INFLUENTIAL WOMEN IN BUSINESS

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INFLUENTIAL WOMEN

IN BUSINESS

Salt Lake magazine’s “Women in Business” is an acclaimed and respected part of

our September/October issue. Over the years, we have profiled and spotlighted successful women business leaders across the state. At this point in history, when so many women are community and business leaders, you could ask why we still feel the need to highlight Utah women-led businesses?

While increasing every year, the current ratio of women to men business owners in Utah is 1 in 5. Our state is lower than the national average of 1 in 3 women to men privately owned businesses. How is it that in Utah, women account for the creation of 60% of all new companies and still trail men in ownership? These numbers don’t add up—but they do tell us something.

Without going on and on with a list of why about patriarchy, me-too and misogyny, let’s read between the lines: Women who hold the title of owner are statistical outliers. Even with resources and assistance available, the message doesn’t always reach those who need it to hear it; unfortunately, many women-operated businesses lack funding and thus can’t continue to develop as required and die out.

As leaders, our women in business are shining examples of success. Here they share insights of their entrepreneurial journey so others like them can follow their lead.

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JULIE JOHNSON, JENNIFER BARBER & SARA TURNER

THE PARTY LADIES OF SALT LAKE CITY

ALPHA-LIT SLC & POP! PARK CITY

alphalitletters.com (435) 757-2605 saltlake@alphalitletters.com Instagram: @alphalitslc

popparkcity.com (435) 640-6920 and (435) 901-1614 hello@popparkcity.com Instagram: @popparkcity

With constant events, like a revolving door of weddings, happening throughout Utah at any given time, it’s a wonder there wasn’t anything like Alpha Lit in Salt Lake City 18 months ago. “Utah has all these event venues and creative people. I thought it would be perfect here,” says Julie Johnson, who, seeing the possible demand, seized the opportunity and brought the first Alpha Lit to Salt Lake City. The company rents out three-foot tall illuminated letters, symbols and numbers to create bright, unforgettable displays, and it’s given Johnson an opportunity she’s never had before: to quit her day job and become her own boss. “Having the ability to own my own business and make my own schedule is something I always wanted to do. That was a path that I wanted to pursue,” she says. Now she co-owns Alpha Lit locations in L.A. and Jackson Hole as well as Salt Lake City.

Johnson even uses the Alpha Lit for her events in her personal life. For her fiance’s birthday, she teamed up with Jennifer Barber and Sara Turner of Pop! Park City to create a display around her fiance’s gift: a brand new motorcycle. “It was legendary,” says Johnson, gushing over Pop! Park City’s elaborate balloon displays.

Mother-daughter duo Turner and Barber of Pop! Park City strives to create the “premiere bespoke balloon experience,” including hand-lettered balloons, balloon installations and event rentals. For them, it’s all about elevating their clients’ special events. Like Turner and Barber, Johnson is grateful to be able to celebrate with their customers, even in a small way. “A daughter reached out for us to spell out ‘cancer free,’’’ says Johnson, describing one of their most memorable events. “We set it up on her mom’s lawn as she came back from her last cancer treatment. It was one of the most special things we’ve ever been apart of. We became part of their family for a night.”

“We have such happy products,” Johnson says. “It should be a breeze and a joy. It’s supposed to be a celebration for you or somebody you love. So we try to make it as joyful as possible from start to finish.”

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LORI DARR

FOUNDER

CACHE TOFFEE COLLECTION

cachetoffee.com (863) 333-5453 Instagram: @cachetoffee

We know the feeling. You’re walking through Harmon’s or Whole Foods and suddenly you see it. Wrapped in luminous gold packaging, that creamy, crunchy, meltin-your-mouth toffee bursting with pecans or pistachios, dried cranberries, layered and drizzled with rich artisan chocolate and sprinkled with sea salt—it calls to you.

