Pop the champagne! March is Women's History Month, and I'm bubbling with excitement to share this Charleston women entrepreneurs photography project with you. This month-long celebration peaks with International Women's Day on March 8th, when we get to shower amazing women with the recognition they deserve. As a Charleston brand photographer who lives to capture authentic moments, I couldn't resist the opportunity to showcase 13 incredible Charleston female entrepreneurs who are absolutely crushing it in their fields while staying true to themselves.
Charleston Brand Photography:
The Vision
When Women's History Month appeared on the horizon with International Women's Day (March 8th) as its sparkling centerpiece, I had this wild idea: What if we ditched the standard "arms-crossed-in-a-blazer" corporate shots and captured these Charleston women business owners in their happy places instead? As a Charleston brand photographer specializing in authentic portraits, I wanted to show the whole picture—not just the polished professional side, but the quirky, passionate elements that make them uniquely fantastic.
Let's be real—women entrepreneurs in Charleston are so much more than their LinkedIn profiles! This Charleston women entrepreneur photography series celebrates the glorious, messy, beautiful complexity that makes these business owners tick.
Charleston Photography Location:
The Perfect Canvas
When scouting for the ideal Charleston photography location, I struck gold with Uncommon James' event space on King Street in downtown Charleston, SC. This blank canvas was exactly what I needed for creative brand photography—a space I could transform for each session while maintaining a neutral backdrop that wouldn't distract from the amazing women being photographed. The versatility of this downtown Charleston gem allowed each entrepreneur's personality and passion to take center stage.
What makes this Women's History Month photography project even more special? Every single one of these incredible women is a Charleston local business owner and entrepreneur, contributing their unique talents to our vibrant Charleston business community. From established Charleston business owners to up-and-coming Holy City visionaries, they represent the diverse entrepreneurial spirit that makes Charleston such a dynamic place to live and work.
The Rockstars Reshaping Charleston's Business Scene
Kayla White
Kayla Rochelle Photography

When it comes to storytelling through a lens, Kayla of Kayla Rochelle Photography is nothing short of extraordinary! This mom of two brings a narrative depth to every photography session that transforms simple portraits into visual stories worth a thousand words. Our shoot captured her in her element—surrounded by beloved books in her cozy reading nook, where this self-proclaimed book nerd finds inspiration for her creative work. The literary worlds she explores between parenting and photography sessions directly influence her incredibly talented approach behind the camera. Kayla doesn't just take pictures; she weaves visual tales with light and composition, capturing moments that feel like chapters in her clients' life stories. Her ability to balance motherhood while nurturing both her reading passion and photography business shows that the most compelling stories aren't just found in books—they're being created by women like Kayla every single day!
Erin Pratt
Ivy Lynne Studio

Meet Erin—the Showit website design wizard and business coach extraordinaire behind Ivy Lynne Studio who's mastering the art of beautiful chaos! This incredibly creative entrepreneur is not only mom to adorable daughters Sophie and Lucy, but she's also expecting baby number three (talk about productivity!). Our session captured the joyful energy of her homeschool space, where her designer's eye for color and function is evident everywhere. Erin's latest creative venture? Developing specialized homeschool tools for preschool-aged kids—born directly from her real-life experience teaching her little ones. The way she seamlessly transitions from crafting stunning Showit websites for clients to guiding entrepreneurs through business coaching to designing educational tools for tiny humans showcases her boundless creativity and problem-solving skills. With a growing family and expanding business, the multitasking magic this woman performs daily truly deserves its own TED Talk!
Mimi Striplin
The Tiny Tassel
If Mimi of The Tiny Tassel were a hashtag, she'd definitely be #HobbyGoals! This creative entrepreneur embraces life's colorful variety with the same enthusiasm she brings to her vibrant accessories business. One day she's flowing through yoga poses, the next she's baking something delicious, then curling up with a guilty-pleasure rom-com, journaling her inspirations, or savoring a steaming cup of hot tea (her collection of mugs rivals her tassel collection!). During our shoot, we caught Mimi in her garden—just one of her many passionate pursuits—with hands happily dirt-covered while tending to blooms as colorful as her Tiny Tassel creations. The mindfulness she brings to each of her hobbies translates beautifully to her business approach, where patience and attention to detail reign supreme. The way Mimi cultivates both her garden and her many interests mirrors how she's grown her business: with joy, intention, and a splash of vibrant color. And yes, her garden hat game is seriously enviable!
Allie Lisiescki
The Wandering Taps
Talk about endurance! Allie of The Wandering Taps has conquered dozens of marathons—yes, dozens!—with the same determination she used to build her mobile bar business from the ground up. This ultra-dedicated entrepreneur proves that stamina isn't just for race day but a mindset that powers everything she does. The discipline that carries her through marathon after marathon translates perfectly to the precision needed for crafting exquisite cocktails and running a standout hospitality business. Her running playlist is as expertly curated as her craft cocktail menu, and both showcase her talent for creating experiences that keep people coming back for more. Whether she's crossing finish lines or serving signature drinks, Allie brings unmatched energy and passion to everything she touches!
Andrea Serrano
Andrea Serrano
Meet Andrea—the fashion powerhouse whose resume reads like a creative industry dream team all rolled into one fabulous person! This Wardrobe Stylist, Producer, Creative Director, Brand Developer, TV & Event Host, and fierce Small Business Champion has built an iconic Charleston brand while raising two amazing kids. Her signature disco ball (which made a glittering appearance in our shoot!) perfectly symbolizes how she reflects light onto everyone around her, especially local businesses deserving attention. Andrea doesn't just style outfits—she creates complete brand experiences with her multifaceted expertise. During our session, the dancing light patterns from her disco ball created a constellation that embodied her approach to both fashion and life: bold, playful, and guaranteed to make people smile. The way she juggles her impressive career portfolio with motherhood demonstrates that, like fashion, success doesn't have to look serious to be seriously impressive!
Summer Randall
Streamful

