Hello Charleston friends, Vagney here. 👋 Today is National Women’s Equality Day. The U.S. Congress designated Aug. 26 as “Women’s Equality Day” because the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote, was officially certified on this day in 1920. Learn more about the 19th Amendment here.
Though the 19th Amendment allowed women to vote in the United States, not every woman (or man) in America had the right to vote. It wasn’t until the Voting Rights Act of 1965, 44 years after the 19th Amendment was passed, that granted + protected all citizens with the right to vote. This was a major milestone in the Civil Rights Movement because disenfranchised Black Americans officially gained voting rights once President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the act into law on Aug. 6, 1965.
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 officially made it illegal to hinder Black women (and men) from voting with poll taxes, literacy tests + other discriminatory state voting laws, therefore allowing all citizens the right to be treated fairly + equal while voting throughout America. 🇺🇸 Learn more about the Voting Rights Act here.
In celebration of Women’s Equality Day, we want to shine a light on women-owned businesses in the local economy. These Charleston businesses are from all walks of life + in various industries.
🥒 “The Pickle Lady”
- Fresh Pickles - Fresh Produce, LLC | 5808 Savannah Hwy., P.O. Box 702, Ravenel
- Ms. Raychelle E. Bennett serves fresh pickles + makes delicious homemade salsa. Catch her at various local farmers markets. Call in orders at 843-518-9701
- This pop-up market, operated by founder Kelly Rae Smith, features local vendors that offer vintage women and men’s clothing + accessories, records, and home decor.
- Keep up with the latest details about the market on Instagram here.
- Jonella Orozco, a certified sommelier + Brooke Lago, a U.S. Army veteran who holds a degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management, own Mantra Wine Distributors.
- This Charleston-based wine distribution company carries various wines offered by minority, women, and LGBTQ+ winemakers around the globe.
- Stay updated about the company on Instagram here.
- 188 Meeting St. (City Market) + 43 Broad St. Suite 101
- April Motley, founder and CEO of the Old Whaling Co., was determined to find better alternatives to drug store products for her family when her infant son was diagnosed with eczema – an inflammatory skin condition.
- These soaps, bath bombs + more smell amazing and are good for the skin. Take a look at all the bath + body essentials here.
- This online jewelry business, founded by Mimi Striplin, the designer + maker of the fun and colorful accessories, offers a full line of handmade tassel jewelry, + the garments are made by her mom (how cute is that?).
- Shop various collections + more here.
There are more women-owned businesses in and around Charleston. Find more information about the city’s Minority & Women-Owned Business Enterprise Office here, which includes a current listing of businesses.
Recently, the U.S. Small Business Administration announced that two South Carolina Women’s Business Centers hosted by Benedict College in Columbia + Community Works Women’s Business Center in Greenville will serve to help women-owned small businesses start, grow + expand in South Carolina. You can learn more about those centers here.
Want to be involved in a local women-focused business network? Learn more about the South Carolina Women’s Rights and Empowerment Network here.
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