www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | FB & Instagram @CharlestonWomen The Evolution of Style Culture and Couture Donation Closets Hope for working women Fall gets Festive Fashion Week to Food & Wine Tag Along! Tour of Boutiques Photo by Mark Staff Photographer. CHARLESTON FASHION EDITION Fall 2024
1 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com/CharlestonWomen 843-530-1369 7400 Rivers Ave, North Charleston atlanticbeddingandfurniture.com Modern Flair, Timeless Appeal. Explore Modern Comfort
2 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com/CharlestonWomen HAIR STYLING | EVENT MAKEUP WAXING | LASH EXTENSIONS NON-TOXIC SPRAY TANNING PERMANENT JEWELRY | FACIALS A woman’s happy place. Working alongside independent specialists who support one another as a team. We host pop-up events! 120 E 5TH N ST., SUMMERVILLE Your one-stop shop for Join us on: Like us on: Insta @thegirlhouse_summerville Photo by Cooper River Photography www.RadRydz.com | 843-972-8525 | Chad@RadRydz.com | 857 Coleman Blvd., Unit E Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 (behind REV Financial) Now Available Exclusively at RadRydz Enjoy cruising on the street or beach in your new RUST PROOF, all aluminum and warrantied Atlas Cart LSV. @RadRydz
3 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com/CharlestonWomen Charleston Women in Style History of Fashion......................................................12 Tour of Boutiques.......................................................16 To Fashion Week and Beyond..................................21 Louise of Summerville...............................................24 Charleston Women in Business Break into the Biz.......................................................26 Charleston Women in Philanthropy Charitable Closets......................................................30 The Timrod Library...................................................33 Charleston Women in Food Food & Wine...............................................................38 Fit Fall Favorites..........................................................40 From the Team......................................................................... 7 Our Contributors..................................................................... 8 About the Cover....................................................................... 9 Social Buzz..............................................................................10 9 Fall 2024 Table of Contents 12 16 26 30 38
4 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com/CharlestonWomen Follow @CharlestonWomen for updates! Charleston Women’s inaugural awards recognizing business and community leaders! VOTES ARE IN! Don't miss your opportunity to be featured alongside our "She Shines" winners — chosen by readers — in the last issue of the year. We want to highlight extraordinary women in their fields. Reach out to learn more. Calling all Business Leaders! RESERVE YOUR SPACE BY SEPTEMBER 17. CONTACT STACEY@CHARLESTONWOMENMAG.COM
5 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com/CharlestonWomen 53 Fall 2024 Table of Contents 46 Charleston Women in Wellness Natural is Fashionable...............................44 The Pickleball Panic..................................46 Beat the Fall Funk......................................49 Charleston Women at Home Party All Fall...............................................53 Charleston Women in the Arts Book Nook.................................................57 Meet the Designers....................................58 We Are Charleston Women We’re Influenced........................................60 Women in the Making..............................63 We Are Charleston Women.....................64 63 60 58 44
6 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com/CharlestonWomen Blonding Experts • Extension Specialists • Master Colorists • Airbrush Makeup | VanitySalonSC.com LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED FOR 12 YEARS Our team of expert stylists offers hair and makeup services, waxing, tanning, and aesthetics, and our salons carry exclusive hair care brands as well as fashion jewelry and apparel. After a long hot summer in the sun, your hair needs some TLC, so pop into Vanity Salon for a conditioning treatment or a Brazilian blowout and a fresh cut and color that will go perfectly with your cozy fall sweaters. It’s time to talk about fall fashion, so remember, Charleston | 2875 Ashley River Rd. | 843.571.1945 Mt. Pleasant | 1909 N Hwy 17 | 843.216.7181 TWO LOCATIONS to Book Your Appointment
7 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com/CharlestonWomen Fall 2024 • Vol. 11, Issue 3 MANAGING EDITOR LORNA HOLLIFIELD ART DIRECTOR DANA COLEMAN COPY EDITOR ZACH GIROUX PRODUCTION MANAGER BETHANY LONG AD DESIGNERS BETHANY LONG KIM HALL WRITERS HEATHER ROSE ARTUSHIN MARY COY • SARAH ROSE • CARI LAWSON MAURICE J. FRAZIER • ISABEL ALVAREZ ARATA EMILY MOODY • BROOKE WATSON BROOKE KAPING • GILLIAN BEVILLE PHOTOGRAPHER MARK STAFF BRAND AMBASSADOR STACEY MCLOUGHLIN STACEY@CHARLESTONWOMEN.COM INDEPENDENT MEDIA CONSULTANTS SARAH ROSE SARAH@CHARLESTONWOMEN.COM DIGITAL DIRECTOR BRITTANY GEORGE ADMINISTRATION & BOOKKEEPING GINGER SOTTILE SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGERS ANTHONY MACCHIO DISTRIBUTION U.S. POST OFFICE • HARRIS TEETER • PUBLIX • CVS Charleston Women Magazine is published locally by a team of independent contractors. Charleston Women Magazine is published four times per year by Media Services, Inc. 1013 Chuck Dawley Blvd., Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 Copyright © Media Services 2024. All rights reserved. Reproduction electronically or in print format without the expressed written consent of the publisher is strictly prohibited and a violation of U.S. copyright laws. Inquiries to: Charleston Women Magazine P.O. Box 22617, Charleston, SC 29413 843-881-148 Fall is different in Charleston. A large portion of the country cozies up with heavy soups and cardigans to watch the leaves change before they disappear for half the year. The air is crisp and pumpkin spice is everywhere. However, Coastal South Carolina’s climate and culture create an experience for our residents that’s truly all ours. Though we also love to embrace the seasonal lattes with the best of them, everything else is more unique in our area. We don’t pack up and hibernate. We’re thankful for our weather and our evergreens. We comb the beaches before we set up the tailgate party. We welcome the slight respite from the summer heat and come out from the shade. Festivals, fashion week, football and fun in the not-as-hot sun monopolize all our plans, and we’re here for it. With the buzz fall creates in Charleston in general — and in tandem with the hype of fashion week — our team thought this season which the Lowcountry expresses so uniquely would be the perfect time to explore the worlds of the Holy City’s fashion, style and individuality. Therefore, we dove into everything from the history of wardrobe in the area to current trends. We explored the psychology of our women — where they’re from, what their hobbies are, what influences them — to truly uncover the charisma they hope to convey with what they choose to put on their bodies. Fashion is more than clothes. It’s a visual representation of culture, of place and of personality. We already know, Charleston never runs low on any of those things. So, join us in the deep dive into what makes us, us. You’ll find some beautiful boutiques and fashion advice along the way, but most exciting will be exploring the things that makes it easy to spot a woman from Charleston anywhere in the world she chooses to be. We’re excited about journeying through our “X-factor” for which we are so proud, with you who create it. The Charleston Women Team From the Team Maurice Frazier Stacey McLoughlin Lorna Hollifield Sarah Rose Dana Coleman Brittany George Bethany Long
