Tawana Bain
Bluegrass Enterprises (NAC, AFM and Derby Diversity & Business Summit)
P.O Box 70149, Louisville, KY 40202
www.partnerwithnac.com; derbydiversity.com; afmthreads.com

“Life’s too short to miss the small moments. This took a while for me to appreciate. Now, I don’t take myself too seriously,” says Tawana Bain, CEO of Bluegrass Enterprises.
Her biggest challenge is to say no even when she wants to say yes. At one point in her life, she thought she was superwoman and didn’t understand that she could say “No” as a complete sentence without feeling guilty. Now, she believes it’s okay to allow someone else to step in on something that’s not meant for her.
Her children and community inspire her to work hard.“When you watch the gratitude of family and community because of the smallest seed planted, you better understand the role of human beings on this earth,” says Bain.
Her life balance is based on serving three areas: her career (the project management firm NAC), her hobby (boutique AFM Threads), and her purpose (bringing together people of various backgrounds to do good. This includes the Derby Diversity & Business Summit, CLIFH; Charity of Love, Increasing Faith & Hope, in fatherless children and other initiatives that touch the hearts of people from all walks of life.). As she makes time to interweave the three areas of her life, if one of the three begins to require more time than the others, she returns to her center and reprioritizes.
“No matter which business or project I’m working on, I bring my heart to the table,
which results in an unmatched level of passion in many instances. Some of us are blessed with brilliant minds, some are blessed with brilliant hands and then there are those of us blessed with brilliant hearts. And, hey, if you are lucky to have all three, even better!” she says.
​Her life motto is: Be your sisters’ keeper and your sisters will keep you.

Leslie Whitehouse
Cherry House
2419 S. Hwy 53, La Grange
www.cherryhouse.com

Leslie Whitehouse loves the furniture business, as is evidenced by her 30 years as owner of Cherry House. “I enjoy seeing clients excited when their homes come together and they achieve their dreams. And it’s exciting to see new styles presented at markets and to have manufacturers seek my input during product development,” she says.
The collaborative process between Whitehouse and her associates is instrumental to formulating design plans for their clients. She emphasizes, “It’s amazing what you learn from listening to people.”
She has been inspired by prominent figures such as Oprah and by an aunt and one of her mother’s friends who have been influences in her life. Admiring their ability to break through many glass ceilings, she also respects their high level of integrity.
“I tell women they can achieve anything they desire. And I remind them that we must be sure to behave in ways that reflect a professional demeanor,” says Whitehouse.

Megan Campbell Martin & Sallie Clater Baer
Clater Jewelers
Westport Village 1201 Herr Lane, Suite 170 • www.claterjewelers.com

Megan Campbell Martin and Sallie Clater Baer began working at Clater Jewelers, founded in 1949, when they were 17 years old, in jobs that led to exciting, rewarding careers. In 1997 the duo purchased the store from Sallie’s father, William D. Clater.
Offering superior customer service and adhering to an ethical code of conduct based on honesty, trust and integrity are paramount to achieving their goal for every client to have a great experience. Both women are Diamond Graduates from the prestigious Gemological Institute of America (GIA.)
“I love seeing my customers pick out beautiful gifts to give to loved ones or being able to help them design a piece for themselves. Jewelry tells a story and knowing it starts at Clater Jewelers makes it all worth it,” says Martin.
While fashion trends dictate many current jewelry styles, Martin and Baer have become masters in the art of custom jewelry and selecting timeless pieces that will be passed down for generations. Not only do they continue to see their dedicated customers, but social media has opened the door to a new segment of a younger generation of customers that are new to the market of buying jewelry. Having Martin’s and Baer’s expertise becomes invaluable to someone making their first big jewelry purchase.
Martin’s daughter, Christy Martin Effinger, also works in the store and will continue the legacy of Clater Jewelers. “This job is a natural fit for Christy. Jewelry must be in her blood because not only does she exceed our customers’ expectations, but she has developed new business avenues and keeps us in tune with the younger generation,” says Martin.
When she reflects on the career advice she has given her daughter and what she would give to other women, she says, “Be passionate about your job, know you will have to work hard, and be honest.”

