Women of Fruit Magazine Summer 2016

SUMMER 2016 $ 5 . 0 0

M A G A Z I N E

A Humble Start Can Lead to Greatness

Mt. Pleasant's Mayor Giving the Gifts of

Food Family Focus

Linda Page

Freedom to Be Your

BEST

Embracing The Power of Purpose

Octavia Mitchell Hilton

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Summer 2016

Contents

Features 14

Embracing The Power of Purpose Octavia Mitchell Hilton

22

A Humble Start Can Lead to Greatness Mayor Linda Page

Departments 8

Giving the Gift of Food, Family, Focus Dawn Hilton­ Williams

11

Better Health for Better Life Dr. Sarah Moore

20

7 Steps to Flawless LaTonya Jackson

In Every Issue 4

From the Editor

17

Fruitful Moments

Inspirational Message

Kimberly Griffith Anderson

13

Seeds of Scribes To Know Him And To Make Him Known

On The Cover

Octavia Mitchell Hilton Cover Credits: Octavia Mitchell Hilton, Charleston's WCBD Channel 2 News anchor photographed by Tristan Keith, Makeup: Tiffany Holmes, Hair: Edrina Hamilton

WomenofFruitMag.com | Summer 2016 | 3

FROM THE EDITOR WWW.WOMENOFFRUITMAG.COM

Welcome to Women of Fruit Magazine!

I'm truly thankful to have the opportunity to inspire women of all ages to live their best lives On Purpose.

It’s one thing to exist but when a woman lives her life On Purpose she begins to understand that A Humble Start can Lead to Greatness if she just Embraces the Power of the Purpose in her life.

It’s not always been an easy road but know that if God prunes anything from your life that it’s only goodly done to Give you the Freedom to Live Your Best Life.

I hope that you enjoy the journey of the magazine and share it with others.

Be Blessed, Vonnie Judge

Publisher & Editor Vonnie Judge Editorial Consultant Scherrie Poindexter Art Design & Support Zyaire Judge Contributing Writers Sarah Moore LaTonya Jackson Sabrina Memminger Kimberly Griffith Anderson Aimee Erkman Contributing Photographers Tristan Keith Carmen Ash Coblentz Media Consultant GoJUMP.Media Distribution US Post Office

Women of Fruit Magazine is published four times per year by Sharp Judge,LLC. PO Box 532, Huntersville, NC 2807-0532 All rights reserved. Reproduction electronically or in print format without the express written consent of the publisher is strictly prohibited and a violation of US copyrights laws

Inquires to: Women of Fruit Magazine PO Box 532, Huntersville, NC 28070 Subscriptions: $18 per year in United States

Lifestyle

Freedom to be Your Best

Declare your freedom in the pursuit of happiness in your life

By Sabrina Memminger www.sabrinalmemminger.com

Allow liberty to ring out in and through every area of your life.

Freedom to Be Authentically You

Allow the real you to shine.

You are good enough because GOD’s WORD affirms that you are amazingly designed. You possess a power within that no one can duplicate.

So honor it by celebrating yourself, quirkiness and all.

You have a unique gift, talent, and capability that adds value to this convo called life. Be you and don’t apologize for who you are.

Freedom to Be Boldly Faithful

Fear constricts, chokes, and distracts you from your life’s mission. Fear

grips and contains you so that you cannot realize the Marvelous woman God created you to be.

Refuse to let fear hinder, hamper, and hold you.

Remember fear is only as powerful as the power you give it. If you starve fear, it will lose strength in your life.

Fear is only as powerful as the power you give it.

You can walk boldly in faith when you infuse your soul with what the WORD declares over your life. All things are possible for the woman who believes.

Freedom to Be Perfectly Imperfect

Recovering perfectionist?

Do you want everything to be “just right” before you move on a project?

I have been in that space of “perfectionism.”

It’s a myth. The truth is no one or nothing is perfect.

In fact, do you know what I learned?

Perfectionism is another form of fear.