8 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com/CharlestonWomen Heather Rose Artushin was born and raised in Michigan, where she graduated from the University of Michigan Ann Arbor with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s in social work with an emphasis on interpersonal practice and mental health. Charleston, South Carolina is the beautiful place she decided to call home. When she’s not talking to our town’s most interesting people for an article — or playing around with a poem — you’ll find her exploring outdoors with her two children and husband. Mary Coy is an expert on Charleston history. Not only has she published several books on the subject, she can also be found giving tours of the Holy City in her free time. She has written for Mount Pleasant Magazine for over a decade. Brooke Kaping, a Mount Pleasant local, is a rising junior at the University of Florida, where she is majoring in public relations, advertising and applied communications. Her passion for writing and creativity started at a young age, leading her to the path she is on now. This summer, she is excited to channel her enthusiasm into her work with Mount Pleasant Magazine, Island Vibes and Charleston Women. Gillian Beville is a senior at the College of Charleston, where she is pursuing a major in communications and a minor in marketing. Originally from Haymarket, Virginia, she relocated to Charleston three years ago to attend school. Her passion for writing began in grade school and continues to fuel her studies and career ambitions in the field of communications. Cari Lawson is a school counselor by day and writer by night. Writing provides an outlet to connect further to the community, which she serves as former president of the Junior Service League of Summerville and current board member of Dorchester County Community Outreach. She loves to spend time with her husband, toddler and puppy in her free time. Emily Moody is a health and fitness enthusiast and the owner of Pure Barre Summerville. She also has 15 years of experience in the publishing industry, which most recently includes projects with LexisNexis and the Savannah College of Art & Design. She lives in Savannah with her family, including four kids, two dogs, a flock of chickens and shelves and shelves of books. Contributors Interested in contributing to Charleston Women Magazine? Email your contact information (name, phone, mailing address) and one sample of work you have created (or a link to your work online) with the subject “Aspiring CW Contributor” to Editor@CharlestonWomenMagazine.com.
9 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com/CharlestonWomen www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | FB & Instagram @CharlestonWomen The Evolution of Style Culture and Couture Donation Closets Hope for working women Fall gets Festive Fashion Week to Food & Wine Tag Along! Tour of Boutiques Photo by Mark Staff Photographer. CHARLESTON FASHION EDITION Fall 2024 Don’t we always say every cover is our favorite? It’s become a mission for the entire team to make each cover better than the last. This being the fashion issue, we all knew it had to be something really special. This issue is about current fashion trends and local businesses, but it’s also evolved into one of our most culturally relevant issues yet. As we delved into the fashions in Charleston and in the female space over time, we saw the story of women’s progress told — both locally and in general. Clothes change as people change, and we aimed to show those dynamics on the cover — and as fabulously as possible. Mark Staff shoots Charleston Women covers, and he delivers every time. His resumé could take up all the space we have, so we knew he’d bring this vision to life (check him out for your shoots on Instagram @markstaffphotographer). He brought hair and makeup artist Caitltyn Harris of Beauty Redefined (@beautyredefined.hmu) into our little team, and she masterfully helped to create the look of each time period. We found the pre-19th-century dress on trusty Amazon, but all others were locally sourced. The flapper-style dress is incredibly special. It was lent to us by Lauren Baker of Charleston, whose grandmother owned the dress. Gene Wynne Smith, currently of Pompano Beach, Florida, just turned 91. She said she is proud to have her dress featured on our magazine cover, and we owe her a debt of gratitude for letting us borrow an authentic piece of suffrage-era fashion. Moving into mid-century, our own brand ambassador Stacey McLoughlin supplied the “Jackie O.” dress, and FLYModern Apparel of Summerville (@ flymodernapparel) offered up a fabulous early seventies look with an authentic piece from the new-this-fall Vintage FLY. Georgie Girl (@georgie_girlfashion), of the About the Cover Hammock Coast’s Georgetown, offered the quintessential modern Lowcountry woman’s floral pantsuit. All of these moving parts couldn’t have come together without the right attitude and look. It took personality, pace and plenty of spunk to breathe life into a still photo, no matter the talent behind the lens. Enter “Southern Charm’s” Taylor Ann Green (@ tayloranngreen). We chose Green because she represents the area at a national level, has the skill needed and loves to support the local fashion scene. Read more about Green in the “We’re Influenced” section toward the back of the magazine. Also catch her and the crew on Bravo’s upcoming season of “Southern Charm.” Lastly, we owe an enormous debt of gratitude to Carroll Realty on Isle of Palms. The office is located just across from Breach Inlet where this cover was shot, and they let us absolutely storm the office with food, clothes, makeup and hair accessories to pull this off. I’m sure they’re still finding bits of sand and sparkle. They are amazing friends of the magazine and leaders in their industry. This was a great one, team. I can’t wait to see what we come up with next! –Lorna Hollifield, managing editor About the Cover Fashionista Gene Wynne Smith, original owner of the cover flapper dress, sporting another classic look.
