women's inc. sept. 2012

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WOMEN’S INC.By Women, For Women, About Women of Central Arkansas

WomenI N B U S I N E S S

Our five featured women in business: Sherry Smith, Valerie Lane, Sandra Hayes, Jamille Rogers and Abby King. Each one of these ladies is making a dif-

ference in their workplace and in our community.Sherry Smith has been working with her husband

side by side every day since 1991. With a back-ground in business, she brings her savvy business skills, great customer service and love of her com-munity to work with her every day. Fletcher Smith’s Jewelers continues to bring the latest and best jew-elry lines to their store in downtown Conway. Stop in and visit Sherry. She will be happy to help you find that perfect gift for you or someone you love.

Valerie Lane, site program manager for Hewlett-Packard in Conway, loves that her job allows her to be involved in our community. Not only does Valerie oversee the volunteerism of HP employees, but she also serves as a volunteer personally on several non-profit boards and committees in Conway. I think she says it best, “I believe that giving back is key to the success of our community; we should all give back and use our time and talents to help others.”

Sandra Hayes has spent the past 30 years working in the banking industry, and for the past 12 years she has been with First Security Bank as vice president of lending. Sandra, like all of the women featured this month, is very involved in our community. She finds time with her busy schedule to give back, serving on various chamber committees over the years, Conway Rotary and participating in community events spon-sored by the bank. Give Sandra a call today!

Jamille Rogers, realtor and community relations liaison for Sandstone Real Estate Group, is passion-ate about what she does. She is enthusiastic, and her positive energy is apparent within moments of meet-ing her. She sites two reasons for selecting Sandstone the company she wanted to work with: they were focused on community relationships and technology. Jamille stays busy as a realtor and still finds time to give back to several non-profits. Teen Promise is one of her favorite organizations to work with, and she has served on this board for more than 13 years.

Our final woman we featured this month is Abby King. Abby is the owner of HipSway in Downtown Conway. HipSway is also our featured downtown business this month. Abby loves that she gets to do what she loves everyday. She and her staff strive to provide the best customer service and bring the newest and hottest fashion trends to Conway. It is apparent when meeting Abby that she has an amaz-ing sense of style. She wears it well everyday and is a walking spokesmodel for her business. Check out HipSway in downtown Conway, I promise you will not want to walk away empty handed!

Until Next Month,

WOMEN’S INC.EditorLori Quinn

Creative DirectorStewart Cole

Contributing WritersRachel Parker DickersonAngie HowardDr. Patricia KnottAndrea LennonJill McCollumSusan O’KeefeJennifer Stanley

Chief PhotographerBrandy Strain

Contributing PhotographersSara BlackLaura DerdenCourtney SpradlinGerald WashingtonLindsey Faith Watson

Retail Advertising Sales ManagerRhonda Overbey

Advertising CoordinatorsJackie BlackLeah Brown

Advertising SalesSarah AllenTara MallettJesica TalbertBetsey Willbanks

Advertising ArtistsJay PrinceKellie McAnulty

Editorial Advisory BoardHaley Crafton FowlerBeverly FreileyMary HarlanBecky HarrisNancy JacksonHelen LockhartVelda LuedersMisty MorseCarol PattyLori RossMary Margaret SatterfieldTraci Kennedy SmithKatherine ThomasonStefanie Holt VannJessica Zimmerman

Women’s Inc. is published by the Log Cabin Democrat.

Questions or Comments?Call (501) 327-6621, e-mail: [email protected] or write to P.O. Box 969, Conway, AR, 72033

www.womensinc.net

Women in Business

4 WOMEN’S INC. / SEPTEMBER 2012 WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 5

contents

features columns

events

6 Women in Business

Sherry Smith, Valerie Lane, Sandra Hayes,

Jamille Rogers and Abby King.

13 In the news

18 Downtown

HipSway owners and employees succeed as a

team.

22 Shopping

Fall Flair.

25 Food

Game Day cuisine.

30 Homes

The Row Houses at The Village at Hendrix.

42 Community

United Way’s new executive director, Kathy

Hull.

12 SpiritualityA powerful information supplyby Andrea Lennon

24 NutritionThree helps for busy womenby Dr. Christine Hurley

29 GreenRepurposing brings new life to old furnitureby Angie Howard

34 DesignWhat’s Feng Shui all about?by Helen Lockhart

38 BeautyIn the blink of an eyeby Susan Isom

39 Pet HealthAmerica’s No. 1 pet still receives second-class careby Dr. Sharon Stone

40 LifeBe prepared when starting your own businessby Fran Scroggins

41 Book Review“Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradburyreview by Susan O’Keefe36 Boys and Girls Club Auction

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C O V E R S T O R Y


WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Women’s, Inc. is proud for the opportunity to highlight five local, successful Women in Business. Each of these women has proven – through tenacity, effort, and drive — that pursuing work you are passionate

about can prove profitable, personally and otherwise.

Sherry Smith lives a woman’s dream every day as a co-owner of Fletcher Smith’s Jewel-ers in downtown Conway. A Conway staple since its inception in 1919, the store provides a myriad of services beyond being a retail jewelry business. It also presents a comfortable, friendly atmosphere for clients, largely due to the passion and integrity that Sherry, her husband, Fletcher Smith, III (Fletch), and their talented staff bring to work each day.

In 1992 Fletch and Sherry purchased the store, which was founded by Fletcher Smith, Sr., thus keeping the business in the family. “Fletch and I became co-owners of the store in

the summer….I remember it very well because I was hugely pregnant with our second daughter. Fletch walked - and I waddled - to the bank to sign the papers in the middle of July. We were both so excited to have the opportunity to do this together that I don’t think either one of us even realized it was hot,” says Sherry. The couple is now parents to two daughters, Lizzie and Madeline.

Sherry, a graduate of the University of Central Arkansas BBA program and the University of Arkansas MBA program, commuted to work at AT&T’s computer manufacturing facility in Southwest Little Rock for eight years prior to

joining Fletcher Smith’s. She officially began working with Fletch and his father in 1991, say-ing, “We always dreamed of working together but had never been able to pull it off finan-cially….After we had our first daughter, and I began traveling out-of-town more for my job, we came up with a plan to make it work. I took a leave of absence from AT&T, and we down-sized our home, made a few more sacrifices in lifestyle, and never looked back. It was the best decision of our married life.”

Of the challenge of working together, Sherry cites mutual respect – and a little friendly competition - among the reasons their respec-

WOMEN’S INC. SALUTES

“What I wanted was to be allowed to do the thing in the world that I did best — which I believed

then and believe now is the greatest privilege there is. When I did that, success found me.”

Debbi Fields, founder of Mrs. Fields Bakeries

Sherry Smith | Fletcher Smith’S JewelerS

By Jennifer Stanley | Photos by Brandy Strain


Valerie Lane serves as Site Program Manager for Conway’s Hewlett-Packard location. In this role, she is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations at the facility and is also responsible for community and employee engagement.

A Conway native and resident and a graduate of UCA with a degree in Marketing, Valerie is married to Matt, and the couple has a one-year-old daughter, Madison. Of her role at HP, Valerie says, “One of the reasons I took the job at HP was that I saw the opportunity to have a unique job combination - operations management with the day-to-day opera-tions of the site. This role is great for me, because I love planning and details, and I also have the ability to have a direct impact on my community, all the while working for one of the world’s largest compa-

nies right here in Conway.”Valerie cites the community involvement aspect

of her job as one of her favorite features. “Being able to impact the community through grants, sponsor-ships, and volunteering is a privilege, and I am grateful for the opportunity. I believe that giving back is key to the success of our community; we should all give back and use our time and talents to help others. Everyone has received help at some point in their life, and giving back is paying it forward,” says Valerie.

Valerie’s belief in paying it forward is something she takes beyond her workplace, as she is engaged in volunteerism outside her job, currently through the Arkansas Community Foundation Board, Chamber Women in Business Committee, and Conway’s

tive arrangement functions. “It’s really easy; Fletch is incredibly talented at what he does. He is without a doubt the best goldsmith in the state, and he has always inspired me to be the best I can be at my job. It’s almost like a competition to see who can be the best. I have always been grateful that I was given the opportunity to do something fun and marvelous - manage a jewelry store! Even the most mundane parts of my day are extremely exciting, and no two days are ever the same. From buying jewelry for inventory to marketing it to our community, it’s all fun,” she says.

“Running a successful small business is all about hard work and improving how you do your job every day. It’s all about understanding your strengths and weaknesses and learning to take advantage of both. It’s about finding smart people who inspire you and complement you and being willing to provide an en-vironment where they can work, grow, and have fun. Cindy Windle has been by my side since 1993, and I honestly don’t know what I would do without her. She is the perfect complement to my weaknesses and is a huge ingredient to the success we have enjoyed over the last 20 years. It’s always a juggling act, and the fun is in getting good at juggling. I love doing what I do!” enthuses Sherry.

