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“Read these stories and you’ll realize that passion for your endeavor is the number one requirement for an entrepreneur. Every one of the women profiled here—whether their business is in beauty, design, food, fashion or substance-abuse therapy—began with a dream. But to make a dream come true requires tenacity, sacrifice, resilience, thick skin and lots and lots of old-fashioned hard work. It’s the passion that fuels the process, that makes trial and error bearable and makes small successes outweigh discouragement. “If you are passionate about your goals,” says Heidi Lisardo, co-owner of Puddle Jumpers, “You will wake up the next morning with renewed energy to move forward.” “Find your passion,” says Tiffany Colaizi, founder of Name Droppers, “And you will love going to work.” Our Women in Business section salutes these remarkable Utah women whose business is pursuing their dream.
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How does your personality, experience and background influence your business?
”I’ve been involved in some very intense industries, and that has really helped me to develop a tough skin. When we were building In The Event, we literally started from the bottom and had to work our way up through one of the toughest and most saturated markets out there. Having made that journey really helped with my knowledge of the industry, my ability to understand so much of what it has to offer, and has helped me find new and more innovative ways of rising to the top.”
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Where do you look for professional inspiration?
”Fashion! When it comes to design, I see fashion as one of the instigators of new trends and movements in the creative industry. From new color trends to how shapes are reinventing classical structures, fashion is just so innovative. I’m also an experienced interior designer, and that always plays into how we create new ways to play with the spaces we use to create events.”
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GAYLYN LASPINA
IN THE EVENT | 3008 S 300 W, SLC 801.886.1144 | intheevent.com
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Stay true to who you are as a company.” Q
ur team at In The Event specializes in a more holistic approach to event production and design. From supplying a comprehensive rental inventory to providing clients with professional event planners, designers and on-site staff, our team is experienced in creating an amazing event from start to finish. For 10 years now, we’ve been breaking the mold of traditional event planners by bringing together equipment and design to offer clients a one-stop-shop when it comes to their event planning experience. We’re based in the Salt Lake City area, where Silicon Slopes and the tech community is expanding exponentially, and In The Event is excited to be the design house that is equipped to handle anything from corporate events and product launches to parties and experiential marketing events. Built from the ground up, our team is
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Biggest challenge?
“Definitely scaling a business. Growing in a creative industry is always difficult, as it’s a combination of the technical side of growth, which includes HR, hiring, supply and demand, etc., and also how to continually be reinventing and improving your creative approach to the actual work you do. It’s always a challenge to stay true to who you are as a company when you’re always changing and moving in new directions.”
Best advice?
“Being honest 100% of the time will make creating and maintaining a successful business 100% easier. Not only in staying true to your brand and your identity as a company, but also in how you interact with clients and others in the industry. There are so many moving pieces in the world of events, and being truthful brings a peace of mind that is so essential in this fast-paced industry.” What’s new?
“So much has happened for In The Event even in the past few months! With our new location in Wyoming, the new website, and so many new additions to our decor and event technology inventory, we’re ready for the next level!”
no stranger to what it takes to start and propagate a successful business. Along with my husband, Robert, we’ve worked hard to bring together our separate industries, interior design and events, to create a company that gives our clients an extremely detailed and design-savvy approach to the experience they want to bring to life for their own audience.
arsha Holfeltz used to travel the world looking for the perfect upholstery textiles for clients. When she was unable to find what she was looking for, she started manufactured them herself—and thus, Madison McCord Interiors was born—first in Northern California and then, five years ago, here in Salt Lake.
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Not just fabric, Madison McCord’s showroom boasts dining tables, coffee tables and side tables in many sizes and textures including concrete, live edge woods, solid walnuts, steel and contemporary glass. And, of course, there are sofas, sectionals and chairs—700 frames are available with over 1,000 fabrics and leathers to choose from. Custom upholstery is completed in only three to four weeks, a relatively unheard of turn-around time. Holfeltz calls Madison McCord the “Mid-Century Modern headquarters in Salt Lake City,” and what’s more, she says, her designs offer something many competitors do not: Comfort. Explains Holfeltz, “We take these amazing clean lines and mix modern cushion technology during manufacturing to bring the perfect marriage of style and comfort.” “Your home should be a unique space that is defined by you individually,” Holfeltz says. “Our large selection of one-of-a-kind dining tables, coffee tables, consoles and custom upholstery ensures that your home is your own inviting environment.”
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How does your personality, experience and background influence your business?
