www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | FB & Instagram @CharlestonWomen Style and Strength MEET OUR CHARLESTON WOMEN Tribute to a Trailblazer Farewell Thomasena Nature is Everyone’s Color Outdoor Spaces, Sports and Spruce-Ups “Serving” Up Women’s History CHARLESTON S p r i n g 2 0 2 3 T H E O U T D O O R E D I T I O N
• ‘Hometown’ Charleston-Based Community Bank • Local Ownership and Lending Decisions • Financial Success Partner for Small Business 2191 N. Highway 17, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466 | 843-990-7780 234 N. Main St, Summerville, SC 29483 | (843) 990-7750 304 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401 | (843) 990-7770 Meet Just a Few of the Women Behind the Success at First Capital Bank Heidi Finniff Commercial Lender Whitney Schillerstrom Business Development Officer Sandy O’Keefe Business Development Officer Karey Wilson Treasury Services & Client Engagement
1 www.Char l e s tonWomenPodcas t . com | www.ReadCW. com | www. Ins t ag ram. com /Char l e s tonWomen 2521 N Hwy 17 Mount Pleasant, SC (former Boone Hall Market) 854-854-0486 • heavensmarketplace.com Coming Soon to Tanger Outlets! Where Love, Hope & Dreams Are Made! @heavensmarketplacesc Follow us! DÉCOR, FURNITURE, CANDLES, JEWELRY, CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES, FAITH INSPIRED & LOCALLY MADE PRODUCTS, FOOD, PLUS SO MUCH MORE!
2 www.Char l e s tonWomenPodcas t . com | www.ReadCW. com | www. Ins t ag ram. com /Char l e s tonWomen Rebekah Grubbs, Realtor Meybohm Real Estate 803.571.7338 rgrubbs@meybohm.com YourPalmettoRealtor.com @yourpalmettorealtor “Bekah was amazing! She explained everything and never made me feel stupid for any question! She was in my corner every step of the way—from the first house we saw to closing day! Bekah should run a training for single, first time home buyers! She teaches you what to look for and what to ask! She also connects you with reliable people! I can’t say enough good things about Rebekah. She was my Realtor Guardian Angel!” -B.Wade “Let me say this… if you want a Realtor, consisting of handling the difficult ends of arrangements, paper work, surprises that need solutions, this lady here puts it on her shoulders and works it in motion for you. Some realtors sit and leave it with you and just find a buyer or the right house, but Rebekah works her tail!” great job Rebekah Grubbs. - C. Bolen REBEKAH WORKS FOR YOU! Buyers, Sellers & Investors
3 www.Char l e s tonWomenPodcas t . com | www.ReadCW. com | www. Ins t ag ram. com /Char l e s tonWomen
4 www.Char l e s tonWomenPodcas t . com | www.ReadCW. com | www. Ins t ag ram. com /Char l e s tonWomen Features Women in Tennis...........................18 Holy City Tennis. ...........................22 Join the Club...................................23 Hands-on Women..........................42 ................................................................ Charleston Women in Style Top Spring Trends......................................................... 27 Rhodes Boutique........................................................... 30 Marvel Make-up and Hair’s Alicia Cates................... 31 Charleston Women at Home Discover your Dream Lawn......................................... 33 Raine and Grace............................................................ 34 The Mold Girl................................................................36 About the cover........................................................6 From the Team.........................................................7 Our Contributors.....................................................9 Social Buzz..............................................................11 Women in the Making. .........................................12 Calendar of Events.................................................13 11 13 Spring 2023 Table of Contents 18 33 23
5 www.Char l e s tonWomenPodcas t . com | www.ReadCW. com | www. Ins t ag ram. com /Char l e s tonWomen 60 73 Spring 2023 Table of Contents Charleston Women in Business Meet Amy Driggers. .....................................................38 Charleston Accounting and Tax..................................39 Baldwin and Associates................................................40 Brightway Insurance.....................................................41 Meet Erica Zepp............................................................45 Charleston Women Podcast. .......................................47 Meet Katherine and Team............................................49 Charleston Women in Philanthropy Holly Vega has heart.....................................................51 These Names ring a bell. ..............................................54 Every 1 Voice.................................................................55 Tribute to Thomasena...................................................56 Charleston Women in Wellness Youmna Squalli of EcoSteris........................................60 Throw some Shade........................................................62 Meet Dr. Margarita Murphy........................................64 MUSC Wellness Center................................................65 Jane Do...........................................................................66 Charleston Women in Food Dining Al Fresco...........................................................68 Bakies at I’On.................................................................70 Recipes............................................................................71 Wine. ..............................................................................72 Best Outdoor Dining....................................................73 Charleston Women in the Arts Arts Outdoors. ..............................................................76 A Poem from Heather Artushin. ................................78 Book Nook Fresh Reads....................................................................78 We Are Charleston Women Meet our Women..........................................................80 38 51 45 76