Let it, because Lori Darr’s Cache Toffee Collection is not only locally made in Salt Lake City, Utah, it’s handcrafted in small batches using fresh butter, renowned Solstice Chocolates and an array of high-quality natural ingredients for out-of-this-world flavor. “I learned the art of toffee making from my mother, who made it for our family and friends during the holidays,” Lori says, adding that she continued the tradition of toffee gifts for loved ones. Her creative juices began flowing, however, taking inspiration, she says, from Utah’s beautiful seasons, her garden, and her love for spices and good food. “I love putting my own spin on toffee—like adding spices, marinating dried fruits in brandy, adding pumpkin seeds, a touch of lime sea salt—creating unique taste sensations is my passion”.

Once she started, Lori says she couldn’t stop, because friends and family kept asking for more. “I continue to work out the perfect balance of ingredients and temperature, experimenting with flavor and texture combinations until I get the recipes just right,” she says. The clamor for her confections compelled her to launch Cache Toffee Collection in 2016. Her first retail customers were Mick Chandler at Bon Appetit and the Market at Park City. She quickly expanded into the hospitality industry at the St. Regis, Stein Eriksen Lodge, and the Grand America Hotel and from there into grocery stores like The Store in Holladay.

But demand quickly outstripped supply, and Lori decided to move operations into her custom-designed commercial kitchen, expanding her team and introducing her products into other retail stores beyond Utah’s borders in Colorado, Idaho, Wyoming and Montana.

Cooking and sharing her creations is Lori’s way of showing love— that’s why building Cache Toffee Collection has been so rewarding. The fact that her toffees have received Gold and Bronze medals at the last two Chocolate Alliance global festivals, or that Nordstrom chose to sell her toffee at their stores as one of only a handful of “guest artisan vendors”, is merely the icing on the cake—or rather the drizzle on the toffee. As Lori says, “with eleven varieties and more scrumptious flavors on the way, now there’s a toffee for every sweet and savory tooth, every season, and every occasion.”

If you run into her, she’ll no doubt give you her winning smile and likely offer you a taste of her newest creation. “My joy in sharing what I am excited about motivates me, so it’s fun for me to reach out and say, ‘Try this one!’”

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SUSAN NIEDWICK

CFP ® , SENIOR WEALTH MANAGEMENT ADVISOR

CUTLER INVESTMENT GROUP

(801) 783-1833 Cutler.com

One of the most satisfying aspects of Susan (Taylor) Niedwick’s work as a Senior Wealth Manager with Cutler Investment Group is helping people see the forest in spite of the trees. “There is a season for everything, fluctuations both in the market and, of course, in life,” she says, adding that helping clients get back on their feet after a divorce or the death of their spouse is especially rewarding. “I can help them focus on where they want to go from here, and life can feel manageable again.” As a full-time wealth advisor managing a home with two teenage daughters, Susan knows firsthand about life’s tendency to throw curveballs and she feels a deep sense of responsibility to help those in her path become financially literate.

“Understanding the value of money can add to a life with intentional savings and investments or subtract from life with mindless debt and living paycheck to paycheck,” says Susan, who’s own financial lessons began as a young girl growing up in Salt Lake City. “I remember tracking mutual fund investments with my dad on graph paper and helping my mom write checks and organize the family finances.”

Now 25 years in the industry, the University of Utah grad heads up Cutler Investment Group’s office in Southern California, servicing western states including Utah. She helps individuals create and maintain wealth, and helps businesses set up and manage retirement plans.

“The fact that I am also a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ allows me to dig deeper into the whole financial picture for all my clients,” she says, adding that she is especially passionate about teaching other women keys to money management. “I’ve always been in the minority as a female advisor and I recognize that I bring a unique perspective to women investors.” She also acts as a fiduciary which means her advice is in the client’s best interest.

Susan says she tries to live by the simple words of Fred Rogers: “Real strength has to do with helping others.” She believes her greatest asset is acting as the voice of reason, steering folks toward sound, diversified investment plans rather than headline-grabbing investments where too often, the bottom falls out. “We all work hard to earn money, I want to help people grow it so they can retire exactly how they plan.”

