This month, Monthly invited local women in business, education, sports and the arts to discuss their work and how they define success.
In their profiles, these Lowcountry influencers share advice and connect across a diverse range of expertise and industries. They discuss their obstacles, accomplishments, backgrounds, motivation and the people who have inspired them.
From the owners of small family businesses to the team that leads the Hilton Head Public Service District, these local women have made a positive impact in the community. They are the leading ladies of the Lowcountry — women in charge who make Hilton Head and Bluffton better places to live.
» THE LEADING LADIES OF STONEWORKS
StoneWorks is a leading resource for porcelain, quartz, granite, marble and tile. Our craftsmanship with state-of-the-art fabrication facilities and a vast stock of materials on hand can deliver “inspiration to installation” within 5 business days.
» THE LEADING LADY OF J. BANKS DESIGN GROUP
The global appeal of Lowcountry elegance can be traced back to the success of one firm: J Banks Design Group. And the success of J. Banks Design Group? Well, you can thank Joni Vanderslice for that. She supplemented her own talents by surround-ing herself with a world-class team and changed the Lowcountry. We find out how she did it.
» ALLIANCE DANCE ACADEMY’S LEADING LADIES
Rochelle Clarkson opened Alliance Dance Academy four years ago, having danced for over 50 years with a career as a dancer, artist and instructor who has helped launched hundreds of careers. A mentor and professional with a passion for dance, she shares her thoughts on bridging the artistic and business worlds.
» THE LEADING LADY OF TERRA’S HAIR SALON
Women already face a unique set of challenges when creating a successful business, and those challenges multiply when your name is on the sign. Terra Scoggins has handled those challenges with a smile, establishing Terra’s Hair Salon as the island’s go-to destination for fabulous looks.
» LEADING LADIES OF HILTON HEAD PSD
Founded in 1969, Hilton Head PSD has provided clean water and friendly service to the island as it has grown from a sleepy golf resort into a busy community. We asked a few of their leading ladies about their work at HHPSD and their lives as women in the industry.
» THE LEADING LADIES OF KELLY CARON DESIGNS
Since opening up her own boutique design studio in Bluffton five years ago, Kelly Caron has been at the vanguard of the Lowcountry look, creating some of the most dazzling interiors in the South. We caught up with her to get a few tricks of the trade.
» LEADING LADIES OF CERA PRODUCTS
Launched in 1993 by Charlene Riikonen, Cera Products encompasses a whole line of cutting edge hydration products used by every-one from pro athletes to Army Rangers and other military Special Operations. Today Riikonen runs the company with her daughter, Jennifer Gurrola at her side.
» THE LEADING LADY OF THE ART OF MASSAGE AND YOGA/HERB ROOM
April Lewis lives and breathes wellness. Both through The Art of Massage and The Herb Room, she is committed to helping women feel their best. We found out how it all started for her.
» THE LEADING LADY OF ORANGETHEORY FITNESS
When Kelly Ogden launched her Orangetheory Fitness location on Hilton Head Island, she brought one of the most innovative fitness experiences in the world to our little island. Here she shares a few thoughts on how that happened.
» THE LEADING LADY OF HHI BUILDERS
If there is one industry that is the most difficult for women to break into, it is definitely construction. However as a co-owner of HHI Builders, Danielle Young handles the boy’s club with ease. Working side by side with her husband & their talented team of craftsmen they have transformed numerous villas & homes on Hilton Head Island. Her attention to detail and her commit-ment to excellence is unparalled. Handling design projects, power tools, or P&L’s Danielle excels in all aspects of the business.
» THE LEADING LADIES OF HERITAGE FINE JEWELRY
When Patti Catalano brought her business, Heritage Fine Jewelry, to Hilton Head 30 years ago, she launched a family legacy. Today, her sons, as well as daughter Jennifer Lance, join her in a business that has consistently raised the bar for exqui-site jewelry on Hilton Head Island.
» THE LEADING LADY OF BLUFFTON AESTHETICS
Ingrid Nivens has long played a leading role in the spinal medicine practice run by her husband, Dr. David Nivens. With Bluffton Aesthetics, she steps into the spotlight at the helm of a full-service medical spa. Here she shares her thoughts on building her own legacy of quality care.
» LEADING LADIES OF CHARLIE’S L’ETOILE VERTE
Margaret Pearman has spent the last 10 years as the face of her father’s restau-rant, Charlie’s L’Etoile Verte. Starting out clearing tables at age 10, she has a unique perspective on both taking charge of the family business and being a woman in a leadership role at an island institution.
» THE LEADING LADY OF JAVA BURRITO
For six years, Java Burrito has been keeping Hilton Head Island caffeinated and satisfied with their premium burritos and fresh experience. And leading the way has been owner Frederika Liene Feketé. Pour a cup of joe and hear a few thoughts on her success.
» THE LEADING LADY OF COASTAL LONG-TERM RENTAL COMPANY
Broker-in-Charge Laura Wuller became the owner of Coastal Long-Term Rental Company, LLC in 2013 following a ten-year career in both the rental and real estate industries.