The only way to overcome it is to embrace your imperfection. Love yourself and those who you are called to serve.

Free yourself to be perfectly imperfect and love yourself anyway.

Shift your perspective.

It’s not about being flawless. It is about serving genuinely from the heart .

Summer 2016 | WomenofFruitMag.com | 5

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Lifestyle

Giving the Gifts of Food, Family, Focus Dawn Hilton Williams found the courage to rewrite the ending of her life's story by sharing her purpose driven gifts to the world

By Sophie Grey

O

nce I arrived to the popular coffee shop in the Charlotte's University area, we greeted each other like long time friends. It was a pleasure to finally meet this extraordinary businesswoman from Yonkers, New York.

Dawn is an award-winning writer who is legendary for her Jazz play, "A Month of Sundays - Remembering the Women in Jazz." When she is not casting members, you can find her in the kitchen dishing up flavorful organic meals for her Herban-Eats Catering & Consultation company.

As our conversation filled the room like the sweet aroma of the coffee and freshly baked pastry, I was intrigued by how she purposefully uses her gifts to inspire others to live better lives.

Giving the Gift of Food

After her mother remarried, they

WomenofFruitMag.com | Summer 2016 8

moved to Charlotte when Dawn was eleven. Dawn has lived in Charlotte for most of her life and It's truly the place where her gifts took center stage.

As she reminisced, "My mother gave me much freedom in the kitchen as she was not a cook. My aunt Lily Mae had a big backyard where she grew fresh food like potatoes and greens."

It was fascinating seeing food growing from the ground. " "

I would hear her getting up at 5 am and I would literally follow her to the kitchen to help. I gradually graduated from washing "

the greens and peeling the potatoes to creating main dishes.”

Dawn shares that the beneficial value of eating organic food is that it is life saving. Therefore, she always strives to balance the art of plating eye pleasing dishes and naturally mouthwatering food through her catering company. She loves to participate in community events where she shows others that they can easily create healthy dishes at home.

Giving the Gift of Family

As a child, her creatively talented, business-minded mother introduced Dawn

I'm a watcher who never was interested in acting

to the dynamic of theater life. “I was always lounged on a chair doing homework or watching the rehearsals.” Dawn's upclose exposure to theater productions allowed her to recognize that she enjoys creating the characters rather acting one out in scenes.

talented cast in her current play, Month of Sundays. The gift of family is supporting each other at every stage of life. She shares the gifts of her family front and center for everyone to enjoy.

Dawn has taken her gift of theater exposure to showcase characters of incredibly strong African American women along with the cultural journey of Jazz in her plays. Dawn’s amazing mother is a part of her

After working at task driven jobs for over twelve years, Dawn decided to rewrite her life’s story to purpose driven roles in the community. “I read that when you wake up wanting to do something and go to bed still thinking about it , then you know it’s your

I was always lounged on a chair doing homework or watching the rehearsals.”

Giving the Gift of Focus

purpose regardless of how tiring it may be.”

Whether she is single handedly catering a 350 guest event or preparing for a sold-out opening night production, she finds a spiritual fulfillment in inspiring her patrons to live their best lives by reaching back for that their forgotten dreams or reaching forward with greater beliefs that they can achieve them.

She loves watching her cast bowing with satisfaction at the end of a production or giving the younger generations the opportunity to see a black producer and playwright that supports educational programs in their communities. It is her passion which she describes as being vital to her existence..

Now living in Greenville, SC with her husband and her daughter, Nadia who is a junior in college. Dawn and Nadia are the co-founders of Power is Giving, a community focused nonprofit that supports the under-served in Greenville. They have provided tennis lessons, healthy eating, and esteem building lessons to more than 500 youth in Greenville.

Dawn explains, "The ultimate power in life is giving." God has surely cast Dawn as the leading lady to give to those in her purposeful life story.

Summer 2016 | WomenofFruitMag.com | 9

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Health

Your Health At Your Best

Simple health habits to produce a simpliy healthier you By: Dr. Sarah Moore

Our individual health situations can be both unique and complex.

