Today's Woman March 2016 by Today's Transitions

MARCH 2016

VOTE!

MOST ADMIRED

WOMAN 2016

Sneak Peek

Inside Local Homes

SPRING FEVER! * Decorate * Find a Passion * Start a Business

oman

TODAY’SW CREATE YOUR BRIGHT SPOT p.4

ATTEND THIS FESTIVAL

She Found Paradise p.14

MARCH 2016 / CONTENTS

Let Go!

p.8

Make a Healthy Drink p.10

p.42

JUST ASK JOYCE p.14

2016

VOTE MOST ADMIRED

ORGANIZE

WOMAN p.6

Decorate

Without Limits p.24 Heather Molina’s Inspiration

p.10

BUY A HOME

How to Do It p.30 A COMFORTABLE WORKOUT p.8 HELP SOMEONE p.48

THINGS TO KNOW p.16

YOUR KITCHEN p.46 Look at These Hats p.44

SHE’S SAVING ANIMALS p.44

She’s Listening To… p.40

Terra Leavell Kicks It p.40

BUSINESSBOOSTING TIPS P12

BEAT

STRESS p.42

ALYSSA MURPHY’S EASY WARDROBE p.46

A Courageous Act p.48

Create Your

BRIGHT SPOT

MARCH 2016 • VOL. 26 / NO. 4 PUBLISHER Cathy S. Zion publisher@todayspublications.com EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Anita Oldham editor@todayspublications.com EDITOR Tiffany White tiffany@todayspublications.com CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Lucy M. Pritchett Miranda G. Popp miranda@todayspublications.com PHOTOGRAPHER/FOOD WRITER/ PHOTO EDITOR Melissa Donald melissa@todayspublications.com

By Tiffany White

fter enduring the cold, gray days of winter, the arrival of spring is the right time for you to brighten your life. And in this month’s issue, we’re giving you plenty of ideas you’ll love. Start with making some changes inside or outside your home. In our home decor feature

on page 24, you’ll find tips on how to bring out the beauty of your home — regardless of your living situation. Or do what we did a couple of days before our cover shoot: paint something. We painted a backdrop, but you could paint your walls or a piece of furniture. If your stress has

skyrocketed, brighten your mood by turning to page 42 for a couple of ideas on achieving calmness when you’re in a state of calamity. Then treat yourself to a green smoothie drink (see the recipe on page 10) for a boost of energy. Bringing the color back into your life is easy and feels good. We can’t wait for you to try it!

What These Symbols Mean Read more about each one of these stories that you see in this issue at TodaysWomanNow.com.

This icon means you can find a story about this person on TodaysWomanNow.com with more photos by typing in this keyword in our Search bar.

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And, make a comment or two to join in the story or be part of the conversation! Some of those comments made on stories appear in our print issue.

ON THE COVER:

Katie Burke, stylist at Schafer’s Salon & Hair Studio, is giving women fresh ideas on how they can look their best with a few hairstyling tips. Find out what she’s saying on page 18. Photo Melissa Donald Katie Burke is wearing: Tee available at Modern Elegance, $45, 3921 Chenoweth Square, 502.883.4721; Denim available at Modern Elegance, $118; Earrings available at Lemon Tree, $18, 3915 Chenoweth Square, 502.690.3315; Cuff available at Lemon Tree, $26.

MARCH 2016 / TODAY’S WOMAN

ASSISTANT EDITOR/DESIGNER Jessica Alyea jessica@todayspublications.com OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Jillian LeMaster officeadmin@todayspublications.com ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Susan Allen susan@todayspublications.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Kaitlyn English kaitlyn@todayspublications.com Teri Hickerson teri@todayspublications.com Suzy Hillebrand suzy@todayspublications.com Joyce Inman joyce@todayspublications.com GRAPHIC DESIGNERS April H. Allman april@todayspublications.com Kathy Bolger kathyb@todayspublications.com STYLIST Alissa Hicks alissa@todayspublications.com CIRCULATION MANAGER W. Earl Zion EDITORIAL INTERN Anna Patterson Today’s Woman is published monthly by: Zion Publications, LLC 9750 Ormsby Station Road, Suite 307 Louisville, KY 40223 Phone: 502.327.8855 todayswomannow.com The opinions expressed herein are exclusively those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the position of the publisher. Today’s Woman magazine does not endorse or guarantee any advertiser’s product or service. Copyright 2016 by Zion Publications LLC, all rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited without permission from Zion Publications LLC.

