80 www.Char l e s tonWomenPodcas t . com | www.ReadCW. com | www. Ins t ag ram. com /Char l e s tonWomen We’re spending a little time with some of the amazing women in our Charleston-area communities to get to them better. These are real women from our area who represent many different walks of life. If you would like to be featured or want to suggest another amazing lady who should be recognized, let us know. Follow @CharlestonWomen on Instagram and connect with us. We Are Charleston Women CHRISTIE RAINWATER, Hanahan What do you do? In life, we all juggle the many areas God blesses us with. In addition to being a wife and mother, I serve as the mayor of Hanahan, South Carolina. I am also a Realtor. Why do you think it is important for women to help other women? One of the biggest things we can do for others is encourage them. Women tend to be very hard on themselves. Unfortunately, we carry mommy guilt well. Sometimes we need reminders of who we are and what we are capable of doing. I love seeing women choose to build each other up. What is your favorite part of your job? My favorite part of my job is serving others, as well as having a vision and bringing it to life. DENA GARNER, Isle of Palms What is your occupation? I am a professor and researcher at The Citadel. One of the lines of research I have been fortunate to participate in started a few years ago with MUSC and Zucker Institute of Applied Neurosciences (ZIAN). What is the best piece of advice you have received? I have been blessed with wise people in my life. I also read the wisdom of others. There are numerous quotes on sticky notes in my office, in my car and on my Bible. One quote that my friend Audrey sent me is Vince Lombardi’s “Fatigue makes cowards of us all.” Is it hard to find balance? I can get overwhelmed trying to keep up with the sports practices, events, appointments, pharmacy refills, grocery trips, meals and work requirements. I tried to do it all, but that ended in “Stressland.” I had to ask for help from my family. I have more courage to say “no” to things that don’t support my goals. People are going to think what they are going to think no matter what. These days, different socks and backward t-shirts make me laugh. SANDRA CONNELL, Mount Pleasant What is your occupation? I am the Arbonne national vice president and an independent consultant. I sell vegan skincare, cosmetics and nutritional products. What are your goals this year? My business goals are always to improve the quality of life for my clients and future clients by educating them on the benefits of using holistic vegan products. I love people and enjoy personal conversations, but in today’s world, I know social media is one of the easiest ways for people to receive education on innovative products like I offer. Another business goal is to improve social media. What is your biggest challenge? Building a business takes time and sacrifice. I never wanted my job or business to be more important than my relationship with God or family and friends. Finding a healthy balance between personal life and work life is a huge challenge. I am a friend, a wife, a sister, an aunt and a grandmother, so, sometimes you have to say a healthy “no thank you.” We Are Charleston Women
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