Ann Cowley Wells
Commonwealth Bank & Trust Company
4350 Brownsboro Road
www.cbandt.com

Ann Wells, CEO of Commonwealth Bank and Trust Company, works hard and is at her best when she feels productive. “My father used to tell me, ‘Only ten-percent is genius. Ninety-percent is hard work.’ I truly believe that. If you’re committed to making something happen and you work hard, anything is possible,” she says. “I never grew up thinking about being a woman in the workplace. My parents instilled the idea that I could be whatever or do whatever I wanted if I was willing to do the work.”
She prioritizes her schedule to make time for those who need her attention but takes care of herself by exercising and eating healthy. Having her children and grandchildren close is important to her healthy life balance.
When she’s asked to give career advice to other women, she responds, “Make sure you are being treated as an equal – by women and men. Don’t accept anything less.”

Nina Scott
DS Research
3810 Springhurst Blvd., suite 130
www.dsrtrials.com

DS Research leads the research industry in specializing in a variety of dermatological conditions such as eczema, atopic/contact dermatitis, rosacea, acne and psoriasis. Led by Nina Scott, the staff consists of board certified dermatologists, nurse practitioners and registered nurses, offering the latest and most advanced treatments and procedures to treat skin and to make an overall positive change in patients’ quality of life.
Scott received a BS in Exercise Science/Sports Medicine and a BS in Nursing. She is inspired by any individual who has endured a hardship in life and somehow found a way to pull through and come out on top. “We all go through different stressful situations at some point in our lives, but how we choose to handle these situations can impact not only ourselves but others around us,” she says.
Soon after taking over DS Research, she found herself working full time, managing her
house and caring for her children. But, she couldn’t find time for herself. She finally realized the importance of delegating certain tasks so that she could focus on what was most important.
“Finding the perfect balance between work and your personal life is a challenge for any working parent. I believe there are times when you need to put yourself first. It is so important to set aside time for yourself in order to get a break and recharge the battery,” says Scott.
For her, saying no is not an option. When she’s determined, she will find a way to do what she needs to do. She has some advice for other women who want to achieve success in their careers. Never let anyone outwork you. “There will always be a time when you may not be the smartest person in the room or have the most experience, but a strong work ethic will outweigh everything.”

Linda Humphrey
Etcetera of Louisville
4913 Brownsboro Road
www.etceteraoflouisville.com

Before she took over Etcetera, Linda Humphrey enjoyed an early career in catering. That experience honed her skills in addressing the needs of brides and their weddings and has served her well in her stationery and gift shop in which wedding invitations play an important role.
While working with brides, as well as with her customers shopping for the perfect gift, she frequently discusses with them that “quality” doesn’t have to mean “expensive.” Focusing on wedding details, taking into consideration proper etiquette and selecting the most appropriate item are her top priorities.
“Finding the perfect invitation for a bride inspires me. It gives me an opportunity to get to know the bride and what she hopes her wedding says about her. Selecting an invitation speaks to the personality of the bride and reflects the character of her wedding. I feel privileged when I’m asked to be part of that,” says Humphrey.

Susan Dean Straub
European Splendor
2232 Frankfort Avenue
www.european-splendor.com

“My education and career started in Public Accounting. However, I always knew that I wanted to be an entrepreneur. While living in the Czech Republic, I fell in love with the beautiful craftsmanship of the furniture, crystal and pottery. Everything they made was crafted to perfection, and I knew I wanted to bring these wonderful products to the United States,” says Susan Straub, owner of European Splendor.
She and her husband, Matt, travel to small towns in Europe to find unique treasures. Returning to Louisville, she’s thrilled at the smiles on her customers’ faces when they discover that one of the pieces she sourced is an extraordinary gift for themselves or a friend.
Having achieved success as a public accountant and as an entrepreneur, she has an intriguing take on success: Don’t spend your career trying to prove that you can succeed because you are a woman. Prove you can succeed because you are great!

