Shining Digital Marketing Professional
As a business or brand owner, you need a team. That team might put you on multiple platforms to be seen, craft a cohesive website that is easy to navigate or digitally expose your brand to millions of people. Meet Caroline Hendry from TRIO-Solutions. Hendry said, “This award is a testament to the hard work, creativity and dedication that goes into every campaign. Digital marketing is ever-changing, so I am excited to stay on top of what is trending to make our clients shine.”
Other Finalists: Kim Russo, Nikki Kuniej, Alex O’Neil
Shining Business Mentor
Jessica Munday believes mentorship and having a support system are huge elements to help navigate life in business. She stated, “As an entrepreneur, I’m driven by the chance to make a difference beyond my own personal gain. Mentoring students, young entrepreneurs, team members and fellow business owners allows me to find joy in sharing life experiences, supporting their growth and helping them achieve their personal and professional goals. There’s a unique fulfillment in being part of someone else’s journey toward success.”
Other Finalists: Heather Valeri, Stephanie Postell, Jessica Brewer, Erin Pratt, Angel Holmes
Shining Realtor
Interest rates have finally started to drop. So, if you’re looking to make a move, our readers have spoken. Voted shining Realtor, Charlise Mills understands the volatile market and can guide you through your journey of owning or selling. She’s associated with one of the top real estate teams in Charleston through Keller Williams Realty & The Chatman Group. Mills said, “My faith is what keeps me anchored. My favorite quote comes from 1 Corinthians 16:14, “Let all that you do be done in love.”
Other Finalists: Kathleen DeWitt, Haley Ebersole
Shining Mortgage Professional
Ellen Frazier, of Frazier Lending Group, has two decades of experience and dedication in the mortgage industry. A seasoned professional and entrepreneur, Frazier recently earned the title of mortgage broker. Her mission is to redefine the narrative around home financing while weaving mindfulness and balance into both her professional and personal realms. Frazier Lending Group is committed to empowering female real estate investors with creative financing solutions.
Other Finalists: Shakelia LeBlanc, Tracy Searson Causby
Shining Social Media Professional
It’s been a true honor for Ashlyn Crowell to fulfill the role of social media specialist at Trio Solutions, Inc. Crowell has enabled herself to channel her passions for incredible clients across the Lowcountry and northeast. “Social media is constantly evolving as a dynamic platform where brands can connect with their audiences like never before, and I am deeply committed to shaping this landscape,” she offered. “From launching innovative social campaigns to crafting engaging TikTok videos, there’s always exciting tasks at hand to keep the creative juices flowing.”
Other Finalists: Christina Pitcher, Amanda Comen, Brittany Pohl, Lynn Solon
Shining Financial Advisor
“Guiding you with expertise and compassion, I’m committed to helping you achieve your financial goals through tailored strategies that reflect your values and aspirations,” said Jenny Phillips of Northwestern Mutual. Phillips is the advisor to put you at ease and is that light on your financial journey to guide you to your prosperity. She is from a small town in Illinois that instilled hard work, commitment and integrity into her values.
Other Finalists: Shari Rash, Jenne Sevilla, Angele Garten
Shining Lawyer
Since 1997, Bleecker Family Law has represented thousands of individuals in the South Carolina Family Courts with compassion and confidence. Anne Frances Bleecker, voted the shining lawyer, is passionate about her clients and committed to serving their every need. “I am especially grateful for the trust they have placed in our law firm,” spoke Bleecker. “It has been my great privilege to serve so many wonderful clients, and I look forward to continuing to serve with immense pride in all we do here at Bleecker Family Law.”
Other Finalists: Megan Moody, Charlene Green
Shining Insurance Professional
Karla Combs of Insurance Office of America is committed to protecting clients on both professional and private levels. “I feel truly blessed to work for a company that not only supports but also encourages my passion for community service. At Insurance Office of America, our commitment to faith, employee wellbeing and community involvement paves the way for everyone’s success,” said Combs. Let Combs focus on your risk so you can focus on your dreams.
