Kelley Kovar
1. Please introduce yourself to our readers with a short bio. Who you are, age, where you live, family, work, faith, non-profit work, hobbies, anything that paints a good picture of who you are. Include your title and occupation/company.
My name is Kelley Kovar, and I am the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) at Centura-Littleton Adventist Hospital, where I lead our incredible team of nurses in the care of our patients. I’m serving in my tenth year at the hospital.
The past year has been especially busy due to the pandemic of course, but also as a new CNO at our hospital and I finished my Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree at Regis University. I’ve helped to build and lead our COVID-19 vaccine clinics at Littleton Adventist, which has been an unprecedented effort for us as it has for hospitals across the country. Previously, I built our oncology program, which has been the focus of my clinical background.
I recently joined the Arapahoe Community College board of directors and also serve on the Denver Teachers Awards board. I’m 45 years old and live in the Wash Park neighborhood of Denver with my son and daughter. We all love skiing and hiking in the mountains, and I have run numerous marathons for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
2. This year, we're focusing on "resiliency” and overcoming obstacles. 2020 was a year like none other, and most women, especially successful women, know a thing or two about overcoming challenges. Tell us your philosophy how to tackle hard times and/or specific experiences with overcoming challenges.
My philosophy is to take one day at a time. As a leader, my job is to support people who care for patients in so many different venues across our hospital. I remind our caregivers that we can do this, we can get through it, if we just take it one day at a time. Some days during the pandemic, we’ve had to take it one minute at a time with all the changes we have faced. I’m really blessed to have the team that I work with.
3. Specific to 2020, the worldwide Covid pandemic and American economic downturn, what challenges did you professionally or personally face and how are you working on those?
2020 was particularly challenging as I moved into a new role as our CNO in the final weeks of our journey to become Magnet-designated, which is a high honor of nursing excellence. Just after the pandemic began, we learned we achieved our Magnet designation, and that was a wonderful moment for our hospital.
Nevertheless, it has been tough leading our team of nurses through COVID-19 with so many patients requiring our care during surges in the spring and fall of 2020 and numerous changes in our work flow to accommodate the need to care for so many people in our community.
You make the best decisions that you can in the moment and with the team around you to provide compassionate care to our patients while taking care of our associates.
I really wanted to spend more time with my family over the holidays, but we were running vaccine clinics as vaccines for COVID-19 were newly approved, thankfully. So, I spent a lot of time during the holidays at the hospital making sure the clinics were running smoothly, but I work with an amazing team who helped everyone through it.
4. What is the best advice you’ve ever received, and that you repeat to others?
My predecessor in this role, Rhonda Ward, has always said that in leadership, you have to “practice the pause.” Sometimes I think I’m too quick to respond to things and I have to think of Rhonda and remember to pause before I respond. I’m including the full saying below, which has served me well.
Practice the pause:
When in doubt, pause
When angry, pause
When tired, pause
When stressed, pause
And when you pause, pray
5. Who do you admire most in your life?
Personally, I would have to say it was definitely my grandpa. He was a veteran of World War II, and after all he’d been through, he just had a calming presence about him, I named my son after him. He taught me how to work hard and that you have to earn everything that you’re given.
6. Self-Care has entered our broader social conscience. How do you care for yourself? What does self-care look like for you?
I love the outdoors, but one of the best things I did before the pandemic for self-care was to buy a Peloton. I work out on it every day; it’s my stress relief. I also enjoy just spending time with my family as well.
7. Include how people can follow you on socials or get to know your organization.
We would love for others to follow us on Facebook (@LittletonAdventistHospital) and Instagram (@LittletonAdventistHospital). And our web site is: https://www.centura.org/locations/littleton-adventist-hospital
Glynis Albright
1. Please introduce yourself to our readers with a short bio. Who you are, age, where you live, family, work, faith, non-profit work, hobbies, anything that paints a good picture of who you are. Include your title and occupation/company.
