For entrepreneur Corrie Silvers, owning her party planning business, Teacups & Trucks, is “a dream.” “I’m 41 and this is my first business,” she said. “I thought it was going to be a little side job, something I would do for fun. But it’s just grown, and it keeps growing. We went from planning kids’ parties to hosting them at our store, teaching […]
Charleston Women in Business
Zee Patel: Bits of Lace
Zee Patel was a pro in the restaurant business. As an owner of Quiznos, Cold Stone Creamery and Salsarita’s, she had lots of experience with pleasing people. But a chance suggestion changed her career path and, eight years ago, she found herself taking over as chief executive officer of Charleston’s most exclusive lingerie shop, Bits of Lace. She hasn’t […]
Heather Ackermann: ARTspiration
Heather Ackermann is not one to let a good idea escape into the ether. The notion to begin ARTspiration, for example, uttered into her mind while driving through East Cooper traffic with her family – and she was swift to latch onto it. Today, her walk-in art studio is bustling with talented adults and children. “I started this business because local places to create […]
Caroline Robinson: Drift Charleston
For Caroline Robinson, owner of Drift Charleston, the breeze and tide have always acted as guides, navigating her career in fashion. A lover of the sea, nature and all things tropical, her voyage into crafting earthy yet elegant jewelry and swimwear was an evident one. Since opening in 2013, Drift has kept the good folks of Mount Pleasant and beyond looking beachy chic in laid-back resort wear and must-have accessories. “The idea for Drift […]
Taryn Gadbois: Eclectic Finds
When Debbie Geeter asked her daughter, Taryn Gadbois, if she’d like to be her own boss, Taryn immediately said yes. The two had worked together before and got along well. “We had an amazing, great time working together,” said Debbie. The mother-daughter team opened Eclectic Finds, near Mathis Ferry Road on Highway 17 in Mount Pleasant, in mid-April. The 14,000-square-foot vendor […]
Windi McKeithan of The Ragamuffin Children’s Boutique
Right off Shem Creek on Coleman Boulevard sits a small conglomerate of children’s clothing stores that have become a staple to the Mount Pleasant community. Those stores are The Ragamuffin Children’s Boutique, Stride Rite Shoes and Radical Rags — all owned and operated by Windi McKeithan for the past 34 years. McKeithan herself is a […]
Lisa Carrels of For the House, “The Barstool Shop”
CW: How do you find your passion? “I always wanted to be a business owner, as I had worked retail (store management/advisory positions) most of my life, but just didn’t know what type of business I wanted to own. I came into the shop looking for a table — it was the existing shop with a […]
Jennifer Emplit: Eucalyptus Wellness Company
New business owners Janis and Jennifer Emplit have experienced life together as mother and daughter and are now excited to take their next journey together with Eucalyptus Wellness Company. “Our store showcases over 2,300 natural products that include vitamins, supplements, herbs, teas and body care products. We find the best products both locally and nationally that are non-GMO (genetically modified […]
Jordan Eads: Merle Norman Cosmetic Studios
For Jordan Eads, makeup artist and franchise owner of Merle Norman Cosmetics, a business built on beauty and color was a clear choice. Fueled by a love of bringing out the best in others, she makes daily transformations in her studio on Coleman Boulevard. “I really enjoy the work I do – helping women look and feel beautiful. It’s rewarding getting someone in […]
Chris McFarlane: Mount Pleasant Mall
Chris McFarlane, manager of Mount Pleasant Mall, is certainly one very busy lady. She oversees the operations of 140 participating vendors – approximately 95 percent of them are women – giving her the opportunity to help keep businesses viable, solvent and secure. Emphasizing the importance of maintaining a sense of community, Chris revealed that “Many of our vendors are from different walks of life – single […]