Staying healthy both mentally and physically is so important right now although we are #healthyathome. These ladies work in wellness from dental health and women's health to fitness and eating habits to hair and skincare. We are honored to feature so many Fabulous Female Professionals from all over Hardin County. We are on Day 4, but in case you missed the previous post, visit the Blog tab at the top of our site to access the others. This is a Q&A-style feature. Each of the 72 lovely ladies answered up to 10 questions about her business or profession, giving insight as to what it means to be a female professional and sharing a bit on how they give back to the area. Featured in print is one answer from each lady, but the full questionnaires are available on our blog, RIGHT HERE. Photos by the Elaina Janes Photography.
Jessi Clemons, The Cornerstone Fitness
What made you decide to become a trainer/fitness business owner? For as long as I can remember, health, wellness, and fitness have been part of my life. I am truly passionate and driven by helping others achieve their health and wellness goals. There is nothing more satisfying than a client reaching a goal that was once believed to be out of reach for them. That feeling will never get old. How did you get started in your profession?
How much time ya got? For the past several years, I felt a tug to take the leap of faith in making fitness my full-time job. I started my trainer/instructor journey teaching by group fitness classes at a gym and training clients one on one. That eventually branched out to holding Zumba classes in the basement of a local church. And here we are… Almost two decades later. My business has had various locations over the years, and this year finally, I am thankful to be opening a studio and having a place to call home!
How many years have you been in business/worked at your job?
I have done group fitness and personal training for 15+ years, however just recently made the leap of faith to make this my full-time job.
What sets your business apart from others like it in the area? How does it stand out?
I have always enjoyed getting to know each and every person that walks through the door. Fitness, to me, is so much more than aesthetically pleasing physiques, speed, or strength. My goal is for each and every person that utilizes services from The Cornerstone Fitness to walk away a better person, not only physically but mentally and spiritually as well. We do life together. At the end of the day, it is so much more than movement and exercise, but an experience, a community.
What do you love most about your job?
Relationships. Over the past two decades, I have met countless people from various backgrounds and walks of life. We have laughed together, cried together, and celebrated together.
How does your job help local ladies?
I love this quote from Socrates “It is a shame for a woman to grow old without ever seeing the strength and beauty of which her body is capable.” At The Cornerstone Fitness, we turn I can't into I CAN and impossible into I’M possible. From barre classes, boot camps, Foundation Training, individual programming, and postpartum wellness, I truly feel we offer something for every woman!
If you had one piece of advice for women entering your line of work, what would it be?
It’s work. It’s unpredictable, and always changing. You have to have tough skin. It’s peaks and valleys. Always be open to constructive criticism and being a lifelong learner, as the fitness industry is continuously evolving. But at the end of the day, I love what I do, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Is there a quote that makes you feel empowered or pertains to your line of work? Like many clients, I have had to overcome weaknesses, be it physical or mental. This scripture is the foundation or “Cornerstone” of my business 2 Corinthians 12:10 “For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
Marilyn Delgado, Etown Wax and Lash Bar
What made you decide to become a Esthetician?
I struggled with teen acne. I tried many things to help clear it. After exhausting all the options prescribed to me, I took matters into my own hands and went to see an esthetician. She helped clear my skin within six months. That’s when I knew I wanted to be an Esthetician. How did you get started in your profession?
I attended a school in California for Esthetics How many years have you been in business/worked at your job?
I have been a licensed Esthetician since 2008 What sets your business apart from others like it in the area? How does it stand out?
The services at Etown Wax and Lash Bar are tailored to each client's needs and wants. We specialize in lashes, waxing, and skincare. Our lash services are designed to enhance each client's natural beauty, our waxing services are performed with care, and our skincare treatments are designed to get lasting results. I believe in continued advanced education that will keep my team and me at the top of our field. What do you love most about the job?
What I love most about the industry and my studio is the clients, the conversation, and of course, the ability to enhance each client's natural beauty and help make improvements to a client's skin. How does your job help local ladies?