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KIMBERLY RASMUSSEN & ELIZABETH WIXOM JOHNSEN

CO-OWNERS/PRINCIPAL DESIGNERS

ESTABLISH DESIGN

3233 S. 900 East, SLC 801-467-1268 establishdesign.com Instagram: @establishdesign

AAlthough both Kimberly Rasmussen and Elizabeth Wixom Johnsen boast interior design’s educational accolades, nothing can replace 25 collective years of experience, as well as an eye for style and the ability to discern the needs and desires of each client. Their company, Establish Design, employs every aspect of creating custom homes—from architecture to interior details to furnishings.

“We offer a true collaboration from architecture down to accessories. Our projects are tailored to a life, a story and a vision,” says Kimberly, who sees the opportunity for refinement in every space—offering clients a gathering of treasured fabrics and custom furniture, art and accessories—all with the aim of elevating and enhancing the established vision at hand. “This isn’t about getting through a to-do list, we offer an exhilarating journey to clients where their vision fuses with our expertise to create something special.” Co-owner and Principal Design partner, Elizabeth, agrees, adding that the process of creating a thoughtful home is thrilling not just for the client, but for the entire team. “Each detail is weighed in the balance of the realization of someone’s vision,” she says. “A home is not simply made of sticks and bricks but built by breathing life into ideas and dreams.”

The designers founded the company, formerly Elizabeth Kimberly Design, in 2006 after recognizing not just a common aesthetic but also a common set of values. Guided by their love for family, friends and all things beautiful, they saw new potential for growth working side by side. Elizabeth had spent years working as an interior designer for an established firm while Kimberly’s training in business administration and finance, as well as in interior design helped them meet the ever-growing demand and bring on top-of-their-craft team members.

People are the most important element in the home design process. “Some clients come with clear ideas and desires and look to us to distill the many fragments into a clearly established, consistent vision for their project,” Elizabeth says. “Other clients look to us to present possibilities from which they can adopt and create a style all their own. Nothing brings more joy than to create for your family a place that will nurture and build your loved ones for years to come. Carefully considering dreams, tastes, values, memories and traditions set us on the path of creating homes that speak of our clients and their people”

Kimberly says she considers caring for her family of six as one of her highest qualifications. “Nothing beats practical experience when choosing items or personalizing design solutions,” she says. “I always have efficiency, longevity and operation in mind.”

The company’s growth over the past 15 years is celebrated with a new building in the Millcreek area, with competition anticipated for next spring.

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LEAH J. WYNN

OWNER

INSIDE OUT ARCHITECTURALS INC.

3410 S. 300 West, SLC Insideoutarchitecturals.com

Leah Wynn couldn’t have guessed that a research assignment about decorative tile would lead to a lifelong passion. “I worked as an intern during my senior year of college for a designer trade showroom,” she says. “One day, someone from a company specializing in tile and fireplace parts came in to ask if we could help his company properly price its three-dimensional cast tiles.”

No one at her firm had answers, so, in the grand tradition of internships, Leah was assigned to slog through heaps of information in order to correctly price the tile. “I did so much research on it that I decided to make it my school project,” she says. “But in the process, I came to really love the artistic beauty of tile and recognized its boundless creative possibilities.”

During Leah’s digging two decades ago, she found it hard to find a showroom in Utah dedicated to handcrafted tile—although so many tile artisans were creating lovely pieces. At the same time, demand for specialized tile was increasing as historically accurate home renovations in Salt Lake’s older neighborhoods—especially among arts-and-crafts style homes, became commonplace. She convinced the owners of the firm to bring in two arts-and-crafts lines and pursue other interesting tiles as well as customization options.

By the time the owners retired in 2007 and left their business to Leah, Inside Out Architecturals (IOA) was best known as a decorative tile showroom, pushing tile’s usual boundaries well beyond backsplashes, fireplaces and showers—thanks, in many ways, to Leah’s expertise. Under her direction, Leah transformed IOA into a retail showroom, with a team that not only advises clients but often creates layouts and tile compositions for everything from impactful focal points to finishes to space delineation.