6 www.Char l e s tonWomenPodcas t . com | www.ReadCW. com | www. Ins t ag ram. com /Char l e s tonWomen About the Cover I had never seen so many excited people from our team at once until we shot this cover. It was a seemingly strange vision at first. This issue focuses heavily on outdoor activities like sports and gardening. However, it is also fashion-forward, pro-business and steeped in personalities of women from all walks of life. We scratched our heads a bit at how to convey all of this, the varied facets of so many different kinds of women, in one photo. Eventually we realized that all we had to do was show it. Show the tennis racquet in the hand of a girl wearing a spring pastel pink, show the gardening shoes on the model in a dainty sundress, show the dirt on the bare feet of the mom in the breathtaking evening gown. Show it all. So, we did. Then we found the many sides of the Charleston woman expressed in photo against the beautiful backdrop of the blooming azaleas — and we were absolutely moved. We hope you all see some glimpse of who you are — or several glimpses — in the amazing women on this cover. We could not have brought this vision to life without help from numerous other women in our communities. We’d like to thank Alicia Cates of Marvel Hair and Makeup for styling the faces and hair of our gorgeous models, Andrea Felber (yellow), Priscilla Bloedoorn (purple) and Kristin Tufts (pink). We’d also like to express our gratitude to the teams at Copper Penny for supplying the pink dress and gold necklace worn in tandem, Rhodes Boutique for the yellow and white Badgley Mischka gown and Simply Country Chic Boutique for the purple cocktail dress. Nellie & Lo styled the gold cuff bracelet worn by Tufts and gold earrings worn by Bloedoorn. The tennis racquet and tennis shoes were provided by Holy City Tennis. All of this was brought to life by the unmatched photography of Mark Staff (@markstaffphoto). Thank you all for crafting a visual representation of the mélange that is the Charleston woman. –Lorna Hollifield, managing editor www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | FB & Instagram @CharlestonWomen Style and Strength MEET OUR CHARLESTON WOMEN Tribute to a Trailblazer Farewell Thomasena Nature is Everyone’s Color Outdoor Spaces, Sports and Spruce-Ups “Serving” Up Women’s History CHARLESTON S p r i n g 2 0 2 3 T H E O U T D O O R E D I T I O N
7 www.Char l e s tonWomenPodcas t . com | www.ReadCW. com | www. Ins t ag ram. com /Char l e s tonWomen Spring 2023 MANAGING EDITOR LORNA HOLLIFIELD COPY EDITOR COLIN MCCANDLESS ART DIRECTOR DANA COLEMAN PRODUCTION MANAGER BETHANY LONG AD DESIGNERS BETHANY LONG KIM HALL REBECCA SOTTILE WRITERS HEATHER ARTUSHIN • MADISON BROACH JACK LOVINGOOD • KATHLEEN M. JACOBS LEAH RHYNE • SHERRY WHITING MARY COY • MAURICE FRAZIER • KATIE FINCH CARI LAWSON• ISABEL ALVAREZ ARATA PHOTOGRAPHER MARK STAFF BRAND AMBASSADOR STACEY MCLOUGHLIN STACEY@CHARLESTONWOMAN.COM INDEPENDENT MEDIA CONSULTANTS KATIE FINCH KATIE@CHARLESTONWOMAN.COM KIM MARTIER KIM@CHARLESTONWOMAN.COM ANDY BIMONTE ANDY@MOUNTPLEASANTMAGAZINE.COM ADMINISTRATION & BOOKKEEPING GINGER SOTTILE SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGERS CHESLEY LANFORD 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 by Media Services, Inc. 1013 Chuck Dawley Blvd., Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 Copyright © Media Services 2023. 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 843-881-1481 For marketing information, email: GetMore@CharlestonWomenMagazine.com This issue is so special. We probably say that every time, but somehow it feels like it keeps getting better. With every new magazine release, we the team, get to meet more fascinating women in our town and the surrounding areas. Women in Charleston come in all forms. They are so very complex. There are elements of old South merging with the melting pot we’ve become. There are natives and transplants. There are spices of diverse cultures seasoning what was already here. It’s all merging and becoming this persona. The Charleston woman is often someone who has her own story and uniqueness, but is among other diamonds, shining beside them— the cuts and inclusions diverse but the shine all the same. These women overcome and stand out. That’s the most common theme. The women here chose this place. They saw the beauty of the Lowcountry — the marshes, the history, the fashion, the hanging moss — and fought tooth and nail to be a part of it. This issue is great because it also highlights the Lowcountry in bloom. This is the outdoor issue. There are practical tips on building the perfect garden parties and getting out for some exercise while connecting with other women. But there is also something more. In every article it becomes more evident that our women reflect the nature around them. They imitate the prestige of a flower rising from the unforgiving ground — in business, at home, everywhere. They break through and find the light. As you read along, we hope that you will become inspired to connect. Connect with us, connect with your fellow women. Afterall, #WeAreCharlestonWomen. Follow along on Instagram (@CharlestonWomen), and on Facebook under Charleston Women. Cheers! The Team at Charleston Women From the Team The Char l e s ton Women t eam. Le f t to r i ght s eat ed : St acey McLough l in , Kr i s t in Tuf t s . Le f t to r i ght s t and ing : Lorna Hol l i f i e l d, Be t hany Long , Kim Mar t i e r, Kat i e F inch . Photo by Mark Staf f .
