Celebrating Lowcountry’s Talented Women in Arts!
Charleston has always been a hub of creativity and talent, and 2024 is no exception! As we get closer to the end of the year, it’s the perfect time to highlight six incredible women who are making waves in the local arts scene. From jewelry-making to poetry and tattoo artistry, these innovators embody the very essence of creativity in the Lowcountry.
The Jewelry Queen: Haley Holzworth
Meet Haley Holzworth, the brains behind Hermosa Jewelry. This young entrepreneur isn’t just shining in the jewelry world—she’s blossomed into a local business sensation! Starting her journey in middle school by crafting unique pieces and selling them at events, Haley quickly recognized her passion and talent for making jewelry. After securing a degree in business and marketing from the University of South Carolina, she opened her first Hermosa location and has since expanded with two stores; one in downtown Charleston and another in Mount Pleasant!
What truly drives her is creating “affordable heirloom pieces.” “I love running into people who still wear the jewelry I made in high school,” she shares with a warm smile. In a community brimming with support for women-owned businesses, she’s thrilled to share her craft and inspire others.
Musical Visionary: Zandrina Dunning
Next up, we have the remarkable Zandrina Dunning. As the executive artistic director of the ZD Experience, she’s been a musical force in Charleston for over a decade. Her mission? To nourish minds and souls through the magic of music. Dunning’s P.U.R.E. Concert Series brings together people for unforgettable performances that celebrate peace, unity, and revival.
But that’s not all—Dunning has recently launched her talk show, The ZD Live Experience, at The Peacock downtown! She thrives on collaborations and believes in inspiring others, saying, “There is abundance, and you just have to walk into it.” This inspiring leader is not just about competition; she’s about community!
The Poetry Pro: Abby Duran
If you’re on the hunt for thought-provoking poetry, look no further than Abby Duran, the dynamic founder of VeraNation writing service. Known for her impactful words, Abby is a poet, freelance writer, and cherished member of Charleston’s Free Verse Festival community. She thrives on collaboration through creative events and encourages lifting each other up instead of seeing fellow creators as competition.
“We are creatives, not competition,” she proclaims. Abby has plans to release a second collection of poetry in 2025, and she continues to unite artists through her work by creating poetic experiences that uplift our community. Her drive to improve and diversify creative spaces is a breath of fresh air!
Community Builder: AsiahMae
Taking on the esteemed role of Charleston’s poet laureate, AsiahMae identifies as a nonbinary Black woman passionate about using poetry to give voice to the voiceless. With innovative projects like Poetry in Focus, and presentations at various local festivals, they are building bridges between artists and audiences.
By advocating for artistic platforms and protecting the freedom to express culture and creativity, AsiahMae is redefining what it means to be a poet today. “Poetry is supposed to give a voice to the voiceless,” they emphasize. Knowing that poetry chose them, they are committed to nurturing creativity in the community.
Tattoo Trailblazer: Ashley “Ashley B.” McMullen
Making her mark in the tattoo industry is none other than Ashley McMullen, fondly known as Ashley B.. As a proud owner of the Fade to Black studio in Summerville, she’s a trailblazer in a predominantly male field. From her early days doodling in high school to working with elite artists across the country, she has made a name for herself in tattoo artistry.
Ashley believes in breaking stereotypes and pushing boundaries. “I’m proud to be a woman in this field!” she says as she describes working hard to become a better artist and creating a welcoming environment in her studio.
The Whimsical Artist: Cara Fischer
Last but not least, we have Cara Fischer, a visual artist who captivates audiences with her black and white pen-and-ink illustrations. With a love for creating environmentally immersive art, she’s installed stunning murals throughout the Charleston area. Her work ranges from whimsical to geometric patterns, showcasing her creativity and ingenuity!
Fischer believes in pushing the boundaries of black and white art. “It’s hard for me to be creative if I don’t have a strong boundary,” she explains. Her focus on creativity and space is an invitation for viewers to engage with her artwork in unique ways.
A Call to Celebrate!
These six incredible women are just a fraction of the talented artists shaping Charleston’s vibrant arts scene. They offer us a glimpse into the wonderful creativity that surrounds us, and each one deserves recognition for their contributions. As we step into 2025, let’s continue to support and elevate these voices, celebrating the artistic spirit of Charleston!
Have someone in the local arts scene who inspires you? Reach out and share their story because every artist’s journey matters!
