52 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com/CharlestonWomen Shining Actress Lizzie Mears, who is no stranger to the spotlight, closed the curtains on this competition. She has starred in a number of professional stage productions, and guest-starred on Charleston’s The Righteous Gemstones. The most impressive part of her acting is her versatility, whether it’s horror movies or a DC Comics series, she knows how to steal the show. Bravo! Shining Artist Teresa Jones at Teresa Jones Fine Arts only knows how to paint one way, and that’s from the heart. Her discipline is oil painting; her love language is light and color. Every stroke of inspiration originates from her observations of nature and architecture. She believes there is a painting around every corner and never stops looking for the unexpected to give a new perspective and freshness to her work. It’s quite evident she has a keen eye and even better touch. Other Finalists: Rhonda Weatherford Shining Author Our own Lorna Hollifield is as creative as they come. She’s been an author from the time she could speak, spinning yarns for anyone who would listen. Her uncanny ability for the written word has taken her on a journey as a tourism and travel blogger to magazine editor and now a highly respected fiction author. Her books, “Tobacco Sun” and “The Ocean at Night” are on shelves now. “Bright Little Girls” releases in March 2025. Editor’s note: When I found out I won this category, I immediately tried to recuse myself. However, our publisher, along with my supportive team, insisted I stay the shining author because it was voted by our readers, their voice. We are all committed to never, for any circumstance, alter the reader’s vote. That is why we chose to keep the results true to how they came to us. Thank you all, for such an honor. I’m humbled to say the least. Other Finalists: Stacy Willingham / Mary Alice Monroe / Angela May Shining Gallery Owner Mary Fraser at Mary Edna Fraser Art Gallery is a masterclass dyer on the canvas. Her medium is plein air painting and her niche is batik. She teaches internationally and travels the world to connect with cultures where her textile art form is a valuable asset, especially to women as a means of livelihood. There are lno qualms that she’s the best in town in this line of business. Shining Photographer Grace McCormack at TRIO Solutions lives her life behind the lens. Her skills as a savvy graphic designer and digital marketer have transcended her into a savant as a photographer. She clearly knows her angles and the identity of her brand. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. If that’s true, then her photography most certainly speaks volumes. Smile, but there’s no need to say cheese. Other Finalists: Stephanie Selby / Jeni Rone Becker in the Arts Teresa Jones. Lorna Hollifield. Mary Fraser.
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