8 www.Char l e s tonWomenPodcas t . com | www.ReadCW. com | www. Ins t ag ram. com /Char l e s tonWomen
9 www.Char l e s tonWomenPodcas t . com | www.ReadCW. com | www. Ins t ag ram. com /Char l e s tonWomen Heather 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, S.C. 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. Leah Rhyne is a professional writer with a bachelor’s degree in English literature from Montclair State University. She spent four years as the festival director of the Charleston to Charleston Literary Festival and specializes in event management, marketing and public relations. Isabel Alvarez Arata is a freelance writer and content creator with a focus on business, marketing and lifestyle. She contributes to various online and print outlets, including her own pet-related podcast and blog, “Covered in Pet Hair.” Katie Finch joined the Charleston Women family as a media consultant in 2022. An Alabama native (War Eagle, anyone?) and a former small business owner, Katie loves connecting with local Lowcountry business owners while putting her marketing degree to use. On the weekends you can find her golf carting around The Old Village with her family or visiting local parks. 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. There’s comfort in being anchored! anchorheatingandair.com 843-564-7777 female owned & operated
10 www.Char l e s tonWomenPodcas t . com | www.ReadCW. com | www. Ins t ag ram. com /Char l e s tonWomen Ruthie Ravenel is a top producing agent in the marketplace, with strong ties to the community and a long track record of closing record breaking transactions. A consistent recipient of the Realtor of Distinction award given to the top agents in Charleston's market. With a low number of transactions, and a high average transaction amount, Ruthie has long focused on quality over quantity, with a solid commitment to client service above all else. Ruthie Ravenel 843.696.8858 RUTHIE@DANIELRAVENELSIR.COM WWW.RUTHIERAVENEL.COM $236 Million IN CAREER SALES 97.4% LIST PRICE ACHIEVED $1.34M AVERAGE LISTING PRICE Exceptional properties deserve the finest representation. Marketing Matters Successfully Selling from the Battery to the Beaches 1077 Cottingham Drive | Cooper Estates | Under Contract in 48 Hours | Sold for Asking at $1,295,000 3741 Juneberry Court | Carolina Park Record Breaking Sale at $1,500,000 87 Secession Street | I’On Sold for $2,500,000 Daniel Ravenel Sotheby’s International Realty fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each office is independently owned and operated. Statistics based n information from MLS providers and internal off-m rket sales since 2015.
11 www.Char l e s tonWomenPodcas t . com | www.ReadCW. com | www. Ins t ag ram. com /Char l e s tonWomen Social Buzz Charleston Women Magazine is more than just a publication. We are a community. That’s why we have several events throughout the year that focus on gathering like-minded women in a room together to network, share ideas, celebrate…and of course, eat and drink! Please follow our social media accounts to learn more about upcoming “coffee breaks” at local businesses and larger events like “She Leads” (next one coming May 4 to Salty Oak Farm). Here are some comments on previous events from our attendees. “It was a pleasure meeting you ladies. Thank you for the wonderful vibes.” -Melissa Koester on women’s event at Dulce Churros Ice Cream via Instagram. “What an amazing event! So thankful to have come together with some powerhouse women! So inspiring! Thanks for having me.” -@thecuratedmoments via Instagram on the last “She Leads” event this past November. “Such a great day! Inspiring stories and great advice on top of a beautiful venue. Can’t wait for the next one!” -Stephanie Webb Postell via Facebook on the Salty Oak Farm event and venue. The amazing group from the November “She Leads” at Salty Oak Farm. HORMONE THERAPY • PETS • DERMATOLOGY • PAIN Tak Charg of Your Healt ! Weight gain, not sleeping, brain fog? Hormones are a part of the equation! At-home hormone testing kits are available at Pitt Street Pharmacy. Find out if you could benefit from hormone therapy, and get on the right track to feeling your best. Stop by the pharmacy to talk with our hormone experts!
12 www.Char l e s tonWomenPodcas t . com | www.ReadCW. com | www. Ins t ag ram. com /Char l e s tonWomen I would not be the aspiring artist and writer I am today if it were not for the women in my life who have shaped and influenced me. My mom and my best friend Bella are the ones who have inspired me to be the best I can be. They helped me plant the seed of creativity and helped me nourish it. My mom was the first to notice my creative talents. I have many boxes of drawings from when I was a child. I think that most mothers would just throw away the old drawings, but my mom kept them. At first, I wondered why she held onto the strange pictures my 5-year-old brain came up with, but I’ve come to appreciate my mom’s support of my art. Now, she hangs up my new art pieces around the house. Bella and I have been friends since fourth grade. We share interests in art and writing. I love to brainstorm with her because we think alike, but we also have different perspectives. One will say something that will spark a new idea in the other. We fuel each other’s creative fires. Sometimes we spend hours building our stories. My work wouldn’t be as good if it wasn’t for her. As iron sharpens iron, the women in my life, my mother and best friend, have influenced me so much and I can’t imagine what life would be without them. Iron Sharpens Iron Building a woman BY ANGEL INA XIONG, PALMETTO CHRI STIAN ACADEMY Ange l ina Xi ong of Pa lme t to Chr i s t i an Academy. Women in the Making Historic Charleston Mount Pleasant: Northcutt Plaza & Towne Centre West End Greenville www.shopcopperpenny.com
