www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | FB & Instagram @CharlestonWomen Photo by Mark Staff Photography. Sea Queens She Captains in Full Command Boss Ladies Women-Owned Businesses Powerful Leaders Women in Government CHARLESTON Summer 2025 ENTREPRENEUR EDITION
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1 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com/CharlestonWomen Millie Lynn Boutique Copper Penny REEDS Jewelers Lizard Thicket Boutique Athleta ivy & leo Play Dayz THERE’S MORE THAN ONE WAY TO TREAT YOURSELF TO A DAY ON THE TOWNE
2 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com/CharlestonWomen Looking for your business besties? Weekly Gatherings Content Creation Days Circle Up Workshops Business Collab Mastermind Sessions Empower Happy Hours CEO Coffee Chats Virtual Founders Forums We have an amazing community in place for women entrepreneurs. likemindedchs.som
3 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com/CharlestonWomen From the Team......................................................................... 7 Contributors............................................................................. 8 About the Cover....................................................................... 9 Social Buzz..............................................................................10 On the Web.............................................................................11 The Digital Touch..................................................................17 9 Summer 2025 Table of Contents 14 20 37 49 Features Adventures of Henrietta Aiken Kelly.............12 Lorraine Perry’s Mermaids .............................14 Charleston Women in Business..................19 Women-Owned Businesses.......................................20 Women in Government.............................................24 Stephanie Selby Photography....................................29 Tradebank.................................................................... 31 Morales Pavers............................................................33 Anchor Heating & Air...............................................34 Charleston Women in Style. ........................35 The Art of Accessories...............................................37 Kim Lolley Designs....................................................40 Non Disclosure Apparel............................................41 Monaco Glow..............................................................42 Holst + Lee..................................................................43 Charleston Women in the Arts....................45 Indigo Dyeing with Eliza Pinckney..........................46 Island Candles.............................................................49
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5 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com/CharlestonWomen 67 Summer 2025 Table of Contents Charleston Women in Food......... 50 Women Restaurateurs...............................51 Women Mixologists..................................54 Fermented Vines........................................56 Charleston Women in Wellness...57 Women’s Wellness Checklist....................58 Tidewater Pharmacy.................................61 Younger You Aesthetics and Wellness....... 63 Compass Vision Care................................64 Knightsville Pediatric Dentistry..............65 Charleston Women in Philanthropy..66 Tri-County Human Trafficking Task Force....67 Darkness to Light......................................69 Charleston Women at Home........71 Single Mom Superheroes..........................72 Work from Home Moms..........................74 Misti Cox....................................................77 JaNay House...............................................79 We Are Charleston Women.....................80 77 72 61 51
6 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com/CharlestonWomen “We are proud of the athletes we are building. They are confident, team players who are learning how to work together to make a positive impact on each other and their community. Our amazing staff is dedicated to fostering the next generation of leaders and committed to building the confidence in these young athletes for years to come.” -Jenna Hodsdon | Owner of Pack Athletics PACK Athletics is a family-oriented Charleston gym featuring the nationally-recognized WOLFPACK All-Star cheer program. With competitive and recreational classes, camps, birthday parties, and events, PACK Athletics leads the Southeast's athletic community. allaboutthepack.com Charleston Women is a lifestyle magazine that focuses on the needs and desires of women who are business leaders, daughters, mothers, grandmothers, neighbors, wives, sisters and much more. WE LOVE HELPING BUSINESSES For Distribution and Marketing Information Call Stacey at 917-208-5633 or email Stacey@CharlestonWomen.com The Only Publication Showcasing Charleston Women! LET US HELP YOU GROW YOUR BUSINESS VISIT READCW.COM TO READ PAST ISSUES www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | FB & Instagram @CharlestonWomen Women Business Leaders Ann Edwards A Forever First Lady in Charleston Build this Dream Together Summer is Hot Business Scorching Professional Looks Area Artists Achieve: From Paintings to Productions CHARLESTON ENTREPRENEUR EDITION Summer 2024 CHARLESTON Winter 2024-25 SHE SHINES EDITION www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | FB & Instagram @CharlestonWomen She Shines Awards Where Women Win The 2024 Idea House Southern Living Spills the Sweet Tea Her History Extraordinary Women Past and present Teal Divas Team-up to Tackle Uterine Cancer Photo by Stephanie Selby Photography. By Charleston Women Magazine www.CWSheShines.com CHARLESTON Spring 2025 BEAUTY AND WELLNESS EDITION www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | FB & Instagram @CharlestonWomen Photo by Mark Staff Photographer. Eternal Glow Beyond Skin Deep Moms with Style Fashion Fits For All Finding Balance Maneuvering Menopause The Toxic Truth Alcoholic Mom Culture www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | FB & Instagram @CharlestonWomen Photo by Mark Staff Photography. Sea Queens She Captains in Full Command Boss Ladies Women-Owned Businesses Powerful Leaders Women in Government CHARLESTON Summer 2025 ENTREPRENEUR EDITION
