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 [...]
From Grief to Grace: How Ashlee Johnson is Rebuilding Lives Through the Street Widows Foundation
By Chris James When Ashlee Johnson speaks, her words pulse with lived truth—raw, resolute, and profoundly human. As the founder of the Street Widows Foundation, Johnson is leading a movement born not from charity, but from necessity. A necessity that emerged from a devastating personal loss, shaped by public crisis, and powered by a deep-seated commitment to healing a wounded community. “I became a widow at 29,” Johnson says, plainly. “I lost my husband Tiwuan to gun violence. After that, I looked around and realized—there just weren’t spaces for people like me. People grieving [...]
Gallery | The Taste of Derby Festival 2025
PHOTOS BY: Gioia Patton
