Meet the Ladies of the TOPS in Lex Sales Team!
L to R:
Danielle Pope,VP, Communications
Debbie Hodges, Director of Promotions
Bonni Jiunta, Senior Account Manager
Megan Hillenmeyer, Editor in Chief
Kristen Oakley, President and COO
Chasity Hester
Be Medispa | 812 E. High St. | Lexington | 859.266.LIVE (5483) | bemedispa.com
Chasity Hester, a University of Kentucky graduate with 23 years of experience as a physician assistant (PA), works for Be Medispa, a specialty practice providing non-surgical cosmetic and integrative well-care services with board-certified physician, Dr. Paul Hester.
As Chasity explained, the PA profession is one thats meant to reflect the care a patient would receive by their physician.
“It is a privilege to work by the side of Dr. Hester, who is truly a master in the field of cosmetic medicine,” Chasity says. “Not all medical spas are medical practices—many facilities do not actually have a physician on-site for direct patient care. However, Be Medispa was founded on the belief that the physicians presence is the critical ingredient not only for success, but for patient safety.”
Non-surgical cosmetic medicine is one of the fastest growing areas of medicine, so Be Medispa is constantly updating and advancing.
“It is professionally rewarding to provide relief from some of the signs and symptoms that become a burden to their quality of life. Every day, I have the chance to provide medical strategies to help ease that burden.”
Kimberly V. Johnson
OneCommonwealth Financial Group | 139 W. Short St. Ste. 200 Lexington | 859.971.9479 | onecommonwealthfg.com
Kimberly Johnson, CLF®, CLTC, president of OneCommonwealth Financial Group, always knew she wanted to work in sales, but never considered the financial services industry. Now Kim has more than 30 years of experience working with clients and helping advisors build successful practices.
In 2014, Kim decided it was time to build something that she would have equity ownership and control of, so she left the corporate world to open her own firm.
“I believe that I can make a difference with our clients—whether their dreams are big or small,” she says. “I help my clients get started on the plans they need to achieve their financial goals and be prepared for retirement.”
MaryAnne Simmons
eXp Realty, LLC | 193 Kentucky Ave. Lexington | 859.983.4663 | [email protected]
MaryAnne Simmons was born and raised in Mayfield, KY by her mother, who lost her husband when MaryAnne was only 6 months old. Her mothers steadfast responsibility to raise her in the admonition of the Lord and with a great work ethic served as an inspiration for MaryAnne. MaryAnne has enjoyed 33+ years in the real estate business and is a broker is 7 states.
Her secret weapon is prayer and faith. MaryAnne explains, “Understanding, verbalizing, and embracing my priorities of faith, family, friends, and work based on my motivation to serve my God and my Savior, my Strength, and my Song. He is the CEO of my business.”
Brooke Wade & Kim Sporing
Wade & Co. Salon & Spa and Hair by Kimberly | 2000 Family Circle | Lexington | 859.539.3067 | hairreplacementky.com
Since middle school, Brooke Wade, owner of Wade & Co. Salon and Spa, dreamed of going to beauty school and owning her own salon. Two years ago, Brooke bought the salon she had been working at for 13 years.
“Since buying the salon, I have added a nail technician, a massage therapist, we recently added Dr. David Ellison REGEN regenerative medical centers, and Hair by Kim has grown,” says Brooke. “I love what I do so much that it doesnt feel like I am working hard every day.”
Kim Sporing, owner of Hair by Kim, has been a hairstylist for 34 years and in hair replacement for 17 years. Eight years ago, Kim went into business on her own.
“I am inspired by the people I help, especially the women going through cancer,” she says. “I am also inspired by all the strong, independent women who are not afraid to go for their dreams.”
Both Brooke and Kim agree that while it is important to work hard, making time to play and enjoy time with family and friends needs to be prioritized, too.
“Its very important to take time for yourself,” says Brooke. “The hard work pays off when you get to go see new places with your family. I also love seeing my salon become more successful the harder I work.”
