C4W Member Profile: Lilla Folsom

What is your profession?  Starting in TV,  I moved to marina management then worked as a chef on private yachts. I came back to Charleston to attend Culinary School at Johnson and Wales. I graduated, Hurricane Hugo hit and I got married all within a few months.  Since 1998, I have been selling real estate and writing freelance.

What do you enjoy doing outside of your career?  I an am avid surf photographer and also enjoy the cottage in Nova Scotia that my husband and I have restored.

How long have you been a member of the Center for Women?  Just joined.

What inspired you to become a member?  I like the people and the purpose. I think it’s a good place to meet like-minded professional women.

What kind of impact has the Center for Women had on you?  I can’t wait to find out.

How has living day-to-day as a woman affected you? My mother always taught me that the only shame in life isn’t failure, but not attempting. That advice has lead me on many adventures and I must say I have enjoyed my life.

What kind of message would you like to send out to women who are trying to succeed in today’s economy? Network, get as much knowledge as possible and  work by the golden rule. Also always make time to give back by mentoring someone.

How can people connect with you? I have 2 websites…www.Lilla.Net and www.LillaWrites.com.

C4W Member Profile: Hillary Hutchinson

What is your profession? Career and academic coach working with people in higher education.

What do you enjoy doing outside of your career? Hiking, birdwatching, ballroom dancing, reading

How long have you been a member of the Center for Women? Since 2007.

What inspired you to become a member? Love the idea of helping other women succeed.

What kind of impact has the Center for Women had on you? It’s been a great venue for getting the word out about the kind of work I do.

How has living day-to-day as a woman affected you? It makes a difference in everything I do, because I am always conscious of the need to be better than a man doing the same things I do; also, I have had to become aware of the cultural differences between how women and men are socialized with regard to being helpers.

What kind of message would you like to send out to women who are trying to succeed in today’s economy? Always do your best and always act in integrity with your own value system.

How can people connect with you?

Phone: 843-225-3224

Skype: hillaryhutchinson

Websites: www.TransitioningYourLife.com

http//AcademicAndLifeTransitions.com

Follow me: http://twitter.com/CoachHillary

C4W Member Profiles: Marcie Jacobs and Ellen Stebbins

What is your profession? MJ: My official title is Chief Story Starter, but I created StoryClub Games. So, as far as a profession, I suppose that makes me an entrepreneur. ES: I have been blessed with the gift of connecting people to create opportunities. My 3 companies allow me to pursue this passion! As the Vice President of StoryClub games, I am privileged to connect women and get them laughing their heads off. As the Co-Founder of The Lowcountry Business Network, I connect entrepreneurs together and get them networking in a fun and creative way. As the Co-Founder of Charleston Internet Marketing, I connect businesses to their target market! I also love to speak to various organizations on Networking, Social Media and Attitude Amid the Chaos!

What do you enjoy doing outside of your career? MJ: I love reading. Anything and everything. I also love gardening. Something about planning, selecting, arranging, and then of course, watching it grow. I love tackling a complicated recipe and making it my own. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. I used to love traveling and still have moments of wanderlust, but all in all, I love just being home. Life’s pretty simple and sweet here in the Lowcountry. ES: Exercising, traveling, boating, personal development, spending time with my family and friends.

How long have you been a member of the Center for Women? MJ: Couple of years. ES: I am a new member!

What inspired you to become a member? MJ: I was impressed the first time I met Jennet at a site visit to C4W for a Women Making a Difference grant. The C4W truly has made a difference in the lives of Lowcountry women. ES: I love what the Center For Women does for our community as a whole. It truly makes a difference in the lives of women!

What kind of impact has the Center for Women had on you? MJ: The Center has a vast cadre of programs. I’ve learned so much and, at the same time, been able to meet and network with so many fantastic Lowcountry women! ES: Jennet and Amanda have provided me with a number of opportunities to teach, learn and grow in the C4W Environment. Additionally, I am always inspired by the number of powerful women that we have here in Charleston. It has been amazing to connect with them!

