September 14, 2011
Section C
www.moultrienews.com
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Real faces, real businesses, real stories It is that time of year again where the Moultrie News celebrates the women of this community who make it great. In our annual special section, Women in Business, we highlight women who are successful not just in their businesses but in their philanthropy. We celebrate women who work with children, animals, other businesses and even some who make their life mission a philanthropy. We recognize that there are thousands of women east of the Cooper who deserve to be recognized...but here are a just a few.
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2C.MOULTRIE NEWS ___________________________________ www.moultrienews.com ___________________________ Wednesday, September 14, 2011
The most basic human need being met
STAFF PHOTOS BY PENNY PARKER
Molly Green stands in front of a poster with pictures of some of the many people in the various countries who have been helped by the Water Missions Internation, the organization she founded with her husband in 2001. PENNY PARKER MOULTRIE NEWS
Hurricane Mitch changed Molly Green’s life. The 1998 category five storm that caused so much damage in Honduras opened her eyes to a need that she and her husband have devoted the last decade to fulfilling. When the storm hit, the couple were hosting a Honduran girl who was a student at the College of Charleston. She couldn’t get in touch with
anyone in her native country immediately following the storm. The Green’s church, St. Philip’s Episcopal Church downtown, was very involved in Honduras at the time, and George was able to send an email to the Episcopal Bishop of Honduras asking what they needed. George and Molly owned and operated an environmental consulting firm and George knew about testing water. He got an email back, saying that they needed six drinking water
systems. “It was such a specific need,” Molly says. “I started searching the internet and couldn’t find anything. It was either too big or too small.” So George, who holds a doctorate in chemical engineering, came up with an idea and built his own. Molly worked on transportation issues, calling then Senator Strom Thurmond’s office which came through with the offer of a C-5 airplane at the Charleston Air Force Base
to take the water systems down to Honduras. “Our eyes were opened to a huge need,” Molly says. “The most basic of human need is clean water. Every 20 seconds a child will die due to a water-related problem. It was a real wake-up call. We knew how to take a water source and make it potable. We could make a difference. “Our environmental consulting company had been a great experience, but we found out that there was such a huge need that we could fulfill. We really felt a calling. We felt the Lord was saying, ‘It’s time for a change.’” Since 2001, Water Missions International (WMI), the Christian nonprofit engineering organization that Molly and George started and continue to lead, has worked to provide clean, safe water and sanitation to people in developing countries and disaster areas through a variety of technologies. Through the use of low-maintenance, appropriate water technologies for drinking water treatment and distribution,wastewater management and storm water control, their goal is to provide sustainable access to safe water so that no person should perish from the lack of safe drinking water. Over the last 10 years, WMI has
served more than two million people in 49 countries and has responded to many of the world’s most devastating disasters. In 2010 alone, they helped meet the needs of disaster victims in Haiti, Pakistan, Mexico, Guatemala and Sri Lanka. They also work to provide sustainable long-term safe water solutions in developing countries, such as Kenya, Uganda and Belize. WMI not only offers physical water to the people they help, but also the Living Water. “We are called to teach about the Living Water,” Molly says. “We do it in a way that’s not threatening. We don’t want to push it. Usually our presence is enough.” Clean water is the source of life, the organization states on its website. It is the foundation for health, education and viable economies. Through the generous support of individuals, churches, nonprofits, and businesses, Water Missions International has brought relief and hope to more than two million people across the globe. When Molly was telling a friend about WMI when they were first starting out, that friend sent her a book called “Half Time” which had a profound effect on her. In the book , the author writes
about the first half of your life being about success and then the second half when you move to significance. “George and I felt like it was more like thirds for us,” Molly says. “ We felt like the first third of our lives was spent in preparation, the second third with our company for 20 years and now we’re able to give the gift of safe water and to give it in the name of Jesus because he has blessed us with time, talent and treasure.” Find WMI on the web at www.watermissions.org and the group may be found on Facebook.