10 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com/CharlestonWomen Here at Charleston Women, we like to think of our social media platform as a place where our readers’ voices can be heard. We want to know what you all, the subjects of our magazine, think about all things “women” going on in the greater Charleston area. Be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook @CharlestonWomen to join in on the conversation. We want to hear everything you have to say; you might even see it shared right here! This time, we are focusing on fashion. We all know Charleson has a vibe. You can almost spot a Charlestonian by wardrobe alone. We took to Instagram to ask our followers, “How can you tell a woman is from Charleston by her outfit?” Social Buzz social buzz #WeAreCharlestonWomen HERE ARE THE COMMENTS: • “If she’s wearing all things Lily Pulitzer! Lol!” -@ marianasingleton19 • “Cute flip-flops daily!” -@kimmycolson • “Color!” @christinapitchercreative • “Ability to look simple and sophisticated.” @dbk_coaching • “Lot’s of color and Lily Pulitzer. And I just know everyone at my church wears those headbands with the knots in the middle.” -Allison Jusino (asked on the street) It seems like color and the famed Lily Pulitzer seem to scream Charleston to our readers. We think that says something great about our area if the people who inhabit it want to show off happy hues and florals. If the clothes are expressions of the self, then these people are doing just fine. southernbelleschildren.com | 280 W. Coleman Blvd Mount Pleasant | 843.881.1741 2024 ® at For Fashionable Tween Girls
11 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com/CharlestonWomen Charleston is a fashion town, which is why we’ve dedicated an entire issue to just that. It isn’t only because it’s one of the few Southern cities with its very own fashion week, and isn’t because of famous King Street, which has been a shopping district or trading route since colonial America. It isn’t even due to luxury stores like Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Kate Spade that decorate that noted district. It’s also not the hosts of privately owned fan-favorite boutiques like Beckett Boutique, II Brunettes or Fly, that pop up from downtown to the suburbs. No, it’s not any of that. It is ALL of that and then some. The Southern United States is not as synonymous with fashion as cities such as New York or Los Angeles. It is unique that Charleston, so small in comparison to Atlanta or Charlotte, is a Southern shop-tillyou-drop destination. We think that all the amazing offerings here can be traced back to the people. Women in Charleston dominate the shopping scene, and those women know how to put classic traditions into a blender with cosmopolitan class. It is in the personality of Charleston itself to dress to impress because of both where we’ve been and where we’re going. The city is a natural born leader with a charisma that cannot be explained. That’s why it often attracts women cut from that same cloth. It’s not something words or photos can even capture in completion; but watch us try. Enjoy this tour through Lowcountry style for you and your atmosphere. In this issue, we are exploring home interiors and unique designs more than just wardrobe. We have great things in store! Charleston Women in Style
12 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com/CharlestonWomen Style Charleston You’ve come a long way, baby. That phrase has a variety of connotations. It implies dramatic change or development, particularly regarding women’s rights issues. Women’s fashions have come a long way, too. They often visually represent social, political and economic norms of the eras, the changing styles illustrating the evolution of woman herself. ELITE & ELEGANT It comes as no surprise that women’s fashions among the early Charleston elite emulated the latest styles of London and Paris. That meant silk, satin, lace and damask. For a glimpse into the fashions of the day, look at some of the 18th century portraiture at the Gibbes Museum of Art or visit the Charleston Museum. Women who were not part of the higher economic and social statuses required a fashion statement a bit simpler but did what they could to infuse some of the latest styles into their modest attire, including wearing dresses made of inferior fabric and adding the all-important gloves and hats. FLAPPER & DAPPER The crinoline petticoat became the fashion staple through the next century. Think Scarlett O’Hara in “Gone with the Wind.” With the tremendous wealth on Lowcountry plantations allowing for the latest trends, it’s no wonder that the Southern belle was stereotyped in film and literature. Today, some Charleston brides still choose this style for their wedding gowns. However, a new century ushered in a new look, and dress styles became slender and sleek. Then, as women sought more independence and the right to vote, a bolder fashion statement emerged. Hemlines rose to the knee, and “flapper” styles became the rage. Those shiny, short, fringe-trimmed dresses could shimmer and shake while dancing “The Charleston,” of course, as women broke all kinds of norms, showing that sometimes rebellion demands respect. The first waves of feminism had begun. After the 1920s roared, The Great Depression ushered in a serious tone reflected in more modest wear. Yet even during those leaner times, special functions required the Charleston Style A visual history through fashion BY MARY COY Charleston Women in Style An early damask and lace dress for a Southern belle.
