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 [...]

Empowering Women, Building Community: How One Reno Woman Turned Connection into a National Movement

    By Chris James When Hindi Marciniak moved to Reno, Nevada, she didn’t know anyone. What she did know was that she wanted to make meaningful connections — and in doing so, she sparked a movement that is transforming how women-owned businesses connect, collaborate, and thrive nationwide. “I’ve always worked a nine-to-five,” Marciniak said. “Last year, I decided I wanted to start a little side business that had to do with parties. I went to Facebook looking for a women-owned business group here in Reno — and I couldn’t find one. So, I decided [...]

Finding Harmony: How JCPS Choir Director Talor Byrd Builds Community Through Music and Love

  By Chris James At Fern Creek High School, the sound of voices lifting in unison is more than music—it’s healing. It’s hope. At the center of it all stands Talor Byrd, Director of Choral Activities, whose purpose is as clear as the notes her students sing. “The music’s great, but the kids are the priority. I just want them to have as many high-quality experiences as possible,” she said.   The Starting Point Byrd’s journey into education began not with a single moment, but with a series of transformative ones. Growing up in Louisville, [...]

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