We each start with certain predispositions (thanks, Mom) and have varied lifestyles and experiences, which can lead us to face a quite different set of health challenges.

Finding your best health or achieving your own health goals can involve some troubleshooting, so enlist some help.

This might mean trying a few doctors before you find the one whose philosophy aligns more with your own, or in other cases simply finding the friend in whom you can confide who will also hold you to your walking dates.

Put some consideration

into the decision of who’s on your team so you’re set up for a win!

You FIRST.

We’ve all heard the instruction every plane flight of our lives to first secure our own mask before helping others to secure theirs, so why is it so often difficult for us as women to figuratively do this in everyday life? Take time to check in with

yourself. Be mindful and in the present moment.

Do something that feeds your soul. Listen to what your body’s telling you .

Make it a habit to take yourself off the back burner on a regular basis and realize that everyone and everything is still going to be there waiting when you come back just a little bit happier, a little bit healthier, and a little more you.

Summer 2016 | WomenofFruitMag.com | 11

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Seeds of Scribes Books- Featured Author

To Know Him And To Make Him Known Evangelist Marcia Williams

shares her amazing journey seeking God and the gift that she received by knowing him as her savior in her book, To Know Him And To Make Him Known I was unpacking the last box in my new home office, trying to make this foreign space feel more familiar, when a book fell to the floor. The impact instantly took me on a nostalgic journey to the last time that I had dinner with my uplifting sisters. We were celebrating the accomplishments of an author, Marcia Williams.

Reading the title, “To know Him and Make Him Known.” I must confess that I was wondering if God knew that I am struggling with my insecurities in making this strange place mine. I sat the book on the desk because I no longer wanted to think about my uncomfortable as a reality. However, the book’s title deeply resonated in my spirit so loudly that I could not resist the desire to read the first few pages.

I felt the events that took place in my life needed to be told." "

Marcia Williams Author www.williamsmj.com

Williams expressed the importance of having Godly women in your life that strengthen your wisdom and faith in order to withstand life's temporary circumstances. I began to think about how God brought countless impactful women at various times into my life. It gave me an even greater appreciation to those women that inspired me to live a fruitful life by pursuing my divine purpose.

In her book, Marcia writes, “Sometimes God has to take us out our comfort zone, that place of security, that place of familiarity, to accomplish what he wants in our lives.”

I nearly dropped my book once I read this sentence. It was like God gave her the words to for me at this very moment in my life. I took another look at my surroundings and no longer felt that I did not belong but it is all part of his divine plan for my life.

Before I knew it, I was reading the last page of her book feeling thankful that Williams obediently wrote this book.

From the pages of her book, she ministered that God knows all about it so find comfort in knowing that he is always there with me. -As told by Vonnie Judge

Summer 2016 | WomenofFruitMag.com | 13

Embracing The Power of Purpose Octavia is a catalyst for change in our communities. She is blessed with a platform that gives voice to the voiceless and speaks inspiration to eliminate hopelessness.

A

s I sat at the anchor’s capture everything down to desk in the slightly chilly news my unspoken positions as I simultaneously report heartstation’s studio, I wondered wrenching tragedies to what it might be like sitting Add subheading bizarrely hilarious news under the pressure of the hot spotlights as watchful cameras stories across our country.

WomenofFruitMag.com | Summer 2016 | 14

Then the amazing woman that makes it all looks so effortless walks in showing her warm smile which always brings comfort to her viewers.

O

ctavia Mitchell Hilton is the Emmy award winning morning anchor for Charleston’s WCBD Channel 2 News.

She delivers high energy and sincerity across the screen as she and her team cover the daily local and national news. She also grabs the attention of much younger viewers by covering education stories. Many principals, teachers, students, and parents know Octavia to walk the halls of elementary, middle, and high schools bringing the gift of hope and possibilities as she highlights their great achievements in her Cool School segments.