Other Finalist: Sarah Wiggins
Shining Wedding and Event Planner
Keri Seay of Keri Seay Events is Charleston Women’s shining event and party planner. Seay offers full, partial or day-of planning services for weddings and more. Coming from a family legacy of event planners and caterers, planning is in Seay’s blood. For an extra pop for your party, reach out to the number one planner according to our readers.
Other Finalists: Shannon Hodges, Kala Williams, Jessica Cheney, Elaine Sevarese, Brittany VanAlle
Shining CPA
Serving both Long Island, N.Y. and Charleston, S.C., Nicole Florio of Florio CPA & Co. is dedicated to client satisfaction and ready to use her comprehensive skill sets to help clients understand technical accounting transactions and regulations with ease. Florio is a Certified Public Accountant who received her bachelor’s degree in business administration from the Townsend School of Business at Dowling College. With over seven years of experience, she is ready to be the middleman between you and that pesky Uncle Sam for both individual and corporate tax preparation.
Shining Interior Designer
Family owned and operated, Organic Love Interior Design shares their passion for designing comfortable as well as functional living spaces because they want you to love your home as much as they love theirs. Passionately driven, Organic Love designers, including our winner Celine Voelker, meet clients where they are so they can learn about the homeowner’s vision to transform houses into homes.
Amanda Kelly or Amanda Kelly Interiors embraces the clients’ vision for a home that oozes ultimate sophistication. Whether the aesthetic is understated luxury, unassuming elegance, calming and romantic or cozy and warm Amanda Kelly Interiors creates showstopping spaces with little details edited to perfection. For design inspiration, follow her on Instagram @amandakellyinteriors.
Other Finalists: Laura Young
Shining Home Service & Repair Professional
Anchor Heating & Air was founded in 2021 by lifelong Charleston residents David and Stephanie Postell. The Postells are dedicated to providing the highest quality HVAC services, repairs and replacement with outstanding customer service. At Anchor, there are no high-pressure sales tactics, hidden fees or workmanship that cuts corners. Rather, they provide recommendations and customized solutions that are unique to your space.
Shining Boutique Owner
JaNay House is co-owner of Nicht Boutique, an online brand out of Charleston which caters to women’s fashion needs from casual elegance to the most formal affairs. House, a veteran and avid community supporter, founded the boutique with a close group of empowering women to spread love and passion through wardrobe.
Other Finalists: Becca Cook, Erin Yates, Margie Sutton
Shining Fashionista
Andrea Serrano has become a household name in Charleston. When she isn’t curating and styling events or photoshoots or serving as one of the Lowcountry’s most celebrated influencers, she’s raising money for one of the many charities close to her heart. This producer, creative director, runway consultant, mom and wife is anything but a one-trick pony. She literally wears her style on her sleeve and cannot help but shine.
Shining Hair Stylist
Native Salon in downtown Charleston has a unanimous five-star review thanks in large part to amazing stylisys like our winner, Becky Moore. Moore loves serving clients as a master of many services. However, she especially shines at balyage, blending and microfoil blonde work. Our readers have spoke; if you are ready for an updated do, you’ll get more style with Moore.
Tying for first place is Brook Chavis of Charleston In-Style Salon. Chavis is the owner and manager of the salon, and she specializes in men and boys cuts, trim and beard management. We all know the ladies choose where their husbands, significant others and sons go for a spruce up — so look no further. Our readers say Brook is best.
Other Finalists: Michele Mullins, Nina Heller
Shining Jewelry Designer
Creative edge and vison skyrocketed Madison Kingery, the metalsmith and designer behind Mad Made Metals, to becoming Charleston Women’s shining jewelry designer. Truly unique, these handmade pieces are distinguished from any other personally crafted jewelry available. Find the most meaningful wearable art with Madison.
Other Finalists: Jane Winchester Paradis, Dee Ruel, Darina DeBenedictis
Shining Aesthetics Professional /Injector
Nicole Schierer, RN at Skin Deep at Magnolia Dental is the specialist you need to seek when it comes to skin care treatment and Botox injections. From lip fillers to wrinkle reduction, she is dedicated to delivering stunning results tailored to your unique needs. Whether it’s achieving plumper and more youthful lips or smoothing out those fine lines, get ready to transform your appearance. If it’s beautification you desire, then visiting this beauty queen is a no-brainer.