7 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com/CharlestonWomen Summer 2025 • Vol. 12, Issue 2 ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER STACEY MCLOUGHLIN STACEY@CHARLESTONWOMEN.COM MANAGING EDITOR ZACH GIROUX EDITOR@CHARLESTONWOMEN.COM ART DIRECTOR DANA COLEMAN COPY EDITOR COLIN MCCANDLESS PRODUCTION MANAGER BETHANY LONG AD DESIGNERS BETHANY LONG KIM HALL WRITERS MARY COY • EMILY ETHERIDGE KATIE FINCH • MAURICE FRAZIER • CARI LAWSON EMILY MOODY • LEAH MOORE • SARAH ROSE BROOKE WATSON PHOTOGRAPHER MARK STAFF SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER ALYSSA FRANCO THEDIGITALTOUCHCHS.COM INDEPENDENT MEDIA CONSULTANTS SARAH ROSE SARAH@CHARLESTONWOMEN.COM COLLEEN KASSNER COLLEEN@CHARLESTONWOMEN.COM SHERI ROSE SHERI@CHARLESTONWOMEN.COM SALES ASSISTANT KATE WILLIS KATE@CHARLESTONWOMEN.COM DIGITAL MANAGER ALLYAH HARRAR ALLYAH@CHARLESTONWOMEN.COM ADMINISTRATION & BOOKKEEPING GINGER SOTTILE DISTRIBUTION U.S. POST OFFICE • SOUTH CAROLINA WELCOME CENTERS HARRIS TEETER • FOOD LION • CVS Charleston Women Magazine is published locally by a team of independent contractors. Charleston Women Magazine is published four times per year by Media Services, Inc. 1013 Chuck Dawley Blvd., Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 Copyright © Media Services 2025. 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 917-208-5633 Summertime in Charleston is the perfect time to set sail and dive into the vibrant stories within the Charleston Women’s Entrepreneur Edition. This issue is all about celebrating the bold, fearless and beautiful women leading the way in our community. From local women-owned businesses to powerhouse women in government and restaurants, these boss ladies are in full command of their own destinies. Bon voyage! Charleston’s entrepreneurial scene is full of dynamic women who are juggling the demands of being successful business owners while excelling in their personal lives. These women exude confidence, creativity and resilience, proving that it’s possible to not only balance career and family life but make both thrive with the right support. Essential qualities of a Charleston woman entrepreneur include: Innovative Leadership: These women are at the helm, driving their business visions with purpose and passion. As the leaders, they shape strategy, culture and the direction of their companies. Community Building: They place a strong focus on creating businesses that have a positive social impact, often focusing on underrepresented groups. Community engagement, work-life balance and employee well-being are core to their business models. Networking & Support: Whether through mentorship, guidance or collaboration at events and forums, these women lift each other up, creating an empowering network that fosters solidarity and success. Wearing Multiple Hats: From running businesses to caring for families and engaging in the community, these women know how to balance. The ability to be flexible and adaptable is key. In essence, being a woman entrepreneur means running a business with the same care and compassion that goes into running a family. These women are redefining the meaning of having it all, showing that success in both business and home life isn’t just possible, it’s incredibly fulfilling. Sincerely, Your team at Charleston Women From the Team Colin McCandless Stacey McLoughlin Colleen Kassner Sarah Rose Dana Coleman Allyah Harrar Zach Giroux Bethany Long Sheri Rose
8 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com/CharlestonWomen Mary Coy is a fifth-generation Charlestonian and expert on Charleston history. She has written for Mount Pleasant Magazine for over a decade. Mary can be found giving tours of the Holy City in her free time. Katie Finch is an Alabama native (War Eagle, anyone?) and a small business owner. Finch 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. Maurice Frazier is a freelance writer living on Daniel Island. Born in the Bronx, New York, and raised in the North Charleston and Summerville area, he has been working in the TV and film industry for the last eight years. Cari Lawson is a school counselor by day and writer by night. Writing provides an outlet to connect further to the community. She loves to spend time with her husband, toddler and puppy at Disney World. Emily Moody is a health and fitness enthusiast and the owner of Pure Barre Summerville. She also has 15 years of experience in the publishing industry, which most recently includes projects with LexisNexis and the Savannah College of Art & Design. She lives in Savannah with her family, including four kids, two dogs, a flock of chickens and shelves and shelves of books. Leah Moore is a freelance writer and nonprofit professional based in Dorchester County. She’s been honored to work for organizations like the Charleston Library Society, Charleston Literary Festival, Turn90 and Trident United Way. With a fondness for supporting children and animals, she loves serving her community in diverse and meaningful ways. Sarah Rose has a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Having traveled and lived all over the world, she brings a global perspective to her passions for independent research, freelance writing and editing. Her decades-long career in interior design also adds to her creative process. When she’s not working on a project, you’ll find her reading an old-fashioned book or spending time with her husband, daughter and puppy. Brooke Watson is a College of Charleston student born and raised in Mount Pleasant, where she studies both creative writing and classics. When not writing or studying, she does her best to collect an assortment of hobbies like watchmaking or resin crafting to fuel that spark of creativity. 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. Contributors
9 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com/CharlestonWomen When the lighting softened, Staff strategically arranged the models on the ship’s deck, capturing our exact vision: sea queens in pursuit of an entrepreneurial expedition. Bon voyage! For the set of our summer women Entrepreneur Edition, we chose the double-masted sailboat the Spirit of South Carolina to reflect the strength, tenacity and elegance of which our cover models have embodied along their journey to success. The ship is docked directly behind the International African American Museum near the historic Gadsden’s Wharf, once the largest point of entry for the importation of enslaved people from across the Atlantic. The site anchored our photo shoot in respect for Charleston’s soulful past. Behind the scenes, the port was a highway bustling with container ships, tugboats, water taxis and ferries. Above, seagulls circled against a sun-drenched indigo sky. A gentle breeze blowing off the harbor was interrupted by a sharp wind that nearly knocked over the camera equipment. In a lightning flash, managing editor Zach Giroux caught and saved the gear from sinking into the depths of the murky water. Having borrowed a rope from the ship’s keeper Captain Ken, Giroux and photographer Mark Staff secured the devices to the dock with knots of which any sailor would have approved. While associate publisher Stacey McLoughlin arranged an artful charcuterie board contributed by Graze Craze, intern Kate Willis topped off glasses of a proper French rosé in a nod to summer. Our other crew member, media consultant Colleen Kassner, helped ensure a good time was had by all. About the Cover About the Cover www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | FB & Instagram @CharlestonWomen Photo by Mark Staff Photography. Sea Queens She Captains in Full Command Boss Ladies Women-Owned Businesses Powerful Leaders Women in Government CHARLESTON Summer 2025 ENTREPRENEUR EDITION BY SARAH ROSE TOP ROW Pictured (from left) are Erin Kienzle, Giving4Good; Natalie Holst, Holst + Lee; Ashely Jackson, Monaco Glow; Becky Connelly, Non Disclosure Apparel and Anita Huggins, Charleston County School District. BOTTOM ROW Pictured (from left) are Kara Reich, Me Time Botanicals; Jaclyn Lanham, Younger You Aesthetics and Wellness; Ellen Paulisick, Longboard Dental and Olga Morales, Morales Pavers.