Fran Jasper
Frances Lee Jasper Oriental Rugs
1330 Bardstown Rd, Louisville
www.francesleejasper.com

Frances Lee Jasper Oriental Rugs sits in an 1890s firehouse on Bardstown Road. Fran founded the company in 1980 after earning a degree in design from the University of Louisville, and completing additional studies at Parsons School of Design in New York City. While still in college, Fran spent her entire savings in one day on five oriental rugs that she had seen at an estate sale. Even though those rugs were not her taste, she recognized that they were very good quality, and from that purchase, a career was born. She honed her skills as an apprentice at a retail rug shop, and spent several years studying the history, repair, and business of oriental rugs before opening her own store. For almost 40 years now, she and her business partner, Joe Tousi, have maintained the reputation of selling the finest quality new and antique rugs. They also offer skilled expertise in the field of cleaning, restoration and appraisals. Fran listens carefully to clients as they speak about purchasing a rug, about where they want to place it in their home, and the budget they have to work with. Once the parameters have been established, Fran and her well trained staff search for the perfect selection of rugs that meet the criteria. Fran travels the world searching for decorative and unusual rugs, most recently in Turkey, India, and Morocco. She is an active philanthropist, focusing on issues she cares deeply about…. mental health, historic preservation, and animal welfare. She has served on the boards of Wellspring, Whitehall and Locust Grove. Fran believes in giving back to the community that helped build Frances Lee Jasper Oriental Rugs.

Laurie Dobbins O'Neil, Michaelle Warner, Lindsey Whalen
Frankfort Avenue Business Association
FABA c/o UCHM, 150 State Street • www.frankfortave.com

The Frankfort Avenue Business Association was founded 27 years ago to promote, support and navigate economic growth on Frankfort Avenue and within the 40206 zip code.
Among member businesses and organizations are Emily Boone LCSW, Fitness on Frankfort, Louisville Public Library, Clique Boutique, Cook Studio & Gallery, Core Fluency Pilates, Mellwood Arts and Entertainment Center, Mint Julep Tours, The Wine Rack, Apocalypse Brewery, American Printing House for the Blind, The Lash Lounge, as well as several restaurants, bars, non-profits and churches.
“FABA’S biggest challenge is getting the public to know who we are and what we do. We want to be inclusive of all neighborhood businesses and residents. We welcome all to join in and be involved in what FABA is offering every day on Frankfort Avenue,” says Laurie Dobbins O’Neil, President of FABA and Insurance Producer with Logan Lavelle Hunt.
She credits FABA’s success to the cohesiveness of the neighborhood, The Avenue businesses, Councilman Bill Hollander and the D9 staff, and the organization’s active Board members.
The Taste of Frankfort Avenue – September 9th [email protected], The Avenue Trolley Hops, The Frankfort Avenue Easter Parade, Olde Tyme Christmas and Old Fashioned Fourth of July are a few of the events that neighbors and people from all areas of Louisville enjoy.
“There are several female-owned businesses on Frankfort Avenue but one of the most prominent is Margaret Schneider, who owns Margaret’s Fine Consignments. She’s a pioneer and started her business in 1991 with a credit card because she couldn’t get a commercial business loan because she was a woman,” says O’Neil. “To other women who want to succeed, I say get involved, work hard, and keep moving forward. It’s worth it and we, as women, can handle it!”

Dr. Ingrid Edwards
Heuser Hearing Institute
117 East Kentucky Street
www.thehearinginstitute.org