“The tile world has changed so much in the last 20 years,” says Leah, who has pioneered work in tile layout design, becoming an artist in her own right. “I have been very fortunate to see tile go from simple and sterile to exciting and innovative.” The company is a playground of creativity, boasting over 40 exclusive tile lines ranging from handmade ceramics to glass, leather, metals and porcelain. It also showcases multidimensional elements such as 3D designs, hand-carved and inlaid tile and offers a wide selection of other architecturals from metal screens to corbels.

“The showroom at IOA is more like an art gallery,” Leah says. “You might find you want to wander for a while. It’s pretty fascinating to take in all the possibilities.”

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KARYN LUKE & KIMBERLY PEINE

REALTORS, FOUNDERS

K GROUP UTAH

2180 S. 1300 East #140, SLC (801) 558-5063, (801) 368-3430 kgrouputah.com Instagram: @kgrouputah

When Don and Lynda came to realtor Kimberly (Kim) Peine looking to relocate to Utah, they were facing a heart-breaking situation. Their adult daughter was battling cancer for the third time, and they were looking for a home close to hers where they could offer her family help and support.

“Kim drove us around for those two entire days,” reads the couple’s letter of appreciation. “She listened carefully to our needs and concerns—never rushing us, and always willing to show us another house when we just weren’t satisfied.”

Kim Peine and Karyn Luke, founders of K Group, recognize that the decision to buy a home is stressful, emotional and likely the biggest purchase of one’s life—even in more traditional circumstances. Making themselves available to clients, they say, is an important part of their job.

“We want to help as many people as we can to have a piece of the American dream,” says Karyn. “We know our industry expertise is vital, but we’ve tried to remember the most important part of any transaction is the human touch.”

Kim and Karyn were friends long before they were business partners. Entering the real estate industry, they each had a unique skill set to enhance their profession. “My work in sales and interior design and Kim’s background in banking led us to recognize an opportunity,” says Karyn. “We merged our strengths to create a different, full-service real estate team.”

K Group professionally stages each listing and uses proven marketing strategies to sell homes quickly. The team negotiates the purchase contract, arranges financing, oversees the inspections, handles all necessary paperwork and supervises the closing. “We do our homework, studying market trends and we have an incredible team of lenders and title professionals,” says Kim. “Most importantly, we think of our clients like family.”

Affiliated real estate agents are independent contractor sales associates, not employees. ©2020 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logos are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Realogy Brokerage Group LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.

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KRISTIN ROCKE

PRINCIPAL, INTERIOR DESIGNER

K ROCKE INTERIOR DESIGN/ GLASS HOUSE

3910 S. Highland Dr., Millcreek 801-274-2720 Krockedesign.com Instagram: @krockedesign

Designer Kristin Rocke’s magic lies in her ability to conjure solutions from thin air. Owner of the award-winning design firm K Rocke Design, she says her greatest challenge and deepest satisfaction comes from giving the client what they want before they know they want it.

“We work on entire homes from the ground up starting with interior architecture, materials and detailing all the way to finish details,” she says of her all-female leadership team. K Rocke is most experienced with new-build residences, energized by working with architects, contractors, and clients. Rocke adds that she also gets excited about remodels. “I’m a solutions person, and remodeling is all about unmasking ideas and solutions.”

However, with awards including “Top 10 Designers to Watch” by Traditional Home and features in Utah Style and Design, Luxe, House Beautiful, Florida Design, Boca Design, Park City magazine and The Salt Lake Tribune, K Rocke Interior Design has moved beyond merely problem-solving and into the realm of astonishment.

“You can find ideas on Pinterest, you can find solutions in magazines, but my clients want to be taken somewhere unexpected,” she says. Her art lies in tapping each one’s individuality and creating a space where form and function harmonize into an exuberant life. “A home and its contents are the ultimate manifestations of human expression. How we live influences who we are.” While you’ll find K Rocke’s residential and hospitality work gracing numerous structures in Deer Valley, Park City and elsewhere statewide, it also boasts a coast-to-coast and international presence. Her team’s design work can be found in places as diverse as a renovated Manhattan apartment to the Rancho Santana resort in Nicaragua, five ski resort lodges, to the Lion’s Club and Audi Executive Club at the Rio Tinto Stadium.

