TOPS Louisville: August 2019

August 2019 // Priceless

Neeli Bendapudi

meet

UofL's First Female Leader

Women in Business ISSUE Networking Tips After-Hours Hot Spots

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features Proper Networking Helps You Succeed | 37

for the face breasts body & intimate wellness Meet Neeli Bendapudi | 26

3 Day Open House Celebration June 25 - 27th

Generations of History at Roseheights | 92

8 TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019

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YOU DON’T HAVE TO TAKE A NUMBER EVER AGAIN

contents top notes Nonprofit Supports Homeless Women And Children With New Fundraiser 19 High Yield Beauty in a High Heeled World: Looking Like You Spent Hours in Mere Minutes 20 Louisville Gets its Wings 21 Rocko’s Corner: Sydney Goldsmith: Icon on the Rise 23 Top Shops: Underpinnings 24

3

Meet Neeli Bendapudi 26

OPTIONS TO RENEW YOUR CAR TAGS

life+style boutique spotlight: Six Sisters Boutique 34 What to Wear to Work That’s Already in Your Closet 36 Proper Networking Helps You Succeed 37 Fashion: After Work Vibes 40

Top women in business

Online ReNew

JeffersonCountyClerk.org

Telephone ReNew 569-3300

Mail-In ReNew

P.O. Box 33033 Louisville, KY 40232-3033

Special Advertising Section 47

at home the details: Surrounding Ourselves With Stories 108 Decor store: Creating an Inspired Office 110 tour of homes: Generations of History at Roseheights 112 Design Guru : The Women of Lemonade PR 126

cuisine Jefferson County Clerk ViP serViCe

bringing you

Open 24 hours a day at JeffersonCountyClerk.org

10 TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019

Small Bites: On the Go Bites 130 top 5: Wine Time 132 C’est Si Bon: Brasserie Provence Becomes a Louisville Landmark Serving a Stunning Menu of French Delicacies 136

Health+Beauty The Benefits of Yoga for Stress Relief 142 On the Go Essentials 143 Kelsi Dahlia, Louisville Olympian 144

community Pro Golfer Justin Thomas 148 Kentucky Opera Director Emphasizes and Exemplifies Leadership 152 supermom: Ashley Davis 154 Marcella And Ina: Mothers and Mentors: Growth Through Generations 156 Meet the Media: Mo Rose 158 Sports Talk: Fantasy Football Strategies Mirrored from The Bachelor 160 Calendar: What to Do In Lou 162

photos Out & About 30 TOPS Louisville Lunch and Learn 167 American Heart Association Volunteer Luncheon 168 Flyover Film Festival Pre-Flight Reception 170 Westport Village Wings Mural Unveiling 172 Fabulous Frocks Grand Opening 173 Misters for MS 174 United We Stand USA Cares Gala 176 Top Shots 178

TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019 11

Look What’s Coming in

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

Fashion & The Arts

The Inspiration Issue

Arts Organizations • Home Renovations

Women’s Health Care • Breast Cancer Awareness

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

Local Gift Guide • Catering • Fitness

Non-Profit Profiles • Where to Celebrate

Holiday Preview

The Giving Issue

Get Noticed. Get Remembered. Get Real Results!

502.780.7825 • GetMore@TOPSLouisville.com

We Have Wings!

WESTPORT VILLAGE

Visit Westport Village’s new mural by international street artist, Kelsey Montague, for the perfect photo opp! Plus, with more than 40 local shops offering unique gifts and services, it’s easy to spoil your sweetheart or treat yourself at Westport Village.

Tag us in your wing photos: @shopwestportvillage

1315 Herr Lane, Lou. 40222 westportvillage.com

Photo by Ray Davis Photography

Vol 3 • No. 8 Keith Yarber

Publisher kyarber@topsmarketing.com

Steve Fehder

August 2019 // Priceless

Malissa Aebersold

bella portaro-kueber

Creative Director

malissa@topslouisville.com

Laurie Pfeiffer Lennon

Brand Ambassador and Staff Writer rocko@topslouisville.com

SARAH MITCHELL

Project Manager kelin@topslouisville.com

Advertising Account Executive laurie@topslouisville.com

chloe kellams

Amanda Hamilton

Advertising Account Executive ahamilton@topslouisville.com

Amanda Harper

Graphic Designer amandah@topsmarketing.com

Haley Norris

Graphic Designer haley@topsmarketing.com

Morgan Hancock

Advertising Account Executive morgan@topslouisville.com

JEN BROWN

Graphic Designer jen@topsmarketing.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Photography: Danny Alexander, Dick Arnspiger, Avery Ford, Tim Furlong, Jr., Melissa G, Candice Gentry, Kyle Higaki, Emily Ho, Josh Keown Writers: Dawn Anderson, Dick Arnspiger, Abbie Chambers, Mandy Detwiller, Whitney Harding, Emily Ho, Crystal Ludwick, Anna May, Paul Najjar, Taylor Riley, Rob Smith, Kathie Stamps, Mally Wunderlich TOP Marketing Group • 100 Executive park, Suite 101 • Louisville, Ky 40207 (502) 780-7825 • topslouisville.com CORRECTION: The July 2019 issue incorrectly credited a photo from our “Go Gray” article to Mally Wunderlich. The correct photographer is Missile Media.

The views and comments expressed by the authors are not always that of our editors or publishers. While every effort has been made to ensure th accuracy of the information in this publication, TOP Marketing Group accepts no responsibility or liability for any errors, omissions or resultant consequences, including any loss or damage arising from the reliance on information in this publication. All images contained in TOPS Louisville magazine are subject to the copyright of the artist or photographer as named, but not limited thereto. Reproduction of any part of this magazine without prior written permission is prohibited.

Vol. 3 • No. 8

Advertising Account Executive chloe@topslouisville.com

Kelin Rapp

August 2019

Advertising Account Executive sarah@topslouisville.com

Rocko Jerome

Who’s Who // What’s New // What To Do

Editor-in-Chief and Senior Director of Account Development bella@topslouisville.com

14 TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019

on the cover

Kathy Thuerbach

Advertising Sales Manager kathy@topslouisville.com TOPS

Executive Vice-President and General Manager steve@topslouisville.com

Neeli Bendapudi

meet

UofL's First Female Leader

Women in Business ISSUE Networking Tips After-Hours Hot Spots

PHOTOGRAPHED BY: Danny Alexander LOCATION: The University of Louisville

(502) 451-2212

MPN

3002 BARDSTOWN RD LOUISVILLE, KY 40205

Comprehensive dental services that treat the whole patient P E A R L D E N TA L L

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Letter from the editor

Louisville’s Premier Blow Dry Bar

Fine quality furniture, accessories and gifts for outside – and inside – your home!

CHENOWETH SQUARE Your source for fresh seafood in St. Matthews.

We are here to help you find that special look for all occasions!

20 years of helping Louisvillians create their dream bed with personalized service.

Photo by Dick Arnspiger

T

he current status of our city is booming with women entrepreneurs and women in leadership roles in corporate companies. From the University of Louisville to locally owned boutiques, you’ll read the stories of brave spirits that took a chance to be and do anything.

Now that we’ve risen, how do we keep this upward trajectory going?

We must support one another despite any of our differences. Men and women alike. If we do, we may eventually be able to be equals without women being labeled as “women in business” as men aren’t typically labeled as “men in business.” We’re just human beings working alongside one another trying to do our best and be our best for ourselves, our families, and the world at large.

The impact one person can have on the world is immeasurable. With a population of 7.7 billion people sharing the same planet, we must become accustomed to the belief that we are all influencers. We influence our friends, our families, and the businesses we work for or own.

Offering the most unique wedding & party invitations and gifts for every occasion.

Offering Stuart Weitzman, Aquatalia, Thierry Robotin, Judith Leiber, Stefano Bravo, Eric Jevits, among so many others.

Your source for stylish, fun, and affordable women’s accessories including jewelry, handbags, scarves, tops, wraps, and much more.

A Louisville institution for 154 years. Our gifts celebrate all occasions and seasons.

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Dogs, and their people, are drooling over the healthiest, most decadent treats in town.

Your one-stop-shop for quality residential and commercial design, staging and renovating.

St. Matthews’ localToo! favorite Cheddar Box for breakfast and lunch.

Whether you are a woman, work for a woman, or work with one; they’ve all faced unique challenges along their path professionally. I hope their insights on how they balance their busy lives brings you perspective as you balance yours. That’s creating influence on a deep cultural level.

With the greater metro area in mind, there are 1 million people in Louisville with countless women in various businesses and positions. How many will you support today to make a difference tomorrow?

BELLA PORTARO-KUEBER Editor-in-Chief

16 TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019

CHEDDAR BOX TOO! 109 Chenoweth Lane Louisville, KY 40207 (502) 896-1133

We are committed to continuing the great tradition that made The Cheddar Box what it is today. Our purpose at Cheddar Box Too is to create an experience so positive and enjoyable that you will recommend us to your friends and family. We encourage your comments and welcome any suggestions that you may have. We want Cheddar Box Too to be just as much “your place” as it is ours.

Hours

CHEDDAR BOX TOO!

From the Cheddar Box Too family to yours, thank you for the opportunity to continue serving the local St. Matthews BoxyourToo! community. WeCheddar sincerely appreciate patronage and look 109 Chenoweth forward to seeing you again soon! TheLane Cheddar Box Too, your go Louisville, KY 40207 to breakfast and lunch cafe in the heart of St. Matthews.

109 Chenoweth Lane, Louisville, KY, 40207 Open daily: 7:30am to 2:30pm (502) 896-1133 (502) 896-1133

We are committed to continuing the great tradition that made The Cheddar Box what it is today. Our purpose at Cheddar Box Too is to create an experience so positive and enjoyable that you will recommend us to your friends and family. We encourage your comments and welcome any suggestions that you may have. We want Cheddar Box Too to be just as much “your place” as it is ours.

Hours Monday – Saturday…….7am to 3pm Sunday……..8am to 2pm

Highland Fish Market Chenoweth Square Locally owned and operated by Lori and Doug Elder. We are conveniently located in the center of St. Matthews in Chenoweth Square at the east end of the center across from Paul’s Fruit Market.

Your source for fresh seafood in St. Matthews!

3941 Chenoweth Square Monday–Saturday 9am-6pm and Sunday 10am-5pm For more information call us at 502.895.4347

LEFT TO RIGHT: PAUL BAKER, LORI ELDER, DOUG ELDER, AND RILEY MOREMEN

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TOP

Nonprofit Supports Homeless Women and Children with New Fundraiser PHOTO BY CRYSTAL LUDWICK

“E

mpowered women, empowering women,” is the mantra of Uniting Partners for Women and Children (UP), a nonprofit group that provides a healthy and safe environment for homeless females in Louisville.

UP is holding its first fundraiser, Uplift, in late August to raise money for its philanthropy and to showcase artwork from the women they serve.

Beginning in 2016, founders and directors Andrea Scott and Amy Meredith conducted a needs assessment for a women's only day shelter and were met with overwhelming support from agencies, organizations, and the community.

UP for Women and Children is a day shelter for women and children who are experiencing or nearing homelessness. They are a drop-in center that offers showers, laundry, assistance obtaining ID's and birth certificates, access to a phone and computer, and case management services. By uniting partners with other community agencies, UP also offers medical, legal, mental health, and employment services on site.

One in four homeless women are homeless because of their experience with violence.

“Navigating resources can be so challenging,

Amy Meredith and Andrea Scott

especially when you are in crisis,” Scott says.

“I love being able to offer this safe space for them and serve as an educator and advocate.

Louisville offers lots of great programs and supports. UP increases the access, efficiency, coordination, and accountability of services to the women and children who were tragically not getting the help they needed in Louisville."

"The need for our services is apparent by the numbers of women we see. We welcome between 40 and 60 women and children through our doors daily for a variety of services. The women are so grateful for the safe space and sense of community, that they often continue to visit UP once they are housed to seek additional resources and share their

successes with us." says Meredith.

The event, which takes place on Aug. 24 at Actor’s Theatre will feature cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, gallery display and a silent auction to support the program that helps so many women find their footing.

IF YOU GO

Find tickets for the Uplift 2019 at bit.ly/UPlift2019. For more information about Uniting Partners for Women and Children (UP) visit uplouisville.org.

TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019 19

top notes

HIGH YIELD BEAUTY IN A HIGH HEELED WORLD: Looking Like You Spent Hours In Mere Minutes Think you don’t have time to look your very best every day?

Au contraire! Here are a few low maintenance treatment solutions that yield high maintenance results.

PHOTO BY DICK ARNSPIGER

When you hear the words facials, laser treatments, injectables, and recommendations for new skin regimens, you may think it sounds a large amount of time to commit to in your already busy work/life routine. However, once you take the leap, you’ll realize that this creates more time in your daily schedule.

Janelle Willoughby, Medical Aesthetician for The Skin Group, has a solution. “There are plenty of treatments that you can have here at The Skin Group that won’t impact your schedule whatsoever,” she says. “There are procedures and treatments that you can have on a Friday afternoon and return to work on the following Monday morning. It’s a perk for a woman in business.” The Skin Group even offers “lunchtime treatments,” mild and speedy visits that can yield big results with the right beauty plan.

You can begin a fantastic daily beauty routine with a basic trio of products. First is a treatment for your eyelashes. Second is a tinted moisturizer that works on anti-aging and even provides a broad-spectrum SPF 45. Third, a neck-firming cream to keep your delicate skin hydrated to decrease signs of aging.

20 TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019

Let’s take a closer look at these products* Latisse® is a growth treatment for hypotrichosis (inadequate or not enough eyelashes). It’s the first FDA-approved treatment clinically proven to grow lashes. It’s also the first lash growth product of its kind available by prescription at The Skin Group.

Intellishade® Original, an award-winning formula that leaves a healthy, natural glow to your skin. Anti-aging daily moisturizer intelligently designed to deliver the power of 5 anti-aging products in 1. Helps to correct, protect, conceal, brighten, and hydrate skin to deliver clinically-proven results. This 5-in-1

moisturizer features over 20 age-defying ingredients, broad-spectrum SPF45 protection plus a universal tint for an instant glow.

Nectifirm® is a breakthrough formula featuring five peptides, plant extracts, antioxidants, and unique biotechnological blends, all working cohesively. This product creates a smoother, younger-looking neck, décolletage, and jawline.

When we look great we feel great, even on the go. You work hard, but you can still love the way you look - The Skin Group is here to help.  *Product descriptions have been provided by the manufacturers’ websites.

Louisville Gets Its

Wings

BY KATHERINE YOCHUM PHOTO BY DICK ARNSPRINGER

I

f you’ve seen the enormous white-winged mural set against a black wall in Nashville, Tennessee- or any of the thousands of photos posted on Instagram in front of it- you know Kelsey Montague. Featured in Entertainment Weekly and Forbes as an international street artist, Montague has created incredible art in cities all over the world. On any given day, there is a long line to take a

photo in front of her black-and-white wingsthe mural’s popularity is ever-present. Taylor Swift’s recent #ME single release utilized another winged mural done by Montague.

Fans discovered the mural in Nashville and Swift herself made a surprise appearance.

Now, Kelsey’s creativity has come to Louisville, where she has painted a unique pair of wings in Westport Village that pays homage to the Derby City. Carmen Schreiber, Westport Village’s Assistant Director of Marketing, hopes that the new mural will inspire those who see it. What is so unique about Kelsey Montague’s art is that it is truly interactive.

Her murals are a place where “… the beauty of art and the power of social media,” come together. By taking a photo in front of the new mural and sharing what lifts them with the hashtag #WhatLiftsYou, Louisvillians or tourists can be a part of Kelsey’s art.

Schreiber emphasizes that “(Kelsey Montague’s) art allows you to interact and become one with the art while sharing your love for Louisville online with everyone.”

For this reason, she and Westport Village as

a whole are excited for the movement to get started in Louisville, and “…create uplifting messages online in social media,” because, truthfully, “Social media could use that.”

There are high hopes for the mural and its impact on Louisville: “We hope that this will bring together the community… art can do that. It’s powerful.”

The mural is on display now in Westport Village. For directions and more information, visit westportvillage.com. 

To view more of Kelsey Montague’s work, visit her website, kelseymontagueart.com or check out her Instagram, @kelseymontagueart

TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019 21

ROCKO’S CORNER

SYDNEY GOLDSMITH

Icon on the Rise

BY ROCKO JEROME PHOTO BY CANDICE GENTRY

Rocko’s Corner is the space designated to the TOPS Louisville Brand Ambassador at large, Rocko Jerome. He’s our staff writer, manager of distribution, liaison for event photography, a man about town, and a point of communication regarding all things TOPS.

D

esigner Sydney Goldsmith is pushing fashion forward with some elegantly outré designs. The Louisville native is trailblazing a unique career and putting her passion to work in a big way. "I was always interested in style from the time that I was a little girl," she says, "but I became really obsessed a few years ago when I started visiting my fiancée when he moved to New Jersey. NYC was just

20 minutes away and the different clothing styles and fabric textures I saw every day inspired me to follow my passion-a love for fashion.”

Not one to rest on her laurels, Sydney worked hard and applied herself. After graduating from The University of Louisville, Spring 2016, her work ethic along with real natural talent and aptitude got her into the elite Parsons School of Fashion Design. "The main thing that happened there was that I developed a strong backbone," Sydney recalls. "The instructors could be intense, it was very challenging. It all just made me more determined to stand by my designs, and I came out of it with stronger confidence."

Sydney returned to Louisville just as our city is undergoing a renaissance of art and style. She's established herself as a talent to watch, with her designs and brand, SYDNEY | MICHELLE est. 2018, appearing impactfully in her debut fashion show SUGAR & WHISKEY this past Spring. Her buzz is strong and her plans are big. "Right now, I'm creating my

I was always interested in style from the time that I was a little girl but I became really obsessed a few years ago when I started visiting my fiancée when he moved to New Jersey.

NYC was just 20 minutes away and the different clothing styles and fabric textures I saw every day inspired me to follow my passion - a love for fashion.

fall and winter designs. Those will be seen at PLITZS Fashion Marketing Show during New York Fashion Week. In the long run, though, I intend to stay in this city. I eventually want a store all my own, and I want it to be here.

There's just no place like Louisville." 

TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019 23

top notes

TOP SHOPS

Underpinnings Supports Women Mentally and Physically Norton Commons business owner Staci O’Sullivan is lifting women. Her boutique, Underpinnings, fits all types of women in the appropriate undergarments that will make them feel satisfied in their skin. “The whole store empowers women to feel and be their best,” says O’Sullivan.

BY TAYLOR RILEY • PHOTOS BY AVERY FORD

I

n November 2018, O’Sullivan opened her shop in the hopes that she could make women feel brave in their bodies. She says 80 percent of women are in the wrong size bra, and that can create problems physically and mentally.

One panty at a time, I’m changing the world.

Underpinnings has over 195 sizes and thousands of bras for any sized woman, from a 28-inch band to 54-inches and up to size N. With 14 brands, O’Sullivan said she intends not to have a broad range of lines but to sell those that a customer would not find in department stores. “There’s something for everyone,” says O’Sullivan, stressing the body-positive power of matching bras and panties.

The store offers custom bra fittings for women; they will receive “education and a glass of prosecco” in the elegantly feminine Prospect location. For men, the store offers craft beer and a “man chair.”

“It started as a joke, ‘Wanna come sit in the man chair?’” says O’Sullivan of the men who feel uncomfortable in the store. “We find that some men come in with their wives, and they just feel real comfortable up there.”

O’Sullivan says her luxurious items are “works of art.” The store carries not only lingerie but also beautiful bathrobes, aromatic candles, and bridal party gifts. She wants the store to appeal to ladies of all ages and body types. When a woman is comfortable and confident, O’Sullivan says, that’s when they can make magic happen. “One panty at a time, I’m changing the world,” she says with a laugh. 

24 TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019

TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019 25

top notes

Women the who’s who of

IN BUSINESS meet

Neeli Bendapudi

18th

President of the University of Louisville

FIRST female president FIRST president of color

BY BELLA PORTARO-KUEBER PHOTOS BY DANNY ALEXANDER

“I grew up in south India as the oldest of three daughters. I came to the United States after getting married to get my graduate degree from the University of Kansas. I taught marketing and business at Texas A & M University and the Ohio State University. I spent the bulk of my academic career at Ohio State, only temporarily breaking away from higher education into the role of Executive Vice President (reporting to the CEO) at Huntington Bank, a top 25 US bank at the time. Afterward, I returned to OSU before I was recruited and then selected as the H.D. Price Dean of the School of Business at my alma mater, the University of Kansas. I was later promoted to Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost before coming to the University of Louisville as the 18th president in 2018”

26 TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019

TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019 27

top notes

W

ith hard work comes opportunities for growth: “I love and believe in the transformative power of higher education. I feel so fortunate to be here at the University of Louisville.”

Dreams for the university and the city “They’re both intertwined. I believe that the University of Louisville is a great place to work, learn, and invest. So the dream would be that anybody who’s looking at undergraduate degrees, inside or outside of the commonwealth would be compelled to look at Louisville. We’re becoming something that is an aspiration because people want to be here.”

Focusing on student life “Specifically for our students, I dream

not only that they have very fulfilling experiences while they’re here but that this experience sets them up for success in life, so there is a lifelong bond. This is what helps them make a difference. We have to help each student find their purpose in life. That is our job, and it is a fulfilling one every single day.”

Dreams for the city “I think we’re such a gem! I do. How we are in Louisville, how we exist, it’s extraordinary to me how everyone supports one another. Whether its the arts, sports, festivals, and other connections; we grow together. We’re all in this together in a tie that creates bonds that are a rarity in other places. The university and the culture of the community are amazing to be a part of.”

Her advice to other women in business “Women in business must support one another and find allies within our organizations to support us. When you’re a lone voice, it’s easy to become generalized as the one woman boss. If that person isn’t great, you’ll think that woman is bad, but if it’s a man that’s bad (or several of them) you don’t generalize it being a man, it’s just that one individual that was bad.

Anytime you have non-normative leaders, we must be mindful that there are many role models, so none of us feel as though there is only one way to be a leader.”

what she taps into for inspiration as a

Woman in Business Favorite quote “What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us. And when we bring what is within us out into the world, miracles happen.”

- Henry Stanley Haskins

Favorite quote for education and life "The greater the island of knowledge, the greater the shoreline of wonder. The more you know, the more you realize you do not know."

Favorite quote for compassion ““Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.”

- Brad Meltzer

Favorite song “Always be humble and kind” by Tim McGraw

28 TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019

Advice to herself and any other woman in business “Try not to think about what anyone else thinks about you. They’re in their mind thinking of their own life. Focusing there is a waste of your energy.”

