Jennifer Buddin is a proud wife and mother of 2 sons and a giant, year old hound dog mutt named Forest. She lives with her family in Old Town Charleston in West Ashley. As an entrepreneur, communications consultant, and a comedy improviser, Jennifer says she is blessed with incredibly supportive family and friends that inspire and encourage her.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My husband is a neuropsychologist and business owner at SC Neuro with offices in Charleston and Summerville. We have two children, William (10) and James (7). They are both funny and bright; hanging out with them is an absolute blast.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
In 1999, I co-founded “The Little Black Book for every busy woman®,” a word-of-mouth directory for women that expanded into 8 Southeastern markets during it’s run. In 2010 I expanded the B2B services we offered with the launch of Every Busy Woman LLC, a communications firm specializing in consulting, design, and publishing. I seriously love my job and am so grateful for the opportunity to work on ever-changing and exciting projects with people I respect and learn from. I’m an improv comedian and a company member with Theatre 99, Charleston’s home for improv comedy. I preform as a part of the main stage cast as well as in the groups Mary Kay has a Posse and Hot Pants. Theatre 99 is such a special place. It’s a home away from home, and the company members are like a family to me. I also love going to see shows, especially when I get to take friends and family from out of town. I incorporate my improv training into my work and regularly present on using comedy improv techniques in business.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Cru Cafe is my favorite. I love John Zucker and his team. We started our businesses the same year, and he’s always been really supportive. We have some faves near our house in West Ashley that are in heavy rotation: Red Orchid, El Melino, Early Bird, and Glass Onion.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I grew up in Gainesville, GA and moved to Charleston in 1995 to attend the College of Charleston. At a beach party in college, I met a boy from Charleston named Howard. We married in 2003, and though we’ve had a 5 year stint in Ft. Lauderdale, FL and 2 years in Wichita, KS while he was in grad school, Charleston has always been home for us.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Too many to name just one. I’m really interested in talking to people. If you ask the right questions, everyone has an interesting story to tell. My friends tease me that I end up interviewing everyone! I love it though; I’m genuinely curious.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
In the summer I always want to escape to the mountains. I grew up in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and that cooler air and time with my family beckon me home!
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
My favorite movie is Out of Africa. I never tire of watching it, and I listen to the soundtrack a lot too. My weekly ritual is watching CBS Sunday Morning followed by Face the Nation. During the pandemic, we’ve rewatched all of Parks and Rec and 30 Rock, which I think is quite an achievement.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Stay curious and interested– keep learning, try new things, meet new people, go different places. And remember that everywhere you go, there you are, so you’d best be nice to yourself!
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A trip to Patagonia – exploring the national parks and visiting wineries.
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
I usually push shuffle on my music library and see where it takes me.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
This is tough, because there are so many. Current: Theatre 99, Pitt Street Pharmacy, Moe’s Crosstown, Bert’s Market, Southern Belles Children’s Clothing, Fast & French, Dave’s Carryout. Former: Read Bros, Il Cortile del Re, Latasha’s Taste of New Orleans, Cumberlands, McCrady’s, Your Place, 52.5, Liberty Cafe, The Arcade.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I’d invite Oprah Winfrey, and I’d ask Kardea Brown to host a New Gullah Supper Club for us! Oprah is smart, accomplished, resilient, seems like she’d be fun to laugh with, and you KNOW she has some good stories to tell. I follow Kardea Brown on Instagram, and she is always making me hungry and inspiring what I make at home. She could also really deliver on the flavors of our community; her food is story and tradition. Kardea has to join us for lunch, because she and Oprah would love each other!
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Charleston is a big little town. The culture, art, food, and people are among the best and most inspiring in the world, but you’re always running into old and new friends everywhere you go and chatting and catching up like you’re at the Piggly Wiggly in a small, Southern town.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I still see myself working and performing in Charleston, with more travel in my itinerary to explore the world and visit my kids wherever they are pursuing their dreams! I’ve got some dream projects i’d like to tackle too, so hopefully, I’ll be busy making that happen.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I think the thing that surprises people the most about me is when they know me from one part of my life and see me in another context. People I work, mom, or perform with are always surprised to see me in action outside of the thing they know me from.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Charleston is definitely on my list. Vernazza, Italy; Yusentei Park in Fukuoka Japan; Grand Teton National Park.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
July – my birthday and a vacation; Thanksgiving – being with family and eating great food; There’s no one single day that is the best, though I do love Sundays in general.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Walking or biking through Mrs. Waring’s garden at Charles Towne Landing when the camellias are blooming. It’s absolutely breath taking.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My children inspire me to be better because they watch and learn from me. Not a day goes by that I don’t learn something from them. Seeing and discovering the world through their eyes is profound.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Cinnamon bread baking and salty-sweet ocean air
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Safe, nurturing, love