“I started in the San Francisco Bay area where I was acclaimed for creating amazing environments for wine-tasting rooms.”
Best advice?
“Focus on building personal staying power. Take a hard look at yourself to determine if you have the personal stamina and skills in your area of expertise. It won’t come easy but it will be worth it!” What’s new?
“Designers and the public know that we sell our floor samples year round. If you need something for a design job or in your personal home quickly, we are the go-to store. Our inventory changes monthly so you will always find something fresh and unique!”
MARSHA HOLFELTZ
MADISON MCCORD INTERIORS | 3960 S. HIGHLAND DRIVE, SLC 801.277.5555 | madisonmccordinteriors.com
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Focus on building personal staying power.” SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
We are important to the Salt Lake and Park City community because we are a brick and mortar store with a lot of great inventory that can be purchased off the showroom floor or custom ordered for clients as well. We work with outside designers and we have our own full service in-house designers that can help customers in store or we can consult in home as well. I started my company in 1989 with my mother who has since retired. My parents had owned a large furniture store and I had grown up working there throughout my teen and college years. My mom and I wanted to partner in a business that channeled our creative energy and home furnishings background along with our love of interior design. So we began with a small design showroom selling to the design trade. Later we spent 10 years in the Historic Sugarhouse Post Office location which we outgrew and we then moved farther down Highland Drive to our larger 16,000 sq. foot showroom in the Holladay/ Millcreek area where we have more space to showcase a larger inventory of home furnishings and accessories. We have been in this location for 12 years. I have had a lifetime of experience in home furnishings and design and feel my no-pressure and laid-back approach lends itself to a gracious and warm experience for our clientele. It is important to have fun and we love working with clients of different tastes and backgrounds and celebrate all of the different needs and ideas our clients have. We rarely work with clients where we don’t have a lot of laughs along the way. We love getting to know everyone’s “story.” The more we know the better job we can do. Our clients often become great friends and as a result we have a lot of repeat business, referrals and second generations coming back to us. We really cherish these relationships.
JACQUIE COLLETT
GUILD HALL DESIGN CENTER | 3640 Highland Dr, SLC 801.277.6534 | utahguildhall.com
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Enjoy the process, love the outcome!”
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My company has been providing gorgeous and unique home furnishings, accessories and interior design for the past 29 years.
We specialize in great art and accessories and we have a very large showroom in which we can show a wonderful selection of upholstery and casegoods for people to see and try. We have an amazing staff of talented and capable interior designers.
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The biggest challenge these days is the internet. People have so many choices of places and ways to buy since the invention of online buying. We try to have fair prices, unique pieces and wonderful service. You can not really buy interior design online (although I have seen people try.) We specialize in hands-on design with the ability to show people a lot of things in person and see and touch fabrics and leathers. There is no substitute for that. Our mission statement is “Enjoy the process, love the outcome!” We want interior design to be fun, we want to create great spaces that people love to come home to and provide furnishings that are not only beautiful but functional...they must serve the needs of the family or person living there. We want people to be proud of their homes and have the home reflect them...not the designer. That is our goal.
t’s been said that art is in the eye of the beholder, but for the women at Inside Out Architecturals, art is in the tile. From wood parquet to glass, custom mosaic to historical ornamental, their lines are sourced from over 50 different global manufacturers. Inside Out has established itself as the ultimate art tile destination in Utah.
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for their project and is on hand throughout the tile selection process. They begin by helping clients visualize the tile in their space.“Clients need the opportunity to visualize their decorative tile in its field and location before it is installed,” explains Wynn “When a complicated layout is drawn beforehand, we can address questions and finishing details before the installation begins. Our design services are what sets us apart from other local tile stores.”
Owner Leah Wynn was first bitten by what she affectionately calls “the tile bug” when she was in college. “I fell in love with decorative tile when I was researching a project while interning for a local designer,” she says. “I have been fortunate to work with people who have kindled my obsession and encouraged me to open a showroom.” The all-female design staff is enthusiastic about helping homeowners and design professionals find the perfect tile
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How does your personality, experience and background influence your business?
“I love working with people and building relationships with them. When I meet with a client, I really try and build a good rapport with them. It makes both parties feel more comfortable and makes it so we understand each other and we can communicate well during the design process.” Jenny Rich—designer
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Where do you look for professional inspiration?
“We are proud to be working with vendors at the forefront of the design industry, providing products that are on the cutting edge of our industry.” —Leah Wynn
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Biggest challenge?