Fletcher Smith’s is continually focused on provid-ing top tier services for its clients. Fletch and Sherry added laser technology capabilities in 2007, granting them ability to repair almost every type of jewelry. They also have an amazing retail business, custom de-sign service, jewelry repair, appraisals, consignment, and a trade-up program, among other services. Fletch and Sherry were honored with the Arkansas Jewelers Association Jeweler of the Year award in 1999 in recognition of their work and leadership. As for the future of Fletcher Smith’s, Sherry says, “We plan to continue introducing great new lines, constantly striving to provide better service to our family of cus-tomers, and working to give back to the community that has given us so much.”

In fact, the Smiths believe that giving back is vital, saying, “Fletch and I have always felt it’s very impor-tant to give back to the community that has given so much to our family over the past 93 years. We contribute to several local charities on a yearly basis, specifically Children’s Advocacy Alliance (formerly CASA), Faulkner County Boys and Girls Club, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Conway Regional Dazzle Daze, Bethlehem House, Faulkner County Humane Society, Arkansas Shakespeare Theater, St Joseph Catholic Church, St. Peter’s Episcopal Preschool, and any other worthy charity that benefits children in need. In ad-dition we have both served as board members of the Conway Chamber of Commerce, Conway Downtown Partnership, and the Oak Grove Cemetery Board, and I am honored to be the first woman named to the Conway Development Corporation board of direc-tors.”

Adds Sherry, “I have been lucky in so many ways. My parents not only gave me a strong work ethic and paid for a great education at UCA and the U of A, they also love and encourage me every day. I was very fortunate to meet and marry Fletch, whose family has always treated me as their own. I have two wonderful daughters who are both striving to be their best and make a positive difference in the world around them; I could not be prouder of them. I truly feel you can never fully succeed in life without the support of the people around you.”

VAlerie lANe | hewlett-PAcKArD


Sandra Hayes was hired as Vice President of Lending at First Security Bank 12 years ago and has thrived in the role since. A devoted employee with an enthusiasm for her work and her clients, Sandra could not be hap-pier in her career.

Married to John for 35 years, she has spent 30 of those years in the banking industry. However, she be-gan her professional life in the retail industry. “Before getting into banking, I worked in retail. Most of that time I worked for a store that specialized in women’s fashion, and Martha Wilcox, who was the Human Resources Director for First National Bank, was one of my customers. Every time she came into the store, she would tell me I really needed to work at the bank. I thought women’s fashion was where I wanted to be because of the love I had for it. I eventually gave in and

interviewed at the bank, and, what can I say, I have been in banking ever since,” says Sandra.

In addition to the multiple duties involved with serving in a Vice Presidential role at a major bank, Sandra finds time to volunteer. She served as Chairman of the Board for the Conway Chamber of Commerce, and she also served on the Board of Directors at the Chamber for seven years. She also volunteered for a number of Chamber committees. Sandra is also a mem-ber of the Conway Rotary and is a Paul Harris Fellow. She participates in several community events through First Security Bank.

When asked what she most enjoys about bank-ing, Sandra states, “Helping and getting to know my customers. I have been in banking for 30 years, and I still have customers I have worked with that entire

SANDrA hAyeS | FirSt SecUrity BANK

First Baptist Church. In addition, her previous community involvement included the HAVEN Board, Toad Suck Daze Volunteer Committee Chair, Faulkner County Leadership Institute Class of 2007, Conway Regional Health System Capital Campaign Committee, and Volunteer Conway Coalition.

When asked what her favorite achievements have been in her role at HP, Valerie says, “In general, it’s all about the end result; I want to step away when I have completed something and be proud of what I have accomplished. I want to know that what I’m doing is go-ing to have a positive and lasting impact on my community and my family. There are so many projects that I can’t pick just one. I do appreciate having the privilege to work with a great team of individuals who are passionate about volunteering and who inspire others to get engaged. Throughout the year, when I total the number of volunteer hours HP employees in Conway give to our community, it gives me a sense of pride. I love seeing the number increase each year, because it means our team is doing an awesome job of getting into the community and building relationships with nonprofits. In today’s world writing a check is often easier, but helping organizations with your time is so much more rewarding and can be a life-changing experience for everyone.”

“Another rewarding accomplishment has been receiving approval on local grants that were awarded to organizations right here in my community. The first two we received approval on were for the American Red Cross and the Conway Public School System; these are memorable because they were the first. The most recently awarded grant was to Conway Regional Health System. I feel these are ac-complishments because I am able to use the tools and resources at the company I work for to positively impact the community I live in through technology.”

Another highlight in Valerie’s career at HP was also among the most stressful. “I was in charge of planning the HP building dedication, which was a milestone for HP and for Conway. It’s not every day you are hired and given less than two months to plan an event the CEO of the world’s largest IT company will be at-tending….along with 800 of your closest local friends and co-workers. No pressure, right? The amount of planning and the meticulous level of detail that went into the event was huge; it was definitely a unique learning opportunity and a way to get up-to-speed about all aspects of HP in a very short amount of time,” says Valerie.

As for her future at HP, Valerie says it is all about achieving the sometimes-elusive work/life balance. “My husband and I have a one year old daughter, so my family is my priority. I en-joy my career and try to give 110% each day, so it’s an ongoing effort to find balance. I have no idea what my future holds as far as my career. I actually didn’t pick the career I have today; I wanted to be a lawyer until I went to college! I trust that I will be led to my next opportunity, and I hope that I will always be able to have a positive impact on those around me.”


Upbeat and driven, Conway-based realtor Jamille Rogers strives to be more than a face in the crowd. Through her savvy promotional skills and her desire to help others, she is paving the way for a successful future in real estate.

Upon completion of her masters degree in Media and Information Technology from UCA, Jamille began her professional career as a real estate agent. “I was recommended to the field by Arkansas State Certified Instructor, Gregory Hunt. After completing my studies, I was invited to join the awesome team at Sandstone Real Estate Group. I selected this full-service real estate firm because they were focused on two things that really caught my interest: community relationships and technology,” she says.

In addition to her duties as a realtor, Jamille serves as the Community Relations Liaison for Sandstone. She particularly enjoys this facet of her job, saying, “I love being able to meet new people and share with them the benefits that Sandstone has to offer as a full-service real estate firm. I’m proud to work with a company that doesn’t believe in only selling houses, but in building communities. My parents taught me a long time ago to be a good servant and to allow God to use me as a vessel to do His kingdom’s work.”

Jamille is also a member of the National As-sociation of Realtors, Arkansas; Faulkner County Board of Realtors; Conway Area Chamber of Commerce; Conway Minority Business Asso-ciation; Arkansas Association of Instructional Media; GetSMART Sports Board of Directors; and Teen Promise, Inc. “My favorite organization to work with is Teen Promise, Inc., and I have served on their Board of Directors for 13 of the 15 years the program has been in existence. It

is designed to help youth learn how to improve their communication skills, build self confidence, and help them become future leaders. Teen Promise, Inc. has awarded more than $70,000 in educational scholarships to participants in Central Arkansas,” says Jamille.

Of her own career, she says, “My goal in real estate is not only to provide traditional services, but to add elements of commercial real estate and consulting. Much of my business comes through referrals from established relationships. I stay connected with over 900 people through social media networks. I also implement unique approaches of promotion through organiz-ing events, such as our Back II School Kickoff for Conway students, our Community Impact Awards luncheon where we recognize locals do-ing great things to make Conway a better place, and a charitable social event held during UCA Homecoming.”

She also credits her coworkers for the success of Sandstone. “All of our business professional agents are highly-skilled, educated individuals. With our vast network of professionals, use of the latest technological advancements, and forward thinking, the company has become not only a successful business but a staple in the Central Ar-kansas community.” Jamille also sees the future of the real estate market in Faulkner County as “stable but increasing,” saying, “Sales are slightly ahead of where we were at the same time last year….Even though we saw values plummet on a national level, Arkansas, and more particularly Conway, has only experienced modest lows. Market indicators show the worst is behind us, and that is something for Conway residents to be proud of! It’s a great time to buy or sell in the Conway area.”

time. For me, they are not just part of the job, they become friends. I have people who call or stop by just to visit, and I have learned about their family, kids, and grandkids. I can be having a rough day when I get a call thanking me for making a loan, and the customer will express how much the loan helped them out, though I had no idea that was the case. You know that God has put you in the right place, and that is where you want to be.”