How has living day-to-day as a woman affected you? MJ: As most women, my day-to-day life is based on my relationships. I understand that women connect differently than men and that our relationships are our support systems to be able to deal with all of life’s successes and failures. So, I work very hard to nurture those relationships. ES: Being an entrepreneur and a single mom has been quite a wild ride! I have built 2 companies and am starting on a 3^rd (StoryClub!). Some days it seems that every second is filled with activities. But we manage to fit everything in and still have some down time. I certainly couldn’t have done any of it without my support system – my good friends that love my children as their own, and all the members of the community that I can count on to help me with anything I need. I am eternally grateful!

What kind of message would you like to send out to women who are trying to succeed in today’s economy? MJ: Connect with other women! I read somewhere that spending time with friends is just as important to our health as working out. So cherish your girlfriends. Make time and plan get-togethers. You’ll be amazed at the inspiration and motivation that a little ‘girlfriend therapy’ offers! ES: For most of us, when things are going great, it’s easy to be good. It’s easy to be happy. But when things are not going that great, we get sad, negative and pessimistic. Sometimes, it’s very hard to look around and be grateful for the blessings we have. However, through whatever, challenges you are facing, you have to condition your mind to where very little could shake you and take you down. Know that without challenges, without setbacks, without difficulties, without chaos, you could never reach your full potential in your life. Take your challenges and tell them that they will not defeat you! YOU have a big purpose in your life and you should be determined to become who you know you are. You are powerful beyond measure! You playing it small with your attitude doesn’t serve you and it certainly doesn’t serve the world. Remember that you will always get what you give – and where your focus goes, energy flows. What you focus on will determine your outlook on life. Make sure you are focusing on the good news of THE BRIGHT SIDE which will change your attitude, your outlook and ultimately, your life!

How can people connect with you?
http://www.storyclubgames.com/
https://www.facebook.com/marcie.jacobs
https://www.facebook.com/StoryClubGames
https://twitter.com/Marcie_Jacobs
http://www.linkedin.com/in/marciejacobs

http://www.facebook.com/ellenstebbins
http://www.facebook.com/thelowcountrybusinessnetwork
http://www.facebook.com/charlestoninternetmarketing

* Women Stories Laughter
In celebration of Mom’s Day, surprise all the women in your life with exactly what they need…the best girls’ night ever with a StoryClub Game! Moms, daughters, sisters, girlfriends, etc., all love Girls’ Night StoryClub. Touted as Sex and the City meets book club, this girlfriend get-together is 100% giggles! Go to http://storyclubgames.com to order, and a $5.00 donation will be made to the Center for Women with each game purchased.

C4W Member Profile: Tina Arnold

What is your profession?  The Holistic Chick: Personal trainer and holistic health coach

What do you enjoy doing outside your career? I just love being outside and enjoying nature.  Love photography.  Of course spending time and snuggling with my two sons is the best!

How long have you been a member of C4W?  Since December 2011.  I was a member a few years ago as well.

What inspired you to become a member?  I enjoyed it when I was a member and wanted to participate in events when I can as well as meet great people.

What kind of impact has the Center for Women had on you?  Recently, I was able to  do a Brown Bag Lunch which was a really great experience.  I met and reconnected with wonderful women.  It was the exact reason I wanted to be a member again.  C4W not only allows you to network and promote your business, but also connects women with a common goal of bettering themselves and helping each other to do that.

How has living day-to-day as woman affected you?  I guess I never really thought about it, I just take each day as it comes and get through it!

What kind of message would you like to send out to women trying to succeed in today’s economy?  You may find yourself getting by in ways you never thought you would.  Just keep going, keep your vision, do whatever it takes and you will get there.

How can people connect with you?  My website is www.theholisticchick.com and I have a blog coming soon!  E-mail tina@theholisticchick.com and cell phone is 843.906.7675.

* Members, stay tuned for a special offer just for you during the month of May!