Ingrid Edwards, clinical director of the Heuser Hearing Institute, is an audiologist who specializes in using electrophysiology to diagnose disorders of hearing, dizziness and balance.
“I’m inspired to work hard every day to care and set an example for my children. I’m also motivated by the potential to help just one more person. Hearing loss and/or dizziness are not life-threatening conditions but they are ‘quality of life’ threatening, which can be just as dangerous,” she says.
Edwards believes in two basic principles: Most people are kind and want to do the best possible work. When thinking about how she achieves a work/life balance, she says she probably does it poorly, explaining that she usually adheres to what her patient or family schedule dictates. “As a single parent, I don’t think I really had much of a choice. I’m super good at compartmentalizing the emotions or frustrations associated with a work day,” she adds. While she may have to do tasks from home, she never stays awake worrying about work and she doesn’t work when she can be enjoying her family or friends.
Her inspiration emanates from the singer Pink, ballerinas and her father. “Pink because I love her voice and because she owns her strengths and weaknesses. Ballerinas because you can see their discipline in every move, and my dad because he communicates equality, fairness and respect.” No one ever needed to tell her that she could be anything she wanted to be because it would have never been suggested otherwise.
She’s forthright when offering career advice for other women: “At the most basic level, identify what motivates you and then get someone to pay you for it. And, try to enjoy a big helping of humble pie every day. It will help you stay out of your own way.”

Jennifer Kalmey
The Lash Lounge St. Matthews
3934 Chenoweth Square
www.thelashloungestmatthews.com

Jennifer Kalmey is a risk taker who isn’t afraid to try new things, whether those are moving to a new city or starting a new business. With a background in IT and pharmaceutical sales, and having owned a jewelry company, she’s embarking on a new venture, introducing The Lash Lounge franchise to Kentucky.
She knows that temporary sacrifices come with the territory of developing a new business, but she makes it a point to set aside plenty of time for her family.
“I want my children to understand that when you put your mind to something, believe in yourself and commit to your vision, you can be successful. Having a passionate work ethic also leads to your success. Your heart and mind are your driving forces that will push you to achieve your goals in life. And, of course, if you’re an entrepreneur, you have to learn your business from the inside out,” she says.

Jessica Dowe, MD
Dr. Dowe Clinic and Spa and Med-Life-Fit
10512 Meeting Street, Suite 101, Prospect
www.drdoweclinic.com

Med-Life-Fit, a general family practice, focuses on treating an array of medical needs. The practice also offers body sculpting and other aesthetic treatments.
Its mission is to promote patient health by providing innovative, high-quality, comprehensive, personalized healthcare. The practice serves as a “medical home” for patients by coordinating, managing and integrating various aspects of their health care in a holistic approach.
Born in Birmingham Alabama, and raised during the Civil Rights movement, Dr. Jessica Dowe, MD, MBA and Ph.D, is an ordained Baptist preacher who bases her life on the teachings of Matthew 19:26 – “With God, all things are possible.”
“While prayer is my secret weapon to success, I look to patience, cycling and taking vacations out of the country at least twice a year to help me achieve balance in my life,” she says. “And I never cease to be inspired by the life of Aretha Franklin, the diva of all time.”

Margaret Schneider
Margaret’s Fine Consignments
2700 Frankfort Avenue • www.margaretconsignment.com

Margaret Schneider believes everyone has a special gift but may be afraid to use it. She realized her gifts of creativity and entrepreneurship when she opened Margaret’s Fine Consignments 27 years ago, following a career as a master barber.
Her staff, including new store manager Cara, calls her the Energizer Bunny because she’s always organizing, cleaning and keeping the store tidy. She enjoys decorating the shop and store windows but isn’t fond of the office work that’s involved in being a business owner.
“I started my first job when I was 14. Sixty-one years later, I’m still working and don’t plan to stop. I take pride in being part of our community and in the charity projects with which Margaret’s has been involved,” says Schneider.
Her secret weapon to being successful is to love what you do and stay focused on your mission in life. “I’m inspired by anyone who came from nothing and made something out of their life.”