Sandra is specifically happy to be part of the team at First Security, saying it is a bank that is set apart in the field. “I work with a very supportive group of people who take pride in their jobs every day. I have worked with many of the same people my entire career and have developed some wonder-ful friendships. First Security Bancorp is privately-held and has the most complete and diverse product offering of any Arkansas-based financial ser-vices holding company. When other financial institutions are focusing on out-of-state acquisitions and operations, First Security is proud to be a part of our home state and local communities. We are family-owned and operated. We are a community bank where decisions are made right in the communities where we are located. First Security was recently named one of the top two best-performing regional banks in the country in 2011 by a Virginia based financial research firm.”

In an industry that has experienced highly-publicized issues in recent years, Sandra says First Security’s solid business practices have made all the difference. “There have been and will continue to be more regulations imposed on banks to monitor the industry. Banks will need to have sound management and conservative business practices. Because First Security has both of these, we have seen some of the best performance years in a time when other financial institu-tions have struggled.” She adds that the organization is always evaluating opportunities to expand their banking presence in Arkansas and is committed to the state.

JAmille rOGerS | SANDStONe reAl eStAte GrOUP


Abby King lives her dream job every day, nestled among stacks of women’s clothing, shoes, and jewelry. An owner of HipSway at 920 Locust Street in down-town Conway, she and her amazing staff and doing their part to keep the city in style.

Married to “the world’s most amazing husband,” Stu King, Abby says, “I could not be the person that I am today if it wasn’t for his support, and we have a beautiful little boy named Khyler who is the light of our lives.” HipSway’s first storefront opened in 2006. “My father actually started the business. When I graduated from UCA six years ago, he asked me to partner with he and my mother. I had several years of retail experience and was super excited when they offered to fulfill such a life long dream of mine. Seriously, how many people actually have their dream job? I am thankful to say I live mine everyday. I love my customers, I love retail, I love merchandising, and I really enjoy making every customer feel special about themselves,” says Abby.

HipSway has become a must-visit retailer for the local fashion conscious. Not only do they offer wonderful clothing, they also provide an amazing customer experience and make shoppers feel comfort-able in their store. “HipSway carries a little bit of everything for everyone. We have anything from accessories to shoes, shirts, and pants. We have you covered from head to toe,” says Abby. Their signature items include TOMS, Miss Me, BB Dakota, Lily & Laura, and Judith March. “We value good quality as well as good prices,” adds Abby.

Abby strives to supply excellent customer service; however, she also makes employee relations a key component of her work. “Through past experiences I knew at a young age what kind of owner I wanted

to be. I wanted to be loving, passionate, and caring not only to my customers but also to my employees. I also learned how to merchandise, organize, and offer good customer service. I strive to teach every one of my employees how to do the same,” she says.

HipSway has six employees in addition to Abby, who all serve as fashion stylists. “I love all six of my fashion stylists; they are hard workers, eager to assist everyone that walks through the door, and they al-ways have a welcoming smile on their faces,” she says. In addition to their knowledgeable and helpful staff, HipSway differentiates their store by offering “the best customer service. We also set ourselves apart by offering wonderful prices, quality, and a wide variety of fashions,” states Abby. She primarily markets the

store through Facebook, word-of-mouth, fashion shows, and fundraisers.

Abby thoroughly enjoys all facets of entrepreneur-ship. “I really enjoy waking up and seeing what my day will bring. Every day is a new day with repeating faces as well as new ones. I love traveling to Dallas and Las Vegas for market. I really enjoy catching up with my customers. I also really enjoy and cherish each and every one of my employees. We truly have a HipSway ‘family,’” she says.

Of her future plans for the store, Abby says, “We have so many plans. We are working on our internet site, as well as other exciting things. Please see our Facebook page to stay up to date on our exciting jour-ney through our world of fashion!”

Jamille cites the unpredictable nature of real estate among the biggest challenges of the field. “You never know when people are going to actually buy, nor do we always know how banks are going to modify their home loan procedures. But that’s the beauty of having relationships with people; they keep me informed! According to Forbes, the housing market has fun-damentally changed. We must get creative in how we approach the reality of supply and demand, and I am blessed to live and work in a community where homeownership is valued, pursued, and attainable,” she says.

Jamille states her future as a real estate agent and the future of Sandstone Real Estate Group are very promising. “Our company is approaching its fourth year of business, and we have created a presence in the community through education, leadership, and hard work. To be honest, my personal career goals are end-less. I’m excited about a new adventure with Salter Construction on the development of a subdivision in South Conway: The Gardens at Southridge. Aligned with the Conway 2025 Plan, I intend on playing a vi-tal role with Conway’s well-planned and high quality residential and commercial development. I want to help continuing to make this a place where families enjoy living, working and playing. I want to continue to develop professional relationships and help educate people on the value of homeownership for families, schools, and businesses. I am so happy to be Central Arkansas’ Resource for Real Estate!”

ABBy KiNG | hiPSwAy


A powerful information supplyBy Andrea Lennon

As women we often feel the need to answer every question asked of us. This is especially true for women who interact daily with others in the professional world.

According to the Bible, believers in Jesus Christ have a powerful information supply available to them through their relation-ship with God. What a relief it is to know that we do not have to have all the answers. Not only that, what a relief it is to know that we can turn to the One who has all the answers. The Prophet Jeremiah made this powerful declaration about the One who holds all the answers to the questions we face. “This is what the Lord says, he who made the earth, the Lord who formed it and established it, the Lord is his name: ‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’” (Jeremiah 33:2–3, New International Version)

The invitation is clear. God says, “Call on me.” The result? “I will answer you.”

What does God promise to provide? Great things, “unsearchable things,” things we cannot know apart from Him. God certainly offers a powerful information supply when it comes to living our daily lives! Our choice is seen in our willingness to accept His information into our lives.

We are at our best in our professional and personal lives when we look to God for answers. Once we realize that God has the answers because He is the answer, we are able to view every unanswered question as an opportunity to call on God and listen for His sweet reply.

In Jeremiah 33:2, the prophet Jeremiah pointed to a key character quality or attribute found in God that allows Him to make promises and supply answers for our daily lives — His ability to create things

from nothing. God is the Creator God. The ability to create is held by God alone. There is no other being who can say, “Look, I created that. I started with nothing, and now there is something.”

Sure, all humans can make things. We can take some of this and some of that and mix it together to produce a new product. However, no one but God can begin with nothing and finish with something.

You are at your best when you recognize that God alone creates. In fact, God created you! He knows you and willingly provides answers to the questions you face. Your response must be to listen to Him and respond to His call. Embracing the truth that God knows things that are unknown to you must be a daily resolve. You can then position your heart to hear from God making Him your powerful information supply. “Call on me,” God says. When you do, you can know that God will share great things with you — things you cannot know apart from Him.

Today, have you called on God by asking Him the questions that you currently face? If not, stop right now and turn to your Creator God. Pour out your heart to Him, and then prepare yourself for His sweet reply. As you do, you will access a powerful information supply that will never cease to exist or run low on supply. As a result, you will have the answers you need to be successful in your personal and professional life.

Andrea Lennon lives in Conway, Arkansas, with her husband, Jay, and sons, Jake and Andrew. Andrea ministers to the women of Arkansas

through a speaking and writing ministry called True Vine Ministry. To learn more about this ministry, access Andrea’s website at

www.andrealennon.net.

S P I R I T U A L I T Y


I N T H E N E W S

Chamber creates event to recognize women in business

The Conway Area Chamber of Commerce has cre-ated a new business event to celebrate the successes of women leaders in central Arkansas.

The Women in Business Awards honor individuals in the Conway area who have excelled in leader-ship and community service and who have inspired others on both a personal and professional level. The inaugural awards luncheon will begin at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 4, and will take place in the Student Center Ballroom on the University of Central Arkan-sas campus.

Brad Lacy, president and CEO of the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce, said although a large number of Chamber members are women-owned enterprises, there has not been an event focused exclusively on the achievements of local businesswomen.

“The Chamber is happy to fill that void,” he said. “We have assembled a strong and diverse committee to help ensure this event is successful.”

At the Women in Business event, five individuals will receive the “Outstanding Woman in Business Award.” Those selected will embody high standards

of excellence, dedication and accomplishment to their respective organizations, industries and to the busi-ness community.

Of the five recipients, one will receive the prestigious “Diamond Achievement Award.” This award recognizes an individual who has inspired and empowered many generations of women and who has had a positive impact on those in her profession and in the community.

The Chamber is accepting nominations for the awards now through Friday, Sept. 21. A panel of Chamber executives outside the state of Arkansas will select the award recipients.