Meet Summer—the multi-talented force behind Streamful who radiates optimism like it's her superpower! This podcast host extraordinaire doesn't just talk about business organization—she transforms entrepreneurs' chaotic workflows with her magical touch with Website Design & CRM implementation that actually make sense. Her entrepreneur-focused book club blends practical business wisdom with just the right amount of "woo-woo" intention-setting that somehow makes manifestation feel completely reasonable (and yes, sometimes it DOES help you find parking downtown!). Summer's latest venture into website services rounds out her impressive toolkit for helping fellow business owners shine. Our session captured her surrounded by her favorite business books, crystals, and planning journals—the perfect blend of practical strategy and positive energy that defines her approach. If you need someone who'll both organize your business processes AND remind you that the universe has your back, Summer's your girl!
Sarah Rosenthal
Sarah Rosenthal Wellness

Here's something that might surprise you—before Sarah recently launched Sarah Rosenthal Wellness, she was (and still is!) the entrepreneur behind a thriving dog walking business! Talk about a woman who understands the connection between wellness for all beings. Sarah's passion for health and vitality doesn't end with humans or pets—it extends right into the farmers market, where she's on a first-name basis with every vendor! We joined her weekend ritual of scouting the freshest seasonal goodies, watching as she selected produce with the same thoughtful care she gives both her wellness clients and furry walking companions. The way she's built two distinct businesses around caring for others shows her natural talent for nurturing growth, whether it's through nutritional guidance or making sure Charleston's pups get their daily exercise. Her enthusiasm for local kale and wagging tails might just convince you to improve your wellness routine AND consider getting a dog!
Shannon Shelly
Pixel Studios

Meet Shannon—the essential operations expert and absolute glue that holds Pixel Studios together! While she might be one half of this dynamic digital duo, she's 100% the reason everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. When she's not masterfully managing projects and keeping clients delighted, you'll find Shannon cheering from the sidelines as the quintessential soccer mom, coordinating team snacks with the same precision she brings to client deadlines. Her pottery-making hobby provides the perfect creative balance to her detail-oriented workday, allowing her hands to shape clay with the same care she uses to shape the studio's success. The way Shannon effortlessly transitions between spreadsheets, soccer practice, and pottery wheel showcases the magnificent multitasking superpowers of Charleston's women entrepreneurs!
Sirena Singleton
The Aneris Collective
If there's a name synonymous with exceptional branding photography in Charleston, it's Sirena of The Aneris Collective! This incredible mentor has built her business so impressively that virtually everyone in the local creative scene knows and admires her work. What speaks volumes about Sirena's dedication to uplifting fellow women entrepreneurs? She chose to spend the very last day of her maternity leave participating in this creative photoshoot—with her adorable youngest son in tow! That's the kind of supportive spirit that makes her not just a talented photographer but a community builder. What makes Sirena truly special beyond her stunning imagery is her genuine kindness and willingness to help fellow creatives grow. As a new mom of two, sister extraordinaire, PTA volunteer, and master visual storyteller, she champions other women while juggling multiple roles with grace. The fact that she prioritized supporting this celebration of women entrepreneurs on such a significant personal day perfectly captures the essence of who Sirena is!
Angel Holmes
LikeMinded CHS and BrighterSide
Angel has a superpower—she connects entrepreneurs and literally changes the world, one relationship at a time! The force behind both LikeMinded CHS and BrighterSide, she's constantly weaving together Charleston's business community with her extraordinary ability to see potential collaborations that others miss. Her PEZ collection (yes, those colorful character dispensers!) perfectly symbolizes how she collects and connects people with the same enthusiasm. But Angel's impact stretches far beyond Charleston—with the biggest heart imaginable, she's frequently found serving on mission trips across the globe, helping communities in need, and spreading that signature brightness wherever she goes. During our session, her joyful energy was completely contagious, and it's that same spirit that fuels both her business ventures and her dedicated service work. Charleston entrepreneur by day, global change-maker always!
Zandrina Dunning
The ZD Experience
Zandrina doesn't just create music—she crafts cultural experiences through The ZD Experience! As a vocalist, producer, and passionate cultural advocate, she uses her incredible voice both in the studio and in Charleston's community. Our session captured her surrounded by her production equipment, showcasing how her AKA sorority values of excellence, sisterhood, and service harmonize perfectly with her musical artistry. Her commitment to preserving and elevating cultural expressions through sound isn't just a business model—it's a mission that amplifies voices across Charleston. When she drops a beat or advocates for cultural awareness, the whole community feels the positive vibrations!
Hayley Kruth
MoxieMade
Meet Hayley of Moxie Made—a branding and PR genius who turns everything she touches into gold! Her enthusiasm for One Tree Hill isn't just fandom; it's a perfect metaphor for how she approaches business: with passion, creativity, and a knack for compelling storytelling. Our session showcased her surrounded by One Tree Hill memorabilia, but make no mistake—this Charleston powerhouse knows how to take brands to stratospheric heights with her innovative strategies and expert touch. Whether she's crafting unforgettable brand identities or orchestrating PR campaigns that capture everyone's attention, Hayley elevates every project to the next level. When this One Tree Hill enthusiast says "People always leave," she's definitely NOT talking about her clients, who stick around for her magical ability to transform their business visions into reality!
Katie Olejniczak
Realtor, CHS Working Mom, & The Women Network CHS