Green shows one of the drinking water treatment systems WMI distributes.
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Wednesday, September 14, 2011 ___________________________ www.moultrienews.com ___________________________________ MOULTRIE NEWS.3C
Moffat is lucky to have a job she loves
Katharine Moffat holds her cat Tyson BY PENNY PARKER MOULTRIE NEWS
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son, and they often keep her company at the shop. “I work primarily with Animal Rescue and Relief. They look after all animals, not just dogs and cats. They rescue and advocate for horses, ducks, snakes, all kinds and breeds of animals,” she says. “They focus on the bigger picture.” In April, Moffat and ARR took the Williamsburg County Animal Shelter to court due to inhumane conditions and abuse at the shelter in Kingstree. The group rescued 76 animals from the shelter and re-
trained all the employees. The shelter must build a new facility to house the animals, and a veterinarian now comes in once a week to inspect the animals. “It happens close to home also,” Moffat says, referring to a case where she followed an emaciated female dog who had just given birth through the woods off of Clements Ferry Road, to a clearing with a few mobile homes. There she discovered several newborn puppies and other equally thin dogs chained up with no food or water.
“We were able to rescue those dogs, and all of them were adopted out,” Moffat says. “The whole island got really involved. Those dogs are still called the ‘Clements Ferry dogs.’” Moffat advocates for rescue organizations at her store. She holds adoption events, dog wash fundraisers, bake sales and “we’re always acception donations for rescue groups.” Lucia’s Premiem Pet is located at 162 Seven Farms Dr., Suite 115. Visit www.luciaspremiumpet.com.
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t’s not very often that a person gets to spend her life doing a job that she loves, but Katharine Moffat is one of those lucky people. She has turned her love of animals into her job as well as her life’s work. Moffat is the owner of Lucia’s Premium Pet on Daniel Island. Growing up in Greensboro, N.C., Moffat worked at a holistic pet food store through high school. She kept that job while attending college at nearby Wake Forrest University where she earned degrees in Span-
ish, French and international studies. In 2006, she moved to the Charleston area and tried her hand at several different careers. She later moved to Daniel Island where she noticed that almost all of the residents were also dog owners. She then realized that there was no pet supply store on the island. She saw a need that she felt uniquely qualified to fill. She opened her store during the Family Circle Cup weekend in 2008, and it has been bustling with activity ever since. The store, which is named after the first dog she ever got on her own and which
she still has, is located next to Publix in the Daniel Island Town Center across from the Family Cup Stadium. It carries holistic food for dogs and cats, supplements, herbs and homeopathics. She is passionate about holistic food for pets and uses that knowledge to help countless pet owners find appropriate diets and regimens for their animals. “The food we carry has natural ingredients,” Moffat says. “Diet can make such a difference for a pet. It’s life changing.” The store also carries upscale collars, leads, toys, beds and other pet supplies. There is a do-it-yourself dog wash and grooming area, equipped with soaps and towels. “I’m always on the search for the toughest toy also,” she says. Lucia, which Moffat says is a red mixed breed dog, is a rescue, and rescuing animals is a cause which Moffat carries dear to her heart. “I am really involved in rescue,” she says. “All of my animals are rescues. In addition to Lucia, Moffat has another dog named Juno and a cat named Ty-
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4C.MOULTRIE NEWS ___________________________________ www.moultrienews.com ___________________________ Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Conservation comes naturally to DeGarady
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DeGarady said. When gardeners grow plant species native to South Carolina instead of planting non-native species, they help provide healthier habitats for wildlife and insects, she said. “Everybody wants something that looks good and is low maintenance,” she said. The plant sale is the ideal place for green thumbs to acquire plants and information about native species, including sweet grass, spartina, little blue stems and the honeysuckle vines which tend to attract butterflies. DeGarady also serves as treasurer and membership chair of the South Carolina Exotic Pest Plant Council, which coordinates and provides research about invasive plant species. Her involvement in the community has allowed her to travel overseas through the Rotary Foundation’s Group Study Exchange program. While serving as a vocational ambassador overseas, DeGarady learned about agricultural development in
Collette DeGarady is seen here with her family, hiking at Mepkin Abbey last November. England. There, a smaller percentage of land is designated as forest land than in the U.S., “where we have a balance of agricultural and forested lands,” she said. At home, DeGarady and her husband, Tom Johnson, have been preparing a fruit and vegetable garden comprised of lettuce, winter greens, herbs, blueberry bushes, pomegranate and citrus trees.