13 www.Char l e s tonWomenPodcas t . com | www.ReadCW. com | www. Ins t ag ram. com /Char l e s tonWomen Rosé and Roses When: 4/1/2023 at 5:30 p.m. Where: Nathaniel Russell House Museum Grab the gals and wine your way through the stunning garden at the Nathaniel Russell House Museum, ca.1808, located in the heart of historic downtown Charleston. Enjoy light bites, wine and the sweet sounds of live strings as you explore this beautifully restored Historic House Museum. •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Credit One Charleston Open When: 4/1/2023 - 4/9/2023 at 9 a.m. Where: Credit One Stadium The Credit One Charleston Open, 4/1/20232023 is a WTA Tour-affiliated professional tennis tournament for women, held every year since 1973. •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Jagged Little Pill: A Musical When: 4/7/2023 at 7:30 p.m. Where: Gaillard Center We all belted some Alanis in the ‘90s! Joy, love, heartache, strength, wisdom, catharsis, life — everything we’ve been waiting to see in a Broadway show — is here in the exhilarating, fearless new musical based on Alanis Morissette’s world-changing music. •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Blood Drive When: 4/14/2023 at 3 p.m. Where: Indigo Reef Brewery Company The Blood Connection is your community blood center. Did you know you may save three lives with one blood donation? Calendar of Events April
14 www.Char l e s tonWomenPodcas t . com | www.ReadCW. com | www. Ins t ag ram. com /Char l e s tonWomen Calendar of Events •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Flourish Networking for Women When: 4/17/2023. Where: Nailed it DIY – Mount Pleasant For only $15, create a unique craft while mingling with other female professionals and community members at this fun networking event. •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• AWA Ladies’ Night at Palmetto State Armory When: 4/19/2023 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Where: Palmetto State Armory-Summerville The Armed Women of America invite you to come to target practice. All levels are welcome to this fun event where gun safety and protection are emphasized. •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• World Grits Festival When: 4/21/2023 at 12 p.m. Where: St. George G.R.I.T.S. (Girls raised in the south) love grits! The First Annual World Grits Festival was held in 1986. It provides the local folks a festival of wholesome, family fun and our students some much-needed scholarships. It kicks off Friday at noon and goes all day Saturday and Sunday until 4 p.m. •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Giselle When: 4/21/2023 at 7:30 p.m. Where: Gaillard Center The American Ballet Theatre presents this ballet set in the vineyard country along the Rhine. •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• HipHop Weekend Double Dutch When: 4/22/2023 at 1 p.m. Where: Danny Jones Recreation Center Introduce your daughters to double dutch! Like other childhood games, double dutch helps children develop coordination and strong motor skills. For $10 admission, there is hip-hop music, sports drinks, non-carbonated drinks, healthy snacks, popcorn, bottled water and swag.
15 www.Char l e s tonWomenPodcas t . com | www.ReadCW. com | www. Ins t ag ram. com /Char l e s tonWomen Calendar of Events •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Spring Concert with Chamber Music Charleston When: 4/29/2023 at 5:30 p.m. Where: Drayton Hall Immerse yourself in an intimate musical conversation in the Lenhardt Garden. Chamber Music Charleston welcomes the growing season at Drayton Hall with a spring concert. Musicians will converse on flute, oboe, violin, bassoon and harpsichord. •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 36th Annual Blessing of the Fleet and Seafood Festival When: 4/30/2023 at 11 a.m. Where: Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park Everyone loves the blessing! The 35th Annual Blessing of the Fleet and Seafood Festival presented by East Cooper Medical Center and Harris Teeter is one of the most highly anticipated events of the year. The festival pays tribute to Mount Pleasant’s local shrimping and fishing industry, offering a boat parade, live music, craft show and lots of free activities! •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Full Moon Paddle and Bonfire When: 5/5/2023 at 8 p.m. Where: McClellanville Girls’ day out? See the full moon rise over the Cape Romain Wildlife Refuge and Francis Marion National Forest. The paddle will leave from our Adventure Center in McClellanville and travel up the Intracoastal Waterway. •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Victory Cup Polo Match and Hot Air Balloon Festival When: 5/6/2023 2 p.m. - 8 p.m. Where: Hyde Park Farm & Polo Club The Victory Cup is Charleston’s best derby party! Grab the big hats, view the derby, watch a series of polo matches and enjoy the food, drinks and fun! Don’t forget to experience the hot air balloon exhibition as well! They make for amazing photo ops. May
16 www.Char l e s tonWomenPodcas t . com | www.ReadCW. com | www. Ins t ag ram. com /Char l e s tonWomen ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Moms’ Run and Family Fun Day When: 5/13/2023 7 a.m. – 11 a.m. Where: Phillip Simmons High School This 20th annual run benefits postpartum support for Lowcountry moms. Join the run on mother’s day weekend, and bring along the fam to celebrate in all amazing activities to follow. Calendar of Events www.RadRydz.com | 843-972-8525 | Chad@RadRydz.com | 857 Coleman Blvd., Unit E Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 (behind REV Financial) @RadRydz LET RAD RYDZ GIVE YOUR CART A MAKEOVER FOR SPRING! BEFORE AFTER Talk to us about remanufacturing your golf cart into a Low Speed Vehicle.