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Best advice?
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“The tile industry has grown substantially. There are so many options in color, size and shape that it can become overwhelming. Inside Out knows the questions to ask to assist in narrowing down choices.” —Leah Wynn Go for It. Don’t limit yourself. We have found if you do what you dream or love you will be happier. Even if you need to plan and save up to get what you want. —Leah Wynn Dream goal?
“To continue to love what we do here and share our passion and knowledge of tile with others.” —Leah Wynn What’s new?
“This year we will be one of few in the nation introducing new product that will amaze and present new intriguing options to the industry. Keep an eye on IOA.”—Leah Wynn
LEAH WYNN
INSIDE OUT ARCHITECTURALS | 3410 S. 300 West, SLC, 801.487.3274 | insideoutarchitecturals.com
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Go for It. Don’t limit yourself.” SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
in the water logged Pacific Northwest. So, she moved back home to Washington County to start a boot-selling website with her recently retired mom. One garage renovation project later (it’s now a warehouse/ office) the women are in business. And they say they’re having a great time, “We’re trying to be fun,” says Theresa. “We’re keeping it on the light side.” Theresa acknowledges that the duo is getting in on a fashion trend, but says there’s a plan for long-term boot wearers, long after the trend passes. “If we slide in on a fad,” she says, “we can maintain a business on the commercial end, because that’s who we want to cater to—mailmen and real estate agents who tromp around in the rain all day.”
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How does your personality, experience and background influence your business?
I am retired from a career in office work and Heidi has the experience in the shoe industry. We both have an eye for fashion and are creative. Creativity is important when you are starting from scratch. Having a sense of humor also helps.” —Theresa Lisardo
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Where do you look for professional inspiration?
“Hours and hours of research online. Reading reference books about the industry. Attending trade shows and connecting with vendors.”
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THERESA & HEIDI LISARDO PUDDLE JUMPERS | St. George, UT 435.319.8198 | puddlejumpers.biz
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t. George is an unlikely place for a rain boot empire to be born, but that’s exactly what the mother-daughter team of Theresa and Heidi Lisardo are doing with puddlejumpers.biz—a retail website devoted to rain boots and boot socks.
After living in Portland and working at a shoe store, daughter Heidi realized that many brick and mortar stores carry rain boots only as a seasonal item—a problem SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Biggest challenge?
“Competing for product with the “big companies” as a starter business. Finding the right wholesale vendors. Also, when a business is brick and mortar you are visible, but trying to get your online business to the front is challenging, you feel like you are swimming with the sharks.”
Best Advice?
“Do your homework before making an investment. Research, research, research. Don’t get discouraged, there will be days when you wonder, “what the heck am I doing.” If you are passionate about your goals you will wake up the next morning with renewed energy to move forward. It’s a great high.” Dream Goal?
“Expanding to include a fashionable line of raincoats. Working to manufacture our own line of boots made specifically for Puddle Jumper’s, and a good commercial end for practicality. It would be fun to have trendy little retail shops in the old district of Portland and downtown areas of bigger cities in colder states.”
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ame Droppers is the brain-child of Tiffany Colaizzi whose hard work and expert fashion sense has propelled her business to become Salt Lake City’s only high-end Designer Consignment Clothing stores.
The Name Droppers brand has grown extensively over the last 22 years with two locations covering over 6,000 sq.ft. of shopping space. Shipments of clothing and accessories arrive daily from loyal consignors living in many different fashion markets such as Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Newport Beach, Las Vegas, etc. These locations all add to the uniqueness of Name Droppers constantly changing inventory keeping it fresh and one of a kind. Don’t get fooled by the assumption that everything at Name Droppers is gently worn. Over half of the inventory in both stores is brand new with tags. Name Droppers deals with manufactures, reps and small boutiques that need to make room for new inventory in their showrooms and stores so they send to Name Droppers. The customer service at Name Droppers is always a pleasure. Unlike most shopping experiences, each staff member (trained by Tiffany) is a fashion stylist and offers styling at no extra charge. Call ahead before that last minute trip, the special occasion, or just when you want to feel like a celebrity. Name Droppers will have a rack full of different looks for you to try. They know your time is precious and they will help you spend it wisely. Shopping is fun when someone is doing it for you and saving you money too. It’s a simple in-and-out. Don’t miss Name Droppers End of the Month Sale. It is held the last full weekend of every month at both locations, Friday, Saturday and Sunday (Highland Drive Only—outlet store closed Sundays). High-end clothing means quality, style and excellent workmanship. You can have all of that at Name Droppers and wear the clothes you only dreamed of or have seen in the fashion magazines such as Gucci, Chanel, Burberry, Saint Laurent, Givenchy, and Prada etc.....at a fraction of the original price. It’s the smart way to shop!