ADVERTISE: Call 502.327.8855 or email advertising@todayspublications.com. REPRINTS: Call 502.327.8855 or email reprints@todayspublications.com.

SUBSCRIBE: Send $18 to the above address for 12 monthly issues.

BBB RATING

most

ADMIRED woman 2016

ARTS

COMMUNITY/NONPROFITS

❒ ELMER LUCILLE ALLEN

❒ MADELINE ABRAMSON

❒K AREN BOONE

❒ PAT BYRON

❒ MARY LEVINSKY

❒ SUSAN BARRY

❒ L ORI MEADOWS

❒ WENDY DANT CHESSER

❒ DR. KRISTINE KRUEGER

❒ J OANNE WEIS

❒ CYNTHIA KNAPEK

❒ ANGIE MANNINO

❒M ELODY WELSH-BUCHHOLZ

❒ VICKY WEBER

Artist Artist

Block Party Handmade Boutique Kentucky Arts Council Fiber Artist

Louisville Youth Orchestra

ATHLETES/FITNESS

It’s your turn to vote for the women you admire in the Louisville/Southern Indiana area. These women were nominated for the 14th Today’s Woman Most Admired Woman Award by the editorial staff of Today’s Woman. ONLINE VOTING

DEADLINE: MARCH 21, NOON

Vote online for one person in each category once per day per email address at TodaysWomanNow.com or mail (postmarked by March 21) your votes to Today’s Woman, 9750 Ormsby Station Road, Suite 307, Louisville, KY 40223. Name:_______________________________ Address:_____________________________ City, State: __________________________

❒ CINDY GEER Train Like a Girl

❒M IMI HWANG

Hwang’s Martial Arts

❒C RYSTAL KELLY

Bellarmine University Basketball (former Miss Basketball)

❒ R OSIE NAPRAVNIK Former jockey

❒ MARIA WHITLEY

Shine Wellness Studio

❒D ENISE WOOLDRIDGE KentuckyOne Health

BEAUTY/FASHION

SPONSORED BY SEMONIN REALTORS

❒ VALERIE CHINN WDRB-41

❒ SHANNON COGAN WAVE3

❒ ANGIE FENTON Great Day Live, Extol

❒ MONICA HARDIN WLKY-32

❒ SARAH KELLEY Insider Louisville

❒ LAURA UNGAR Courier-Journal

POLITICAL ❒ DENISE HARPER ANGEL Kentucky State Senator

❒ CHERI BRYANT HAMILTON Metro Council

❒E LLEN HESEN

Mayor Greg Fischer Chief of Staff

❒ BARBARA HOLLIS Clark County Council

❒ TINA LENTZ

Metro Community Services

❒S USAN L. ORTH

Floyd County Superior Court Judge

SEARCH: Nikki Naseef

Comfortable in Class

By Brigid Morissey Photo Sunni Wigginton

Nikki Naseef’s new business has been successful because she uses her own personal experience to relate to anyone who walks into her class. “It was my first time once too,” she says. “Our goal is to make every single person in here feel comfortable so you can walk in like you own the place.” The workout was accompanied by upbeat music and the high intensity of Nikki’s encouragement. Her energy is what made the class unique and fun, and by the end of that speedy hour, I had worked up a good sweat. “People have the mentality to get on a treadmill to lose weight,” Nikki says. “It’s best for your body not to do the same thing over and over. My favorite part [about Barre3] is that it never gets easier. The mind and body connection just deepens.”

TURNING POINT

HER JOB’S A PARTY

SEARCH: Tisha Gainey

By Lucy M. Pritchett Photo Patti Hartog

his woman’s turning point occurred in a World War II-era airplane hangar at Bowman Field. No, she didn’t start taking flying lessons or become an airplane mechanic… It all started with Tisha Gainey’s love of craft beer and a good party, which led to the founding of the Tailspin Ale Fest in 2013. Tisha has had quite a winding career path since she graduated from Purdue University in 1997 with a bachelor’s degree in communications. “Growing up I was interested in graphic design, advertising, and marketing. That is what I focused on in college. Well, that and craft beer,” Tisha says with a laugh. “College is good for learning a lot of things not taught in the classroom. I didn’t really like the taste of domestic beers and developed a liking for Sam Smith, Sierra Nevada, and Cask Ale 85.” Her degree led her to a job as a project coordinator for Disney in Florida and as an advertising coordinator for a real estate company. Then her love of craft beer gave rise to a position as a craft beer distributor