They also take special care of a set of active, 18-monthold twins, and their family pets: a dog they call Bogey and a tortoise named Moe. The twins, it seems, are following in their mother’s nature-loving footsteps. “They love to be outside, and they love the beach,” DeGarady said. “They love to dig in the mulch around the plant beds and bury the tortoise in it.”
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founded in 1951, works in more than 30 countries and all 50 states, with a state office in Columbia and a satellite office in Greenville. DeGarady is among 12 Charleston employees who focus on land management, research and the protection of native species. “Basically I’m involved in conservation work that helps protect places of biodiversity,” she said. DeGarady supervises three staff members and PHOTOS PROVIDED specializes in forest manCollette DeGarady volunteers in the Hampton Park agement and restoration, greenhouse. invasive plant species management, and rare flora and BY DORA D. HARTSELL At Southern Illinois, she fauna studies. MOULTRIE NEWS dove deeper into her study Away from work, Deof animals by pursuing a Garady finds other ways to olette DeGarady of master’s degree in zoology. protect and provide healthy Mount Pleasant beBetween degrees, she habitats. lieves her evolution was employed in a variety She is the organizer of the from animal lover to conser- of roles. She worked as a twice-annual Native Plant vationist is only natural. veterinary technician for a Sale, a collaborative effort “I was originally interGoose Creek clinic. She par- by the Lowcountry Chapested in working with ticipated in an array of field ter of the S.C. Native Plant animals,” said DeGarady, studies involving fawns, yel- Society and Charles Towne senior conservation ecololow warblers, red-cockaded Landing, the host site for gist at The Nature Conserwoodpeckers, sea turtles the Oct. 22 event. vancy. “If you enjoy working and amphibians. “We’re trying to promote with animals, you have to She also lived in France native plant landscaping,” protect their habitats.” for one year, and worked A graduate of Stratford throughout the state and High School in Goose Creek, the southeast. DeGarady focused mainly For the past eight years, on fish and feathered and DeGarady has worked in furry creatures in college the Charleston office of The and graduate school. Nature Conservancy, one As an undergrad at of the largest non-profit Clemson, she majored in conservation organizations aquaculture, fisheries and in the world. wildlife biology. The Nature Conservancy,
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Wednesday, September 14, 2011 ___________________________ www.moultrienews.com ___________________________________ MOULTRIE NEWS.5C
Entrepreneur mixes whimsy with serious business
your fate … the captain of your destiny,” said Camacho, who has learned to ith her bright adapt to the small town of smile and positive Washington, N.C., and to spirit, Laura M. the “bright lights, big city” Camacho of Mount Pleasant lifestyle of Caracas, Venis making a name for herself ezuela. as a creative and focused Her diverse, educational entrepreneur. background has shaped her In fact, the name of her ability to make the most out company - the Mixonian In- of every situation. stitute - is a prime example While an undergrad at of her ability to mix whimsy Sweet Briar College in with serious business. Mix- Virginia, Camacho doubleon is her maiden name, and majored in economics and the remainder of her busiSpanish and minored in ness moniker was inspired French and business. She by the prestigious-sounding received her MBA from the Smithsonian Institution. University of Dallas and As a life and career coach, obtained her doctorate in Camacho has transformed communications studies what used to be a blog filled from Regent University in with vocational advice into a Virginia. successful venture in which The biggest influence on she is sought after by local Camacho’s life was her maand international profesternal grandmother. sionals who want her advice “My grandmother was on public speaking, busiwidowed at 28 with three ness presentations, leaderchildren, and she put herself ship and confidence. through college,” Camacho The secret to Camacho’s said. “She epitomizes the success is her attitude. ‘can do’ attitude.” “You can be a master of When Camacho was a