Stephanie Susemichel
Magnolia & Fig
12621 Shelbyville Road, Suite 24B
Stephanie Susemichel, of Magnolia & Fig, has a tattoo on her arm that says, “Live free of the fear of failing.” Those words to live by propelled her to open her boutique, Magnolia & Fig. She is intent on finding creative ways to make women feel good, supported, confident and beautiful.
Inspired by her toddler son, Emerson, she wants to give him the gift of an example of a mom who works hard for something she believes in. Susemichel is also inspired by her mother, Cheryl Susemichel, owner of Secret Garden. “She’s a retail genius, master gardener, Southern Belle, chardonnay aficionado and a grandmother. She’s the real deal, the whole package.”
Frequent comments to her are, ‘You own this? At your age? Good for you!’ but she is quick to prove her business isn’t a hobby or a game. “This is what I’ve always wanted to do, and what I always will do,” she says.

Amy Wagner
Reflections of You, by Amy
3935 Chenoweth Square
www.amywagnerdesigns.com

“Opening our Design Studio in Chenoweth Square has been a dream come true and a significant milestone in my career,” says Amy Wagner. “The enthusiasm of my associates and clients motivates me to work hard. I’m thankful for the opportunity to help others achieve their goals, whether it be an employee reaching their highest potential or a client transforming a space.”
She faces the never-ending challenge of balancing work and the other aspects of her life. Reserving evenings for her family and friends helps maintain that balance as does enhancing her personal time with a five-mile walk through Seneca Park three or four times a week.
Her secret weapon for success is being able to multitask. “My career advice for women is to follow your passion, gain expert knowledge about your product and learn skills to manage all facets of your business. Building relationships with like-minded people and networking are also extremely important.”

Sue Vogt
Rodes For Him | For Her
The Rodes Building 4938 Brownsboro Road
[email protected]

Sue Vogt has experience in five careers --- retail, education, event merchandising, outside sales and motherhood. She has combined her vision, determination and creativity to be a formidable model of success.
As owner and women’s buyer at Rodes For Him / For Her, she wears several hats. Whatever bubbles up to be the priority is what she takes care of in the moment.
“One of the unique positions I have is that I work with my husband (Howard Vogt) every day. That was difficult until we found a balance between keeping work at work and home at home. We’re respectful of each other’s feelings and exhaustion at the end of the day,” she says.
Rachel Ray, Robin Roberts and Ellen DeGeneres are among the women she most admires. “They’re completely different but have the same integrity of finding who they are, living life fully and embracing change and not backing down,” says Vogt.

Jessica Moreland
Sassy Fox Upscale Consignment
150 Chenoweth Lane
www.sassyfoxconsign.com

Jessica Moreland hates the paperwork that comes with her job as owner of Sassy Fox Upscale Consignment. But she loves looking at clothes all day and interacting with her customers. “To get away from the paperwork, I take breaks to create displays and play with the clothes,” she says.
She attributes her success to plain and simple hard work. As someone who doesn’t procrastinate, she has honed her organizational skills with great results. She admits that she’s stubborn and doesn’t throw in the towel easily. (That’s a woman to love!)
“There are so many bada$$ women in business, in the arts, in politics, in every field imaginable. The future is female! She says.
Her words of wisdom? Don’t settle. Don’t be afraid. Don’t feel like you have to be everything to everyone. Follow your dreams and don’t give in to negative self-talk. Learn to love yourself and don’t give up. If you fail, try again.

Patti Naiser
Senior Home Transitions
331 Townepark Circle Ste 100B
www.seniorht.com

When her father, a proud and independent man, displayed the beginning stages of Alzheimer’s, and as he was recovering from a broken hip, Patti Naiser began searching for an assisted living community for him. The search proved frustrating. Based on that experience, she founded Senior Home Transitions, providing free consultations to families searching for senior living options.
As she has researched senior communities, she has discovered many options she previously hadn’t known existed. “Unlike many other referral agencies, I work with literally every facility in about a 50-mile radius. I know which communities come through on their promises and the ones that don’t. I have also brought together many resources to help with finances, selling of personal property and homes, and other aspects that go along with this transition in life. My goal is to help families through a very difficult period, approach it with care and try to make it a pleasant, new chapter in a senior’s life,” she says.
Helping with her mother’s health problems gave her additional insight into the challenges faced by her clients, strengthened her ability to be empathetic and broadened her knowledge of resources.
Because families often call her when they’re in crisis, she responds even if they call in the evening or when she’s on vacation. However, she tries to take Sundays off, often relaxing by going horseback riding.
“The people who inspire me aren’t famous. They’re the women who juggle caring for kids and parents, and do it without complaint because they are doing it out of love. When they just can’t do any more, they call feeling guilty at times. But they amaze me with the sacrifices they’ve made. It’s a constant reminder of how strong we are and how lucky and blessed I have been with my family,” says Naiser.