Things to think about: The Glass Cliff “We are now at the glass ceiling as a limitation, but there’s an interesting phenomenon happening with companies. When they are going through a crisis they tend to hire women as leaders instead of men; which tends to be the typical succession plan. The caution within this is that other women must support one another during leadership developing times. It’s truly fascinating research work that every woman should read as this is a trend that is catching speed and as fast as times are changing, we must be ahead of them building one another up."

photos

Madison Ewing, Caroline Shoenberger and Ashley Olson at Misters for MS

Vicky Weber and Karen Morrison at the Gilda Club Ribbon Cutting

OUT + ABOUT presented by

Westport Village shop owners and employees toasting the new mural

Flag Folding Ceremony at the USA Cares Gala

30 TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019

Julia Carstanjen with Patrick D. McLane at her birthday party

Jim and Cecile Noelker, Kirsten Rice, Patti and Jim Rucker at the Fabulous Frocks Grand Opening

Uno de 50 available at Tunies 502.618.3868 | 1201 Herr Lane, Suite 150

Jennifer Baileys, Keith Yarber, and Barry Denton at the American Heart Association Volunteer Luncheon

Nate Crepps, Skylar Lear, Kat Peter at the Flyover Film Festival Closing

TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019 31

LIFE+STYLE

Spotlight: 34 Boutique Six Sisters Boutique

to Wear to Work That’s 36 What Already in Your Closet

37 Proper Networking Helps You Succeed Fashion:

32 After Work Vibes

TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019 33

life+style

Boutique Spotlight:

Six Sisters Boutique Turns 2 in Nulu

34 TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019

BY ABBIE CHAMBERS PHOTOS BY DICK ARNSPIGER

T

he East Market District, or NULU, is an area of town unlike any other. This mix of hip, local, vintage, and contemporary atmosphere is keeping Louisville’s unique spirit alive. NULU is not only the home of many local favorite restaurants, but it’s also the home of Six Sisters Boutique. In August 2017, Owner Katie Meinhart saw an open space on E Market Street and decided to take a chance. “My husband and I don’t have any kids, so we decided to make this our baby and went for it!” Katie shares. Now two years in the making, Six Sisters continues to thrive surrounded by support and encouragement in NULU. So, how did Six Sisters come to be? Katie’s love for retail began in high school in her first job. By the time she turned 25, she had started her boutique; as she had been in the retail business for almost eight years.

Katie shares that she had a wonderful mentor and boss at her previous job and was able to learn a lot about small businesses from her. This inspired her to venture off and create her own magic.

“Because of the name, most people assume we’ve all started this business together, but that’s not the case,” Katie shares. “We are a unique family of mostly small business owners, and each has our passions.”

While Katie is the only owner, her family does have a heavy hand in the store. With sisters in banking, catering, and modeling, all have such a unique style, and Katie loves incorporating it all into the store’s vibe.

Katie believes that NULU was the best place to start her new business. She shares that the business owners are hardworking and incredibly driven to make NULU amazing. Each store has something unique to offer, “For myself and my husband, it’s a little slice of heaven with all locally curated shops and restaurants.”

NULU is crucial to her because it allows people to see Downtown Louisville and the outskirts as a welcoming and thriving place to live, work, and entertain.

This August, Six Sisters Boutique turns two!

One thing Katie has taken away throughout this journey is to remember to stick to your guns. While it’s essential to believe in yourself, you want to be sure you are surrounded by a positive support team to be able to lean on them when you need to. 

IF YOU GO

Check out Six Sisters in-store at 804 E Market Street or online at sixsistersnulu.com.

TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019 35

life+style

A White Button-Down Shirt

What to Wear to Work that’s already in your closet “I

is a must-have style staple. You can dress it up in a suit or keep it casual with denim, or if you want a more relaxed fit, cuff the sleeves.

It makes the shirt feel less dressy.

Trouser Denim will elevate your denim game. A flattering pair of high waisted wide leg denim is an easy way to create a polished look.

BY SHANNON KESSLER COURTESY PHOTOS

have a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear!” says every woman, as she stands in front of her closet in the morning. Chances are you have more treasures in your wardrobe than you realize. Most people go through a style rut and get stuck wearing the same combinations of clothes with little variance.

Optimize inventory and time by shopping your closet. Here are some stylish ways to re-invent your wardrobe staples.

Your brain can only process seven decisions at a time. So pair down your 13 white t-shirts to 7. Typically, you will gravitate toward your favorites anyway.

If you have six pair of black slides but only wear the same 2, you will continue only to wear the two you love.

Pencil Skirts are perfect for going from desk to dinner. They look great with a white button-down and just as stylish with a blazer. They even pair well with sneakers and a graphic tee if you want to get playful on casual Friday.

36 TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019

A Black Blazer

is quite possibly the most versatile item of clothing in any closet. Wear it with a tank and a pencil skirt, or with a striped tee and a pair of denim. The combinations are endless.

Cropped Black Pants look great for the office. They are an effortless way to pull together business casual. They are an essential investment piece that transcends all seasons.

Nude Heels once you find the perfect shade of nude heels that work best with your skin tone, you will have a shoe that goes with everything in your closet. They elongate your legs by creating a seamless line with no visual break.

proper Networking Helps You Succeed

BY TAYLOR RILEY PHOTO BY DICK ARNSPIGER

T

onya York is president of York Management, Inc. which specializes in business and economic development related conferences, project and event planning, as well as special occasion and sporting events. Notable projects include Idea Festival, Louisville Healthcare CEO Council CareTech Pitch Event, Louisville Innovation Summit, Inc. 500 Conference, Kentucky Entrepreneur Hall of Fame, and events around Ryder Cup, Super Bowl and the Kentucky Derby.

As the head of York Management, Tonya has built a reputation and ability for years, creating success and lasting impact for companies and brands. Tonya and her team love to create events that serve as opportunities to bring people together to foster synergies, memories, and new business.

Proper networking can be amazingly beneficial to both your business and inadvertently your personal life. Look at it as a positive activity and not an unwanted necessity.

Tonya serves on the University of Louisville Board of Overseers. She is a board member of Blessings in a Backpack and the Family Community Clinic.

She also co-founded the Unbridled Charitable Foundation, Inc. and the Unbridled Eve Derby Gala with her sister Tammy York Day. Unbridled is one of the premier events centered around the world-renowned Kentucky Derby.

So, how does this busy, connected woman balance all her networking opportunities, as well as stay front and center in some of the most prominent organizations in Louisville? 

Tonya’s networking tips 1. NETWORKING IS A TWOWAY STREET. Just as you have people you want to meet, the same goes for others. Be open to meeting with legitimate people who contact you and want to connect even if you don’t know them. You never know what will come out of a meeting. Many mutually beneficial relationships are a product of solid networking.

2. BE PRESENT. Be a good listener, ask questions, and be genuinely interested. Networking is about talking, yes, but it’s most important to listen and connect with others. Be attentive when others speak; it allows them to be heard, and your interest in what they have to say can create bonds.

3. STAY CURIOUS. Create connections with others based on shared interests and goals but be open to new ideas.

4. BE YOURSELF. Knowing who you are and where you stand on issues and in life, shows confidence. Don’t pretend to be someone you are not. Authentic relationships are built when people get to know the real you.

5. PICK A DAY. Although networking is 24/7, choose one day of the week to schedule the majority of your networking meetings and events. I personally like Thursdays.

6. STAY HUMBLE, COURTEOUS, AND RESPECTFUL. This can be the most undervalued and critical tip in networking. Help the other person succeed; it’s not always about you.

7. ALWAYS FOLLOW UP. Sending a handwritten note, follow up email or text keeps the relationship going. Mentioning something personal about the person or conversation builds rapport with the person(s) you met.

8. SHARE YOUR PASSION. If you believe in your product or service and are passionate about it, it comes through! Try to tell a compelling story about something involving what you do.

This will often inspire the other person to do the same.

TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019 37

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Join us at the 10th Annual

Crystal Boots & Silver Spurs gala

September 28, 2019 BENEFITING THE NATIONAL MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY KENTUCKYSOUTHEAST INDIANA CHAPTER Hosted at the country-chic residence of

Jeannie & Victor Unruh

2600 Old Hill Road, Floyd’s Knobs, IN 47119 PRESENTED BY

Enjoy a spectacular live auction followed by music by Clayton Anderson.

For more information go to CrystalBoots.com

life+style

40 TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019

R E T A F

W O R K

looks from

TUNIE’S BOUTIQUE On Felicia: Frederique Panel Tunic by Johnny Was $180. Gold Necklace $28.

On Madison: Olive Jumpsuit by Michael Stars $118. Pearl and bead necklace $68.

On Allison: Black Jumpsuit by Michael Stars $118. Silver Pendant Necklace by Luca & Danni $68.

Blue Bracelet.

TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019 41

life+style

looks from

APRICOT LANE On Felicia: White dress

by TCEC $69. White and gold earrings $15.

42 TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019

On Allison: Light blue dress with silver accents by Surf Gypsy $59. Fleur de Lis earrings $20.

On Madison: Floral dress

by Emory Park by $49. Pink feather earrings $20.

TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019 43

life+style

looks from

COLLECTIONS BOUTIQUE On Madison: White and light blue stripe dress by LIVE LAUGH for $88.

Watermelon earrings $22. Bracelet sets $18.

On Allison: Champagne & Strawberry dress by $92. White fringe hoop earrings $22. Gold bracelet cuff $24.

On Felicia: Magenta dress by DO+BE $68. Gold botanical earrings $22.

Rhinestone bracelet $21.

44 TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019

TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019 45

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Top Women IN BUSINESS

TOPS is celebrating Louisville’s finest women in business this month! Here, we feature an abundance of businesses owned by or led by local women. Flip through pages 48-104 to read these inspiring stories.

BY DAWN ANDERSON, ROCKO JEROME, PAUL NAJJAR, ROB SMITH, AND KATHIE STAMPS PHOTOS BY DANNY ALEXANDER AND DICK ARNSPIGER UNLESS NOTED

TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019 47

ARGI 502-753-0609 • ARGI.NET At ARGI, it’s not just about financial services. For over 20 years, the company has lived its mission of improving lives with every relationship by helping their clients plan for the future and put their finances into focus.

But “improving lives with every relationship” doesn’t only apply to ARGI clients. The company has made strategic decisions to ensure that all employees are provided a collaborative, family-centered work environment where everyone can utilize their strengths to become better as a team.

48 TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019

“We’re proud of the culture we’ve created where everyone can bring their unique talents to the table, and the women at ARGI are doing just that,” explains Joe Reeves, CEO and co-founder of ARGI. “It’s no secret that the financial services industry has historically been a male-dominated field, especially in terms of senior leadership, but we are so proud that ARGI is crushing this stereotype.”

According to a study conducted by Mercer, women make up roughly 20% of senior-level officials and executives in the financial services industry, but that’s not the case at ARGI. Female representation accounts for nearly 50% of all executive, senior management or leadership positions at the firm.

“Not only do we have successful female advisors and consultants, but we have exceptional women in leadership and various positions at every level of the firm,” says Denise Bright, Chief Operations Officer. “From our senior leadership to administration, from Business Retirement Plan Services to Client Service, and from Personal Financial Planning and Corporate Solutions to CFO & Accounting Services, female leadership is a crucial part of ARGI’s core workforce.”

Recently, empowering professionals has become a key focus for ARGI’s female leadership.

they are better equipped to serve our clients, our community, and each other – creating a ripple effect of growth.”

“We want to provide employees the tools and opportunities to succeed in their personal and professional lives as well,” adds Angie Morrison, Chief Financial Officer. “Last year we established ASPIRE (Achieving Success through Personal Improvement, Relationships and Education), a women’s forum that provides our female employees with a supportive environment to collaborate, empower, fulfill and soar at work and at home.”

Headquartered in Louisville, ARGI and its affiliate companies, have now grown to nearly 200 employees in 9 office locations throughout the region.

But it doesn’t stop there. Having a growth mindset is one of the core values ARGI upholds, and education is a key component for every ARGI employee.

“ARGI is always seeking out ways to attract and retain top talent in our industry,” says Lauren Seaman, Director of Human Resources. “In addition to ASPIRE, our firm has launched ARGI SPARK!, our internal soft-skills program to provide education and professional development opportunities to all ARGI employees. We believe that these investments in our employees are investments in our company. If we better prepare our employees, we believe

Bottom row: (from left to right): Katie Pfeifer (Corporate Relationship Director), Lauren Seaman (Director of Human Resources), Jan Peebles (Chief Compliance Officer), Angie Morrison (Chief Financial Officer) Top row: (from left to right): Stephanie Broughton (Director of Business Retirement Plan Services), Christina Davis (Director of Client Service), Erin Haynes Reed (Corporate Solutions), Denise Bright (Chief Operations Officer), Tammy Golde (Director of Planning Education & Quality Control) *ARGI was established in 1995, under the name R.D.B, Inc., a franchise of American Express Financial Advisors. In 2001, R.D.B., Inc., was renamed Advisor’s Resource Group, Inc. In 2003, ARGI separated from American Express, teamed up with independent broker dealer National Planning Corporation, began using the name ARGI Financial Group, which became the official name in November 2005. In January 2010, ARGI Investment Services LLC officially became a SEC Registered Investment Advisor Respective services provided by ARGI Investment Services, LLC, a Registered Investment Adviser, ARGI CPAs and Advisors PLLC, SCA CPAs and Advisors, PLLC, ARGI Business Services, LLC, and Advisor Insurance Solutions. All are affiliates of ARGI Financial Group.

TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019 49

Semonin Realtors 502-425-4760 • SEMONIN.COM Of the traits the women of Semonin Realtors have in common, top of the list would be their personal and professional service to their community. From dedication to clients’ home-buying and selling needs to volunteer work for causes dearest to their hearts, the Semonin Realtors team is always on a mission. Sometimes this means serving clients and the community in unexpected ways. Whether it’s brutal truth and realistic expectations shared by Laura Grubb or continuous learning and education from Stacy Durbin, with a Semonin Realtor you get more than you may have bargained for; but you’ll be glad you did.

Semonin Realtors owes much of its success to administrative staff like Cheri Brooks. Cheri supports not only the agents in her office but also their involvement in the American Lung Association Stair Climb. In fact, Cheri and the “Semonin Steppers” are the top civilian team year after year. As General Sales Manager Stacy Durbin says, “If everyone would find something that they’re passionate about, and give of their time, talents, or treasure, our community would thrive!” For Stacy, that passion is home ownership. She has served on the board of Habitat for Humanity for several years and has participated in builds for even longer.

Seasonal peaks and valleys are the nature of the beast when it comes to real estate. Balancing financial concerns on an all-commission basis and time management throughout the year may be challenging; but these extraordinary agents are fully capable of emerging gracefully with every setback and success. Each Monday morning Realtor Laura Grubb can be found volunteering with the horses rescued through the Kentucky Humane

50 TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019

Society Equine C.A.R.E. program. “For me, it is very therapeutic to step away from the demanding world of real estate and spend time outdoors with the horses,” she says. Marie Smith and Laura Grubb agree that family comes first. Their husbands’ support at the end of the day both grounds and inspires them through the highs and lows the business can bring.

Director of Corporate Business Development, Debbie Burdorf says there aren’t enough hours in the day for all she wishes to accomplish, but she makes the most of the time she has. She also finds motivation in Semonin’s involvement in American Lung Association events. In the world of volunteering, Debbie is inspired by ALA of Kentucky’s Executive Director, Deena Adams. “I truly believe that we all want to contribute and make a difference. Deena makes it easy and fun!” When her job and philanthropy are woven together like that, Debbie doesn’t feel like she’s working. She wants others in business to experience that kind of flow by volunteering right here in Louisville.

Despite what can be a high pressure occupation, Marie Smith maintains a layer of calm. She is originally from New York City.

After the last 19 years spent living in Louisville, Marie has seen the city evolve and enjoys showing all it has to offer. Similarly, Laura Grubb appreciates not being tied to her desk, spending at least some time outdoors showing properties and meeting fascinating people who often become friends. As one of her clients said , “Laura will tell me when I am wrong, and that is advice that I am willing to pay for.” Laura has had about half a dozen transactions with him over the years.

Although Cheri Brooks has a more regular, routine 8-5 schedule each day as Semonin administrative personnel often do, she knows that the important work she does makes the days less stressful for the agents as well. Debbie Burdorf feels lucky to have this support and that of her other coworkers. “I’m passionate and love building a team and seeing people get involved.” Involvement and being fully present at work, in the community, and at home are common threads that run through the professional and personal lives of these busy women. It starts with self-care and extends from there.

(Seated from left) Stacy Durbin and Marie Smith (Standing from left) Laura Grubb, Cheri Brooks, and Debbie Burdorf

TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019 51

TOPS Louisville TOPSLOUISVILLE.COM There have been 31 issues of TOPS Louisville Magazine released to date. Throughout those 31 issues, there have been a wide-variety of topics that cover the “What’s new, who’s who, and what to do in Lou.” Each issue has been representational of our growing city and the pragmatic evolution of the spirit and culture of our city. Our sales team (made up entirely of women, as it happens) works with the movers and shakers of Louisville to bring their businesses to the front of your mind, while our editorial team delivers messages to bring into your hearts. It’s not just sales. It’s about people. TOPS builds bridges for companies and individuals so that we can learn from one another and continue evolving as a growing city.

(From left to right) Malissa Aebersold, Morgan Hancock, Sarah Mitchell, Bella Portaro-Kueber, Amanda Hamilton, Laurie Lennon, Chloe Kellams, and Kathy Thuerbach

52 TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019

August Issue

Launch party

CELEBRAT I NG W O M E N IN B US INE S S

at Napa River Grill Tuesday, August 6th from 5:30-7:30pm

SPECIAL PRICES ON DRINKS AND APPETIZERS Ultimate celebration and networking opportunity

of the home, and taking care of her family and herself allows her to be even better at her job in helping and supporting clients.

Wells Fargo Advisors 502-561-5000 • WELLSFARGOADVISORS.COM You could call Taylor Jessie a professional expectation manager, although her official title is Registered Client Associate at RiverWealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors. With her attention to detail and clear communication with clients, Taylor wants to make sure everyone’s expectations are met; building long-term relationships with her clients is of utmost importance to her. She works with clients of all ages, backgrounds and interests, and she knows that one person can’t know everything, so she is thankful to have abundant resources at her disposal. As a mother who works full-time outside

54 TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019

Jodie Parsons plays an intricate role in servicing the firm’s clients. She gets to know them and remembers important events in their lives, and she keeps up with changing policies and procedures. Going above and beyond is just part of her job. “My Financial Advisor and other co-workers deserve my undivided attention,” Jodie says, so she is all-in, all day. But when she goes home, she leaves work at work. “My children and husband deserve all of me, too” she says. “I want to be a good role model for my children. They inspire me to get out of bed every day and be the best I can for them.”

The role of Client Associate is one of the more important roles in helping clients succeed financially. They do so much more than just answer phones and other operational tasks, they have deep personal relationships with the clients. The relationships assist the Financial Advisors in guiding their decisions in advising and servicing the clients. They all embody the motto of Wells Fargo Advisors; Clients. First. Always.

Written by Justin H. Schappe, CRPC®, Senior Vice President – Branch Manager – 297 N. Hubbards Lane, Suite 301, Louisville, KY 40207. Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used

by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC. Ad. CAR #0719-04184

Meredith Lintner Metzmeier & Kathy Lintner Cartwheels Papers & Gifts 502-895-1800 FACEBOOK.COM/CARTWHEELSPAPERSANDGIFTS Has it been 10 years already? Yes, Meredith Lintner Metzmeier and Kathy Lintner opened Cartwheels Papers & Gifts in May 2009. “We believe that our continued focus on our customers’ experience has been the defining factor in our growth and tenure,” Kathy says.

Cartwheels is the definitive creative and professional resource for fine papers. Think wedding invitations and special event announcements and invites. “Many people don’t know that we are also an excellent resource for unique gifts and fine stationery,” Meredith said.

Meredith and Kathy might find themselves challenged by internet competitors, but in-person customer service will never go out of style or business. They are on a first-name basis with many of their customers. Cartwheels is in Chenoweth Square, a wonderful community of locally owned businesses. Along with Walter Wagner, Jr., the proprietors at Chenoweth Square host the annual Chenoweth Square Tent Sale (Aug. 15-18, 2019), the Holiday Walk in November and the Derby Trot in April every year. “It takes a village, or in our case a Square,” says Kathy.

Kathy and Meredith are mother and daughter and now they love working together in the same store. Early on in their business, they dedicated store hours to being in the shop with customers; they spend after hours on office work and printing. “It may sound cliché but it’s easy to go to work every day because we love what we do,” Meredith said. “We love our team, our neighboring business partners in Chenoweth Square and our community.”

The two are grateful to have an incredible team of women working with them, who provide the most pleasant experience possible for every guest.

The tagline for Cartwheels Papers & Gifts is “Fun. Seriously!” Meredith and Kathy take that phrase to heart for their customers, team, local artists and for themselves.

TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019 55

Tawana Bain Encore on Fourth 502-587-0526 • ENCOREON4TH.COM Tawana Bain does it again. The entrepreneur on the move is already known for the growing and thriving Derby Diversity & Business Summit, The minority and gender inclusive meeting/celebration designed to open up Derby Season for everyone. She’s perhaps equally recognized for AFM Threads, the independent boutique changing perceptions of what to expect from Louisvillians and Fashion in the Mall St. Matthews. Now, she’s set her eyes on making a mark on Louisville’s nightlife with an upscale bar and lounge concept in the heart of downtown Louisville - For now, it’s called Encore on 4th, and it’s across from the Louisville Palace and Mercury Ballroom.

“It’s an upscale, southern coastal kitchen and booze room,” Tawana says, laughing at that last part. “It will be a place to enjoy live Jazz, Soul,

56 TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019

R&B with food and cocktails to fit the vibe.” The space embodies Tawana’s inclusive spirit. “The venue is open to everyone, but we’ve definitely found a sweet spot with African American men and women who typically escape town, heading to what we might conventionally think of as more culturally advanced cities. This spot is here for those seeking a laid back, upscale ambiance with soulful sounds, coastal food such as po’ boys, shrimp and grits, and fried fish, just to name a few dishes. We have specialty cocktails such as Blow Me Up Johnny, The Great White Man and one called Coup De Ville and Afros and Dynamite.” She’s thrilled that she has been able to fill a void for professional people of color to get away without leaving Louisville.

For a dynamically minded woman from a bohemian family background, engaging with the people around her is a way of life for Tawana. “I find that I’m interested in non-traditional concepts and themes, I’m all about providing experiences. This will be a space for that in a big way.”

She’s spent the last 7 months learning the business under the existing name, building a team and crafting the venue’s next chapter.

What will be the new name of the bar and lounge? Well, that’s still a secret for now, but you will definitely hear about it in the very near future. A select few will even make the invite only list for the soft opening in September. In the meantime, check out the full menu and entertainment schedule by visiting encoreon4th.com.

Katie Fussenegger ShelbyKY Tourism & Visitors Bureau 502-633-6388 • VISITSHELBYKY.COM “We all need to take ownership in building a community of passionate and determined female leaders,” says Katie Fussenegger, Executive Director of ShelbyKY Tourism & Visitors Bureau. “It’s an honor to represent such pioneering women in the travel industry, who’s businesses inspire and entertain, locals and visitors like.

On this page, you see a strong assemblage of women leaders centered in Shelbyville. They live and work in the area, making an impact every day, helping the community grow and thrive, each in their own ways. Joyce Nethery, owner of Jeptha Creed, created a distillery with a driving need to leave something for her children, and is now motivating others as one of the only female Master Distiller in Kentucky. Alex Gravett, an American Saddlebred Trainer and Farm Owner, recognized nationally for her skills, gives her time, while encouraging young riders to achieve their dreams.

While, Dori Lewis, the owner of the incomparable boutique, The Polka Dotted Pineapple, builds confidence in others through fashion and outreach programs. Amanda Gajdzik, who along with her husband run Mulberry Orchard, put their passion for agriculture to work producing food for the area’s school system, and raise awareness for healthy eating through school educational field trips.

These ladies continue a tradition of female leadership with historic roots.