To submit nominations, visit ConwayArkansas.org and click on the Women in Business icon. For ques-tions about the awards or the call for nominations, contact Lindsay Wygal, vice president of member services, at 501-932-5403 or at [email protected].


I N T H E N E W S

Rise and ShineFive dollar all-you-can-eat pancakes and sausage

will be available at Stoby’s Restaurant on Sunday, Sept. 2 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Children ages 10 and under can eat free.

Proceeds will go the help Renewal Ranch as the restore broken lives through Christ.

Drive-through will be available.

Be part of a fabulous eventGo behind the scenes of the 2012 Conway Sym-

phony Designer Homes, 1005 and 1025 Edinburg, Turnberry Subdivision (off Prince Street).

Be part of a great volunteer event for civic clubs, church groups, book clubs, businesses and organiza-tions as well as individuals. A sign promoting your group or organization can be placed in the entry of the home. Ask about a one-day sponsorship.

Now scheduling volunteers as docents/room at-tendants and greeters. Friday Oct. 19-Friday, Nov. 9; Tuesday-Saturday 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and 1 p.m.-5

p.m.; Sundays 12:30 p.m.-5 p.m. Closed Mondays. Eight-10 volunteers are needed per shift.

For more information, contact Paige at [email protected] or Lisa at [email protected].

Conway Symphony Announces 2012 Designer House

The Conway Symphony Orchestra Guild is excited to announce the 2012 Designer House. This year’s event will feature two houses, located at 1005 Ed-inburgh & 1025 Edinburgh, in Conway. The houses are among the first available in Turnberry, West Conway’s intimate neighborhood for carefree living, featuring European-inspired architecture developed by Watson Homes.

“With two houses, we can offer visitors an even wider variety of designer styles and home decorat-ing ideas,” explained event co-chair Allison Vetter. “This year’s Designer House is going to be the best one yet!”

The Designer Houses will open with a Bare Bones party on Sept. 20, sponsored by Summit Bank. The public is invited to see the ‘bare bones’ of the house before the designers work their magic in transform-ing the rooms. Admission is $15 and includes dinner and a tour of both homes. Bare Bones tickets are available on ConwaySymphony.org after Sept. 1, or at the door.

Professional designers from across Central Arkansas Designers will transform each room in the houses

to reflect their own style, with custom design work and unique items for sale. Participating designers include: Tami Risinger, Jessi Payne, JoAnn Huselton, Debi Davis, Loren Stanton, Ashley Carson, Jayson Cain, Gary Morris, Helen Lockhart, Bernee Thurow, Beverly Arnold, Mary Kordsmeier, Bobbi Jo Feltmon, Cortney McMoran and Heather Daley.

When the designers have completed their work, the houses will reopen with a grand dinner on Thursday, Oct. 18, and will remain open for tours Tuesdays through Sundays, Oct. 19-Nov. 9 (closed on Mondays). Tickets will be available for day tours, with discounts for groups, plus a “run of show” pass for unlimited visits.

In addition, there will be several special events held throughout the tour, including a Ladies Night Out on Thursday, Oct. 25 and a wine tasting on Thursday, Nov. 1. New this year is an option for a Whole Score ticket, which includes unlimited tours and entry to all special events.

Several named sponsorship opportunities remain for the Designer House events, starting at $250 and offering marketing opportunities and event tickets. The Designer House, held every other year, is the major fundraising event for the Conway Symphony Guild, and all proceeds benefit the educational and outreach programs of the symphony.

“We’re so excited about this year’s Designer House,” said event co-chair Katherine Thomason. “There are two beautiful houses, incredibly talented designers, fun events and great opportunities for busi-nesses to be involved in supporting the important work of the Conway Symphony.”

Contact co-chairs Allison Vetter at (501) 733-3208 or Katherine Thomason at (501) 428-0349 for details

Story and Photo by Rachel Parker Dickerson

After 16 years as a court reporter, Kristy Rooney of Guy has begun helping others get started in the profession at Arkansas Court Reporting Academy.

Rooney opened the academy in April 2011 in a Conway attorney’s office and has since moved it to 611 Court St., Suite 6, in March of this year. Rooney got her start in the field 25 years ago working for a court reporter and later became certified.

“When I started, there were no schools in Arkan-sas. I had to call other reporters to get information. I feel like I’m at a time in my life where I can give back and teach people things I wish I had known,” she said.

Once students complete the class, they have to take a state board test to become certified. Rooney said she can also help her students with job placement via Conway Court Reporting, a firm she started in 2005.

“I want people to know they can follow their dreams,” she said. “It’s difficult, but you can’t give up on it.”

Rooney helping others in profession


I N T H E N E W Son the sponsorship levels and benefits.

The CSO Guild also welcomes organizations, civic clubs, businesses and individuals as volunteer docents to assist visitors touring the houses. To be involved in the Designer House event as a volunteer, contact Paige Revis at [email protected] or Lisa Win-bourne at [email protected].

Back-to-school driveUnited Way of Central Arkansas partnered with

KHTV Channel 11 for a Back-to-School Drive on Tuesday, Aug. 7. With the help of the community of Conway, the event collected more than 1,900 supplies for the Conway School District. In addition, Kimber-ly-Clark Corporation donated cases of Huggies Baby Wipes to the Conway School district.

On Thursday, Aug. 16, the UCA Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity helped the United Way staff deliver the school supplies and Huggies wipes to the Conway

Public Schools Purchasing Office. Dr. K.K Bradshaw sent out an email to all of the

counselors and teachers to inform them that United Way had dropped off the supplies. Three hundred to 400 teachers and counselors have been “shop-ping” at the Purchasing Office these past few days for

students. Excited about the opportunity, the teachers are

able to save money on supplies that their students need.

Firefighters for the Cure eventThe Firefighters for the Cure event will take place

in Downtown Conway on Friday, Oct. 12 and Satur-day and Oct. 13.

A fun-filled family weekend will include a 5K race, a fire truck pull, a survivors parade, entertainment and vendor booths. The goal of this event is to con-tinue to develop awareness of the affects that cancer can have on patients and their families. The mission is to instill hope, faith and courage to these families. A portion of the proceeds will support Hearts of Fire, a local group of firefighters providing support to cancer patients and their families.

HEARTS ON FIRECancer has affected many families of Conway Fire-

fighters in recent years. Cancer doesn’t discriminate against age, race or sex. Hearts on Fire is an organiza-tion started by the Conway Fire Department in an effort to show love and compassion by meeting the practical needs of cancer patients and their families who live in Faulkner County.

Some examples of this might include assistance with the purchase of wigs, spa treatments, gift certifi-cates for meals at local restaurants and stores, litera-ture provided during treatments, cleaning services, a ride in the fire truck or a visit from firefighters with flowers to brighten their day.


This program is supported by private donations and fundraisers. During the month of October, all members of the Conway Fire Department will be wearing specially-designed T-shirts supporting Fire-fighters for the Cure and breast cancer awareness.

For more information, visit www.firefightersforth-ecure.org.

SCHEDuLE OF EvENTSFri., Oct. 12

5 p.m.: 5K race registration and pasta party7 p.m.: Fire truck pull competition

Sat., Oct. 138 a.m.: 5K Men for Mammaries race begins10 a.m.: Midway opens in Downtown Conway10 a.m.: Fire truck pull competition continues in

Downtown ConwayNoon: Survivors’ Parade in Downtown Conway1 p.m.: Entertainment begins at the Kris Allen

Stage in Simon Park in Downtown Conway7-8 p.m.: Cory Lamb8:30-10 p.m.: Riverbilly


D O W N T O W N

By Rachel Parker DickersonPhotos by Brandy Strain

Whether she’s teaming up with her parents or working alongside employees who seem like her own children, Abby King of HipSway is all about family.

Rick and Shea Cantabery, King’s parents, started the busi-ness in downtown Conway six years ago after running it as an e-commerce site for a while, King said.

“I was at school at UCA. My father was always an en-trepreneur, so he decided to set up an e-commerce site for clothing and accessories,” she said. “We were so successful that he decided to open a storefront. When I graduated from UCA with my education degree in 2007, he asked if I would like a joint partnership with him and my mother.”

She noted the e-commerce site reached into 16 different countries, and a new site is under construction now.

HipSway has a Facebook page in addition to its e-commerce site, and the business ships out merchandise all over the country from both sites, King said. The new e-commerce site should be finished by the end of September, she said.

“It’s very exciting for us to be growing. We will be add-ing a few more stylists. We put a lot of time into this. On top of just having an e-commerce site, we will have a shop-ping cart on Facebook. Everything available in the store will be available on the e-commerce site, except TOMS.