We are a local wax, lash, and skincare studio that caters to making women feel their best. If you had one piece of advice for women entering your line of work, what would it be?
Find out what your passionate about, dig deep, and push forward. Remember where you came from and know where you’re going! Is there a quote that makes you feel empowered or pertains to your line of work?
I don’t know where this is from or if it is just from my youth pastor, but I will always remember his advice....”Grow where your feet are planted”. This has given me clarity in so many situations and brings me peace.
Susan M. King, DMD, & M. Claire Brown, DMD, Susan King Dentistry
What made you decide to become a dentist? Claire: I decided to become a dentist because of its instantaneous way of helping people. You have a tooth that’s causing you pain? Let’s remove it and make you feel better. You are self-conscious about your smile? Let’s make a plan to fix it. I had the privilege of watching my mother do this for people for many years. Now, we do it together.
How did you get started in your profession?
Claire: I started by going to Remote Area Medical (RAM), mission trips with my mother while I was still in high school. I got to assist dentists and student dentists in caring for individuals without access to dental care in rural areas of Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia, etc. I then was given a fantastic opportunity to work as a sterilization assistant at Inman & Baldwin Orthodontics for several summers during high school and college. I can’t thank them enough for giving me my first job and seeing how awesome a dental practice can be run.
How many years have you been in business/worked at your job? Claire: I have been working with my mother since July of 2019. But, I guess four years of college, four years of dental school, and then a year-long residency got me to this point!
What sets your business apart from others like it in the area? How does it stand out? Claire: What sets us apart is that we are a mother-daughter dental team. I genuinely think my transition into private practice has been much easier because my mom has provided excellent care for patients for the past thirty years. Sometimes as a young provider, especially a female healthcare provider, your intellect and judgement are questioned. When I explain to people what they need, I am given the benefit of the doubt (I think because of her), and they trust me. We have the perfect blend of years of experience and exposure to new techniques, materials, and methods.
What do you love most about your job?
Claire: Gosh, how do you pick something that you love MOST?! I get to learn from and work with my best friend, my momma. We also have an excellent team working with us that makes it so much fun to come to work. I think my favorite part of dentistry though, is listening to kiddos tell me about their day; I love their stories that they come up with!
Are there any unique challenges you have faced as a female in the dental field? How do you overcome those?
Claire: I am so grateful that healthcare has changed, and women are playing a more substantial role than they had in the past. When my mom went to dental school, she had very few women in her class. In mine, over half were female! In my experience, I have noticed that my patients enjoy my light touch, my willingness to listen, and small hands!
How does your job help local ladies? Claire: One of our most significant patient populations is the spouses of soldiers stationed at Fort Knox. We take pride in that we welcome many new ladies to our area. If you had one piece of advice for women entering your line of work, what would it be? Claire: Make sure you do your homework and shadow as many dentists as possible. Working as a private practice dentist is much different than I imagined, even with a mother as a dentist. Dental school gives you the tools to succeed as a dentist, but there is much more that couldn’t possibly be explained in school. For those interested, reach out! I am happy to talk with you all to discuss my journey to become a dentist. Is there a quote that makes you feel empowered or pertains to your line of work? Claire: “Peace. It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.” —Unknown
Susan Nethers,RN, & Tonya Money, APRN, Heartland WOmen's Healthcare
What made you decide to become a nurse? Susan: My dad had a stroke when I was ten. I cared for him until his death seven years later. I knew then that I wanted to spend my life caring for others. Tonya: Honestly, I met someone that was going through nursing school, and she inspired me to enroll in the nursing program. How did you get started in this profession? Susan: I’ve worked in many different areas at Hardin Memorial Hospital, such as the 5th floor, PICU, Carefirst, and the Operating Room, where I met my husband. I’m now the Office Manager and his First Assistant in surgery. Tonya: I was an ICU nurse and going to school to be a Nurse Practitioner, and I fell in love with Woman’s Health during my clinical. How many years have you been in business or worked in your job?
Susan: Twenty-six years.