10 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com/CharlestonWomen Social Buzz social buzz #WeAreCharlestonWomen “Beautiful women. Beautiful time.” “Fabulous women, as always!” “Every story shared brings us closer to change.” “Beautiful inside and out!” “Surround yourself with mentors and people who know the world you want to be in.” “She is such an inspiring woman and is so deserving of this acknowledgment!” “Love the empowering of women local to me!” “She is such an inspiring woman and is so deserving of this acknowledgment!” Quotes From Readers On Our Social Media Success Be a Woman of Influence and Invest in your Health Book your Appointment www.olalalife.com Alena Klenot Published Author of Anti-Aging Books and Celebrity Makeup Artist Will Customize your Program to Become the CEO of your Life THE ONLY PLANT-POWERED MADE IN HOUSE SKINCARE LINE WITH A DAY SPA IN THE UNITED STATES! 3 SUMMER SKIN SAVIORS Brighten, repair, and protect skin with kakadu plum, licorice, and rose rich in vitamin c to fade hyperpigmentation and soften fine lines. Our go to is Phyto Tonic & Glow Getter for the ultimate glow up! 1 Bye-bye full faces of makeup! Opt for healthy glowing skin with just a pop of mascara. Heavy makeup makes you look older and clogs the pores. No thank you! 3 MeTimeBotanicals.com Eat your sunscreen, not literally though. Reach for refreshing skin loving berries, leafy greens, and watermelon to boost cellular renewal. 2 Ready to simplify in 2025 for a youthful effortless glow up? Come see us at 845 Savannah Hwy, Suite D or shop online! Scan Me! Use code CHSWMN for 15% off Me Time
11 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com/CharlestonWomen Catch Charleston Women online at CharlestonWomen.com and flip through the digital magazine at ReadCW.com. For up-todate, relevant content for all of Charleston, follow us on Instagram @CharlestonWomen and on Facebook at Facebook.com/CharlestonWomen. Don’t forget to comment on our posts with your thoughts on the events, businesses or personalities featured. We want to connect with you. Your voice could be featured in our “Social Buzz” section. We have so much to offer the community beyond these pages. We invite all of our readers to enjoy our podcasts in addition to our online publications. CharlestonWomenPodcast.com offers amazing insights into our community through the first-person stories of our leaders, business owners and beloved residents. This is a chance to watch, listen and learn from your neighbors. Want to get involved with the content chosen for Charleston Women? Give us your ideas for a feature story. Email Editor@CharlestonWomen.com with your ideas, supporting photos and contact information. We’d love to hear from you! On the Web On the Web .COM
12 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com/CharlestonWomen If you’re new to the Charleston history scene, there’s a name that should be added to your rolodex of pioneering local women: Henrietta Aiken Kelly. She hoped to make South Carolina famous for a different agricultural venture in the early 20th century and that was after she had already blazed a trail in advancing educational opportunities for women. A SCHOOL OF THEIR OWN At the turn of the 20th century, most colleges admitted only male students. Kelly advocated for young women to have the opportunity to earn a degree, too. She was unsuccessful in her efforts to persuade the College of Charleston to admit women, so she founded a college for them — the Charleston Female Seminary (aka Miss Kelly’s School). The private school was located downtown at 50 St. Philip St., just across from the campus of the College of Charleston, where the Simons Center for the Arts now stands. The school catered to the city’s “most privileged daughters,” embracing not only a classical education but additional coursework in physical education, with the school motto “Mens sana in corpore sano” (A sound mind in a sound body). Kelly urged her students to pursue ways to help others and among her graduates were social activists, missionaries, teachers and nurses, including South Carolina’s first woman doctor, Sarah Campbell Allan and local women’s advocate and suffragist, Sarah Bentschner Visanska. Kelly’s background was in teaching and she had served as vice principal of the city’s first public school, the Charleston Normal School (later renamed Memminger High School). Classes for her newly formed college were initially held in her home at 157 Wentworth St. before moving in 1871 to the location on St. Philip Street, a house that was designed by the prominent Charleston architect John Henry Devereux. SILK DREAMS In 1890, Kelly began taking her students to Europe to expand their educational and cultural opportunities. On one of her trips, she visited an old friend from Charleston who was living in northern Italy and was introduced to the silkworm industry there. Because the region’s climate and soil are comparable to that of the Carolina Lowcountry, she envisioned establishing a silk industry at home which could turn the state’s struggling post-Civil War economy around. This was not the first time such a venture had been pursued in the Lowcountry. Two centuries earlier, Silk Hope Plantation and Mulberry Plantation, both on the Cooper River, had produced silk, but the enterprise was eclipsed by the more lucrative rice industry. There had also previously been two brief episodes of successful silk production in the northeastern states and California in the early and mid-1800s, but an attempt at producing silk in the Midwest had failed due to disease from imported mulberry trees whose leaves comprise the worms’ diet. With the textile industry as the major economic driver in South Carolina in the early 20th century, it seemed to her to be the perfect time to reignite interest in producing silk here. Her plan would offer poor white farmers and sharecroppers a chance to overcome their dire financial straits by running their own businesses. Operating as a family affair, women and children would be part Dreamweaver Heroic pursuits of Henrietta Aiken Kelly BY MARY COY Henrietta Aiken Kelly. Photo courtesy of the Charleston Museum, Charleston SC. Features
