Charmion Clark Phillips

Often career inspiration is sparked by an innate talent. But to truly succeed requires a special character that includes desire, determination and, many times, great sacrifice. For Charmion Clark (Phillips), it was such a combination that landed her on a stage in toe shoes and a tutu, in spite of obstacles beyond her control.

Charmion, known locally as "Charm," began ballet lessons as a young child. Attending high school at the National Academy of Ballet in New York City, her ability and dedication were never in question-but her body didn't cooperate. "I kept growing, but not the way they like ballerinas to grow," she said. "I was too tall."

After rejections from the major ballet companies, she knew she had to alter her path. So, at 17, she began the process of reinvention, studying acting and singing in college with an eye toward musical theatre. Still, during summers, she danced on the side without pay. "There are levels of success. I was willing to take that level to play out my dreams and be in Giselle and Swan Lake, Firebird. No, I didn't get paid. But after you spend your entire life thinking that is what you are going to do, it's better than nothing," said Charm.

After college, she ventured back to New York to pursue an acting career. She once played Wonder Woman in the stage production. Other performances included dinner theatre, children's theatre and some commercials. She later moved to L.A., always managing to make a living doing what she loved.

But then came a casting call closer to home. Charm came to Hilton Head Island to care for her sister, who was battling breast cancer, and to help with her three-year-old son. After her sister's death, she stayed and began, once again, to reinvent her life.

"After show business, I tried so many things. It was difficult to find something to fit into," she said. But more than anything, she wanted a family. Charm went on to teach school, marry and bear a son-a gift beyond anything she could do on stage, she says. She has since divorced, but continues to dedicate her life to bringing up her son, offering ongoing guidance to her nephew and caring for her mother.

But don't think her talents are wasted. As an actress, accustomed to living someone else's character, Charm is using her skills as a sales associate at Patricia's boutique. You see, her job is about more than coordinating outfits. It's about encouraging and inspiring women-helping display them in the best way, like a choreographer would do with an actress on stage, but also helping them see beyond their perceived flaws.

"One of the things I've learned from acting and dancing is that you don't look at the outside," she said. "I dressed and my voice sounded like the person who was supposed to be on that stage. But when I came off the stage, it didn't matter what I looked like. I have so little to do with that. That's just how God made me. I can't help any more how God made me than how he made another person. What I can do is reach in and touch behind that and see who they are."