Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Greenville native Danan Whiddon has been selected as this week’s Hero of the Week by the Greenville Advocate for her contributions to the community. Whiddon owns Sweet Heart Alabama, a shop located at 100 East Commerce Street, offering a unique blend of gifts, fun items and natural health products.

Whiddon, who opened her shop six years ago, said her motivation for the venture was rooted in returning home to Greenville.

“I was living in Nashville, and I just really wanted to move home, but I didn’t know how,” Whiddon said. “I just knew I wanted to be here, to be back in Greenville and especially downtown, so this was my way to be back home.”

A certified herbalist, Whiddon’s shop features organic CBD, toxin-free soaps, lotions, deodorants and locally made offerings. 

“I’ve got a ceramics guy that makes things, and our magnesium sprays and body butters are made locally as well as a lot of the gifts,” Whiddon said. “Local craftspeople just bring things by.”

In addition to her shop, Whiddon manages the “I Love Downtown Greenville, Alabama” Facebook page, where she promotes local events and businesses.

“I’m just somebody that really loves promoting downtown Greenville. I love it down here,” Whiddon said. “It’s the people… the people in town. It’s everybody, I just love the people of Greenville.”

Whiddon’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. Chapman Simmons, owner of Camellia Sweet Treats, expressed his gratitude for her support.

“She just does a lot for Greenville, and she doesn’t ask for anything in return,” Simmons said. “Most people would try to get something out of it and promote themselves, but she doesn’t. She does it for Greenville.”

Jill Marlar, a recent transplant to Greenville, credits Whiddon’s Facebook page for helping her connect with the community.

“Danan helps to keep Greenville on the map using the power of her voice backed up with a whole lot of love for her community,” Marlar said. “She is one reason why folks from far and wide on their way somewhere, take the time to drive downtown, to visit her shop Sweet Heart Alabama. We all need cheerleaders in our life, but Danan is doing it on behalf of her entire town and that’s a big deal.”