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 [...]
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 [...]
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, [...]
Ice Cream Oasis: Best Friends dish out immersive experience with the Roll Academy in Tennessee
Photo credit: Minnie Morklithavong By: Jerry Shannon A pair of best friends are turning their love for ice cream into scoops of adventure, success, and empowerment. Nashville, Tennessee is home to the one and only Thai-inspired rolled ice cream food truck experience in Music City. The truck travels around Middle Tennessee bringing flair to all types of events including birthdays, corporate events, private parties, etc. You may even catch them setting up shop at a local park. The two women behind the unique experience are also giving ice-cream lovers a chance [...]
We See You, Sis: Tahjená Muldrow– Where Purpose Meets Performance
Photo Courtesy: Kevin Jay Photography By Zoe Meyer Tahjená Muldrow has never fit into one box. Singer, dancer, actor, choreographer, writer, and teacher—her artistry defies labels, though she ties them all together with a single thread: purpose. She describes herself as a “purpose-driven, multifaceted creative,” equipped with gifts that allow her to explore artistry in many forms. Singing, dancing, writing, teaching—each, she said, springs from creativity itself. “As humans, we are divinely designed to create.” Destined for the Spotlight Born in Bowling Green and raised in Louisville, Muldrow seemed destined for [...]