Tonya: Twenty-six years as an RN and nineteen years as a Family Nurse Practitioner.
What sets your Heartland Women's Healthcare apart from others like it in the area? How does it stand out?
We have a bustling OB/GYN practice with wonderful patients. A couple of years ago we decided to start offering something new to this area, so we decided on CoolSculpting. CoolSculpting is a non-invasive procedure that is intended to change the appearance of the treatment area by delivering controlled cooling at the surface of the skin to break down fat cells that are just beneath the skin. We think all women are beautiful and perfect the way they are, but we know that sometimes it’s the little areas that can affect a person's self-esteem and self-confidence. Because we are a medical practice, and we are both medical professionals, we feel like our approach to CoolSculpting is unique. If someone feels better about the way they look, then they will take a more active role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
What do you love most about your job?
We both enjoy meeting new people and developing a relationship with them while taking care of them.
If you had one piece of advice for women entering your line of work, what would it be?
Follow your heart. Nursing is not an easy field to go into, but if your heart leads you to care for others, then do not give up.
Is there a quote that makes you feel empowered or pertains to your line of work? We simply follow the golden rule “ Treat other people the way you would like to be treated with respect.”
Jasmine Coles Alderman, Personal Trainer
What made you decide to become a personal trainer?
I decided to become a health and fitness professional after my first son was born. I was newly married with a six-month-old baby and a six-year-old stepson when my husband deployed overseas. I couldn't stand to see myself in the mirror some days. I couldn't play and chase after the boys without feeling out of breath; I needed to make some changes.
How did you get started in your profession?
As I began to see my body transform from the changes I was making, I started to fall in love with learning more about health and fitness. I saw how implementing better choices in your nutrition and workout regiment can really benefit you. Eventually, friends and family were also noticing my changes and reaching out to me for help.
How many years have you been in business/worked at your job?
I started with training my friends first back in 2014, and it continued to grow from friends and family to friends of friends and locals in the community who had heard about me. In June 2018, I started working with Chris Watts at Mandatory Fun as a health and fitness coach.
What sets your business apart from others like it in the area? How does it stand out?
I strive to better my clients' lives not only in a physical
way but also mentally and emotionally. Health and fitness are more than exercise, nutrition, pounds, and inches. I want my clients to achieve overall better health from the inside out.
What do you love most about your job?
I love that my job allows me to show women how to be confident in themselves where they are now and where they are going. Using my personal story and struggle as an example, I'm able to show women how to fall back in love with themselves and heal their relationships with their mind and body.
How does your job help local ladies?
As a local health and fitness coach, I help local ladies by using my knowledge, experience, and lifestyle to empower women to understand all the possibilities for their lives and their bodies and giving them the necessary tools to make sustainable changes.
If you had one piece of advice for women entering your line of work, what would it be?
Show up every day for yourself and for your clients, lead by example, continue your education, and be passionate about what you do.
Is there a quote that makes you feel empowered or pertains to your line of work?
"Be fearless in pursuit of what sets your soul on fire." - Unknown
Jenny-Marie Greenough, Raja Wellness
What made you decide to become an acupuncturist?
I had a life-altering spontaneous rupture of a disc in my neck that left me without most of the use of my right arm and in excruciating pain. Acupuncture worked when everything else, including surgery, failed, and I realized that I wanted to help others like me.
How did you get started in your profession?
It took four years for school studying Traditional Chinese Medicine before I could become Nationally Certified and get my license. After that, I looked for a place I wanted to live where there weren’t many acupuncturists, and I ended up in Kentucky.
How many years have you been in business/worked at your job?
Six years after finishing school.
What sets your business apart from others like it in the area? How does it stand out?
We are the only fully integrated holistic medical practice in the area - our team includes a nurse practitioner, two acupuncturists, a massage therapist, Reiki Master, and two wonderful office staff.
What do you love most about your job?
I get to help people find hope from impossible situations- most people who come to see me have tried everything else for difficult conditions, and nothing worked. Most of the time, we can help them.