Katie Meinhart
Six Sisters Boutique
84 E. Market Street
www.sixsistersboutique.payscapecommerce.com

Katie Meinhart and her five sisters were taught to be self-sufficient and to work hard for what they wanted. Those life lessons have paid off. She has created a thriving boutique in NULU. “I spent a large part of my childhood at my parents’ office downtown. For me to carry on the tradition of a small business in such an exciting downtown area gets me out of bed every morning!” she says.
When she struggles to separate work from her personal life, her husband knows it’s time for a movie night or a weekend out of town. She looks to him to reign her in and take a step back from the business.
One of her secret weapons for success in retail is to be kind and loving. Someone told her she wouldn’t make a go of her business. To that, she responds: “I spend every day showing that person that You Better Believe I Can!”

Amber Skye Fair
Skye Lash Lounge
2704 Frankfort Avenue • www.skyelashlounge.com

Amber Skye Fair, owner and founder of Skye Lash Lounge, is a licensed cosmetologist, eyelash extension specialist and educator who’s inspired by Sarah Blakely, founder and CEO of Spanx. “My customers and team also inspire me to continually learn new techniques and to improve myself in the areas of leadership, finance and personal growth,” she says. “I’m very grateful to have all of them in my life. Knowing that we are making our clients feel beautiful and are empowering them to be more confident is a wonderful feeling.”
To combat becoming distracted and bombarded with small things, she focuses on time management, and schedules personal activities and events three months out.
She’s a successful entrepreneur who urges other women to let go of the mental state of having to do it all. “Don’t be afraid to ask for help. And, adapt to change and keep learning. Knowledge is power.”

Erica McDowell
Skyn Lounge
227 Chenoweth Lane
www.skynlounge.com

After working as a makeup artist in San Francisco, Erica McDowell returned to Louisville to pursue the creation of her own makeup line, Zen Skyn Color Collection. This led to an interest in skincare. She soon obtained her aesthetics license and landed in the medical and day spa industry. That experience led to her opening Skyn Lounge in 2011.
“I have such a passion for skin care. Many clients come to me with skin concerns and the desire to take care of themselves. It’s very rewarding to help people who have full confidence in me. I love what I do so much that it doesn’t feel like I’m working,” says McDowell.
Rather than offering “everything under the sun” (don’t forget your SPF!), she prefers to excel in niche skin care services. Skyn Lounge can customize a regimen for a client on any budget.
“I listen closely to my clients to discern exactly what they want and need. They are super important to me and I want them to be happy with my services and to experience the difference those services can make in their skin care,” she says.
McDowell spends considerable time exploring ways to grow her business. “That means I have to find ways to handle the other parts of my life so that I have a nice balance. I think I do that pretty well but, of course, there are hiccups.” When she’s not working, her daughter, Chloe, keeps her very busy and very happy.
“Chloe is beautiful. She inspires me every day to constantly grow and to be artistic and creative in my business. I want to be a woman she can look up to,” says McDowell, who also receives inspiration from other female small business owners who are raising the bar for themselves.

Holly Cline & Jamie Stiff
Strands
11400 MainStreet, Suite 101
www.strandssalonspa.com

Five years ago, starting with three stylists, Holly Cline and Jamie Stiff opened Strands in an old house that was converted into a salon. They moved to a new, comfortably chic salon where there are now 10 stylists. The salon’s spa will open in October.
“We have a great team that works well together. Jamie and I have each other’s backs. Where I slack, she picks up, and vice versa,” says Cline.
They enjoy their roles as hair stylists during the day but look forward to taking on their wife and mother personas when they go home. “Working hard and setting a good example for our children is super inspiring,” she says.
They were raised by strong women who taught them to be self-sufficient. They share their life philosophy: Make a reachable goal. Once you reach that goal, make another one. This allows you to never stop striving for bigger and better things.

