American Business Women’s Day: Women Supporting Women
As we ride out the waves of 2020, we are so grateful for the community of strong women and female entrepreneurs that anchors us, inspires us, and guides us safely to port.
This year’s ever-changing tides have been particularly challenging for small businesses, so in recognition of American Business Women’s Day, we’re celebrating female entrepreneurs and women-owned small businesses that embody both grit and grace.
We celebrate American Business Women’s Day on September 22, the anniversary of the foundation of the American Business Women’s Association (ABWA). The ABWA mission is “to bring together businesswomen of diverse occupations and to provide opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership; education, networking support and national recognition.”
At Grit & Grace Studio, we firmly believe in women supporting women, and we hope you’ll join us in celebrating each of these amazing women as we learn about what it means to be a female entrepreneur in their own words.
Celebrating Female Entrepreneurs and Women-owned Businesses
Rachel Gordon
Grit & Grace Studio
Rachel Gordon is the captain behind the coastal lifestyle brand Grit & Grace Studio.
This female entrepreneur is half mermaid, half oyster recycling eco-warrior; she somehow manages to wear multiple hats each day with grace and gratitude.
Grit & Grace Studio is proud to employ a team of more than 10 women. To date, we have recycled more than 5,000 gallons of oyster shells from Charleston area restaurants back to local oyster reef restoration projects.
Why are the qualities of grit and grace more important for now women-owned businesses than ever?
2020 is like the Wild Wild West when it comes to owning and running a business.
There is an incredible amount of opportunity, but also many dangerous waters to navigate.
With these challenging times, courage, perseverance, and GRIT push me through from one day to the next, and GRACE is the tenderness and joy that holds me together while adjusting the sails.
Why is women supporting women such an integral part of Grit & Grace Studio?
“Grit & Grace” are the words of encouragement that my mother always praised and blessed me with.
Whenever I was in conflict, she instilled in me that I had everything I needed to overcome the situation because I had grit and grace to carry me through. Not only did she encourage me with these words, but I also witnessed her embody the very essence of grit and grace throughout her 15-year battle with cancer.
In honor of my mother, I created Grit & Grace (the business) 4 years after she died. Her fierce support of me, and the women in her tribe, are the foundation and ethos that this company embodies and runs on everyday.
I am honored to support and be supported by so many inspiring, kind, hardworking, creative, female trailblazers. The daily practice of supporting women honors myself, my (teammates or coworkers), women all over the world, and my mom everyday, and for that, I am blessed and grateful beyond measure.
Stephanie Summerson Hall
Estelle Colored Glass
Stephanie Summerson Hall is a self-made female entrepreneur and the visionary behind the woman-owned small business Estelle Colored Glass.
This hardworking lawyer-turned-glassware-designer draws inspiration from vintage glassware and modern color palettes to create a stunning line of contemporary entertaining pieces. Estelle Colored Glass has been featured in Southern Living, Architectural Digest, Charleston Weddings Magazine, and Domino, and Beyonce.com.
photo credit: Catherine Hurt Photography
What inspired you to leave your practice as a lawyer to start your own business?
This was never an original plan. I developed an event rental concept for family members to run and had to join to protect my investment, and this is how I got my start as an entrepreneur.
photo credit: Catherine Hurt Photography
What has been the most challenging part of being a woman-owned business?
The hardest part of being a woman-owned business is being taken seriously and finding a strong network of other women to network with who are focused on the core elements of running a business rather than the enjoyable aspects of the running the business.
photo credit: Catherine Hurt Photography
Clara Bailey
MacBailey Candle Company
Clara Bailey is half of the husband-wife powerhouse team behind artisan candle company MacBailey Candle Co.
Known for their gorgeous Charleston-inspired vessels and their focus on sustainability, MacBailey Candle Co. hand pours delicately fragranced 100% soy wax candles that enhance your home decor and the atmosphere of any room.
Looking at these sophisticated products, you’d never guess Clara and Rich started MacBailey Candle Co. in their kitchen.
What does your unique perspective as a female entrepreneur bring to MacBailey Candle Company?
I am the one that keeps everything together and organized. I am a great multi-tasker so I can work on several projects at once and keep them moving!
What advice would you give other women who dream of starting a small business?
Go for it! Take small steps to following your dream, and your passion will show through your business. Also, find out what your weaknesses are and get help in those areas!
Quiana Parler
Ranky Tanky
Quiana Parler is so dear to our hearts and such an inspiration here at Grit & Grace Studio.