I am a wife, married to my junior high school sweetheart, a mother of two adult children, and businesswoman of Glynis’ Products, Inc., five gourmet food lines. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, transplanted to Southern California at age 10, I’ve now been a resident of Douglas County for 16 years and I love it!
By profession, I am a Nutritional Therapist, creating foods for people with various health challenges for over 25 years. I find joy in blessing people, sometimes total strangers, by sending them home-cooked surprises through the mail.
I am also the Founder of M.A.N.E. (Making Advancements toward Nutritional Empowerment), a nonprofit organization that helps people regain self-esteem lost from the trauma of health challenged.
2. This year, we’re focusing on “resiliency” and overcoming obstacles. 2020 was a year like none other, and most women, especially successful women, know a thing or two about overcoming challenges. Tell us your philosophy of how to tackle hard times and/or specific experiences with overcoming challenges.
We’ve been dealing with a killer virus, Covid, and a longstanding virus, racism. Both disrupted us, tenderness and understanding became confusion and division. Frustration filled the air because remaining safe meant distancing ourselves from people we love, cleaning more than usual and covering part of our faces. All we could see was the color of another’s skin and the look in their eyes. Our trust was challenged.
Through all of this chaos, I relied on my every-day philosophy and routine, stay focused, get through my “To-do List” as best I can, eat, rest, and move whatever didn’t get done on the list for the next day. Most importantly, I tried not to beat myself up if I didn’t get through the list. My faith and higher power keeps me sane, fueling me to do my best.
3. Specific to 2020, the worldwide Covid pandemic and American economic downturn, what challenges did you professionally face and how are you working on those?
My products had just been placed in HomeGoods stores in January, 2020. The pandemic closed stores, which meant fewer products sold – a seller’s nightmare. My team and I had to switch to an online platform in which to sell my products. Marketing, content editors kept product visible on social media. My videographer, my son, created “how to” videos for my products on YouTube. My PR worked on visibility in print magazines and newspapers, and interviews on radio stations, podcasts, television shows.
Of, course I also needed a user-friendly website so that customers can purchase my products with ease.
4. What is the best advice you have received and that you repeat to others?
Collect and build. Don’t allow anything or anyone to take you off your path
Although negativity can come your way, keep moving forward. Make it your footstool.
5. Who do you admire most in your life?
My husband. I admire so much about him. I have watched him grow in his career since I was 13 years old. I am amazed at how he handles jealousy and deceit. It’s like he has a Teflon coating all over him. He’s able to let stuff roll right off.
6. Self-care has entered our broader social conscience. How do you care for yourself? What does self-care look like for you?
Self-care to me means making sure that you find a balance between work and play. Self-care means finding that “me” time to unwind, relax, and rejuvenate so you can handle the next day. Contingent upon my schedule, that “me” time might be a 20-minute break with no interruptions or 1 hour, alone, sitting still enjoying one of my puzzle books. Some days, it’s a 3-hour bubble bath surrounded by candles with Nina Simone blasting in the background.
7. Include how people can follow you on social media or get to know your organization.
You can find Glynis’ Products on all social media platforms.
Website: GlynisKitchen.com
Facebook: Glynis’ Kitchen
Twitter: Glynis’ Kitchen
Instagram: @InsideGlynisKitchen
YouTube: Glynis’ Kitchen
Amy Sherman
1. Please introduce yourself to our readers with a short bio. Who you are, age, where you live, family, work, faith, non-profit work, hobbies, anything that paints a good picture of who you are. Include your title and occupation/company.
Hello to the readers of this beautiful magazine! I am really honored to be a part of this group of amazing women!
I am Amy Sherman and I was lucky to grow up in this beautiful place called Douglas County. We ran the streets of Castle Rock when it was a small town and I graduated from Douglas County High School in 1992. Today I’m 47 with our boy/girl twins at ThunderRidge High School. My husband, Steve, and I planted roots in Roxborough when we got married and lived there for 20 years. Last year, we moved next door to Sterling Ranch. We are strong believers in building community and go all in volunteering on local non-profits and community organizations.