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How does your personality, experience and background influence your business?
“I am a people person—this really comes in handy with the 15,000 consigners Name Droppers has. I started working retail when I was 14 yrs old in Newport Beach,California. I love people and love being apart of a community that supports small businesses. Salt Lake City has supported my business for the last 22 years and I’m very thankful for that.”
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Biggest challenge? “I love what I do and love my clients so much at
both of my stores, that I wish I could be at both my locations everyday.”
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Dream Goal? “My dream goal is to start franchising
Namedroppers within the year.”
TIFFANY COLAIZZI
NAME DROPPERS | shopnamedroppers.com Main store: 3355 Highland Dr , SLC, | 801.486.1128 Outlet: 2350 Parleys Way (2100 South) | 801.474.1644
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Find your passion and you will love going to work.” SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
would cherish and support each other,” she says of the decision to enter retail. “The store is like a great coffee shop,” Rothwell-Campagna explains. “You pop in to browse or to get style advice and end up knowing other shoppers.” Rothwell-Campagna says the advice doesn’t end with her staff, “Often a woman will be trying something on and come out to look in the mirror and other shoppers will chime in with positive affirmations. It is wonderful to see women lifting up other women.” From styling services, to good old-fashioned fashion advice, Rothwell Campagna says it’s this personal touch that sets Apt. 202 apart. “A reliable place where shoppers can find wonderful items, a helpful friendly face, style advice and have fun in the process - is priceless. This truly is a one-stop shop.”
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How does your personality, experience and background influence your business?
“I have a contagious passion for what I do. I also recognize that we are all very busy so my customer’s shopping experience should be as efficient and enjoyable as possible. My business background has helped me tremendously. This is not only my dream job, it is my career—and one that I take very seriously.”
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“My eyes and ears are always open and so I gain inspiration from all my walks of life. I often look at patterns or colors and try to replicate them through my window displays or store them in my mind’s eye for a later date. I follow quite a few boutiques on social media and love to see what other small shops are doing.”
ASHLEY ROTHWELL-CAMPAGNA APT. 202 BOUTIQUE | 955 E 900 South, SLC, 801.355.0228 | apt202boutique.com | insta@apt202
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Simple elegance breeds sophistication.”
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or Ashley Rothwell-Campagna, owner of Apt. 202, it’s all about community. “The camaraderie that happens within these walls is truly remarkable,” she says of the clothing boutique in Salt Lake’s Ninth and Ninth neighborhood. “It is a really fun positive shop with great energy.”
After a decade-long career in advertising in San Francisco, Rothwell-Campagna opened the doors to her shop in 2007. “I wanted an environment where women SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Where do you look for professional inspiration?
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Biggest challenge?
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Dream goal?
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What’s new?
“My biggest challenge is that I never stop. I am constantly working on improving my business to make it the best that it can be for my amazing customers. They deserve that!” “Simple elegance breads sophistication.” “My goal is to continue to strive for a balanced life and career.” Rothwell-Campagna says she sees clear trends for fall 2017, Army green, cold shoulder tops and choker necklines will reign supreme. Plus, sweaters are always in style, “I purchased a lot of cozy turtleneck sweaters in cashmere and other comfy fabrics,” she says.
ighly acclaimed designer Kristin Rocke melds her clients’ needs and aspirations into spectacular interiors that are as livable as they are uniquely personal. “My clients trust me to push the envelope and take them somewhere unexpected, knowing that each project ultimately represents their individuality,” says Rocke, principal and owner of K. Rocke Design.
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This Utah-based interior design firm boasts notable, awardwinning residential and hospitality projects coast-to-coast and has been recognized in numerous magazines including being named one of the top 10 designers to watch by Traditional Home. Her most recent international project, Rancho Santana resort in Nicaragua, has garnered international attention. For Rocke, the pursuit of authentic design and intriguing new product is an unending passion. She also owns Glass House, a pulsating design store furnished with unique items that delight shoppers and elevate the style of their homes. Visit the online store at GlassHouseSLC.com.
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How does your personality, experience and background influence your business?