Are there any unique challenges you have faced as a female in the wellness industry?
How do you overcome those? More women practice acupuncture than men, but that is changing rapidly. It’s more balanced now.
How does your job help local ladies?
I employ 2 of them, and we provide a unique service to the community at large.
If you had one piece of advice for women entering your line of work, what would it be?
Don’t skip the science stuff, acupuncture has a unique language and a powerful model, but you have to understand the science side as well to work with our biomedical counterparts.
Is there a quote that makes you feel empowered or pertains to your line of work?
“He who takes medicine but neglects his diet wastes the skills of the physician.”- Unknown Chinese Author Circa 1100
If you are a mother with children living at home, how do you balance work and
Motherhood?
Do horses and dogs count? I make time with them a priority, and everyone around me knows it. Since getting married, finding time with my step-kids is an added piece. They understand that sometimes I can’t be there because of my work, but that if it’s important to them, I will take the time to be there. It’s an ongoing conversation.
Sandi Holland & Geanie Ford, Head Liners Salon
What made you decide to become a Cosmetologist?
Sandi: I was intrigued by hair at a young age.
Geanie: As a very young person, I always loved doing hair and makeup. I love the chemistry of it.
How did you get started in your profession?
Sandi: After High school and Cosmetology school I started working as an apprentice at an established salon
Geanie: After High school and Cosmetology school served one year as an apprentice, and the rest is history.
How many years have you been in business?
Sandi: Co-owned Head Liners for 36 Years and have been behind the chair for 52 years and counting.
Geanie: Since 1966, I’ve been an employee, employer, and business owner.
What sets your business apart from others like it in the area? How does it stand out?
Sandi & Geanie: We do and have always strived to provided quality service and the best products available, as well as staying current with cutting edge continuing education. Our guests are the TOP priority!
What do you love most about your job?
Sandi: I love the interaction with people and the constant change and challenge of keeping up with the newest trends.
Geanie: The Diversity of the cosmetology field and the broad spectrum of things I can do to challenge myself all while making people feel good about themselves.
How does your job help local ladies?
Sandi: When a guest feels good about how she looks, she presents herself with more confidence and increased self-esteem.
Geanie: It helps build self-esteem, makes them feel good about themselves.
If you had one piece of advice for women entering your line of work, what would it be?
Sandi: Spend Quality time with quality people!
Geanie: Have a long- term vision because success doesn’t happen overnight. Stay positive, always seek new ideas, Education Education Education, and surround yourself with people that share the same passion (they are on the same quest as you)
Is there a quote that makes you feel empowered or pertains to your line of work?
Sandi: "Never a Master, Always a Student." Don Bewley, Founder of Eufora Hair Care.
Geanie: “Be your own kind of beautiful.” Unknown
Elizabeth DuPlessis Waters, DMD, MS, DuPlessis Orthodontics
What made you decide to become an orthodontist?
I love people and teeth. Dentistry and orthodontics was a natural fit where I could use science and art for the enhancement of people’s lives.
How did you get started in your profession?
I grew up surrounded by multiple family members in the dental field, so I got lots of exposure and ‘shop talk.’ I shadowed several dentists before applying to dental school to be sure I liked it, and I was hooked.
How many years have you been in business/worked at your job?
In my 7th year. Time flies!
What sets your business apart from others like it in the area? How does it stand out?
Being the only female orthodontist in the area, I bring motherly compassion to our patients to motivate them throughout their treatment. We also have an office mascot “DuPe Dude,” a braces emoji who dresses up for the Holidays!
What do you love most about your job?
I love seeing the transformation of smiles and the confidence that comes after they are finished treatment. I am an artist at heart, and teeth are my canvas.
How does your job help local ladies?
DuPlessis Orthodontics helps local ladies by being involved with Clarity Solutions for Women, Purses, Pumps & Prevention, and Heels Together. When women have the support they need, they can move mountains.
If you had one piece of advice for women entering your line of work, what would it be?
