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.
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