As part of our 25th birthday celebration, we want you to celebrate where you are now, and think about how you can bring more joy into your life for the New Year. Find some inspiration from these 25-year-olds.

Elle Smith
Human Resources Assistant Store Manager, Kroger

Photos by Melissa Donald 

Biggest realization: “I love the growth I have experienced. I love continuing to find out who
I am.”

Her thoughts on being a woman: “Being a strong woman, a leader with her own ideas and thoughts is so important. As women, we wear so many hats and possess so many traits that make us a force to be reckoned with.”

Elle is wearing: Dress, $75; shoes, $95; Jacket, $69; earrings, $15. All items available at Apricot Lane Boutique, 1301 Herr Lane, 502.708.2823.

Natalie Spiller
3rd Year MD/MBA Student, University of Louisville


Biggest realization: “I can truly be whatever I want as long as I don’t let a few setbacks stop me.”

Challenging moment: “In my freshman year of college, my advisor told me I wasn’t cut out for something as difficult as medicine. I’m one year away from my MD.”

Natalie is wearing: Top, $72.99 , available at Colokial; skirt, $75.99; shoes, $51.99; necklace, $42.99. All items available at Colokial, 219 Pearl Street, 812.725.1321. In first image at top: Dress, $99.99; shoes, $51.99; choker, $14.99. All items available at Colokial 219 Pearl Street 812.725.1321.



Katie Kraft
Choir Director at Scribner Middle School, married and mother of a 4-month old.

Her inspiration: “People who live simply and joyfully without cluttered distractions.”

Biggest realization: “I am realizing that balancing new motherhood and teaching is tough and that’s okay. I can’t expect myself to be perfect in every aspect all the time.”

Katie is wearing: Dress, $365; shoes, $185; earrings, $98, available at Monkee’s of Louisville, 3624 Brownsboro Road, 502.897.1497; necklace, $34, Dress and Dwell, 138 East Spring Street, 812.725.7566.