My professional career has been an extraordinary ride. I was fortunate to work for the Longmont Chamber of Commerce, Colorado Tourism Office, and National Potato Council in my 20’s learning how to advocate for businesses and trade associations. I was hired at 28 to be the President of the West Metro Chamber in Jefferson County, leading that organization for a decade. In 2011, I helped start the Northwest Douglas County Economic Development Corporation, merging with the Chamber in 2019. As the President of the Northwest Douglas County Chamber & EDC we focus on economic development, being a catalyst for business growth, a convener of leaders and influencers, and a champion for the community.
This year, I am spreading my wings again and am the new Senior Project Director for Catalyst Public Affairs, an all-women owned and staffed company. Catalyst Public Affairs offers a wide range of services including stakeholder and community engagement, strategic communications and political persuasion expertise. I will continue the great work I am doing in Northwest Douglas County leading the Chamber & EDC and focusing on economic development and economic recovery. I currently serve on the Douglas County Community Foundation Board of Directors and Arapahoe Douglas Workforce Development Board of Directors.
My professional honors include Colorado Chamber President of the Year (2008), Celebrate Women of Jefferson County (2011), Denver Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 (2012), Colorado Economic Development Rookie of the Year (2013), and Denver Business Journal’s Top Women in Energy (2015). And now Movers & Shakers in Highlands Ranch!
2. This year, we're focusing on "resiliency” and overcoming obstacles. 2020 was a year like none other, and most women, especially successful women, know a thing or two about overcoming challenges. Tell us your philosophy how to tackle hard times and/or specific experiences with overcoming challenges.
I can’t remember a year as crazy as 2020, but there have been challenging periods of my life. And I survived them all! My philosophy on getting through challenging times (and every day) is gratitude and focus. When I wake up, I list at least five things I am grateful for before I get out of bed. When I take the dogs outside in the morning, I take a deep breath of fresh air and feel connected to the world around me. Then I proceed to move through the day focusing on one thing at a time. I read a book called, “The One Thing” that helped me focus on less distractions and more productivity, relieving me of the overwhelming feeling we all get some days. I also read a lot of Brené Brown about leadership and daring to take risks. I am a big believer in taking time off with my family to explore the world and recalibrate.
3. Specific to 2020, the worldwide Covid pandemic and American economic downturn, what challenges did you professionally or personally face and how are you working on those?
On March 13, 2020 we moved into a beautiful new home in Sterling Ranch. That week, all four of us had COVID-19, businesses were shutting down and schools were going remote! What a crazy time! Personally, there were many silver linings for our family. We had time to organize our new home, which is a smart home and has amazing internet connectivity. We all settled into a routine of school and work, making meals together, enjoying nature, and playing nightly games.
Professionally, it has been one of the most challenging years. As an advocate for the business community, we immediately turned to being a top resource for business in the region. We quickly became experts in current restrictions for every industry, PPP and EIDL, employment law, finance, and Zoom meetings. We serve on every economic recovery and business task force out there. We listened to business owners fears and frustrations and tried to help them in every way possible. We are blessed to be in Douglas County with many partners and are coming out of the pandemic stronger because of it.
4. What is the best advise you’ve ever received, and that you repeat to others?
When my twins were five and I was thinking about a professional change to be closer to home and school, Diane Smethills from Sterling Ranch Development Company, told me that I should make decisions that were best for my family. She said I would remember every car ride home from school because that’s where the best conversations happen. I loved drop-off and pick-up from elementary school until they turned 16 and am grateful for that special time with my kids.
5. Who do you admire most in your life?
The person I admire most in my life, of course, is my Mom. She was a bank officer, working 10-12 hours days while we were growing up and never missed attending our activities. She taught me that I could have a successful career and still be a great Mom. She has always been my best friend to talk over everything from financial goals, what to wear, what to cook, what to watch, everything! We have been blessed to take several Mother/Daughter vacations together, most recently to Portugal. She is an amazing Grandma and artist, and is extremely thoughtful and kind. Her best advice when there is a road bump in life, is that “this too shall pass” and she is always right.