Jeanine Truman
Karl Truman Law Office
420 Wall Street, Jeffersonville; Heyburn Building, 332 West Broadway, Louisville • www.TrumanLaw.con

Jeanine Truman’s work ethic and perseverance were fostered as she worked on the dairy and tobacco farm where her father was a tenant farmer. Later, graphic arts training helped her develop her creative entrepreneurial endeavors in BeautiControl Cosmetics and ReMax Real Estate, and as a massage therapist. The culmination of this repertoire of work experiences led to her position as Marketing Director for Karl Truman Law Office.
“I have a passion for helping people in need of our legal services and for serving veterans. Each day brings another opportunity to be a positive influence to our team members, community, friends and family. Plus, I have the honor of working with my husband, who is my best friend,” she says.
One of her most formidable challenges is to deal with chronic pain associated with a neck injury. Because she works from home, she has the freedom to determine her work and personal schedule, allowing her to focus on “the big picture.”
She finds inspiration in Michelle Obama’s quote that “You should never view your challenges as a disadvantage. Instead, it’s important for you to understand that your experience of facing and overcoming adversity is actually one of your biggest advantages.” She is also encouraged by Obama’s observation that success isn’t about how much money you make, but about the difference you make in people’s lives.
Truman’s advice about a career centers on choosing a path you are passionate about. “Seek first to understand before being understood. Speak your truth with grace and loving kindness. When you fall forward, forgive yourself, make amends and try again. Develop and nurture strong friendships with people who encourage and challenge you to be your authentic self. Love yourself enough to know that you deserve more. Be brave enough to demand more. And be disciplined enough to work for more.”

Diane Bell, Jill Bradley, Marie Carney, Leigh Anne Hughes
Wells Fargo Advisors
297 N. Hubbards Lane • www.wellsfargoadvisors.com/001 PKY3

Diane Bell, Jill Bradley, Marie Carney and Leigh Anne Hughes have very different professional histories but they all have the same goal of providing a wide range of financial products and services.
“Teaching gave me a wonderful background in listening as well as taking a complicated topic and breaking it down into manageable language. If you can explain adverbs to 13-year-old students, you can explain dividend yields to anyone,” says Bradley. Carney’s estate planning work as an attorney lends itself to working with her Wells Fargo clients. All four women have extensive experience with investments, liability management, insurance, estate planning and retirement.
Their positions are multi-faceted, especially in light of new regulations and oversight in the industry. “Trying to serve clients at the level they deserve while still meeting all the new reporting and documentation requirements can be challenging,” admits Carney.
According to Bradley, her job description is implicit with trust. “When someone trusts you with their financial future, you must honor that trust. We work in an environment in which so much is out of our control. What I can control is my intent and effort to do the best possible job.”
Hughes finds it gratifying to help clients achieve their financial goals and dreams, and feels great pride when she’s able to help them through the opportunities that life brings. Bell echoes that sentiment, when she responds, “I enjoy learning about my clients’ lives and knowing I am making a difference in their lives.”
Their sources of inspiration are as varied as their personalities. For Bell, it has been her father and Amelia Earhart. “A big inspiration for me is the many women who support me each day to make sure my part of the work goes smoothly,” says Carney. Bradley is inspired by the men and women who put their own safety on the line for her, her family and her country. Her goal is to keep her day to day challenges in perspective.
Carney’s career advice is to not be afraid to ask for what you want, suggesting that if you wait for someone to offer it, you may wait a long time.
“Always be professional. In my experience, clients look for advice from a caring, genuine, intelligent financial advisor, whether female or male. A trustworthy advisor isn’t gender specific. I’ve never allowed that to be an issue in my approach or attitude,” says Bradley. Bell’s encouraging advice is to depend on your own self-worth and never give up.