WHO WE ARE
We are people who love Columbia. We think it's a great city and want to see it become even better. We're artists and writers, students and professionals, young and old. We love what we do, and we hope to inspire our readers to go out and discover the countless reasons there are to love the city we call home.
We're always eager to add new voices to the team. If you have something you'd like to share, email us at info@colacrescent.com
MEET THE TEAM
Allen Wallace
Founder
Allen has been a journalist since 1994, working all over the U.S. He came to Columbia in 2009, working locally at WLTX, Midlands Anchor, and as one of the first reporters at Cola Daily. He currently serves as Communications Manager for the USC College of Hospitality, Retail and Sports Management. He won a South Carolina Broadcasters Association Award of Merit in 2015 for breaking news coverage. He is currently writing a book on USC Dance Marathon and its partnership with Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital, and is committed to telling the stories of Columbia and the people who make it a great place to live.
Founder
Annie Hilldrup
Communications Director
Annie is an incoming graduate student at the University of South Carolina, enrolled in the Mass Communications masters program through USC’s School of Journalism. Originally from Richmond, Virginia, Annie has loved exploring the Columbia community that has become her second home over the past four years while completing her undergraduate degrees in Mass Communications and History at USC. She hopes to one day extend her passion for health and wellness to a career in communications that can help make a difference in the lives of many.
Allison Willingham
Will Lacey
Food and Beverage Columnist
Randy Wicker
Lifestyle Columnist
Growing up on a cattle farm in Awendaw, South Carolina, Will Lacey saw from an early age how distinctive and delicious food culture can be. After a career spent in restaurant kitchens, founding and running a specialty food company, and catering special events and popups, he started Driftwood Pantry in Spring 2018 to share his culinary philosophy of food that is rooted in Charleston, peppered with global influences. A self-taught chef, Lacey has won numerous awards at food competitions and has led events across the country. When not in the kitchen, you can find Lacey spending time with his yellow lab Dixie, exploring the South Carolina’s best food and drink, and day dreaming of food adventures to Oaxaca, Mexico.
Margaret Chrusciel Wren
Contributor
Caroline is a recent graduate from USC with a degree in Visual Communicatios. She has a passion for learning and meeting new people, and she loves to get involved with anything that is put in front of her. Originally from Roswell, Georgia, Caroline enjoys traveling and being in the outdoors. She even spent a semester abroad on the beautiful beaches of Australia. She is looking forward to starting fresh after graduation and finding a career that will take her to new places.
Kenisha Frinks
Contributor
KB is a local lifestyle / fashion blogger and educator in Columbia, SC. She is originally from a small town just outside of North Myrtle Beach, SC and is 20 something years old. KB has been a soda city citizen since 2010 and is a recent graduate of the University of South Carolina where she obtained her Masters in Teaching. When KB isn’t educating the future minds of America you can catch her indulging in all creative outlets fashion offers. Kayfrinks.com
Hi Friends! My name is Randy Wicker. I am so honored to have the opportunity to share my love of food, music, movies, art, traveling and people I adore with you all. We are going to have so much fun on this journey. Let me tell you a little about myself. For the past four years, I’ve worked for Bourbon. Most people can’t stand their job. Me personally, I am so blessed to actually enjoy what I do. Although I’ve worked in service industry for the past 18 years (I’m 33 years old), Bourbon has taught me so much about food and crafty cocktails. Most importantly, it has given me an appreciation for my community. Using local butchers, farmers and small businesses is really something I encourage all my friends to do. And now that we are new friends, I hope you’ll do the same. My life changes everyday and it’s my pleasure to share this journey with my Cola peeps. I can’t wait to showcase the amazing talent we have walking around our amazing city. If you see me in these streets, give me a hug, let’s eat some food, and drink an Old Fashioned.
Angela Yong Sellers
Contributor
Angie’s career includes seventeen years of strength and conditioning experience and education working successfully with high schools, collegiate and professional athletic groups. Her studio in Five Points offers personal training, stretch therapy, wall and aerial yoga classes. Outside of the studio, she’s a working mom and wife, volleyball coach, Spartan racer, yogi, tennis player and on-the-go smoothie maker.
Caroline Surrett
Creative Director