13 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com/CharlestonWomen glamourous look influenced by cinema: long gloves and an evening gown topped off with a fur stole. One local woman related the story of her grandmother who attended the grand opening of the Dock Street Theater in 1937. “Since it was the Depression, she didn’t have the money to buy a fur. So, she ended up borrowing one from her dear friend whose father was a renowned bootlegger in town, and my grandmother was able to attend the gala decked out in style.” Proper fashion etiquette was always expected when out and about in Charleston. Local resident Phyllis Dawson Moseley recalled “wearing heels and a dress — always — when shopping on King Street. And anytime you got dressed up, you wore a hat — even to football games.” Jean Moseley Jeffcoat confirmed, “You didn’t go on King Street unless you were dressed. And you could always recognize the girls from Ashley Hall (the prestigious girls’ school downtown) because they had on gloves.” WARTIME WARDROBES Women’s fashions took on more of a masculine look in the World War II era with styles borrowed from the uniforms worn by women in the armed forces. These interchangeable separates — blazers, pants and straight skirts — were also more practical for some of the jobs that had been traditionally held by men but were filled by women during the war. In the evenings, however, femininity was on display in the dance scene. With the prevalence of military personnel in the area, there was no shortage of male dance partners passing through Charleston. And for women, swinging to the music of the Big Band Era required full skirts that were an integral piece of the action. Picture “the Jitterbug.” The visual dynamic created by the movement of the flared skirt only added to the excitement. Those straight skirts would never have made fun like that possible. In the conservative 1950s, women’s colleges in the Northeast introduced the preppie style, known then as the classic “American Girl” look — blouses with Peter Pan collars, madras (plaid) skirts, Bermuda shorts, pedal pushers (Capri pants), and weejuns (penny loafers). At the same time, men in Ivy League schools began to embrace the seersucker suit, a rather informal attire traditionally worn in the South. The fabric spilled over into women’s fashions, too, in the form of skirts and shorts. Seersucker remains the quintessential look for men and women around Charleston. A REVOLUTION OF SORTS The social upheaval of the ‘60s incited a fashion revolution: the mini-skirt and mini-dress with bold colors and geometric patterns that mimicked modern art. The 1970s continued to embrace “flower power” and bell-bottom pants. The two decades saw protests by groups who pushed for social and economic equality, including basic human, constitutional and civil rights for women and for African Americans. Black women developed their own unique fashion trend, wearing brightly colored fabric and head scarves borrowed from African tradition. Charlestonian Alada Shinault-Small began wearing Afro-centric clothing then. “I wrapped my head and wore Berber pants that balloon and taper down — like rapper MC Hammer later wore.” And her mother made her skirts. “There weren’t many local shops that sold the styles back then,” she said. There was a store on Upper King that had the attire and one space in the City Market. When Gallery Chuma was on John Street, they sold clothing and hats from Nigeria. And a lot of people sold out of their homes or trunks.” Shinault-Small explained that the zenith of the Africaninfused style was in the 1960s, but fashion has always been important in the Black community. “From coming out of enslavement and trying to fit in, most would agree they had to go above and beyond to compete, no matter how educated or experienced they were — to look a certain way to get respect.” Shinault-Small pointed out that during the civil rights movement of the 1960s, Black protestors and marchers dressed in “church clothes” — men in suits and ties and women wearing hats and gloves. As an example, she described the famous photo of protesters in the 1969 Charleston hospital workers strike, led by Coretta Scott King, and contrasted it to the clothes worn today at Black Lives Matter protests where participants wear graphic t-shirts with pointed messages. “You always dressed up when you marched back then, even when you knew you’d be arrested,” Shinault-Small added. Charleston Women in Style A Vanity Fair cover from 1914. Photo credit/ Library of Congress. The classic 1940s look. Photo provided by Mary Coy.
14 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com/CharlestonWomen 103 S Main St Unit C Summerville, SC • 843-200-4851
15 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com/CharlestonWomen A BLAST FROM THE PAST By the 1980s, prevailing fashion trends took a jump back to the 1950s, by revisiting the preppie look with button down collars and khaki, although the preppie style had never really disappeared in Charleston anyway. But the decade also saw advances made by women in the workplace and were reflected in “power dressing” — darker colors, pants and blazers. It was considered a professional look, one that was derived from the wardrobe of businessmen. But the 1990s seemed to be the beginning of do-asyou-please fashion, an affront to the expectations of the aspirational, go-getting culture of women in the previous decade. The wearer could now mix and match different styles rather than follow any particular fashion statement. This trend continues today, with forgotten parts even starting to re-emerge. TRENDS OF TODAY According to local fashion designer Devin Smalls, today’s women “are free to just be able to put on what they want and express themselves.” Smalls is the founder of the annual Gullah Gala event which recently celebrated its third year in Charleston. He explained that fashion is a cycle, like the flared pants from the 1970s that are back now. So as a designer, Smalls blends past and current trends in his works. “Fashion is an expression of who you are,” he said. Women today have achieved higher statuses in the labor force, greater income earnings and more education than their forebears. Those achievements have ushered in fashion trends that personify more self-assuredness rather than adherence to expectations and specific stereotypes. Women are comfortable exhibiting their own personalities and identities through their wardrobe choices. ShinaultSmall admits to dressing comfortably and loosely these days to cover up in the sun, wearing gauze pants and big shirts with three-quarter length sleeves. She added, “I’ll accessorize with Afro-centric jewelry if I can’t find something ethnically inspired to wear.” And with Charleston being home to people of many diverse cultures, it’s not uncommon here to see women of various ethnicities and races wearing clothing reflective of their own cultural backgrounds. And with Charleston being Charleston, some local women are still tied to the tried-and-true local traditions of seersucker and madras. Today’s woman can borrow from a variety of fashion choices and blend them to create a style that is her own. Charleston Women in Style @gregglc @david_se_photography www.beautyredefined.co @beautyredefined.hmua HAIR & MAKEUP ARTIST Charleston, SC & Beyond
16 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com/CharlestonWomen What is fashion? Fashion encompasses more than just clothing and accessories. It reflects a person’s cultural, social and personal identity, and can even highlight an individual’s values and beliefs. Many use fashion as a tool for self-expression. It can be an avenue for driving home important political statements or a means to promote social activism. Ultimately, it distinguishes us from one another, maybe even more than our given names. There are at least 50 women-owned boutiques in Charleston. Located everywhere from downtown Welcome to the Tour of Boutiques BY MAURICE J. FRAZIER Charleston Women in Style Collaboration brings New York City to the Lowcountry.
