36 www.Char l e s tonWomenPodcas t . com | www.ReadCW. com | www. Ins t ag ram. com /Char l e s tonWomen If your first impression of Liz Keefer is that she’s a model, you’re almost right. As a certified mold inspector, indoor air quality specialist and owner of her own business, The Mold Girl, Keefer is literally breaking the mold in what has traditionally been a “man’s business.” She is a model of sorts — for other women in business. “I have 12 total years in the mold-inspecting business, but I’m the only woman I know of who can say that,” said Keefer, who began her business in 2019 on Daniel Island. “And because mold testing is a maledominated industry, I am not often taken seriously at first.” However, if her track record is any indication, she has clearly erased any initial doubts as Keefer and her team of 18 – all women – have served nearly 10,000 clients across North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida in only three years. “We inspect your entire home or facility, which means getting into attics or crawl spaces,” Keefer said. “And too many times, men don’t think we will actually do it.” Once the battle of the sexes is hurdled, Keefer and her team are all business. Their specialty is indoor environmental control, which includes fungal growth, water damage, moisture control, asbestos, lead and volatile organic compound assessments in both residential and commercial spaces. Mold detection, inspection, removal and indoor air testing make up the core of their services. “Helping the homeowner understand that mold is sensitive and highly susceptible for young children is my main focus,” said Keefer, certified through the American Council for Accredited Certification. “In the American South, the HVAC system and improper use of it is the number one cause of mold.” Ironically, it was the birth of her boyand-girl twins that led to her profession. “They were born early and needed perfect indoor air quality,” she said. “I realized the importance on our health that it truly has and dove right into the profession, bringing it with me when we moved from Delaware to Charleston.” Keefer isn’t faring too badly for a woman who people might think more suited for interior design —a field which she actually studied at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. “But soon after graduating,” she relayed, “I moved to an area which did not have many options for this profession.” So, Keefer began working in remediation (the mold-cleaning industry) with her husband and soon “got very sick from mold.” Instead of running from mold and indoor air quality issues, she realized she could make a difference for herself and other women. If mold may pose a health hazard in your home or business, just ask The Mold Girl. “I know my profession is a little unusual for women,” Keefer said. “But I love educating people and helping them live healthier lives.” For more information, please visit AsktheMoldGirl.com or call 843-905-2448. Liz Keefer is breaking the mold BY L . C. LEACH I I I Charleston Women at Home
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