17 www.Char l e s tonWomenPodcas t . com | www.ReadCW. com | www. Ins t ag ram. com /Char l e s tonWomen Calendar of Events ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Spoleto Festival When: 5/26/2023 – 6/1/2023 Where: Various Charleston locations Visit SpoletoUSA.org for the full line-up of music, theater and other art events. This is one of the biggest events of the year, founded in 1977 by Pulitzer winner, Gian Carlo Menatti. Don’t miss out on a big dose of culture and fun. ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Samantha Bee: Your Favorite Woman When: 6/9/2023 Where: Charleston Music Hall Comedian Samantha Bee performs throughout Canada and the USA garnering belly laughs with her dead-pan comedy. Grab the gal pals and cackle your way through a fun-filled girls’ night out. ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Juneteenth Family Fest When: 6/17/2023 Where: Riverfront Park, North Charleston Juneteenth is an annual observance commemorating the date Union troops enforced the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing all that remained enslaved in Texas, on June 19, 1865. Juneteenth is also known as Freedom Day or Juneteenth Independence Day. Join the Charleston celebration, festivities and fun in North Charleston. June Comfortable, convenient dental care with the latest technology. 145 River Landing Dr., Suite 102 Daniel Island, SC 29492 200 Brighton Park Blvd., Suite A Summerville, SC 29483 General Dentistry Cosmetic Dentistry Implants Same Day Crowns Invisalign Botox & Filler Sleep Apnea TMJ & Headaches ...and much more! Accepting new patients! Call, text or visit our website to make an appointment www.riverlandingdentistry.com (843) 242-0645 FREE Sonicare toothbrushes to new patients! *show proof of ad
18 www.Char l e s tonWomenPodcas t . com | www.ReadCW. com | www. Ins t ag ram. com /Char l e s tonWomen Feature Credit One Charleston Open, held each April on Daniel Island at Credit One Stadium, draws some of the biggest names in the WTA (Women’s Tennis Association), with a roster of past champions that reads like a who’s who of the sport’s legends. That list includes Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova, Tracy Austin, Steffi Graf, Serena and Venus Williams, Martina Hingis and Gabriela Sabatini. The largest women’s-only tennis tournament in North America, the event attracts an average of 90,000 attendees and more than 100 of the top singles and doubles tennis players to Charleston every year. In 2022, it celebrated its 50th anniversary, a year in which it was named WTA 500 Tournament of the Year, an honor that is even more gratifying when you consider that the recognition is voted on by the players. Growing women’s professional tennis into a globallywatched sport Family Circle magazine launched the event in 1973 in Hilton Head under the moniker Family Circle Cup, where BY COL IN MCCANDLESS 51 Years and Counting Credit One Charleston Open is a pioneer in women’s professional tennis Photos provided by Arielle Alpino.
19 www.Char l e s tonWomenPodcas t . com | www.ReadCW. com | www. Ins t ag ram. com /Char l e s tonWomen it remained until 2001, when it moved to Daniel Island. In 2018 the magazine sold it to a group based out of Chicago, then later that year the tournament was acquired by current owner Ben Navarro of Charleston Tennis LLC, according to Credit One Charleston Open (COCO) tournament director Bob Moran. It has undergone a series of name changes over the years, from Family Circle Cup to Volvo Car Open to its present iteration. The impetus for the tennis tournament leaving Hilton Head involved a scheduling conflict with a PGA Tour golf event. It got to the point where it was sharing weekends with the RBC Heritage, using the same property and grounds. “It just became complicated, where it really needed to move,” explained Moran. He credits former Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley, then head of development for Daniel Island Matt Sloan, Lisa Thomas (the tournament director at the time) and the state of South Carolina with their determined efforts in keeping the tournament in our state. “And with Matt and Mayor Riley, they really found a place where this made sense.” Back in 2001 when the facility was constructed on Daniel Island, it was the only stadium built exclusively for women’s tennis. At the time, there was nothing on the park side and only one place to eat near the stadium, recalled Moran. The Daniel Island community has since grown exponentially and so has women’s professional tennis. It has become increasingly globalized; players from 63 different countries have played in the COCO, which is broadcast in 100 countries through their international broadcast partners. “So, we’ve seen enormous growth there. It is a global sport,” commented Moran. In 2018, the decision was made to shift television networks from ESPN to the Tennis Channel with the aim of advancing the sport further. “And that was really to grow the sport for us and grow the game for us because we knew we needed tennis to have a destination for people to come find it and Tennis Channel was that destination,” stated Moran. “It allowed us to cover first ball-last ball. Every match is covered.” Television exposure skyrocketed from seven hours of coverage to 60-plus. He described it as a “big difference maker” for the tournament. “Every match is broadcast internationally. We were always a global sport but now we’re a globallyviewed sport.” COCO perennially draws some of the best players in the world, making it must-see TV—or if you’re a local tennis aficionado, a must watch in person. The 2023 tournament field already features five of the top 10-ranked players in the world including 2023 Australian Open champion and world no. 2 Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus, Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur, American Jessica Pegula, 2022 COCO tournament winner Belinda Bencic of Switzerland and Russian Daria Kasatkina. Americans Danielle Collins, Madison Keys and Sloan Stephens have also committed as has 2021 COCO champion Veronica Kudermetova Feature S l oane St ephens .