C4W Board Member Profile: Mary Peters

What is your profession?  I am founder and president of Care For Life, Inc., a geriatric care management and homecare agency established in 1995 that serves the tri-county area.

What do you enjoy doing outside of your career?  I enjoy family vacations, long distance bike riding, golf, fitness training, staying in touch with friends, new and old,  my book club and reading journals pertaining to caregiving. I am a Rotarian, and I am pleased to serve on the boards of the Hospice of Charleston Foundation and the Center for Women.

How long have you been a member of the Center for Women?  I can’t recall when I wasn’t involved with the Center for Women. 

What inspired you to become a member? Jennet and I are old friends who have always supported each other in every endeavor.  We have entrepreneurial  spirits, and want to inspire other women to take the leap of faith that is needed to begin a business or non-profit.   We are like minded in the need to help women prepare to succeed in their personal and professional lives.

How has living day-to-day as a woman affected you?  Of course, there have been challenges along the way, but I was taught to keep my integrity, first and foremost, and my focus on my ultimate goals and, of course, quitting is never an option.

What kind of message would you like to send out to women who are trying to succeed in today’s economy? I would advise them to take stock of the cost of success.  The long hours and intensity of purpose that is required can take a toll.  If there is something they feel passionate about and believe they can achieve, then preparation through training and learning to self-direct is absolutely key to succeeding in the complex, rapid-fire economy we find ourselves engaging today.

How can people connect with you? I can be reached through my office at Care For Life at 843.852.9090. Please speak with Mary Alice Keller, my Executive Assistant, if possible.

C4W Business Member Profile: Barbara Franklin, Franklin and Associates

What is your profession? Specialist in long-term care planning and financing and owner of Franklin & Associates Inc.

What do you enjoy doing outside of your career? Travel, fitness, volunteer driver for ITNCharlestonTrident (Independent Transportation Network)

How long have you been a member of the Center for Women?  15+ years

What inspired you to become a member?  I had been a member of the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, Lions and other service organizations, but I was intrigued by the idea of an organization dedicated exclusively to educating and supporting women – and particularly women in business. I was inspired to become a member because my area of professional expertise – long-term care planning – is of particular relevance to women and I felt I had something to share at the same time as I was connecting and learning from others.

What kind of impact has the Center for Women had on you?  Prior to starting Franklin & Associates I worked for 22 years in human resources with a Fortune 500 Company.  There were few women in management in those days and few role models. I learned early on that the Center for Women was FULL of role models – women who had made their mark in the community. Jennet Alterman has been a particular role model over the years as I have observed – and admired – her leadership, dedication and passion for the Center. I have also enjoyed serving on various panels and having the opportunity to educate women about long-term care planning, care giving issues as well as navigating the Medicare maze.

How has living day-to-day as a woman affected you?  I am the same as most women I know – or read about – who juggle a wide variety of roles and responsibilities every single day. For me it’s the roles of wife, business owner, mentor, daughter, caregiver, grandparent, volunteer, committee chairman among others. At times these roles conflict and are overwhelming, but I am grateful to have work that I LOVE and that enables me to make a difference in the lives of others. I am most inspired by my mother who – at age 87 – is active, engaged, volunteers two days a week, attends exercise classes and keeps in touch with her family via her iPad!

What kind of message would you like to send out to women who are trying to succeed in today’s economy? It doesn’t happen overnight. Patience and persistence must become your friends, but success can happen if you find the work you love, provide value and exceptional customer service, do the right thing even when no one is looking, and surround yourself with the best people and support services.