In an industry saturated with creative minds, those who also possess a “get it done” ethos rise above, says Kristin, who attributes the firm’s success “during the best and worst of times” to both her team’s artistry and their dogged work ethic. “It’s part of what makes us truly stand out,” she says.

Kristin expanded her business to include Glass House, a curated boutique featuring unique, and unforeseen items to elevate tastes. Glass House sells original, ever-changing art, contemporary light fixtures, rugs and eye-catching baskets, pillows, vases and planters.

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SHEILA ITOKAZU

FOUNDER

LUCIENNE SALON

RIVERPARK LOCATION 10690 S. River Front Pkwy., South Jordan 801-601-8282

DAYBREAK LOCATION 4709 W. Daybreak Pkwy., Ste A, South Jordan 801-201-9990

luciennesalon.com IG: @luciennesalon.spa.boutique

Sheila Itokazu says she originally founded Lucienne Salon & Spa five years ago with her husband, John, to stay connected to their two daughters, Candice Itokazu and Staci Itokazu-Scripter, both of whom worked in the beauty and wellness industry.

“We definitely felt like there was an opportunity to do something special given our daughters’ expertise and passion for the business,” says Sheila. “That was the beginning of our journey.” As with any new business, getting Lucienne off the ground came with challenges that the Itokazus faced together, including developing a business plan, surveying the market, finding the perfect location and refining their negotiation skills. When John took another position with a local company, however, Sheila faced running the company on her own.

“I needed a lot of support stepping into that role those first few years, I really depended on John,” Sheila remembers. “In time, I came into my own, developing the confidence I needed to run my own business. It’s hard work but also rewarding and fun.”

Surrounding herself with the right people—including her daughters and other team members who share her vision and remain enthusiastic about educating themselves on industry topics and trends, she says, has also been key to Lucienne’s growth. “Now with two locations, we’ve grown from a fullservice salon into a spa, med spa and boutique,” says Sheila, listing offerings from hair services, body contouring and laser hair removal to chemical peels, massage and injectables. “We want to stay on the cutting edge by making sure we implement the latest tools, treatments and products available at competitive prices.” Although starting a new business came with its share of difficult choices, one easy decision, says Sheila, was choosing a name for the company. “We are all about gracefully inspiring change—we want to encourage clients towards a gradual, elegant, patient approach rather than an instant, dramatic or harsh one,” she says. Her mother-in-law, Lucienne, who passed away in 2008, was not only generous and kind, according to Sheila, she was the embodiment of beauty, grace and elegance. “She was everything I hope to personify as a business owner and everything we hope to inspire in our clients.”

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TIFFANY COLAIZZI

FOUNDER

NAME DROPPERS

MAIN STORE 3355 S. Highland Drive, SLC 801-486-1128

OUTLET STORE 2350 E. Parley’s Way, SLC 801-474-1644

shopnamedroppers.com Instagram: @namedroppers

Name Droppers is a high-end designer resale boutique specializing in women’s and men’s designer luxury clothing and accessories and was founded in 1995 by Tiffany Colaizzi. Tiffany’s love for people and fashion has led her to create the perfect place to shop for any occasion or event. When you walk into Name Droppers you may feel like you’ve just entered a high-end designer boutique. “Don’t be fooled by the beauty of the shop— the deals are there!” Tiffany says.

Items are priced half to a third of retail prices. Most clients stop by often, as new items are put out daily. (Follow the store on Instagram @namedroppers where Tiffany and her team post first looks at the new arrivals.) Tiffany and her team of expert stylists make you feel like family upon arrival. They also have in-house styling available to help you find your perfect look.

If you are looking to resell some of your gently used designer goods, Name Droppers works on a consignment model. The higher end your items are, the higher the commission.

Not everything in the shop is gently loved, however. They also carry brand new inventory. Name Droppers receives merchandise daily from individuals, boutiques and reps from all over the country.