Find a female mentor and shadow them to see if you could visualize yourself in that position.
Is there a quote that makes you feel empowered?
“Use your smile to change the world; don’t let the world change your smile.” - Chinese Proverb
Amanda Caso & Kandace Wall APRN, Sknn Rejuvenation & Ageless Beauty Medical Aesthetics, LLC.
What made you decide to become an Aesthetician?
Amanda: Some people search their whole lives to find what they were meant to do. I honestly believe God instilled this passion/gift in helping others feel beautiful in their own skin and being able to afford skincare. Everyone deserves to feel beautiful. One of the best decisions I’ve ever made was to pursue my passion for skincare and work as an esthetician. This decision has provided me with the most rewarding career. I have chosen a career that positively touches people by helping them look and feel better each and every day. An aesthetician is helping a shy, reserved, acne-prone teen become a butterfly and watch as they come out of their cocoon and become the person of their dreams, beautifully confident in their own skin. My main goal as an aesthetician is to educate my clients about the importance of maintaining a regular skincare regimen at home and the importance of having a monthly facial. I am so happy to see my clients coming back, trusting me, and more important to see the results on their skin. That's why I continue to enrich my knowledge about skincare. What I love most about being in esthetics is being able to help and inspire so many people. Whether it's helping boost someone's confidence or helping them reach their goals—being in this industry is so rewarding!
What made you decide to become an AestheticNurse Practitioner?
I wanted to become an aesthetic nurse practitioner to help women feel good about themselves. My relationship with my clients is geared toward improving how they see themselves when they look in the mirror.
How did you get started in your profession?
Amanda: As a licensed Aesthetician, I've gone to school, gotten countless hours of continued education, and additional certifications. I know what your skin does and why. I have the experience and training to help your skin in ways you've never even thought of. A well-trained aesthetician can offer you about the same result as a dermatologist just without the medication or surgery. I prefer an aesthetician over a dermatologist because we will look at your life from a more holistic point of view and not just treat the issue on the surface.
Kandace: I became obsessed with learning about injections and how to achieve natural-looking results. I took certification trainings and have watched countless educational tutorials from experts on anatomy and products.
How many years have you been in business/worked at your job?
Amanda: Six years.
Kandace: I have been a nurse practitioner for seven years and have been practicing aesthetics for almost two.
What sets your business apart from others like it in the area? How does it stand out?
Amanda: Our mission is to help people change their skin. We offer top quality treatments and affordable prices. We specialize in product ingredients. We are not here to push and sell but to educate our clients on their skin.I know that we live in the age of convenience, and it seems so much easier to buy your skincare products from a beauty store while in the mall, buying from your friend that is selling multi-level marketing (MLM) skincare product, or ordering a few products from Amazon. Salespeople and Amazon have no education in skincare, its functions, or whether products will create the change you are looking for in your skin or what ingredients will cause irritation, pigmentation, or clogged pores for your personal skin type. Licensed aestheticians and dermatologists have years of education and experience in skin and skincare. The benefit you get from going to a skincare professional is that it is an aesthetician’s job is to create change in your skin and help you achieve your skincare goals. An aesthetician’s whole reputation and business are on the line because your skin’s optimal health is their main priority. Aestheticians are trained to analyze your skin and give you product and treatment recommendations best suited for your personal skin type and desired results, and sometimes more importantly, what not to use on your skin. An aesthetician is a professional who will help you along your journey to better skin.
Kandace:I like to use a “less is more” approach to help clients reach and maintain their goal look. Amanda is my aesthetician, and together we come up with a plan for your skin that is usually very cost-effective. The results we achieve toget
What do you love most about your job?
Amanda:Helping people to feel better in their skin.
Kandace: What I love most about my job is seeing the improvement in self-confidence in my clients.
How does your job help local ladies?
Amanda: It’s a very emotionally rewarding profession. You’re making people feel good and look good. How someone feels about their outward appearance will reflect on the inner persona.
