53 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com/CharlestonWomen Charleston Women in Food farms and responsible sourcing. “I don’t try to stay ahead of culinary trends,” Oleksiak said. “I make food that sounds and tastes good. I’m inspired by what’s in season.” Herd Provisions is more than just a farm-to-table restaurant; it also operates a whole-animal butcher shop. Oleksiak’s expertise extends from butchery to pastry, a skill set honed through spending years in Charleston’s top kitchens, including Poogan’s Porch, Lana and Page’s Okra Grill. As a leader in the industry, she encourages young chefs to embrace collaboration. “We’ve become chefs because someone believed in our ideas. Be that person for your staff,” she advised. MARIA KELLY: AMOR HEALING KITCHEN Maria Kelly transitioned from a 15-year career as a Charleston County high school teacher to founding AMOR Healing Kitchen, a nonprofit that provides plantbased meals to individuals facing health challenges. Inspired by her mother’s cancer journey, Kelly saw the power of nutrition in recovery and set out to bring that philosophy to her community. AMOR Healing Kitchen engages teen volunteers to prepare and deliver meals, teaching them culinary and leadership skills while fostering a sense of service. Kelly’s approach is rooted in the belief that food can be medicine, particularly in supporting those undergoing medical treatments like chemotherapy. “We try to stick to our values of sourcing locally and utilizing organic ingredients while using a whole foods, plant-based approach,” she said. “The science and our bodies tell us this is a good way to maintain health and prevent chronic illness. And as long as the food is delicious, people will keep coming back.” Together, these four women are reshaping Charleston’s food scene, each in their own way. From preserving Gullah Geechee traditions to championing sustainability, honoring Southern roots and using food as a healing tool, they prove that culinary excellence isn’t just about what’s on the plate — it’s about the stories, traditions and values behind each dish. As Charleston continues to evolve as a dining destination, these chefs are ensuring its future is as rich and diverse as its past.
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