20 www.Char l e s tonWomenPodcas t . com | www.ReadCW. com | www. Ins t ag ram. com /Char l e s tonWomen of Russia. Leylah Fernandez of Canada, a 2021 US Open finalist, is in the mix as well. “The field continues to grow,” said Moran. “Really a strong field of players that we’re excited about.” COCO’s successful run has revolved around working tirelessly to build relationships with players. Moran noted that COCO tournament manager Eleanor Adams keeps up with the players year-round. “No one’s guaranteed to come here. We have to earn that,” he asserted. He added that players want three things: to be treated well, easy access (e.g., convenient flights) and good food. “I think Charleston is a unique place where it makes them feel at home,” elaborated Moran. They like being here. Charleston’s a great backdrop. They stay downtown. The way they’re treated here, I think they feel like it’s a family, and that’s what we strive for.” Acing the fan experience Moran said they are constantly aiming to elevate the experience with respect to off-the-court activities. This year among other amenities there will be a brand-new outdoor deck where people can enjoy live music under the oaks, a main dining area, a sports bar area, a new restaurant for patrons sitting in the box seats, a food court village, family weekend activities and a popular fan zone experience called Pro Vision. The video production value has continuously improved as well, offering real-time content and talk shows with different past players. “On the court we know what we’re building,” he remarked. “Off the court is where we spend a lot of time building that fan experience. We want people to spend the day and night with us, and so it’s up to us to make sure they feel comfortable, we’re providing everything they want—they want it now they want it fast—we’re going to do everything we can to make that easy for them.” With that efficiency in mind, they have developed a new stadium app to make it simpler for people to find real-time updates and notifications and launched a new website. “All things that make it easier for the fans to experience us,” he said. “We want to be top of mind when it comes to anything going on during that week.” These changes and improvements, including the stadium renovations (see sidebar) have already paid dividends. Moran said attendees as well as tickets, merchandise and concession sales increased 35% across the board in 2022 from 2019, the last year the event welcomed fans before Covid affected the intervening tournaments in 2020-21. A winning doubles team: Public-private partnership gives area tennis a boost The relationship between the COCO and the City of Charleston offers an example of a local publicprivate partnership that has proven mutually beneficial. Charleston Tennis leases the Credit One Stadium and grounds from the City of Charleston and manages the facility and programs. The City of Charleston owns the venue, along with the adjacent LTP Daniel Island tennis center. “They’re a great partner for us,” said Moran, who also serves as Charleston Tennis president. “They support us, and we work together to make it a great experience. Because at the same time, day-to-day we are a public tennis facility. We have junior programs going, adult programs going. Tennis is healthy in this city and here it’s extremely healthy.” Charleston Department of Recreation Director Laurie Yarborough touted the partnership as well. She explained that the City of Charleston signs off on any site level changes to the facility, vetted through the Parks Department, which oversees building and maintenance of parks and recreational facilities. The Recreation Department in turn handles the management side of things. While the City of Charleston has a Capital Projects Improvement Plan overseen by the Parks Department, Yarborough said that Charleston Tennis Feature Be l inda Benc i c .
21 www.Char l e s tonWomenPodcas t . com | www.ReadCW. com | www. Ins t ag ram. com /Char l e s tonWomen Feature has “helped make improvements over there that the Parks Department would have had difficulty funding on their own. Which is why publicprivate partnerships like this are so important.” Yarborough was referencing Charleston Tennis owners and philanthropists Ben and Kelly Navarro, who funded the Credit One Stadium renovations as a gift to the City of Charleston. She noted that the City of Charleston has benefited ever since the stadium was built in 2001 because it also involved the construction of the LTP Daniel Island tennis complex, offering Daniel Island and Cainhoy residents an opportunity to play affordable tennis at a premier public facility. Yarborough added that whenever the COCO is happening there is a relationship between Charleston and the event. While staying in Charleston, tennis pros competing in the tournament, including luminaries such as Serena and Venus Williams, have hosted tennis clinics at the Jack Adams Tennis Center for Burke High School students, kids at the Arthur W. Christopher Community Center and children in city programs who reside in downtown communities. “It has really helped grow the sport in the area,” she said. Charleston Tennis even distributes tournament tickets to an Elementary and Middle School tennis league the City of Charleston runs which helps introduce more school kids to tennis. “It’s a win-win for everyone,” proclaimed Yarborough. “It’s a great time in Charleston whenever the tournament is going on.” (843) 936-6979 1247 Ben Sawyer Blvd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464 Order Your Hot Donuts Today or Book a Party in Our Famous Party Room! 2023 ® Thank you for voting us One of the Best Donuts! CHARLESTON'S LARGEST SELECTION FOR EVERYTHING TENNIS! Northcutt Plaza 976 Houston Northcutt Blvd., Suite M., Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 TennisShopMountPleasant.com | 843.284.8977 M-TH 10am-6pm FRI 10am-5pm SAT 9am-3pm SUN Closed
