What was your experience before you became principal at OCA? I began my career as a teacher for “at-risk” students in Charleston County. After earning a master’s degree in school counseling from The Citadel, I became a counselor at Summerville High School. After earning another master’s degree, this time in educational leadership, I worked at […]
Charleston Women in Business
Kristy Ellisor at Convergent Financial Group
Kristy Ellisor, head of marketing and communications for Convergent Financial Group, says it was natural for her to launch what has become a rewarding career. Working with her husband, Jeremy, has been a bonus. As a college student many years ago, she worked at a publishing company in various roles and eventually ended up assisting […]
Melissa Kiddy of McCay Kiddy
Melissa Kiddy is not only into numbers but she also has a crazy love for Mickey Mouse, which, at one point in time, inspired her to run marathons and half-marathons at Disney World. She said, “We love doing Disney races. We just have a good time with it — I’m not fast at all.” When […]
Sharon Campbell and Darla Miller of Backyard Retreats
Backyard Retreats, located at 554 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., is known to many locals as the “outdoor furniture boutique.” With a variety of outdoor furniture options, Backyard Retreats is a one-stop-shop for outstanding, quality products available in various materials, designed for the outdoor oasis of your dreams. A reputable company in the community and in the […]
Ayelet Gilady of Diamonds Direct
There are not many people who can say they’ve been a soldier, an advertising executive, an attorney, a gemologist and a mother. Meet someone who can — Ayelet Gilady. Gilady is the general manager of Diamonds Direct in Charleston. Although the company has locations all over the country, there is a great deal of autonomy […]
Laying a Foundation for Growth: Local Women in Construction Lead the Way for More Women to Enter the Field
In less than a year, the Palmetto Chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) is already the largest and fastest-growing chapter in the South Atlantic Region. Over 70 women, many who live and work in Mount Pleasant, participate in this active group. NAWIC is a place where women in construction can find […]
Prost! A Toast to Women Brewers, Past and Present
Depending upon who you talk to — and how many pints they’ve consumed — beer was first brewed as far back as 7,000 years ago in Mesopotamia, or possibly China, or possibly even in a primitive Europe. But, not in Milwaukee. And, “Laverne and Shirley” notwithstanding, the common perception is that beer brewing has always […]
Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette: Champion of Business Growth, Education and Family Values
As the granddaughter of Polish immigrants, Pamela Evette learned from an early age how blessed she is to have been born here in the land of opportunity. And as her life has unfolded, she has seen firsthand how determination and hard work can lead to success. Evette completed a bachelor’s degree in business administration and […]
Jenn Cady of Jenn Cady Photography
These days, everyone with an iPhone thinks they can be a great photographer — but very few Instagrammers understand the art and science of a perfect photo the way Jenn Cady does. With a number of raving fans at the national and local level, as well as a sterling reputation for delivering beautiful, on-brand photos […]
Pamela Bowen of Old Hat Vintage
Old Hat Vintage, a retail store offering a unique assortment of vintage and antique items along with handmade goods and custom re-upholstered furniture, is building quite the reputation as the place to go. Located in beautiful, revitalized Park Circle, Pamela Bowen and her husband, Dion Bowen, are thrilled with their success. “My husband is my […]
