56 WWW.CHARLESTONWOMENPODCAST.COM | WWW.READCW.COM | WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/CHARLESTONWOMEN energy and resources for everyone else, forgetting that we, too, deserve to feel beautiful, seen and cared for. What is one piece of fashion advice you believe every Charleston woman should know when building a wardrobe that feels both stylish and authentic? There is a certain elegance in knowing who you are and dressing accordingly. Charleston is undeniably charming and beautifully dressed, but if I could encourage women here to embrace one thing, it would be individuality. The most stylish woman in any room is rarely the one wearing exactly what everyone else is wearing. She’s the one who looks entirely – and effortlessly – like herself. CHRISTINE England Founder, Lowcountry Eat Out! What inspired you to start Lowcountry Eat Out!? Lowcountry Eat Out! actually started as Lowcountry Quarantine, Take-out + Delivery! Which may be the longest Facebook group name in history. My first thought was to start a group on Facebook where restaurants could buy or barter excess ingredients from each other in the days following the shutdown. Alternatively, I thought buying food directly would support restaurants, while simultaneously allowing us to avoid the grocery store. I spent eight-to-10 hours a day typing restaurant menus, hours, locations and whether they delivered or offered take-out only. Many have a love of food + service but don’t really have a marketing background. Having a group this big with people who actively dine out is an incredible opportunity for them. Charleston’s food scene continues to evolve. What excites you most about where it’s headed, and are there any trends you’re especially loving right now? The group helped me realize that many more (restaurants off the peninsula) existed, and what has evolved since 2020 is so much more. More options for street tacos, more ethnic options with places like Afghan Restaurant, Kowalski Deli (Polish food) or EGY Dough (Egyptian pizza) having the ability to thrive and find customers in a place off the peninsula. I also want to point out another sneaky trend that is happening. High-caliber restaurants/chefs that are opening off the peninsula. What an incredible thing to see. If you could encourage every Charleston resident to do one thing to better support our local restaurants, what would it be – and why does it matter? If we all shifted our focus to the positive, those places worth visiting would rise to the top. As humans we need to remember that not every place will suit everyone. We all have different taste buds, financials and life experiences that shape what we want to eat and where we want to spend our money. I cannot implore people enough: please don’t forget the places that do right by you. They deserve the mention, every time. Not the place that failed to meet your standards. CHARLESTON WOMEN Get to know some of the Charleston women making our community stronger, brighter and more beautiful. Want to be featured or nominate someone you know? Let us know at editor@charlestonwomen.com. We Are CHARLESTON WOMEN BY KATIE FINCH COURTNEY Zentner Co-Owner and Creative Director of Merci and The Drift From beautifully plated meals to thoughtfully designed events, presentation matters. How do you balance great food with creating an experience that’s as visually memorable as it is delicious? We work in tandem both on the food and design side. When a dish is being discussed, we always think about how it will interact with the design of the tablescape, the design of the home or venue and how the client likes to entertain. So many factors go into having a seamless flow for the guest experience. What do you hope guests remember long after the event is over? I always hope they remember the energy of the night and how it made them feel. If they wake up the next morning still thinking about it, you know you’ve done your job right. Charleston is known for its incredible food culture. What makes this community so special to you, and what advice would you give to women hoping to build a career in hospitality? The creative community in Charleston is really special. There’s an openness to try new things and an embrace from the community. You are rewarded for passion and that is something that can be rare in cities. Take risks and do things that you love; even if at first you work for little to nothing, those jobs end up being the most memorable. LINDSEY Evans Lindsey Evans Studio, The Self-Love Stylist What do you love most about helping women discover their personal style? Over the years, I’ve realized that my work has very little to do with clothing and everything to do with helping women come home to themselves. It’s the moment she realizes she doesn’t have to shrink, hide or dress for who the world expects her to be. She gets to take up space, express herself unapologetically and celebrate the woman she’s become. How can the right clothing affect a woman’s confidence? As the Self-Love Stylist, I believe style is self-love made visible. Getting dressed is one of the most overlooked forms of self-care. Societally, we often reserve our time,
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