22 www.Char l e s tonWomenPodcas t . com | www.ReadCW. com | www. Ins t ag ram. com /Char l e s tonWomen Walk into a random sports shop asking about tennis and you will probably find someone to point you to some racquets and tennis balls. Entering Holy City Tennis in Mount Pleasant offers a completely different customer service experience. When owner Daniel DiNardo greets you, you’ll be in the capable hands of a professional committed to making your tennis game as good as possible. He has the knowledge and desire to match you with the equipment best suited to your skill level and playing style — not just “the racquets over there.” Because DiNardo doesn’t “just run a tennis shop,” he makes every inch of it part of his daily life, always with an eye on improving customer play and products. “We are absolutely the best tennis shop in the area,” said DiNardo, who opened Holy City Tennis in 2017. “All of Charleston, and especially Mount Pleasant, has a large tennis community — and with us, you get a knowledgeable staff and all the products and accessories to help advance your game to the next level.” For example, suppose a customer needs a racquet, but isn’t sure what to choose. Besides explaining Holy City’s choices, like Babolat, Wilson, Head, Tecnifibre and Yonex, DiNardo will offer advice on which racquet would be best for your level of play and budget. Even if a customer has never played a game, DiNardo will walk them through their equipment options and clothing — detailing similarities, differences and the best choices to groom them into the game for success. “We offer professional racquet stringing with 24-hour turnaround, and racquet customization with balancing, grip and grommeting,” DiNardo said. “And if you still aren’t sure, we also offer a five-day demo program, with three racquet demos per customer. I want to make sure you are happy with the racquet you use.” Some customers have played for years and have already attained the highest level of play they hope to reach. However, this player might commission DiNardo to restore a longtime favorite racquet to good-as-new shape or help them psychologically for the next match. All the reasons mentioned above are why DiNardo opened Holy City Tennis six years ago; he saw an opportunity to create a go-to tennis place for an area whose name is now almost synonymous with tennis. The City of Charleston, for instance, boasts 87 courts, 74 lighted for night play. The Charleston Area Ladies Tennis Association sponsors leagues at four levels. Both Charleston Tennis Center and Maybank Tennis Center sponsor United States Tennis Association teams in all adult, senior, super senior, mixed doubles, combo and singles leagues. Regardless of your level or ambition, Holy City Tennis is the place to start and to return in a town that offers so many playing options. “We have many junior customers as well as many who are 55 and older,” DiNardo said. “My favorite part of the job is interacting with our customers and providing them with the utmost knowledge and professional service.” For more information, please visit TennisShopMountPleasant.com, or call 843-284-8977. Servicing Your Entire Game Holy City Tennis BY L . C. LEACH I I I Charleston Women in Business
23 www.Char l e s tonWomenPodcas t . com | www.ReadCW. com | www. Ins t ag ram. com /Char l e s tonWomen Women play many roles in life. We’re moms, partners, girlfriends, daughters, sisters and more. We take care of our friends, our families and our communities. We volunteer at church, at school, at civic events — at everything. We take children to doctors, soccer, tennis, football — need I go on? We put everyone first and ourselves last. But we at Charleston Women Magazine think it’s time for a change. With the world now more socially open, this spring we want to give you a push to get moving again. Go outside. Enjoy the Lowcountry springtime. Get sunshine and Vitamin D— and do it for you. Here are three organizations active in Charleston who want to help you make that happen. Join the Club Get outdoors and get moving BY LEAH RHYNE Feature
24 www.Char l e s tonWomenPodcas t . com | www.ReadCW. com | www. Ins t ag ram. com /Char l e s tonWomen SERENITY TREE YOGA Serenity Tree Yoga offers weekly beach yoga classes on Folly Beach, Sullivan’s Island and in Mount Pleasant. Owner Melora Morgan stands at the helm, ready to encourage you to come as you are, get your feet in the sand and relax in some of the most beautiful settings the Lowcountry has to offer. “We have a beautiful community of people who take our classes,” said Morgan. “I always get asked if beginners can come, and the answer is, ‘absolutely.’ Come if you want to do yoga or come if you just want to sit and stretch and watch dolphins or listen to birds. It’s a beautiful space for people. As soon as you walk out to the beach, everything softens — your shoulders, your breath, your energy. Yoga on the beach feels, to me, like a gateway to home, to where we’re supposed to be in our bodies. It brings people peace.” Classes are taught at level one, but Morgan encourages her students to use modifications to make things easier or harder. “Whatever you feel in the moment is right for you, that’s what you should be doing. We’re very open. I don’t like rules, and I don’t like walls. Our classes are truly a free space for you to do what feels right.” They offer weekly classes on the beach. Check their Instagram page for updated schedules, as Mother Nature often forces last minute changes. Children of all ages are welcome to come and participate or simply play in the sand. And for brides-to-be, Serenity Tree Yoga offers special packages to help you and your bridesmaids reset during your bachelorette weekend. WOMEN ON COURSE If golf is more your thing, but you can’t get a reservation for you and your girlfriends at the new Top Golf in North Charleston, the Charleston chapter of Women on Course can also help you improve your game in fun and empowering ways. Women on Course offers golf, travel and networking events for members and non-members. They can create custom golf events and programs for organizations developing their female leaders, too. Jodi Witte, vice president of sales and marketing, said, “we all know how much of business takes place on the course. Women on Course creates an opportunity for women to get out there, get comfortable with the game and network with businesswomen just like them. [It’s] a ton of fun, actually, from the course itself to 19th hole fun in the bar.” The group hosts fashion shows, lunch-and-learns and custom signature events. Witte suggests that if you’re new to the world of golf but want to become a member, to take a 45-minute lesson with a golf pro at one of their events, and Feature A re l ax ing yoga s e s s i on wi t h S e reni t y Tree on Fol l y Beach . Some membe r s wi t h Women on Cour s e enj oy ing t he game .