» THE LEADING LADIES OF ISLAND GETAWAY
For 20 years, Sarah Brooks and her hus-band Todd have been at the helm of Island Getaway, the business founded by Sarah’s father in the late ’80s. Under their lead-ership, and with the help of their staff, it has grown into one of the island’s leading vacation rental companies.
» THE LEADING LADY OF EVERLASTING MEMORIES
Sarah Wright came to the Lowcountry from Tennessee, and has made her mark on the Lowcountry by creat-ing some of its most memorable events. Her business, Everlasting Memories, runs the gamut from weddings to corporate events, adding flair to each and giving clients peace of mind that their day will be spectac-ular. We picked her brain to see what it’s like being a woman in her field.
» THE LEADING LADIES OF AL & HARRY’S HOME FASHIONS
You have no doubt seen the adorable storefront of Al & Harry’s Home Fashions while wandering Calhoun Street, and perhaps wandered in to check out the dazzling home décor within. The story behind the storefront, that of owner Alison Fargione, is equally inspiring.
» BROAD SMILES AT BROAD CREEK MARINA ADVENTURES
Encompassing some of the island’s most exciting attractions and one of its most beloved restaurants, Broad Creek Marina Adventures brings together ZipLine HH, Aerial Adventure HH, Broad Creek Marina and Up the Creek Pub & Grill. And, coming soon, the adrenaline-pumping fun of GoKart HH.
Paula Traver has become a fixture on the island as a member of Sea Pines Real Estate and as a local leader in the industry, with TV appearances adding to her already high profile. We asked her a few questions on what makes up her secret to success.
» LEADING LADY OF INNOVATIVE POOL & SPA
You might know Innovative Pool & Spa as the experts responsible for the dazzling pool at this year’s HGTV Dream House. Now take a look behind the scenes and meet Lisa Mapp, their leading lady.
» THE LEADING LADY OF SAN MIGUEL’S
San Miguel’s is famous for its margaritas and Mexi-Cali favorites, but it’s equally famous for its friendly staff. Owner Maryanne Laskowitz knows this very well, and wanted to introduce you to some of the restaurant’s leading ladies.
» THE LEADING LADIES OF BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOME SERVICES
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Hilton Head Bluffton Realty places a premium on serving cli ents by iden-tifying individual client real estate goals and work ing diligently to real-ize them. The brokerage aims to forge long-term relationships rooted in integrity and open dialogue.The Hilton Head-Bluffton team took time recently to answer some questions.
» LEADING LADIES OF ENLITEN SALON
Enliten, a premier salon on the south end of Hilton Head Island, special-izes in haircuts, color, hair styling, extensions, Keratin smoothing treat-ments and more. Owner Rachel Mayoh took time out of her busy day recently to answer a few questions.
» THE LEADING LADIES OF NAMI LOWCOUNTRY
The Lowcountry branch of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, NAMI Lowcountry has dedicated itself to improving the lives of those with mental illness and their fami-lies throughout the Lowcountry. We spoke with board member Felicia Vairo and board president Michelle Casey to get their thoughts on the work they do and the challenges they face.
» THE LEADING LADIES AT HOUSE OF DESIGN
Jackie Spooner and Patty Small have been combining their considerable talents since 1998, changing interior design one home at a time as the leading ladies of House of Design.
» THE LEADING LADY OF HILTON HEAD DANCE SCHOOL & THEATRE
Karena Brock-Carlyle, former principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre, considers her life today as her third act. Following a successful career on the stage, one that saw her dance at the White House twice and partner with the likes of Rudolph Nureyev and Mikhail Baryshnikov, and a second act as the Artistic Director for the Savannah Ballet, she came to Hilton Head in 1985 to start her own school and company.
» LEADING LADIESAT HILTON HEAD CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
Since 1979, Hilton Head Christian Academy has been a leader in Lowcountry educa-tion, broadening horizons and molding the leaders of tomorrow. We asked members of the HHCA guidance team: “What’s the most important part of your job?” Here’s what they said.
As an organization, SERG Group is no stranger to elevating women to posi-tions of leadership. Across the board, in nearly every capacity, you’ll find a woman helping create the dining experience that has made SERG Group successful. One such example is Lori Taylor, who led the charge into Bluffton with the opening of Giuseppi’s Pizza and Pasta Bluffton and has been a mainstay ever since.
» THE LEADING LADIES OF OAK ADVISORS, LLC
Oak Advisors, LLC built their reputation on their personable service and thorough attention to detail when it comes to pro-tecting their clients’ financial interests. We talked to a few of their leading ladies about the business.
» TRACY DAYTON: THE LEADING LADY OF LOWCOUNTRY REAL ESTATE
Tracy Dayton of Charter One Realty gives her clients exemplary real estate service from start to finish. Respect, communication, and pro-fessionalism are part of her work ethic as a full-time agent dedicated to client satisfaction.