“It’s one of those things you pray for, to be a successful company,” King said. “It seems like one day I woke up and we’ve just grown so much.”

She said the store’s customers vary widely, from preteens to women in their 60s.

“It’s hard to point out a certain demographic. We strive to have a little bit of everything for everyone. We have shirts that start at $18. We have anything from casual to trendy, fun Ts than you can accessorize, dresses to go out in, denim.

All in the familyHipSway owners and employees succeed as a team


We’re more on the casual side, but we do have some formal pieces in here as well.

“The big thing for us that we really strive on is our customer service. Anyone who walks in will be greeted with a smile and asked if they need help with anything. To me, walking into a place that doesn’t greet you — I’d rather take my money elsewhere.”

She said her employees are all trained as fashioned stylists, and she takes them all to market with her.

“To me, my business is like my family. I have six girls who work for me, and they’re almost like my daughters. I would do anything for them. We all have a really good time. I call it the HipSway family.

“I have been so blessed and so lucky that I actually am living my dream job. I love waking up and seeing what the day will bring.”

King and her husband, Stuart, have a son, Khyler, 2. She said her husband has helped out at the store a great deal as well.

“It took me a little while to find a balance between work and family, because you spend so many hours at the store, but I finally got to a point where I’m able to balance both. Without a supportive husband, I would not be able to do any of this. It’s great to have your spouse be your cheerleader.”

In her spare time she enjoys traveling with her husband and son to visit her in-laws, or doing typical family things like cookouts and movies. She spends a lot of time with the girls from work, she noted. Her family also travels with her to market in Dallas and Las Vegas frequently, she said.

“I think family time is really important,” she said. “Yes, we have a successful business, but family is my top priority.”

Video: Fall Fashion update with Abby King, owner of HipSway. View online at thecabin.net/interact/video


SH

OP

PIN

G

CPW printed dress, $142; leather studded cuff, $68; camel fringe bag, $88.Available at PK’s.

Jessica Simpson jazzberry flat, $72.99.

Available at Wilkinson’s.

Born attila boot, $189.99.Available at Wilkinson’s.

Jessica Simpson essence boot, $179.99. Available at Wilkinson’s.

Red suede fringe boot, $120.Available at Grand on Oak.

Sam Edelman fringe bootie, $149.99.


Kenneth Cole Reaction smoking shoe, $62.99.


Nine West suede pump, $61.99.


::FALLFLAIR::


Hale Bob silk tie blouse, Louben winter white pant, vintage clutch, Betty Carre

18K gold/silver clad earrings and bracelet. Available at Grand on Oak.

Mono B jade soft/skinny jeans, $56; Urban Day crochet sweater, $48; Mixed metal cross bracelet, $18; Mata Trader

bead earrings, $18; Parmex silver leopard watch, $24; Textured faux leather owl handbag, $52; Owl infinity scarf, $12.

Available at Branch Out.

Minnie Rose stitch and cable sweater, $158; DL1961 mid-rise skinny jean, $158; Matt and Nat Japanese paper messenger bag, $144; assorted

gold necklaces, $32-$34. Available at Lefler’s.

::

West 36th sweater, $55; James jeans, $144; 7 Hearts bracelet, $18.

Available at Mary’s.

RD Style black button up with tie front, $60; Big Star snake skin print pants,

$106; Naughty Monkey heels, $88; ear-rings, $25; necklace, $28;

Available at EM Jeans.

::

Toms dessert wedge, $88.99.


Naughty Monkey heel with buckle, $88.Available at EM Jeans.

WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 2524 WOMEN’S INC. / SEPTEMBER 2012

By Dr. Christine Hurley

We live in an age of op-portunities. Women have so many choices and options at this

point in time. Unfortunately, with all those choices can come feelings of overwhelm and stress. Every one of us desires to “have it all.” I am a true believer that you can indeed have what you want.

As women, we have a strong center of nurturing and caretaking. And this in-clination can lead to the place where we are not putting a high enough priority on ourselves. The following suggestions are about going down the path to hav-ing what is most important.

1. FAMILy: Date, Communi-cate and Make it Great! Date your spouse and your children. Set a regular schedule if possible, and make the date about the other person. Setting aside individual time for each child will build strong relationships that are not dam-aged by a late night or a missed game. Playing a game one-on-one, a movie night or even a Skype date so you can connect from faraway places can create

special memories. Communication is critical. Un-

derstand what the other person cares about, not just what you think they said or meant. This can be critical for moms with limited time. Just focus completely on the story your child is telling. Don’t jump ahead or assume you know the ending. Even listening to the plot of a movie or a video game can let your child know that you care about them enough to listen to any topic. This can pay off when you need that same child to share with you. You have established trust and a loving, listening relationship. I recommend the “5 Love Languages” series of books by Gary Chapman.

Make it great! In any circumstance take a moment and evaluate. Using a measurement such as asking yourself or family, what would make this experi-ence a 10? Then make it great! If you decide ahead of time that a quiet beach vacation is a 10, then don’t go to a loud amusement park and wonder why it isn’t as great a vacation as you expected. Sometimes it is as simple as adjusting our own attitude to be grateful for what we already have and deciding this is a

great day!2. PERSONAL: EAT, MOvE,

AND GET ADjuSTED!Eat- Better than yesterday. Even

small improvements are movement in the right direction. Notice you feel better when what you eat is better. Likewise, with drinks, caffeine and sugar give a quick lift and then drop you. They don’t add to your health so consider cutting them from your intake.

Move- Exercise and diet have the power to eliminate most, if not all, of the chronic diseases we face today. Even small steps here constitute a victory. The trick is to choose something you can really like so you will do it again!

Get Adjusted- Meaning a chiroprac-tic adjustment. Your nervous system controls everything in your body, and that is what chiropractors influence. The adjustment actually reduces pressure on nerves and that allows nerve flow to go where it is needed at its full potential. As you can imagine, that means a lot when it comes to keeping energy high and symptoms low.

3. BuSINESS/jOB: ORGANIzA-TION AND RESPONSIBILITy Nothing helps the busy woman like

an organized lifestyle. Whether it is personal or at work, being the ruler of your time is the key to getting what you want. There is power in planning, and 10 minutes of planning can save hours of wasted time. There are plenty of tools for this, but a favorite of mine is the book “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey.

Take Responsibility- No one will take care of you except ... you. And you cannot do the great things you are destined for unless you take care of you — no one to blame, just challenges to overcome. Women can decide what they want, and they can have it. We get to decide what that includes and how much we enjoy the process of getting to that goal. Always celebrate your success.

Three helps for busy womenN U T R I T I O N

Dr. Christine Hurley is the CEO of Hurley & Wellness

Center and is a wellness expert in nutrition, women’s

health and many other areas. She has published articles,

changed thousands lives with chiropractic care and raised

three children with these and more health principles.

WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 2524 WOMEN’S INC. / SEPTEMBER 2012

F O O D

GAMEDAYCuisine

Chef Jill McCollum, CC is the Caterer and Food Service Director for Central

Baptist College. Jill is the owner of Jill McCollum Catering in Conway. She can

be reached at [email protected] or (501) 730-4422

By Chef Jill McCollum, CC Photos by Lindsey Faith Watson

SLOW COOKER CHILI & A BEER

MARGARITA


Slow Cooker Chili

Please beef in a skillet over medium heat, and cook evenly brown. Drain grease. Please beef in slow cooker, and mix in onion, celery, green bell pepper, garlic, tomato puree, kidney beans and pinto beans. Season with chili powder, parsley, salt, basil, oregano, black pepper, and hot pepper sauce. Cover, cook 8 hours on low.

1 pound ground beef¾ cup diced onion¾ cup diced celery¾ cup diced green bell pepper1 cloves garlic, minced2 (10.75 ounce) cans tomato puree2 (15 ounce) can kidney beans with liquid1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans with liquid

½ teaspoon chili powder½ teaspoon dried parsley1 teaspoon salt¾ teaspoon dried basil¾ teaspoon dried oregano¼ teaspoon ground black pepper1/8 teaspoon hot pepper sauce


Beer Margarita

Pour limeade, tequila, water, and beer into a large pitcher. Stir until well blend-ed, and limeade has melted. Add plenty of ice, and garnish with lime wedges. Adjust with additional water, if needed.

1 (12 ounce) can frozen limeade concentrate12 ounces tequila12 ounces water

12 ounces beerIce1 lime, cut into wedges


By Angie Howard

Some people were just born to be fairy godmothers; for that I am certain. It’s like they entered this world with an intrinsic ability to transform the most humble of things around them into remark-able works of art, with seemingly little to no effort at all. Simply

put, they just make things in the world around them a prettier, brighter and more lovely.

Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother used a wand and those three special words to get the magic going and renovate an already strikingly gorgeous girl (albeit modestly dressed with a tear-stained face prior to the wand wave) into a stunning princess. And through doing so, she set forth an impressive display of skills no doubt.

But I have to say she is no match for a certain local fairy godmother I know who can take literal garbage from a dumpster and rework it into beautiful boutique furniture and accessories — no wand or “Bibbidi Bob-bidi Boos” required.

This particular girl’s enchanted tools are rather a hot glue gun, a can of spray paint and occasional bottle of glitter. Stand back Cindy’s Godmoth-er, you have some stiff competition in Conway resident Tara Gall and her www.trashtotreasuregirl.blogspot.com.

Tara is a busy wife and stay-at-home mother of three beautiful little girls. In the little spare time she has, somehow Tara managed to channel what started out as a hobby and artistic outlet into a small business of taking old furniture and household accessories once destined for the local landfill, and transforming them into one-of-a-kind functional pieces of art for the home.

For the past six years or so Tara has used her creativity and a unique way of seeing the hidden potential in old chandeliers, armoires, chairs, desks, shoes, etc., to do extreme makeovers on these items, rendering them nearly unrecognizable from their original forms.

To see examples of Tara’s work, she regularly posts before and after photos of her projects on her blogspot and has a booth in Junktion Flea Market on Harkrider in Conway where she displays and sells her original

pieces. In addition to the pieces on display at local retailers and online in her

blog, Tara also contracts to do custom projects for baby and birthday gifts. She also donates finished projects to local charitable events to be auctioned, such as the annual CASA Festival of Chairs and Blackbird Academy’s silent auction.

When asked about her favorite projects, she cites the following: when she reworked an old computer armoire that belonged to her that was about to be thrown away into a sweet, updated armoire painted and fin-ished especially to coordinate the décor of a little girl’s bedroom.

Another highlight of Tara’s collection of transformations was an old brass chandelier she salvaged from her parent’s home and completely painted and reworked into a lollipop-themed decorative fixture. This item was actually donated to Blackbird Academy to auction at a fundraiser.

So, as you can see, Tara truly is the furniture and fixture fairy godmoth-er. Replace the wand with a paintbrush and give her some garbage with potential to become gorgeous in her hands.

My favorite part of her talent is, of course, the fact she is recycling and reusing items once destined for the landfill. Now, under Tara’s charming ability, these are repurposed and given a new life, as her projects are made better than even their new original form.

Check out www.trashtotreasuregirl.blogspot.com to see if you can find an original work of art crafted by Tara that will fit your castle just as perfectly as a certain pair of glass slippers crafted by that “other” fairy. And take heart that purchasing and original from this modern-day fairy godmother is supporting eco-friendly practices in repurposing and waste reduction!

Angie Howard is a wife and mother of three. She is recycling coordinator for the city of Conway and the Faulkner County Solid Waste District. Angie

can be reached at [email protected].

Repurposing brings new life to old furniture

G R E E N


By By Rachel Parker DickersonPhotos by Courtney Spradlin

Living in The Village at Hendrix just became a little more accessible, with the introduction of The Row Houses.

Salter Properties, in partnership with The Village, presented the 18 new apartment homes, some of which are still available for rent. With access to all the amenities of The Village at Hendrix, but with renters’ needs in mind, The Row Houses are another step in rounding out the neighborhood experience of the development.

“These apartments have really set a new standard for what apartment living can be in Conway. They are second to none,” said Brent Salter of Salter Proper-ties. “You don’t typically find granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and custom maple cabinets in apartments in Conway.”

Those are not the only amenities to be found in the one- or two-bedroom units. They also have open floor plans with nine-foot ceilings and walk-in closets. Carpeted bedrooms, wood plank flooring and stained concrete can be found as well. All apartments are Energy Star Certified.

Nathan Salter said, “They are the first and only Energy Star Certified apartments in Conway. All the residential homes are also Energy Star Certified.”

Brent Salter said the certification involved several components, including upgraded insulation, low flow toilets and faucets, all Energy Star rated appliances and light fixtures and HVAC unit.

The one-bedroom, one-bath, 680-square-foot apartments rent for $750 per month; and the two-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath, 1,267 square-foot apartments rent for $1,200 per month. Call 501-450-

WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD

THE VILLAGE AT HENDRIX ADDITION OFFERS FINE CRAFTSMANSHIP, ACCESS TO AMENITIES

H E N D R I X R O W H O U S E S


3917 to lease.Nathan Salter said he believes

people who will be attracted to The Row Houses are, “Young professionals; a lot of people who would like to expe-rience living in The Village, but their circumstances make it more beneficial to rent.”

Ward Davis, CEO of The Village at Hendrix, said, “The Village was always designed to have a mix of unit types and a mix of people. We have a variety of homes.

“We will have town homes when the market comes back. The design in the beginning was mixed use that can accommodate a wide mix of people. This is the first beautiful shot at the full rental market.

“The other piece is; there aren’t really any high-end apartments in Conway. It’s hard to find a really nice, high-end apartment in Conway.”

Davis said plans for The Village encompass 100 acres, and so far one-third of that land has been developed.

“We’re just now getting a good head of steam. We’ve got a long way to go,” he said.

He added he has already talked with the new residents at The Row Houses.

“They like being able to be in the neighborhood,” he said. “I’m pleased to see they’re integrating really well and already becoming friends with the neighbors.”

Davis said of the apartment homes, “I think they’re beautiful buildings that are made to be beautiful in 40 or 50 years, and they give us a breadth of product in the neighborhood so we can have more and different people living in the neighborhood, because after all, that’s what’s most important in The Village, is a neighborhood feel. It’s getting to the point that it feels like a lot of fun.”


By Helen Lockhart

I was curious if you could give some information about Feng Shui. I have heard it makes for good design but am not sure what it is all about. Thank you. - Kim

Thank you for your note Kim! Feng Shui (pronounced “fung shway”) is often talked about or referenced in and around interior design. You’ve probably heard the term on a design TV show or in a magazine article. Most people don’t really know or understand what it is.

Its basic concept is that the placement of things and objects within a space affect the energy flow in your living environment. It also talks about how these objects inter-act with and influence your personal energy flow. If you really research Feng Shui you’ll get into a lot of talk about spiritual flow and how harmony and balance set you up for personal and professional success. I don’t know about all of that but I do know that some of the principles of Feng Shui are very similar to the principles of good interior design.

I thought I would share with you some principles of good interior design that happen to also be good Feng Shui.

uSING MIRRORSI use mirrors a lot in my designs. I think they open a

room up and reflect light. They can also reflect and empha-size views and colors from art, light fixtures and adjacent walls creating special effects. It can also just act as cool artwork.

In Feng Shui, mirrors are said to bring the energy of the Feng Shui water element. They are also used to expand a space, as well as to draw the beneficial Chi, or Feng Shui energy in. Mirrors have been called the aspirin of Feng Shui. With proper placement, they can dramatically shift the flow of energy in any given space. They also bring a sense of refreshment and calm.

FuRNITuRE PLACEMENTWhen thinking about furniture placement, I think it

goes back to one of the basic design principles — balance. Basically, in design, balance is the equal distribution of visual weight in a room.

There are three types of balance: symmetrical, asymmetri-cal, and radial.

What’s Feng Shui all about?

D E S I G N


Helen Lockhart is the owner of Red Chaise Designs, a full service interior design firm. Red

Chaise Designs is located in Conway, where she lives with her husband, Paul, and two children. You can reach her at: [email protected].

Symmetrical balance is usually found in traditional interiors. Symmetrical balance is characterized by the same objects repeated in the same positions on either side of a vertical axis, for example where on each side of a room is an exact mirror of the other.

Asymmetrical balance is more common in current design. Balance is achieved with some dissimilar objects that have equal visual weight or eye attrac-tion. Asymmetrical balance is more casual and less contrived feeling, but more difficult to achieve. Asymmetry suggests movement, and leads to more lively interiors.

Radial symmetry is when all the elements of a design are arrayed around a center point. A spiral staircase is also an excellent example of radial balance. Radial balance is not that common in interiors. The best example is dining chairs placed around a round table.

I think it is also important when placing furniture to keep in mind what the focal point is going to be (TV, fireplace, etc.). Also, how is the space going to be used? Does there need to be a different area for intimate conversation or is it meant to be open and casual?

COLOR uSEOk, so design and color go hand in hand. Some

people are scared of it; some people go crazy with it. Either way, there is a lot of research about color psychology or how different colors have different ef-fects on people. For instance, white symbolizes purity, innocence, neutrality and cleanliness; whereas, red can be associated with love, romance, warmth, energy, excitement, intensity or even anger.

