Gallery | Bourbon, Bags & Bling
Photos courtesy of Dress for Success Louisville
Dr. Debra Clary transforms leadership with ‘The Curiosity Curve’
By Chris James When Dr. Debra Clary walks into a room, she brings two things with her – a sharp mind and an open question. For the leadership expert, researcher and author of The Curiosity Curve: A Leader’s Guide to Growth and Transformation Through Bold Questions, curiosity isn’t just a personality trait – it’s a measurable skill that can elevate workplaces, revive engagement and even change the way we lead and innovate. In an age where workplaces are overwhelmed, leaders are stretched thin and employees are quietly disengaging, Clary argues that curiosity isn’t a luxury. [...]
Former HR executive turns passion into purpose with Louisville decorating business ‘Yokie’
By Chris James – When the world shut down and shifted into virtual spaces in 2020 due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Yolanda Reed noticed something happening in the small talk between colleagues. While navigating her role as a C-suite human resources executive, her colleagues often whispered – thinking she couldn’t hear – about the beautifully designed spaces behind her on camera. What they didn’t know was they were getting a first glimpse of a passion that had been quietly blooming since childhood. That passion has a name – Yokie, a décor and design company built [...]
The 65th Art: Neeta Mittal and the Transformative Story of LXV Wines
By: Tabnie Dozier In the golden, rolling hills of Paso Robles, California—where vineyards stretch like brushstrokes across the land, Neeta Mittal is planting and growing her legacy. As one of the first Indian women to own a winery in the United States, Neeta is not simply producing wine; she is sharing a story. Her winery, LXV Wines, is inspired by the ancient Indian concept of the 64 arts—cultural skills that traditionally defined a worldly, expressive, and thoughtful life. At LXV, Mittal believes the 65th art is the one we each write for ourselves. And for [...]
Bellatox Boutique Owner Julie Robbins Empowers Women from the Inside and Out
By: Chris James What began as a career in fitness and wellness has blossomed into a thriving two-state beauty and wellness brand led by Julie “Bella” Robbins, owner of Bellatox Boutique. With locations in Indiana and Kentucky, Robbins has turned her passion for care, connection, and confidence into a growing business that’s redefining accessible aesthetics. The Brains Robbins’ journey into the beauty industry wasn’t part of a master plan — it was, as she describes, a “good thing happening on accident.” “My husband was in the military, and I worked security at the [...]
Leading from the Ground Up: How Sydney McClure is Uniting Kentucky for Change
By Chris James When Sydney McClure talks about Kentucky, her voice carries both warmth and urgency. As the Executive Director and Co-Founder of Unite Kentucky, she represents a new wave of leadership—one rooted in community, compassion, and action. From Brand Strategy to Grassroots Leadership McClure’s journey didn’t begin in politics. “I was actually a government contractor,” she recalls with a laugh. “Public sector consulting, if we want to be fancy about it. I’m a project manager type and I really liked that aspect of my job, but I wanted more creativity.” Her desire for [...]
