Ty Reichel
Inspires Women with Authentic Grace
story by WENDY NILSEN POLLITZER photos by SUSAN DELOACH
The Latin translation for inspirare is “to breathe or blow into.” A feminine sage breathes hope into another’s woman’s spirit. She is kind, supportive, and tenacious. She raises the volume with song and dance with an all-inclusive attitude, and whispers words of grace with never-ending gratitude. She exudes a humble confidence with sincerity. She is active, organized, and lives in the present. She is the coach, the team player, and the cheerleader, but she does not want accolades or fanfare. She does her best in life and hopes that others do too.
There is a woman in Beaufort who consistently fits this description. She is an inspiration to her family, her friends, and her community. She is Ty Reichel.
Ty is a woman who connects people. She is a vibrant force in many Beaufort circles who volunteers her time and energy to create opportunities for others in need. If you have ever attended an athletic, educational, or nonprofit event in Beaufort, chances are Ty assisted in some capacity. But more valuable than her philanthropy is her authenticity and positive spirit. Other women feel empowered by Ty’s inherent ability to recognize the strength in others, not their weaknesses. Her energy becomes contagious, and with her simple formula, “aim high, work hard, and love your family,” others in Ty’s world do the same.
What lessons do you want your children to remember?
There is so much joy in the world—look for it! Be positive, kind, and wear a smile. Speak to everyone in a friendly tone. Stand up for yourself but, sometimes, the very best thing to say is nothing at all. Put your dishes in the
dishwasher—do not expect others to do your jobs.
AND love your momma
because she loves YOU the most!
Ty was born in Beaufort and raised by her mother, Kaye Pinckney. She remembers roller skating in Laurel Bay and water sliding on St. Helena. Her mom’s sister, Aunt Angie to Ty, often took her to the Shrimp Shack in the summers and made “the best hamburger casserole and cookie bars I’ve ever tasted,” she recalls. Aunt Angie was a stay-at-home mom. She and Ty’s grandmother, Ruth Pinckney, helped with childcare during the week while Kaye worked. Ty learned at an early age to acknowledge and respect the diverse responsibilities of women.
“My mom is a remarkable lady who taught me integrity, manners, and a relentless work ethic. As an only child, we made a great team. We spent Saturday mornings cleaning the house and then headed to the mall in Savannah to treat ourselves. I credit her for my love of shopping and love-hard mentality.”
Equally revered as a hero is her grandmother. Ty says, “She was a true southern belle who sparkled and shined in every way. She wore red lipstick and could fry chicken like no other. My childhood was spent dining with my aunts and cousins around her kitchen table, shelling pecans, and doing math homework. She showed me that if you cook it, they will come.”
Ty graduated from Beaufort Academy in 1990 and earned her degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of South Carolina (USC) shortly after that. She immediately began working and taught pre-k at her alma mater for seven years. While she was teaching, the parents of several students set her up on a blind date with a young doctor in town, Marc Reichel. It was instant attraction.
Daily Mantra:
JUST DO IT!
Being a Mom is the most rewarding and blessed job… and hard!
Do not put off until tomorrow what can be done today.
Make your bed!
Ty recalls, “This is the guy!”
She just knew, and so did he. Before they married, they both wanted and agreed to raise their children in a traditional household. He would work, and she would stay at home. Both would give 110 percent to each role.
“And that’s how we still rock and roll,” she enthusiastically explains.
The Reichels have four children: Reed, a junior at the Citadel; Keating, a sophomore at USC; McLeod, a junior at Beaufort High; and Ambrose, a freshman at Beaufort High.
“From day one, we were committed to raising our children in a loving home with values, ambition, and hopes to be successful adults in the world.”
Ty and Marc are both highly active in their children’s lives. They cherish every moment and try never to miss any event or special occasion with them.
“Making memories with them and being present in their lives is what it is all about,” she smiles. “They are our golf and tennis.”
Organizations:
In addition to BMH Foundation, Ty has volunteered for CAPA, Friends of Caroline Hospice, Historic Beaufort Foundation, Wardle Family YMCA, Riverview Charter School, BHS Big Green Booster Club, BHS Student Improvement Council, and Jean Ribaut Society.
Ty commits to volunteering at their respective schools and with their extracurricular activities. By integrating with their teachers, coaches, and friends, she becomes part of their world on a different level.
She also credits her eight years on the Beaufort Memorial Hospital Foundation Board as an opportunity to be closer to her husband. She was the Valentine Ball Chair in 2012 and has been on every committee at least twice.
“I am equally as proud of him as he is of me. Serving on the Board offered me a snapshot into his work life and showed me how respected he is professionally,” she says tearfully. “I am one lucky lady to call him mine. He is genuine and so very kind. He adores and works tirelessly for us. Knowing that he nominated me for this article just warms my heart.”
Marc is not the only member of the family who works tirelessly. On any given day, Ty is up by 6 a.m., brewing coffee, getting laundry together for the first load of the day, preparing lunches, and off to either Omni Fitness or the YMCA to instruct one of her fitness classes by 8 a.m. During the day, she is planning BHS Varsity team meals, giving a shout out on social media to a deserving Beaufortonian, serving on various committees, or organizing the family calendar. Whatever she is doing, she is most likely not sitting down.
“I can rest when I’m dead,” she jokes.
By afternoon, she is always home when the kids get home.
“My house is tidy, snacks are plentiful, and we chat across the kitchen counter from one another while I prepare supper. Meaningful conversations, silly talk, or dancing — it all happens in the kitchen!
Modestly, she confesses, “I may not be the perfect mom, but, boy, do I love those kids. Family is what it’s all about.”
Ty’s roots were seeded with love, and her tree has become an inspiration. The sunlight she shares with her forest of friends is a testament to her gift of grace.
“My girlfriends mean the world to me. The sisterhood we share, and the love and kindness bestowed on one another is truly a treasured gift. We straighten each other’s crowns. We don’t take them off.”
Ty’s spirit is contagious. If you have not met her already, be sure to introduce yourself. She will give you a genuine smile and graciously welcome you into her beloved extended family. Thank you, Ty, for not only inspiring other women in Beaufort but also for inspiring us all.
Two Women who inspire Ty:
Katharine is my dearest friend of 40 years—from barbie dolls to having babies to buying our first pair of readers together, we have stuck together like glue. She is truly my sister.
Cindy, a mother of four, is whom I nannied for when I first taught pre-k. Whether it be the color—coded calendar, planned weekly meals with festive table presentations or the beloved sourdough recipe, she showed me the delight in a family of six.