I could also write about my amazing Dad, but this is a women’s issue! My parents have been married for 60 years and are wonderful role models in every way.
6. Self-Care has entered our broader social conscience. How do you care for yourself? What does self-care look like for you?
I am a strong believer in spending one hour per day on yourself. For me that means taking my dogs on a walk, going to yoga, reading a book, and driving while listening to my favorite music. I also read once that if you feel out-of-control, clean your closet and play with all your beauty products. I have a very organized closet and good skin! I also treat myself to a quarterly beauty and wellness box that reminds me to take care of myself.
7. Include how people can follow you on socials or get to know your organization.
www.linkedin.com/in/amyshermancolorado
Twitter @AmyShermanCO
Nicole Wangaard
1.Please introduce yourself to our readers with a short bio. Who you are, age, where you live, family, work, faith, non-profit work, hobbies, anything that paints a good picture of who you are. Include your title and occupation/company.
Hi, My name is Nicole Wangaard and I am 37 years old. I live in the city of Centennial with my husband of 10 years and our two beautiful boys ages 6 and 9. I am the current owner of THE DONUT which I purchased back in December 2019. My career in food began when I was 15 years old; I worked in various restaurants- chains, fast-casual, fine dining as well as starting my own catering company. I graduated from the University of Tampa in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in Biology. I have always had a passion for cooking and baking. Becoming the owner of The Donut allows me to be creative and to share my love of flavors with others. I enjoy cycling, baking, and going camping and hiking with my family. My dream was always to be my own boss but also contribute to my community through service and love.
2. This year, we're focusing on "resiliency” and overcoming obstacles. 2020 was a year like none other, and most women, especially successful women, know a thing or two about overcoming challenges. Tell us your philosophy how to tackle hard times and/or specific experiences with overcoming challenges.
I faced many personal and professional challenges in 2020, from losing my brother earlier this year to having my business broken into. But through it all I remained resilient by focusing on what I can control in that moment and letting go of what I could not control. It not the circumstances that changes us, but it is how we react to them and that is what makes us stronger.
3. Specific to 2020, the worldwide Covid pandemic and American economic downturn, what challenges did you professionally or personally face and how are you working on those?
Some of the challenges I have faced during the pandemic were as temporarily closing my business and trying to figure out new ways of operating a restaurant during a pandemic. Along with operating a business, I also was so had the new task of remote schooling for my two boys. I believe that you learn the beauty of innovation during times desperation, with that we brought in new products to increase our business revenue and we also revamped our branding to reach more customers.
4. What is the best advise you’ve ever received, and that you repeat to others?
I once heard bestselling Author Sylvester McNutt III say “Enjoy, where you are at now. You are right where you are supposed to be. We are all guilty of getting wrapped into “where we should be” and all that does is cause stress and anxiety. Stay here. Stay present. Love this moment. Love yourself as you are. Stay engaged in the now.” I share this with others as much as I can and I feel like it speaks even louder with all the uncertainty we face every day with the pandemic and the future after the pandemic.
Learn to let go of thoughts or things that do not serve you in a positive way.
5. Who do you admire most in your life?
I admire My two boys because they have inspired me to go after my dreams and remind me every day that we all have the courage and strength to go after the impossible if only you believe in yourself.
6. Self-Care has entered our broader social conscience. How do you care for yourself? What does self-care look like for you?
I began each day with writing down 3 daily gratitudes and I repeat a daily affirmation every morning before I leave my house. I mediate for at least 20 mins every day and try to get a 30 minute workout in at least 4x a week. I also find being in nature keeps me grounded to the world around me, so I try to take a quick walk in my neighborhood or sit outside on my back porch and embrace my surroundings.
7. Include how people can follow you on socials or get to know your organization.
Instagram @thedonut80122 or Facebook @thedonutcentennial
Maria Bales
1. Please introduce yourself to our readers with a short bio. Who you are, age, where you live, family, work, faith, non-profit work, hobbies, anything that paints a good picture of who you are. Include your title and occupation/company.