Kandace: My job helps the local ladies by increasing their confidence! It’s incredible what smoothing out a few lines can do for your self-esteem. They dress up more, and they like to go out with friends and their husbands more. It’s really a great thing to see.
If you had one piece of advice for women entering your line of work, what would it be?
Amanda: Pursue your passion/your gift.
Kandace: One piece of advice: Never stop learning. There are tons of injection techniques, and each client may benefit from something different.
Is there a quote that makes you feel empowered or pertains to your line of work?
Amanda: “Just because you are blind and unable to see my beauty doesn’t mean it does not exist.” – Margaret Cho
Kandace: “Ambition beats genius 99% of the time” Jay Leno
If you are a mother with children living at home, how do you balance work and
motherhood?
Kandace: I have a pretty full plate most of the time. I am the director of an urgent care facility full time, and I have this aesthetic practice as well. I have a beautiful three-month-old baby girl. Honestly, I would lose my mind if it weren’t for my fiancé. He is a Kentucky State Trooper and keeps a busy schedule of his own. We juggle life well together. It’s beautiful ❤.
Sakinah Bunch, Clean Good Eats
What made you decide to become a health coach?
My daughter was allergic to everything but four foods (turkey, bison, iceberg lettuce, and cucumbers) we healed her gut and realized many were struggling just like we were. I didn’t want anyone else to have to navigate this path alone the way we did.
How did you get started in your profession?
I started as a lab tech in the Army and loved all things science-related. Then I got certified as a Holistic Health and Wellness Coach, presently working on my N.D.
How many years have you been in business/worked at your job?
As a Certified Health Coach - 3 years
What do you love most about your job?
I love being able to not only help people but educate them so they can help themselves and those around them. Our mission is to “bring the family back to the table by restoring healthy relationships with food, others, and self.” By getting to the root cause and not just treating symptoms, we can do just that. Healing begins with one so that it can spread to many. I also believe in caring for the whole person, not just parts. If there is a physical ailment, chances are there is a mental stressor that impacts it.
How does your job help local ladies?
No one can do their job effectively if they are not well. Wellness is at the heart of what we do. Healing begins with one so that it can spread to many.
If you had one piece of advice for women entering your line of work, what would it be?
Women are created to be nurturers; we tend to lead with our emotions intelligently. By this, I mean for us it tends not to be mechanical. This line of work requires the heart just as much as the brain. To impact many in this line of work, people must know you care.
Is there a quote that makes you feel empowered or pertains to your line of work? "Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” Luke 1:45 (NIV)
Cameron Davis, Director of Community relations, Bluegrass Sportsplex
How did you get started in your profession?
I have been a stay at home momma for the last ten years but ready to get back to work in some capacity. My background and degree is in marketing, so when our family decided to open Bluegrass Sportsplex, I was an easy fit.
How many years have you been in business/worked at your job?
Less than one year.
What sets your business apart from others like it in the area? How does it stand out?
Bluegrass Sportsplex is the only indoor sports facility in Elizabethtown.
What do you love most about your job? It’s hard to say what I love most; there are multiple things. I have really enjoyed meeting so many new faces and getting to know people in our community. I am also a very competitive person that loves sports, so this environment is so fun for me to work in. It has also been so neat to see people try a new sport for the first time and have a blast playing. Or learn a new skill and get so excited. Like I said, this environment is the best! If you are a mother with children living at home, how do you balance work and motherhood? This has been a challenge for our family since, for the last ten years, I have been a stay-at-home momma. As a family, we are all adjusting and making it work. I quickly learned to let the small things go like not stressing about how clean the house was at all times. Giving myself grace as I navigate this new schedule was a must.
So much goodness all in one blog post! We always love having you here. Tag us in your social media posts at #elizabethtownlifestyle when staying healthy. If you don't already, check us out on Facebook and Instagram to stay up-to-date on the latest happenings with Elizabethtown Lifestyle and local community events.
Tomorrow is our last day of Fabulous Female Professionals. The Coolest Creatives are sure to strike your fancy!
Best,