13 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com/CharlestonWomen of the work force for these entrepreneurs. Kelly closed her school in 1896 and, at the age of 52, went to Europe to study sericulture (the raising of silkworms for silk production) alongside proteges of the renowned biologist Louis Pasteur at the Sorbonne in Paris, Geneva and Cambridge. She became an expert on the subject and accused the U.S. government of previously relying on novices who were not properly trained in the biology and care of mulberry worms. In 1899, she solicited the help of South Carolina’s governor and the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and subsequently obtained federal aid to fund experimental scientific stations to grow different varieties of mulberry trees. Her friends in Italy sent her a thousand trees to plant on two properties they owned in Summerville: Hope Plantation and Rosebank Plantation. Kelly feared that, as a woman, her ideas might be dismissed so she met with prominent men to sell them on her plan. She participated in the South Carolina Inter-State and West Indian Exposition in 1901, a yearlong event akin to a world’s fair that was held at Hampton Park, where entrepreneurs exhibited their new inventions, discoveries and ventures. There, Kelly displayed drawings of the life cycle of the worm and actual cocoons (from which silk is unwound) and subsequently published a book entitled “Silkworm Culture,” which is available at the Charleston County Library and on Amazon. PURSUIT OF KNOWLEDGE Kelly was never able to procure federal funds for a women’s agricultural school and when the government appropriations for her experimental stations were exhausted after five years, she discontinued her attempts to establish the Lowcountry silk industry. But she had no intention of slipping quietly into her twilight years. Fluent in several languages, at age 61 Kelly moved to California to attend the University of California, Berkeley and further her study of linguistics. She still had hopes that someone would take up her crusade and establish an agricultural school for budding sericulturists to learn how to raise silkworms, offering 100 mulberry trees to get things started. However, by the 1920s, the price of silk from Europe and Asia had dropped, spurring a demand in America for the imported product and stymying any interest in producing it at home. Kelly’s life exemplifies one woman’s pursuit of knowledge, not only for her own sake but for the betterment of the lives of others, just as she had urged her students to do. Her efforts to promote education and entrepreneurship for women at a time when the world marginalized such opportunities deserve acclaim and should serve as a model for women in the 21st century, just as they did in the past. Features Miss Kelly’s School 50 St. Philip St. Photo Provided by the Library of Congress. Luxury venue for weddings, photoshoots & special events Visit VenueSpringfieldEstates.com to learn more Georgetown, SC 29440 Michelle Blackstock (843) 904-5240
14 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com/CharlestonWomen Known as the “unofficial mayor” of Charleston and the “official mayor” of Ansonborough, Lorraine Perry was a philanthropist who contributed to the Center for Birds of Prey, served as a docent at the Gibbes Museum of Art, and was the first woman to be invited as a member of the Charleston Yacht Club and a patron of the Charleston Symphony. According to her friend, Theresa Templer-Sanders, “One of the reasons we have such a high-caliber symphony here is because Lorraine arranged for Charleston residents downtown to host visiting musicians in their homes. This strategy helped attract the best of the best performers to our city. Lorraine loved supporting these and other causes that are relevant to the Lowcountry and our quality of life. She was always coordinating and connecting people behind the scenes.” Mermaids BY SARAH ROSE Mermaid with Sophie Rose. The Legacy of
15 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com/CharlestonWomen Outside of her charitable work, Perry was renowned for her annual “Mermaid Meeting,” where a sisterhood of approximately 80 women of every age, body type and background gathered around her Mediterranean-esque pool overlooked by an olive tree, a block of cypress trees and a lone eagle circling lazily against an azure sky. “The Mermaid Meeting was a chance to celebrate the uniqueness of the feminine,” explained TemplerSanders. “Mermaids are beautiful in their own ways. We understand and support each other. That was Lorraine. Because of her, we created connections and lasting friendships around the shared bond of what it means to be a mermaid.” Among Us Feature Lorraine Perry Perry’s attention to every detail, no matter how big or small, commanded success for every one of her Mermaid Meetings. Guests were greeted at the front gate by mermaids and a select crew of mermen wearing bikini T-shirts. Their sole purpose was to keep the wine flowing throughout the evening. Everyone brought an appetizer and a bottle of whatever they were drinking. Beneath a tent of trees draping a cobblestone walkway that was decorated with mermaid paraphernalia, tables brimmed with platters of deviled eggs, tea sandwiches, scratch-made crab dip, fresh shrimp and other delicious potluck delights. Entertainment included a performance by well-rehearsed synchronized swimmers dressed as Features