Hello. My name is Maria Bales. My story is a sad one. Nick Bales, my son, started Brought to Reality (BTR) in 2016 when he was a sophomore at Arapahoe High School. Nick suffered from anxiety and depression and focusing on BTR enabled him to be creative, keep busy, and stay grounded in reality. Through his brand, Nick sought to bring awareness to teen mental health and to end its stigma. Unfortunately, we lost our son two years ago on September 29, 2018 by suicide. Nick was 17.
Needless to say, I’m on a mission with Brought to Reality (BTR) to bring awareness to teen mental health and teen suicide prevention. Losing my son Nick has been the worst experience of my life but I will not let this pain stop me. Not only am I an advocate for mental health, but my biggest wish is to help other parents, siblings, friends from feeling how my family feels.
100% of BTR proceeds go directly into the Nick Bales BTR Foundation. The Foundation takes a non-traditional approach to mental illness as it is not the same for everyone. BTR supports a variety of unconventional therapies, including animal therapy and experience therapy.
Some kids tell me that BTR is making the difference in their lives to seek the help that they need. BTR is saving lives.
2. This year, we're focusing on "resiliency” and overcoming obstacles. 2020 was a year like none other, and most women, especially successful women, know a thing or two about overcoming challenges. Tell us your philosophy how to tackle hard times and/or specific experiences with overcoming challenges.
2020 has been tough with Covid. Everyone has been affected in some way or another. For me, reaching out to the youth during this difficult time has been crucial. They have been affected in so many ways. Watching their parents struggle, not seeing their friends, not being involved with school, dances, sports, etc. This is really doing a number on their psyche.
I talk a lot to young adults. I believe that open, honest, transparent communication is key to overcoming a lot of what’s happening in our world. It helps kids feel validated! The more we talk about personal issues the more one can grow and ultimately the better we feel. Nothing good comes when we internalize our emotions. Kids trust BTR and the mission behind it.
3. Specific to 2020, the worldwide Covid pandemic and American economic downturn, what challenges did you professionally or personally face and how are you working on those?
The Covid pandemic has interrupted essential mental health services around the world just when they are needed the most. What BTR is doing to help is simply talking to our youth all around the nation. Many college aged kids have been reaching out to BTR so that I can talk to their sororities and fraternities to share Nick’s message with the ones they care about. When kids believe in the message of the BTR story I find that inspires them to be more engaged and show their friends that they are loved and do not need to struggle in silence. It’s amazing how smart, kind and loving these kids are. They have a lot of the answers. The adults are the ones that perpetuate the stigma and the youth are tearing it down. Kids are tired of losing their friends to suicide. They are the ones making a difference and changing the way we all see mental health. We must talk to our kids, listen to our kids and believe in our kids. They’re smarter and more compassionate then we give them credit for. I believe this is why BTR is successful because we believe in these kids and they are leading the way.
4. What is the best advise you’ve ever received, and that you repeat to others?
Live in the moment. If you’re in the moment you are able to find your peace. Too often we’re trying to fix everything. Sometimes things happen for a reason and that reason whether good or bad will help us grow into our purpose.
5. Who do you admire most in your life?
My mom without a doubt. She was my rock. She’s been through so much and always thought about others even though she was always fighting an illness or life’s challenges. I miss her deeply every day.
6. Self-Care has entered our broader social conscience. How do you care for yourself? What does self-care look like for you?
I meditate every day. Talk to God every day. My faith is my self-care. Without it I don’t know that I’d be able to get out of bed. I also owe a lot of my self-care to my husband my son and my friends. Without them I’d be lost. Having a good support system is key to happy healthy life!
7. Include how people can follow you on socials or get to know your organization.
Please go to our website and read Nick’s story. He wrote this himself. It was his college essay. Check out his products. So many designs were created by Nick. Many were created by his friends. They all support Nick’s message of staying in reality.