Talk about a Charleston woman who wears multiple hats with style! Katie balances life as a successful realtor by day, works her magic as a Disney travel agent, while also running both CHS Working Mom and The Women Network CHS with seemingly boundless energy. Her advocacy for working mothers comes straight from her experiences raising fierce little Cam, creating a beautiful synergy between her personal and professional worlds. Our session captured those tender mother-daughter moments that inspire Katie's mission to build supportive communities for women juggling careers, family, and everything in between. Whether she's closing real estate deals, planning magical Disney vacations for families, connecting Charleston working moms, or expanding The Women Network CHS, Katie brings the same passionate dedication to creating spaces where Charleston women can thrive!
Beyond the Business Card
What knocked my socks off during this project was seeing how personal passions directly fuel professional magic. The marathon runner brings unstoppable endurance to business hurdles. The gardener understands that growth requires both sunshine AND rain. The book club leader knows the power of bringing people together around shared stories.
These connections aren't happy accidents—they're secret ingredients in these women's success recipes. In a world that sometimes expects women entrepreneurs to stuff their personalities into standard-size business suits, these Charleston powerhouses have found their strength by bringing their whole spectacular selves to work!
Charleston Female Entrepreneurs:
The Ripple Effect
As these Charleston entrepreneur portraits splash across social media throughout Women's History Month and especially around International Women's Day on March 8th, I'm hoping they spark conversations about the full-color, surround-sound experience of women's entrepreneurship in Charleston, SC. Success doesn't require leaving your personality at the door—your quirks and passions might actually be your business superpowers!
For anyone scrolling through this Charleston brand photography series while dreaming of starting their own venture in the Lowcountry, I hope you see that bringing your whole self to your business isn't just allowed—it might be your greatest competitive advantage!
Charleston's Entrepreneurial Magic
What makes our city so special is the incredible community of women entrepreneurs who call Charleston home. Each of these 13 local business owners contributes something unique to our city's vibrant tapestry. From King Street to West Ashley, Mount Pleasant to North Charleston, these women are building businesses that reflect both their personal passions and our distinctive Lowcountry culture.
The entrepreneurial spirit of Charleston shines through in how these women support each other, collaborate rather than compete, and create spaces for new ideas to flourish. This photo series is as much a love letter to Charleston's business community as it is to the incredible women featured.
Women's History Month Photography: Join the Party!
Throughout Women's History Month and especially around International Women's Day on March 8th, I'll be sharing individual features of these fabulous Charleston women entrepreneurs on my Instagram. Follow along for daily doses of inspiration from downtown Charleston businesses and to discover how personal passions and professional pursuits create entrepreneurial fireworks in the Holy City!
A massive thank you with sprinkles on top to these 13 incredible Charleston women business owners who opened their worlds (and their PEZ collections!) to my camera. Your willingness to share not just your Charleston business stories but the passion projects that fuel them has created something magical that standard headshots could never capture.
Here's to the brilliant women entrepreneurs shaping Charleston's business landscape—may your coffee be strong, your Wi-Fi connection stronger, and your impact on our Charleston community strongest of all!
Are you a Charleston woman entrepreneur looking for brand photography that captures the REAL you—quirks, passions and all? As a Charleston brand photographer specializing in authentic portraits of female business owners, I'd love to help tell your story!