16 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com/CharlestonWomen mermaids or mermen wearing speedos. Wine, food, chatter, laughter and music pulsated under the sultry midsummer night’s sky. “The Mermaid Meeting was an unencumbered event,” Perry’s friend, Renee Odierna, recounted. “We didn’t feel self-conscious about how we looked in our bathing suits and we didn’t eat like birds. The experience was about the wonder of being a woman and celebrating our differences. Thanks to Lorraine, women who never would have met each other outside of the Mermaid Meeting became close friends. It was the greatest sisterhood event there could ever have been.” Odierna continued, “Lorraine was full of life and energy. She touched so many peoples’ lives in thoughtful and meaningful ways. For example, when our friend’s 10-year-old daughter, Sophie Rose, asked how old she had to be to attend the mermaid party, Lorraine decided she would start hosting an annual mini-mermaid meeting the following year for the next generation to learn about supporting one another starting as young girls.” Rose, now 13, recalled, “I remember our friends made up our own water ballet routines because we wanted to be like the mermaid performers.” Tragically, in December 2024, Perry lost her long battle against ovarian cancer. Before she departed this world, she left her mermaid decorations to TemplerSanders, who plans to carry out the mermaid and mini-mermaid tradition at the pool behind her new home, which she coincidentally purchased from Odierna just before Perry’s passing. And so the circle of life, love, laughter and women supporting women continues on, a testament to Perry’s legacy. Features Standing left: Theresa Templer-Sanders. Seated: Lorraine Perry with mermaid friends. July 27, 2025 Omar Shriners Auditorium, Mount Pleasant | 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. | TheCharlestonBridalShow.com
17 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com/CharlestonWomen Alyssa Franco, the new social media manager for Charleston Women, has always been driven by a desire to break free from traditional career paths and forge her own way. After working in real estate administration and marketing, Franco realized that the corporate ladder wasn’t the right fit for her. This realization led to the birth of The Digital Touch, her digital marketing, web design and branding business. Through hard work and determination, Franco built her business from the ground up, proving that success doesn’t always follow a conventional route. Her journey with Charleston Women began when she connected with the magazine and saw an opportunity to amplify the voices of women entrepreneurs, leaders and creators. “I love sharing their stories and celebrating fearless women forging their own paths,” said Franco, expressing her excitement for this new chapter. Franco’s passion for creativity and connection shines through in everything she does. “It’s the perfect balance of strategy and artistry,” Franco explained, referring to her work in brand/web design, social media marketing and email strategies. What excites her most is helping businesses build strong, cohesive online presences that reflect their true essence. As social media manager, Franco is focused on taking Charleston Women to the next level. By amplifying the magazine’s digital presence and fostering deeper community engagement, she plans to expand its reach and continue to be a vital resource for women in business. “Together, we’re building something powerful: celebrating, supporting and inspiring each other every step of the way,” said Franco. For more information, visit TheDigitalTouchChs.com. For inquiries, contact TheDigitalTouchChs@gmail.com. SelfMarketed The Digital Touch BY CARI LAWSON
18 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com/CharlestonWomen Our second annual She Shines Awards is our celebration of the most remarkable women leaders in the Lowcountry. Last year, we honored 40 shining women in various categories. Voting kicks off in May and we’ll be sharing all the details on our social media (@charlestonwomen) and website CharlestonWomen.com. Stay tuned for your chance to nominate and vote for exceptional women in categories such as Business, Art, Wellness, Philanthropy, Home, Style and Food, with plenty of subcategories to explore. We’re excited to shine a spotlight on women-owned businesses, entrepreneurs and community changemakers in our area. A celebratory event for winners and finalists will take place in early 2026. In the meantime, start thinking about the amazing women in your life — incredible individuals who make a difference. We’ll be releasing more details on the categories soon, so stay connected. We can’t wait to celebrate all the brightest women in our community. Keep shining! She Shines Awards 2026 Charleston Women Presents The By Charleston Women Magazine www.CWSheShines.com BUSINESS WELLNESS PHILANTHROPY STYLE ARTS FOOD AT HOME VOTING WILL BEGIN IN MAY AND WE CAN’T WAIT TO HEAR WHO YOU FEEL Shines IN Follow @CharlestonWomen for launch of voting for She Shines 2026. Be a part of Charleston Women’s inaugural awards recognizing business and community leaders! To vote visit CWSheShines.com