“I love when young children, especially little girls come up to me and say I want to be just like you because I remember being that little girl and having people in my life to encourage and nurture my dreams so I want them to know that they can do it too.”

Octavia grew up in a small town in Charleston County called Awendaw, a rural area which some may consider a farm with her grandparents, George and Delores Mitchell.

“I lived down a dirt road and we didn’t have much. I didn't have fancy clothes, but we had so much love.” Her grandparents raised 8 children including Octavia and her cousin as their own.

As she takes me back down memory lane, she shares,

My grandmother would tell me I am just as good as anybody else and I can be anything that I want to be.”

Her grandmother had to leave school to take care of her brothers and sisters, and could not read; but she knew the Word of God. She instilled that love and faith in her children and grandchildren.

"My mother Georgette Woodfield worked hard to take care of three children and she did the best she could.

She helped to raise my son while I was in college. My father's mother, my grandmother Jannie Mitchell was also an important part of my upbringing."

As she shared her memories of her grandfather, I can hear how much she cherishes her love for him.

"My grandfather was my Rock.” He provided her an unwavering foundation by being the father that she needed in her life.

"He spoiled me rotten. It was not about material things. We didn't have much but he made sure we had what we needed. I know he loved me.

He did things for me that he really did not have to do. " God blessed her with a loving mother, father, and grandparents who inspired, encouraged, and shaped Octavia into the phenomenal woman that we see today. "

The Power of Purpose

As she reminisced about her life's journey, I asked how did she start her career in news. She explains that her love for news started at the age of 7. She would pretend to be a reporter by using a hair brush as a microphone. At the age of 17, she graduated from high school ranking in the top 10 of her class without a plan.

She did not plan to go to college because she did not think it was an option with a lack of money. “I did not have a plan after high school. I knew even if I got scholarships to attend college, I would still need money.” Therefore, she went with what she thought was her only option and enlisted in the Air Force.

“I remember asking my mother to sign the paper giving her permission because I was not 18."

She took a bus to Columbia to complete her enlistment requirements, but once she arrived, strangely no one could find her paperwork. “I would have been Aiming High.“ Looking back, she recognizes this unexplainable setback was a miraculous interruption

by God to guide her to his true purpose for her life.

Summer 2016 | WomenofFruitMag.com | 15

God is Good! He took me in a different direction.” She enrolled in South Carolina State University to major in broadcasting. "I graduated college by trusting the Power of Purpose.” Octavia is the first person in her family to graduate from college. The fact that she covers educationinspiring students to chase after their dreams is like a divine assignment.

While in college, she worked as an intern for Channel 2 News and was later hired as a producer. “"I am blessed to be able to work in a profession I love in my hometown for the last 14 years.”

Early in her career path, she explored other career possibilities by taking an office position that offered regular hours where holidays off were the norm. "I thought this isn't so bad."

Just when she was about to settle into this position, she received a call from one of her old managers that just relocated back to the area. "He called to offer me a position back in news not once but three times. It was not until the third time that he called that I had to ask Lord, what are you trying to tell me. '' She obediently stepped out on faith and went back into the news industry working as a producer, although her heart desired to be a reporter. A week after she left the office position, the company eliminated that role. God has a subtle way of letting us know that his ways are better than ours. "

About 3 months after taking this producer position, she received a tap on the shoulder, wondering why management wanted to see her right away. As she sat down to hear the words of her promotion, her immediate response was, “It is not by your hands that this is possible.” She experienced God delivering her heart’s desires because she worked her faith. "Faith is looking beyond the problem and fully believing in the promise....

Her grandparents taught her to always remain humble so she desires to always be a blessing to others. "I’m always amazed when people ask for my autograph because I’m not a celebrity. I would tell them I'm flattered and of course sign it, but I let them know, I'm just Octavia, I'm blessed to work on TV." Family is love. It’s everything.

"One of my proudest moments is when I spoke at my son

Photo: Post and Courier

embracing the possibility. It's the key to locking and releasing fear and doubt. It's the vessel on this journey to fulfilling your life's purpose."

