Girls Just Wanna Have Fun! Charleston’s Women’s Show 2013

It’s never too soon to plan a party.

Preparation for the 2013 Charleston’s Women’s Show, set for Feb. 9 and Feb. 10 at the Omar Shrine Auditorium and Convention Center in Mount Pleasant, is underway. The show was a hit when it was resurrected in 2012 after a 16-year hiatus.

“You can make anything happen here,” said Jamie Lewis, the event planner at Omar Shrine. “We’re a blank canvas. We also have the advantages of a location beside the Ravenel Bridge, plenty of parking and easy load-in for the vendors.”

Charleston’s Women’s Show addresses leisure activities, but it also delves into business.

“I personally have never lived in an area that is so driven by women in business,” said Lewis. “I think the success of the women’s show is largely due to how the Lowcountry area, Mount Pleasant in particular, caters to women’s sensibilities and tastes.”

Vendors and those who attended the 2012 show are enthusiastic about how the inaugural year went and look forward to the 2013 edition.

“I heard nothing but positive reviews from the attendees and vendors regarding last year,” Lewis remarked. “A couple of people from out of town said it was worth the drive.”

Gail Mattix, a Charleston resident, and a few girlfriends spent the day in Mount Pleasant enjoying the event.

“We loved it,” she raved. “Everything was relevant to what women are interested in. There was fashion, food, medicine – my friends and I even ended up joining a women’s kayaking club, thanks to networking with some members. We go kayaking all the time now.”

Beauty was one of the main themes of the 2012 show.

“We participated in the Extreme Makeover Challenge,” said Kira Caudill of Vanity Salon in Mount Pleasant. “It was really cool to see everyone’s hard work come together. Vanity Salon did the hair and makeup for the fashion show as well. At our booth, we offered complimentary makeup airbrushing, which is perfect for brides and portraits. It makes you look flawless.”

The 2012 Charleston’s Women’s Show also showcased the wares of local and regional artists and designers. Cheryl Lane, a Mount Pleasant resident who crafts her own jewelry, enjoyed the opportunity to meet other artists.

“I liked that there were a lot of local people who design their own goods and accessories,” she said. “Charleston is a place that thrives on that local flair.”

Like 2012, the 2013 Women’s Show will be a combination of boutique shopping, health, networking opportunities and other fun-filled, interactive activities for ladies, such as chocolate tastings, cooking demonstrations and group performances. This year’s show will be promoted by ABC Channel 4.

“I am so excited to be part of the Charleston’s Women’s Show this year,” said Show Director Jodi Harter. “What’s more fun than shopping and eating chocolate with your girlfriends? I suspect I’m going to have a tough time remembering that it’s a work weekend.”

“I told a lot of friends what a good time I had last time,” Mattix added with a chuckle. “And they all said they wished they had gone.”

“I thought overall it was a great first show,” Lane commented. “I’m thrilled that it will be an annual event. Charleston has always needed one of these shows, and I hope everyone will support and enjoy it.”

“I would definitely come back for the next one,” Mount Pleasant resident Emily McCoy commented.

For information on the next Charleston’s Women’s Show, visit www.charlestonswomensshow.com. To find out about reserving booth space, email [email protected].