History recalls fondly Julia Tevis, the Shelbyville resident who founded the Science Hill Female Academy in 1825. That fine institution changed many lives in its tenure, inspiring and building upon the lives of many. The area also produced Martha Layne Collins, so far Kentucky’s only female governor.

“We have a lot of history here, but we’ve got quite a future in store as well,” Katie says.

Photo by Melissa G. Photography

TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019 57

Susan Straub European Splendor 502-618-1633 • EUROPEAN-SPLENDOR.COM Specializing in bringing fine, handcrafted treasures from Europe all the way to us here in the Derby City, European Splendor is a delightful shop in the Crescent Hill neighborhood. “We started with furniture, but over the years we’ve expanded into a wide variety of unique small batch items,” says owner and proprietor Susan Straub. “This Fall, we’ve got new lines from Holland, Germany, and France, including leather aprons, fine linens, cheese knives, as well as bread and cheese boards, among other things.”

European Splendor opened in 2000 and has marked three years in its current Frankfort Ave location. “I feel like this is the new Bardstown Road,” says Susan of the eclectic locale. On challenges for women in business, “I tend to ignore the challenges, and focus on the opportunities. As more women business owners come into play, I think it has paved the road for bigger opportunities and more community support.”

Robin Johnson & Lori Elliott Molly Johnson Foundation 502-724-0067 • THEMOLLYJOHNSONFOUNDATION.ORG Robin Johnson and her husband Jojo know first hand the struggles faced by parents of kids with special needs. They lost their special needs daughter, Molly, when she was just 11 years old.

One of the hardest things to overcome is dealing with the expense incurred by the necessities that insurance won’t cover. The expense for all manner of necessary equipment like modified strollers and portable medical equipment are all too often not covered by insurance policies.

Robin resolved to make a difference. She teamed up with Lori Elliott, her best friend and business partner at Mayer Realtors, to form the Molly Johnson Foundation. Begun in 2011, the entirely volunteer driven organization has raised close to a million dollars to date, easing the struggles for many families. The vital work of the Molly Johnson Foundation allows them to focus more of their attention on just loving their kids and helping them to live their very best lives.

Courtesy photo

58 TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019

Jessica Piasta MAPS Security 502-434-7758 • MOOREAPS.COM Owning a home, property, or business comes with a great deal of responsibility. MAPS Security is the very best full service integrator in the electronic security industry.

“Many of us lose sight of its value and believe security to be a sunk cost when it is, in fact, a great investment. Proper security systems, whether fire, burglar, IP cameras, or access control, save businesses and even lives,” states MAPS owner Jessica Piasta. “We have kept clients from paying hundreds of thousands in litigation and kept buildings from burning to the ground.”

MAPS provides security for all manner of perspectives from loss prevention, human resource integrity, quality assurance, employee safety, and much more. They are an ever evolving company and have been in business since 2006. They offer oneon-one account management, and they are available 24/7 with a live MAPS employee on call. Whether for sales or any issue, as a client you will be greeted by someone who is familiar with your exact system and can offer immediate and intelligent assistance.

Jessica and her staff at MAPS Security understand the critical nature of the services they provide and are committed to custom designing a solution to best suit your needs and budget. “For camera systems, we focus hard on optimizing placement to secure usable video evidence.” She adds, “I love what I do and am exhilarated by the opportunity and challenge to help residential and commercial owners. Exceptional security is empowering.

Being a woman business owner in a male dominated industry is equal parts hard and amazing. I do what I do solely because of the peace of mind and solutions I bring to my clients. There is something truly special about seeing the end product and then watching it work, especially from a woman’s perspective.”

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Tham Hoang Sandman Nail Therapy Studio 502-882-2008 • NAILSALONLOUISVILLE.COM Tired of walking into a cloud of chemicals for your mani-pedi appointment? At the Nail Therapy Studio, owner Tham Hoang Sandman and her staff are committed to providing you a clean, calm, and relaxing environment.

They provide customers with nearly all nail services, but as they don’t do any acrylics, you’ll breathe fresh air and listen to soft music as the friendly staff takes care of your every need.

“At Nail Therapy, our focus is to provide a fresh, healthy environment for our guests,” Ms. Sandman states. “Our customers inspire me to get up and go to work every day. I love to take care of them and help make them look good and feel good.”

Tammy, as her clients know her, is a fully licensed cosmetologist for nail services and is passionate about her business. With her experience as a masseuse and spa manager, she insists on giving her clients the best experience possible by going above and beyond the standard service.

“With our pedicures, we don’t just rub lotion on the feet,” Tammy states.

“We know how to massage for soothing relief.”

A native of Vietnam, Tammy worked hard to learn English and earn her U.S. citizenship. She’s proud of her heritage but even more proud of what she’s accomplished in her adopted new home.

“I met my husband, Paul, in a business meeting in Vietnam and moved to Louisville in 2012. We work well together and promote a teamwork approach with our staff that allows us to give all we can give to our guests.”

Visit Nail Therapy Studio and you won’t walk out with one of those toxic acrylic headaches. You’ll love the fresh atmosphere and outstanding customer service!

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Signature Smiles 502-326-1800 • SIGNATURESMILESLOUISVILLE.COM The motto at Signature Smiles is Live Life Smiling! The team specializes in family and cosmetic dentistry and their leading lady, who they consider a great mentor, Dr. Arlene Baluyut,

has enjoyed practicing for over 34 years. Their office culture is second to none and patients feel that synergy at every visit. Dr. B, as her patients and team fondly call her, has state-ofthe-art dental technology to be able to provide the best dental care available. Signature Smiles has all that modern dentistry has to offer, including a comprehensive list of general, restorative, and cosmetic dental services.

The Signature Smiles dental team is made up of professional and friendly people who provide their patients with personalized and gentle dental care. They are highly trained and qualified in their specific areas of responsibility and committed to the practice’s goal which is, Your Smile, Our Passion. The entire team deeply care for their patients and think of them as family. They are inspired to come to work knowing that each day they can change lives, one smile at a time.

Lisa Lynn Knight Lisa Lynn Designs 502-384-5966 • LISALYNNDESIGNSLLC.COM Lisa Lynn Knight was born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, and has been the owner and president of interior design firm Lisa Lynn Designs for over 17 years. She has won numerous awards and has been frequently recognized as one of the Louisville area’s best Interior Designers.

Lisa understands that letting someone into your home can be intimidating, and she has always worked hard to build personal relationships and accomplish goals set by her clients’ expectations, while providing quality products and outstanding customer service. Lisa and her experienced and dedicated design team can assist you with any project, big or small, from consultations to remodels and new construction. Her showroom offers a “One Stop Shop” to make the design process relaxing and enjoyable.

Let Lisa Lynn Designs bring you … home.

Courtesy photo

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Leah Gerstorff Sei Bella Waxing 502-437-9293 • SEIBELLAWAXING.COM When it comes to waxing away those unwanted hairs, Sei Bella Waxing provides a great atmosphere and an experienced staff to take care of you.

Owner Leah Gerstorff and the experienced staff at Sei Bella offers a full menu of waxing and skin care.

“People don’t realize the amount of skill involved with waxing, so ditch the ‘at home’ wax kits and leave it to our professional staff to do the job,” Leah says. “We’ve had years of school, practice and continuing education to perfect our craft. “I’ve known some of my clients for a decade and watched them go through changes and milestones in life. I love catching up with them almost as much as the work I do.”

Located in the heart of St. Matthews, Sei Bella makes it easy for you to schedule.

“We have a receptionist on duty to help organize our schedules and you can schedule appointments online. I stress loving what you do to all of our staff and that leads to a great deal of passion in the services we provide.”

Rachel Albritton Paperboy PR 502-905-5170 • PAPERBOYPR.COM Combining her professional background in public affairs, government relations, and business policy with decades of family involvement in the restaurant industry, Rachel Albritton is uniquely qualified to serve as consultant and founder of Paperboy Public Relations. Paperboy PR is a consumer-facing firm specializing primarily in retail and restaurants. Rachel understands the challenges these businesses face, including tight margins and the sizable return on investment required to sustain and improve them.

Rachel becomes integrated in the teams of the businesses she serves, working side-by-side on an ongoing basis to fully understand how to best position them to reach their goals. One of the most rewarding aspects of Rachel’s work is exploring the recent trend in restaurants toward embracing different causes such as environmentalism, clean food, and sustainably-sourced ingredients. She also enjoys spotlighting the philanthropic efforts of her clients and encouraging entrepreneurship in other young, aspiring women in the field of public relations.

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Alane Paulley Magna Wave 502-742-7868 • MAGNAWAVEPEMF.COM “The thing that truly drives me is the satisfaction of helping people, and the wonderful people I work with daily” says Magna Wave President Alane Paulley. “When you love what you do, it’s never truly work. I left a successful career as a TV producer to do this, and I’ve never been happier.” Alane is referring to working with a wellness process called Magna Wave PEMF, which stands for Pulsed Electro-Magnetic Frequency. This modality is FDA approved to treat aches and pains by reducing inflammation, restoring joints and muscles, improving blood circulation, increasing blood oxygen content, and strengthening the immune system, all for faster recovery and healing.

The use of this treatment has been commonplace for horses for many years, but clinical trials and anecdotal evidence have proven that it’s equally beneficial for us, as well.

Alane Paulley has seen the immediate benefits of her company’s services up close and personally. “My first hand experience comes from my husband, who was able to completely avoid medication and surgery for his severe back pain using our PEMF machine, with absolutely zero side effects,” she says.

Her father, Pat Ziemer, started the business 18 yrs ago. She took over in 2012.

Recently, Alane met with the renowned Dr.Oz to talk about the vast benefits her service has to offer and worked with him on a mentoring program. “It was a unique experience because I was the only female business owner in the group, and it was intimidating at first, but the power of Magna Wave is easy to show because you feel it within the first treatment” Alane says.

“Just like the first time you try Magna Wave, it often serves us well to step outside of our comfort zones.”

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Karen McCartin Foster Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Parks & Weisberg, Realtors 502-552-0411 • KARENMCCARTINFOSTER.COM Karen McCartin Foster wants to help you define your lifestyle through your property and with 42 years of experience in the real estate business, she’s confident she can deliver.

Born and raised in southern Indiana, Karen and her husband own 150 head of cattle and that operation gives her a broad reach and scope as a realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Parks & Weisberg Realtors.

“The connections we have both locally and internationally allow us to market homes, farms and land in a unique fashion,” Karen stated. “There is so much more that is done to provide the service you deserve. On farms, it is important to know the types of soil, grasses, size of stalls and much more. The due diligence that we do for both homes and farm marketing goes well beyond the time we spend with the client as we strive to give them all of the information they need to find their lifestyle in a purchase.”

Over the course of her career in real estate, Karen has seen trends come and go and that experience has led her to a more educated tempo and approach for her business and her clients.

“I’ve seen the markets change in one day,” she stated. “Knowing this makes me cautious of my advice to clients. I am not a risk taker with my client’s money or my own. That is part of my drive for education in my specialties.”

With certifications in both the Luxury Marketing and as an Accreditation Land Consultant, Karen’s life experience has spanned generations of clients.

“I chose this career and I love this career. And I love having someone call me and tell me that I helped their parents and grandparents purchase their lifestyle. I want to continue to open doors and gates to the lifestyle you desire!”

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Amy Wagner Reflections of You, by Amy 502-384-3660 • AMYWAGNERDESIGNS.COM More than just a design studio, Reflections of You, by Amy is a one-stop-shop for residential and commercial interior design, staging, and renovations. Amy Wagner holds a General Contractor’s License, overseeing all aspects of clients’ projects, ensuring quality control of the services provided. With the support of family and friends who appreciate her work ethic and dedication, Amy and her team are inspired to higher levels of creativity and productivity.

To show appreciation of her clients, Amy invites everyone to see for themselves all that the Chenoweth Square studio has to offer. “We have furniture, accessories, artwork, lighting, rugs, pillows, cabinets, countertops, fabrics, window treatments and more, including my favorite sheets - only $59.99 when mentioning this article. For every set we sell we donate a set to The Healing Place!”

Julie Denton The Denton Group 502-376-7402 • DENTONGROUPUSA.COM Julie Denton draws on her 24 years of experience in state and local government to give The Denton Group an edge when assisting you with governmental relations, business development, and legislative support.

“With 20 years of experience as a state senator, 16 of them as chair of the Senate Health and Welfare Committee, and four years on Metro Council, I have great relationships with elected officials at the local, state and federal levels and know the processes of each very well,” Julie says. “The political climate is always changing and it takes a lot to keep up with what is going on at all levels of government.”

While legislative and executive lobbying are prime parts of the company, Julie and her staff also handle business crisis and media services, branding, public relations, business development, and grant writing. She puts her expertise to work for her clients, building success every day.“We are a boutique firm geared towards excellent service,” says Julie. “For 20 years I was able to make a difference in a positive way as a state senator.

The Denton Group allows me to continue to make a positive difference.”

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Jena Walker Walden School 502-893-0433 • WALDEN-SCHOOL.ORG Jena Walker is the Director of Development at Walden, a K-12 independent school, and has a tremendous amount of enthusiasm. “It’s beyond exciting,” she says of Walden’s mission to provide an educational environment that fosters a love of learning.

A misconception exists that a Development department only asks for donations; rather, they establish relationships within and outside the school. Through connecting with students, alumni, faculty, parents, and other community members, the department focuses on creating individualized experiences, offering opportunities such as community campus tours.

Jena’s own son attends Walden and she is thrilled he is part of the school community. Both faculty and students are encouraged to be curious about life, take risks, and discover their potential.

“I’m excited to come to work everyday,” says Jena, “knowing that I, alongside my awesome team, are building a better educational environment for current and future generations of students.”

(From left to right) Alison Tyler (Head of School), Jena Walker (Director of Development), and Ely Heard (Assistant Director of Development).

Hayley Rogers Hayluxe Boutique @HAYLUXE • HAYLUXE.COM At age 23, Hayley Rogers already has six years of retail experience and almost a year as the owner of her own online clothing boutique. She single-handedly built her business, from selecting and buying every item to photographing her work, designing her website and personalizing every package shipped out of her living room. Before she even had merchandise to sell, Hayley created and sold over 150 sweatshirts with the Hayluxe Boutique logo. Within the first five months of business, she had nearly 1,000 online orders, a sure sign that individuals want to shop for chic, edgy and on-trend fashions from a real person. Hayley sends a handwritten letter to each customer thanking them for their purchases.

“Becoming relevant and retaining customers is a key factor in maintaining my success,” Hayley says. “So far, so good!”

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Rhonda Harding, Paula Carey Poole, Crystal Robison, & Robin Byrd Treyton Oak Towers 502-589-3211 • TREYTONOAKTOWERS.COM Rhonda Harding (Director of Resident Development) and Paula Carey Poole (Marketing Coordinator) work together with Crystal Robison (Admis-

sions Coordinator) and Robin Byrd (Community Outreach Coordinator) to make Treyton Oak Towers a heavenly place to live. “Our standard is very simple,” says Rhonda, “this is a place where I would want my mother to live, or where I would love to live myself.” Paula agrees, and adds, “We believe in treating others the way that we wish to be treated.”

Celebrating its 35th year, Treyton Oak Towers sets itself apart from other retirement homes by virtue of its comfortable, welcoming, yet still elegant environment. This continuum of care community also allows and encourages a remarkable amount of customization by each individual resident; in their apartments, their daily activities, and their healthcare. “We want everyone here to feel that this is their home and that everything about their lives is exactly to their liking,” says Rhonda, “We’re only happy when our residents are. We work for them. Their stories are so humbling. We’re just thrilled every day to have them with us.”

Combined, these women have over 60 years of experience in Retirement Living. All four of them agree that Treyton Oak Towers is not your everyday Senior Community, and they work hard to keep it that way. “We each enjoy working with the families and prospective residents to find that certain niche for each individual,” says Rhonda. “Treyton Oak Towers is such a diverse community, there seems to be something for everyone.”

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PMR Companies 502-412-0010 • PMRCOMPANIES.COM PMR Companies, a regional Property Management Company, fosters a spirit of camaraderie and a significant drive for excellence. Owner Deborah Charlton, pursued her dream of leading a female owned organization and is invested in the continued development of all of her dedicated team members. She strives to embody a company culture of family and encourages personal success. This, in turn, adds value to PMR and contributes to the overall success of the company.

The 12 women featured in this article represent over 175 years of Property Management experience. They encompass diversity and powerful leadership while

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managing and representing 2482 apartment units in the Louisville and Southern Indiana area. The properties in their portfolios range from new construction to preserved Greater Louisville landmarks that provide a place to call home for many Louisvillians. These women, along with all other PMR Team Members, have committed themselves to providing unparalleled customer service and ensuring a remarkable experience while living at their apartment community. The Louisville Apartment Association awarded PMR Companies ‘Property Management Company of the Year’ in 2018 because of its dedication to the properties that it manages and for their overall commitment to the city’s multifamily housing portfolio.

Outside of the Greater Louisville area, PMR manages properties in 6 states and oversees a portfolio that averages 9000 apartment units. Some of their most recent accolades include being an Accredited Management Organization (AMO) through IREM, a Best Place to Work for the last 8 years consecutively and being named a Finalist for the 2019 Small Business of the Year from Greater Louisville Inc. However, success does not stop here for PMR. With new business on the horizon and the outstanding industry professionals that call PMR home, the future is bright! They will continue to successfully manage properties and build long lasting relationships along the way!

Jennifer Lamkin Blessings in a Backpack 800-872-4366 • BIBLOUISVILLEKY.ORG Blessings in a Backpack’s mission is to end childhood hunger nationwide. Jennifer Lamkin champions that same mission statement for Louisville’s local chapter. “I may not be on payroll but it provides the greatest benefit package! We have been able to provide hunger free weekends for approximately 5,000 children here in Louisville. Blessings mobilizes communities, individuals and resources to send home food on the weekends in the backpacks of children who would otherwise go hungry. For as little as $100, Blessings can feed a child for an entire school year which is 38 weeks.”

Jennifer has a tight schedule already as the Marketing and Event Coordinator at Lamkin Wealth Management, investor in two Bearno’s 502 locations and owner of five furniture and appliance stores in Louisville and Nashville. “I believe that each person is just one introduction away or one random act of kindness from being able to make a lasting impression on someone’s life.”

Caroline Eager Liz and Roo 502-410-4023 • LIZANDROO.COM For parents with newborns and toddlers, finding beautiful bedding for their nurseries and bedrooms is a challenge in the local area. At Liz and Roo, a luxury nursery bedding and décor manufacturer located in Butchertown, providing young parents with an option to “shop local” for both in-stock and custom bedding products is their mission.

“Our bedding is sewn by hand and we strive to source all fabrics and notions in the USA,” said Caroline Eager, owner of Liz and Roo. “We have access to thousands of fabrics, and have a very talented sewing team. Some may be surprised that we also sew curtains, duvets, and throw pillows for the home”.

The hand-sewn products at Liz and Roo are enhanced by the beautiful fabrics that will add style to any room. The Liz and Roo team takes pride in their responsive customer service, “18/7”, and are proud to provide the very best in custom nursery bedding and home décor.

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Rhonda Johnson Tunie’s 502-618-3868 • SHOPTUNIES.COM For Tunies Store Manager Rhonda Johnson, working at the Westport Village boutique is a pure delight. “We have a great staff of people of all ages, and we just love to make people happy,” she says, Most of the business at Tunies comes from repeat business, customers who have come to expect a truly personalized level of service. “When we go to market, we always have certain people in mind when we shop for things. It’s a real joy to look after our clients, and know that we know them so well.”

Now in her 5th year at the shop, Rhonda previously spent 30 years as a kindergarten teacher. “Kelly Farmer, the owner of Tunies, gave me such a wonderful opportunity,” Rhonda says. “I hope that I’ve made her proud and maintained the strong standard that this store has built here in Louisville.”

Brandi Maynard Mayn Salon 502-386-1959 • MAYNSALON.COM Brandi Maynard and her staff at Mayn Salon want you to know just how important it is to maintain trust and integrity with their clients and guests.

Located at 143 Chenoweth Lane, Mayn Salon offers a full selection of services from simple haircuts to color and hair extensions.

One thing is certain: Maynard and staff will do all they can to leave you looking and feeling beautiful.

“I want each person to look their best, knowing that sometimes you have to say no to things,” Maynard states. “We truly care about what we use and the work we do. This isn’t a job to us, it’s a career. We understand that sometimes how people feel about themselves is in our hands and we love that challenge. Personally, I love all aspects of the business, but the challenge and creativity of color brings out the artist and scientist in me.”

(From left to right) Leslie Clemens-Hooker, Master Stylist/Colorist, and Brandi Maynard, Owner/Master Sylist/MUA

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Lisa Zax The Skin Group 502-583-6647 • SKINGROUP.ORG The Skin Group provides comprehensive dermatological skin care through medical and aesthetic treatments with the utmost concern for their patients.

Dr. Robert Zax leads this group of experienced providers and aestheticians in a family run practice.

Dr. Zax’s wife, Lisa, runs the business end of the practice and emphasizes the special care that The Skin Group provides. Their services range from general dermatology to MOHS micrographic surgery to a complete line of aesthetic products and procedures.

“The ownership and practice of medicine is changing at a rapid rate and becoming corporate and transaction/quota driven.” “What sets us apart is we are a family run practice and our passion is to provide the best patient experience possible,” Lisa states. “I want every patient that leaves our office to feel that they were listened to, received the best care and look forward to coming back.”

At The Skin Group, Lisa and the office staff want to ensure that every patient’s experience is as positive and productive as possible.

“I like to get to know our patients, interact with them, obtain feedback on how we can do better and develop relationships. And we love to give back to our community. Throughout the year we provide free skin cancer screenings that can lead to early detection of a potential problem.”

The principle element of The Skin Group is to alleviate a patient’s major problem, be it on the dermatological side or in their aesthetics services.

“When you help someone and can alleviate their problem it is extremely satisfying,” Lisa says. “On the aesthetic side I want our patients to feel that they can be their own kind of beautiful and not feel pressure to look like the cover of a magazine. We want their look to be more optimized and give them confidence.

We’re not about bottom line, we’re about creating that family atmosphere for our patients and staff.”

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Jill Higginbotham J Michael’s Spa & Salon 502-742-8790 • JMICHAELSSPAANDSALON.COM Jill Higginbotham is the founder of J Michael’s Spa & Salon, the luxurious and elegant space bringing cutting edge looks to our evolving city. She leads a staff of 23. Some are aestheticians, some are makeup artists, most are hairstylists. They’re all creative, inventive, and at your service to maximize your look. Jill’s no micromanager; she hires people who are sharper than

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the scissors that they use and sets them free to make magic. “I put my stylists ahead of myself,” she says. She looks after them fiercely, making sure that they have the latitude to bring their own attitudes in a field that can be challenging. “I have a real affinity for them, I find joy when I watch them grow.”

Jill grew into the role herself. Her passion as a teen was for musical theater, that took her to college in Chicago, chasing that dream. Looking back, Jill sees the path behind her very clearly. “That was where I got into makeup, it’s a part of stage performance, of course. I had this epiphany and changed course. I thought that I would meet resistance when I told my family I wanted to enroll in cosmetology, but they were nothing but supportive.”

She opened the salon in 2011 and it’s become a beacon of style in no small part because Jill understands exactly what it is that she’s doing. “All trades take skill, but in this one, it takes a truly special person,” she opines.

“The creative and intellectual aspects of the mind have to interact in this line of work - we constantly deal with mathematics and chemistry just as much as a sense of artistry and creativity. Of course, we’re also psychologists in a way.