MARCH 2016 / TODAY’S WOMAN

for World Class Beverages. After five years in sales, she took a job as beverage director for a local restaurant. It was during that time that she and Trevor Cravens, president of Draft Publishing, came up with the idea of Tailspin Ale Fest. “I had worked beer festivals for other people, and I wanted to put on something a little different,” Tisha says. “We loved the idea of holding the event in the airplane hangar as it highlights some of the history of Louisville. Bowman Field is the oldest continually operating commercial airfield in North America. The success of the first festival in 2013 it sold out to a crowd of 2,400 — inspired Tisha to spread her wings once again. In 2014, she opened HB Productions, a beer consulting and event planning business. (I am sworn to secrecy – you will have to ask Tisha what the HB stands for...) “I knew it was risky to go out on my own, but the first Ale Fest confirmed for me that I can do this,” Tisha says. “I knew I had to go for it. I knew I would be unhappy if I didn’t try.

I have taken all sorts of classes over the years; yoga, Pilates, barre and more ~ Nikki’s is one of the best I have ever attended. Her enthusiasm is contagious and her welcome warm. She makes the workout fun. And it is challenging, but she offers modifications for each individual. It is the best of both worlds, the individual attention of a private lesson and the energy and fun of a group class. Plus, it works! —Jacky via TodaysWomanNow.com

Congrats Nikki! Love seeing that you’re changing lives for the better! Keep up the great work! — JohnnyDoWork via TodaysWomanNow.com

SEARCH: Heather Molina

BEFORE SHE GOES WHAT INSPIRES HER:

“A card from one of my dearest friends. She wrote, ‘You are strong, You are safe, You are loved, and You are worthy.’ I have it next to my bathroom mirror and read it every day. It helps get me through.” By Megan M. Seckman Photo Melissa Donald

hen you own a business and you’re the mother of a four-year-old and a newborn, life can get a little tricky. That’s why Heather Molina, founder of Owltree Yoga (a studio that specializes in pre- and post-natal yoga classes) refers to her style right now as “Survival Mode.” We’re not talking camo and combat boots — we’re just talking about making it through the day.

door,” she says. “If I have a nice pair of earrings on, I can face the world. That is my typical uniform. The scarf is great because it adds a little warmth, beauty, and is useful for hiding your boob when you nurse in public. Everything I wear is super comfortable and functional right now for sure.”

“If I have clothes on, I feel that is success right now,” Heather says with a laugh. “So my style is just to be dressed. The other day I got myself and both girls fed, dressed — with shoes even; I have to double-check that everyone has shoes lately — and out the door to a ballet lesson. That was a major accomplishment.” Heather is living in yoga pants right now. She sleeps in them, wears them when running errands, and of course, wears them to work. “I dress up my yoga pants with a nice scarf and a pair of earrings, check to see that there is no spit up or Play-Doh on me somewhere, and I’m out the

TRY THIS

Quick and Delicious Smoothie! By Paige Rhodes Smoothies are a quick and easy way to create a super healthy meal on the go. In this particular recipe, I love the creaminess that the avocados contribute, and avocado pairs very well with the flavor of mango and honey. If you’re feeling a bit blah, then this vitamin-rich smoothie should give you a nice pick-me-up!

CREAMY AVOCADO KALE SMOOTHIE Makes: 1 smoothie INGREDIENTS:

½ an avocado ½ cup kale 1 Tbsp cacao nibs ½ cup Greek yogurt ½ cup vanilla almond milk ½ cup frozen mango 2 tsp honey INSTRUCTIONS:

Combine avocado, kale, cacao nibs, Greek yogurt, almond milk, mango, and honey in your blender and blend on high until all ingredients are mixed very well. Top with a tiny sprinkle of cacao nibs to finish, and enjoy! SEARCH: Kale Smoothie

Anhu Montana hiking boots from Quest Outdoors are Heather’s current shoe of choice because she does a lot of hiking and walking. “They’re really lightweight and durable for rain, snow, or long walks with the kiddos.”