Feng Shui uses color as a cure to promote the ap-propriate energy for a space. Things like how a color affects your mood are also taken into consideration. For example, if your ceiling is painted a light color, you will feel happier because a dark color will makes you feel as if there’s a dark cloud hanging over your head. It’s important to pick a color based on the tasks

you will be performing.• Yellow stimulates clarity of thought, creativity,

and mental activity, making it an excellent color for a home office. Yellow also promotes discipline, which anyone working in a home office needs.

• Red is an aggressive color. It promotes ambition and self-motivation

• A blue-green color can be soothing, yet creative.• Oranges and other warm desert colors stimulate

socialization and collaboration.

D I R E C T O R Y O F S E R V I C E S

Christie Johnson, Keller Johnson


BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB AUCTION

Brooke McCarthy, Valerie Cuthberson-Ruhl

Bart Shaw, Wes Dyson, John Fincher Bobby Kelly, Aaron Knight

Chris Coffman, Kelly CoffmanKatherine Thomason, Natalie Rose

Dawn Bicker, Candace Wilson, Lindsay Koehler, Brandie Martin Rachel Hunnicut, Sarah Shelton, Dana Goff


Jessie Ross, Jordan Frederking

Derrick Barnhart, Jonathan Spinks Laura Scott, Melody Jolly

Jennifer Harrison, Jason French Tierra Francis, Wale Mohammed

By Susan Isom

The earliest signs of aging skin appear around the eyes for most. It is really disheartening to find out that around the age of thirty these wrinkles begin to develop while some people develop these

wrinkles, when they get older. These wrinkles around the eyes are referred to as ‘crow’s feet’ when the skin around the eyes becomes drier, thinner, and less elastic.

What Causes Wrinkles around the Eyes? This may be hereditary or due to the continuous move-

ments of the eyes in the form of blinking which leads to the formation of wrinkles and sagging of the skin. However, appearance of these wrinkles is a cause of worry for many, es-pecially women. Surprisingly the skin on our face is durable, tough, and even resilient skin for the most part, but the area around the eyes is extremely delicate and not near as resilient as the rest of our face. The skin around our eyes is fragile because of the minimal cushion or subcutaneous fat beneath our skin that would normally provide that added support the eyes need. Taking preventative measures and using at home products can greatly help and reduce the signs of aging in your eyes.

Preventive Measures• Increase Water Intake: As dehydration is one of the

reasons behind the formation of wrinkles, drinking enough water can moisturize your skin and reduce the wrinkles.

• Avoid Squinting: Squinting or repetitive movements of the facial muscles can lead to such wrinkles. Over time, these wrinkles deepen more and more as the muscles that control our expressions thicken from use.

• Get Your Beauty Sleep: Above all, sufficient sleep is very much important to keep your skin free of damage. At least eight hours of sleep is needed, for the body to undertake repair of damaged skin cells. It has also been suggested that facial wrinkles may get reduced by sleeping on the back, rather than on the sides.

Non-Surgical TreatmentsThe most popular non-surgical treatment is Botox

injections. Correction with Botox is very natural and most patients feel that they have a more wide-eyed, rested and less angry appearance after the procedure. These treatments last an average of four months on crow’s feet. After repeated injections, the results may be even longer lasting. Effects of Botox become apparent in the first seven to nine days after treatment.

Fraxel Laser Treatments is a safe, non-invasive procedure that will dramatically improve your skin texture and ap-pearance to naturally restore and rebuild the skin around the eyes, reducing the appearance of fine lines. Due to the accuracy of the Fraxel LASER the downtime is minimized to 24-48 hours. However multiple treatments will be needed for full correction.

Surgical TreatmentA blepharoplasty (or eyelid lift) is an operation on either

the upper or the lower eyelids designed to remove excess skin and fat. It is one of the most common operations performed by plastic surgeons. In the upper eyelid a blepharoplasty is designed primarily to improve the aged, tired appearance caused by the redundant fold of skin that descends over the eyelid with age. In the lower eyelid a blepharoplasty tightens the skin and muscle and removes the excess fat or “bag.” It takes about a week to recover and is the most afforded cosmetic procedure.

At Home ProductWhen comes to strengthening and redefining difficult-to-

treat areas, nothing delivers like Obagi ELASTIderm. It is a one-of-a-kind eye treatments that include a revolutionary bi-mineral complex, copper zinc malonate, to help restore the elasticity around your eyes and reduce the appearance of visible fine lines and wrinkles within 6 to 9 weeks.


Susan Isom, Clinical Esthetician, is the owner of EL/Clini-cal Esthetics. Established in Conway for 21 years, Susan and her highly trained staff offer a full range of cosmetic

procedures. She is certified to inject Botox and cosmetic filler from the makers of Botox cosmetics, i.e. Allergen.

Please call 501-329-SKIN or visit elclinical.com

B E A U T Y

In the blink of an eye


By Dr. Sharon Stone

Although there are more than 10 million more cats kept as pets than dogs in the United States, troubling statistics show that pet owners are twice as likely to

take their dog to the veterinarian than their cat. In addition, there are a higher number of cats than dogs surrendered to shelters nationwide, with this figure increasing in recent years.

In order to combat these alarming trends, the CATalyst Council was founded in 2008 as a coali-tion of veterinary community, academia, nonprofit, industry and animal welfare organizations. This organization aims to promote awareness and to educate owners and communities about America’s No. 1 companion. September is “Happy, Healthy Cat Month,” so this is the perfect time to get on board and help your feline friend(s) live better lives!

Why does the most popular pet in the United States consistently receive inadequate health-care, especially compared to dogs? Many cat owners mistakenly believe that cats do not need medical care. Cats are largely indepen-dent, and they often mask signs of illness. However, these factors do not negate the critical neces-sity of

wellness care throughout all life stages. Cats age much faster than humans, and their

health condition can change more rapidly — which means that annual examinations (at the minimum) are essential.

A licensed veterinarian can detect clinical abnor-malities and interpret behavioral changes that may signal underlying disease.

An examination can reveal signs of chronic illness such as periodontal disease, diabetes, hyperthyroid-ism, heart disease or kidney failure. Early detection means improved prognosis, reduced suffering for the cat and decreased long-term expenses associated with

your pet’s healthcare. Along with regular

examinations, it’s important to make sure your cat receives immunizations against common feline dis-eases. Kittens should receive three sets of vaccinations, with vaccines repeated on an annual basis in order to make sure your cat is protected.

Upper respiratory viruses are very common and contagious. These viruses can spread without direct contact, which means your cat doesn’t even have to leave the house to come in contact with dis-ease. Your veterinarian may recommend testing your cat for Feline Leukemia Virus and Feline Immu-nodeficiency Virus — two widespread viruses in the U.S. cat population. Test-

ing for these diseases is important to managing your cat’s health, as both FeLV and FIV pose serious and sometimes life-threatening health problems. Even cats not showing clinical signs can be carriers of the disease.

The final health essential is internal and external parasite control for your cat year-round. Heartworms affect cats as well as dogs, and all cats are at risk — especially in our area of the country. Thirty percent of cats with heartworm disease are kept only indoors. Infected cats often develop respiratory problems, but some die suddenly with no other clinical signs. Intes-tinal parasites such as hookworms, roundworms and tapeworms cause serious health problems for your cat, but they also have the potential to infect other pets, as well as the human members of your family. Most are microscopic and cannot be detected in your cat’s feces. Fleas and ticks can cause tapeworms, anemia, skin problems and serious infectious disease. Using a topical parasite preventative every month, such as Revolution for Cats, is recommended to protect your pets and your family.

Our pets are part of the family, and owners are responsible for their health. This includes cats! Most veterinarians are making a concentrated effort to be more “cat-friendly” in an effort to help owners provide better care. If you’ve been neglecting your feline family members, call your veterinarian today to schedule an exam and vaccinations and to pick up your parasite control.

For more information on America’s most popu-lar pet, including advice on healthcare and making veterinary visits less stressful for your cat, visit www.catalystcouncil.org.

America’s No. 1 pet still receives second-class careP E T H E A LT H

Dr. Sharon Stone, of St. Francis Veterinary Clinic in Conway, is a wife and mother of three boys.

She volunteers her time to various organizations and non-profits in our community. For more

information about St. Francis Veterinary visit their website at www.stfrancisveterinary.com


Be prepared when starting your own businessBy Fran Scroggins

The idea of women owning businesses or property is somewhat new to modern history. At the time this

country was being established, women had no right to own any real property or actively be planning or operating businesses. At that time, the woman’s role was wife, mother and homemaker. Women generally were not deemed to have the intelligence and capability to run a business.