17 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com/CharlestonWomen Charleston, to the surrounding islands, to popular suburbs like West Ashley and Mount Pleasant to Charleston’s little sister, Summerville, these establishments could compete with any Rodeo drive or Madison Avenue store. Many local shop owners have been in fashion for decades, whether working in other chain stores or creating their own collections. Guaranteed, there is at least one boutique near your home. Next time you want to go shopping, why not try a locally owned boutique? Chances are, the owner will be there to greet and assist you, offering insight on how to put together classic looks. Here are some recommendations, a few favorites in the sea of many, for your next shopping experience. DOWNTOWN CHARLESTON • Holst + Lee, 17 State St. Holst + Lee is a unique jewelry store that makes custom and handmade pieces within their studio. Each season the collection evolves and draws inspiration from a wide range of unexpected characters and cultures. • Millie Lynn Boutique 336 King St. and 1608 Palmetto Grande Drive, Mount Pleasant This boutique has a wide range of styles but focuses on chic, stylish clothing with colorful features such as bows and textures. They are known for girly, trendy clothes. It’s a beautifully decorated store with pink shopping bags and cost effective items. Also check out: Beckett, 409 King St. #101, JeanPierre Klifa, 214 King St. DANIEL ISLAND • The Cove, 260 Seven Farms Drive, Suite C The Cove is a brand-new stylist boutique from owner Britt Schmidt. It’s a sanctuary of understated elegance, a celebration of femininity and an oasis of airy simplicity. They are a high-end casual boutique. Unique to this boutique, you can reserve a private appointment with Britt to shop at her store. Walk-ins are welcome, but treat yourself to a private shopping session and really take in the fashions of The Cove. • House of Sage, 186 Seven Farms Drive and 51B G Born in 2009 by a dynamic husband and wife duo Chris and Erin Abagnale, House of Sage is a chic boho boutique that offers affordable, unique pieces. You’ll find rompers, jumpsuits, crop tops and skirts among other must-haves. They also are coming soon to West Ashley. Also check out: Paisley of Daniel Island at 194 Seven Farms Drive #600A JAMES ISLAND • Lounge With Us, 520 Folly Rd. #130 Lounge With Us is Charleston’s premier online and in-person boutique delivering comfortable loungewear and lingerie. They also are owned by a bra specialist who can help you find a perfect fit. Also check out: Tres Carmen Boutique at 1175 C, Folly Road and Rhodes Boutique 92 Folly Road Blvd. Charleston Women in Style Erin Yates invites you to lounge.
18 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com/CharlestonWomen JOHNS ISLAND • Showroom Kiawah, Freshfields Village, 249 Gardners Circle Founder and buyer Erica Hanks’ mission is to simplify workwear with a curated edit from established and emerging brands. Her team showcases fashions that are both ethical and environmentally conscious. They work exclusively with brands that champion fair labor rights and mindful manufacturing. Also check out: Tina Stephens at 475 Freshfields Drive, or Downtown at 285 King St. and Johnny Was at 574 Freshfields Drive WEST ASHLEY • Styledwell Boutique, 1662 Savannah Highway #220 The new owner Mayra Arena has transformed the tried-and-true boutique for the modern women. Featuring local and regional designers and creators, Styledwell has everything you need for a complete collection. Also check out: Ellington at 1722 Ashley River Road, Suite 5, Reinvented Upscale Resale at 847 Savannah Highway and Bashful Boutique at 36 Windermere Blvd. MOUNT PLEASANT • Subtle & Sass, 3530 Park Ave. Blvd., Suite 102 Owner Renee Smith wants you to know that you should wear what makes you feel good. “I love when I style a customer and see her confidence is radiating. Just belting a dress can change the entire look and help show off those gorgeous curves,” Smith remarked. Also check out: Two Brunettes at 616 Long Point Road and 835 Coleman Blvd., Mulberry & King at 1223 Ben Sawyer Blvd. and Bits of Lace Fine Lingerie at 453 W. Coleman Blvd. SULLIVAN’S ISLAND • Abovo, 216 Middle St. Established in 2019 in a college student’s basement, Abovo started out as an online store. From dresses, tanks, pants, jumpers and more, Abovo is a beachy Charleston sample you must try. • Bennie + Coco, 2213 Middle St. Established in 1980, Bennie + Coco wants you to have an effortless casual look. Inspired by the Lowcountry coastal lifestyle featuring a clean, cool and relaxed aesthetic, this boutiquw carries brands such as Celia B, Shack Fancy, Alix of Bohemia, Aviator Nation, The Great and more. • Goldbug, 2205 E. Middle St. In April of 2016 Ashley Reid Martin established Goldbug. This beautiful beach boutique located in the quaint business district on Sullivan’s Island carries jewelry, natural beauty products, candles, swimsuits, resort wear and more. All Goldbug’s jewelry is designed and handmade in South Carolina by Martin. SUMMERVILLE • FLY Modern Apparel, 114 E. Richardson Ave. Fly offers a unique style. The interior is an industrialglam-pop-art theme, which is the perfect backdrop to FLY looking like its name Everything is coming up roses at Millie Lynn Boutique.