MARCH 2016 / TODAY’S WOMAN

TODAY’S WOMAN / MARCH 2016

SURVIVAL SKILLS

TELL THE WORLD ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS By Marie Bradby Photos Melissa Donald

ebra Locker was just like any TV journalist, slogging away at multiple stories on deadline and working long hours and holidays.

But she wanted to have her own business before she turned 40, so in 2008 when she was 37, she started Locker Public Relations. With that move, she has built a niche PR firm that specializes in the lux ry beauty and wellness industry. Her Louisville-based agency has even developed the clout to land clients on national TV, including The TODAY Show, The Doctors; and in national magazines and websites. As a one-person agency, she keeps only a half dozen small business clients that she carefully chooses. “I tend to work with very strong women entrepreneurs in the lifestyle and wellness area,” says Debra, who with her husband Ron Griffin has a 9-year-old son, Bryce and two Great Pyrenees dogs, Jackie and Pete.

I’ve known Debra both personally and professionally for several years, and can attest to the positive image that this article portrays. She is incredibly talented in her field, adorable and easy to love, and generous with her talent finding time to give back to several charitable organizations. I am so fortunate to know this beautiful woman! – Jessica Tretter via TodaysWomanNow.com

Nice article! I can personally attest...this girl knows her stuff. – Melinda A. Breslin via TodaysWomanNow.com

Debra’s Advice for Spreading the Word: How do you get the word out? Everyone you know should know about your company. Ideas for being an effective ‘big mouth’ include: speaking about your business to charitable and civic groups, placing gift certificates and product baskets in charity auctions, and being a resource for schools, nonprofits, and others on your expertise. What about networking? Make local connections by inviting the community into your business. Partner with a restaurant or like-minded business to create a larger event. Offer helpful education, light bites, gift certificates for a future visit, etc. Local media may be interested in promoting the event. How can you drive traffic o your business? If you have a service-driven business such as a restaurant, spa, salon, or clothing store, invite local

MARCH 2016 / TODAY’S WOMAN

SEARCH: Locker

TV hosts and reporters in for a tour and product testing or treatment. Their word-of-mouth is likely to bring in new customers and possible coverage. Social media tips? Live your brand. Offer your expertise on social media by putting yourself out there as a reliable resource. Always be positive over social media. You may be having the worst day ever at your facility, but you definitely don’t want to vent about it on Facebook! How can you handle your Internet image? Google yourself and your business or brand name a few times per month. Make sure the results are representative of the image you want potential clients to see. If they are not, consider being more active on Google + with expert advice and news about your brand. Google + has excellent SEO power.

TODAY’S WOMAN / MARCH 2016

Brandi says another interesting activity was taking a scooter ride around the island. “You see huge mountains with tin huts everywhere,” she says. “We saw people living their daily lives — cooking outside and polishing their canoes. I thought it was so interesting to see the locals living off the land surrounded by expensive resorts.”

THE BEST PLACE I’VE BEEN

SEARCH: Brandi Miller

By Torie Temple

riginally from LaGrange, Brandi Miller currently lives in Germany with her husband, a professional basketball player, who signed a two-year contract to play in Munich. They have spent the last seven years traveling and living in exotic countries for leisure and career. Brandi has experienced language barriers, extreme cold, and more than unusual driving techniques, but among the good and the bad, there was a piece of paradise. Out of all the countries Brandi has traveled, there is one — a piece of paradise — that made a lasting impression. “We went to Bora Bora for our anniversary last year, and I think it’s the most beautiful place on earth. I would definitely recommend it.”

This South Pacific island is just northwest of Tahiti in French Polynesia and is best known for its blue lagoon and the dormant volcano Mt. Otemanu. “The water was waist deep really far out, and it was so clear you could see rays and the most beautiful tropical fish,” Brandi says. “The weather was a perfect 75 degrees the whole time we were there, and the beach and resort were never crowded.” While in Bora Bora, Brandi stayed at the InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort in an overwater bungalow, which is a thatched-roof island house built on stilts in the lagoon. These huts have a private deck and a glass floor or glass coffee table to view passing sea life.

