Atlantic Beach, South Carolina, a once-thriving hub for Black culture, is undergoing a revitalization led by two HBCU graduates determined to preserve its rich history while promoting luxury and community investment.
Tiffany Bailey Lash, Ph.D., and Tashni-Ann Dubroy, Ph.D., MBA, co-founders of Tilair Capital, are transforming this historically Black-owned beach into a premier vacation destination while honoring its Gullah Geechee roots.
Originally established in the 1930s by Gullah Geechee communities as a sanctuary for Black Americans during segregation, Atlantic Beach, also known as “The Black Pearl,” became a center for Black-owned businesses and culture.
Hotels, restaurants, and shops flourished, offering a haven just miles from Myrtle Beach. Today, it remains the only incorporated Black-owned beach in the U.S., and Lash and Dubroy are committed to restoring its legacy.
The journey began when Lash, inspired by childhood memories of beach gatherings, discovered the area and realized its potential.
In 2022, the Tilair Capital team purchased land in Atlantic Beach and soon began constructing the Serenity Beach Home, a seven-bedroom luxury property now available for vacation rentals.
The project, however, is about more than real estate—it’s about preserving cultural heritage and creating generational wealth.
“You could feel the importance of the area and the people,” Lash shared with AfroTech. “I immediately called Tashni and said, ‘We have to support this area.’”
Both women have a history of collaboration. They met as students at North Carolina State University, where they both earned Ph.D.s in physical organic chemistry and engineering.
Their shared business ventures have spanned from haircare to real estate, making them trusted partners and lifelong friends.
Dubroy explained the significance of investing with purpose:
“The Atlantic Beach area required a revitalization with investors who were passionate not only about real estate but also about preserving its integrity.”
The challenges of revitalizing Atlantic Beach stem from the area’s unique structure—plots of land have been held by Black families for generations.
While this has slowed development, it has also preserved the area’s historic character, which Lash and Dubroy aim to protect while modernizing the space.
Their efforts have garnered recognition, including a partnership with Wayfair. The legacy of Atlantic Beach resonates with many, as evidenced by countless stories from visitors who recall their grandparents bringing them to the beach in its heyday.
Looking ahead, Tilair Capital plans to acquire more land to develop additional vacation homes, continuing their mission to merge luxury with legacy.
“Atlantic Beach is a tucked-away gem in North Myrtle Beach,” Dubroy said. “For us, it’s about more than just business. It’s about setting an example for our children and showing that with dedication and passion, we can preserve history and build a future.”