"I know that God has me here for a purpose to help the community and be a role model for other little girls living in challenging conditions and who may be standing in front of a mirror talking into a hair brush. Look at me a poor little black girl from Awendaw, SC. Look at how God has blessed me. He did it for me, He can do the same for you."

Cayden's high school graduation." Even as a single mother, she was not going to let the opportunity of going to college be a second thought for her son, Cayden, whom she describes as a well mannered gentleman.

“I remember having him in some of my back to school segments, then he got to middle school and he was like mom that’s enough.” He does not like the attention but she does not miss an opportunity to show him how proud she Continues on Page 19 |

Fruitful

Moment

Pruning the Vine Poem by Kimberly Griffith Anderson

www.kimberlyga.com

I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.

-John 15: 1-2 In John 15 He is the vine, a perfect metaphor For Him who is the light, the way, the resurrection and the door For His Father, intentional The vine—not the tree or its root as always, planted Him to For His Father, intentional as always, planted Him to spread spread and grow fruit and grow fruit The true vine, not from the wild or a weed Set apart from other plants, not counterfeit, but true indeed.

In Him we must abide Apart from him we will not prosper, we will be denied We are the branches, the vine’s side shoots Connected to the Father through the vine yet in the world to share fruit Faithfulness, gentleness and self-control our hearts Our fruit is our demeanor, the window to our heart Love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness and goodness are our part. should comprise In troubling times, which are sure to arise Faithfulness, gentleness and self-control our hearts should comprise.

God the father, the Great I am, the Gardener He gives love and grace as the perfect caregiver He prunes to restore our strength and vigor The pruning is hard, but new growth is what it triggers Pruning is for the sake of the soul Be rid of any hindrance that takes control So, what tangles your branches and makes you retreat?

Prune it away so your flower may bud and your fruit will be sweet.

The pruning is hard, but new growth is what it triggers

Summer 2016 | WomenofFruitMag.com | 17

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I’m a strong woman who is blessed with a strong man who is my perfect partner...

We're not perfect, but we're perfect for each other

is of him. With a look of accomplishment, she says, “I am very proud of my son. My grandfather helped me raise him to be responsible, hardworking, and good at saving money. “ Cayden will graduate in December majoring in graphic design and animation.

“He is an incredibly talented artist and I know one day he will make a special woman a great husband.”

“I married later in life because I would not settle.

My grandfather showed me how a man should treat a woman based on how he treated my grandmother.”

Although it took some time, “God’s timing is always the best.”

Neilson, a lead counselor for a Lowcountry school district and head high school basketball coach, brings a calm balance to the dynamics of Octavia’s busy, always on camera lifestyle.

“I’m a strong woman who is blessed with a strong man who is my perfect partner...

We're not perfect, but we're perfect for each other.”

The loss of her grandfather was one of the toughest times of her life. As she reflects, she sentimentally adds, "Neilson is my strength when I can't be strong."

Two years ago, Octavia and Neilson celebrated their

love in a beautiful ceremony with family and close friends in attendance.

They truly are living a life of blessings and bliss.

“Life is full of surprises with Neilson. He goes out of his way to make everyday special for me, always treating me like a queen.”

She absolutely glows with happiness as she describes him and his loving and thoughtful qualities. Most importantly, the two men in her life loves and accepts each other.”

My Power is Purpose

When I inquired about her legacy, she reveals, “When I cannot speak for myself or transition to meet my Savior face to face, saying that I was an award winning anchor is great, because that is a blessing, but I want people to remember me as a woman who strived to live for God, a woman who did what she could to make a difference to help people, to change lives for the better. I just want people to see my heart because it’s more than a job for me. It’s my ministry to reach and connect with people.”

For anyone who meets Octavia speaking or hosting at community events or watch her interact across their television's screen, certainly knows that she has faithfully embraced her power of purpose.

