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 [...]
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, [...]
