33 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com/CharlestonWomen Delia Owens, best-selling author of “Where the Crawdads Sing,” spoke at an event on Kiawah Island a couple of years ago. She addressed a group of women readers about her novel, which chronicled the journey an abandoned young girl who turned to the company of nature for solace and survival in an isolated environment. The author, who also spent time in tribal regions of Africa further discussed the importance of women enjoying the presence of other women where they live, work and play. Her character was robbed of this necessity of life and mimicked it with what she had, shining light of the blessing it is to exist in places with ample opportunity to discover community and friendships. Owens stressed to the group, “You need your tribe. Lionesses do it; we should do it. Find your tribe now.” They were words not easily forgotten. In recent years, more groups than ever are popping up with the goal of fostering community for women. Some are athletic, some are social and many are business related. However, all of them aim to pull other individuals off their solo islands (and sometimes actual islands in Coastal South Carolina) to connect with likeminded people. Joining a group isn’t always just to find support for a specific goal such as getting into shape, finding more clients or making one’s name more known in the area. Though those are positive outcomes, sometimes it’s just healthy to be part of a community. It feels healthy to escape isolation and find others to whom we can relate. In coming issues of Charleston Women, readers will find a compilation of networking groups specially curated for women from all walks of life. Groups for high-income, high-producing women like The Dames will be highlighted, as well as groups intended to foster friendships from niche interests like Hey Birdie. We think it’s healthy to connect, and we’re here to help you do it. Amy Stasiukaitis, the founder of one of these groups, In the Company of Women Networking is the best medicine BY LORNA HOLLIFIELD Charleston Women in Business The Helm’s Amy Stasiukaitis
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