WomenofFruitMag.com | Summer 2016 | 19

Steps to Flawless 7 Makeup Tips for Begininers By LaTonya Jackson

Start Basic Every woman should be able to achieve her everyday natural look. It is so much easier from then on to add color and other add-ons from that point. Your basic look should consist of a foundation, mascara, kohl eyeliner for the water line, liquid eyeliner for the lid, a neutral eye shadow palette (I suggest Urban Decay Naked 2 palette), blush, and lip gloss/stick.

Invest Slowly Make-up can be a bit costly, but it's an investment. You may not be able to afford to purchase everything all at once. Don't sweat it!! Purchase one or two products at a time.

Practice, Practice Purchase foundation and a foundation brush. When you're comfortable applying your foundation with the brush and you achieve that flawless finish move on to the next product to enhance your look

WomenofFruitMag.com | Summer 2016 | 20

Make a Date!

It's make-up, so have fun!

Make a date with a friend to go your favorite makeup counter in the mall and ask the makeup artist to show you techniques. Go with the intentions of purchasing a new product.

Use Proper Tools This is especially important when applying foundation and eye shadow.

As mentioned before, make-up is an investment. If you want your foundation to look flawless and save money by reducing waste of overapplying, then use the proper tools

Color Doesn't Matter

Regardless of what you've been told, any woman can wear a red or pink lip. The trick is to find the correct shade. You may not be able to wear a bold red, or reddish-orange, but there are subtle sultry reds that look phenomenal!

Make It Pop

After you have perfected your basic look, you may feel ready to add a pop of color . The easiest way to add a pop of color to your look is with eyeliner.

Summer 2016 | WomenofFruitMag.com | 21

A Humble Start can Lead to Greatness Whether you consider it a mishap or fate, Linda Page's family arrived in Mt. Pleasant in trailer when she was six years old. Her father wanted to cross the bridge but got "stuck" in Mt. Pleasant. Linda has lived in Mt. Pleasant ever since; and now, she is the mayor of the growing town.

By: Aimee Erkman

W

hile waiting in the lobby of the Mayor Page’s office, I couldn’t help but to think to the first time that I met her at a Republican Women’s meeting where she was the keynote speaker.

It was remarkable to learn that she was our neighboring city’s second ever-elected female mayor.

WomenofFruitMag.com | Summer 2016 | 22

Photo: Mayor Linda Page

As she took the podium, she began sharing her message of being a concerned citizen, mother, businesswoman, and her dedication to her mayoral duties for the ninth fastest growing city in the nation. The more she shared about her personal

accomplishments and her various leadership roles to support the community, the more I found liberty to live my best life as a citizen, mother, businesswoman and leader. Her inspirational talk truly empowered me that day, so I could not wait to see her again.

Women of Fruit: What are your thoughts on your ‘landslide mayoral election’? I mean, you really never fell below fifty percent..

Mayor Page: Love of the community, I think showed through my campaign, and I think it was the right time for me, and I think it was the right time for a woman. I was very positive...

People want leaders who are true leaders, they want people who are not indecisive, and they want people who represent and stay true to what their core values...So I think that is what hit it out of the ballpark.

Women of Fruit: ­ Politics is especially tough for women. How do you handle yourself so well in this primarily male dominated political arena?

Mayor Page: Politics is tough for anyone ­ because we are human, and we are sensitive and have feelings...Women are nurturers and caring, and we want things to be okay... we want to fix things, and I think that is a wonderful asset when it comes to politics...the strengths that women have really make it easier for women to navigate the political world, I just don’t think women know that.

Women of Fruit: What types of strengths do you mean?

Mayor Page: Compassion, patience, caring, empathy, understanding – because most of the time, politics is about an issue where you have people on either one side or the other.

I think women come much more ­ in their souls and in their being – to really deal with issues that have two sides, and I think we do it more objectively than men.

Add subheading

Women of Fruit: What advice would you give other women who would like to run for political office?

