“What gets me out of bed every morning is knowing that I'm impacting what’s being shaped in my hometown,” says Joe Hindman,
owner of the upscale hostel Modal that recently opened at 813 Augusta Street.
Writer: Melissa Hayes
Exclusive Photography: FishEye Studios, Greenville, SC
Hindman is more than just a local business owner trying to put heads in beds. Everything about Modal is curated to showcase the community: Local artwork hangs on the walls; the bar serves Junto Coffee from nearby Taylors and keg beer from local breweries - even Modal’s linens come from South Carolina-based textile companies.
As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, Hindman emphasizes that Modal is and always will be a safe space for everyone regardless of sexual orientation, race, gender identity, or expression. Recognizing there can be a great deal of uncertainty regarding safety when traveling as a queer community member, Hindman ensures that his stance is clear by emblazoning Modal’s policy of inclusivity throughout their branding.
The website states, “we celebrate our queer, minority, and creative communities and gladly welcome everyone into our space. Whether for a cup of coffee or an overnight stay in one of our guest rooms, all visitors are treated with dignity and respect.”
Though Modal, too, has been impacted by the challenges the global pandemic has presented to businesses of all sizes, Hindman tries to turn a negative into a positive by using his platform for community outreach efforts.
“At the core, we're constantly looking for ways to support others who are still trying to make money and put food on the table for their family,” he says.
Hindman also considered the impact Modal would have on its immediate physical surroundings as the hostel is located in a historically Black neighborhood. He says it was important to him to ensure he “wasn't just another white business owner setting up shop on the shoulders of what others have built.”
To help develop and serve his immediate community, he decided to host pop-up markets on Modal’s grounds. The markets, which were hosted throughout September and October, increased traffic to the area and gave local makers the opportunity to sell their wares. His hope is that these efforts, among others, will lead to nearby available commercial properties’ becoming home to small, local purveyors rather than big businesses.
“We're really trying to do something that takes a long time and is organic,” Hindman says. “There’s a lot of intentionality that goes into making this a reality.”
Website: MODAL