Website www.broughttoreality.com
Instagram @btrclothing
Facebook @broughttoreality
Twitter @BTRlegacy
Jocelyn Aalborg
1. Please introduce yourself to our readers with a short bio. Who you are, age, where you live, family, work, faith, non-profit work, hobbies, anything that paints a good picture of who you are. Include your title and occupation/company.
I am a proud native to Colorado and have spent almost all thirty-three years of my life in Denver. Our community has been my foundation and inspiration as a professional and I feel deeply blessed to raise my family here as well. My husband of eleven years, Chase Aalborg, serves as the CFO/COO at Castle Rock Adventist Hospital and we have two children, Charlee (8) and Jack (6).
I grew up in the Seventh-day Adventist Church and attended Mile High Academy (MHA) from grades 1st to 12th. After a brief Colorado departure to attend Union College in Lincoln, NE, I came back to Denver to be with my family and marry Chase.
My degree in business and finance has been put to great use in all my professional pursuits. Though I got my start as a business manager for a small construction company here in Denver, our daughter was born eleven weeks premature. I took time to raise Charlee. In a twist I could have never anticipated, my alma mater reached out to see if I could help on a part-time basis. It was clear after just two weeks that MHA was a passion for me. I knew what the school needed to grow and was excited to accept the role of Vice Principal of Finance going back to working full-time. Eight years later, I am still serving MHA as the VP of Finance and Development and now my kids attend the school that I did as a kid.
Mile High Academy is part of who I am. It has been one of my greatest achievements to be part of the school’s growth. The hours can be long, but it is worth it because I see the difference the school is making--not only to the students, but to our community.
Though free time is scarce, people who know me call me when they have an organizing dilemma. I love to create sense out of chaos. Yes, my book collection is color coordinated! Most of all, I love creating memories for my family and finding ways to travel--definitely more of a challenge during Covid.
2. This year, we're focusing on "resiliency” and overcoming obstacles. 2020 was a year like none other, and most women, especially successful women, know a thing or two about overcoming challenges. Tell us your philosophy how to tackle hard times and/or specific experiences with overcoming challenges.
Resiliency has never been much of an option for me. My father was ill for most of my life before he passed away in 2018. The experience of living while you’re dying was something I learned about up close and personal. When things are challenging for me, be it my daughter being born premature, my husband and I managing life as two working professionals, or all the obstacles and opportunities you face as a leader in education--I dig in. I have learned to leverage my ability to never waste time...after all, it’s our most valuable resource. Like most working moms, I am an expert multi-tasker and believe in the power of dividing to conquer. When it is all said and done, resiliency means chasing your goals even when every challenge is telling you to give up.
3. Specific to 2020, the worldwide Covid pandemic and American economic downturn, what challenges did you professionally or personally face and how are you working on those?
As a leader in education, I would never have ventured to imagine the challenges a global pandemic would create for our students, their families, and educators. When the world shut down, we quickly realized we needed to look ahead and evaluate what was going to be possible.
Flexibility, communication, and a plan for every scenario became our daily challenge at MHA. Through so much uncertainty, we did our best to adjust and tackle the daily changes that were expected of educators all while trying to support families with different needs in these unusual circumstances. I am so grateful MHA was able to serve the children of our community safely and in-person this year. We don’t claim to be perfect or have it all figured out, but we are passionate about children being able to learn with their peers and teachers.
Like every parent navigating COVID and kids, it was a major adjustment for my family. I have grown an even greater respect for teachers and feel so eager for parents and children to have the life they have known back. I have done my best to appreciate the silver linings of this challenging time...fewer party favors and more quality time.
4. What is the best advise you’ve ever received, and that you repeat to others?
Don’t wait for opportunity to knock on your door. Be a self-starter. Never give up!