BY DORA D. HARTSELL MOULTRIE NEWS
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young child growing up in Hampton, her grandmother gave her a book filled with expressions translated into English, Italian, French and German. Camacho recalls being fascinated by seeing the same phrase translated into four different languages. Early in life, she embraced the power of effective communication. Decades later she wrote her dissertation on Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez’s ability to inspire a nation of “rabid fans” by being a strong communicator. Success did not come easily for Camacho. When she lived in Venezuela with her first husband and their three children, Camacho was ostracized for home-schooling. Her 18-year marriage ended, and Camacho found herself struggling with issues women still face. “I feel I represent all the women who followed their husbands, … (women) who altered their lifestyles and
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goals to match their hus“I’m not a world-class the goal to do that (Lowbands’ jobs,” women whose athlete,” she admitted. “I set country Splash).” marriages eventually ended, she said. With the Mixonian Institute, Camacho inspires female and male clients whose employment situations, business outlooks or investments have been altered by divorce or other economic uncertainties. “I found my way,” Camacho said. “If you are determined to find your way, you will find it.” Along her career path, Camacho taught communications at the College of Charleston and at East Carolina University. She feels she is able to continue teaching and reaching a wider audience through the Mixonian Institute. Camacho also serves the Mount Pleasant business community as vice president of the East Cooper Entrepreneurial Women, a networking organization comprised of more than 100 female business owners and professionals. To unwind from her professional commitments, she enjoys recreational swimming. In May, she completed the 2.4-mile, 10th annual Lowcountry Splash Open Water Swim in the Cooper River. IP03-602581
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6C.MOULTRIE NEWS ___________________________________ www.moultrienews.com ___________________________ Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Outranking the men as chairman of the board
PHOTO PROVIDED
Caroline Rhodes owns Charleston Angler BY DORA D. HARTSELL MOULTRIE NEWS
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aroline Rhodes was born to a Carolina girl, became a (University of South) Carolina girl herself, raised two daughters in the state, and
outranks all the men on the S.C. Department of Natural Resources Board. Rhodes is the chairperson and sole female on the board, and still finds time to operate five locations of the Charleston Angler while preparing to move one of
her businesses into its new space this week. Needless to say, Rhodes is a busy woman who finds time to serve her community and count her blessings. “I believe that God calls all of us to serve, and usually right in our own backyard,
and to give,” Rhodes said. “I have been very blessed and am happy to share my blessings with the community I love and live in.” As owner of Charleston Angler fishing and tackle shops and the Charleston Angler Embroidery Shop, Rhodes uses her business as an opportunity to educate and reach out to her customers, because she has empathy for customers who are new to fishing. When she and her husband, pediatrician Malcolm Rhodes, opened the first Charleston Angler, Rhodes admits, “I did not have any real knowledge or experience with fishing.” Dr. Rhodes’ vision for the store was to support and grow the sport of fly-fishing, especially salt-water fly-fishing. But because he was a busy, practicing physician, his wife quickly transformed her role as a stay-at-home mom who sometimes helped out at the store to full-time operator who adopted her husband’s vision for the shop. “That learning process helped me develop a very hands-on, teaching approach for all customers, and iImade education the focal point of how I wanted the business to be run, and
