Erin Straughan, MSN, CRNA, has always been drawn to healthcare. Before becoming the owner of Tidewater Pharmacy & Compounding in Mount Pleasant, she spent more than 15 years working as a pediatric nurse anesthetist at MUSC after earning her MSN from the University of Cincinnati. Today, in addition to leading one of the area’s most community-focused pharmacies, she is also raising four busy children, an experience she says has only deepened her appreciation for compassionate, accessible healthcare.

When Straughan took ownership of Tidewater in 2024, she was intentional about preserving the strong culture the business had already established within the community. Tidewater already had a deeply loyal patient base built on trust, relationships, and exceptional care. Preserving that culture while thoughtfully evolving the business became one of her top priorities.

Over time, both her professional experience and personal life made her increasingly aware of the gaps many women encounter when navigating healthcare, particularly around education, accessibility, and feeling genuinely heard. That awareness ultimately shaped the direction of Tidewater and its growing focus on personalized medicine, women’s health, and wellness.

Today, Tidewater offers traditional pharmacy services alongside customized compounding solutions specializing in hormone replacement therapy, thyroid medications, dermatology compounds, pediatric formulations, and wellness support.

What distinguishes Tidewater, however, is the experience itself. The space was intentionally designed to feel warm, welcoming, and approachable rather than cold or transactional. In addition to prescriptions and compounding services, Tidewater offers vetted wellness supplements, medical-grade skincare, and locally sourced gifts, creating an environment that feels equal parts healthcare destination and thoughtfully curated wellness space.

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Straughan laughs when describing the overall Tidewater experience.

“We like to think we’ve created the ultimate errand run: prescription, flu shot, the supplements taking over your Instagram feed (but vetted by healthcare professionals), a host gift, Trader Joe’s flowers, dark chocolate peanut butter cups…done.”

That balance between clinical expertise and genuine human connection has become central to the Tidewater brand. Tidewater works closely with local physicians, therapists, wellness providers, and practitioners to create a more collaborative and individualized approach to care.

Community outreach has also become an important part of Tidewater’s mission. Through Tidewater After Hours, an educational event series focused on women’s health and wellness, the business has partnered with local physicians, nonprofits, and women-owned businesses to foster more open conversations around hormones, menopause, thyroid health, sexual wellness, aging, and overall well-being.

The events have also evolved into a platform for broader community impact. Tidewater recently partnered with Palmetto Hope Network to help raise awareness and support for women and children navigating domestic abuse and transitional housing needs.

“As we educate women about transitional seasons in their lives physically, emotionally, and hormonally, it is equally important to support women navigating difficult life transitions more broadly,” Straughan says.

Like many entrepreneurs, she believes some of the most meaningful growth comes during uncomfortable seasons.

“There is an inherent stretch that comes with building something of substance,” she explains. “You are constantly balancing innovation with stability, evolving while protecting culture, and making difficult decisions without losing sight of the mission that inspired the business in the first place.”

Those experiences ultimately pushed Tidewater to become more intentional about its leadership, culture, and community impact. Today, the pharmacy continues to expand its compounding services, wellness offerings, educational programming, and online store while remaining grounded in the personalized care and relationships that define the business.

For Straughan, the mission remains simple: create a healthcare experience where people feel heard, supported, and genuinely cared for.