Kelly King Bakehorn
Venues of the Grand Reserve | 903 Manchester St. | Lexington | 859.608.6221 | GrandReserveEvents.com
Kelly King Bakehorn was born into an entrepreneurial family, so owning her own business was a goal from the start. Kelly has the same hopes for her children. “I want to lead by example for my children, as my parents did for me. I want to show them that you have to work hard in order to create your own destiny in this world,” Kelly explains.
Kelly feels blessed to have a career she loves as the venues Owner and Event Planner. However, it isnt always easy to balance work and family obligations. “I have a great partner. Jill has allowed me go in early or stay late when needed. It has had to be a give and take from the start. We have both had to divide our time at work and at home to make these businesses work.”
The Venues of the Grand Reserve includes 5 unique event spaces, including The Grand Reserve, The Speakeasy, The Barrel House, Garden Branch and Distillery Square. With over 40 years of experience in the food, beverage and entertainment industry, customers should feel comfortable leaving their special day in the hands of Kelly and her staff.
Judy & Jill Bakehorn
Bluegrass Catering | 903 Manchester St. Ste. 110 | Lexington | 859.231.7676 | BluegrassCatering.com
Judy and Jill Bakehorn, owners of Bluegrass Catering, are a mother & daughter catering team in their 25th year of business. Judy directs the daily catering orders and Jill directs menu production and events.
Their secret weapon is simply trusting each other. “When we have a busy schedule of parties, everyone gets stretched to their limits. We have to remain positive and lead by example. We both know that ultimately we have each others backs and we are always giving 100% in quality and intention to assure a great end result” Jill explains.
Judy and Jill enjoy working hard to please their customers. The result is a quality product and the peace of mind of the customer always is first. The Bakehorns have also enjoyed their steady growth over the years. Jill says, “If you grow too fast, you wont be experienced enough to handle the business correctly and if you dont plan on growth, you will become stagnant.”
Bluegrass Caterings 5,000 square foot commercial catering kitchen is located behind the Venues of The Grand Reserve: Barrel House Event Center, The Grand Reserve, The Speakeasy Room and Distillery Square. Along with being the exclusive caterer to these venues, Bluegrass Catering also caters offsite parties and events throughout Lexington and surrounding counties.
Jenny Norman
Prüvit | [email protected] | FitJen.pruvitnow.com
Jenny Norman, fitness instructor and distributor in the Prüvit Wellness market, has been in the health and fitness industry since 1980. In addition to being a part-time instructor, Jenny has developed a passion in direct sales with Prüvit Pure Therapeutic Ketones.
Jennys goal is to inspire others to feel fabulous all day, every day. She believes that all people possess an internal motivation to get in the best shape of their lives, but sometimes that motivation isnt properly channeled.
“I try to make everyone feel comfortable at their own fitness level,” she says. “I offer encouragement as they grind for that next push-up, sit-up or another lap around the track.”
Jenny spends the majority of her day sharing the worlds first consumer-based Ketone supplement drink. As Jenny explained, her secret weapon in sales is maintaining a positive attitude.
“I love helping Prüvit pioneer this new marketplace,” she says. “The philosophy of the company is Make. People. Better! I am motivated by helping others push for their better.”
Her inspiration originates from her father. “He always told me that if my beliefs and will can stay strong, the influence I will have on others is endless.”
Dana Adamson
Traditional Bank | Marketing Director, Vice President | 859-263-2801
After graduating from Georgetown College, Dana Adamson took a job in customer service for the J. Peterman Company, where she learned she had a love for solving problems and providing great service. She later accepted a position with her alma matter in student recruitment and event planning; and after that, an employee benefits firm, where she interacted with businesses and industries of all shapes and sizes. Dana initially joined Traditional Bank as a Sales and Service coordinator 14 years ago. Working together with the management team and the board, they created a Marketing Director, Vice President position that Dana thoroughly enjoys every day.
“Developing and directing marketing programs for a bank as it has doubled in size has been a remarkable journey. My ability to perform at a high level is directly related to the generous mentors Ive had,” Dana says.
Inspired by her female friends, supportive husband and business leaders who think outside the box, Dana is encouraged daily to have faith in herself and she is learning to take risks.