19 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com/CharlestonWomen their mix of casual, classic, retro, boho, rock and glam styles. Also, check out the new vintage section upstairs. • Louise, 103 S. Main St. Suite C Louise is a brand-new boutique that just opened this past May in the heart of the historic district. Offering chic tops and bottoms, dresses, accessories and select men’s styles, Louise is a must-see. You can also book private shopping parties at the store. Also check out: Skin Solutions Day Spa & Boutique at Goldbug sparkles on Sullivan’s Island Investment advisory services offered through Brookstone Wealth Advisors, LLC (BWA), a registered investment advisor and an affiliate of Brookstone Capital Management, LLC. BWA and Hollifield Financial Group are independent of each other. Insurance products and services are not offered through BWA but are offered and sold through individually licensed and appointed agents. Hollifield Financial might have been founded by a man, but it was the all-women staff which made it one of the fastestgrowing firms in the nation. 843-400-3022 | HollifieldFinancial.com HELPING YOU BUILD, PROTECT & PRESERVE YOUR ASSETS Allow us to introduce Kim Milligan, a remarkable Marketing Director whose expertise has propelled our business to extraordinary heights. Meet Allison Jusino, our esteemed Operations Director. Her exceptional skill set and unwavering dedication have made her an indispensable asset to our team. At the heart of HFG, you’ll find Hope Singletary, our vibrant Client Experience Specialist who turns every interaction into a delightful experience. Tues-Sat 10am- 6pm & Sun 12pm- 5pm 520 Folly Rd #130, Charleston, SC Merchant Village Shopping Center on JI Lifestyle, Loungewear & Lingerie Booking pop ups for your next business event! Appointments recommended, book online now! LoungeWithUs.com GAME DAY has arrived! Complimentary Bra Fittings *EARN CREDITS *SHOP LIVE Download our FREE MOBILE APP
20 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com/CharlestonWomen 130 W. Richardson Ave., Sassy Shortcake at 405 N. Maple St. and Collaboration Clothing at 113 W. 2nd S St. On the next shopping trip, instead of walking into a known chain or big box clothing store, try a local womenowned boutique. The owners are as well-versed and knowledgeable of the fashion world as any but are also your neighbors. They will give you the personal customer service level you’ve dreamed about while thanking you from the bottom of their hearts. Colorful jewelry options from Holst + Lee. NOW INTRODUCTING: DERMA PRP Skin Revitalization Promotes Dermal Health Enhanced Skin Texture Customizable Viscosity Allows for tailored volumizing effects to meet individual patient needs. Offers an immediate volumizing effect post treatment Utilizing your own DNA to ensure compatibility and reduce the risk of allergic reactions. Botox, Dermal Fillers, Sclerotherapy, Chemical Peels, Spray Tans, Microneedling, PRP Injections, Hair Restoration, Skin Tag Removal, Celluma LED Therapy, Fat Dissolving Treatment and PDO Threads
21 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com/CharlestonWomen As style director of Charleston Magazine from 1997-2007, Ayoka Lucas had her finger on the pulse of the fashion industry for a decade. Soon came a massive vision to put Charleston on the map of the fashion world. Backed by the owners of Charleston Magazine and Misty Lister, the marketing director, Lucas followed her dream and founded Charleston Fashion Week in 2007. After CFW’s first year, it became clear that there was a need for a professional event planner who could handle the pressure of coordinating the entire production of 40 shows throughout the week, with eight events per night. Enter Naomi Russell, who was then based in Manhattan, where she executed national events for This Old House. Recruited effectively as the executive director of CFW, Russell moved to Charleston where she spent the first few years navigating ticketing, searching for volunteers, attending production meetings, circumventing budget parameters and helping create the original dream team. When Lucas approached Jacqueline Lawrence about onboarding as Russell’s right hand on the runway side, due to her background in fashion, Lawrence jumped at the chance. Additionally, Ashley Brook Perryman, a new hair and makeup artist who had recently returned to Charleston from school in Los Angeles, came on board as liaison between designers and a local salon who ran CFW’s hair and makeup team. Michelle Wood, who had just moved back to her hometown of Charleston from Fashion is Passion BY SARAH ROSE Charleston Women in Style The evolution of Charleston Fashion Week
22 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com/CharlestonWomen traveling and living all over the world as a supermodel representing brands like Chanel, Armani, Vivienne Westwood and Oscar de la Renta, also joined the crew as a volunteer modeling mentor. Wood admitted that back then, she secretly wondered how the words ‘Charleston’ and ‘fashion’ could be found in the same sentence. That same year, in 2008 when the dream team came together, the emerging designer competition was also launched as a platform to give local designers (who at the time were hand-sewing their creations at home) the opportunity to showcase their work and for models to get noticed. Russell recalled that one year during the emerging designer contest, the finalists weren’t announced until 10 p.m. By the time she and Lawrence returned to their hotel room, they found themselves falling asleep as they climbed over rolling racks crammed with dresses designed by Christian Siriano of Project Runway, stored there presumably to avoid being stolen from inside the tents. Alas, with production and backstage crew arriving for the Bridal Show starting the next morning at 4 a.m., rest was not a luxury Russell or Lawerence could afford. Meanwhile, as Perryman was working with the salon during those first couple of years, she fantasized about assembling her own backstage team of diverse artists who had the talent to make every skin tone and hair type look beautiful, just like at New York Fashion Week. As the event grew, Perryman’s needs did as well, so she pitched the idea and was ecstatic when it was approved in 2010. After her first year working with CFW, in 2011, Wood was brought on as a paid consultant and amassed a team of interns to help her with the casting process of 250+ models auditioning over a two-day period. She was also spearheading rehearsals that helped models walk with confidence, thereby helping control any chaos that might present itself backstage. By this time, Russell and Lawrence were juggling the whole production side of the event, including tents, lighting, stage setup, run-of-show logistics and creative meetings with production, DJs, hair & makeup and the model teams. Because Russell and the team had developed such clear and open communication, she trusted that everyone knew what they were doing, which she said, “freed up my Charleston Women in Style Fashion week’s dream team from 2016 HANDMADE FROM OUR STORE IN CHARLESTON! We make fun, colorful, Fashion Jewelry. HOLSTANDLEE.COM @holstandlee Fashion Jewelry and Accessories designed by Natalie Holst ALSO, VISIT US IN CHARLOTTE! 1930 CAMDEN RD, SUITE 135 17 STATE STREET, CHARLESTON, SC CHECK OUT OUR CHARM BAR! SHOP ONLINE AT
