You’ve got a Friend

West Ashley resident Robin Daisley does not let the grass grow under her feet. Razor sharp, highly creative, and very giving, Daisley is the type who instantly connects with people.
“Robin can walk up to anybody and find common ground,” says her husband, Will Daisley. A devoted mother, gifted crafter, and volunteer, she is eager to make friends from all walks of life, he says.
Recently the Daisleys attended an arts venue at Kiawah, and the next thing Will knew, his wife was striking up yet another conversation with someone. How do you know these people? he asks, with some incredulity. And how’d she know the man was the owner of a food truck? “‘Oh, he lives in our neighborhood,’” she said. This sort of thing happens all the time, says Will, amazed at the sheer volume of people with whom Daisley’s built a network.
Will admires his wife’s generous, open mind, and dedication to their family. Their daughter, Kelsie, attends Trident Academy, a school in Mount Pleasant. The school is skilled at working with children with learning differences. Daisley is president of the Parent Association, and is on a first-name basis with many, from the administration to the janitors. One of her endearing, and best qualities is that she renders respect to all, says Will.
Society often treats service workers as if they are invisible. But Daisley sees their value. They teach us the most important lessons, she says, such as possessing great diligence, wisdom, and self-value, although they typically receive very little recognition for their immense contribution. Most importantly, “we’re all on this planet together, and we’re not on it separately,” says Daisley. People are people, regardless their occupation, or background.
Prior to moving to Charleston, Daisley worked for a prominent brokerage and securities firm. At Raymond James & Associates, she assisted financial advisors in bringing new assets under management. She’s comfortable with people, whether they oversee a family, sweep school corridors, or own a corporation.
“She is one of those parents you wish everyone could have,” says Lael Byrd, registrar at Trident Academy, which serves 50 students and their families. “She is a wonderful parent and volunteer, willing to do anything we ask of her, and more.”
“She is not a half-way person,” says Robin Tannenbaum, who met Daisley at one of the gatherings in the subdivision where they both live. Daisley serves on the neighborhood recreation association board as secretary, and also serves as newsletter editor for the neighborhood homeowner’s association. Daisley goes above and beyond as a volunteer, Tannenbaum says, and she is thrilled to have a bond with her. “We clicked right away. Our names are the same, we’re both from New Jersey, and in all my life, no one else comes close to matching the same enthusiasm for crafting,” says Tannenbaum. She taught Daisley to crochet, while Daisley taught her to bead jewelry, and how to emboss cards. “She’s always there when you need her,” says Tannenbaum, “and she’s a great mother, very in tune with her daughter, Kelsie.” When Daisley interacts with young people, “she lifts them higher. She has a gift that way,” notes Tannenbaum. “She also tutors another child in the area.”
Will Daisley is grateful for all the ways his wife supports the family. Daisley left her professional life behind when the family moved to Charleston, so Will could focus on his career.
Daisley met her husband, a former industrial arts teacher, while taking a jewelry design class. These days, Will has quit buying jewelry for Robin, because she makes her own lovely, original pieces. “How can you top that?” he says. Daisley earned a bachelor’s in fine arts from Kean College in New Jersey, and has an eye for beauty, color, and pattern.
But it is her unique cards that express her best, says Will. Some have paper knots like origami, others feature her photographs, and many are adorned with flatback rhinestones, brad studs, or ribbon. All are made on quality card stock.
Many of the women in her family, says Daisley, either knit or sewed, and she played classical piano for many years. Her Aunt Bet made little bean bags for tossing games with her, and she loved it.
In Will and Robin’s house is a sizable crafts organizer which dominates a good portion of the living room. Will built it for her in support of her creativity.
Daisley may turn her hobby into a business enterprise. With her marketing experience, she is one of those inventive people who may surprise you with her success.
Meanwhile, she is creating happy memories for her number one priority, Kelsie. “Mom takes me to Georgia just to see my good friend, Lena,” says Kelsie, with a smile.
This long jaunt occurs every four to six months, says Daisley. But who is counting? “Robin is very devoted to making sure Kelsie has all she needs to succeed,” says Will. Socially, scholastically, and even more importantly, showing her daughter that all humans matter.
Journalist Lisa Weatherwax earned the Matrix Table Promise of Excellence Award