Like Father, Like Son

By Joyce Oglesby

Q: “My husband is like his father, and I’m

SEARCH: Just Ask Joyce

not sure I like either one. His dad expects his mom to work, have his meals cooked and on the table when he walks in the door, make sure the house is clean at all times and laundry always done, wait on him, and never have an opinion. That’s not the kind of home I grew up in. We’ve been married only six months, and things have gone from bad to worse.

JOYCE: Overlook what you can. There are some imperfections in a spouse that we were blind to when we fell in love. In marriage, often we have to adjust in order to work around these imperfections. We can adopt a more patient attitude and even sometimes accept those traits

that will never change. But those traits that are making life messy for the two of you are definitely worth addressing and working toward positive changes. Again, this could take a professional approach, especially when one party is unwilling to change for the good of the marriage. There’s no better time than the present to work on your future. Cloning your in-laws’ style of marriage is still a fresh fear. If you have not had the conversation of, “Honey, I ain’t your mama,” today is the perfect time. It will not be an easy transformation because while you are not his mama, he is his dad. Regardless, it will be up to you to change the situation, as he seems quite content to have it take on the feel of “home.”

Relationship expert Joyce Oglesby shares advice for a woman whose husband seems to be developing the same demanding qualities she dislikes in his father. Read her entire advice at TodaysWomanNow.com.

MARCH 2016 / TODAY’S WOMAN

TODAY’S WOMAN / MARCH 2016

SHE KICKS IT! BY BRINGING OPPORTUNITY By Anna Patterson Photo Melissa Donald

erra Leavell is a businesswoman, but not in the traditional sense. Her business is people. Although her official title is executive director of the Canaan Community Development Corporation (CCDC), Terra prefers a much simpler title: dream developer. Terra is currently undertaking the biggest project of her career: Opportunity Corner. The CCDC recently purchased property at 18th and Wilson, right in the heart of West Louisville, which it will develop and give back to the community. The artist rendering of the project shows brightly colored shipping containers that will be repurposed and remodeled into shops. The result will be a place where people in the community

can begin small businesses in everything from retail to restaurants. “When you realize what you’re good at, when you find your passion, stick with it,” Terra says. “Don’t be derailed. It’s that simple.” Her passion is helping others reach their full potential, helping them develop their dreams. And she will not be derailed.

She’s Listening To… By Megan M. Seckman Photo Melissa Donald

Terra hopes to fully launch Opportunity Corner by June of this year.

SEARCH: Terra Leavell She’s also recently been impressed by The Fortune Teller by (Louisville native) Marsha Norman. This is the story of a psychic who works with the local police. Also, she says, “The Bible is always on my bedside table, and I read a little every night before bed.” SEARCH: Mary King

She is the mother of Louisville artist John King, the founder of Louisville’s Zombie Attack (the world’s largest public zombie walk held each year on his birthday, August 29). She is a dedicated hospice nurse who after years in the profession decided to return to the field after her retirement. So what does Mary King, 72, mother of three, grandmother of four, caregiver to many, and matriarch of music and zombies listen to?

LISTENING TO The Louisville Orchestra and the Louisville Youth Orchestra — “Teddy Abrams the new conductor, is brilliant. I just love what he has done for the Louisville Orchestra. I am a big fan and a season ticket holder. I also love the Louisville Youth Orchestra because my grandchild is a member!”

MARCH 2016 / TODAY’S WOMAN

BUSTING STRESS

Put Something Down

By Carrie Vittitoe

hy does Heather Rountree choose to lift (and drop) heavy things as a means of busting stress in her life?

“Punching people is frowned upon,” she says.

What is paradoxical is that Heather’s other favorite stress-busting activity is hand-crafting wreaths, which seems terribly subdued in contrast to her Olympic-like weightlifting. Heather began making wreaths two years ago after seeing one in a craft store that was priced at $169. She thought, “I can do that,” so she bought the materials and had a go. She sold 14 of her firs designs and has since created a Facebook page, Heather’s ADOORables, and participated in craft shows. She donates a portion of her profits t animal rescue organizations.

SEARCH: Heather Rountree

It’s such a simple thing, but in

You are an AWESOME WOMAN! Such Strength and Determination is awe inspiring!

put down what we carry in order

a moment of ego, we refuse to

—Anonymous via TodaysWomanNow.com

to open the door. Time and time again, we are offered the chance to truly learn this: We cannot hold on to things and enter. We must put down what we carry, open the door, and then take up only what we need to bring inside. It is a basic human sequence: gather, prepare, put down, and enter. But failing as we do, we always have that second chance: to learn how to fall, get up, and laugh. Meditate on some threshold

PHOTO BY MELISSA DONALD

Heather’s outlets for stress relief have challenged her physical strength and creativity.

