56 WWW.CHARLESTONWOMENPODCAST.COM | WWW.READCW.COM | WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/CHARLESTONWOMEN JULIE Puckett Owner, Cup of Sea Design and Illustration Tell us about your work and what drives you to do what you do. "I am a graphic designer and artist. Generally, my paintings are small—4-by-4 inches or smaller—and are primarily inspired by the Lowcountry: the marshes, ocean and coastline. I have also begun a tiny painting series of my favorite places in the world, but with ghosts. It is a meditation on the places that shape us, and how they will continue to exist even when I no longer exist to witness their beauty. I began painting only a few months ago as a way to pay off bills following a recent surgery, and I continue because I have discovered I love it so much. It has revealed an entire new wealth of gifts I never knew I had.” How do you contribute to making Charleston a better place for women? "I am part of a tight-knit community of artists—visual and theater—and I love supporting those who trust me enough to share their vision and time with me. I believe women have such rich and varied experiences to draw from when they create, and empowering those voices is key to enriching our own spheres of influence.” What advice would you like to give other women? “Share your process as much as you share your finished work. You would be surprised at how many people are learning from you as you go, looking to you for inspiration and feeling empowered to make their own magic because of you” FARIN Doran Owner, Dolce Vita Charleston Tell us about your work and what drives you to do what you do. “I own Dolce Vita Charleston, a handcrafted cookie ice cream sandwich catering business. I really just have fun with it. I want to do something that brings instant joy to people. I want to be part of people’s special days and have the opportunity to make them a little more unique and memorable. I wake up every day thanking God for the opportunity to have a job that I love and to be a light to others while doing it.” What excites you about the Charleston women’s community? “I love seeing women succeed! I love hearing their stories, their motivation, and I love that they want to share and support others. That is what it is all about. There is room at the top for everyone.” What advice would you like to give other women? “Every woman has her own unique gift. Do not compare yourself to anyone else. Do not scroll other people’s feeds. Instead, focus on what brings you joy and what you want to do. Your vision, your dream and your business will be so incredible because you came up with it. You have everything within you to succeed—just keep your blinders on and keep going toward what makes you happy. If it makes you happy, you will always have success” MELINDA Weldon Owner, Cookie & Claus Tell us about your work and what drives you to do what you do. “After an unexpected pause in my career, I found myself in a season of uncertainty. Instead of staying stuck there,I decided to do something that brings me happiness. Cookie & Claus was born out of that moment—a way to be creative, to share joy and to connect with people in the most magical season of the year.” How do you contribute to making Charleston a better place for women? “I want to be an example for women who might be in the second half of life, facing big changes that may or may not have been expected. After chasing every thought I had for about five months, I realized it was okay to take a step back, catch my breath and ask what truly makes me happy. I want to share that perspective with other women, reminding them that it is not only acceptable to take time for yourself, but it can be the very thing that leads to new joy and purpose.” What excites you about the Charleston women’s community? “Charleston women are bold, and I am here for it! They have a mix of traditional Southern grace with fearless energy. The women I have met here are strong, fun and unapologetically themselves, and that spirit has truly inspired me to step out of my own reserved self and embrace more freedom and joy in my own life.” CHARLESTON WOMEN We're spending a little time with some of the amazing women in our Charleston-area communities to get to know them better. These are local women who represent many different walks of life. If you would like to be featured or want to suggest a Charleeston Women who should be recognized, let us know at editor@charlestonwomen.com. We Are CHARLESTON WOMEN BY KATIE FINCH
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