Long before this female entrepreneur made waves for receiving a Grammy with Ranky Tanky for their powerful album Good Time, Quiana was rocking stages around the Lowcountry and the nation. Her road to success started in church at the age of 8 and has included performances on the stage for the Country Music Awards and the American Music Awards; we can’t wait to see where Quiana goes next.
What other female entrepreneurs inspire you?
I am inspired by every woman who is thriving and surviving in a male-dominated world. We work, take care of our families, and still manage to make it happen in the workplace.
Being a business owner is no easy task: as women, we’re still fighting to be treated fairly and equally. It takes a strong woman to step out and face the world head-on as an entrepreneur and not give up.
My first encounter with a strong female business owner in Charleston was fashionista Nancy Lerner of Nancy’s on King Street. I met Nancy as a teenager, and her big personality could not be missed. Nancy closed her store after being in business for 50 years. Talk about bravery and endurance. She’s still my good friend, and I seek wisdom from her even today.
photo credit: @celinepinget
I am especially inspired by my local friends and business owners Rachel Gordon of Grit & Grace, Stacia Dawson of Sole to Soul Boutique, Designer Daisy Finley of Cuts & Cuffs Company, and many more. I am so blessed to be surrounded by so many female entrepreneurs who are still standing even through adversity.
“Who run the world? Girls.” - Beyoncé
Balancing a career with being a single mom can be an intimidating juggling act. What words of wisdom do you have for the other mommas out there?
Being a single mom and balancing my career has been an interesting venture for me. I remember going back on stage the week after giving birth.
I had a responsibility to maintain my home that I just closed on a few weeks before giving birth, as well as making sure my son was taken care of financially. I have a very strong support system, which has allowed me to continue touring and maintaining my business here in Charleston. It all goes back to being a woman: it’s in our DNA to make it happen.
As a single mom, I’ve made it my duty to not fail and keep pushing down barrier walls that the general public has no idea we face as business owners. When he becomes a man, I want my son to be able to tell the story of how his mom traveled for work and never skipped a beat as it pertained to his upbringing, needs, and wants.
With all that being said, the words of wisdom I would give to women are: stand tall and strong and know that you are deserving of the life you create and want. It’s ok to grow at your own pace, and though you may face adversity, don’t give up. Just ask, and it will be given.
Carley Waters
Poppy + Sage
Carley and her husband Robert are the driving forces behind Poppy + Sage, a sustainable fashion brand focused on making the world a better place for the artisan communities, the fashion industry, and the environment.
You can spot their on-trend rattan, straw, and woven handbags on the historic streets of Charleston, and each piece provides job security and fair wages for a woman abroad.
As a brand, what does it mean to turn women supporting women from a goal to a practice?
At our core, we have always wanted to drive a positive social impact. We launched our business with handmade artisans' goods from Bali, and we enjoyed getting to know each of the women personally in Bali who create our woven treasures. To see the real impact in their lives is a joy, and we are thrilled to be able to support these hardworking artisans.
Since we started POPPY + SAGE, we have expanded into employing the craftsmanship of many, many more artisans, and practicing this is essential to our core success.
As a business owner, I believe that "a rising tide lifts all boats," and we feel that by partnering with women who may not otherwise have the opportunity to work in a standard corporate work environment, we're helping them take control of their future actively!
What is your hope for woman-owned small businesses for the future?
I hope that woman-owned small businesses continue on the path of exponential growth and infinite success! I believe that the strength of woman-owned businesses is the drive to continually reinvest in their communities as well as their employees and customers’ best interest.
Supporting woman-owned businesses and, in turn, their female employees continues to drive growth and success for all involved, which is essential to achieving social business equality.
Kat Hammond
Kat Hammond of Merriwillow Photography is the maven behind the lens here at Grit & Grace Studio, and we are so very grateful for her talents and creative eye.
When she’s not making our oyster jewelry dishes shine, Kat works her magic with newborns, expectant mothers, and sweet families to create heartwarming, heirloom images that will be cherished for generations to come.
Is there a female entrepreneur who has mentored or impacted you along the way?
Absolutely! And she is the sole reason why I am where I am today!
Before I was a full-time photographer, I was a professional photo editor for other photographers. I would edit hundreds of beautiful photos a day, just longing to be the one behind the lens.
I quickly befriended an editing client of mine, Sarah Jordan of Miles of Smiles Photography in Austin, Texas. I often spoke to her about my desire for a full-time photography business and my hesitance to jump in.
After some encouragement, I opened a part-time photography studio, dipped my toes in, and when the business side of things got difficult, I panicked and wanted to give up. I was scared and felt lost in it all.