“Taking risks is not my natural personality, but as Ive grown in my career, so has my confidence,” she says. “Being in a caring environment and a really great marriage has helped me grow and step outside of my comfort zone. For women building a career, maintain your vision, but stay open. Be ready to learn from those around you.”
Dana is not only a leading lady in the industry, but also at home, with her husband (Kyle) and son (Will).
Ami Bertrand + Terri Stein
Scout & Mollys | 120 Summit at Fritz Farm, Ste. 140 | 859.309.9247 | lexington.scoutandmollys.com
Ami Bertrand and Terri Stein, co-owners of Scout & Mollys, both agree that if you believe in something, then follow your dreams and go for it, like they did when they opened their new store at The Summit at Fritz Farm.
Terri says that her biggest challenge is what so many women face, prioritizing whats important. “I have a career in banking I love, a passion for Scout & Mollys, family, faith and a social life, and a new marriage,” Terri says.
“Terri and I are constantly working together, and I believe it makes us both stronger women as we grow and learn how to manage a business together,” Ami says.
Renee Jackson Miller
Renee Jackson Agency | 1795 Alysheba Way #1101 | Lexington | 859.317.2217 | reneejacksonagency.com
After attending South Carolina, Renee Jackson went to work at Colonial Life. Her entire professional career has been in the Insurance industry. Now owning her own agency gives Jackson an opportunity to build relationships with clients and to better protect them in their businesses and home life. “Proper protection is more complex today than ever before”, Jackson explains. “In a male dominated industry, I take great pride in the successful growth my business has shown. The ability to place my clients with seven of the Leading Insurance companies makes sure they receive the best price and coverage with a Local Agent that cares.”
Karen Santos McCloud
Hamburg Vision Center | 2716 Old Rosebud Rd. Ste. 130 | Lexington | 859.327.3701 | hamburgvisioncenter.com
“I always knew I wanted to do something in the medical profession and as I grew up watching my father help people see better and taking care of their eyes, I decided that I would also like to make a difference for people,” Karen McCloud, O.D. explained. “I became the second Dr. Santos in our family as an Optometrist!"
Karen says she is inspired to work hard every day for her family. “I want my children to see how hard I work to be able to provide for our family. I want them to understand that there is a lot of pride that comes with working hard and following your dreams,” she explained.
Karen says she is her own biggest challenge in life. She strives to be a better mother, wife, sister, daughter, friend and doctor every day. “I am hard on myself. I have my faults–like procrastination, for example–that I need to recognize so as to be better at all the things that mean so much to me,” she said. But she feels it is all worthwhile when she gets to make a difference in the way someone sees the world.
For others looking to become Leading Ladies of Lexington, her advice is simple: “Be creative, use a quality that sets you apart from others to your advantage. Most importantly: be confident, dont give up and be true to who you are.” photo by Conhrod Zonio
Holly Meredith
Feather & Blade | 704 N. Limestone | Lexington | 859.667.BROW (2769) | fbbrows.com
Holly Meredith, a Louisville native, has spent the bulk of her career at entrepreneurial companies. After graduating from Indiana Universitys Kelley School of Business with a graduate degree in entrepreneurship, she stepped out on her own as the owner/operator of Feather & Blade, a brow and lash parlor, that specializes in hair stroke brows, the newest procedure in cosmetic tattoo.
“We rebuild sparse brows to create a low maintenance, natural looking result using microblading and machine hair stroke techniques,” says Holly. “Clients come to us with something they feel insecure about and their enthusiasm when the procedure is complete is so rewarding.”
As the only woman in her graduating class, Holly hopes to encourage, and be encouraged by, other female entrepreneurs in Kentucky. She values the importance of a network of supportive women who challenge each other to pursue their goals.
“I have met so many collaborative, passionate women throughout my career, and I wouldnt be who I am without them.”