Mayor Page: I give women advice all the time. So the first thing is to connect with someone that they admire; who has achieved what they want or what they are considering trying to achieve. First connect, as you might find that it isn’t for you.

If you want to be involved, you need to get involved. You have to go to some meetings to learn the concerns of the people and what are the challenges of this office? How much time does this take? If this takes too much time, are there other ways that you could serve that are manageable to your lifestyle Women of Fruit: What accomplishments as Mayor do you feel is the most rewarding?

Mayor Page: You know some days, I will have to tell you that I get home at the end of the day and I have to check my calendar to see what I did. There are just so many moving parts. New businesses are moving into Mount Pleasant bringing jobs and opportunities ..Partnerships to address transportation issues for college students and residences. It’s just every day. New growth every day and progress every day.

Women of Fruit: Who are some people that influenced you throughout your life?

Mayor Page: Jeanette Mullins, I had her in high school as a speech teacher. She went on to be a magistrate. As my speech teacher, she encouraged my voice. You have to have confidence in what

what you have to say, or you can’t be anyone, so she was very influential.

Ann and Jim Edwards have been important in my life because of the graciousness that they brought to the Governor’s office.

I’m very empowered, and really, really admire people who have overcome any kind of physical or any kind of disability that they have dealt with. ..so every day, I’m inspired by life – really.

Women of Fruit: You say that you are inspired with people with disabilities. I understand that your son suffered an accident?

Mayor Page: He did, he broke his back September 26th, before my election. So obviously it greatly affected our family. But he’s beyond inspirational. He’s in a wheelchair – a paraplegic. He fishes and he hunts, hasn’t changed his lifestyle. His goal obviously – I think anyone who has ever suffered a spinal cord injury hopes that someday they will be walking. But it doesn’t stop life.

I also have a developmentally delayed daughter. She has an autistic­spectrum disorder, and she’s had to overcome things that most of us can’t even consider. I mean the challenge of counting money, or telling time, or getting a driver’s license – because that’s her ultimate goal. She wants a driver’s license.

Summer 2016 | WomenofFruitMag.com | 23

Women of Fruit: I’m sure you were instrumental in helping your son and daughter keep their drive, though, as well.

Women in leadership

Mayor Page: Well, yes, you have to have people in your life to drive you, sure. Somebody’s got to be a pushy mama somewhere. We all know that story .

Women of Fruit: You quoted, “I am a very strong woman, and I’ve been a single parent for many years”. How you balance that, how you balance that with your family and career.

Mayor Page: Well most, days, believe it or not, I do manage to cook supper and have supper with my daughter... she lives with me. I strive for to balance, I have to kind of schedule it in, so to speak. I’m a very good time manager. I try to put most of my efforts in the town work in the mornings, because it seems to work better with my business. I have great people who help me with my business, so I’m here in the mornings, I’m typically at my job in the afternoon, and evenings are pretty sacred for me. I go to evening events, but you know, I’d much rather have a home­cooked meal at home with my daughter. Last night we watched a video. We watched Saint Vincent, with Bill Murray, which was hilarious.

Women of Fruit: Does your son still help you with your business?

Mayor Page: He did, until his accident. He still does some computer work .He’s carved his own little niche out..he’s using other skills.

Add subheading

should be the voice of all Mayor Page speaking at an event focused on disabilities inclusion in Mt. Pleasant, SC

women

Women of Fruit: What accomplishments as Mayor do you feel is the most rewarding?

Mayor Page at ribbon cutting for Comfort Suites Hotel­ Mt. Pleasant, SC at Isle of Palms Connector

Women of Fruit: Did you ever think that your level of success would be limited because you are a single mother?

Mayor Page: I never doubted myself, so no. I think the key is anybody can do anything as long as they are passionate about it and willing to put in the work to get it done.

WomenofFruitMag.com | Summer 2016 | 24

Women of Fruit: What legacy would you like to leave for your community?

Mayor Page: Right now , we must deal with growth. I want a work/live community so I want to attract businesses that have jobs that afford people the opportunity to do just that.

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