How can people connect with you?  843-762-4260, 800-375-0351 or barbara@franklinassociatesinc.com and www.franklinassociatesinc.com

C4W Member Profile: Christie MacConnell, SCWBC Director

What is your profession? Director of the South Carolina Women’s Business Center (SCWBC)

How long have you been a member of the Center for Women?  Approximately 9 months. I was exceptionally fortunate to have met Jennet Robinson Alterman, the Executive Director of the Center for Women, and shared with her my professional experience working for Women’s Business Centers in Maine and in upstate New York. I was able to connect with Jennet and the Center for Women when they were in the process of writing a grant and applying for funding from the US Small Business Administration to create a women’s business center in South Carolina. I was thrilled when the Center for Women received the funding and I was offered the Director’s position.

what inspired you to become a member?  The opportunity to meet, network and learn from other professional women. The work that the Center for Women has done in this community is very impressive.

What kind of impact has the Center for Women had on you? Profound, I am now the Director of the SCWBC, an affiliate of the Center for Women. The Center for Women is such a logical organization to host a Women’s Business Center. The SCWBC focuses on helping women launch and be successful small business owners. We offer free, one on one counseling, educational workshops, networking and mentoring opportunities.  For many years, the Center for Women has been helping women with their Entrepreneurial Women Series programs and the Women in Business Conference.

How has living day-to-day as a woman affected you? It makes me smile to know that there are so many great women out there will to help others!

What kind of message would you like to send out to women who are trying to succeed in today’s economy? This too shall pass, work hard and smart and believe in yourself!

How can people connect with you? I can be reached at 843.763.7333 x 212 or Christie@SCWBC.net. Please visit the SCWBC website: http://scwbc.net and on Facebook too: https://www.facebook.com/scwbc.

C4W Member Profile: Connie Filippopoulou

What is your profession?  Owner of New Beginning Consignments.

What do you enjoy doing outside of your career? I love to read, paint when possible, traveling, and taking long walks with my dogs exploring.

How long have you been a member of the Center for Women?  Just joined.

What inspired you to become a member?  The Women in Business Conference; It was inspiring and informing.

What kind of impact has the Center for Women had on you?  I feel that it is a place where I and my business can grow and become more successful through it.

How has living day-to-day as a woman affected you?  Being a woman you wear many hats, daughter, sister, mother, wife etc. You have to be strong and at times work harder and/or smarter to achieve success. As a woman and a business owner, I strive to be the best I can be in my everyday life, be resourceful, kind and compassionate and help as much as I can. Being a woman in a business world can have positive or sometimes negative affect, but I always try to focus on the positives.

What kind of message would you like to send out to women who are trying to succeed in today’s economy?  Hang in there. Be strong, patient; stay positive even if some days it may feel you want to give up. When I feel down I refer to two different quotes that I keep handy and they help me get back on track. Always remember, in the confrontation between the stream and the rock, The Stream Always Wins…Not Through Strength, But Through Persistence.

“Determination; if you want to get somewhere you have to know where you want to go and how to get there. Then, never, never, never give up.” –Norman Vincent Peale

“Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” -Thomas Edison

So ladies, Swallow your tears, stand up to your own two feet, and show them that you are not giving up. No matter what!

How can people connect with you? They can connect with me through our web site at http://newbeginningconsignments.com/, by E-mail at ConsignNB@yahoo.com, Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Newbeginningconsignments, Or by phone at 843-494-9982.

C4W Member Profile: Liz DeLoach

What is your profession? Social Media Marketing Manager and Consultant with my own company, Social Strategies.

What do you enjoy doing outside of your career? Gardening, teaching Body Pump at East Shore Athletic, writing, (which I also do within my career) volunteering, photography, socializing online and off, and spending time with my husband and two teens, and good friends. Life’s simple pleasures make me happy.

How long have you been a member of the Center for Women? I am a brand new member and very excited about the opportunities for connecting with other women. I look forward to being a resource for them, as well as getting to know and learning from them.

What inspired you to become a member? Hearing over and over again from so many friends and acquaintances what a wonderful organization this is, and realizing that I simply must be a part of it.

What kind of impact has the Center for Women had on you? I attended my first Women in Business Conference this year, and seeing the diversity of talent and opportunity that abounds here in Charleston has unleashed a flow of ideas and energy that I am already putting to use. I am confident that successive events will enable me to keep the momentum going. We all need to to “fed” in this way, and the Center for Women provides that type of ongoing sustenance.