Not only do we make you look gorgeous, but you can tell us anything. We keep all your secrets.”

of the Physical Therapists, Speech-Language Pathologists and Occupational Therapists to the complementary therapies like “handwriting without tears” and sensory integration activities.

TheraPLACE Therapy & Learning Center 502-893-1380 • THERAPLACELEARNING.COM Everyone at TheraPLACE Therapy & Learning Center has a passion for children and an unending dedication to their pediatric clients and families. Rebecca Cox is the business co-owner at TheraPLACE, so it’s her job to know about everyone and everything, from the overall work

Wait, occupational therapy for kids? “The main occupations of children are playing, school and building social relationships. These are the main skills that Occupational Therapists help our clients build,” says Heather Decker, Occupational Therapist.

“It is our mission to provide holistic, innovative and effective services that result in functional gains and family satisfaction,” says Leah Fischer, Physical Therapist. “We remain dedicated to providing optimal care in an atmosphere of empathy, sensitivity, and fun,” says Sherri Botts, Office Manager. It takes this entire team of intelligent and hard working women to make TheraPLACE successful.

(Front row from left to right) Leah Fischer, Kellie Robinson, Sherri Botts, Shannon Smith and Yoshi Zoeller (Back row from left to right) Emily Moscoe, Sarah Cocanougher, Heather Decker, Rebecca Cox, and Katie Chu (Not pictured) Bonnie Newton, Mary Gwen Walker, Sarah Niemann, Laura Torrans, Sarah Hutton, and Heather Hart

Ashely Klein Women Leaders in Insurance and Financial Services 502-574-9964 • WLICONFERENCE.COM Proudly serving in her second year as president of Women Leaders in Insurance and Financial Services, Ashely Klein exemplifies the qualities and standards this sterling organization brings to our city. “WLI promotes networking, awareness, and we have a strong drive to engage with everyone in our field, including younger people,” she observes. “Insurance can be a very rewarding career. We want to be consultants here to help our clients thrive personally and in business. We can also bring a sense of security into their day to day lives.”

Ashely, a property and casualty broker at USI, takes great pride in bringing professional women together.

Before her presidency, she served 10 years on the committee, helping it to grow and prosper. “Thanks to our sponsors and some really amazing people in our community, it’s been a real joy to watch this group become so vital and important.”

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Jeanne Becker Whitesides Building Kidz School 502-245-4100 • BUILDINGKIDZSCHOOL.COM With an MFA in acting, experience in curriculum-building, managing teams in the private sector, and her own joyful journey as a mother, Jeanne Becker Whitesides’ eclectic resume is tailor-made for her Building Kidz franchise. “I watched my late sister build a successful florist shop, which inspired me to pursue owing my own business. Once I discovered Building Kidz, I knew I’d found the perfect business for me.”

Jeanne believes in a process-oriented approach to Early Childhood Education. “Integrating the performing arts into the curriculum is the ideal way to support early learning.” She has seen improved problem-solving, increased confidence, and greater impulse control in the children. “Children are learning when they play and the performing arts is, at its most basic level, structured play.”

Jeanne derives great satisfaction from the personal growth she sees in staff and students alike. “Above all, we try with all our hearts to be a home away from home.”

Alexis Karageorge, M.D. Louisville Concierge Medicine, PLLC 502-618-3535 • LOUISVILLECONCIERGEMEDICINE.COM On the ever-changing, often confusing seas of medical care, the Internal Medicine Physician can be a port in the storm for patients. Dr. Alexis Karageorge of Louisville Concierge Medicine, PLLC upholds the firm belief that continuity of care is crucial to restoring and maintaining good health.

Louisville Concierge Medicine serves as “captain of the ship” by coordinating and facilitating care on both an outpatient and inpatient basis. Her mission is to navigate medical specialization and fragmentation, advocating on behalf of patients through all phases of their healthcare journey.

Dr. Karageorge embraces the challenge of staying current with technology, pharmacy, and procedures, as well as the administrative and regulatory requirements for the delivery of medical care. She draws inspiration from her patients. “I am blessed to have the ability to make a difference in patients’ lives. It is a humbling experience and a gift to help care for someone in need or at the end of life.”

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Susan Roberts & Wendy O’Banion Commonwealth Bank & Trust Company 502-259-2000 • CBANDT.COM Commonwealth Bank & Trust Company offers a myriad of financial services in Louisville and surrounding communities. Private Banking is a premier service – and one in which they do well – thanks to the teamwork of Wendy O’Banion and Susan Roberts. These Senior VP’s bring 55 years of combined banking experience to the table, and their division’s success is built on the lifelong customer relationships they continue to nurture.

Being located in Kentucky allows the company to be nimble in its banking choices for customers where national banks might be slow to act. “Banking is very competitive,” Susan says. “All banks essentially offer the same products, but what makes us different is that we are local. Big decisions are made here and can be delivered quickly.”

As dedicated Private Bankers, Wendy and Susan take the time to assist in structuring a plan for each client’s goals ¬– whether they be financial, business or family-based. They know that delivering outstanding customer service benefits everyone involved. It is a priority to not only make the client’s life easier but their family’s life, as well. “Without a doubt, your best referrals come from your current customers. If you take excellent care of them, they will share that with their family and friends,” says Susan.

Still, the Private Banking experience is more than a business transaction for Commonwealth Bank & Trust Company. Wendy and Susan echo the company’s emphasis on developing family ties through their relationships with clients. Wendy says, “My clients inspire me to continue to do what I do because they send their children, extended family members or friends to me to help with their financial needs. I love educating a young couple on buying their first house with an emphasis on how not to end up ‘house poor’. It’s gratifying to be a source of support.”

At Commonwealth Bank & Trust, the focus remains customer-centric with a tagline that resonates in the communities they serve – it’s “Like having a Banker in the Family.” Many larger institutions can’t offer their clients the same level of attention, but Commonwealth Bank can and always will.

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en’s Council of Realtors of Greater Louisville’s annual fashion show. Our 2019 board of directors has done a fantastic job of moving our mission forward.”

The Women’s Council of Realtors of Greater Louisville 502-640-2900 • WCR.ORG The Women’s Council of Realtors of Greater Louisville is a network of successful realtors whose mission is to advance women as business leaders not just in the industry, but in the communities they serve.

Florence Browne, President of the Women’s Council of Realtors of Greater Louisville, sees the mission in practice every day.

“As a collaborative group, we support our local network of realtors and strategic partners as well as leadership in education,” Florence stated. “Our community outreach is designed to support local charities through our Wom-

The Women’s Council of Realtors of Greater Louisville has a vested interest in the growth, health and advancement of the community it serves.

These career professionals operate on a shared value system of integrity and respect and, as Browne explains, it is a Council that is extending its reach year after year.

“We are interested in growing our local membership and we encourage realtors and strategic partners to get involved. They can reach out to me directly, join our events prior to becoming a member or check our website, wcr.org/ greaterlouisville, for additional information.”

The Council’s core values of professional credibility, collaboration, leadership and influence guide its members to taking ownership of their role in business and in the community. As the business of buying and selling real estate is a collaborative venture, Browne sees the work of the Council as a natural bridge to forming stronger community ties.

“The Women’s Council of Realtors of Greater Louisville provides a collaborative, welcoming environment to help members achieve their business goals,” Browne stated. “We want to help effect positive change in our communities and encourage our members to be leaders. We work hard to help individual members discover and develop their authentic leadership style, apply new skills and pursue leadership opportunities.”

BOARD MEMBERS (photographed at Mellwood Art and Entertainment Center) Florence Browne: President, Mint Commercial Real Estate | Brandy Jenkins: Treasurer, Eclipse Bank | Stephanie Hunter: Secretary, Exit Realty Crutcher | Beth Rojas: Marketing Leadership, Agency Title | Rebecca Ponder: President Elect, United Real Estate Ollie Jones: Program Director, Ollie Brown Realtors | Melissa Doggett: Program Director, Ollie Brown Realtors | Julie Gamble: Membership Director, Julie Gamble Group at Keller Williams Realty Consultants

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Dr. Lindsey Graves Pearl Dental 502-451-2212 • PEARLDENTALLOUISVILLE.COM While people usually associate the dental profession with men, Dr. Lindsey Graves of Pearl Dental feels that there is something to gain from a woman’s perspective. “I think that we have an innate instinct to care for people and a willingness to develop and nurture relationships with patients,” the doctor says.

“From Pearl, you can expect gentle care and a straightforward diagnosis.”

Lindsey founded Pearl Dental in 2016, taking over the space from another dentist who was retiring after 40 years in practice. She incorporated state of the art technology, assembled a fantastic team that happens to be entirely made up of women, and built her business to be a special place for patients, whom she thinks of warmly as visitors. “The most important thing to me is that everyone feels good coming in and going out. We listen to their needs, and treating them well is the most important thing. There’s no judgment, and there’s no rush.”

Amy Stone Rêve Body Sculpting 502-709-4492 • REVEBODYSCULPTING.COM Amy Stone of Rêve Body Sculpting stands by her service, so much so that she bought the business this past May after working there for two and a half years. “I’ve seen this process work wonders whether you need to lose 10 pounds or 100 pounds, and three out of my team of five employees were clients first. It’s a small business with a big support system,” Amy says. The Rêve technique differs from other body sculpting options in that it’s all-natural, noninvasive, nonintrusive, and nonpainful. It utilizes LED lights to make a big difference in the lives of clients.

Amy is a breast cancer survivor who worked in the educational field for 15 years. This fall, her two children will both be freshmen- one in high school and one in college. “Life keeps moving,” she says. “We owe it to ourselves to look and feel our very best.”

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Jamie Stich Prep Meals 502 502-618-0664 • PREPMEALS502.COM Prep Meals 502 owner Jamie Stich has backgrounds in PT and nutrition. “I saw my clients lacking knowledge on which foods to eat, so I decided to start my meal prep career.” Having roots in New Orleans, Jamie knows how to build a well balanced meal while still keeping the flavor. Prep Meals 502 offers Paleo, Whole 30, Keto, Bikini Prep, Breakfast & More!

Many of us find it challenging to come up with the time or resources to eat right daily.

Prep Meals 502 is the solution. They are your source for delicious, healthy meals, that are macro portioned for your convenience. With online ordering, delivery, dine-in, or carryout at their Highlands and Blankenbaker Parkway locations, Prep Meals 502 makes it convenient to eat healthy. Stop by anytime they’re open and grab a ready to go meal.

Stacia O’Sullivan Underpinnings Lingerie 502-333-0370 • UNDERPINNINGSLINGERIE.COM Louisville’s first locally owned lingerie boutique has landed! Nestled on a leafy block of Norton Commons Boulevard is Underpinnings, a shop packed to the brim with special items you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re shopping for something everyday or you have a special occasion in mind, Underpinnings can find something that will suit you perfectly. With robes ranging from fluffy to slinky, two hundred different sizes of bra, and lingerie priced for any budget, there’s truly something for every body and everybody. Make an appointment for a bra fitting or consultation, or drop by unannounced – the friendly staff will be there to greet you with a glass of Prosecco and expert advice.

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the resources available to assist them in the most trying times of their lives.

Amber Youngblood American Red Cross Kentucky Region 502-589-4450 • REDCROSS.ORG In her position as Senior Director of Communications for the Kentucky Region of the American Red Cross and part of a national team, Amber Youngblood must be prepared to respond at a moment’s notice, anywhere from a crisis here in Louisville to a major disaster clear across the country. Amber not only represents the organization but also shares with affected communities

When not responding to an emergency, Amber is tasked with protecting the 138 year old brand of the American Red Cross and the humanitarian principles upon which it was founded. In addition, Amber spreads awareness regarding the day-to-day services provided in Kentuckiana and elsewhere. These services include BioMed collections, preparedness programs, and service to Armed Forces. Many people still assume the American Red Cross is a government agency. In fact, the American Red Cross is a charitable organization dependent on donations from local communities, corporate partners, and foundations. Amber adds, “The work we do could not be done without the strong network of volunteers which make up nearly 95% of our workforce.“ Attracting new generations to build the necessary army of volunteers is no easy task. Amber uses traditional media and social media to communicate both the history of the organization and its relevance in today’s world.

Despite challenges, Amber is encouraged by the compassion and selflessness with which volunteers and donors give of their time and money.

Although always on call, Amber is surrounded by a strong network she can depend upon, “to monitor social media, speak on behalf of the organization and assist at special events” in order for her to rest and recharge to answer that call again and again.

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Judie Parks Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Parks & Weisberg, Realtors 502-419-7496 • BERKSHIREHATHAWAYHS.COM

“Mom was a true trailblazer in local real estate. She witnessed the growth of an industry that was male-dominated when she started her career to becoming a partner in her own successful business. The experience she gained throughout that change and the lessons she learned and shared have been invaluable to me and everyone in our company.”

“I watched her build a career in the Louisville real estate industry at a time when men far outnumbered men. She impressed on me and my brother, Dave (co-owner) the importance of relationships with staff, clients, co-workers and agents. The values and work ethic she modeled for us were invaluable, and we use both every day to continue the high level of service to our agents and customers.”

The Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Parks & Weisberg Realtors agents strive to provide that service to each of their clients for the long-term success of the company.

“We want to be the client’s FOREVER REALTOR,” Judie said. “We devote the time and effort to develop relationships built on respect and trust.

A pillar in that relationship is communication with clients.

When your family name is on the front door, you have an obligation to your customers and the communities that you serve. “Our family has been a part of Louisville for generations, and we are committed to its collective success and to the residents who call it home.”

“Using the multitude of platforms available in today’s world, we strive to provide our clients with the level of communication they desire,” Judie stated. “The options are numerous, and we can share information instantly, day or night. We do value the client’s need for space and time, and we work with agents to value their time off, too.”

That was one of many lessons handed down to Judie Parks, principal broker/ co-owner of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Parks & Weisberg, Realtors, from her mother, Pat Parks.

“We are not in the business of selling houses. We are in the business of helping people achieve their goals at any point in their lives. Real estate is the vehicle that we use to accomplish this.”

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Megan Bell Virtuous Women of Empowerment 502-802-5324 • VIRTUOUSWOMENEMPOWERMENT.COM What does it take to follow your dreams? Support, confidence and passion are at the top of Megan Bell’s list. As the founder and CEO of Virtuous Women of Empowerment, Incorporated, Megan empowers women to live up to their full potential and she is passionate about changing the community.“Having a vision is a blessing and being able to use it that vision to help others is what I truly care about,” she said.

Megan spends lots of time and energy on VWE events and education programs for women in the community. She’s working on opening a grocery store called VWE The Next Door Market in the Russell neighborhood. To accomplish these goals, she prioritizes taking mental and physical breaks. It’s super important to listen to your own body to prevent burnout. Megan draws inspiration from her husband and three kids. Her work is motivating because she wants to leave a legacy for her children.

Mo McKnight Howe Revelry Boutique Gallery 502-414-1278 • REVELRYGALLERY.COM Mo McKnight Howe loves art, both the creative and business aspects of it. As owner of Revelry Boutique Gallery in NULU, Howe showcases the creations of local artists and promotes them in her business.

“The artists I work with inspire me to come to work every day,” Mo states. “They depend on Revelry, and they depend on my team and I to help not only sell their art, but mentor them in what will sell so that they can be a successful artist. For me, the business is about relationships and being accommodating and compassionate towards customer needs.”

Howe manages over 150 artists at her Revelry Boutique Gallery and has invested 5 years in the bustling NULU community. The success of that location has enabled her to open a second location at the Logan Street Market.

Handmade jewelry, art, prints, photography and home décor adorn her brick and mortar building and are available for purchase there, but items may be purchased online as well at revelrygallery.com.

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Antoinette Reyes DF Realty Group 502-403-0275 • DENTONFLOYD.COM 1024 S 3RD ST., LOUISVILLE, KY 40203 Antoinette Reyes is native to the Louisville area and currently the Principal Broker for DF Realty Group. Her business approach is built on integrity, dedication, determination and quality customer service while embodying the ability to cater to all of her clients’ real estate needs. She brings exceptional negotiation skills with a strategic yet personable approach to every buying and selling experience.

Whether it be assisting first time home buyers find their dream home; renting to clients who are not ready to buy; helping investors find distressed properties to renovate; providing help in the luxury market or even locating the prime commercial property for a client – she has experienced it all. Antoinette understands real estate transactions are major financial decisions one must make and requires representation of an agent with high integrity.

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Antoinette believes that the best work comes out of a passion for what one does and she truly loves what she does. She is passionate, energetic and dedicated to fulfilling your real estate needs.

Jeanine Moneypenny & Teri Amsler Moss Hill Bath & Body Collection 502-365-3405 • MOSSHILL.NET What began in 2001 as a hobby in Jeanine Moneypenny’s household kitchen, has become a flourishing retail business serving customers online, from her shop and production facility in Butchertown Market, and wholesale to more than 85 specialty retailers across the country. Seven years ago, Jeanine brought in her best friend Teri Amsler as a partner. Jeanine always preferred the creative aspects, so Teri’s passion and head for business made a perfect match.

Moss Hill Bath & Body Collection prides itself in subtle fragrances with soothing ingredients and all the Southern warmth and charm expected from a Louisville, Kentucky-based brand. With scents such as Kentucky Girl, Bathe in Bourbon, and Old Fashioned featured in everything from lip balms to dry skin relief to a shaving line, Jeanine and Teri offer the spirit of the Commonwealth to friendly folks at home and all around.

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Margaret Schneider & Cara Aldridge Margaret’s Fine Consignments 502-896-4706 • MARGARETSCONSIGNMENT.COM Margaret’s Fine Consignments has been catering to Louisville “fashionistas” for nearly three decades and is a pioneer in the consignment clothing business. Just one look inside the Frankfort Avenue institution and you’ll see exactly why Margaret’s has won dozens of awards through the years.

“We pride ourselves on our windows and displays that showcase all we have to offer,” owner/ operator Margaret Schneider stated. “Our inventory changes daily and it takes a team of dedicated people to make that happen!”

A leader in the consignment industry, Margaret and her staff simply love what they do and stop at nothing to improve the customer experience every day.

“We are constantly working to upgrade our inventory,” Manager Cara Aldridge stated. “We want to provide our customers with the best service, but we strive to be the best consignment store in the area for our consigners.”

The attention to detail and years of experience selling for consigners and the great deals for customers are what you’ll find at Margaret’s Fine Consignments. “We’re going strong and hope to be around another 30 years!” Margaret proudly says of the store she founded.

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Kellie Harrison, Jenniffer Breitenstein, & Julie Messer OnPoint Warranty Solutions, LLC 502-276-7005 • ONPOINTWARRANTY.COM The female leadership of OnPoint Warranty Solutions brings decades of valuable experience and unique abilities to the product service industry and their clients. Negotiating the sometimes insular, male-oriented businesses of product service delivery and insurance, CMO/COO Jenniffer Breitenstein, CCO Julie Messer, and Customer Service and Project Management Director Kellie Harrison bring an exceptional level of care for clients and their customers, just as they do for their own family, friends, colleagues, and communities.

OnPoint Warranty Solutions offers “global underwriting, extended warranties and service contracts, service fulfillment, technology and logistics” to “provide a complete and valuable brand experience that’s designed to reduce risk, increase efficiency, improve our client’s bottom lines, and create happy and loyal consumers for life.” In fact, the team’s primary focus is the consumer in order to deliver excellent customer service and subsequently drive revenue.

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Having just launched their new business in Louisville in 2018, Jenniffer, Julie, and Kellie, are constantly involved with daily operational concerns while simultaneously looking to the future, seeking out and taking advantage of growth opportunities through marketing, sales, and driving brand awareness.They are inspired by their team of “Customer Avengers” and their consumer-driven company culture, so dedicated to problem-solving that they even incorporated a cape into their logo.

So the question naturally follows, how to balance a thriving business and their personal lives. Julie said it best, “Balance is in the eye of the beholder.” One of the upsides to running a small business is the ability to create policies and select and adopt technologies to support real people and their families. Just as technology affects work/life balance, OnPoint fully acknowledges and understands its impact on customers, transforming the way they protect and secure service for consumer products and their service experiences expected to follow that purchase.

Laura Meyer ELM Catering 502-445-1888 • ELMCATERING-LOU.COM Laura Meyer didn’t set out to start a career in catering, but after learning from some fantastic chefs while working in St. Louis, that life and career path just felt natural. She started ELM Catering-Lou in 2004 with her husband, showcasing the culinary skills that she had developed. Laura applies a personal touch in everything that she does for her clients. “We don’t just fill orders and have a driver to drop them off. When the customer calls, they talk to me or my husband, Steve. He is the one they see when the order is delivered.”

ELM Catering-Lou prepares boxed meals, hot lunches, dinners and food trays for corporate events, meetings, and holiday festivities to fit any taste and budget. A unique niche that they offer is private aircraft catering. “We take pride in our product, and if it doesn’t look good enough for us to eat, then we won’t send it out.”

Jennifer Harding CORE Chiropractic 502-896-5669 • MYCORECHIRO.COM

Jennifer Harding is a blessed mother of 7 children, and she never envisioned running and operating a business. “The opportunity presented itself, and the timing was right. Like I do most things, I jumped right in and used my talents and gifts God gave me to help bring CORE to where it is today,” Jennifer stated.

“I’m so blessed to be able to work with my husband, Dr. James Harding,” Jennifer stated. “We want CORE to be the best place where your healing can begin and want to empower each patient with the knowledge and education that will strengthen their core health, physically, mentally, and emotionally.

What you see here is just the beginning of larger things to come. We will be continuing to add services to help our patients and our community to live their best lives. For example, in May 2020 we will be putting on Kentucky’s All Natural Health & Empowerment Summit. We will be bringing speakers and vendors that are like minded in natural Health and Mindset to a two day event! So Stay Tuned!”

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Rebekah Riley-Petrando Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Parks & Weisberg, Realtors 502-939-5887 • BHHSPARKSWEISBERG.COM From the time she was a little girl, she was influenced by her father’s involvement in real estate and his love of the city. Rebekah Riley-Petrando’s real estate career has become more than a vocation, it is her avocation. Louisville born and raised, Rebekah went away to college and lived in Chicago for some time. But as is often the case, the pull of Louisville was too strong to resist.

Rebekah understands the impact real estate decisions make on clients’ lives both financially and emotionally. She never takes her role in the process lightly. Preferring a personal approach to her business, she aims to treat clients as she would family. Rebekah says, “Let me do it… Go live your life!” This level service extends beyond the closing table. Rebekah is raising four boys with four values in mind: hard work, honesty, integrity, and service.

Marilyn Jones Closet Factory of Kentucky 502-489-3901 • CLOSETFACTORY.COM A closet is more than just a closet to Marilyn Jones. As she describes it, the closet is often where your day begins and ends. And whether it is large or small in square footage, a closet’s organization, or lack thereof, makes a difference in your mindset and the direction of your day.

Marilyn, her husband Jerry Ostertag, and their crew of craftsmen and designers take tremendous pride in providing very high quality, thoughtfully designed made-to-order solutions that fix your disorganization problems around the house. They are the only closet company in Kentucky that offers painted and stained finishes, produced in their Middletown workshop. Their closets, home offices, wine cellars, media centers, mudrooms and garage cabinetry are floor-based and made-to-order -not the prefabricated, modular, or wall-hung systems you find from other sources.

Closet Factory installations come with a written, transferable lifetime guarantee. But customer satisfaction does not appear to be an issue, as the walls of their shop are lined with glowing reviews.