23 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com/CharlestonWomen head space so I could stay focused on my tasks.” Once all the players had grown into their roles, the CFW brand morphed into a high-end luxury boutique fashion event, catching the eye of none other than Fern Mallis, creator of NYFW. In 2013, Mallis invited big names like Rachael Roy, Siriano, Michael Knight and Amsale to be judged by other feature designers. Then in 2016, Hendrick Lexus Charleston came on board as the title sponsor of CFW. In 2022, CFW’s venue moved from the tents in Marion Square to Memminger Auditorium, now Festival Hall, which gratefully has air conditioning, bathrooms, and according to Perryman, elevated lighting. Today hair and makeup artists Perryman worked with backstage are also working on movie and commercial sets, or backstage in London, Paris, Milan and New York. Models taught by Wood and scouted at CFW are walking runways in shows all over the world. Lucas has since moved to New York, and Russell went on to pursue other passions. Lawrence, who took over as executive director in 2022 said, “I feel privileged to be a part of CFW and to have grown it into what it is today. It’s quite an honor to work with such talented people. Naomi and I became best friends, and I could never be where I am without that team.” Russell added, “Despite the long hours, we all came together for the common cause: making the magic happen. And our fashion family will always have a special place in my heart.” Perryman agreed, saying, “We do it for the creativity, camaraderie and the family environment that comes with working backstage together. I can’t believe how hard we have worked. It’s been such a big part of my life and I’ve learned so much from my team.” Wood remarked, “Every one of the models is going to have job interviews where they will need to have confidence. And that’s what I teach them. It’s why I stay so involved.” Thanks to the CFW dream team, the words ‘Charleston’ and ‘fashion’ not only belong in the same sentence today, they’re near synonymous. Charleston Women in Style "OUR GOAL IS TO OFFER A CLEAN AND MODERN FRAGRANCE COLLECTION WITH A TIMELESS SCENT PALETTE, ONE THAT GENERATIONS CAN ENJOY FOR YEARS TO COME." 80muze.com
24 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com/CharlestonWomen Jennie Crosby and Jennifer Limehouse recently set out to pour into the Summerville community by opening a women’s boutique which enhances both the customer’s confidence and the small business scene in quaint downtown Summerville. Louise is “a reflection of us,” according to the duo, meaning they refuse to stock anything they don’t fully endorse and project an overall mood in the image of their original dream. This approach to business also means that the process of perusing the market, buying and selling clothes remains fun, fueling their passions and spilling over to customers as they help them find confidence in style. Though Limehouse and Crosby’s mark is on everything, the door is still wide open to varieties of color, materials and accessories. With the assortment for customers to choose from, there will always be something that resonates with someone, reflecting on different aspects of personalities and considerations from the curators. This makes excitement is palpable when customers walk in, greeted by a world of hues, without the overwhelm of over selection; it’s an invitation for them to find themselves in brands like Agoldie, Citizens of Humanity, Show Me Your Mumu, Mignonne and many more. Louise understands that fashion is more than just the clothes one buys, but rather an expression of oneself — as well as a route to help people feel more selfassured. Picking pieces of an outfit to create the perfect expression of the customer is the goal, but Louise strives for something a bit bigger too. Their passion for community shines even in the name Louise itself. A name that means something to the owners — it’s the middle name of both their daughters — the traditional moniker welcomes women from any age. Everyone deserves to feel confident, and through frills, leathers and the occasional sequins, the women behind Louise cannot only create a stronger individual, but they can help weave a stronger community. While these loose threads may seem too small to make a huge difference, Louise proves that passion and confidence will create everlasting bonds, the very heart of community. It is their love for the community of Summerville that is one of the strongest motivations to succeed. The pair will not understate how important Summerville is to them. Rather than choosing a location to commute to everyday, the team opted to enrich their own corner of the world. They refuse to let Summerville fall behind where there was space in the market, so creating a local business to help the economy of Summerville is a dream come true. Businesses like Louise aim to light sparks of confidence in the individual that eventually shine brightly enough to create a vibrant community, like bits of fabulous fabric eventually weave together the perfect dress. And that dress — of confidence, of fashion, of a dream to achieve — is reaching across the Lowcountry, draping it in that Louise “X-factor” already. For more information, please follow @louiseofsummerville on Instagram. Fall in Love with Louise BY BROOKE WATSON Charleston Women in Style