19 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com/CharlestonWomen Lowcountry women are shaping the future of business, government and community in powerful ways. Whether they’re leading companies, advocating for change or working behind the scenes to strengthen local commerce, their contributions are undeniable. This section is dedicated to highlighting their impact, celebrating their leadership and fostering the connections that help women succeed. These pages are designed to bring together women from all industries, creating opportunities for mentorship, collaboration and growth. No matter your profession or passion, our goal is to connect you with like-minded women who are making a difference. Lean in and lean on other women around you as you grow in your desired field. We’re also shining a spotlight on the women shaping government at the state and local levels. These civic champions are using their voices to advocate for their communities, solve problems with creativity and determination and ensure that Charleston and its surrounding areas continue to thrive. Beyond the boardroom and the ballot box, women in the Lowcountry are coming together in ways that make this region one of the best places to live and work. Their ability to collaborate, uplift one another and drive meaningful change sets them apart as leaders in business and beyond. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a public servant or simply someone looking to connect with inspiring women, this section is here to inform, empower and celebrate the collective strength of women in the Lowcountry. Charleston Women in Business We’r drink less | live more™ Inspired by the French word for dry, Sèchey is a premium destination for no-to-low alcohol THC, functional, beer, wine, and spirits. Shop and discover our highly curated selection of beverages, weekly tastings and events at sechey.com or visit our flagship at 540 King St. Charleston, SC. Enjoy 10% off your purchase with code CHSMAG. @sechey visit sechey.com hello@sechey.com
20 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com/CharlestonWomen Charleston Women in Business Mount Pleasant is home to a vibrant community of women entrepreneurs who are making their mark across various industries. From real estate to retail, these women-owned businesses in Mount Pleasant Towne Centre are not only shaping the local economy, but also inspiring future generations of leaders. SWEET JULEP’S Amy Calandra, owner of Sweet Julep’s, took the reins of this beloved Charleston confectionery in 2018. After meeting founder Julie Righetti, Calandra’s passion for sweets and community made it a perfect match. Inspired by Righetti’s entrepreneurial spirit, Calandra expanded Sweet Julep’s brand and team, embracing the challenges and rewards of running a business. Her advice to women entrepreneurs: Dream big, build a solid support system and embrace challenges with resilience. LŌLEO Juice Bar Leonella and Lorenna Gonzalez, owners of LOLEO, were inspired to start their juice bar after recognizing the need for healthier eating options in Myrtle Beach. Their mission is to provide nutritious, delicious alternatives while fostering community. As women entrepreneurs, they’ve faced challenges, particularly in industries with gender stereotypes, but they’re motivated to break barriers. Their advice to other women: Trust your vision, build a supportive network and embrace every step of your journey. VESTIQUE Morgan Lashley, owner of Vestique Boutique, founded her business out of a love for fashion and a desire to offer trendy, affordable styles. After realizing there was a gap in the market for designer-inspired looks on a budget, Lashley turned her passion into a thriving business. As a mom and entrepreneur, she faces the challenge of balancing work and family but stays motivated by showing her children the power of hard work and belief in oneself. BOSS LADIES Women-owned businesses of Mount Pleasant Towne Centre BY CARI LAWSON
21 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com/CharlestonWomen Charleston Women in Business LIZARD THICKET BOUTIQUE Sydney Herwig O’Neill and Samantha Herwig, coowners of Lizard Thicket Boutique, were inspired to start their business after a love for shopping together and a desire for something different from corporate life. Samantha, with 25 years in the corporate world, and Sydney, a recent grad, took the leap to open their own store. Their advice to women entrepreneurs: Build a solid business plan, network and embrace the challenge of balancing work, family and flexibility. MILLIE LYNN BOUTIQUE Stacey Weismann, owner of Millie Lynn Boutique, was inspired to start her business by her love for style, Charleston and honoring her grandmother’s legacy. After facing challenges as a woman entrepreneur, including being underestimated, Weismann proved herself through hard work and dedication. Her advice to aspiring women business owners: Research your market, stay passionate, be ready to adapt and most importantly, enjoy the journey. SWEETGRASS AND SAND DOLLARS BOUTIQUE Caroline Yodice, owner of Sweetgrass and Sand Dollars Boutique, was inspired to start her business by her desire for flexibility as a single mother, alongside the work ethic she learned from her parents. While the journey of entrepreneurship is challenging for anyone, Yodice believes it’s incredibly rewarding. Her advice to women: Go for your goals, stay true to yourself, enjoy the process and never let others tell you what you can’t achieve. HAIRY WINSTON PET BOUTIQUE & GROCERY Jennie Dudley, owner of Hairy Winston Pet Boutique & Grocery, was inspired by her love for animals and her family’s retail background to create a business focused on pets’ health and wellness. Starting in 2008 during the financial crisis, Dudley faced naysayers but followed her passion, and 17 years later, Hairy Winston is thriving. Her advice to aspiring women entrepreneurs: Trust your passion, go for your dreams and never let fear of failure hold you back. These exceptional women are far more than community business leaders, they’re role models.
