Freshly baked cookies and clean, fluffy towels
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Safe, Cozy, Inviting
