Charleston Women in Business

Hannah Hipps didn’t know much about tanning or the tanning business before opening Sun Station Tanning Studios with husband Bryan in 2006. He already owned a small airbrush tanning business when he floated the idea of opening a full-service, high-end tanning salon in Mount Pleasant. Hannah said yes. “Fast forward to to eight years later. We have four locations,” she said. […]

When Karen Boals took a job at a Mount Pleasant frame shop 30 years ago, she had no idea it would become a lifelong passion. “I needed a job and that was that,” she remembered. “I turned out loving it. When I worked for Tom Tanis, there was a little sign called ‘Karen’s Korner,’ and that was where I sat and assembled my work. […]

CW: When did you decide to go into the business you are in?“My business started as a hobby. First, hand-painting children’s clothing and gift items, then I switched to applique. I did pop-up shows in homes, local craft shows and then advanced to holiday markets, etc., across the country before establishing a permanent brick and […]

CW: How did the both of you decide to go into business together? Grayson (daughter): “My parents have been in insurance since 1983. After college, I was truly unsure which career path I wanted to take, so I started off by working that summer as a receptionist in the office. I slowly started to learn […]

Almost 20 years ago, Drs. Leslie and David Steele founded Advanced Animal Care of Mount Pleasant. This neighborhood hospital has earned praise and recognition for quality care and a fear-free approach. “We don’t restrain pets forcibly or reinforce their fear-based behaviors,” said Dr. Leslie Steele. “We help clients gradually condition behaviors with positive interactions, rather […]

You have undoubtedly heard of her restaurants. Wild Wing Cafe. Red’s Ice House. And the latest rave, Tavern & Table. But most folks have never met one of the masterminds behind the wildly successful and fun restaurants. Dianne Crowley, an energetic and passionate business-woman, grew up near the water in Melbourne, Florida. She pursued a broadcasting and advertising degree at the University […]

With a talented team of six dentists on hand at Pleasant Family Dentistry, it’s no wonder that all of their patients feel welcomed with each and every appointment. Dr. Lauren Callison and Dr. Lynnette Shugan have played an integral role in caring for those in the Lowcountry, working hard to “achieve optimum oral health that […]

Those who have ventured to Jean’s Bridal in Mount Pleasant, an institution of bridal couture and formal wear, aren’t likely to be surprised that owner Jean Wellmon has had years of experience in the retail business profession – years that taught her the patience and dedication to her clientele that Jean’s is known for. Jean began her journey in retail at […]

“Southern hospitality really means a lot to me,” said Susan Martin Stox-Yamashita, owner of salon and day spa Stox & Co. “I am Southern and I take it very seriously.” For Susan and her team, that means offering unparalleled customer service to everyone who walks through the door. “We really go above and beyond to make sure every guest is […]

Dr. Mary Anne Larkin often works long hours at Advanced Hearing Care in Mount Pleasant, the audiology practice she founded in 1993, but it’s for a good reason. “Every day I change lives in a positive way through better hearing,” she explained. Most of her patients don’t hear as well as they used to and often feel they’re missing out on […]