How has living day-to-day as a woman affected you? I think women are truly amazing in our ability to successfully wear the number of hats we do. We hold more greatness and power in shaping this world than most of us truly recognize. I believe that power is best expressed with a strong servant leadership approach. This principle guides my life.

What kind of message would you like to send out to women who are trying to succeed in today’s economy? Stand firm to your values, keep learning all you can about your chosen field and yourself, and do whatever it takes to bolster your confidence. Don’t ever let anyone make you feel you can’t do something well if YOU know you can. Find what you love and do it. Use adversity such as job loss as a springboard to better things. Every job loss I have ever had has led me to something vastly better, both personally and professionally. Losses can do the same for you as well, as long as you are able to own and use your gifts.

How can people connect with you? So many ways! Would love your follow on Twitter via my biz and personal handles @socialstrateg and @lizdeloach. I am also on Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+, and Pinterest. Email is liz@socialmediawiz.biz , and my website where I blog is www.socialmediawiz.biz. Finally, if you prefer to talk, my telephone number is 843-532-9335.

Women Helping Women Do Business Better.

By Christie MacConnell, Director, South Carolina Women’s Business Center

Sometimes, it’s just easier to talk to another woman about things than a man. The newly launched South Carolina Women’s Business Center is a place where women can freely express and explore their ideas about a new business concept or seek help improving their existing small business. It’s sufficiently scary and challenging enough to throw yourself into your own business without the added pressure of an unsupportive climate.

The South Carolina Women’s Business Center offers free, confidential, one-on-one business counseling by experienced counselors for women in all stages of business development. We can assist you with analyzing the viability of your business idea and your personal readiness to become an entrepreneur. We provide networking and mentoring opportunities that match you with the people you need to meet to further your own success. Our monthly training programs and workshops are designed to educate and help you create new pathways to get ahead. And, we’re knowledgeable about the resources available in the community, including financing and loans, to get your business going.

I’ve personally had over 15 years experience counseling women business owners in New York and Maine and I’m looking forward to bringing my know-how to this state. Women in South Carolina are opening businesses at unprecedented rates and we’re here to help. In the last 5 years, the number of women owned businesses nationally has grown by 50%. In South Carolina the number is even greater – 64%. In part due to fewer good job opportunities and lower pay, women are saying “bring it on” and striking out on their own. Women are creating, managing and building businesses that are a real economic engine in this state. Last year, women-owned or equally-owned businesses in South Carolina generated $27 billion in sales and employed 191,200 persons.

The South Carolina Women’s Business Center is an affiliate of the Center for Women, a non-profit organization that has been serving and inspiring women in the Lowcountry for over twenty years. We’re located at the Center for Women at 129 Cannon Street downtown between Ashley Ave and President Street. There is no fee for individual business counseling and all other program fees are very modest. If you’re a woman with a small business that is floundering or you need assistance with developing a strategic plan for growth, we can help you. If you’re strong in some areas, but weak in others, we can find ways to build up your expertise. If you have an idea for a business, but are unsure how to get started, we can point you in the right direction. An advantage of being part of the Center for Women is we understand that you’re a serious business professional, need assistance with your small business problems and still need to care for your family and other obligations. We’re unwavering in our recognition of needing a work-life balance.

The South Carolina Women’s Business Center is funded in part by a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. We are proud to have the following local businesses as our 2012 sponsors: First Federal; Lynn Anne Gillen, CIMA, CFP and Mary Helen Condon Moore, CFM with Merrill Lynch; SC Biz News; Weight Watchers and Wynn Insurance. Visit our website www.scwbc.net for more information or contact me at 843-763- 7333 ext 212 or christie@scwbc.net. To receive our e-newsletter, send your contact information to info@scwbc.net.

First appeared in the Business Review section of The Post and Courier Monday, February 20, 2012.