GiGi’s Playhouse Charleston – Our Story

In 2002, Nancy Gianni, the Founder and Chief Belief Officer of GiGi’s Playhouse, gave birth to her daughter, GiGi. When she received the diagnosis that GiGi had Down syndrome, her fears, coupled with the negative reactions of the medical staff, made Nancy believe that her life, as she knew it, was over. Nancy soon realized that GiGi could do the very same things that her other children do! What began as a mother’s vision to change perception, and maximize her daughter’s successes, has evolved into a global movement of acceptance that is changing lives every day. With over 61 open playhouse and 6 startups across the United States and Mexico, GiGi’s Playhouse Charleston will be playhouse 62 in the network and the first playhouse in South Carolina! 

The Charleston Journey Begins 

The story of GiGi’s Playhouse Charleston echoes the journey Nancy started more than two decades ago. In August 2021, Co-founder Lynze Sikes visited GiGi’s Playhouse in Raleigh, North Carolina, with her toddler daughter, Carly. The moment she stepped inside, Lynze felt a rush of love, acceptance, and possibility. She called it the “GiGi’s Magical Glitter” — an energy that infused the space, one that immediately made her feel at home. She posted about her experience on the Down Syndrome Association of the Lowcountry’s Facebook page, which sparked a chain of events that would eventually bring a GiGi’s Playhouse to Charleston. 

Lynze’s post connected her with Marie Myers, and the two quickly bonded over their shared vision for a Playhouse in Charleston. What followed was the formation of a determined team of moms and community leaders, all driven by a single purpose: to bring this much-needed resource to the area. The initial startup team was led by Marie Myers, Lynze Sikes, and Kim Jenkins and it included Erica Chiovarou, Sally Bunting, Kristin Clontz, and Shannon McSwain. Together, they poured their hearts into researching the community, planning outreach efforts, and raising the necessary funds. Through their efforts, they learned just how crucial a GiGi’s Playhouse would be for the Charleston area. 

In November of 2021, Lynze and Marie were invited to attend the GiGi’s Playhouse National Conference. It was here that their vision was solidified. Surrounded by other Playhouse leaders and the incredible GiGi Gianni, they saw firsthand the profound impact this organization was making. They witnessed the ripple effect of love and change that GiGi’s Playhouse had spread across the country and around the world. When they heard Nancy Gianni speak, it was clear that this wasn’t just about a playhouse—it was about a movement of acceptance, empowerment, and belonging. 

The Road to Charleston 

By March 2022, GiGi’s Playhouse Charleston was officially recognized as a startup. Excitement buzzed throughout the community as the team worked tirelessly to raise awareness and build support for the Playhouse. In 2023, under the leadership of T Beck, the team held their first GiGi Fit Acceptance Challenge and gala. These events proved to be a huge success, with generous sponsorships from local businesses and overwhelming community support.

In January 2024, the founding board for GiGi’s Playhouse Charleston was formed. Marie Myers became the President, T Beck the Vice President, and Kim Jenkins the Treasurer, with other key members including Michelle Tonkonogy, Lynze Sikes, Leah Coppo, and Brian Hartmann. Later that year, George Ramsay and David Moehlman joined the board as well. The community’s enthusiasm continued to grow, and in March 2024, GiGi’s Playhouse Charleston was blessed with a Founding Partner. Rick Cobden, the South Carolina Franchise Owner for City Wide Facilities Solutions, selected the Playhouse as the beneficiary for their National Conference charity event. This generous contribution provided the necessary funding to move forward with the buildout of the Playhouse. 

Building the Future 

With the support of partners like City Wide and donations from local businesses and individuals, GiGi’s Playhouse Charleston’s dream began to take shape. Mike Nixon, the architect behind the design, crafted a 4,200-square-foot space that would house a classroom, learning labs, a large multi-purpose room, and a fully equipped kitchen. Linden Construction took on the task of turning the vision into reality. 

By January 2025, the Playhouse had hired its Site Manager, Breana Crenshaw. Breana, who had been involved with GiGi’s Playhouse as a volunteer since 2022, was recognized for her outstanding contributions and was named Volunteer of the Year for 2024. Her dedication, along with the commitment of other team members, made GiGi’s Playhouse Charleston’s mission even stronger. 

A New Beginning 

On May 17, 2025, GiGi’s Playhouse Charleston will open its doors to the community for the very first time. It will be a space for individuals with Down syndrome and their families to learn, grow, and be celebrated. For the families of Charleston, it will be a place that feels like home—a safe haven where they can find love, acceptance, and the opportunity to achieve their fullest potential. 

The story of GiGi’s Playhouse Charleston is not just one of hard work and determination, but also one of love and community. It is a story that showcases the best of humanity, from the incredible children and adults with Down syndrome to the dedicated volunteers, generous donors, and passionate leaders who are making this dream a reality. 

This is just the beginning. As GiGi’s Playhouse Charleston opens its doors, it will continue to be a place of growth, inspiration, and transformation—a place where every individual knows they are not alone, and where acceptance and love are at the heart of everything they do. 

The journey has only just begun, and the future holds endless possibilities for the families and individuals who will walk through those doors, sprinkled with the GiGi’s magical glitter!