“I am open to new experiences, and enjoy getting to know people. This translates into projects that reflect my clients’ tastes and lifestyles.”
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Where do you look for professional inspiration?
“I am frequently inspired by emerging artists. They respond quickly to what’s happening politically and culturally and the palettes that develop in their art work feels forward and fresh. When I see something that’s bespoke, it makes me want to do better and be better.”
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Biggest challenge?
“Finding enough time to do all I want to do. But I never run out of ideas. I feel fortunate that I get to weave them into my work.
Best advice?
“Jump in. You’ll never regret having tried something and giving it your best, but you will regret never having tried.” Dream goal?
“I want to continue to build and nurture my relationships with my customers. I am excited about supporting the arts and showcasing extraordinary home furnishings. With Glass House, I’m giddy about creating a place people enjoy coming to and having a unique experience.” What’s new?
“I’m seeing a lot of abstraction in patterns and depth in color ranges. I love the compelling color pairings, mashups of colors we haven’t seen together, like emerald with marigold and peony pink with chartreuse.”
KRISTIN ROCKE
K. ROCKE DESIGN | 3910 S. Highland Drive, Millcreek 801.274.2720 | krockedesign.com
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Jump in. You’ll never regret having tried something and giving it your best.” SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
But then she got an idea, “I started to think about what it would look like to have patients struggling with substance use be able to come to one private, outpatient space, where they could receive their primary care, behavioral health therapy and peer support, as well as access to medication-assisted recovery, if that was appropriate for them. I knew that there was a growing trend towards primary care and behavioral health care providers being co-located, and I knew that was how I wanted to deliver care for substance use disorder.” So she teamed up with psychologist, Dr. Jonathon Bone, owner of Salt City Psychology. At Equilibrium, de la Garza and Bone are delivering a more personalized and complete approach to recovery in an outpatient setting where patients can continue to have the support of family and friends. “Every patient is unique in their experiences and their needs for successful recovery—it is not a one size fits all approach. We hope to give patients and families access to the modalities they require to transform their lives. This is my vision and my passion.”
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How does your personality, experience and background influence your business?
“I have been treating patients with substance use disorder for six years, and my life personally has been impacted by the opioid epidemic. I am an empathic care provider and am dedicated to helping patients and families struggling with the impact of this incredibly difficult diagnosis.”
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AMY DE LA GARZA, M.D.
EQUILIBRIUM: OUTPATIENT CARE FOR SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER | 77 S. 700 East, SLC Suite 220 | 801.532.2570
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Be tenacious and patient.”
“People who I’ve come in contact with over the years, mentors who I see making a difference in other people’s lives.”
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e’ve all heard the grim statistics. Utah is fourth in the nation for opioidrelated deaths. Dr. Amy de la Garza is ready to do something about it. After being trained to treat substance use disorder during her family practice residency, de la Garza says she was ready to make a career out of the practice, but then she says, “When I got out into the real world I realized that just giving people medicine to treat an alcohol or opioid use disorder, without having the behavioral therapy component, didn’t do anything. It wasn’t helpful.”
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Where do you look for professional inspiration?
Best advice?
“My best advice for patients and families struggling with addiction is to really be open to exploring all of the options for treatment. Recovery looks different for every person, there are choices of places for treatment,and choices for modalities of treatment, including medication.” Dream goal?
“To bridge the gap between abstinence-based, 12step programs and medication-assisted recovery through successful outcomes with my own patients and advocacy work.” What’s new?
Drs. de la Garza and Bone will continue their independent practices for patients who do not have substance use disorders. Dr. de la Garza practices family medicine, and Dr. Bone has a general psychology practice as well as forensic psychology. More information can be found about their individual practices at dramydelagarza.com and saltcitypsychology.com.
en Reuben’s first yoga experience was a bust. “I didn’t like it,” she says, “I thought it was a waste of my time. I was like ‘What is this? I thought yoga would be a serene experience but this is sweaty and gross.” Two years later she decided to join some friends for a 30-day yoga challenge. “I went for the first two weeks and I dreaded each practice,” she says with a laugh, “but something changed around day 15. I don’t know what it was, but I started looking forward to class.” And just like that, she was hooked.
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So, she took a leap of faith, found a partner and opened a studio in downtown Salt Lake—primarily so she would have a place to practice. Reuben’s initial negative impression of yoga has shaped her business philosophy. “We teach in a style that’s accessible,” she says. “Making the decision to go to a studio is the hardest thing a person who has never practiced yoga will ever do.”
