An ancient African proverb says, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” This wisdom is embraced by impactful Charleston women in business who support each other at all levels. And as success leaves clues, the adage must be true.
Ashley Brooke Perryman, ABP Makeup, Oscar and Cornelius
During her 20 years of traveling the country working as a celebrity makeup artist and hair stylist to actors, musicians and politicians, Ashley Brooke Perryman also had the privilege of mentoring countless talented young women, many of whom have gone on to achieve their dreams of working on film sets and the runways of Charleston, New York and Paris Fashion Weeks. From her experience, Perryman has learned that to inspire is inspiring, and that’s why she loves collaborating with other women in her industry.
Her favorite experience this year has been working with a nonprofit called the Original Six Foundation. Founded by former UN Ambassador and South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, the afterschool program helps break barriers and eliminate limitations for vulnerable students from rural and underserved communities. Perryman’s involvement with the foundation gave an up-and-coming makeup artistry student from the program the opportunity to join her backstage so the student could discover the possibilities available to her in her future career.
Because of Perryman’s passion for supporting other women in business, she has also opened a shop called Oscar & Cornelius in McClellanville. Inspired by her aunt, Kim Smith, and her cousin, Taylor Hood, Perryman’s shop features the work of more than thirty local artisans, ninety percent of whom are women. Their array of treasures includes aprons, quilts, pottery, oyster art, paintings, seasonal decor, eclectic finds and so much more. Although Perryman jokes that the vibe at Oscar & Cornelius is as if her two favorite shows, “Schitt’s Creek” and “Gilmore Girls,” had a baby, it’s easy to hear the love in her voice. She said the inspiration behind Oscar & Cornelius is truly the community and the relationships she has formed with local artisans, as well as her clientele.
To learn more about hair and makeup with Perryman, email her at ab*******@gm***.com. To check out Oscar & Cornelius, stop by the shop at 824 Pinckney Street in McClellanville, or visit OscarandCornelius.com.
Laura Kappus, Urban Renewal Design
As a stylist with twenty-seven years’ experience in the fashion industry, Laura Kappus has learned style doesn’t have to be expensive to be luxurious, unique or beautiful. That’s why her business, Urban Renewal Design, sustainably sources small, emerging brands created mostly by and for women from around the world. Her curated collection includes eclectic yet timeless clothing and jewelry from Italy, France, Turkey, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Australia, Canada, South America and Los Angeles. Kappus showcases her finds at pop-up shops around Charleston in unexpected locations such as Maker’s Post, GDC, Celadon, Firefly Distillery and the Jasper.
For clients who prefer to work with her more intimate personal styling and closet organizing services, Kappus offers private in-home consultations, as well as pop-ups during female gatherings like Girls’ Night Out and Sip N’ Shops. From her expertise working with a variety of designs, colors and textures that work for all different body types, Kappus said, “Styling is not a science, but it is an art form.” Thus is her passion for helping women feel their best by finding a bespoke style that reflects their distinct personality.
To learn more about attending or booking a pop-up shop, personal styling or closet organizing, visit the link in Kappus’ bio @urbanrenewaldesign on Instagram, or call 435-640-2636.
The Healing Hause
If ever there was a collaborative community of women helping women in business, it is The Healing Hause. The Healing Hause is home to nine like-minded inclusive wellness practitioners who have created a community for women by women. The collective includes Dana Ball, founder and director of the Carolina School of Bodywork and owner and Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) of Sore No More; Heidi Jean-Baptiste, skin and wax guru and owner of Naked Alchemy; Casey Childs, LMT and owner of Rooted Restorative Massage and Bodywork; Sarah Familar-Ragsdale, Somatic coach, Reiki master and spiritual teacher, as well as co-owner of Seva Body Mind Soul with her wife Mina Familar-Ragsdale, who is also a Reiki master and LMT; Jennifer Hirchert, midwife and gynecological guide; Kat McMahan, therapist and owner of Heartlines Counseling Services; Danni Dixon, owner of Envisioned Births Doula Services and Trained Lactation Professional; and Michelle Hart, the creative mind behind Palmetto Snapshots.
While each of these women run their individual businesses based on their unique skill sets, they are also on a mission to move forward in community, supporting one another by constantly referring business to each other and by promoting their sister businesses on social media and at networking events. Further, as Sarah Familiar-Ragsdale says, “Here at The Healing Hause, we want our clients to feel welcome and included as we help them to become healthier and better in every aspect of their lives.”
To learn more about the services offered by The Healing Hause and how its practitioners will support you in body, mind and soul work, visit Facebook.com/HealingHause.
Whether it’s helping women look and feel their best, giving women the opportunity to earn income or by healing the mind, body and spirit, these women are going farther faster because they understand the power of supporting one another. The passion they have for their businesses runs deeper than working to make a living; it’s a calling. By embracing the importance of networking, connectivity and the knowledge that there is enough business for everyone, their success — and yours — is inevitable.
By Sarah Rose