how I wanted the customers to be treated,” Rhodes said. Since then, Charleston Angler’s product line has expanded to include inshore light tackle and offshore fishing, and each location tries to cater to the customer base, Rhodes said. The company took a big leap when it opened a location in Mount Pleasant Towne Centre, and Rhodes said the teamwork approach has helped the company succeed. One sure sign of the Charleston Angler’s success is its recognizable logo featuring the “slightly whimsical” outline of the spot-tail bass, or redfish. It is often seen as orange window stickers around the Lowcountry and all over the country. “My husband designed it, but I had it trademarked,” Rhodes said. “Originally it had our name on it too, but I wanted it to become something like the Nike swoosh, no words necessary.” When Rhodes isn’t busy operating her stores, she also serves as the chairman and only female on the state DNR Board. In 2007, then-Gov. Mark Sanford appointed her to represent the 1st Congressional District. With
Rhodes’ term set to expire, Gov. Nikki Haley reappointed her to the board, and the state Senate confirmed her as chairman in April. The board, like most state agencies, is grappling with issues caused by massive budget cuts, Rhodes said. Rhodes also volunteers with the Casting for Recovery program, a fly-fishing retreat designed for breast cancer survivors. Rhodes credits Starr Nolan for introducing her and a group of other women to this healing program. “Starr has told us over and over that most women with breast cancer do not go to support groups, “ Rhodes said. “This is one way to get these women out of their normal environment, outside and learning something new, as well as strengthening the muscles that are cut from surgery.” Rhodes, a graduate of Spring Valley High School in Columbia and the University of South Carolina, is actively involved in other community organizations, including St. Philip’s Church, Clemson Parents’ Development Board of Student Affairs, Junior League of Charleston, and the Chi Omega Alumna Chapter.
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Wednesday, September 14, 2011 ___________________________ www.moultrienews.com ___________________________________ MOULTRIE NEWS.7C
Entrepreneurial Women launch BRAVA Initiative
business,) has the mission to foster the growth and profitability of women-owned entrepreneurial companies through an array of business support resources including physical space, capital, coaching, common services and networking.
Carol Williams, ECEW founder and BRAVA committee member said a recent Kiplinger Report study shows that the number of small businesses owned by women is growing 50 percent faster than the total number of small businesses.
Give your perfect business pitch Do have nerves of steel and the new, best business idea since sliced bread? Then Perfect Pitch is for you. Presented by the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce, Perfect Pitch is a new program designed to prepare entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas to potential investors and collaborators. Enter your business idea at www.charlestonchamber. net by Sept. 21 to pitch your idea to a panel of judges and the chance to win $5,000, entrepreneurial training classes and a dream team of mentors. Anyone with a business idea can enter in one of the following categories: biomedical, advanced security/informa-
tion technology, aerospace, wind energy, or “other.” The top 10 ideas will be chosen and will work with mentoring teams that provide guidance on articulating their idea and proof-ofconcept, differentiating their product from their competition, creating strategies for commercialization, explaining funding strategy and value proposition and sharpening general presentation skills. Finalists will then go in front of a panel of judges and make their pitch on Nov. 10 at the American Theater. Each finalist is given five minutes to present their idea and 10 minutes to answer questions. From this round,
five applicants will move into the final round of presentations. At the end of the day, the judges will choose the “perfect pitch” by category and a grand prize winner. Category winners each receive $1,000 and a scholar-
ship to BizBuilderSC entrepreneurial training; and the grand prize winner receives an additional $4,000 (totaling $5,000), a scholarship to BizBuilderSC entrepreneurial training and a dream team for further mentoring.
of success for both new and existing women-owned businesses in the Lowcountry and I am very proud and honored to be a part of this.” For more information on ECEW, visit their website at ecewsc.com.