During the hard years of the depres-sion in the 1930s and the lean years of World War II, the role of women began a transformation. When many physically-able men were in the military during the war, women became second-ary workers, filling in jobs until the men returned from war. The image of Rosie the Riveter was born during this era as she worked in a factory in the early 1940s.

After the end of World War II, many jobs still remained open to women. Even so, the outside workplace remained male dominant. Through the years since, women now share roles in management and ownership and regu-late some of the largest companies in the country. Fields which for years were exclusively dominated by men — medi-cine, law and finance — are now almost equally made up of women.

The numbers locally will be similar to those around our state and nation. We see women owning many businesses which traditionally have been catered to women — beauty salons, day spas or day care facilities. In addition, many are

now professional doctors and pharma-cists and running medical clinics. They are lawyers, restaurant owners, bakers, caters, florists, CPAs and educators.

If you are currently contemplating opening a new business, several con-siderations should be made before your final decision. The legal form of your business, tax implications and financing are all important for you research. We recommend you make appointments with an attorney, your CPA and banker to discuss what business form will work best for you and your business. Whether you choose to operate your business as a sole proprietorship, partnership or corporation will affect whether your personal assets are at risk and how your profits will be taxed. Please call us and we will be happy to help you as you make these important decisions.

Now for some more exciting news! Recently a new non-profit business, Friends of the Faulkner County Animal Shelter, Inc., has been incorporated. The officers and directors are going to be an-nouncing things that everyone can do to help build an animal shelter, implement a spay and neuter program and foster homes to help animals in Faulkner County.

L I F E

Fran Scroggins is a graduate of the Bowen School of Law

at UALR. She has been practicing law in Conway since 1996.Voted Best Attorney in Faulkner County by readers of the Log Cabin Democrat, Fran

resides in Conway with her husband of nearly 35 years.

They have five children.


By Susan O’Keefe

It’s an oldie but goodie. It’s one I should have read in high school or college, but probably opted for CliffsNotes, sad to say. The copyright reads 1953.

Fast forward nearly 60 years, and readers around the globe mourn the loss as the author dies. It seems a fitting tribute that one of his best works reappears on retail bookshelves. I’m thankful for the opportunity to read it now, although I never would’ve chosen it myself. That is precisely why I am an active book club member. Stretching is not an option. It’s a require-ment. And different people make different choices which lead to different literary experiences. This month, we read “Fahrenheit 451” written by the late Ray Bradbury.

Imagine a time or place without the privilege of prose. There are no novels. Newspapers are no more. Magazines and mysteries are as good as mud. Reading is illegal. In the 1950s, Bradbury created such a place in his mind, and transferred his thoughts into what’s categorized as the smash science fiction “Fahrenheit 451,” the precise temperature at which paper ignites and burns.

Guy Montag, the main character, is a firefighter. His sole purpose is to burn homes, in which books have been discovered. When readers are introduced to this brawny man, he’s struggling with his conscience. Call it a mid-life crisis, but Montag is genuinely burdened by the aching feeling of nothingness. Everybody moves at the same pace. There are very few engaging discus-sions because there are very few original thoughts. Montag’s teenaged neighbor, Clarisse, speaks of smell-ing the roses and gazing at the green grass. Montag begins to question his purpose in life, as well as the purpose of all lives. Was there really a time when his profession served the city to prevent and extinguish fires? How could his comrades have fallen so far? They now carry kerosene instead of water.

One reader commented on the near indoctrination of emptiness. “There is no room for freedom of thought,”

she commented. “The government says it’s protecting society by keeping them happy and away from books that might spark new ideas. But there is no choice in happy or sad, because no one knows what it means to feel those opposite emotions anymore. Those feelings are being dictated by a few select authorities.”

Primarily, discussions surrounding “Fahrenheit 451” have focused on book burning. But our group found interest in the fact that the storyline was written more than a half-century ago and cautioned too much television viewing, claiming its destructive influence on reading.

“The theme of this book terrifies me,” offered an-other reader. “Do we allow our leaders in the political, spiritual, business and economic arenas to tell us what

to think, or do we investigate and research for our-selves, forming our own educated opinions?” During his lifetime, Bradbury warned of the dumbing down by media infusions. Six decades later, take a look around.

As our society careens in the fast lane of technol-ogy, many wonder what will happen to the endless collections of manuscripts? Will books become extinct as e-readers, Kindles and the like take over the written world?

As “Fahrenheit 451” progresses, readers meet Montag’s wife, a tortured soul who desperately wants to rid herself of the feeling of emptiness. She attempts suicide, which is frequent in this futuristic fantasy world. Montag is able to secure help for his wife, but is quickly reminded of the cold, calculated world in which he lives. Medical aids pump the poison from his wife as if they were clearing a clogged pipe. His quest for a more fulfilling life begins, and a dangerous mis-sion unfolds.

Those who refuse to abandon their first loves count on memory instead of printed words. Toward the end of the story, as Montag is being hunted by the authori-ties, he meets a group of underground bookworms. Refusing to let Faulkner, Twain and Dickens die, they simply memorized entire texts. They served as the liv-ing versions of the dying breed. Quoting to remember and remembering in order to live.

As our book club concluded and delivered a recom-mendation for “Fahrenheit 451,” we left our gathering with a renewed sense of excitement that in America we enjoy the privilege of reading. Exchanging information and ideas is a basic fundamental need to all humans. On the heels of that privilege is responsibility. Perhaps that is one of the many legacies of “Fahrenheit 451.”

B O O K R E V I E W

‘Fahrenheit 451’ by Ray Bradbury

Susan O’Keefe is a wife to Jack, mother to four children, and eager to face the crazy, awesome,

fun things God delivers daily. She and her family recently moved to Oxford, Mississippi,

where Susan will continue to read and review, instruct fitness classes, and embark on this next

adventure in life.


By Rachel Parker DickersonPhoto by Brandy Strain

Kathy Hull of Conway brings a lifetime of varied experiences and skills to the office of executive direc-tor of the United Way of Central Arkansas, but the secret to her success calls her Mom.

Hull, who started at the United Way on July 2, has lived in Conway since 2003 when, as a single parent, she moved here to finish her college degree. For several years before moving to Conway, she had worked in the radio business, starting as the traffic manager and then working her way up to managing four stations. When the radio stations were sold, she decided to put herself through college.

At the University of Central Arkansas, she earned a degree in accounting in 2008 and then started to work for Heifer International in Little Rock. She worked there as an accountant and as the donation processing senior supervisor, managing all donations coming in through the mail.

One of the strongest driving forces in Hull’s history is her 13-year-old daughter, Alex, who was diagnosed with hearing loss at age four.

“At eight they said ‘We give her a year before

she’s completely deaf,’” she said. “It’s a genetic type of hearing loss. As a single parent, it was quite chal-lenging, but we embraced it.”

Alex has a cochlear implant that provides her with some hearing ability. The Conway Public Schools have taken measures to accommodate her needs as well, Hull said.

“We really wanted to try the public schools,” she said, noting Alex was a candidate for the Arkansas School for the Deaf. “She went to Jim Stone. She was their first child with a cochlear implant. We’ve had the best experience with the schools. I was deter-mined to keep her in the schools here, because I felt like I couldn’t pay for a private education like the one she was getting here.”

Hull said her daughter has worked hard to over-come the early learning delays she had because of her hearing loss. She said now Alex speaks very clearly and can read lips quite well when not wearing her implant, such as when swimming.

“She is one of the ambassadors for Children’s Hos-pital this year that represent the whole state and the hospital,” Hull said. “They do different activities. She threw out the first pitch at one of the Travelers games.”

She continued, “I think she really drives me because she’s really charismatic. Her self-confidence is stellar, and it’s because of the schools. The other kids love her. It’s amazing how they appreciate and understand her. It’s a great community here.”

The United Way recently started its fall cam-paign by visiting the public schools and setting up payroll deductions for donors who wish to contribute monthly in that manner.

“We’re making people aware that they are invest-ing in the community, not just making a donation,” Hull said.

Lauralee McCool, a member of the United Way Board of Directors, said of Hull, “She has a lot of en-ergizing ideas for marketing and promoting United Way and engaging the community in the mission of United Way. She brings that strength of developing processes and procedures and documentation, but she balances it with a keen sense of marketing.

“She has the business sense, but she also has the ability to relate well to people. It’s hard to find that balance. She has a wide set of skills. She’s lived in Conway for a while. We were excited to find some-one who was a part of our community with such a variety of skills.”

C O M M U N I T Y

United Way’s new executive directorKathy Hull credits her daughter, Alex, as inspiration, secret to success

women's inc. sept. 2012

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