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Kendra Scott 502-221-3056 • KENDRASCOTT.COM There is so much more than meets the eye at the Kendra Scott retail location in Oxmoor Center. “Kendra Scott is unique in the fashion/lifestyle space because the brand’s core pillars of Fashion, Family, and Philanthropy are evident in everything we do,” according to Cat Salter, Marketing & Philanthropic Manager. “My role at Kendra Scott is about more than promoting and selling our gorgeous jewels. It’s about making authentic connections, building relevant long-term partnerships, understanding what resonates with our community, and brand building outside our stores.”

Team member and Culture Lead, Lauren Riney is interested in smashing

the stigma of retail work. “As I am a year out of college, when I tell people I work at a store they do not realize how much hard work, passion, and dedication goes into this job. Our company allows us to work together to come up with fun and creative ways to treat our customers and community through a variety of events.”

Kendra Scott began making jewelry by hand in 2002 and continues to serve as Chairman, CEO, and Lead Designer. “Every collection that is released seems to top the previous one! To me, the best part about Kendra is that this brand goes way beyond jewelry,” says Sarah Freeman, Assistant Store Manager. “Being able to impact people in such a positive way right here in Louisville is such an honor.”

“At Kendra Scott one of our pillars is Family, meaning that we treat our customers and each other like family and family comes first!” Danielle Dorsey, Event Lead, balances professional and personal priorities by careful advance planning, but also delights in her worlds blending together. “I’m really lucky to have friends and family who are so supportive and love to get involved with whatever our store has going on whether it’s a fun event or company promotion. It makes work even that much more fun!”

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Martha “Navi” Ward Splitting Hairs Salon 502-895-1006 • SPLITTINGHAIRSSALON.COM No detail is too small for Martha “Navi” Ward, owner of Splitting Hairs Salon, because she knows it’s the little things in life that mean the most. A smile, a kind word, a welcoming nod, plus a clean and comfortable work environment, all add up to quality customer service and living the good life.

Splitting Hairs Salon is designed to be community and family based. Navi’s own family contributed to the furnishings in the salon, and she strives to keep the staff linked together as a family unit. Her husband crafted the custom-built service desk in the salon. He also designed all 16 hairstyling stations, and her late father helped in the building and finishing of the stations.

Located in the East End by Waterson Expressway, Splitting Hairs Salon was an established business when Navi bought it in 2017. Her goal was to make it her own, with a professional atmosphere that’s also warm and inviting. She has done just that, inside and out, with her personal touches. As customers walk in, there are potted plants at the front door. Outside the salon, Navi designed and planted a garden in the adjacent ground space, for fresh bouquets during the growing season. It is so lovely to have vases of fresh flowers spread throughout the salon, because they provide a delight to the physical senses.

She puts great value on communication—with customers, staff and family members. Navi and her “work family” have monthly lunches to keep the connection going and growing. These special gatherings bring them closer together and give everyone an opportunity to share salon news and life events, and to speak up and be heard so they all know where everybody is coming from.

“They are the reason I took over the business. I really love them,” she said. “They are the people I can’t wait to see after a vacation. The ones I want a hug from when I have a loss. I know they’ve got my back because I’ve worked with some of them for 20 years. They know me as well as I know them.”

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Sallie Clater Baer, Megan Campbell Martin, & Christy Martin Effinger

Clater Jewelers

502-426-0077 • CLATERJEWELERS.COM In 1997, Sallie Clater Baer and Megan Campbell Martin purchased Clater Jewelers from Sallie’s father. Keeping the company in the family, William Clater, Sr. knew the excellent customer service, honesty, trust and integrity that had been present since 1949, would continue. “Being locally owned and operated for 70 years gives us great pride,” says Sallie.

Within this family business, Megan’s daughter, Christy Effinger, plays a large part. Christy is a graduate gemologist from GIA, and has her certification as a bench jeweler, giving her skills to repair jewelry. Christy and Sallie are certified appraisers, doing estate and insurance appraisals for individuals and banks.

Clater Jewelers specializes in redesigning old or inherited jewelry into new, timeless creations. Antique or modern, they stay ahead of the curve on the latest market trends and can help you choose the perfect piece for your collection. “Being the only member of Independent Jewelers Organization in Louisville allows us to purchase unique jewelry at better prices,” says Megan. “Our customer service is our secret weapon.”

Nikki Knight Belle Monde Boutique 502-403-3432 • BELLEMONDEBOUTIQUE.COM New to St Matthews, Belle Monde Boutique welcomes women to step inside a lovely house filled with elegant and carefully curated clothing and accessories. Nikki and her team help women identify their style, find pieces that wow and cycle the ones that don’t breathing new life, confidence, love and intentionality into the adventures each woman is called to live. Nikki said, “every woman should Love what she wears and what she doesn’t, we’ll sell it, split the profit and give someone else the chance to love it. There’s value in your closet. Let’s find it together.”

Belle means “Beautiful Woman” and Monde, “Fashionable World.” Let’s Live with a little “extra” and do life “extra”ordinary fashioning the world a more beautiful place.

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Tracy Blair Haus Tracy Blair Haus State Farm Insurance Agency Inc. 502-244-0271 • TRACYHAUS.COM Tracy Blair Haus and her team of 15 are passionate about improving lives! The agency provides customized, award-winning service through State Farm Insurance. “It might sound a bit corny, but it’s an important question we should ask ourselves- Do you have the best coverage for what might happen on your worst day?” Tracy asks. “We will make sure you do!”

Tracy’s agency has grown to become the largest State Farm agency in Kentucky. Last year, the team won a prestigious award known within the organization as “The Trophy.” Only the best 10 agencies of over 20,000 achieve The Trophy, and Tracy is one of few women to ever do so. “Our most important goals are giving back to the community and providing excellent customer service,” Tracy says. “We’re here to fill the gaps in your coverage beyond your home and auto; giving you a sense of safety in everything you do.”

Susie Davis First Financial Bank 502-891-4430 • BANKATFIRST.COM When Susie Davis switched gears from working for a large national bank to become a Treasury Management Officer for First Financial Bank last year, it was with local, independent business in mind. “We do everything we can to positively impact the community we sit in,” Susie says of herself and her compatriots, most of whom also came from larger banks.

Susie believes in placing an uncompromising emphasis on client satisfaction; she sees her profession as treasury management officer as not just a way to maximize interest and cash flow for businesses, but also as a way to help build a stronger Louisville. “Reinvesting in our community by helping to foster the growth and prosperity of independent businesses will continue to build a better place for all of us to live,” she says.

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Street Journal, Forbes and other top media outlets.

Debra Locker Griffin Debra Locker Group 859-536-0282 • DEBRALOCKERGROUP.COM Since 2008, the Debra Locker Group has been providing excellent boutique public relations service to a niche clientele in décor, beauty, skincare, spa, tourism, fashion, and wellness. “I am not a traditional public relations professional. I don’t look at a client, product or brand as only having one story to tell. My background in journalism spurs me to examine and position all sides of their story,” she says. This personalized attention plus her media relationships lead clients to be featured on “The TODAY Show,” “The Doctors,” in SHAPE, Marie Claire, The New York Times, USA Today, The Wall

Debra applies the principles of genuineness to elevate female entrepreneurs in the lifestyle space. “I only represent people, products and brands that I respect and like or use. I have built a reputation on being authentic.

Media contacts trust me to tell them the truth.”

Relationships are instrumental to Debra’s success. “I’ve spent decades building and nurturing my media relationships. Journalists are some of my closest friends. I also form strong, lasting relationships with those I represent. I have to believe in and genuinely like my clients. When I feel a partnership won’t be a fit, I turn down potential clients.”

Debra serves clients nationally, regionally and locally, and is pridefully a Kentuckian. “My journalism career included stints with Lexington’s WKYT-TV and Louisville’s WLKY-TV. My love for PR began at Host Communications and the International SPA Association, which are based in Lexington. Shortly after having my son, I launched my firm in Lexington and now we are based in (and love) Louisville,” says the Berea native. “Our state is poorly represented in the national media and I hope the small part I play in promoting Kentucky-proud businesses will make a difference in that reputation.”

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Jessica Moreland Sassy Fox Upscale Consignment 502-895-3711 • SASSYFOXCONSIGN.COM Fall is fast approaching and Jessica Moreland and her staff at Sassy Fox Upscale Consignment are getting ready. “We’re freshening up, sprucing up, and rearranging things, getting ready for an all new season,” she says. The unique boutique in the heart of St. Matthews is always loaded with beautiful clothes at fantastic prices, and the welcoming environment you will find there is sure to be a bright spot in any visitor’s day. “We’re all about having fun as much as possible, every day, and we want everyone who comes in to have just as fantastic a time as we do.”

Having a great time and keeping you looking fabulous at a price that won’t break the bank is a family tradition. Jessica and Sassy Fox are a second generation institution, her mom founded the store in Lexington. Jessica gets it honest and enjoys interacting with her customers every day. “There’s always something new happening, with our regulars, our staff, and our stock!” Jessica says.

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Emily Sackfield Kern Sackfields Promotions 502-494-2683 • SACKFIELDSPROMOTIONS.COM Emily Sackfield Kern is a proud, third-generation business owner who recently took over the family business following her father’s retirement after 35 years. Sackfields Promotions began with Emily’s grandmother, Marian, in 1976. What started as a means of promoting and selling an in-law’s hobby paintings grew in five years to decorating the walls of Louisville-area businesses and hospitals. Those same clients then began asking to be provided with promotional products and the business expanded.

Clientele has been strongly built in the bourbon and construction industries and Emily looks forward to expanding the client base and helping them capitalize on popular promotional products to brand their businesses. Attention to detail and communication are critical in getting these products just right to have the desired impact. Sackfields family-owned business provides the personal touch to see the process through from concept to completion.

Linda Ruffenach Execuity LINDA@EXECUITY.COM • EXECUITY.COM As the founder of Whisky Chicks and author of How to be a Bourbon Badass, Linda Ruffenach is known for bourbon, but she is also an expert in business. As the former CEO of an international marketing agency, she spent 19 years helping the company grow from 15 employees to 3000, blooming into a business generating more than 100 million dollars a year. Her first thought at that second decade milestone was for how she could help others achieve their dreams. She asked herself a big question: “How do I use this experience to pay it forward?” That is when Execuity was formed.

Linda has a gift for envisioning the future, building connections, finding and removing roadblocks in the way of achieving success. “I believe everyone can achieve Total World Domination, both personally and professionally. It begins by first understanding what it means to you, your career and the people around you,” Linda says.

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Leslie Lewis-Sheets & Tammy Randall LL&A Interior Design 812-282-6606 • LESLIELEWISDESIGN.COM Leslie Lewis-Sheets, IIDA, ASID, KYCID, and Tammy Randall, Associate IIDA, Associate ASID, lead the creative team of award-winning interior designers at LL&A Interior Design. These women are all degreed and credentialed Interior Designers and are well versed in both residential and workplace design. LL&A Interior Design is also proud to be WBE certified. Focusing our efforts on “Resimercial” interiors, our team combines branding and balance in work environments with soothing elements of residential design each resulting in a unique and individual space.

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LL&A Interior Design collaborates with you to produce the most energetic and inspirational spaces that represent the people living and working within them. From home to office, we transcend effortlessly. Our offices are located at the foot of the Big Four Bridge in Southern Indiana where we also offer The Shop, our retail location.

Dee Dee Taylor 502 Hemp 502-654-7100 • 502HEMP.COM Finally removed from old stigmas, CBD based products are at the forefront of a new industry. Dee Dee Taylor of 502 Hemp is making the big moves locally, educating and supplying Louisville with this restorative medicine. “It’s been bootstraps all the way,” she says of the company that she’s built.

Dee Dee first saw the benefits of hemp based medicines when they had a strong impact on her husband’s Grand Mal seizures than anything else, then she started using it for her own anxiety issues and it worked. With a twenty year background as a paralegal, Dee Dee put her acumen and business sense to work in 2016, first bringing CBD oils to festivals and fairs, then building enough of a following to establish a store of her own. She leads a staff of seven and plans to expand, but her goal remains primarily humanitarian. “I’m not in this for the money, I’m mainly interested in helping people and provide safe quality Kentucky products,” Dee Dee says.

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Christen Boone Fund for the Arts 502-582-0100 • FUNDFORTHEARTS.ORG The Fund for the Arts enjoys a distinguished tradition in Louisville, and President/CEO Christen Boone is taking the group to the next level in the community.

“At the Fund for the Arts, we believe in the power of the arts to grow a stronger, more vibrant, competitive, compassionate and creative community,” Christen says. “We are a catalyst for social impact and driver of collective action.”

Christen has re-engineered the 70-year old organization into a more equitable and innovative social enterprise aimed to grow the arts in Metro Louisville.

“Great cities; inspiring, vibrant and prosperous communities are grown, nurtured and cultivated by the people living there,” Christen says. “We’ve attracted business leaders and entrepreneurs, developers and volunteers to help us grow and have a positive effect on the community. The notion of creating a vibrant, creative and caring community inspires me to do this work every day. We want Louisville to become the next great city!”

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Sara Stemler PC Home Center 812-944-4444 • PCHOMESTORES.COM Minutes from downtown Louisville and serving contractors and homeowners throughout the entire metro area, PC Home Center is a one-stop shop for windows, doors, trim, moldings, lighting, floor coverings, paint and décor, all in a locally owned business thanks to Sara and David Stemler. “Our roots go deep, and we love our community, and giving back” says Sara. “It is awesome to be a part of this community and I’m so thankful my journey landed me in Southern Indiana!”

Sara’s background is as diverse as the company’s showroom. She started her career in public accounting, became a CFO for a nonprofit, went into the field of financial software, adding consulting and project management to her resume along the way, and all of these skills are serving her well in the world of retail. She has learned valuable negotiation skills, how to think outside the box, streamline processes and procedures, ensure win-win outcomes for all parties involved in, and she has worked with a variety of people and personalities all over the country. “I want to make PC the best possible place for people to work with a warm and caring culture,” says Sara.

“I want to continue to grow the business so we can continue to take care of our family of employees.”

She sees the benefits of being able to be nimble and make change as needed quickly. “I know it benefits our employees and our customers to work with them and make things happen for them,” she says. At PC, the combination of a caring culture and accomplished people results in a level of personal attention that’s missing from the corporately owned stores that are in our industry.

Sara is proud of the great team members at PC, whom she feels are more than employees; they are friends she enjoys seeing each day. “There are so many accomplished people that do such a great job and are always there for us,” Sara says.

“The dedication that many employees have to PC and our customers continually amazes me.”

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Joyce Bridge National Council of Jewish Women d.b.a. Nearly New Shop 502-458-5566 • NCJWLOU.ORG The Nearly New Shop, a resale store in Mid City Mall, has it beginnings in a fabulous happening called Fashion Encore.

That was a 1950s charity event in rented space at the former Executive Inn Hotel in Louisville, it had its first brick-and-mortar location on Market Street in 1956. The National Council for Jewish Women in Louisville continues the tradition to this day with their non-profit business benefiting charities such as Maryhurst, Gilda’s Club, CASA, and Jefferson Family Recovery Court, among others.

With the current trend toward downsizing, organization, and living more simply, Nearly New Shop is determined to get the word out about their non profits’ benefit to the community and the need for volunteers to help handle the continued influx of donated items. The Council remains inspired by the generosity of their donor base and the vision of the original Fashion Encore organizers. Donors receive an itemized statement for tax purposes and the satisfaction of knowing they are providing low-cost fashion alternatives and household goods to budget-conscious consumers. Customers receive gently-used, quality items and the reward of knowing their money spent supports such worthy organizations.

NCJW members have founded and volunteer with numerous organizations benefiting women and children in crisis and need.

Funding generated from Nearly New Shop has also supported the following projects originated by NCJW: Bridgehaven, Shelter House, Kentucky Youth Advocates, NCJW Parkside, Court Watch, and Gilda’s Summer Camp. Nearly New Shop is open 10am-5pm Monday through Saturday with extended hours on Thursdays during the summertime. The shop features various department sales and clearance items. Louisville has seen a proliferation of resale stores all over town. Nearly New Shop is a true original with the philanthropy of NCJW at its heart and soul. Find your style and feed your spirit.

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Tracy Reid, Megan Ueltschy Scheps, & Kim Dodson Independence Bank 502-581-1776 • 1776BANK.COM Modeled after Philadelphia’s historic landmark Independence Hall, you’ve probably noticed the relatively new and magnificent Independence Bank building in the heart of the St. Matthews Community. What you may not have had a chance to do is meet some of the inspiring women who serve their Louisville clients and community.

Treasury Management Officer Tracy Reid got her start in the banking business working for her father, Charles A. Reid, one the Bank’s founders. “My father was my first manager,” Tracy stated. “He taught me to take care of my

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coworkers, clients and community with respect and compassion. I do my best to live by these principles and make a difference to those with whom I interact.”

The expertise each of these women have acquired allows them to serve every client’s unique banking needs with creativity. Commercial Lender, Megan Ueltschy Scheps, meets client challenges by thinking “out of the box”.

Megan conveyed, “I have the ability to craft and structure financial solutions for some really interesting companies/organizations in Metro Louisville, giving me the opportunity to become an expert in my customers’ industries.”

Servicing Treasury Management clients requires another unique perspective as stated by Kim Dodson, Treasury Management Officer. “I strive to be viewed as an extended member of my client’s team. An effective team member listens attentively, understands the business and identifies opportunities to contribute growth. It is this foundation that motivates me to be solutions-driven.”

Inspiration can come from many sources and for those at Independence Bank, we are inspired when giving of our time, talent and expertise to our clients and community.

“I’m inspired in many ways,” Megan said, “whether it’s by important people, such as mentors or family members, or the thrill of being a part of an organization that is creating something you are passionate about. At Independence, we are driven by innovative thinking and cultivating our community. I feel privileged to have a seat at the table in an organization that values female leadership.”

Susan Graf Norton Commons 502-412-5085 • NORTONCOMMONS.COM Unique home designs, beautiful private courtyard areas, and well-tended green spaces and parks are the trademark of the Norton Commons lifestyle experience. As you move through the extraordinary streetscapes of the Norton Commons community, you’ll note all of the comforts of a cohesive neighborhood are accessible by a brief walk or drive. Susan Graf and her team at the Norton Commons Realty group specialize in construction and work exclusively with builders and buyers who want to build or purchase new homes in Norton Commons.

“My sales team and I are all licensed real estate professionals who concentrate exclusively on selling homes in Norton Commons and no other areas or neighborhoods,” Susan states. “I really do love helping people find the perfect new home in Norton Commons. Seeing them out in the community enjoying the amenities and activities that the neighborhood has to offer after they move in is an added bonus.”

Angela Hepner enjoys sharing the advantages that this unique area has to offer residents. “Selling a neighborhood concept versus individual homes is a unique opportunity in real estate and allows for different selling techniques,” she says.

“Having had the opportunity to both sell and market the neighborhood prompts a creative perspective when selling this concept to buyers.”

The east end neighborhood includes over 70 businesses, including a variety of restaurants that will tempt your palate and establishments for all ages. “The neighborhood of Norton Commons is a TND – that’s a Traditional Neighborhood Development – in which you can live, work and play and not leave the area,” says Dayna Tomes.

Jennifer Ater enjoys getting to know clients and their individual personalities, and seeing that translate into their own building styles. “I work alongside 3 terrific agents and as a team, we have the opportunity to represent all of the builders in our neighborhood. We also get a rare, behind the scenes glimpse of the effort and vision put forth by the developers to create this unique neighborhood,’ Jennifer says.

Susan feels like living and working in Norton Commons has its advantages and allows her to maintain relationships and friendships with homeowners she’s assisted along the way. The developers of Norton Commons have added so many incredible amenities to the neighborhood, including the newest addition “The Grove,” a water-park style pool and recreation area. “Things are always happening in Norton Commons so come out and visit us anytime.”

Contact Susan Graf and her team at NortonCommons.com or call 502-412-5085.

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Andrea Armstrong Deka Lash 502-287-1986 • DEKALASH.COM Deka Lash in Westport Village is helping women feel beautiful and confident one eyelash at a time, proving that the smallest of things can have a big impact. The creative, personalized application of single eyelash extensions is the specialty of their expert lash artists. Franchise owner Andrea Armstrong, along with her husband Robert, share their entrepreneurial spirit and management experience to empower women through coaching and mentoring programs and by promoting from within whenever possible.

The Armstrongs spent years searching for the perfect franchise fit before

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settling on Deka Lash. Andrea was hooked after a single visit. After trying them for the first time, she understood how eyelash extensions saved time getting ready, could withstand sweat from exercising, and made her feel beautiful and confident without being made up. She was also impressed with the techniques and technology, studio design, quality products, and distinctive branding.

From a lash industry perspective, providing a superior level of quality and service while remaining affordable differentiates Deka Lash from the competition. Deka Lash also has a unique company culture that aligns with the Armstrongs’ business philosophy of female empowerment. As Andrea describes it, “Our culture sets us apart, as all Deka Lash studios establish a “Wolfpack” environment. “We all have our role in the Wolfpack!” Andrea says, “We operate in the best interest of the entire group, but also for our clients and members.”

Andrea is inspired by seeing her team succeed and making a difference in their lives and those of their clients. Bailey and Rayna (pictured above with Andrea) have been with Deka Lash Louisville since Day One. Rayna is the Louisville studio manager, and Bailey was recently promoted studio manager in Lexington. The Armstrongs and their Louisville Wolfpack celebrated Deka Lash Louisville’s one year anniversary on July 25.

Patti Naiser Senior Home Transitions 502-221-7622 • SENIORHT.COM Eight years ago, Patti Naiser founded Senior Home Transitions after facing a crisis that many families go through themselves. “I got into this business because of the challenges my family ran into when my father needed Assisted Living, then Memory Care,” she says.

Patti takes great pride that Senior Home Transitions is the most trusted free referral service operating in Kentucky. “We work with every community in about a 50-mile radius including Southern Indiana and help families choose the right Assisted Living, Personal Care or Memory Care community based on their financials, physical condition, and personal tastes. I, along with my Nurse Navigator, Joy Tabler, and Erin Hosking, our Business Development Director, are all Certified Dementia Care Practitioners. This gives us great insight and knowledge when helping families needing to care for or place someone with dementia. We are all very passionate about helping seniors,” says Patti. We have helped more than 3000 families successfully transition.

Patti and her team at Senior Home Transitions earn the trust of every customer they have by showing integrity in every placement they make. “We are referred to by more health care professionals than any other Senior Care Advocate in the area. We don’t refer to facilities if we don’t like what we see happening in them. We also don’t place inappropriately just to earn a commission, the thought of that happening is heartbreaking to me. These decisions affect someone’s life. Their needs should always come first.”

Patti understands that even with the best thoughtout plans for senior living that things can go awry. “This is big stuff for families, I always want to be available.

Most are in crisis mode, so I answer the phone 7 days a week!”

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Colleen E. Walker The Group of Kentucky – eXp Realty 502-419-7762 • COLLEENWALKERSELLS.COM Colleen E. Walker is a Ninja Selling Luxury Broker Associate at eXp Realty.

She has been in business for over 20 years, and approaches her day driven by a customer-focus, giving attention to details that underwrite total client satisfaction.

Her desire for continuing education has led to recent certifications and awards: an advanced Luxury Home Marketing Specialist certification; the Greater Louisville Association of Realtors 2019 Certificate of Professional Excellence (CPE); and the 2013 GLAR President’s Award.