—Angie via TodaysWomanNow.com

PHOTO BY HEATHER ROUNTREE

Heather began attending Crossfit Regeneration classes in November 2014 and says she finds them invigorating. In addition to the intensity of exerting her body and lifting weight she never thought she’d be able to lift, there is a huge sensory component that helps her dispel anxiety. The music is loud, as is the clunk of the weights as they hit the floor.

Yay Heather! Such an amazing woman and friend! Congrats girlie! Very Inspiring!!!

you are having trouble crossing in your life. It might be at work, at home, in a relationship, or at the doorway to great peace. Breathe steadily and look to yourself to see if you are carrying too much to open the door. Breathe slowly and with each out-breath, put the things you are carrying down. Breathe freely now and open the door. – BOB MUELLER,

vice president of development at Hosparus

MARCH 2016 / TODAY’S WOMAN

SEARCH: Bob Mueller

HER BEAUTIFUL LIFE, MAKING BEAUTIFUL HATS

By Brigid Morissey Photo Melissa Donald

esiring a “hands-on” career path, Sarah Havens earned a BFA in theater arts, a major she created herself, and a minor in clothing construction. But one specific clothing item piqued her interest more than anything else. Millinery, the business of making or selling women’s hats, was a way for Sarah to express herself while testing her problem-solving skills. We were sitting in a cozy little corner of her space in the Hopes Mills Building in Germantown when she summarized some of her work with a simple phrase: “The more spectacular, the better.” But why hats? “They’re sculptural, and when people try them on, it makes them happy,” Sarah says. “Hats complement a person’s face, and his or her face is the first thing you see.” Another reason? She’s pretty darn good at it. Designing hats comes easily for Sarah because one idea for a hat leads to another. She says her favorite hats tell a story, and she never runs short on inspiration. Some of Sarah’s more recent inspiration came from an unsuccessful relationship. “No man can make you happy,” she says. “You have to do what makes you happy. Art feeds my well-being, and my creativity makes me me.”

SEARCH: Sarah Havens

I have been to Sarah’s space in Hope Mills, taken a class with her, and heard her speak — she is an amazing talent and has a warmth which engages everyone. Her passion for hats and her career are inspiring! — Ellen Yunker via TodaysWomanNow.com

The Traveling Vet By Alissa Hicks Photo submitted by Dr. Lauralee Rubsch In her spare time, Dr. Laurelee Rubsch spends time with her daughter and her two cats, a dog (a puggle), three rescue rats, a guinea pig, and a special needs rescue squirrel named Lennie. Lennie is a non-releasable wildlife rescue Laurelee cares for, but she says that while squirrels might seem cute and cuddly, they make horrible pets. “Don’t try this at home — Lennie is one of a kind,” she says. Laurelee also helps out the Second Chances Wildlife Center, which works to conserve wildlife through environmental education programs and safe rehabilitation of orphaned, injured, or displaced wildlife.

Dr. Laurelee, a Louisville native, has been practicing veterinary medicine for 18 years. She now has a mobile pet practice, Mobile Veterinary Practice (mvpvet.com) and makes house calls. SEARCH: Rubsch

She does incredible work and it’s so convenient! Thank you for helping Buddy! — Kimberly Clary Hicks via TodaysWomanNow.com

MARCH 2016 / TODAY’S WOMAN

HER MORNING ROUTINE By Keri Foy Photos Sunni Wigginton

ost weekday mornings you’ll find Alyssa Murphy dropping off her 9-year-old twins, Hannah and Zach, at the bus stop before school with her hair styled off her face, lipstick on, and outfi totally pulled together. How?

SEARCH: Alyssa Murphy

She has a plan of attack when it comes to getting ready every morning, and she always follows the “cardinal” rule: no blue. “I’m always representing the university,” says Alyssa, senior associate director for Undergraduate Admissions, Recruitment, Scholarship and Visit Programs at the University of Louisville. “When I’m interacting with students, it’s a life step for them, so I want to be dressed professionally.” Alyssa’s morning routine actually starts the night before. She checks her calendar and selects an outfit, jacke and jewelry included, dictated by the next day’s agenda. By preparing the night before, she says she doesn’t feel as rushed in the mornings. If she is giving a presentation or has meetings with people outside her department, she steps it up a notch. “I almost always have on red and black or a variation of those colors,” Alyssa says. “The fact that I represent UofL is incorporated into every outfit.