25 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com/CharlestonWomen The Greater Charleston Area abounds with savvy businesswomen. Women dominate the real estate, health, education, recruitment and customer service fields. They are breaking into fields not-so-traditionally associated with women as well, fields like waste management, mold removal, construction and so much more. Women in our area are proving daily that there isn’t anything they can’t do. In a region dotted by both corporate and small businesses, they have shown up not only to contend but to win. What does it mean to “win” in business? We believe that means to become a leader in the market, to serve the community, to achieve success and to pave the way for others to do the same. It isn’t about crushing the competition, but about bettering the industry or commerce climate while helping others to succeed. It is about becoming a light to brighten the path for those following. Our business section, meant to both educate and inspire, highlights females from many industries, especially entrepreneurs. In this issue, which focuses on family, we have woven in family-owned businesses, moms at work and much more. Our hope is that our readers will not only learn about some incredible businesses but will become inspired by the women behind them. The idea is for women to support women, and that idea is brought to fruition by first making a connection. Keep reading and make a new connection here. We are all part of the same network. Charleston Women in Business THE INSURANCE AGENCY REINVENTED AROUND YOU.® Our top priority is customer service - it's what sets us apart from the rest. Our clients trust us with their biggest investments and we owe them nothing but the best service, protection and price. 843-408-4554 | BrightwayMcKenzie.com Call a Team Member Today! Jenny McKenzie Agency Owner 3 TIPS TO REPAIR SUMMER SKIN Did the summer sun zap your skin? Try eating berries, eggs, broccoli and bone broth to help boost elasticity. 1 Try a Vitamin C rich moisturizer, like Glow Getter, to brighten, even, restore skin. 3 Use code CHSWMN for 15% off Me Time. MeTimeBotanicals.com Shop online or with us at 845 Savannah Hwy, Suite D for the ultimate glow up. A good night’s sleep = the best skin. Remember to get 15 minutes of morning sun for better sleep. 2
26 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com/CharlestonWomen Fashion is a passion for many people, but it may be such a love that it becomes something a person wants to pursue more deeply. If you are looking to break into the business of fashion, we’ve curated a few tips and tricks to get you started from two ladies who have already found success. Mimi Striplin is the owner and operator of Tiny Tassel on Charleston’s famed King Street. In 2015, she decided to pursue a new craft hobby and her business grew from there. Her tassel earrings became a hit when she began selling them through social media, Etsy and pop-up shop events. Customers were always asking her about her outfits when they were purchasing inventory, and she felt that she’d found an untapped market. From there, she set out to create a brand that was comfortable, beautiful and affordable. STRIPLIN’S TIPS • If you are going to go into fashion, and plan to have your own design line, get someone on your team you trust. (Striplin is fortunate to have a mother who has a degree in fashion and was able to help her create her own pieces from scratch.) • Start with taking out a business loan, if possible, but pace yourself. Tiny Tassel was started through small Breaking into the Boutique Biz Learn from the best BY CARI LAWSON Charleston Women in Business Striplin (middle) with The Tiny Tassel Team.
27 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com/CharlestonWomen marketing endeavors before it ever opened an official store front. • Need to take out a line of credit to start your business? There is nothing wrong with that. Change your perspective to see it as capital that you can use to build your business rather than debt. • Prepare to work incredibly hard. If you are looking to break into this oftencompetitive industry, you will be working around the clock until you can gain some traction and clientele. You may be the owner, front desk worker, receptionist, designer, bookkeeper and so much more until you get off the ground. • Stay intentional to your values and your “why” when you are putting things out into the world. Tap into your community and your brand. You will quickly become known for your values and mission. Margie Sutton is also a fashion business professional, but her journey was quite different from Tiny Tassel’s. She is currently the owner of multiple businesses that include Fly Modern Apparel and Sole Shoe Company in Summerville. Sutton has been involved in the fashion business for over 19 years in all facets. She wanted to bring affordable and stylish options to the Summerville area that weren’t being offered. Having already opened a successful hair salon, she jumped in with both feet. SUTTON’S TIPS Find someone who has been there and done that. • Have a trusted accountant and people that you can depend on for sound advice. • Come prepared. When you are looking for potential investors or loans, it is important to have a business plan with a clearly defined mission and goal. • Not sure how to get prepared? Reach out to a local school for CPA’s. They often must complete mock business plans as a part of their certification. This is a perfect time to get necessary services at a fraction of the cost. • If you are going to investigate designing your own line, do a good bit of research and weigh the pros and cons before moving forward. Finding a company that will provide quality products without outrageous pricing can be challenging. • Be prepared for sourcing and finding inventory. If you plan to carry other brands, set aside time to find companies that meet your quality standards as well as match your level of affordability for customers. Navigate markets, look into wholesalers and try to find a margin that you are comfortable with. • Hire intentionally. When you are looking at adding staff to your growing company, it is important that you choose like-minded folks that share your same vision. Hiring employees can be difficult and it’s important that you get the right people in and get them properly trained. • Have backup income if you can. Sales fluctuate, so if you have another source of income as a safety net, your business is more likely to be able to weather a financial drought without collapsing. • Find your niche. Fashion can be highly competitive, and boutiques open and close their doors every day. Once you figure out what works for your brand and your business, stick with it and market strategically. • Diversify your marketing techniques. Set yourself apart by offering after-hour events, themed shopping days, private events or anything else that may be outof-the-box. How can you partner with community partners to get your name out there and get people talking? Add those creative ideas into your business plan when you get started. Success is right around the corner with fashion if you are willing to put in the work and stay true to your why. See you soon on the runway. Charleston Women in Business FLY’s Margie Sutton in front of stairs leading to the new vintage store.
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