Dr. Lucy Wachs Pauly
Buchart Orthodontics | 698 Perimeter Dr. Ste. 200 | 859.269.2757 | 859.233.1431 | BuchartOrthodontics.com
Lucy Wachs Pauly, DMD, MS, fell in love with dentistry from the first day of dental school. She knew right away that she had chosen a lifelong career that would allow her to help people and pursue her passion for art and creativity.
“It was the artistic side of dentistry that really grew on me and helped me decide ultimately to follow the path of orthodontics,” she says. “I work in a practice that focuses on individualized, personal care for each of our patients, and that approach gives me the freedom to express creativity in how I plan treatment.”
Lucy’s practice works with kids, teenagers and adults, from all aspects of life, who come to her office looking for confidence.
“The day we finish treatment, and that beautiful smile is revealed, is the most rewarding part of what I do as an orthodontist.”
Although times have changed drastically, Lucy still works in a profession that was once male-dominated.
“I find being young and female are two reasons I have to work twice as hard to gain the trust of my patients,” she says. “It’s a challenge I welcome, but I hope a day comes that young, female professionals are evaluated purely on their talents and abilities.”
Donna Williams
Rector Hayden Realtors | 1099 Duval St. | Lexington | 859.806.5751 | 859.276.4811 | [email protected]
Donna Williams, Sales Manager and mentor to real estate agents at Rector Hayden Realtors in Central Kentucky, has been in real estate for 27 years, being present and connected.
“Real estate seemed like a natural fit after our family made several long distance moves for my husbands career. I was always left behind with the move details and the children,” Donna says.
Donna helps people in Central Kentucky achieve “The American Dream” of homeownership, and directs and guides agents to a wonderful career. As a former stay-at-home mom, Donna encourages women in business to never settle. “Believe you can, and go for it. I did it, so you can too!”
Shanna Combs-Johnson says that growing up, she was always the “planner.” As partner at Bayou Bluegrass Catering, Shanna strives to make every event and gathering perfect.
“Whether it be social gatherings among event vendors, my family or my friends, I plan ahead and make time,” she says. “If I keep my wits about me, so will our staff, and our customers will feel confident and relaxed when working with us. While I cant always make everything perfect, we have a wonderful dedicated staff at Bayou Bluegrass Catering that makes every event memorable.”
Renee Nimtz
Commonwealth Plastic Surgery | 715 Shaker Dr. Ste. 100 | Lexington | 859.277.9435 | commonwealthplastics.com
Renee Nimtz started out her professional career as an English professor in California. When her husband opened his plastic surgery practice in 2013, she moved 3000 miles and began a completely new career as the office manager for his medical practice, Commonwealth Plastic Surgery.
“Many of our patients reveal that they could never work with their spouse, but we function well as business partners and the patients tell us they enjoy our partnership,” Renee says.
With a blended family of six kids, a small farm and a busy practice, Renees learned how to delegate and prioritize. However, the one thing that Renee refuses to give up in her busy life is her morning run, which she says grounds her for the daily fire drills she encounters.
Renees staff has more than 40 years of experience in plastic surgery, so they are incredibly knowledgeable about the surgical process, and are very loyal and dedicated to the patients
“It may sound cliché to say the patients really motivate me, but they do,” says Renee. “Perhaps its because I am an educator by trade that I enjoy teaching people about their procedures and postoperative care. Plastic surgery is so multi-faceted that Im pushed to learn new things every day.”
Abby Vaughn
Unified Trust Company | 2353 Alexandria Dr. Ste. 100 | Lexington | 859.514.3345 | [email protected]
Abby Vaughn recently joined Unified Trust as the Business Development Director. Shes spent 30+ years in the financial industry working for a global financial services company and a Fortune 500 Bank focusing on high-net worth families.
Abbys passion comes from her clients; their goals are her goals. She believes that Business Development is the introduction to a long-term relationship that spans a lifetime and endures changes along the way. “You cant predict the future, but you can weather the storm and come out on top with hard work and a steadfast focus on acting in your clients best interest,” said Abby.