5. Who do you admire most in your life?
There are so many people I could talk about to answer this question. One person who bubbled to the surface every time I thought about this question is my Grandma Margaret. She is an incredible lady who has a heart of gold--the kind of person you only meet once in your life. My Dad was diagnosed at a very young age with diabetes, that led to two kidney transplants, a pancreas transplant, cancer, just to name a few of the challenges he faced. My grandma never gave up on my Dad. Eight years ago, my dad had to retire from dentistry in his early 50s because of how sick he was. He was unable to live alone and my Grandma, his mom, moved in with him and became his caregiver. He lived another five years alongside his mom. She gave up her life to care for him and was with him until the day he passed away. She never complained and would always put his needs first. She has shown me how to be a mom and how to love unconditionally, even when things are not fair. I am so grateful for her example in my life.
6. Self-Care has entered our broader social conscience. How do you care for yourself? What does self-care look like for you?
I admit I’m not a self-care expert. Most mothers put this at the bottom of the list, but I know how important it is. I have always loved travel. I search for opportunities for a quick weekend getaway...and sometimes a 10-day European adventure. The opportunity to go camping for a few nights with my family brings me a lot of joy. I’ve learned that disconnecting from things that are even our passions can be so healing and help you recharge so you can get right back in the fight. If I can’t get away, I love talking with my close friends and family...they keep me motivated and laughing while I’m at it.
7. Include how people can follow you on socials or get to know your organization.
We would love for you to get to know MHA! You can visit our website at: https://www.milehighacademy.org/ or follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MileHighAcademy. We just finished an amazing promo video that we would love for you to watch and share with your friends: https://www.milehighacademy.org/virtual-admissions/. If you are interested in more information, please reach out to me at jaalborg@milehighacademy.org or call the school at 303.744.1069 we would love to give you a tour and show you around.
Rebecca Brennan
1.Tell us about yourself
It is an honor to be selected as one of this year’s Movers and Shakers. I am blessed to share that I am a mother to three teenage daughters, a successful small business owner, and outdoor enthusiast residing in Highlands Ranch and enjoying all that Colorado has to offer. When not traveling the country to visit clients and construction sites, I enjoy raising my daughters. My oldest daughter graduated from HRHS in 2020 and is a Capstone Scholar at the University of Alabama studying premed and my younger daughters are attending HRHS. We belong to St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Highlands Ranch and enjoy the fellowship shared by our parish. On nights and weekends, I head outdoors to mountain bike the Backcountry trails, as well as fly-fish, hike, snowshoe, and ski in the Colorado mountains.
My other passion in life is designing environments that bring joy and heal. After 18 years in the industry, I took a leap of faith and founded Design Studio Blue, LLC a nationally recognized award-winning, woman-owned interior design firm specializing in commercial and healthcare environments across the country. My firm is made up of phenomenal women and mothers. With our success, we pay it forward to women and children. Our firm supports Children’s Hospital of Colorado, America’s Kids Belong, and St. Joseph’s/Candler SmartWomen Event, whose goal is to give all women access to mammography.
2. This year, we're focusing on "resiliency” and overcoming obstacles. 2020 was a year like none other, and most women, especially successful women, know a thing or two about overcoming challenges. Tell us your philosophy how to tackle hard times and/or specific experiences with overcoming challenges.
My philosophy on tackling and overcoming challenges is to focus on the things that are in my control, not losing site of what I desire to be the outcome and to take small steps every day that ultimately lead towards the goal. It’s about small wins that add up to a big win.
3. Specific to 2020, the worldwide Covid pandemic and American economic downturn, what challenges did you professionally or personally face and how are you working on those?
As a business owner and mother through the pandemic, my biggest challenge was finding ways to ensure and inspire my staff, family, clients, and friends to maintain hope and to also give and ask for grace. Grace was the word I leaned upon the most in 2020. My design team and I joined Zoom every morning to start our workday, say good morning, check workload, and most importantly, to share our struggles and offer support to one another. We grew closer as a work family. My daughters and I started cooking dinners together in the kitchen and are now naturally spending more time together rather than each in our own space.
4. What is the best advise you’ve ever received, and that you repeat to others.
My first boss and mentor told me this famous quote that has become my mantra, “If you don’t ask, the answer is always no. If you don’t go after what you want, you’ll never have it. If you don’t step forward, you’re always in the same spot.” I have recited this gem to my daughters when they are apprehensive about stepping out of their comfort zone.
