A few words with Chris “Snelly” Snelson
If you live on Folly, chances are you are going to, at some point, find yourself sidling up to a barstool on one of the island’s many fine establishments. Sometimes, especially during the summer months, you will unfortunately find yourself seated next to a drunken frat boy downing Jaeger shots (is Jaeger still a thing?) and pontificating on the finer points of hooking up with chicks. If the Folly gods have smiled upon you, however, you will find yourself sitting next to Chris Snelson, one of the friendliest, and wittiest, guys to ever don a pair of flip-flops. His flip-flops, by the way, are as well-known as he is, as he frequently writes on social media from the viewpoint of his footwear-of-choice. When I first met him, our mutual friend Jenny told me I “had” to follow him on Facebook, as he was semi-famous for his mostly funny, sometimes inspirational, but always well-prosed reflections on life. I recently sat down with “Snelly” to discuss his life, and when is he finally going to get around to writing that first book.
Miranda Jordan: How did you find your way to Folly Beach?
Chris Snelson: I was raised in Asheville, and I used to vacation down here with my family. Being the over-achiever that I am, I went ahead and had my mid-life crisis at age 25. I quit my early career as a hotel manager, came down to Folly, and immediately knew Folly was where I wanted to live, period. I started waiting tables and bartending around on the island. I’ve been here ever since with the exception of one year: in 2000 I moved to the British Virgin Islands after answering an ad in the newspaper for a restaurant General Manager in Tortola. I liked ladies and my liver too much to stay, however, and came back a year later.
MJ: What is your favorite things about the island?
CS: The people. The geography has a lot to do with it, but I like the small-town feel, and the small-town heart. A lot of communities may talk about how caring they are, but here you can really feel it. That and the cops used to give me a ride home when I was drunk.
MJ: How did you first start writing, and when are we getting a book?
CS: When I lived in Tortola, the only think that connected me to loved ones was email, and I would send stories via mass email to my friends, and people started to really react to it and encourage me to write seriously. I’m inspired by writers like Paul Theroux, Bill Bryson and J. Maarten Troost. I took some time off not long ago to actually dedicate to writing, and I then understood what a huge undertaking it really is. I got some good advice from an editor, so I’m still working out how I want to say what I want to express. It’s a work in process.
MJ: A popular motif in what you write is “Snelly’s Flip Flops.” Other than being the official footwear of Folly, what is the significance?
CS: I decided really early that I had no intention of spending the rest of my life being perpetually stressed-out. If you are in a place that you can wear flip-flops, generally speaking, the people are laid-back and more likely to take the time to enjoy life. You put on work shoes, you have to hustle. Life shouldn’t be about hustle all the time. Plus I hate socks.
MJ: What is one thing your friends and neighbors would be surprised to learn about you?
CS: That I’m an only child. People say that surprises them because I’m not spoiled or self-absorbed.
Miranda Jordan is a guidance counselor, musician, and freelance writer. To reach her, you can email her at mirandaalicejordan@gmail.com.