But after moving home to Salt Lake she discovered there were no power yoga studios in the valley. She says her mood and demeanor felt the effects of not practicing, “I literally felt myself closing up into the snarky girl I was before,” she says.
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How does your personality, experience and background influence your business?
“I love to have fun and to allow that to shine through as a teacher and as a community leader. SLC can be a tricky place to meet fun people and I wanted to change that. I am committed to our community, it’s what makes SLC so damn special.”
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Where do you look for professional inspiration?
“I have a group of friends who also own businesses in Salt Lake. It’s essential for me to have that sounding board with other woman who can relate on every level. It’s how I fill myself up and get inspired.”
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Biggest challenge?
“I’m a visionary and I love to create ideas. I’m not the best at managing people. We have a studio with fifty plus staff and it’s hard for me to delegate. How do you keep all the balls in the air at one time and still stay present?”
Best advice?
“If you find a passion in life that you want to turn into a business, make sure that you create enough space so that the business doesn’t overshadow the passion.” Dream goal?
“Continuing to share the love of this style of yoga with as many people as possible in Salt Lake. We’re scheduled to open up in new locations in 2018 and I want to be able to share the love of this practice.” What’s new?
“We now have a dedicated studio for empowerment programs—teacher trainings, deeper meditation and movement. We’re a continuing education center in the realm of health and wellness. Our teachers in our community are so incredibly talented, I wanted to create a platform for their growth and success. There’s a lot to be excited for.”
JEN REUBEN
SALT LAKE POWER YOGA | 250 Broadway, Ste. 200, SLC 801.468.9642 | saltlakepoweryoga.com
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Creating your business is also creating a community.”
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The charming boutique is eclectic and one-of-a-kind in its style and inventory. “We have a little bit of everything. I wanted to make it a one-stop-shop,” Bennett says. “So we carry lots of different things—baby, bath and body, things for the home, clothing, jewelry, shoes and wedding. I’m hoping it appeals to everyone who walks in the door.” Bennett spends a lot of time at markets seeking out one-ofa-kind items for her shop. “I try very hard to have things other people don’t have,” she says. But it’s the presentation of her merchandise that sets Amy Boutique apart, “I like to do displays,” Bennett says. I go to markets and I dream up things I want to do and I buy based on that,” she explains. When I get back, I do a fun display. I don’t just stack things on the shelf.”
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How does your personality, experience and background influence your business?
“My personality is very eclectic. I have very different tastes that all work together, I like lots of different styles and that helps me as a buyer.”
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Where do you look for professional inspiration?
“I love Paris. I love French design. I know in retail that if I buy everything for my taste I’m not going to sell very much, so I buy for other people’s tastes. You have to get to know your customers.”
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AMY BENNETT
AMY BOUTIQUE | 4670 South 2300 East, Holladay 801.938.9241 | facebook.com/amyboutiqueutah
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Do it when you’re young!”
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my Bennett was born a retailer. “I used to play with an adding machine at my grandma’s house like I owned a store,” she says. “I always knew I would own a shop. I was just waiting for the right location.” It took her four years after she decided to leap into the business, but she found her perfect location in the Holladay Village Plaza.
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Biggest challenge?
“Trying to remain unique and finding new things that not everyone has. With the internet you can find anything, so a lot of times I’ll buy things at antique stores because I know other shops won’t have them.”
Best advice?
“Do it when you’re young! I should have done it when I was younger and I had more energy. It’s a lot of work. And hire the right people. It’s so important to hire people you want to work with.” Dream goal?
“Creating a shop that appeals to everybody. I’m working on online right now. We have social media but people want to know if we can ship.” What’s new?
“I’ll be hosting Halloween and Christmas open houses. During those, customers get all holiday merchandise at 20 percent off, even new inventory.” More information about the open houses and the upcoming website can be found on Amy Boutique’s Facebook page.
t’s unclear if the pun is intended when Michelle Leo, of Michelle Leo Events, says, “I decided to marry my love for creativity and design to my natural talent for organization and planning,” but as an event planner, she’s seen her fair share of marriages. She’s organized and planned everything from luxury weddings to intimate ceremonies and social soirees to corporate events, in the U.S. and abroad.