Other Finalists: Sarah Baldoni / Brittany Benson / Blair Turnage
Shining Chiropractor
Dr. Courtney Yurko at Connection Health Center lives by the motto: if you don’t have your health, you don’t have anything. She truly believes that she has been called to be a vessel for healing, one that restores hope, energetic connection and full expression of life in those whose light has been diminished. If elevating your health is a top priority, CW readers prescribe her services.
Other Finalists: Dr. Alyssa Caponi
Shining Dentist
Dr. Victoria Tatum at Tatum Dentistry has turned her childhood tooth fairy dreams into a reality. She constantly redefines her goals to provide beautiful, quality dentistry in a relaxed, educational atmosphere for those who seek it. Her patient care and attention to detail go hand-in-tooth. She will give you something to smile about every time you make an appointment.
Other Finalists: Dr. Ellen Paulisick Wolf / Dr. Nicole Dahlkemper
Shining Eye Care Professional
Dr. Betsy Fraser at Compass Vision felt the need to address the gap she sees in modern vision care and wellness. That passion has remained steadfast ever since she founded the practice. Her progressive approach includes health and wellness education and extends beyond vision to cosmetic optometry. Rest assured; she will keep an eye out for your best interests.
Other Finalists: Dr. Leslie Kirk / Dr. Michele Donovan
Shining Fitness Instructor — Personal Trainer, Yoga, Pilates
Amanda Oberhaus at OberFit, a former NBA dancer turned NASM certified trainer and passionate mental health advocate, eagerly brings her expertise and enthusiasm. Her dedication to wellness and helping others was ignited by a deeply personal experience — the loss of her father to suicide. Since then, she has been committed to empowering individuals to achieve their fitness goals while prioritizing their mental and emotional health. Your mental and physical physique are top of her mind.
Other Finalists: Amanda Hardwick / Angie Spinelli / Anne Claire Nelson / Emily Moody
Shining Holistic Medical Professional
Dr. Alyssa Caponi at Infinite Chiropractic is wholeheartedly committed to treating families and serving the community. Not only are you her patient, you become a part of her family. Caponi is known for making patients feel at home and comfortable in her presence. If you feel stressed, be sure to go get stretched.
Other Finalists: Tiffany Jackson, ND
Shining Mental Wellness Professional
Dr. Zakevia Lewis-Kendrick at Divine Intervention Professional Counseling Service / Dr. Renee Ann Lake at Carolina Anchor Psychological & Educational Consulting
Dr. Lewis-Kendrick has the experience of an educator, counselor and clinical therapist. She is passionate about empowering individuals, families and communities to live spiritually, mentally and physically healthy lives. Her clients include those who wish to improve their marriages, parenting skills, communication skills and life skills. Knowledge is power, and she has a lot of it.
Dr. Lake knows how to identify and treat developmental, psychological and learning difficulties in children and adolescents like the back of her hand. When it comes to youth learning, memory, attention, perception, emotion, communication and socialization, she is as skilled as clinicians come. Trust her process.
Shining OB-GYN
Dr. Kenosha Gleaton at Epicentre Charleston is passionate about women, youth and mentoring. She is board certified in gynecology and obstetrics. Her clinical interests include adolescent gynecology, minimally invasive vaginal surgery and lactation. She firmly believes and holds true that her patients’ satisfaction is her greatest passion. Your needs matter to her.
Other Finalists: Martha Green, PA-C / Dr. Kate White / Dr. Loren Frankel / Dr. Meghan Lynch / Dr. Natalie Gregory
Shining Pediatrician
Dr. Farrow DuRant at Sweetgrass Pediatrics has been practicing as a pediatrician since 2010, and recently decided to expand her practice to include medical aesthetics. She is dedicated to understanding your aesthetic concerns and creating a personalized treatment plan. She will quite literally turn your frown upside down as minimally invasive as possible.