5. Who do you admire most in your life?
I have great admiration for my late Grandmother Dorothy. She was the matriarch of our family growing up. When my dad was 15, my grandfather passed away and my grandmother took over the family farm and raised her five children. She was the epitome of endurance and posed strength. I loved spending hours with her in the vegetable gardens or making hot chocolate where she would tell me stories and share her wisdom.
6. Self-Care has entered our broader social conscience. How do you care for yourself? What does self-care look like for you?
For me, self-care is carving out time to unplug and do the things that bring me joy…. spending time in nature and movie nights with my daughters. In the summer, the favorite part of my work day is shutting down the computer, hopping on my mountain bike to out ride the last hour of daylight on the dirt trails in Backcountry.
7. Include how people can follow you on socials or get to know your organization.
You can learn more about my work and follow Design Studio Blue via our designstudio-blue.com, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. I can also be reached at 720-724-3149.
Ishimine Johnson
1.Please introduce yourself to our readers with a short bio. Who you are, age, where you live, family, work, faith, non-profit work, hobbies, anything that paints a good picture of who you are. Include your title and occupation/company.
I’m dedicated towards growing the mind, body & soul with a variety of traits in life. 31 years old, Currently residing in Highlands Ranch Colorado. Moved here by myself August 2018 while family is back home in Los Angeles & Washington State where I grew up.
I’ve been in the United States Air Force for 10 years now & currently working my way up to becoming a recruiter. Right now I’m is a reservist based in the Springs working personnel with Force Management.
I’m an international Sports Science Association certified personal trainer for four years now, coach group fitness classes at West Highlands Ranch Orangetheory, 1-1 Clients at Total Fitness Colorado & Stirling Ranch Clubhouse community.
In my down time, you can find me Strength training, bodybuilding, modeling, acting, golfing, hiking to a waterfall or watching the sunset. Traveling has become a favorite hobby of mine. To experience, explore and learn about different cultures ways of living. And the food of course. Favorite travel location so far is Qatar.
2. This year, we're focusing on "resiliency” and overcoming obstacles. 2020 was a year like none other, and most women, especially successful women, know a thing or two about overcoming challenges. Tell us your philosophy how to tackle hard times and/or specific experiences with overcoming challenges.
In 2019 I lost my Dad to cancer & that is the most challenging thing. Losing someone that close to you who’ve you known your entire life is now gone. Coming to the conclusion, never take anything for granted because you never know when a person’s time will run out. Even for yourself. Be kind to others and always look for the silver lining. We are all on Gods timing and plan. I’ve learned a long time ago that when a door shuts, God closed it for a reason. He always has something better in plan. Don’t pout or be upset that things aren’t going your way. Just trust.
4. What is the best advise you’ve ever received, and that you repeat to others?
A few things... never feel bad for doing what’s best for yourself, even if you have to let someone down because end the end you’re all you’ve got. And If you’re having a difficult time making a decision about something it’s already a no. Always be 100% in about the decisions or you’ll always be 2nd guessing it.
5. Who do you admire most in your life?
My Mother of course for how strong she has been holding up after losing her husband of 33 years.
In addition, my First Coach in Florida is a 40 year old mother of two girls, gym owner & IFBB professional bikini bodybuilder. She has worked with me for years while I was competing and has taught me so much to help grow me into who I am with the fitness world today.
6. Self-Care has entered our broader social conscience. How do you care for yourself? What does self-care look like for you?
Overworking myself is not necessary. Setting aside at least a day or two is very important to me because my happiness is more important than anyone else’s. If I’m not happy with my life there’s no way I’d ever be able to bring out the best in others. Things like that really show in vibes and make a difference. Outdoor activities or traveling have become self-care. Getting a massage and or just taking a relaxing bubble bath is something I do often. Just doing anything I genuinely enjoy only for myself and having a “me day.” No phone.
7. Include how people can follow you on socials or get to know your organization.
The best way to stay in touch with me is through Instagram @_thereal_Ish_