She brings her knowledge of the KY region to each buyer-seller relationship, understanding luxury neighborhoods, farm properties, riverfront properties, and negotiation. Based in Prospect, KY, her testimonials are proof she will be your “realtor for life.”

Her marketing insight is grounded by a professional “true grit” background in corporate sales and marketing and “play hard” personal hobbies of polo, and fox hunting. She has served on the Board of Directors for GLAR, Sacred Heart Academy, and Long Run Woodford Hounds. Educated in her hometown, she attended the University of Louisville for her undergraduate degree and holds an MBA from Bellarmine University.

According to Colleen, she would not change one road on her career path and the keys to her success are found within her own professional creed: “Stay Focused. Attend to detail. Plan your work. Work your Plan.”

By joining eXp Realty, Colleen operates as an owner in its international cloud based brokerage, a game-changer in the real estate industry worldwide.

Location: 5360 18 Mile Creek Road | Westport, KY

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Stephanie Susemichel Magnolia & Fig 502-253-4567 • MAGNOLIAANDFIGBOUTIQUE.COM Stephanie Susemichel isn’t just the owner of Magnolia and Fig, the wonderfully unique and thriving Middletown clothing boutique. For her customers, she is also a friend, confidante, and an important part of their day to day lives. “It’s never just a piece of clothing. It’s a piece of our identity and who we are every day,” Stephanie says. “Clothes give us confidence, they establish and remind us of who we are.”

Stephanie understands that what we wear is a very personal purchase, and she and her staff are equally proud of their carefully curated selection as they are of the bonds that they form with the women in our community who shop at Magnolia and Fig. “I’m so proud of this, that there are a lot of laughter and happy tears here when we help these ladies to look their best. We truly have something for every body type or phase of life,” Stephanie says. “There’s nothing better than when someone tells me that they got engaged in a dress they got from me or aced a job interview in a jacket that I helped them pick out or an infinite number of important moments. It means everything. It’s beautiful, it’s humbling, and it’s why I do this. It’s a dream come true.”

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Brownsboro Hardware & Paint 502-897-1591 (BROWNSBORO ROAD) 502-292-2595 (PROSPECT) BROWNSBOROHARDWARE.COM Tired of the big box store treatment for your hardware and paint needs?

At Brownsboro Hardware & Paint you will receive attentiveness to your project like no other and perhaps from some unsuspecting faces in the process.

Destinee Bradley-Brown, Assistant Manager at the long-time business fixture in St. Matthews, discussed the customer care advantage as well as

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the advantages of having several women on staff.”Hardware has historically been a male dominated industry,” she says. “We have all been overlooked by a customer who would like to ‘Speak to a man’ or ‘someone with more experience,’ when in reality many of us have the experience and knowledge to help this customer. While in many aspects, this has gotten better over time, we are still working to make this better. Don’t presume that just because we are women, we don’t know the difference between a wood screw and machine screw or that we can’t help you troubleshoot a plumbing issue.”

“Our close-knit staff is dedicated to providing the best solution for our customers,” Destinee says. “Our goal is to take care of the customer. It is a simple goal that often requires us to ‘show up’ in ways that our male co-workers might not have to. At the end of the day, we just hope to help shift the narrative that women should ‘stay out of hardware’- as I was once told. We just want to bring diversity, creativity, and new perspectives to every day without judgement. We want to be stronger together.”

Founded in 1960, let Brownsboro Hardware & Paint assist you on your home improvement projects, repairs and additions.

(From left to right): Laura, Cindy, Lindsey, Destinee, Jenny, Julia, and Theresa

I ride for ... my stepdad.”

–Melissa Dick, rider Bike to Beat Cancer

Sept. 9, 2017 Melissa rides in Bike to Beat Cancer to remember loved ones lost and those currently battling cancer.

Find your reason to ride at BikeToBeatCancer.org.

Seven ride options available, including a 15-mile ride or a spin session.

H O P E . S T R E N GT H . C O U R AG E .

S E P T. 1 4 , 2 0 1 9 Norton Cancer Institute – Brownsboro 4955 Norton Healthcare Blvd.

Powered by

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1700 Waterside

Move In Now! Louisville’s newest addition to Waterfront Park!

At the water’s edge, you define your own luxury lifestyle.

Sophisticated and indulgent, resort style living is yours.

Residential & Office Space

437 1447 SF

1800 Marina’s Edge Way Ste 100 Louisville, KY 40206

My River. My Park. My Place.

502 716 6710 | watersideatriverpark.com

Units starting at $999

Details: 108 The Surrounding Ourselves With Stories

AT HOME

Decor Store:

110 Creating an Inspired OfďŹ ce of Homes: 112 Tour Generations of History at Roseheights Guru: 126 Design The Women of Lemonade PR

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THE DETAILS

Surrounding Ourselves With Stories

BY MALLY WUNDERLICH PHOTOS BY MALLY WUNDERLICH

O

ur home is more than just a shell to protect us from the elements. It is a place where we feel safe, a place that tells a story, our story. When you walk into someone's home, you can tell a lot about who lives inside. The windows and the floors may be beautiful, but it is usually the decor that shows us the real story.

The decor that we choose for our home is a decision that usually isn't taken lightly.

After all, you are picking out the things that are going to surround you every day. The couch that you hold your newborn on for the first time. The chandelier that will light the staircase your daughter walks down on her wedding day. Yes, these are just things, but these things are intricately woven into memories you will make in your home, and cherish forever.

Just like the stories we are building while living in our homes, often we choose decor because of the story it tells. Walking into European Splendor, you can feel that the store has more to offer than just home decor. The handmade wooden furniture that comes straight from Europe has depth and personality. The Polish pottery isn't just beautiful, it sparks a conversation while you are passing it around your table with family. These are the types of items we love to surround ourselves with. We all have a beautiful story to tell, and our home decor is a perfect way to tell it.

IF YOU GO

European Splendor is located at 2232 Frankfort Avenue. For more information call 502.618.1633 or visit europeansplendor.com 108 TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019

DALLAS

FORT WORTH

NASHVILLE

PLANO

CARLSBAD

GRAPEVINE

AUSTIN

SAN FRANCISCO

SAN ANTONIO

TUCSON

LOUISVILLE

AMELIA ISLAND

EDINBURG

NEW YORK

©2019 Bob’s Steak & Chop House

It won’t be long until you’re a regular.

Over the years, Bob’s Steak & Chop House has served only the highest quality prime cuts of steak. The sophisticated design of this all-American steak house provides an exceptional experience coupled with outstanding service. Discover Bob’s, located at the Omni Louisville Hotel, and see why it has stood the test of time.

Omni Louisville Hotel • 400 S. 2nd St. • Louisville, Kentucky 40202 • 502-313-6711 • bobs-steakandchop.com

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DECOR STORE

Creating an Inspired Office

BY EMILY HO PHOTOS BY EMILY HO

C

reating a home office space that is conducive to productivity and still invokes the warmth and personalization of the rest of your home is easier and less expensive than you think. Going a step beyond furnishing the office with functional basics like a desk and chair can yield a space that you want to work in, and also don’t need to hide from guests. Victoria Floyd of Home Inspired in

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Westport Village explains: “Accessories for the home are like accessories for your outfit.” Here are some ideas for making easy work of home office styling:

Consider personal interests: It’s no surprise that horse and bourbon-related accessories are fashionable at Home Inspired, the fantastic housewares boutique in Westport Village. It’s possible you already have some of these Kentucky themes throughout your home. If you find a few fun items versus a large piece, try grouping them together.

Picture frames: Nothing else can personalize a space like your photos. Picture frames can be a lowcost way to fill your office with both decoration and to remind yourself of great memories. With so many finishes and sizes of frames, you can use frames as a statement or as a small personal touch.

Lighting: Good lighting is key for productivity, and lamps are the perfect combination of style and function. Table and floor lamps come

in a wide variety of styles. If you can’t find the perfect light, remember that you can easily swap out the shade for a different color or shape.

If you’re limited on desk space but need additional lighting, consider a floor lamp.

IF YOU GO

Home Inspired is located at 1321 Herr Ln, Suite 185. The store is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays. For more information call 502.409.6430 or visit facebook.com/homeinspiredlou

Louisville-St. Matthews 4505 Shelbyville Rd, Suite 100 Louisville, KY 40207 (502) 835-2001 Coming Fall 2019!!

Louisville-Middletown 12949 Shelbyville Rd Ste101 Louisville, KY 40243

NothingBundtCakes.com

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Generations of History at

ROSEHEIGHTS

BY TAYLOR RILEY PHOTOS BY TIM FURLONG, JR.

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An Alta Vista home with decades of political significance has been updated to last here in the 21st Century. Lisa Causarano and her husband Keith Morley bought Roseheights, once the home of Louisville civic leader Wilson Wyatt, thinking they would flip and sell it immediately. However, they soon fell in love with its charms and changed their minds.

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he home, built in 1901, was once known as having prominence in American politics, says Causarano.

Dignitaries such as President Lyndon Johnson, Harry S. Truman, Adlai Stevenson, and Eleanor Roosevelt were just a few of the guests at the home.

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C

ausarano and Morley bought the home in 2010. It needed a lot of work. Structurally, there had been no significant changes since 1901, and the décor hadn't been updated since the 1980s when it was a Bellarmine University Show House. Morley's contract team got right to work updating the kitchen, making it functional for modern-day celebrations and renovating the rooms in the three-story main and carriage houses. With the intent in mind that the house would be sold, the couple painted the walls a neutral blue and gray palate and put new water and electric in. They also stripped and refinished the floors, replastered the walls, replaced all the plumbing, electric and HVAC, completely painted the interior and exterior, downsized the pool area and added a pool house.

SECOND GENERATION

Family Owned S AD DIT ION S • KIT CH EN OO MS MA STE R BAT HS • BAT HR SCR EEN ED PO RCH ES DEC KS & PER GO L AS S EN TER TAI NM EN T RO OM S BAS EM EN TS • SPE CIA LTIE

CONTACT US TODAY to get started on your home improvement project

502-491-1760

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"E

ven though the house hadn't been well maintained, I could see it had great bones and such great character," Morley said. The family of two moved in before Derby 2011 and realized they loved living in the large house they now use for hosting parties and events.

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We’re here to help you do the things that matter most, with the people who matter most. Now and years from now. Because when you’re in control of your money and start realizing your financial goals, planning looks less like planning and more like living.

Spend your life living®.

L E T ’ S G E T S TA R T E D Northwestern Mutual 502-562-2400 louisville.nm.com

07-1000 © 2018 Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM), Milwaukee, WI (life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries. John Daniel Rivers Jr is a General Agent(s) of NM. Managing Partners are not in legal partnership with each other, NM or its subsidiaries. John Daniel Rivers Jr, is a Registered Representative(s) of NMIS. John Daniel Rivers Jr, is a Representative of Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company®, (NMWMC) Milwaukee, WI (fiduciary and fee-based financial planning services), a subsidiary of NM and federal savings bank. All NMWMC products and services are offered only by properly credentialed Representatives who operate from agency offices of NMWMC.

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"T

his house just needed someone to come in and love it … and we were those people," she says, comparing the home to the tree in Shel Silverstein’s classic children's book "The Giving Tree."

"It has given us so much. It allowed us to do a lot, to meet a lot of people and it just keeps on giving." 

Décor sources DESIGNER/FURNITURE: Ron Wolz from Bittner’s for many of the finishes and most of the furniture is a blend of great finds from Bittner’s and Arhaus and antique shopping.

BUILDER: Keith Morley, Don Johnson Contracting APPLIANCES: In the kitchen are Sub-Zero (fridge) and Viking (range). Clawfoot tub in the master is original to the house (replated).

Bathroom fixtures are Waterworks.

ART: Most of our artwork has been locally sourced, including a few pieces from Louisville artist Stephen Irwin, who was a good friend and who passed away a few years ago. Some of the photography, especially the equine photography, is from Louisville photographer and good friend Dan Dry.

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Paint colors It's one of the questions those of us on the TOPS staff are most often asked: What is the color of the paint?

1ST FLOOR

2ND FLOOR

OfďŹ ce: Kendall Charcoal walls and exterior door.

Hall: Coastal Fog AC-1

Dining: (Walls) Gossamer Blue 212340; (Below chair rail) White Dove

Master Bedroom Walls: Grey Cashmere 2138-60

Ceiling: Sea Foam 2123-60

Master Bedroom Ceiling: Grey Lake 2138-70

Living Room: (Walls) Revere Pewter HC-172; (Ceiling): Sail Cloth

Master Bath Walls: Grey Cashmere 2138-60

Breakfast room: (Walls) Briarwood; (Ceiling) Grey Cashmere 2138-60

Master Bath Ceiling: Grey Lake 2138-70

Pantry Room Walls: Misted Green 2138-50

Master Closet Walls: Sail Cloth

Beadboard Ceiling and Trim: White Dove Kitchen walls: Gray Cashmere 2138-60 Sun Room: Columns, ceiling, and above columns: white dove.

Brick Wall: Manchester tan

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Master Closet Ceiling: Grey Cashmere 2138-60 Laundry Walls: Grey Cashmere 2138-60 Right Bedroom Walls: Standish White HC-32 Right Bedroom Ceiling: Pale Almond OC-2

Right Bedroom Bathroom: Guilford HC-116 Right Bedroom Bathroom Ceiling: Pale Almond OC-2 Left Bedroom: Revere Pewter HC-172 Left Bedroom Ceiling: White Sand OC-10 Left Bedroom Bathroom: Wedgewood Gray HC-146 Left Bedroom Bathroom Ceiling: Edgecomb Gray HC-173 3RD FLOOR GameRoom: Carrington HC-93 Ceiling: Lancaster White Trim: White Dove Bedrooms: Grey Cashmere 2138-60

Bathroom: Glacier White Hall: Coastal Fog AC-1 OUTSIDE Windows: Antique White OC-83 Shutters: Black Doors: Black Porch Floor: Galveston Gray AC-27 Garage Brick: Tuscany Green 214020 and all doors Garage Siding: Sussex Green HC-109 Garage Trim Boards: Nantucket Gray HC-111

Angie Torp Kitchen Designer & Cabinet Sales

When you can’t wait to start, start here.

Your dream kitchen or bath should be two things. Perfect. And pain-free. At PC Home Center, we get it. So we give you more choices, from flooring to cabinets, lighting and more. Gorgeous options. Trusted names. All in the region’s largest showroom — just minutes from downtown. And all with a seasoned design team to help you choose. We’re locally-owned, too. So let’s have some fun! For pain-free projects from start to finish, visit PC Home Center.

123 Cherry St, New Albany 812.944.4444 | pchomestores.com Serving Kentuckiana Since 1975

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DESIGN GURU

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Lynsey Creech Trager and Danielle Rudy Davis of Lemonade PR make a great pair. The two women met at a previous public relations agency where they worked together for six years before they ventured out on their own in 2017.

BY TAYLOR RILEY COURTESY PHOTOS

T

heir office at Butchertown Market, 1201 Story Ave, is home to current clients including Old Forester, the LCVB, Coopers’ Craft, NTS Development and White’s Mercantile. The space has allowed them to expand and has created a place where they can meet one-on-one with clients, many of whom are fellow women business owners.

“Telling the stories of fellow women business owners is one of the most rewarding things about our business,” Davis says. “As women, we’re often reluctant or reticent to being open about promoting ourselves and our businesses, let alone toot our own horns to share accomplishments and achievements. Our job is to help share the stories of successful women in businesses as well as other small business owners in an authentic way.”

Lynsey Creech Trager and Danielle Rudy Davis

In the past, the women have successfully handled the planning and all media relations for projects as big as Muhammad Ali’s funeral and The Hermitage Grand Gala, as well as non-profits, small businesses, and start-ups. The company leaders are perfect for each other and recognize their own strengths. “After working together for so long, we both know each others strengths and weaknesses. It’s allowed us to find the clients that fit those strengths and also allowed us to collaborate with others when it isn’t the best fit,” says Trager.

“As Louisville continues to grow, so do the opportunities for businesses like ours.

That’s why we’re always looking to collaborate and connect with other business owners both in our industry and throughout the city,” says Trager. “Each of us has our own strengths and being able to share those is what will help us all succeed.”

The bright and welcoming office reflects each of the women’s individual tastes with exposed brick walls and an upstairs loft. There, they meet for coffee and cocktails with clients on ways to “improve their brand or to just connect on what it’s like to be a working woman,” says Davis.

“We have friends and clients like Nancy Rankin at Huber Decor, Lindsey Johnson at EXPO Cocktail Bar and Shannon Kessler from Primp Style Lounge that have set a strong example of truly promoting other women in business, so we try to follow their lead and example.”

DESIGNERS: Jaclyn Journey and Amanda Jacobs of Journey & Jacobs Design Studio created a space that reflects their individual tastes, as well as fit the spaces’ exposed brick walls and loft layout. They wanted it to reflect their branding, so a mix of black and white with pops color. “They did an incredible job creating an office that is bright, welcoming and fun as well as being a true reflection of our brand,” Davis says.

FURNITURE: Couch is from Urban Outfitters, Coffee Table and light fixtures are CB2, Rug is West Elm and the Faux Eames Chair is from All Modern. ART: Mood Board features images from their Pinterest inspiration boards and is always changing.

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September 7th & 8th, 2019 Free admission to music and art Festival Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 7th & 8th at Big Four® Bridge, Louisville Kentucky

Free admission to music and art Festival Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 7th & 8th at Big Four® Bridge, Louisville Kentucky

Free admission to mu Saturday and Sunda at Big Four® Bridge,

Free admission to music and art Festival Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 7th & 8th at Big Four® Bridge, Louisville Kentucky

admission to music and art Festival day and Sunday, Sept. 7th & 8th Four® Bridge, Louisville Kentucky

Best Spot on the River Live Music • No Cover • Wednesday - Sunday

Weekday Specials Wednesday | Nashville Night $5 Wild Turkey • $3 Tacos

Thursday | Ladies Night 1/2 off All Levee Flatbread $5 House wine and Sangria

Sunday Special Join us on Sundays for $1 Chesapeake Oysters and $3 Drafts.

Now open from 2 pm - 10 pm

www.LeveeRestaurant.com • 502.897.5000 • 3015 River Road, Louisville KY

CUISINE

Bites: 130 Small On the Go Bites Top 5:

132 Wine Time C’est Si Bon: Brasserie Provence Becomes

136 a Louisville Landmark Serving a Stunning Menu of French Delicacies

TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019 129

cuisine

ON the GO Bites

BY ALLISON MYERS PHOTOS BY ALLISON MYERS

Whether you are looking to grab lunch on-the-go or sit for a quick bite, these are the buzzworthy spots in the downtown dining scene.

Carali’s Rotisserie Chicken 211 S. 5th Street Louisville, KY 40202 502.654.7131 caralischicken.com If you haven’t tried Peruvian chicken, then you are missing out.

Carali’s uses a charcoal rotisserie and a unique blend of spices that creates mouthwatering flavor. You can order your chicken in wholes, halves or quarters. The ¼ chicken with green beans and yuca fries are a lunch favorite. Although the chicken doesn’t need it, don’t forget to try the Aji Amarillo sauce. It’s made from a mild yellow Peruvian pepper and goes with everything.

The Chaufa rice is fried rice with pulled rotisserie chicken with bacon, green onions, red peppers, egg, and Peruvian soy sauce is the perfect to-go lunch.

Mexa Tacos 305 West Market Street Louisville, KY 40202 502.822.3232 mexatacos.com Mexa Tacos has a brand new location in downtown Louisville and is quickly becoming a lunch favorite. The new site is across from the Kentucky Convention Center on West Market Street.

Inspired by the various ways steak tacos are prepared in different regions of Mexico, this menu has several options to stimulate your taste buds.

The Fajita taco packed in delicious flavors on a flour tortilla covered in sirloin, grilled onions, yellow peppers, glazed cheese, and avocado.

For cheese lovers, try the crunch cheese taco as the sirloin gets wrapped up in melted cheese.

For fun, at small amounts of the habanero sauce to your tacos. The sauce adds flavor but be warned as it also brings a whole lot of heat. You can grab tacos to-go, sit inside, or even grab a quick bite out on their sidewalk patio space.

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NEW SUMMER MENU!

Green District

Offering an alternative to burgers and sandwiches, Green District chops up a quick, delicious and healthy lunch. Their menu has 11 signature salads to choose from 225 S 5th St including favorites like the What Louisville, KY 40202 About Cobb that includes chicken, 502.409.5293 bacon, crumbled blue cheese, gdsalads.com hard-boiled egg, grape tomatoes, and diced avocado with romaine lettuce and balsamic vinaigrette. Or spice things up with the Thai One On featuring chicken or shrimp, red cabbage, carrots, edamame, cucumbers, pickled jalapenos and green onions topped with peanuts, chow mein noodles, and a drizzle of Sriracha mixed with Thai Ginger dressing. You can customize or build your salad. With almost 50 different ingredients and toppings and 15 salad dressings, there is something for everyone's palette.

THE ORIGINAL

Restaurant and Bourbon Bar Open 7 Nights a Week Happy Hour Nightly 4:30-7pm

$4 OFF APPETIZERS • $3 OFF BOURBON $2 OFF GLASSES OF WINE • $2 OFF BOTTLE BEERS

bourbonsbistro.com 2255 Frankfort Ave • 502-894-8838

TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019 131

cuisine

TOP

DINING

5 WINE

TIME

The weather’s warm, the kids are out of school for just a bit longer and summer in the city has never been hotter. Before the kids head off to school, get in one last girls’ night out. Check out these five establishments with amazing wine lists perfect for hanging with friends one final summer’s eve.

BY MANDY WOLF DETWILER PHOTOS BY JOSH KEOWN

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Jeff Ruby’s

325 WEST MAIN STREET LOUISVILLE, KY 40202 (502) 584-0102

J

eff Ruby’s stunning décor and expertly crafted cuisine makes it easy to overlook the bar. The wine menu is cultivated from both familiar and new offerings sold by the glass, half bottle and bottle. There’s also a small list of sake that accompanies Jeff Ruby’s sushi menu. We tried the 2005 Silver Oak, a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with a hint of black cherry, rose and roast. This is a prestigious bottle for the discerning wine drinker, whether it be with a hand-cut ribeye or with the girls for a quick bite.

Nouvelle Bar and Bottle

Bourbons Bistro

214 SOUTH CLAY STREET (502) 631-9428

A

more recent entry into NuLu’s bustling food and drink scene, Nouvelle’s wine bar is clean, elegant and inviting. We love the Bouvet Rosé Excellence Brut. The dry sparkling wine, which hails from Loire, France, has a slight hint of raspberry with a cassis fragrance. Like most bruts, it is best served chilled and is the perfect choice for warm summer nights. The wine bar also menus light bites that pair well with their bar offerings. Wine not your cuppa? There’s a full bar also available, with plenty of signature cocktails from which to choose.

2255 FRANKFORT AVENUE LOUISVILLE, KY 40206 (502) 894-8838

A

h, Bourbon’s Bistro. With more than 100 eclectic bourbons and whiskeys on its drink menu, it’s easy to get lost in what Whisky Magazine named a top whiskey bar in America. But don’t overlook the affable wine list. Here, Happy Hour extends from 4:300 p.m. to 7 p.m. And once you get started, there’s no reason to barhop –– Bourbons menu is more than ample to fill an evening. We sampled Chaos Theory, another blend, this time comprised of 50 percent Merlot, 25 percent Petite Sirah and 25 percent Zinfandel.