The very day that I had papers in my hand to close my doors permanently, I spoke to Sarah and told her the news.
Like a motivational scene from Braveheart, Sarah passionately told me that I cannot give up. She said, “You have come so far, there is no reason to give up now! I’m here for you, and I’m going to help you get where you need to be.” I was moved to tears that someone else wanted to support my life’s work.
From that day on, Sarah has been a rock for me and my business. She has gracefully guided me through self-doubtful moments, financial scares, and has been there to celebrate great successes with me along the way. She has been there as an incredibly supportive business mentor and more importantly, a friend. Merriwillow Photography would not exist today without this wonderful woman’s business-minded brain, love, and support!
What’s an advantage of being a woman-owned small business?
When I first entered the small business world, I will admit I was intimidated! I wasn’t sure how I “fit in” with other small business owners and their journeys. When I started Merriwillow, I joined several groups, locally and online to help feel like I “belonged” in this business world.
The best thing that has come out of being a women-owned small business is finding other women who are just like me. The sense of community, support, and love that I feel from my small business colleagues are unrivaled. The business journey is so much more enjoyable when you have strong, like-minded women along for the ride with you!
Casey Garvin
Foxy Fossils
Casey Garvin is passionate about fossils - so passionate that this female entrepreneur transformed her beachcombing hobby into a woman-owned business: Foxy Fossils.
Foxy Fossils creates one-of-a-kind jewelry for men and women that fuses a sense of adventure with a love of the sea.
While her shark tooth necklaces and cuff links are some of her most popular designs, Casey also designs gorgeous “vertebracelets” and stingray barb pendants.
What has having a woman-owned small business taught you about life?
I have always been a nature-loving, outdoor-exploring, fossil-hunting water baby so fossil hunting and collecting is and always will be a part of who I am. I also come from a family that is very creative and self-taught in the arts (pottery, painting, printmaking, etc.).
I have always been into making jewelry for friends and family, especially using something I find fascinating, such as fossils that date back millions of years and tell a story within a story. Combining these two was natural for me, and when my friends’ friends and random strangers reached out wanting a piece of my handmade fossil jewelry, little did I know that it wouldn’t slow down from there.
The encouragement and positive feedback and sales all represented a profitable passion that step-by-step led me to start Foxy Fossils as an official business.
photo credit: Ethan Levine of Ethan Taylor Creative
How did you turn your passion into a business?
When you create something based on passion and purpose, your community and fellow woman-owned small businesses want to see you succeed and flourish just as much as you want to see them reach new levels of success, which is very empowering.
I have found that being a small woman-owned business (especially located in Charleston, SC) has taught me to keep learning, keep connecting with others, and that there are so many amazing resources right at our fingertips waiting to help in any way needed if you just ask for help.
Neely Woodson Powell
Charleston Shoe Co.
Neely Woodson stepped into the world of entrepreneurship as a college student, and today her line of comfortable, stylish shoes can be found from Miami to New York and Newport Beach to Nantucket.
Known for creating versatile footwear that easily carries you from “cobblestone to cocktails”, Neely launched her wholesale line in 2011, and the Charleston Shoe Co. line is now sold in over 300 boutiques across the US.
Where did you get your entrepreneurial spirit?
Growing up in a family with both parents having an incredible drive and passion for business, it was in my blood from a very early age to start a business.
Watching my mother grow her business from the ground up and into the success that it is still is today has been a constant source of inspiration.
From the moment I realized that Charleston Shoe had incredible potential, I was ready to pull up my bootstraps and make it happen no matter what!
How do you overcome obstacles as a woman-owned small business?
Being a woman in a predominantly male business was very exciting in the beginning. When the business first started to take over, I was changing the way that people bought shoes - no longer from men behind desks but from women on the road selling in different ways. From visiting my mother’s trade shows and selling directly to the women working the booths to visiting any and every trunk show that I could, it gave customers a much more personal connection to the brand.
Additionally, it was rare to see a woman designing shoes for women - knowing what it's like to stand in heels all day and wanted to look great but feel even better no matter what the day brought. Knowing that the designer could relate to every woman’s shoe frustrations really resonates in our product and with our customers.
Our comfort and classically timeless styles just make sense for any wardrobe because we are designing for our friends, mothers, and daughters. I truly believe that hard work, determination, and passion are the only ways to succeed in any line of work, all of which I used to think outside of the box and create a new way of doing an age-old business. I didn’t see it as an obstacle, but yet as a fun opportunity and adventure.
Reese Moore
Reese Moore Photography
Reese Moore has been behind the lens for more than a decade.