22 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com/CharlestonWomen Meet some of your like-minded strong, independent, professional, entrepreneurial local women. Connect. Learn. Grow. Support each other and we can all rise together. Mia CaraDonna, owner of Magari Boutique, a women’s clothing store offering a curated collection of timeless closet staples and stylish statement pieces, aims to empower women to express their unique style with confidence. CaraDonna provides an elevated shopping experience through her online store, local pop-up events, personal styling and private shopping parties. She believes that the right outfit can transform your mood and boost your confidence, and she’s passionate about helping women find that perfect, feelgood look. Mia CaraDonna ShopMagariBoutique.com @shopmagariboutique 617-281-3036 Yesenia Leon, owner of Dulce Churros – Ice Cream and Cocktails, VIVA Tacos & Tequila, La Hacienda, Añejo, Salud, Blue Tequila and Catrina’s, was born into the restaurant world, inspired by her parents’ culinary legacy. After marrying a fellow restaurateur, they partnered to bring vibrant, authentic and fusion Mexican and Latin cuisine to life. Following her husband’s passing, Leon remains devoted to completing their shared vision and honoring their dream through each flavorful dish. Yesenia Leon Brandi Sherbert, owner of Pitt Street Pharmacy, got her start as a MUSC medical student. Spending her next nine years there, she fell in love with the pharmacy’s compounding: the process of creating customized medicines alongside holistic care. Pitt Street Pharmacy offers supplements, hormone replacement therapy and CBD alongside a few options for pets. Sherbert strives to provide a unique and personalized experience for each customer who walks through the doors, while maintaining the pharmacy’s legacy as a trusted healthcare provider in the community. Brandi Sherbert PittStreetPharmacy.com @ pittstreetpharm 843-884-4051 Locals For marketing and distribution information, e-mail Stacey@CharlestonWomen.com. dulce-icecream.com vivatacostequila.com lahaciendamexrestaurants.com anejochs.com saludmexicankitchen.com catrinastacostequilas.com bluetequilasc.com
23 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com/CharlestonWomen Powerful Ladies BY SARAH ROSE Lowcountry Women in Government As women in government, the following Lowcountry civic and state leaders have found and amplified their voices, achieving extraordinary accomplishments at the local, county and state levels. By using their political platforms to make a difference, these fearless female legislators have created a beacon of light, brightening the path forward for women in governance as well as other leadership roles.
24 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com/CharlestonWomen Charleston Women in Business TOWN AND CITY CHRISTIANE FARRELL, Assistant Town Administrator of Mount Pleasant (2017-present) In July 2017, Christiane Farrell was appointed to the position of assistant town administrator. Since then, she has assisted the town administrator with the general management of the town and oversees the Department of Planning, Land Use & Neighborhoods, Communications Office, Economic Development Office, Emergency Management Office, Human Resources Department, Risk Management Office and Town Attorney’s Office. COURTNEY SOLER, City Administrator of Hanahan (2022-present) After graduating from the College of Charleston with a degree in accounting, Courtney Soler joined the City of Charleston Police Department as an officer. While working with CCPD, she became their first budget analyst, managing a $40 million dollar budget. Soler became the City of Hanahan’s first finance director in 2010. It was during that time that she discovered Hanahan was the perfect place to raise the family’s three children. In 2016, Soler accepted a position as the chief financial officer of the Gibbes Museum of Art. Although she enjoyed being part of such a historical and cultural institution, her heart was still in Hanahan. In 2020, Soler returned to the City of Hanahan as its chief financial officer and in 2022 was promoted to city administrator. Soler’s vision for the city is to promote a positive and innovative work environment for staff and to encourage a culture that is centered on citizens and community. The values of integrity, inclusivity, kindness, accountability and transparency that are showcased in each department are what she said makes Hanahan a special place. TIFFANY JOHNSON-WILSON, Summerville Town Council (2024-present) As a member of Summerville’s Town Council, Tiffany Johnson-Wilson has a passion for philanthropy. Having served as a founding member on the board of directors of The Palmetto House homeless shelter, where she also assisted in counseling and rehabilitation, she has accumulated extensive volunteer hours with One80 Place. Johnson-Wilson has also contributed to Lowcountry Local First and loves supporting other nonprofits such as Habitat for Humanity and South Carolina Community Loan Fund. Additionally, she has served on local boards such as The Sustainability Institute, where she brings green initiatives to her construction and development companies for the betterment of local communities and the world. JohnsonWilson founded Home of Hope, is a Paul Harris Fellow with Rotary International and is a state mediator and guardian ad litem. Additionally, she sits on the National Association of Realtors legal committees for Grievances and Professional Standards, where she aims to promote justice and fairness. COUNTY LEVEL MARY TINKLER, Charleston County Treasurer (2017-present) Having managed her father Paul Tinkler’s South Carolina Senate race in 2012, Mary Tinkler remained closely involved in local politics before deciding to run for the South Carolina House of Representatives in 2014. She won and served for two years, representing parts of Charleston and Dorchester counties.