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cuisine

LouVino Restaurant & Wine Bar 1606 BARDSTOWN ROAD LOUISVILLE, KY 40205 (502) 365-1921

L

11400 MAIN STREET LOUISVILLE, KY 40243 (502) 742-1456

ouVino fit in so well with Louisville’s locals that it quickly expanded in Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio.

The restaurant garnered as much attention for its seasonal small plates –– decidedly influenced by Southern cuisine –– as it did for its extensive and ever-changing wine menu. We checked out a glass of the heady Chaos Theory, a medium-bodied California red blend of merlot, zinfandel and petite Sirah. Fun fact: each vintage differs according to the winemaker and grape availability.

Happy Hour at the Highlands location happens Tuesday through Friday from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and offers $2 off all glasses of wines and discounts on other beverage offerings as well.

Eddie Merlot’s

455 SOUTH FOURTH STREET, SUITE 102 LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY 40202 (502) 584-3266

E

ddie Merlot’s can be known more for its prime cuts of beef than the bar many diners breeze past, but with wine in the title you better believe their sommelier knows what’s up. The extensive wine list covers California to New Zealand and everywhere in between. There are some perennial favorites, but also some eclectic offerings for the more adventurous drinker. The dry Pure Mirabeau, produced from grapes in Côtes de Provence, is a surprising addition to a bar best known for its heavy red wines. The varietal scored an 88 from Wine Enthusiast and is refreshing against a large menu of merlots and Cabernets.

Better yet? Eddie Merlot’s offers half-priced bottled wines every Sunday and Monday through September.

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cuisine

C ’est si bon Brasserie Provence becomes a Louisville landmark serving a stunning menu of French delicacies

BY MANDY WOLF DETWILER • PHOTOS BY JOSH KEOWN

L

ouisville is a town probably best known for its horses and bourbon, but if there’s one thing locals are proud of, it’s the local dining scene. Enter Brasserie Provence, one of just two truly French restaurants in town, whose co-owner Guy Genoud hails from Cannes on the French Riviera. That means the menu has a host of French favorites, as well as a palate for southern French cuisine - the kind of food Genoud grew up eating. It didn’t take long for Brasserie Provence to secure its place among the city’s must-trys.

to bring in both locals and guests. The spacious dining room had once been a Tony Roma’s location but was deserted when Genoud and Duncan signed on the dotted line, giving the couple the ability to build out the restaurant of their dreams.

Brasserie Provence is the realization of a long-time dream, but it began with a plethora of knowledge –– and good fortune –– on its side. First, there’s Chef Patrick Gosden, who started as a Sous-Chef but quickly moved up to a savvy Chef de Cuisine. His plates are not only delicious but also plentiful –– the kind you easily want to share with the table. In France, food is art, and every plate at Brasserie Provence is stunning.

A management position at the Brown Hotel brought the couple to Louisville, “but the entire time –– I’ve known him for 30 years now –– he’s always wanted to own his own restaurant,” Duncan says. In 2013, that dream became a reality. With Duncan, a photographer who had an eye for design, and Genoud’s both classic and seasonal dishes, “this was a labor of love,” Duncan says. “I designed the restaurant to look like a Provençal home to welcome our guests with southern French hospitality. All of the photographs on the walls are mine, taken during our trips to Provence.”

Second, Brasserie Provence has a great location that, while not downtown or on the main dining strip on Frankfort Avenue, has more than enough parking and curb appeal

136 TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019

“This is Guy’s passion and his love,” Duncan says. “He has been in the food and wine business since he was a teenager in the South of France. He’s worked all over Europe. He was trained at Claridge’s in London. He’s worked for some very tony places.”

Brasserie Provence began as, and continues to be, a labor of love.

Lamb T-Bone Chops: cold Mediterranean Le Puy lentil salad, haricots verts persillade, whole grain mustard sauce $33

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cuisine

Sea Bass Fillet: baked atop fresh coarse sea salt with Pistou sauce and a choice of two sides $45 for one, $90 for two

138 TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019

Genoud grew up eating fresh fish in Cannes every day and the menu reflects that with a number of delightful fish dishes ranging from grilled Ahi tuna steak ($23) to Duncan’s favorite, the sea bass fillet ($45). Still, there are classics like the lamb T-bone chops ($33) served with a cold Mediterranean Le Puy lentil salad, haricots verts persillade and a whole-grain mustard sauce, and Guy’s favorite, the prime pork chop with lavender honey glaze, gratin Dauphinois and ratatouille. Some items change seasonally, and they source as much as they can from local purveyors.

Cast Iron Mushrooms: Frondosa Farms oyster mushrooms, garlic, shallot, butter, parsley and grilled baguette $15

Hors d’oeuvres range from the classic escargot, to French onion soup, to charcuterie to share. Save room for dessert. Brasserie Provence offers a delicious array of desserts that transcends crème brulée (although the classic French dessert is on the menu), along with other exquisite offerings like the peach frangipane (poached peaches in almond custard filling).

there was a revitalization of the Forum Shoppes,” Duncan says, including a specialty food store. Both highly advanced the center’s profile. And with hard work and dedication, six years later Brasserie Provence is among Louisville’s legends as one of the only French restaurants in the city. 

IF YOU GO

Brasserie Provence is located at 150 N. Hurstbourne Parkway. The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday for lunch. Dinner hours are from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The restaurant is closed on Sundays. For more information or reservations, call (502) 883-3153 or visit brasserieprovence.com.

How did the couple know Brasserie Provence would succeed? A lack of restaurants in the area –– especially the locally-owned eateries Louisvillians prefer –– in 2013 gave them confidence that Brasserie Provence would profit.“After we opened,

11 th

Tomato Goat Cheese Tart with basil oil and chiffonade $13

[

The Ruch Foundation

TACO OPEN

Annual

Saturday, August 17th • 3-9pm Oxmoor Country Club

[

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SPONSORED BY:

The original taco has returned!

6 Holes with 1 club! Scramble format!

Tickets are on sale now for $100 per person which includes 6 holes of golf with carts, open bar, Mexican Cantina, and Music by 64 West!

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Honey Almond Cheesecake designed for Brasserie Provence by regional chocolatier Ghyslain $9

The Ruch Foundation was created in 2008 in memory of Mr. James F. Ruch who lost his short battle with small-cell lung cancer.

The foundation provides scholarships and continuing education to Hosparus of Louisville nursing program. Your generous support will certainly aid our mission and help achieve our goals of scholarship endowment.

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TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019 139

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HEALTH + BEAUTY

142 The BeneďŹ ts of Yoga for Stress Relief 143 On the Go Essentials 144 Kelsi Dahlia, Louisville Olympian

TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019 141

health+wellness

The Benefits of Yoga for Stress Relief

BY BRITTANY SWAN COURTESY PHOTO

I

t is no secret that Yoga is having a "moment" in American society. This 5,000-year-old practice is on trend with images and video on every social media platform. The attraction is inner peace and finding a healthier way to live in our society.

The photographs can bring about curiosity; many people that I have instructed have been skeptical to go to a class and step on the mat for the first time. Can you contort your body to that pose? Will you be able to release all of your work stress for an hour?

It's possible.

I stepped onto my mat for the first time in 2011, and I can safely say that I had the same hesitations. Now, eight years later and a registered yoga instructor, I can say the benefits outweigh all of the uncertainties. Yoga can bring so many benefits to various aspects of your life, including your work life.

Increasing your mobility while engaging key muscles can help the body feel more

142 TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019

energized and a decreased level of stress because Yoga is a mental practice and a physical challenge.

What you may find when pivoting your awareness inward is that you can offer yourself more gratitude. With higher levels of appreciation come high levels of self-awareness and lower levels of your unconscious ego.

There is something special that happens when people enter a room to practice the same movements and breathe together.

Their energies and personal experiences within the practice can be one that brings them together both on and off their mats.

Studies have shown that Yoga within the workplace can reduce absentee rates, boost company morale, and lower workplace conflict. Yoga can help lower levels of aggression in an office setting and have shown an increase in productive work and activities.

Whether you chose to step on your mat today or a year from today, know that your practice is your journey and one to be honored and cherished as you release your stress from work to find a zen space for inner-peace.

Namaste.

at home

Essentials ON THE GO

REFRESHER WIPES

LIFE SAVING OILS

TRAVEL SIZE SPF

Yuni Single Shower Sheets, $1.50.

Available at Target.

POST-FLIGHT MASKS

Thinksport Body & Face Sunscreen Stick SPF 30, $11.99. Available at Whole Foods.

Ursa Major Wipes (20 pack), $24.

Available at Whites Mercantile.

UPSET TUMMY RESCUE

Digest Gold Enzymes, $29.99. Available at Rainbow Blossom.

Urban Moonshine Digestive Bitters Spray, $7.99. Available at Rainbow Blossom.

Rinse Bath and Body Co. Essential Oil Roll Ons, $11.00 each. Available at Whites Mercantile.

Andalou Naturals Sheet Masks, $4.99.

Available at Whole Foods.

Honest Hazel Eye Gels (3-pack), $12.00.

Available at honesthazel.com.

Goddess Garden 1 oz. Spf 30, $4.99.

Available at Rainbow Blossom.

TSA SAFE TOILETRIES

Goop Discovery Set, $125.00. Available at White’s Mercantile.

Andalou Naturals Travel Size Products, $6.99. Available at Rainbow Blossom.

TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019 143

health+beauty

Kelsi Dahlia, Louisville Olympian With a Heart of Gold and a Medal to Match it

BY KATHERINE YOCHUM PHOTOS BY BELLA PORTARO-KUEBER

A

t this stage of her life, Kelsi Dahlia expected that she would find herself working as a physical therapist. Instead, the 25-yearold Olympic swimmer and Gold medalist in the 4 x 100-meter medley relay, was training for the Fina World Championships Meet this summer, the second highest swimming event behind the Olympics. Kelsi highly rates the University of Louisville’s Division 1 athletics and their extremely competitive nature, as well as the team culture of UofL. “We are incredibly competitive with each other every day, and we push each other hard. I definitely couldn’t have had my successes without our team’s successes.”

As for the city of Louisville, Kelsi knows firsthand how welcoming the people are.

When she was set to swim at her first Olympic Games in 2016, the expense of having her family there to see her compete in Rio was steep. However, when her family announced they were selling T-shirts on an online site

144 TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019

to raise money, the people of Louisville stepped up, making enough purchases to cover the cost of the trip with profits of over $30,000. She says that “The city of Louisville surrounds U of L athletics and raises us to a higher caliber with support.”

Kelsi’s success hasn’t come without sacrifice. She’s had to miss out on time spent with loved ones to focus on training, but there have been many lessons along the way. “I’ve learned the value of saying no to some things so that you can say yes to better things.”

Her advice for women and girls with dreams of being professional athletes or succeeding in the business world is to keep yourself accountable to your schedule in order to meet your goals. “Be sure to surround yourself with people that love you for you, not what you do,” she says. Kelsi knows that her career would not have been as long or successful without her strong will and evergreen

support from her family and friends.

“Success doesn’t define you; it elevates you. From there, it is up to you which path to take.”

REDEFINING

Beauty

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It's tailgating time in the Bluegrass!

OF LOUISVILLE 3624 BROWNSBORO RD LOUISVILLE, K Y (502) 897-1497 www.monkeesoflouisville.com @monkeesoflouisville

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148 Pro Golfer Justin Thomas Opera Director Emphasizes 152 Kentucky and ExempliďŹ es Leadership

COMMUNITY

154 Supermom: Ashley Davis Marcella & Ina:

156 Mothers and Mentors: Growth Through Generations

Meet the Media:

158 Mo Rose

Sports Talk:

160 Fantasy Football Strategies Mirrored from The Bachelor

TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019 147

community

Professional golfer Justin Thomas is making Kentucky proud both on and off the course.

STORY BY KATHIE STAMPS PHOTOS COURTESY OF JUSTIN THOMAS AND RALPH LAUREN

148 TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019

Professional golfer Justin Thomas has a plethora of awards and accolades to his name, like being named Kentucky’s Mr. Golf when he was at St. Xavier High School in Louisville in 2009 and winning the prestigious PGA Championship in 2017. “I’m wanting to win more majors,” he said, “but it’s one single golf accomplishment.

When they’re over with, they’re past.”

He has a self-assurance that comes from a strong work ethic and a generous spirit, traits he saw exemplified in his parents, Mike and Jani Thomas. Since turning pro in 2013, Justin Thomas has been thoughtful and giving, especially with his professional earnings. “He’s done it out of the kindness of his heart,” his mom said, adding that her son was fine with donating quietly “and no one ever knowing it, but the best way to grow your giving power is to establish a foundation.”

The Justin Thomas Foundation has come to fruition.

As a family, the Thomases talked with several people, including other athletes, over the last couple of years about starting a foundation. “Probably the biggest thing he was told was ‘If you do it, do it 100 percent and make the commitment,’” his mom said. “He was absolutely in. He would have done it a year sooner than we did.”

Justin Thomas turned to his friend and fellow golfer Jordan Spieth, who told him it would be a lot of work but worth it. For a professional athlete to start and continue a successful charitable foundation, they’ll need to focus on the sport. “The most important thing in my career is my golf,” Thomas said. Winning more tournaments will be a way to help his foundation raise more funds and support more people. He has decided to have the foundation support children in need and junior golf, as well as military families. Through the Justin Thomas Foundation, he and his family are “committed to showing compassion, displaying kindness and making a difference in the world,” according to his website, JustinThomasGolf.com.

Look for the big DONATE button, because tax-deductible

contributions are gratefully accepted 24 hours a day.

The Justin Thomas Foundation had its official launch on April 17 at a benefit dinner held at the Marriott in downtown Louisville. The gala was complete with Kelley James providing the music entertainment and there was a live and silent auction to raise funds for the foundation.

Golf commentator Peter Jacobsen was on hand to interview Thomas for the crowd. His mom had arranged a little surprise for her son without his knowledge, a video of recorded congratulations featuring Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and Jordan Spieth.

“We ended up selling it out,” Jani Thomas said. “We thought we’d cap it at 500 people and ended up with 542 and had a waiting list.” Justin’s stipulation was that the event had to be fun, so his mom turned to family friend Tara Guenthner, who has handled events for PGA of America and Breeders’ Cup through her event company Hipp Inspired. “Tara just did an amazing job,” Jani Thomas said.

She also gave props to Jimmy Kirchdorfer, owner of ISCO Industries, who stepped up as title sponsor for the foundation’s launch. “He got a team to sell tickets to the event,” she said. “That was huge. When we were starting with this, we were not sure what to charge or what kind of response we would get.”

The charities benefiting from the Justin Thomas Foundation are the Boys & Girls Clubs of Kentuckiana, Convoy of Hope, Folds of Honor, the Kentucky Golf Foundation, The First Tee of Louisville and The First Tee of Tuscaloosa.

Thomas went to school in Tuscaloosa, spending his freshman and sophomore years at the University of Alabama. Yes, the University of Kentucky recruited him for golf, but he wanted to go out of state.

“He was a great student,” his mother said. “St. X prepared him very well for college.” At Alabama he won all kinds of awards, including the SEC Player of the Year,

TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019 149

community National Freshman of the Year and National Player of the Year. After his sophomore year, he turned pro in September 2013.

In April 2019, the day after the foundation launch was the first day of the Justin Thomas Junior Championship. The AJGA tournament (American Junior Golf Association) is a junior-am open tournament for boys and girls ages 12 to 19 from all over the world. It has taken place in April the past couple of years at Harmony Landing Country Club in Goshen, Kentucky, where his dad is a golf pro. Mike Thomas is a designated PGA of America Master Professional and his dad, Paul Thomas, played a U.S. Open event in the early 1960s, making Justin a third-generation pro golfer.

“There are more and more junior players coming up,” Justin Thomas said, noting the strength of the field of 78 players. “We’re not as big a state as Florida or Texas or California, but also we don’t have the proper weather for someone like myself at that age to play year-round.”

For junior golfers who want to make a career of golf, Thomas’ advice is to “enjoy it and stay patient. It is a tough and humbling sport. It’s fun.”

Jani Thomas’ suggestions for other mothers of athletes is to “just love them, no matter what. Make it fun and let them be happy.”

At the age of 16 in 2009, Thomas played in the Wyndham Championship in Greensboro, North Carolina. At the time he was the third youngest player to make the cut for a PGA tournament. In 2017 he won his first major, the PGA Championship, and was named PGA of America Player of the Year.

The PGA Championship is one of four “major” events in golf; the other three are the Masters Tournament, the U.S. Open and the Open Championship (in the United Kingdom). Thomas earned the Wanamaker Trophy at the PGA Championship, held at Quail Hollow in Charlotte, North Carolina. The trophy is named after Rodman Wanamaker, the founder of the Professional Golfers Association of America.

Justin Thomas will be in Northern Ireland playing in the British Open the same weekend. Bryan Pettigrew, tournament director of the Barbasol Championship, met Thomas at the foundation kickoff event in April and was impressed with the golfer’s involvement in giving back to kids and supporting charities. “He is a great ambassador for our state,” Pettigrew said. “We should be proud of him that he’s from Kentucky.”

There are around 50 PGA events every year worldwide. The only one in Kentucky is the Barbasol Championship, held for the second consecutive year at Champions at Keene Trace Golf Club in Nicholasville, July 18 to 21.

Justin Thomas is a brand ambassador for Titleist, CITI, Polo Golf, Rolex, Troon, Beats

by Dre and Kentucky’s own Woodford Reserve. You know you have made it when Ralph Lauren, the most iconic American

fashion brand, launches the “Justin Thomas Collection” which bears the JT Logo and includes a flag sweater, Polo bear hoodie, vest, pants and, of course, Polo golf shirts. The JT Collection is available for anyone to purchase through the Ralph Lauren website.

As time allows while he is traveling, he is talking up the Justin Thomas Foundation on social as @JustinThomas34 on Instagram and Twitter, and @JLThomas34 on Snapchat. 

In terms of what the future can hold, you never want to set a ceiling. We want to impact as many kids and people as we can, as positively as possible.

150 TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019

TO BENEFIT

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community

When Kentucky Opera’s Barbara Lynne Jamison took over as general director in 2018, she wanted women to be in the driver’s seat of previously primarily male-driven narratives – both on stage and in the board room.

BY TAYLOR RILEY PHOTO BY DANNY ALEXANDER

152 TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019

KENT UCKY OPE R A D IR E CTOR

Emphasizes EXEMPLIFIES

L E ADE RS H IP C

oming from a background at the Seattle Opera, the classically-trained singer says that because theater’s purpose is to reflect human nature, she wanted to make sure the company connects to who we are today as women.

Jamison sees herself not as a manager but prefers the word “leader.”

“Being a woman and mother, I understand what it takes to juggle life,” she says of her role to her female staffers. “It makes me a better leader, and my staff feels more fulfilled.” Jamison’s words of advice for future female leaders is simple. She says, “Don’t try to put on a man’s suit to do the job. Know your strength can lie in your femininity.”

The director knows, however, that women still have to work harder than the man next to her, and that fact can be hard for some women to accept. “Take time for yourself,” she encourages, even as she reveals that she has a hard time doing this herself. “Balancing working hard and taking time for yourself is key.

Celebrate your successes and find women and men willing to be your sponsor, to open doors for you.”

Jamison suggests being empowered by successful women but not to exclude men who also want to help females get ahead in their careers.

“We have a unique power in our femininity,” she says. “It’s important to support each other and understand the struggles that we all face.” 

TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019 153

community

154 TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019

Supermom

ashley DAVIS

The Molly Johnson Foundation Black & Yellow Ball

BY KATHERINE YOCHUM • PHOTO BY DANNY ALEXANDER

"H

opefully, by having my kids see what their mom does, by coming into the store and asking questions, being involved, they can see that and model it in their own lives." Ashley Davis is Vice President of Davis Jewelers, well-known in Louisville for their high quality and esteemed customer service. She is a SuperMom by any standards, running a successful business, and raising a family.

Ashley was born and raised in Louisville but attended Indiana University. A true Louisvillian at heart, she says she "Never imagined living anywhere other than Kentuckiana."

When asked about any advice she has for teenage girls and college students when it comes to being successful in their future careers; "So many people go to college not knowing what we want to do- it's ok." She studied Communications while at IU- with a Studio Art minor. However, she believes that having a drive and passion will lead you to success in whatever you choose.

Hopefully, by having my kids see what their mom does, by coming into the store and asking questions, being involved, they can see that and model it in their own lives.

The critical thing, Davis says, is to pursue something you feel joy and excitement about. For her, she wasn't always set on being a part of the family business, but she loved how working in jewelry has allowed her to witness and play a role in important moments in people's lives, helping them to find what they are looking for. Her goals involve "Not just selling but focusing on building relationships."

For women in business- those who are following their dreams professionally while raising children- Davis believes that one of the biggest things to cultivate is your personal network of people that help, motivate, and inspire you! “I like to call them my “Circle of Influence,” she says. To balance your family and your career, “you want to be surrounded by those that can push you forward and at times just be there for you.” It’s true, “It does take a village.”

As for any last advice? “Strive to always meet new people- learn and grow and benefit as much as you can from them, ask questions and try to learn something new each day!” 

SATURDAY, JANUARY 25TH, 2020 7:00-12:00PM, MARRIOTT EAST Join us for a night of fun while helping families of children with special needs. The event benefits The Molly Johnson Foundation, a charity created to assist families of special needs children in a variety of ways. This event features dinner, dancing, and an open bar (a cash bar for cocktails will be available).

Learn more about the Black & Yellow Ball and everything The Molly Johnson Foundation does at themollyjohnsonfoundation.org

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TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019 155

community Young Ina Miller with her mother Lana Jill Bath

Mothers & Mentors: growth through generations Women in business are something we know a thing or two about.

As small business owners, we like to surround ourselves with local businesses, many of which are woman-owned and operated. We are continually inspired by the amazing partnerships we have cultivated and witnessed over the years. However, the most inspiring women to us are Sue Pitt, Jill Bath, and Candy Medina.

BY MARCELLA KRAGEL AND INA MILLER COURTESY PHOTOS

Ina Marcella Events is a full service event planning and creative consulting business co-owned by Ina Miller and Marcella Kragel.

With shared backgrounds in the arts and non-profit management, and a mutual passion for community engagement, Ina and Marcella have developed a unique approach to event planning aimed at creating inspired one-of-akind events for their clients. Ina and Marcella have been friends for twenty years and each is married with three kids.

156 TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019

T

he first two women, Sue Pitt, and Jill Bath are our mothers. They raised us to be the business owners we are today. The balance of work and life is something we, and all women in business, continue to try to perfect. It is a never-ending battle as our business, and our children grow. Our mothers not only led by example, but they continue to support us today, as our company adapts and evolves.

The third woman, Candy Medina, is equally inspiring. She is the epitome of a dynamic woman in business, who strives for success, yet manages to make a positive impact within our community.

L. Jill Bath I remember the moment I realized, as a small business owner, wow, this is what my mom has been doing all these years... running her own business. I am not sure why it took me so long to put it all together, but at that moment, my admiration for her grew.

My mother, Lana Jill Bath, is incredible.

She lives her life with grace and real inner strength that will astound you. She was a small business owner for 20 years until her retirement in 2018. She was the owner of Creative Balance, specializing in massage

environment. Her love of process and strategy was born out of this experience, and it is nothing short of inspiring. However, after nearly 20 years in this field, an abrupt life change led to a new line of work.

Young Marcella Kragel with her mother Sue Pitt

therapy, acupressure, Jin Shin Jitsu, and several other energy-based therapies. She can make anyone’s day better through her work.