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This month East Cooper Entrepreneurial Women, (ECEW) launched the BRAVA Initiative, to cultivate and develop the entrepreneurial success of its members. BRAVA Initiative, (Building Relationships, Advising and deVeloping Advantages in
“We talk to women on a regular basis who are looking to start and/or grow their own business and need help to make as a successful entrepreneur. “BRAVA is our way of giving them the practical tools to grow their business and meet their goals. ECEW is more than a networking group.” BRAVA Initiative has three components: 1) smart and savvy mentorship program; 2) scholarships for ongoing business education and 3) web-based and relational resources to other existing entrepreneurial resources, including SCORE, the SBA and the Charleston Chamber of Commerce. Williams states, “We want
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8C.MOULTRIE NEWS ___________________________________ www.moultrienews.com ___________________________ Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Zapatka: Always pouring it forward BY SULLY WITTE editor@moultrienews.com
Mary Zapatka is a Carolina girl. This is a fact not just because she grew up in Greenville. It’s fact because she knows good food when she sees it. She also grew up in a household where no one, not one single soul would say, “we don’t need another dog.” Zapatka has been in the restaurant business since she was 15. That doesn’t even count the countless hours spent tugging on apron strings while mom and grandma were preparing for family gatherings. Her grandfather also had a large garden so “food has been her world,” since she was a kid. Despite having majored in education she fell quickly back into the restaurant business. While attending school at the College of Charleston she worked at and managed Magnolia’s. She stayed there for 12 years and helped open Cypress. Ironically enough, she quit her job on Sept. 11, 2001. She was able to find a job at The Square Onion in I’On, working just 20 hours a week. But what do you know, only three months later, she found herself back in the restaurant business - full time. Only this time, she owned
the place. After a quick negotiation, she and her husband Cary purchased The Square Onion and have owned it for nine years. They opened Square Onion Too last year. As if that wasn’t enough, she em”barked” on another venture, literally. As an animal lover Zapatka has been involved with rescue groups who take in strays and foster abandoned animals. When a local business called Planet Bark became available, she bought it. The owners knew of her passion for rescuing animals and thought she would be a perfect fit. In fact, she is. In addition to owning and running the business, she and a group of other passionate rescue volunteers formed SWAT last February. It stands for Southern Women’s Animal Task Force. The purpose is to change things in South Carolina. The women of SWAT put their heads together in an effort to raise money for small non-profits (including those who push for animal welfare). The end result was Pour it Forward. On any given Wednesday evening, for only $10, guests can come by The Square Onion Too, be entertained with live music and donate to the cause of the evening. The September Pour It For-
ward is going to the dogs. SWAT will be the beneficiary of this month’s installment of Pour It Forward sponsored by John Napolitano of InSphere Insurance Solutions. This monthly wine tasting giving event will happen on Wednesday, Sept. 21 from 5 to 8 p.m. at 411 Coleman Blvd. “There are so many animals in shelters and rescues that many of them are having a hard time finding homes for all these animals. SWAT helps many of these and raises awareness about the importance of spaying and neutering, which is crucial to controlling the pet population,” said Zapatka. Her dream is to see animal welfare laws in South Carolina and to open a facility to help rescue volunteers and the animals they save. “There is no government support when it comes to animals,” she said. “South Carolina is still a good old boy state and people don’t get how important this problem is. We created this as humans so we have to figure out a way to make it stop. It’s hard to raise money for animals because there are so many other causes out there. People give to causes for children and whatever it may be and animals are the low hanging fruit at the bottom of barrel.”
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Pour it Forward has become so successful that other businesses in town are sponsoring the evening wine tastings. Zapatka was raised with the philosophy that you have to give back. And she believes that is important in her personal and professional life. In addition to SWAT, she serves on the board of directors for Louis’s Kids. “Childhood obesity is another area of concern that we have to pay attention to in this country,” she said. “The potential for not solving this could eventually crash our health care system. We have to teach children that there is a healthy way to eat and it is not all about the financial end of it. You can eat well within the budget of your family.” Zapatka said she just wants to make a difference before she leaves this earth. If she were to die tomorrow, she would have fulfilled that wish. PHOTO PROVIDED To find out more about SWAT visit them on Face- Mary Zapatka owns Square Onion, Square Onion Too book. For more informa- and Planet Bark. Her passion however is rescuing tion, visit www.squareonion. animals. com.
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