She’s photographed everything from Grammy Award-winning artists to renowned chefs cooking on molten glass surfaces to some really ornery goats, but corporate events and festivals, branding photography, and portraiture remain a constant in Reese’s career.
What advice do you have for female photographers that are just starting out?
Be patient with yourself. Allow yourself to grow, to change course, and to change your mind. Be aware of imposter syndrome, and know your worth. Seek out mentors, and never be afraid to ask questions.
Most of all, remember what attracted you to photography in the first place and hold onto that feeling.
What is your favorite thing to capture/photograph and why?
I really love working with people. The best feeling is when you know you’ve captured and preserved a little piece of someone’s story. That can be the story of expecting a new family member, reuniting with old friends, or someone chasing that dream and opening their first restaurant.
Preserving that genuine moment of contentment, joy, or even fragility is why I continue to pick up my camera. Those moments are the fabric of simply being human, which is an experience we all share in. Bringing it to light in a beautiful way is a calling.
Melissa Fiske
As we sail through the choppy waters of this unpredictable year, marketing guru Melissa Fiske provides the beacon of light that guides our way.
Melissa specializes in helping women-owned small businesses and female entrepreneurs realize their dreams and maximize their potential. With more than ten years of marketing experience, she brings an exceptional skill set, drive, optimism, and a beautiful smile to the table.
photo credit: Lindsay Webber
You specialize in helping women-owned businesses. What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
I started focusing on marketing “coaching” specifically because I find it much more rewarding to give women business owners the tools and confidence they need to help grow their business on their own or with their own team. It’s more affordable for them, and it makes their marketing more authentic- which is something I’m a big believer we need more of in marketing: authenticity.
Watching these women’s businesses grow by using the tools and direction I give them is so much more satisfying to me than collecting a salary or paycheck for just doing it for them.
What words of encouragement do you have for struggling female entrepreneurs?
Be gentle with yourself, take it day by day, and use the time to evaluate your work, your life, and your goals.
When I tragically lost my brother several years ago, I took a step back and a long hard look at my marketing consulting business. I evaluated everything I was doing and envisioned the businesses I wanted to be running. (What is now Local 44 North)
I survived by taking it day by day. I started making small changes here and there, setting goals, and just doing what I could every day to work towards the new business I was envisioning. Some days just taking care of my basic needs was all I could manage, and I told myself that that was okay. I was gentle with myself.
There’s a quote that says, “We overestimate how much we can get done in a day but underestimate how much we can get done in a year.” This is absolutely true!
Carrie Morey
Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit
When it comes to boss babes, Carrie Morey is pretty much the greatest thing since sliced bread. Carrie built her biscuit empire from scratch in 2005, and today her fluffy, buttery treats have graced the pages of Saveur, Food & Wine, The New York Times, and Oprah.
Callie’s Hot Little Biscuits has evolved to be much more than delightful baked goods, however, Carrie consults for other artisan food business entrepreneurs, mentors for the USC Darla Moore Bus School, and authored Callie’s Biscuits and Southern Traditions, a cookbook and narrative on entrepreneurship and life in the Lowcountry.
photo credit: @callieshotlittlebiscuit
After 15 years in business, what has been your proudest moment as a female entrepreneur?
There have been so many proud moments, but one of my proudest is having conversations with our daughters when they express interest in being an entrepreneur and seeing their work ethic rival mine.
I also see this in some of our team members – that, too, is equally proud for me... To see someone work just as hard for the goals you've set for your company is incredibly satisfying. I am very lucky to have some amazing people in my life that I hope I inspire, as they certainly inspire me.
photo credit: @callieshotlittlebiscuit
What inspired you to start Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit?
I founded Callie’s because I wanted a way to fuel my passion, which was working in the food sector, but I also wanted to be there for my 3 daughters.
I didn’t want to miss out on picking them up from school, sporting events, and evening suppers. It was super important for me to create my own path where I could focus just as much on our girls as I could building a business.
photo credit: @callieshotlittlebiscuit
Celebrate the female entrepreneurs in your life and honor their grit during life’s ebbs and flows with one of our intentional Lowcountry jewelry designs:
Let our Grit Adjustable Bolo Necklace remind her she has the grit it takes to create a pearl in any situation.
The Moxie Necklace will encourage her to remember that rough waters make strong mermaids.
Tell her, “The world is your oyster!” with our signature Gilded Oyster Jewelry Dish.
Here’s to the incredible network of women-owned small businesses and female entrepreneurs that inspire, motivate, and keep us laughing through life’s waves. We salute you!
One Love & Blessings,