Danielle Tharp Clore
Kentucky Nonprofit Network | 859.963.3203 | kynonprofits.org
Danielle Clore, executive director/CEO of Kentucky Nonprofit Network (KNN), has spent the last 15 of her over 20 years in the nonprofit sector creating a strong state association of nonprofits. Her persistence was key. “If Id given up on KNN every time I was told no or its not possible, Id have been in another career long ago,” she says.
“Nonprofits work to make life better for you, me and our neighbors and many are led by women—especially smaller organizations,” she explained. “These talented leaders also understand how important persistence can be in accomplishing their mission. They are vital partners in KNNs work to advance and empower Kentuckys nonprofit community!”
Lauren West and Diane Henson are the mother-daughter duo that co-own Peplum. Lauren and her mom worked on the concept for their boutique for almost a year before opening at the end of March 2017. Prior to opening a retail space, Lauren spent nine years working in marketing and public relations.
Since as long as Lauren can remember, her secret weapon has been her ability to act confident in situations where shes potentially uncomfortable or unsure of herself.
“Its a dont let them see you sweat kind of mentality that I put into practice,” she says. “Because of this, and the fact that Im a very outgoing person, I think a lot of people would be shocked to know that I am often very self-conscious.”
Lauren, who has Type 1 Diabetes, says that she wouldnt be where she is today without the support and encouragement from her husband, friends and family.
“Twenty-five years ago, my sisters and I were all diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes within eight months of each other, but my mom somehow managed to have a career, operate a business and run our household all while taking excellent care of our health. It goes without saying that my mom is a huge inspiration to me—I couldnt have picked a better business partner to have by my side.”
Dana Back-Pack
Fairway Independent Mortgage | 220 Lexington Green Circle, Ste. 130 | Lexington | 859.621.0169 | [email protected] | NMLS# 71942
With more than 15 years of experience as an accomplished mortgage lender, Danas areas of expertise include Federal Housing Administration (FHA), Veterans Administration (VA), Rural Housing Service (RHS) and Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC) lending. As Branch Manager, she has the clients best interest at heart while earning their trust and exceeding expectations. Her stellar reputation makes her the “go-to lender” of choice for thousands of homeowners and realtors throughout Central Kentucky.
As a lender, her highest honor will always be a simple “Thank You” along with a genuine smile thats received from first time happy homeowners. Several of her clients have become dear personal friends and loyal repeat customers.
photo by Conhrod Zonio
Tanya Bolton
Lexington Womens Health | 859.264.8811 | lexingtonwomens.com
Lexington Womens Health, an all-female OB-GYN practice, will celebrate its 10-year anniversary in July. Marketing Director Tanya Bolton has worked with the practice since they opened their doors.
“Its very easy for me to promote the practice because I truly believe in each provider that we have,” she says. “I know that they care about the best interest of the patients. I see them rejoicing with patients when they find out they are pregnant. I see them crying after a patient has left with a bad outcome. When you work that closely with people, you learn to trust them."
As a mother of two daughters, she aims to be an example. “I want them to know that as a woman, you must work harder, show up when no one else does, and never second guess yourself.”
Holly D. Hodge
Plastic Surgeons of Lexington | 1401 Harrodsburg Rd. Suite B-75 | Lexington | 859.276.3883 | plasticsurgeonsoflexington.com
Holly D. Hodge, RN, BSN graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelors Degree in Nursing. She has been in skin care for 14 years and is certified by Obagi, SkinSceuticals, and Skinmedica.
Holly says, “It is my goal to simplify home care and office treatments. We offer everything from “lunch time” peels to Microneedling and lasers.”
Holly is a goal setter and is motivated by seeing positive changes in someones skin. “I like to encourage patients to get their skin in its best possible shape so they feel their best,” she says.
Holly and her husband have two sons. “The biggest advantage I have when trying to balance work and family is that I work with great family oriented doctors. I really love what I do. So the balance lies in coming home happy and satisfied with how I have spent my day.”
Holly advises others to be a good listener. “Learning the goal of my patients and providing a streamlined plan to achieve that goal is what I am after.” She also believes in bringing energy and a personal touch to her business every day!
Hollys mother is her biggest inspiration. She was a true example of high energy, high ethical standards, and top notch customer service.