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Leo and her team base all events on the client’s individual needs and desires—providing flexible pricing, unique design and exceptional event production. MLE not only efficiently plans and executes events from a logistical standpoint, but also adds an extraordinary design element to each event. It’s these
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unique offerings and creative designs that have taken the global event design and planning industry by storm, earning the company an impressive list of awards along the way. Martha Stewart and Vogue Magazine have called Michelle Leo Events Utah’s Top Wedding Planner, and the company just claimed its seventh consecutive Best of State award. The awards and happy clients go hand-in-hand, “Our one-on-one planning and design process is tailored to the unique and individual needs of each client, allowing us to provide a custom, personalized experience that delivers unforgettable results,” says Leo.
How does your personality, experience and background influence your business?
”Throughout my career as an event planner and designer, I have had the opportunity to connect with people and to produce events all over the world. Each unique experience has contributed to the way I see and connect with my clients both near and far.”
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Where do you look for professional inspiration?
“Literature, music, art, interior design, textiles, travel, culture, fashion and more. We get to know our clients’ styles and work to produce amazing client and guest experiences with an emphasis on the details. Michelle Leo Events focuses on creating environments that allow clients and their guests to enjoy the event.”
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“Dealing with unrealistic clients who have giant expectations and don’t understand or respect the type of budget required to support their expectations. Many people believe the price of goods and services in the event industry is negotiable—that’s not the case.”
“Value moments, not things. Staying connected to the people I love fuels my energy and zest for life, and I find sheer joy in owning a company where our highest priority is helping our clients design, plan and enjoy life’s most celebrated events.” Dream goal?
“I’d really love to plan an intimate wedding abroad on a beautiful hillside overlooking the Mediterranean. A gathering of close friends and family, tables full of delicious food, the perfect lighting, and an overwhelming feeling that can only be described as “the perfect summer evening.” If you’re reading this and dreaming of the same thing, call me!”
MICHELLE LEO
MICHELLE LEO EVENTS 801.455.1121 | michelleleoevents.com
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Value moments, not things.” SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
walk in or call ahead without needing to make an appointment a week in advance. We’re high class and high-end, without high prices.” With a focus on hygiene—Nailed! has regular check-ups with a podiatrist to make sure sanitary standards are maintained—and community—Nailed! Is a favorite place for groups of friends to gather—Nailed! is one-of-a-kind in Salt Lake. But, Bennion, a trailblazer in the marketplace, says the salon style is taking off nationwide now—with chains popping up in California and Colorado. “We were the first to have this,” she says. “I think it’s important that we have something on the upper echelon in Salt Lake. We’re really cutting edge.” And with a new location opening this fall, Bennion sees a bright future. “I have 35 employees and they know they have a safe job here,” she says, “As I continue to grow, there will be more opportunities for them.”
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How does your personality, experience and background influence your business?
“I am a people person. I love having people around me—I love gathering. Nailed! is a gathering place—clients can tell that this is a friendly place where they want to be. Everything tells them, ‘Come join us and stay and talk and enjoy your time here.’ ”
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Where do you look for professional inspiration?
“I have a great team of people and amazing talent who work with me, I trust them to look at the trends in the field, and I’m on the business end keeping us ahead of the curve.”
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TRICIA BENNION
NAILED! | 875 E. 700 South, SLC 801.532.6245 | nailedboutique.com
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“You have to have the courage of your conviction”
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elieve it or not, Tricia Bennion had never even had a manicure when she developed the business model for Nailed! salon. An idea born from the mother-daughter bonding pedicures that Bennion would get with her then-tween daughter, Nailed! is to the mani-pedi world what fast-casual dining has become for the restaurant industry.
“We’re the alternative to the express salons you see on every corner,” says Bennion. “We offer a higher quality product and our hygienic standards are higher, but you can SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Biggest challenge?
“Finding technicians is very difficult. In this industry there’s very high turnover. In the end, finding employees will be what limits growth in Salt Lake.”
Best advice?
“You have to have the courage of your conviction—know innately that what you’re doing is a good thing, and no mater how hard it gets, stick with your business model.” Dream goal?
“Every state in the country has a Nailed! You’ll go to Starbucks for your coffee, Aveda for your hair cut and Nailed! for your mani-pedis.” What’s new?
In addition to a new exclusive line of vegan and cruelty-free nail polish now in development, Nailed! recently opened a second salon in Millcreek—and unlike the Salt Lake location, which Bennion calls “an everything-but-hair” salon, the new location will have hair stylists onsite. “It’s a nail salon that does hair instead of a hair salon that does nails.” 3369 S. Highland Dr., SLC
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ravel isn’t her job, but Jennifer Reeves Design, approaches globetrotting with a business in mind. “I seek out unusual gemstones everywhere I go and bring them back to the U.S. for my designs,” she says.
