50 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com/CharlestonWomen woman came to me saying they want to open a casual seafood restaurant, I don’t see her as competition, I see her joining the industry.” Newton wished there was a support group for women in the “food and bev” world when she got started. As a woman, she found that it can be a little lonely. There are not many women in the upper levels, and thus, there’s a distinctive lack of executive female support. To that, Newton offered, “If more of us in the industry would come together it would be a great thing — just to know we exist and can support each other.” Still, so much has improved since 2004. “Twenty years ago, the Food & Beverage industry was very different than it is now. I like how women today are being treated in the business now — much better than before. I am co-owner of Fleet Landing. Twenty years ago, even though I was co-owner with my husband, no one saw me as the decision maker. It was rude, frustrating and wrong. I wasn’t asked too much about the business.” Now, as they’ve just celebrated 20 years in business, Newton and her husband have changed roles. She’s more of the front leader than he is. It’s much easier for her to navigate now than in the past. “Everyone sees me as an equal and not secondary,” she added happily. Let’s all congratulate the Newtons for elevating the Charleston culinary scene over, and Mrs. Newton for blazing trails and encouraging other women to do just the same. Here’s to far more than another 20 years. Charleston Women in Food The Newtons enjoying the amazing views at Fleet Landing. Start with Self Now is the time to equip individuals, leaders and teams with self-awareness, emotional intelligence and resilience. The time to act is now because the future starts tomorrow. Melinda (Mindy) Finholm Morris, SHRM-CP Owner & Life Coach MelindaMindyFinholmMorris.com (407) 257-6219 @EverlastingExposures Photographer Katie Williams EVERLASTING EXPOSURES PHOTOGRAPHY
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