Meet Ursula Brisson, maker of clean homes, JEllo Shot cakes and Popsicles for dogs
When I think of the quintessential “Folly Girl”, Ursula Brisson is one of the first people who come to mind. So I find it funny that when she first moved here, she was sitting at Planet Follywood and proudly declared “I’m a local now!” at which point Ms. BJ promptly snapped, “no, you’re not really a local until you’ve lived here 10 years.”
Now, I’m not sure I agree with BJ’s logic, but either way, 17 years later Ursula has definitely earned her “local” status. In addition to that distinction, she is also the founder of Folly’s Finest, a residential cleaning business that is branching out into some new creative endeavors, as well (my dogs are big fans of her “Paw Pops”). She also works at Bert’s Market on Wednesdays, and you can frequently find her beating people in a game of pool or shining up the dance floor at the Sand Dollar.
FOLLY CURRENT: How did you find your way to Folly Beach?
Ursula Brisson: I was born in Rodondo Beach in L.A., California. I was a military brat, so I moved around a whole lot. I went to High School in Ohio, and got married right after graduation to someone with three kids, so I had an insta-family. I was married for 12 years, and after I got a divorce, I came to South Carolina with my 6-month old daughter. I had friends in Walterboro, and they recommended Folly Beach to me. I came to check it out around 1990, and Mama Flo came out of The Sanitary Restaurant and asked me if I was lost (I guess I had that look on my face). I was really just in awe of the town, it was Mayberry by the Sea! Flo really was the one that made me fall in love with the island. I moved to 23 Center St. that January 1st, and I’ve been here on the island ever since!
FC: What is your favorite thing about the island?
UB: The people. You don’t need TV. Just pick a channel by choosing which watering hole you want to go to. People-watching on Center Street is the best.
FC: Tell us about the services offered at Folly’s Finest.
UB: I first started with my photography, and at one time City Hall used my pictures for advertising the city. I do residential and vacation rental cleaning. I also make Paw Pops, popsicles for dogs, which can be found at Bert’s Market (and more locations coming). I also make Jello shot cakes: 12 layers of alcohol, customized with liquor of your choice. They take 3 days to make and are really beautiful. I also make Jello shot cupcakes and coming soon, Jello shot snow cones, perfect for these hot summer days!
FC: If you were mayor of Folly Beach, what would be one thing you would change?
UB: I would start by changing the speed limit to 12-20 mph on all roads. I think 30 is fast with all the pedestrians and cyclists on the island. I also think those walking and biking should go against traffic, so that you can see to get out of the way of cars. I think Arctic should only have one lane dedicated to cars, and the other should be for foot traffic, bikes, and golf carts only. I’d like to extend the Folly Trolley’s area, to be able to leave the island, and have parking off island in a garage near the Harris Teeter so that people can park there and take the Trolley on to the island.
FC: What is one thing your neighbors would be surprised to know about you?
UB: I’m a percussionist! I played the 3-tom snare in band in high school, and I have a djembe that I still play. I wanted to be Sheena E when I grew up!
Writer Miranda Jordan is a guidance counselor, musician, and freelance writer. To reach her, you can email her at mirandaalicejordan@gmail.com.
Need your house cleaned or a Jello shot cake? You can find Folly’s Finest on Facebook, or reach Ursula at 843-801-6473.