She brightens life and makes you feel safe.

When I was a child, demands on her time were high. In those moments, I knew she was supporting me, raising me to be a healthy, kind, and successful person, while still honoring her commitments. Looking back, she worked long hours, including weekends, and I believe she passed her work ethic along to me. As a business owner, you never truly turn off. However, she never missed my field hockey games, cheer competitions, or essential life moments. Her business gave her the flexibility to be there for me.

Today, my mother is our accountant, handling all of our business finances. She keeps us paid, our expenses recorded, and budget in the black. She knows what it is like to run a small business, and handles it with the same grace and strength as she does everything in her life. The things she has taught me that stick the most are to be kind and always to follow through. I strive to pass these same characteristics on to my kids.

Sue Pitt As a little girl, I remember trying to sneak under the dining room table, unnoticed and hide, while my mother worked on what seemed like piles and piles of paper. Of course, she always knew I was there, but she played along with all the same. Never did she yell that I was distracting her, or keeping her from finishing her work. Now, a 30ish year later, I try to maintain that level of patience and grace as I handle being a business owner and mother of three. As all working women with kids know, you are often finishing a conference call while rushing to school pickup, answering emails while cooking dinner, and finishing up projects after putting kids to bed. And while my mom did lots of those

things, I never felt she didn’t see or hear me.

My mom was a nurse by trade, and being the kind-hearted and generous person that she is, she often volunteered for night and weekend shifts in order to be around during the day, to stay involved in my schools, and to make and eat dinner with us every night.

When she retired from nursing, she helped my father with his small business. I know her time, work ethic, and dedication played a large part in that business’s success.

Today, her kind heart and generosity have stayed constant. While flexibility and excitement are two of the things that make being a business owner so attractive, they are also the things that make it most challenging. My mother’s help with my three children, her ears when I need counseling, and her heart when I feel spent are three things I could not go without. I hope I am showing my three budding entrepreneurs the same level of care, kindness, and dedication.

Candy Medina We met Candy through our involvement with Louisville Youth Philanthropy Council, where she serves as Board Chair and we as Directors. Unofficially, she is the heart and soul of this dynamic non-profit, designed to inspire and train the next generation of philanthropists. The epitome of a successful businesswoman, Candy inspires us to push ourselves further, refine our practices, and to expect more.

A mechanical engineer by trade, Candy began her career as a project manager/engineer. She also possesses an MBA; just another asset that helped her thrive and rise in the Louisville corporate

With the passing of Candy’s father, Dick Gilbert, the former helicopter pilot and ‘Traffic Tracker’ for WHAS Radio in the 1970’s and 1980’s, Candy transitioned to Executive Director of The Gilbert Foundation, a private philanthropic foundation established from his estate. It is here, armed with her corporate background, scientific mind, and love of analytics, that she found a new calling. It is the application of this diverse and dynamic background that inspires us the most. And we are not the only ones.

While serving as executive director of her family foundation, Candy continued to train and coach executive workforces through her own company, CGM Associates. But in Louisville, her name has gone beyond her engineering successes, and become synonymous with philanthropy.

Candy is proof that your career is never static. She exemplifies successful business transitions, and she inspires us to turn our strengths into marketable commodities that will propel our business for years to come.

We feel so lucky to live in a city where admirable women in business are aplenty, and we appreciate the opportunity to introduce to our favorite three. They have inspired us to not only break through the proverbial glass ceiling but to do it with a conscious. While success is something to celebrate, it means more than salaries and notoriety. Our favorite women in business have taught us that success is more complicated than that.

It is the legacy and impact that we want to achieve. 

Marcella, Shelby Allen, Candy Medina and Ina

TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019 157

community

MEET THE MEDIA

Mo

Rose The WLKY TrafďŹ c and Weather Reporter hails from Chicago but has made Louisville her home.

She took time out to chat with Rocko Jerome about her life here in our big small town.

BY ROCKO JEROME PHOTO BY DICK ARNSPIGER

158 TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019

These are a few of Mo's favorite things about our River City:

"I

think the main thing that I would like for people to know about me is that I'm a regular person," says Mo Rose, Meteorologist and Traffic Reporter for WLKY 32.

She's a self-described "goofball" who believes in never taking herself too seriously and bringing a sense of fun into the everyday lives of those around her, friends, family, and coworkers alike. "We live in serious times and I definitely get that, but life is short, you know? I think it's important to smile whenever we can."

WEATHER "We have all four seasons here, even if they're sometimes shorter than we would like!"

One thing that she does take very seriously is the field that fascinates her, meteorological science.

Raised in Chicago, Mo was always fascinated by weather. "The air out there can be very benign, but there's such power in it. It can really hurt you if you don't respect what it wants to do or where it wants to go. It's never pleasant to have to report on heavy weather or break into programming, but I hope that people realize that when we have to do that, it's very important. Often, lives could literally be at stake."

Mo earned a degree in Broadcast Journalism at the University of Illinois, then she returned to school for Meteorology a few years later through Mississippi State University.

Along the way, she met the man who would be her husband, Adam. He opened several Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwich restaurant locations here in our city, and she quickly fell in love with our big small town (See sidebar).

Here, she's raising a family with 5 year old Pierce, 1 year old Daphne, and an adorable dog named Alfie. She's an avid foodie who loves preparing meals (and pastries) herself, as well as eating out. She says that sking her to pin down favorite restaurants is like asking her to "pick a favorite star in the sky," but she does say that Mojitos Tapas Restaurant and topp't Handcrafted Pizzas + Chopped Salads have to be high on her list. "Pierce likes topp't because he gets to build his own and that's really exciting for him," she says with a smile.

Mo spent 10 years in local radio at MAX 102.3 and 99.7 DJX and says that the transfer over to TV and WLKY has been challenging

MO'S LOUISVILLE

COST OF LIVING "The dollar goes pretty far here, and you can enjoy a night out for a fraction of what it might cost elsewhere."

FRIENDLY PEOPLE "Maybe it's just the lower population density, but Louisvillians are so outgoing, engaging, and just plain friendly. There are all kinds of people here that are into all kinds of things."

THINGS TO DO "It's an embarrassment of riches! So many beautiful parks, museums, quirky shops, and not to mention events. I really love it here."

but very rewarding. Now in her second year with the station, she's a familiar face on the "Nowcast" team. "It seems like it's not a big deal after a person has done it for a while, but it's humbling to know that by reporting on traffic and weather -two things that impact everyone- might make a difference in someone's everyday life." 

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TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019 159

community

SPORTS TALK

different from night one of The Bachelorette and drafting your bachelors. I’m dead serious.

Fantasy Football Strategies Mirrored from The Bachelor

BY WHITNEY HARDING • COURTESY PHOTO

Whitney is a reporter in Louisville specializing in sports at WHAS11. Before moving to Louisville, Whitney was the Sports Director in Midland/Odessa, Texas at KOSA-TV. She experienced the real “Friday Night Lights” firsthand for three years and covered numerous other major sporting events, such as the 2013 NBA Finals, the Boston Marathon Bombings, MLB Spring Training and Cowboys and Texans Training Camps. Whitney’s passion lies in telling stories about athletes that can hit home with sports fans and nonsports fans alike. Her “Girl Power” series in Odessa won Best Specialty/ Beat Reporting in 2013 from the Texas Associated Press Broadcasters.

A

ugust is here! And soon so will the return of football! This means that every Sunday for the next five or so months your friends, and/or significant others will sit in front of the TV for hours on end watching game after game after game.

• You have your stars – guys you know will perform and not let you down.

• You have your risks – sometimes, you have to take chances, right!?

• You have your disappointments – ugh, the guys who look so good on paper but don’t show up.

• And you have guys just to fill out the numbers – I mean, they’re happy to be there.

Okay, so how do you know which of these guys will come together to make the best team with the least drama?

Now: if you aren’t a huge football fan but still want to be a part of the social scene, there is an easy way to participate: Fantasy Football! When you have a Fantasy Football team, you have a reason to watch any game that’s on television because there is probably a player in that game getting you points.

There are three positions to focus on: quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers. (Your platform will tell you how many of each you need.) When deciding which player to take when I like to think of who gets the football the most.

In some cases, that’s the quarterback; in other cases, that’s the running back. I would take one of those two first and then flesh out your roster from there.

Most fantasy platforms have built-in rankings that use statistics to show the best available player. The computer is your friend!

As a native Texan, I have been a football fan my entire life (I mean, when you grow up in the Lone Star State you don’t have a choice) but in college and since that time, I have found that a lot of my girlfriends wanted to play Fantasy Football but felt intimidated.

That also includes when to take, say, a tight end, kicker or defense. These positions aren’t as flashy, but they can be difference makers.

So, here is how I have explained it to many before: drafting a Fantasy Football team is not that

Hopefully, these tips help you end the season with the final rose – I mean, the big bucks! 

Finally: don’t forget bye weeks! Make sure you aren’t drafting players who will all have the same week off later in the season.

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a b o u t W H I T N E Y/ S T R O N G Whitney/Strong is a 501(c)3 organization devoted to advocating for legislation that promotes responsible gun ownership. We’re investing time into working with people on the ground handling suicide prevention, the enforcement of existing firearm laws, mental health, new legislation, and more.

calendar

what to do in lou

August events August 2 11th annual big green eggfest

6-9pm, Brownsboro Hardware & Paint Join us for the 11th Annual Kentuckiana Big Green EGGFest in Louisville, Kentucky on Friday, August 2nd. We kick off the event with a Meet & Greet at our Louisville store from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. You can enjoy live music and great food from the Big Green Egg. Three local chefs will compete head-to-head in our CHOPPED! style competition. Join us Saturday, August 3rd for some great food and cooking tips as we celebrate the Big Green Egg from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Over 100 Big Green Eggs cooking at once! For more information visit brownsborohardware.com.

August 3 Norton Children's Hospital Splash N' Dash Walk/Run

9am, Big Four Lawn Do something good for your health while supporting the health of kids at

Norton Children’s Hospital! Runners and walkers can choose to splash, climb and slide their way through a 5k course or a 1k family fun run filled with refreshing ways to cool off in splash zones. For more information visit splashndash5k. org. Use promo code TOPS19 for 20% off your online registration!

CHOCOLATE FEST

7-11pm, Mellwood Art and Entertainment Center This not-to-be-missed event will feature dazzling entertainment, spirits, light bites, a silent auction – and, of course, plenty of chocolate. All event attendees must be 21+. Ticket prices are $45 ($55 at door) for general admission or $100 VIP ($125 at door). Contributions are tax deductible. All proceeds benefit the Kentuckiana AIDS Alliance.

For tickets visit chocolatefestlouisville.com.

Big Wish Gala

6-9pm, Omni Louisville Hotel The Kentucky BIG Wish® Gala Presented by Independent Insurance Agents of Kentucky will provide guests the opportunity to celebrate the impact that the Make-A-Wish experience has on local wish families. The evening will include a fabulous sit-down dinner, live and silent auctions, and transformational mission moments. For more information visit oki.wish.org.

St. Matthews Street Festival

11am-10pm, Frankfor Avenue to Bauer Avenue Frankfort Avenue between Lexington Road and Bauer Avenue will be transformed into one of the best street festivals in Louisville! You’ll find bands, food, vendors, and activities for both adults and children. Showcased will be area retailers, restaurants, and live entertainment.

Family fun and activities include the free Kids Zone, Fun Zone and Wellness Fair.

You find vendors who have something special, unique or delicious to share with everyone! For more information visit stmatthewsstreetfestival.com.

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162 TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019

August 8 School Supply Drive: School of Rock at Westport VIllage's summer in the village concert series

6-8pm, Westport Village Stuff the on-site bus with school supplies. Listen to rock jams performed by School of Rock. All donations delivered to UniKids – sending school supplies to orphanages and children in developing countries. For more information visit westportvillage.

August 9 Hot Country nights: Justin Moore

8-11pm, Fourth Street Live!

97.5 WAMZ presents Hot Country Nights featuring Justin Moore, August 9 at Fourth Street Live!. Tickets start at $20 and go on sale Friday, March 29 at 10AM at Eventbrite.com. VIP options may be available. Must be 21+ to attend. Doors open at 7PM. Show starts at 8PM.

enjoy two days of smooth jazz with some of the best contemporary artists on the planet. Food trucks, retail vendors and much more. Save money with Early Bird ticket sales through June 15th. Don't miss Pieces of a Dream, Marion Meadows, Lindsay Webster, Julian Vaughn, Adam Hawley and more.

Made Market - Louisville Summer Market

10am-5pm, Mellwood Art & Entertainment Center We're back this Summer at Mellwood's brand new space! Come shop over 70 amazing makers, grab some eats & drinks & enjoy the community of our great city! Made Market is Louisville's finest curated handmade market, showcasing the best makers from Louisville and the surrounding region. This event is free & open to the public & free parking is available! For more information visit made-market.co/makers-lou.

August 15 The Kentucky State Fair

August 10 Derby City Jazz Festival

2-11:30pm, Iroquois Ampitheater The Derby City Jazz Festival will be "Doin' It In the Park" Come out and

August 15-25, varying times, Kentucky Expo Center There’s plenty to see at the Fair this year. From educational to exhilarating, we have experiences that make you love Kentucky! Hundreds of exhibits,

Fair food and fun are at this year’s 11-day event. For tickets and more information visit kystatefair.org.

August 17 Race to Cure Sarcoma Louisville

8-9:30am, The Louisville Zoo Join us for the inaugural Race to Cure Sarcoma Louisville. This family-friendly event will feature a timed 5K race and a 1 mile untimed walk. For more information visit curesarcoma.org/louisville.

Spirits, Sparkles, and Spurs 2019 6-10pm, Turkey Run Park Whether you're a little bit country or all about the bling, there's something for everyone at this ten-gallon gala: an Old Fashioned Face Off, gold rush gems for auction, a farm-to-fork feast and Johnny Berry and the Outliers to get your boots onto the dance floor.

Join us in support of KET. For more information visit ket.org/spurs.

World's championship horse show

August 17-24, Freedom Hall The World's Championship Horse Show attracts more than 2,000 award-winning horses to Freedom Hall during the Kentucky State Fair. With more than $1.2 million in premiums

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calendar

what to do in lou

August // september events on the line, these world-class athletes compete for their share of the largest purse in the Saddlebred industry and the title of World's Grand Champion at this internationally-renowened competition. For emore information visit kystatefair.org.

na, and Music by 64 West! For tickets and more information visit louisvilletickets.com/events/11th-Annual-Taco-Open---81719-8-17-2019

6th annual bourbon mixer

Derby City Trifecta

6:30-10:30pm, The Henry Clay This year’s event is themed “Havana Nights” and will feature festive Cuban style cocktails, replacing the rum with fine Kentucky Bourbon. Attendees will also enjoy live entertainment, a silent auction, and the opportunity to mingle with other bourbon enthusiasts, Master Distillers and other bourbon celebrities. Tickets are available at bourbonmixer.com for $125, and all proceeds will benefit the Coalition for the Homeless and its efforts to prevent and end homelessness in our city.

11th Annual Taco Open

3-9pm, Oxmoor Country Club The Original Taco has returned!

Tickets are on sale now for $100 per person which includes 6 holes of golf with carts, open bar, Mexican Canti-

August 18 7am, Waterfront Park Olympic/sprint distance triathlon located at the Brown-Forman Lawn. The Olympic distance race will consist of a 1500m swim, 40km bike, and 10km run. The sprint distance consists of a 750m swim, 20km bike, and 5km run. There are several categories offered: individual, relay (2 or 3 per team), para, aquabike, corporate challenge (relay and individual). For more information visit kyrace.com.

27th annual Taste of Frankfort avenue

5-8pm, The American Printing House for the Blind This year the event will take place on the grounds of The American Printing House for the Blind. As is tradition each year, patrons have the opportunity to sample appetizers, entrées, and desserts from

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164 TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019

a broad spectrum of cuisines and ethnic styles. Attendees vote for the best dish and the People’s Choice Award is handed out to the crowd’s favorite restaurant each year. For more information visit frankfortave.com/taste-of-frankfort-avenue.

August 20 The Annual Extravaganza tasting event

5:30-8:30pm, The Olmsted Join us for an evening of food and spirit sampling to raise funds for stroke education. Our honoree this year is Jenny Leanhart, local nurse practitioner, survivor and stroke advocate. For tickets and more information visit strokekyin.org.

August 24 Concert for the Cause

6-12pm, The Louisville Marriott Downtown Concert for the Cause is an exciting event, hosted by a dedicated committee of Louisville locals

321 East Breckinridge Street Louisville, Kentucky 40203 502-589-4638 bluegrass.net

who all share a passion for helping children with cancer. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to Kids Cancer Alliance for their programs for kids with cancer and their families. For more information visit kidscanceralliance.org.

UPlift 2019: Uniting with heART to end homelessness

6-10pm, Actors Theatre This community event will unite the voices and stories of the women we serve, share the impact of our mission, and highlight the community partnerships that allow us to make a difference.

Through a photography exhibit, silent auction, art, music, and a gallery display from the voices of some of our clients, we will tell their stories and ours. The event will also feature a cash bar and heavy hors d’oeuvres. UPlift will showcase works of art by Shannon Stelzer and Price Chambers. For tickets and more information visit uplouisville.org.

September 6 A Whitney Strong's a Night for Life 2019

7pm, Muhammad Ali Center For nearly a year, Whitney/Strong has

worked tirelessly to create relationships, both on the local and national stages, that will help us on the road to ending gun violence. In celebration of our efforts, we are excited to announce our largest event yet, A Night For Life. For $150/person or $1200/table, the evening will consist of hopeful yet pragmatic messages from a diverse swath of leaders and politicians, dinner and drinks catered

by Bristol Bar & Grille, and dancing along with Tony and the Tan Lines. For tickets and information visit whitneystrong.org.

September 7 Big Four Arts Festival

September 7-8, Big Four Bridge Lawn Nestled in the shaded tree lined aisles of the festival you will find nearly 200 artists including many brand new, never-before-seen emerging artists sponsored and featured by the Big Four Arts Festival. The Big Four Arts Festival located just under the Big Four Bridge is free and open to the public. For more information visit bigfourbridgeartsfestival.com.

Louisville Pure Tap 5k

8:30-10am, Louisville Water Tower Park The Louisville pure tap® 5k is a family-friendly race that begins and ends at the home of Louisville's drinking water,

Louisville Water Tower Park, 3005 River Road, following a course that runs east and west on River Road. Presented by Louisville Water Company, the family-friendly Louisville pure tap® 5k is the first race in the Louisville Sports Commission's Fall Runathon Series. For more information visit puretap5k.com.

2019 Walk to End Alzheimer's

8:30am (registration), Great Lawn at Waterfront Park All funds raised through Walk to End Alzheimer's further the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer's Association. For more information visit act.alz.org.

September 12 7th Annual Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards

6-10pm, Muhammad Ali Center The 7th annual Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards celebrates the greatness of people from around the world who are making differences in their communities and beyond. In addition to awards given to seasoned humanitarians, six young people are honored with an award for each of Muhammad's Six Core Principles: Confidence, Conviction, Dedication, Giving, Respect, and Spirituality.

For tickets and more information visit alicenter.org.

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Leah Eggers, Shannon Smith, Barry Denton, Cherie and Rick Zamora

168 TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019

Audrey May and Steve Raible

Jill Bell

Flyover Film Festival

Pre-Flight Reception July 10 21C Museum Hotel louisvillefilmsociety.org Candice Gentry

Urooj Yazdani, Aijaz and Rashida Yazdani

Mike Dicenso and Soozie Eastman

Nina and Rich Rosenberg

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Jamila Smith, Dwight and Cora Brown

Kristen Shive and Amanda Sapata

Stu Pollard, Stephen Brown, Nancy Tafel and Amy Baughman

Karin Partin Wells and Megan Massie Ware

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170 TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019

Dana Yates Traversi

Lori Brown, Cheryl Abrao and Sebastian Berry

Chris Petty, Tommy Johns, Chris Taylor and Mike Thompson

Kathleen Lee, Olivia McDaniel and Joel Baines

Devin Bundrent and Gill Holland

Clint Camomot

Michael Coe and Kala Kimmel

Rhonda Karageorge and Veneta Kotevska

Introducing New Crafted Leather Goods From Holland

2232 Frankfort Ave• Louisville, KY 40206 (502) 618-1633 • european-splendor.com TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019 171

photos

Westport Village KDF

Wings They’reMural Off Luncheon Unveiling April 12 Galt House discover.kdf.org July 10 Photos by Dick Arnspiger Westport Village westportvillage.com Photos by Dick Arnspiger

Chuck Ellis

Pam Buren

Wendy Bootes

Kelsey Montague, mural artist

Allison Lewis

Kelly Brown

Playful Prints for POWERFUL WOMEN BEAUTIFULLY CURATED, HEAD TO TOE! NEW BIGGER LOCATION 12623 Shelbyville Rd • Louisville, KY 40243 • (502) 253-4567 • Open Monday-Sunday 172 TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019

Fabulous Frocks

Grand Opening July 17 Fabulous Frocks Bridal fabulousfrocksbridal.com Photos by Candice Gentry

Samantha Wesner and Carol Van Hise

Hunter Eaton and Kirsten Rice

Kalisa Rice and Kim Eaton Melanie and Halilee Bowling

Maria Napoli

Penny Deatrick and Mikayla Talbott

Sherry and Landon Samuel

Kellie Powell, Ellen Rabeneck, Jane and Olivia Sodano

DonJay Rice and Cindy Shelton

Offering Organic and Pharmeceutical Grade Hemp Products

WESTPORT VILLAGE • 502.708.2822

TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019 173

Misters for MS

July 20 Marriott Louisville Downtown nationalmssociety.org Photos by Bill Wine

Ollie Jones and Candace Hobbs

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David Dafoe Amanda Swift and Lauren Riney

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174 TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019

Jason Schmidt

Kristin Pierce and Kevin Harned

SIX SISTERS BOUTIQUE

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Ryan Patton and David Garvey

Caleb Trigo

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Matt Gentry, Jenna Parrett and Seth Steenken

Jessica Tretter, Tatiana Pobst, Katherine Schuster, Teri Danner and Beth Bynum

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TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019 175

photos

United We Stand

USA Cares Gala July 27 Louisville Marriott Downtown usacares.org Photos by Dick Arnspiger

Barbara Fonts, Joe and Kim Hamilton

Amanda and Anthony Zorio

Robin Bell, Lindsay Gaddie, Jody and Bill Dieruf Bill Roby, Sr. and Heather French Henry

Brian and Barbara Graham

176 TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019

Miles Goodin, Tiffany Payton, John Yancey and Melody Goodin

Kai Waters nd James Tongate

Jan Jasper and Howard Griffen

Samantha McCoy andJeri Lynn

Ashley Sigman, Michael and Terri Sloat and Kristen Jensen

Karen Roby

Aubrey and Joe Gonzalez

Honor Guard from Fort Knox

TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019 177

photos

Bella Portaro-Kueber, Deshon Batts and Randy Blevins at Bourbon & Bubbles

Carly Fonda and Remi McCrite at the American Heart Association Volunteer Luncheon

TOP SHOTS

Lainey Wilson performing at Hot Country Nights Vault in the Ville

David Garvey pushes up the catwalk at Misters for MS

178 TOPS LOUISVILLE | August 2019

Heather French Henry singing the national anthem at the USA Cares Gala

Josh Meador at the Flover Film Festival Pre-Flight Reception

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