Great style and the clothes look perfect for a busy day on the university’s campus. Nice to be so coordinated…makes going to work even more fun! — gtala via TodaysWomanNow.com

Looking fabulous, as always!!!

— Amanda J. via TodaysWomanNow.com

A+ Classy All the Way!!!! You look gorgeous, Alyssa!! — g via TodaysWomanNow.com

PHOTO BY MELISSA DONALD

SEARCH: Kimura

A Brilliant Idea

TO REMOVE KITCHEN CLUTTER By Anna Patterson When Sandy Kimura, mural artist and owner of Kimura Designs, and her husband, Tateshi, built their home in the late ‘90s, they added a desk, but found its only purpose was to collect unwanted trinkets.

Sandy was inspired by a piece at Tassels that bore a distressed look and fell in love. The result: a charming shabby-chic cabinet set.

Tateshi, a skilled craftsman, built the new cabinets by hand and even added special compartments to the existing drawers. The couple pre-planned what items would go in which compartments, and everything else was trashed or donated. (Seriously, go to TodaysWomanNow.com to see the finished drawer!) Sandy then painted the cabinets in slate gray and distressed them to give a vintage vibe.

MARCH 2016 / TODAY’S WOMAN

PHOTO BY SANDY KIMURA

Tired of her desk being a mess magnet, Sandy began sketching new designs for improved cabinets — no desk included.

AFTER BEFORE

TODAY’S WOMAN / MARCH 2016

SELFLESS ACTS OF HEALTH By Mary Ellen Bianco Photo Patti Hartog

n January 2013, Karen Reynolds was preparing to donate a kidney to her then-32-year-old son, Tommy, who was in renal failure. Karen just needed to have her regularly scheduled mammogram back home in Louisville. That final appointment started Karen and her family on a journey from despair to overwhelming joy. During the exam, Karen’s doctor felt a lump in her left breast and ordered an ultrasound. The result was a devastating diagnosis. “I was in Home Depot when the doctor called to tell me I had breast cancer,” Karen says. “I cried in the back of the store and then got in my car and cried some more.” Karen says the hardest part was having to tell Tommy she couldn’t be his donor. Tommy’s three sisters were unable to be donors, so they reached out to friends and family. A few people had been tested but weren’t a match. But hope arrived through the kindness of neighbors. The Rings told their son Brandon about Tommy’s

SEARCH: Karen Reynolds

situation, and although Brandon and Tommy didn’t know each other well, Brandon offered t be tested. He was a match and volunteered to donate a kidney. Both Tommy and Brandon had a large number of family members there to support them. “I really don’t have words,” Karen says. “It takes a very special person to donate an organ. It gave Tommy his life back.” “What got us through everything was the support from our family and friends,” Karen says. “Our faith helped us to face these challenges.”

Very powerful story of loving families reaching out to one another in a great time of need. The celebration of the outcomes is also a way to honor the caring involved in this great act of sacrifice and answer to prayers. — Anonymous via TodaysWomanNow.com

Thank you, Mary Ellen, for a beautifully written story. You not only captured Karen’s journey, but that of Tommy and Brandon as well.

Karen feels optimistic about the future and is grateful for her friendship with the Ring family.

— Georgene Ring via TodaysWomanNow.com

How You Can Help Bridgehaven SEARCH: Bridgehaven

Bridgehaven offers many ways for volunteers to become involved in the organization's mission.

MARCH 2016 / TODAY’S WOMAN

By Megan Willman

Bridgehaven provides personalized and holistic care for those in our community who suffer from severe and persistent mental illness. Volunteers can attend a Bridge Builder Luncheon, become a Bridgehaven Ambassador, sponsor a Bridgehaven event, help around campus with indoor and outdoor projects such as painting or landscaping, and assist with the annual Bridge Builder Breakfast. Donated items are also greatly appreciated. For those who prefer to donate money, online donations can be made. For volunteer or donation information, contact Donna Schuster or 502.585.9444.