Shining Primary Care Doctor
Dr. Alexis Jesup at Roper St. Francis Healthcare is board certified in family medicine. She specializes in women’s health, adolescent health and pediatrics. Her qualifications on paper are as advertised in person. Not to mention, her bedside manners are present and paramount. Your kids are in good hands.
Shining Cake Designer/Baker
Gynetta Johnson at Sweet G’s Cookie Cakes & Sweet Treats has the Midas touch when it comes to baked goodies. If you’re needing or craving custom cookie cakes or mini sweet treats for celebratory occasions, then she is your go-to source. Dessert tastes better when someone else makes it, especially if she’s in the kitchen. Sweet G is Summerville’s sweetheart who will cure your sweet tooth.
Other Finalists: Mari Rink / Anne Costa / Christy Demos / Niki Dube
Shining Caterer
Tara Ogilvie at Tasty Designs by Tara / Anja Steif at Dish and Design / Amber Craig at Charleston Catering and Events
Take it from someone who has worked in the food and beverage industry her whole life. From creating menus to preparing the food to entertaining a crowd, Ogilvie is a jill-of-all-trades. As a personal chef, she is happy to come to your house to cook for you and your guests or simply drop off your meal — anything your stomach desires.
Originally from Germany, Steif came to the U.S. as a nanny. Since 1998, she has been the lifeblood of Dish and Design. Food and family gatherings were a huge part of her life growing up, and her love of cooking started.
Craig has compiled a creative and experienced staff to continue the excellence created by her grandparents and parents. She and her staff provide the expertise needed to create, formulate and conduct your event at the highest level. Charleston Catering and Events has served the Lowcountry for over four decades.
Shining Restaurateur
Laura Reuss at White Duck Taco makes savory tacos that are truly something to quack about. She is affectionately dubbed “La Pata Blanca,” which translates to “The White Duck” in Spanish. Her recipe for success has allowed her to spread the restaurant’s wings across three states and 11 locations throughout the Carolinas and Tennessee.
Other Finalists: Barbara Ambrose / Ashley Stello
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
Shining Volunteer/Philanthropist
Kelly Carroll of the Ronald McDonald House, is Charleston Women’s shining volunteer. She humbly stated of her work, “I volunteer in many ways and for several organizations. I choose to do what I do as a part of my daily life by choice. We make the most of what we have now, because tomorrow is not promised. If a small effort can impact someone’s heart or put a smile on their face — even if for just a moment — great things have been accomplished. We are here to love and build one another. Helping hands build a stronger community.” Carroll also serves Share Our Susie, The Point, Free Pantry Fridays and more.
Other Finalists: Katie Blomquist, Karla Combs, Jessica Munday
Shining Non-profit Director
Landmarks for Families’ mission is to cultivate thriving children and families. Beverly Hardin, chief executive officer, is honored to have the chance to lead this team of passionate and dedicated caregivers. Many times, children and families from across the community come to them in times of crisis. In those moments, their team is ready to recognize then meet their needs at the exact moment when help is needed the most. For their children and families, these experiences become landmark moments.
Other Finalists: Ashley Figueirdero, Kelly Carroll
Shining Educator
Head of School at Ashley Hall Ann Weston said, “I am who I am today because of my years in this most special place, where I was known, where I was challenged and where, most importantly, I was loved. Here, I learned to weave a world for myself. I know that we will do the same together for your children, and I am grateful for and humbled by your trust.” Discover more about one of the Lowcountry’s best independent school. Our readers say its leader is second to none.
Other Finalists: Michelle Johnson, Julie Allen
Shining Influencer
She’s a wife, mother, evangelist, international author, facilitator ans CEO and founder of Zuriel Leadership Development LLC and Dare To Be Different Inc. Influencer Shaniequa Washington lives to empower people to be the best they can be. Nelson lives by the motto, “be yourself, because everyone is taken,” understanding there is a cost for freedom, Be inspired by following the amazing @shaniequalwashinton on Instagram.
Other Finalists: Lynn Solon