25 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com/CharlestonWomen Charleston Women in Business In November 2016, Tinkler ran for Charleston County Treasurer and won, becoming the county’s first female treasurer. Tinkler’s win was also the second time that she was the only Democratic pickup statewide. Since being sworn in on July 1, 2017, she has implemented the Advance Tax Installment Plan; successfully advocated for tax law changes in Columbia; grown an outreach program; and begun to issue motor vehicle decals and registrations from her office while adding new ways to pay including credit cards at the counter, e-checks online with no fee and over-the-phone payments with bilingual service. She is now serving in her second term. In addition to leading her office, Tinkler serves as the president of the South Carolina Association of Auditors, Treasurers and Tax Collectors. She sits on the board for the National Association of County Collectors, Treasurers and Finance Officers, as well as on the board for the National Association of Counties and Society 1858 of the Gibbes Museum of Art. STATE LEVEL Across the South Carolina state house and senate there are 170 members of the General Assembly, of which currently only 22 are women. To take on the role of governance within this framework is as rewarding as it is challenging, according to the following women whose legacies will leave a lasting imprint on our past, current and future legislation. VIDA MILLER, State House Representative (1996-2010) Governance was always in Vida Miller’s DNA. She grew up in Greenville during the 1960s, where her parents were involved in local politics, serving as poll watchers and precinct managers and running for public office. Her family was also good friends with former South Carolina Lieutenant Governor Nick Theodore and then Speaker of the House Rex Carter. In her 20s, Miller moved to the Lowcountry, where she taught a marketing class at Horry-Georgetown Technical College. “I remember being upset because I wished students had more skills than they did,” she said. “And frustrated with a system I thought had failed them, I kept searching for the missing link.” Looking for a way to make a difference, Miller ran for the Georgetown County School Board in 1986. Having won the election, she served for eight years, during which time Georgetown County was supported primarily by the farming community, which produced tobacco and cotton. “Until the early 1990s, all leaders and money came from the crops produced in the West County,” Miller explained. “Although we did not have the tax base on the Waccamaw Neck and it was a financial risk, we borrowed and bonded money to expand the district by building Waccamaw High School. A middle and intermediate school followed, and those schools became some of the top in the state. That’s a lot to be proud of.” When she came off the board in 1994, running for higher office was not in Miller’s vision. That changed when the chairman of the Democratic Party asked her to consider campaigning for House District 108, which represents one of the largest geographical regions in the state. The region stretches from Murrells Inlet to the City of Georgetown, McClellanville, Awendaw and North Mount Pleasant. Miller stepped up to the challenge and in 1996, she ran, won and served for 14 years. Miller started by helping pass a state bond referendum, which earned $100 million for state schools, from which Charleston and Georgetown counties benefited. Locally, that meant the recently-founded Waccamaw Neck schools had enough funding so that they no longer posed the financial risk they had just a few years earlier. Additionally, Miller helped pass the South Carolina Education Lottery, which funded grants for teachers and allocated $3,500 to $5,000 scholarships for students with a 3.5 GPA or higher to credit towards attending state colleges or universities. Further, Miller was instrumental in having the Confederate flag removed from the South Carolina State
26 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com/CharlestonWomen Charleston Women in Business House. “Most people don’t realize that flag went up in the 1960s but it was never there before that,” she said. “Even during the Civil War, only state and USA flags were flown at the Capitol. The legislature compromised, allowing it to stay in a fenced-in area on the State House grounds until after the Charleston massacre when it came down completely.” For women who are interested in running for office, Miller’s advice is “Just do it.” But she cautioned, “You are away from home a lot and have to be in Columbia three or more days a week. Even when you’re not in session, you have a full calendar with meetings and events to attend every day. Talk it over with family, make sure everyone is on board and that everything is organized.” Miller, who never ran without opposition, added, “There is a lot to take into consideration. The longer I stayed in government, the uglier the campaigns became, so be prepared. Women get attacked at a different level than men. Although we raised a lot of campaign contributions, it’s not the same amount of money as men.” Yet the return is significant, Miller said. “I still have people say, ‘I’ll never forget the time you helped me.’ It warms your heart when you realize you really did make a difference.” MIA MCLEOD, STATE SENATOR (2017-24) As an eighth-generation South Carolinian, Mia McLeod’s ancestry is tied to Charleston, where her great-greatgrandfather, Joseph W. Morris grew up as a “nominal” slave, meaning his parents purchased their son to keep him out of the traditional slave trade. In 1876, Morris was nominated to serve in the state legislature, and although this would have been an incredible achievement, Morris declined so that he could finish his law studies at the University of South Carolina. Because McLeod’s father wanted her to understand how the state legislature works, her first job as a college student in 1987 was serving as a page in the South Carolina House earning $5 an hour. Then in 1990 and 1995, she followed in her great-great-grandfather’s footsteps and graduated from the University of South Carolina, where she earned a B.A. and J.D., respectively. After graduating law school, she learned that South Carolina was number one in the nation for women who are murdered by men as a result of domestic violence. In 1996, McLeod became the first statewide director of former Attorney General Charlie Condon’s Violence Against Women Project. She and her team launched the state’s first Silent Witness program in 1997 and wrote the protocols and curricula for police, prosecutors, judges and victim advocates to use when investigating, prosecuting and adjudicating domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking crimes. Attorney General Alan Wilson continues to hold the state’s annual Silent Witness Ceremony on the State House grounds and the protocols and curricula that were adopted by the SC Criminal Justice Academy in the late 90s continue to serve as the foundation for today’s Violence Against Women public policy initiatives. When then House District 79 Rep. Anton Gunn announced in 2010 that he was accepting a presidential appointment in the Obama Administration and would not be seeking re-election, he asked McLeod if she knew anyone who would run for his seat. “I never planned to run for office,” McLeod said. “When I decided to throw my name in the hat, I had no elected experience or knowledge about campaigns. It was important to me that I lead with authenticity, so I started the way I planned to finish, with honesty and integrity, letting voters know exactly what they were getting.” At the time, District 79 was one of the fastest growing swing districts in the state and McLeod faced significant challenges when her swing district was gerrymandered and neither her House Caucus nor state party decided to fight it. Despite the obstacles McLeod faced, she won the election. While serving in the SC House of Representatives, Speaker Jay Lucas appointed McLeod to the House’s Domestic Violence Advisory Committee, where she continued to build upon the statewide Violence Against Women initiatives and became one of the legislature’s strongest voices for domestic violence survivors, victims and their families. McLeod was the first woman elected to House District 79 and later became the first woman and African American elected to represent Senate District 22. Both districts represented Richland and Kershaw counties. Despite opposition from her own party, McLeod never lost a House or Senate race in 14 years. On June 3, 2021, McLeod announced her candidacy for the 2022 South Carolina gubernatorial race. The story about the first Black woman to run for governor of South Carolina generated national and international headlines. In 2023, McLeod publicly left the South Carolina Democratic Party and became an Independent. That year, she and her ‘sister senators’ later received the
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