25 www.Char l e s tonWomenPodcas t . com | www.ReadCW. com | www. Ins t ag ram. com /Char l e s tonWomen then visit the bar to meet other women who love the game and the lifestyle. Women on Course teed off in Charleston just last year, so they’re actively adding members and events for the spring and summer of 2023. Follow their Facebook page for the most accurate information and to jump-start your networking prior to getting out on the links. OUTDOOR AFRO For those of you who love the outdoors, especially women of color, there’s the avant-garde Outdoor Afro. While its membership isn’t limited to women, Outdoor Afro was founded by a remarkable one. Rue Mapp is an awardwinning leader, motivational speaker, public lands champion and author who, when establishing Outdoor Afro, sought to celebrate and inspire Black connections in leadership and in nature. Originally launched as a platform to change the narrative around who participates in outdoor recreation, the organization has grown exponentially over the past 13 years to a national movement inspiring new ways of interpreting nature for Black women and men. Outdoor Afro now operates networks managed by volunteer leaders in 60 cities across 32 states, offering events like hiking, biking, kayaking, gardening, neighborhood historical tours and more. Stephanie Lee has been the volunteer leader of Charleston’s network for five years. An avid hiker and kayaker, she loves sharing her love of nature with others. “98% of our Charleston network participants are women,” said Lee. “It doesn’t matter the activity; Black women are continuing to explore the outdoors. We’re also trying new things, whether that’s fishing or even archery.” To learn more about upcoming events with Outdoor Afro, register on their Meetup page. This spring will feature a community tour of the Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center, a sunrise hike at Table Rock State Park in the mountains and a family camping trip at Chester State Park. If you’re looking for an outdoorsy community with whom to spend your days, this might just be the right fit for you. The reality is, it doesn’t matter how you spend your outdoor time, as long as you are making the time to get outdoors. From nature to sports to everything in between, the great outdoors is calling you this spring, and we encourage you to answer by joining in all the fun. Feature Outdoor Af ro volunt ee r l eade r s Chr i s t ine and St ephani e at t he organi zat i on’s annua l Padd l e Camp he l d in Bur l ing ton , Ve rmont , 2022 . Photo by Joe Kl ementov i ch (@k l ementov i ch) . VISIONBOARDWORKSHOPS Vision boards manifest our goals, dreams and wishes! Visualization is one of the most powerful mind exercises. ONEONONECOACHING As a certified Life Coach, I help women who are “stuck” personally or professionally get “unstuck” so they can Shine Brightly. MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKING One of my favorite things to do is to help groups of people find their shine through my transformational and dynamic presentation and workshops. Through Shine Brightly, Kendall helps women who may be struggling to find their shine, women who want to shine a little brighter, and women who never knew they could shine! Women come to her for personal and professional life coaching when they experience issues such as burnout, imposter syndrome, hustle culture, self sabotage, perfectionism or just feeling stuck. Visit ShineBrightly.ME for a FREE CONSULTATION!
26 www.Char l e s tonWomenPodcas t . com | www.ReadCW. com | www. Ins t ag ram. com /Char l e s tonWomen Charleston is a fashion town. 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. Charleston Women in Style Charleston Women in Style Make some room in your closet and make some cash! BRING US YOUR LUXURY ITEMS SHOP & CONSIGN TODAY! 624 LONG POINT RD. BELLE HALL SHOPPING CENTER @butterflyconsignmentboutique FOLLOW US FOR DAILY FABULOUS FINDS: MOUNT PLEASANT (843)884-8577 Be Your Own Kind Of Beautiful Women’s Clothing Men’s Clothing Shoes Handbags Jewelry Gifts Home Decor www.simplycountrychic.com | 138 S. Main St., Summerville, SC 29483
27 www.Char l e s tonWomenPodcas t . com | www.ReadCW. com | www. Ins t ag ram. com /Char l e s tonWomen Spring feels like the season to celebrate women. There is something regal in seeing those first flowers rise up from the dirt and stretch their necks out toward the sun that mirrors the female condition like nothing else can. The newborn plants seem delicate, but they are made to weather every storm, are born from manure and keep coming back more brilliantly than before. They cannot be tamed by tornadoes, and they thrive in thunder. Their colors are too many to count, and the varieties are endless. The azalea family alone boasts pinks, purples, reds, blues and yellows of every shade. They exude a presence and a strength to be admired like art. It is this brand of feminine energy that is seeping through into the spring trends this spring season. The Charleston area, being the hub of Southern culture, outdoor events and pretty pastels, has fully embraced the 2023 warm weather wardrobe trends with big, live-oak-length open arms. As seen on our front cover, flowing layered gowns, pretty pastels and both printed and woven-in florals are huge fan-favorites this year. Designers are taking notes from nature and tradition alike to accentuate the female form. In the South, it also comes with a pinch of sugar, a little extra ruffle and an even more exaggerated floral. A great example of this is shown on model Andrea Felber, who shines in the Badgley Mischka gown from downtown Charleston’s 2023 Fashion Trends Pull from Nature Capturing spirits of spring and womanhood in your wardrobe Charleston Women in Style Photos by Mark Staf f . Andrea Felber models Rhodes Boutique gown by Badgley Mischka.
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