This is no doubt in part because of her background in the corporate world while living in Australia. It was then that she started creating jewelry part-time. “It was kind of funny because all the ladies I worked with started wearing my jewelry,” she says. “I could never stop. I thought, “This is going to go somewhere.” And somewhere it went - both literally and figuratively.
one can conduct business as well as a tourist destination. I think that women are seeking more choices and sophistication in what they are wearing and how they are accessorizing.” Her collection of jewelry has been instrumental in allowing her to work with women entrepreneurs and support small businesses. “My jewelry business is my passion, but I also endeavor to empower women.”
Reeves is now based in Salt Lake and her pieces are sold online, at trunk shows, pop-ups and at select retailers in Park City, Salt Lake and Los Angeles. In the four years she’s been here Reeves has seen changes in the area, “Park City and Salt Lake are growing communities,” she says, “Because we are becoming a very popular place where
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How does your personality, experience and background influence your business?
“I lead a very active life. I also have a vibrant personality, combined with my travels and creative background which complement by business and the jewelry that I design. All of these characteristics meld into a unique pot of creativity.
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Where do you look for professional inspiration?
“I travel extensively, read a lot of jewelry magazines and keep up with current trends. I also go to trade shows and get inspired by exchanging ideas with other designers.”
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Biggest challenge?
“Time. Because there is so much I want to do and there are only 24 hours a day. It’s frustrating because I want to go places and do more things, but I am limited on time.”
Best advice?
“Whether it is a goal you want to reach or a business you want to develop. Follow your heart, be passionate and be positive with challenges you are faced with.” Dream goal?
“I would like to get my jewelry into additional retailers and boutiques in order to expand my distribution and allow more people to enjoy my designs. What’s new?
“In general I’d like to expand my pearl collection. Pearls are making a comeback and people have a much higher appreciation and interest for pearl jewelry. “I am going to expand that collection to meet the demand.”
JENNIFER REEVES JENNIFER REEVES DESIGN 708.717.5942 | jreevesdesigns.com
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Follow your heart.”
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Best advice? “Opportunity is limitless, so just believe in yourself and dive-in head first...! Dream goal? “To fall in love again! The icing on the cake would be to share my business with my new love. The restaurant business is consuming, yet passionate and I would love to share that with someone! What’s new? “We have expanded into the wedding business, offering bridal showers, groom’s dinners, rehearsal dinners, ceremonies and receptions. We have created a special environment for business meetings and company parties as well.”
CELEBRATING
20 YEARS
AS A RESTAURATEUR IN SLC…!!
feeling blessed......!!!
so many wonderful, amazing people... ...entering my life I observe... ...each day
the interaction... ...silliness
...happiness the joy...
...peacefulness
KIMI EKLUND
the sense of fulfillment...
KIMIS CHOP & OYSTER HOUSE | 2155 S. HIGHLAND DRIVE, SLC 801.946.2079 | kimishouse.com
...satisfaction
TOGETHER, creating this masterpiece... ...WE all call kimi’s chop & oyster house! exponential, my gratitude...
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inconceivable, my gratefulness...
for the humbling expression of love...
Opportunity is limitless, so just believe in yourself and dive-in head first...!.”
...generosity ...loyalty
...respect
...kindness
each of you has shared with me!! THANK-YOU...
How does your personality, experience and background influence your business? “Every day I awake with vigor, enthusiasm and excitement for creating a cozy, friendly atmosphere for my guests to enjoy a “kimistyle” experience; one where my guests enjoy the freshest fish and seafood in Salt Lake City, in a luxurious setting, with a Scandinavian flair. My Executive Chef Matt Anderson has been with me since 1997, and my Bar Manager Kenn Hall since 1998. Obviously, loyalty within my staff helps create a solid foundation for my business.” Where do you look for professional inspiration? “I have been blessed to engage in the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Initiative in 2015 and this September I will partake in the inaugural class of the James Beard Foundation Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Program in Boston. Outside of expanding my education, I network with people I admire in various professional positions.” SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
...for your friendship and patronage that I hold so closely to my heart!!
May the joy of the upcoming fall and holidays enrich your life...
...as much as you have mine!!! xoxo
kimi
ps…we offer private rooms for weddings, business meetings & holiday parties! Book yours today!