“That’s why Name Droppers is so special, you never know what you’ll find,” Tiffany says. “Name Droppers has something for everyone!”

PROTIP

On the last Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of every month, Name Droppers has a 50-percent off clearance sale at both locations.

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LIBBY BAUMAN

RN, (CANS) AESTHETIC NURSE SPECIALIST

SKIN SPIRIT

160 E. 2100 South, SLC 385-343-5300 skinspirit.com Instagram: @skinspirit

Libby Bauman, RN, says she loves being affiliated with a company run by women who understand their largely-women clientele- -after all, women undergo approximately 87% of the minimally invasive cosmetic procedures administered in the United States, according to the American Med Spa Association’s 2019 Medical Spa State of the Industry Report.

“I love that SkinSpirit recognizes the unique role of women in this business and seeks to build careers,” she says. “We pride ourselves on hiring those with strong and specialized medical backgrounds, all of whom have the unique ability to empathize and understand those we serve.” According to the American Med Spa Association, medical aesthetics is a uniquely women-run business both on the corporate side and on the treatment side, especially when compared to other industries in the medical field. “Women administer treatments, own practices, run advocacy groups and even oversee the companies that provide medical supplies to the practices. The women of the industry help create a level of empathy and understanding with their predominantly female patients that result in meaningful experiences for all involved.” The certifications and degrees of the practitioners at SkinSpirit could fill a wall, and that makes a big difference, says Libby, an Aesthetic Nursing Specialist certified by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons with over 11 years of experience. She specializes in cosmetic injectables like Botox, Dysport and fillers and knows a weekend training seminar is no substitute for years of medical experience.

“SkinSpirit is a national company that prides itself not only on a highly-trained staff but one encouraged to experience treatments themselves and share their feedback with clients,” she says.”I can’t tell you what a difference that makes in terms of more favorable and beautiful, science-based results with far less pain.”

CEO and Co-Founder Lynn Heublein is an inspiration to Libby, whom she says transformed medical aesthetics into its own industry when she started Skinspirit in 2002. Together with M. Dean Vistnes, MD, Heublein grew the company from one location in Palo Alto, CA to 17 SkinSpirit locations in California, Texas, Utah and Washington.

Libby says she’s grateful to work for a company that takes care of its employees and values the work of its staff. Although the pandemic created challenges for Libby and others, SkinSpirit took care of them. “Many of us are head of household women and fully supporting our families,” she says. “SkinSpirit wanted to make sure we were looked after, and that means a lot.”

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MONET JOHNSON

VICE PRESIDENT, MARKETING

SME INDUSTRIES, INC.

5801 W. Wells Park Rd., West Jordan 801-280-0711 smesteel.com

Joining SME Steel in 2010, Monet spearheaded marketing, public relations, business development and community outreach program for one of the largest and preeminent fabricators/erectors of structural steel in the nation. With a background in commercial development, the mother of six went back to school to finish her degree after the economic collapse of 2008—all while working full time and raising her children.

“The position I hold now didn’t exist until changes in the construction market demanded it,” says Monet, citing the nowcomplex bidding process as just one example of the industry’s rapid evolution. Her work involves messaging across multiple platforms such as web development, social media, digital marketing, advertising, executive-level communications and published articles.

“I was drawn to marketing due to the research component,” she says, pointing to the business development process as her source for inspiration. “I have a very strong skill set in researching, writing and compiling data into meaningful presentations. I believe one of my greatest strengths lies in being able to see the challenges and the bigger picture at the same time.”

Monet says leadership takes mindfulness, and she tries to incorporate her core values in her practice. These include being confident in herself and empowering others to do the same; being accessible and authentic while honoring others’ authenticity; being a fair and transparent decision-maker and being tough-minded on performance standards while remaining compassionate with individuals.

“Commercial development, building projects, and teambuilding coupled with the ability to create, inspire and delight are daily motivators for me,” she says. “It’s highly rewarding to watch someone’s vision and dream become a reality, participate in the fulfillment, and celebrate the successful delivery together.”