For our Ladies issue, we spotlight four local business women from three very different backgrounds and occupations (two are sisters who co-own the same business).
The sisters (Haley Ireland and Victoria Ireland-Krohn) co-own a women’s clothing boutique, another owns an upscale design and consign furniture store (Beth Ketchum) and the other is an FAA Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center retiree who now serves on True Sky Federal Credit Union’s Board of Directors (Judy Richey).
More about these hard-working business leaders follow the Q&A.
Q. What makes your business stand apart?
Beth - I stand apart because I truly care. I build trust and relationships with my clients, taking the time to understand their needs and bring their vision to life, whether it’s finding the perfect preloved piece, designing custom upholstery or creating window treatments.
Haley & Victoria – We have encountered challenges but have navigated through them. Despite obstacles, we’re committed to continuous growth. We foster an environment that promotes positivity and progress.
Judy - Credit unions are financial cooperatives, member owned. True Sky Federal Credit Union strives to provide the best possible member experience whether members call in, come in or click in. Forbes magazine recently named True Sky the best credit union in Oklahoma for the third consecutive year. (Ed. Note: True Sky Federal Credit Union has multiple branches throughout the metro.)
Q. What do you consider to be your greatest workplace success thus far?
Beth – My greatest success is the loyalty of repeat customers and referrals. Knowing clients trust me enough to return and recommend Wunderhaus means everything.
Haley & Victoria – We’re focused on expanding our reach and impact; engaging with vendors and customers through booths to showcase products and services; and actively networking and building relationships with new individuals and partners.
Judy - I am currently retired. I enjoyed my years in management serving in a leadership role. The opportunity to lead a team working collaboratively to produce something greater as a group than what one can do themselves is so fulfilling. As a leader, I loved helping people grow and develop.
Q. What do you do in your work that brings you the most satisfaction?
Beth – I’m most satisfied when my customers are satisfied. There’s nothing better than seeing their face light up when they see their freshly upholstered piece or beautiful new window coverings installed. That moment of joy and surprise—when we’ve not just met but exceeded their expectations—is what I work for every day. Surpassing my customer’s expectations is always my No. 1 priority.
Haley & Victoria - We find the greatest satisfaction in recurring, happy and confident customers, as their loyalty and trust reflect the value we provide and the lasting relationships we build.
Judy - I have volunteered with True Sky for almost 30 years because I believe in the credit union philosophy of people helping people. I have always been an advocate for women. I led an organization called Rise Up for our credit union staff that brought together speakers, mostly women, from national, state and local governments as well as successful business and credit union leaders who shared their thoughts and experiences on their career journey.
Q. What traits do you possess that you think have helped you be successful in business?
Beth - My success comes from a proactive approach—clear communication, organization, open dialogue, and follow-through. Building trust and strong relationships is at the core of what I do, and I lead with empathy and collaboration. These qualities, often strengths of women in business, help me create relationships with my clients.
Haley & Victoria - HayVic’s Black Black Sale is all about connecting with women in our local community to promote and empower small businesses, creating opportunities for collaboration and growth. We’re focused on supporting each other and building a stronger, more connected network of entrepreneurs.
Judy - I believe it is the ability to connect with people in a way that encourages them to believe in their potential to reach higher goals. I think my honest and forthright approach engenders trust. I can also be tenacious to bring projects to a successful conclusion.
Q. Do you personally or does your business give back to the community in any way?
Beth - I serve on the boards of the Norman Chamber of Commerce and the Norman Business Association. Wunderhaus has also supported the community by working with the Center for Children & Families, the South Central CASA—Court Appointed Special Advocates of Norman, and through donations to our local schools' arts and sports programs.
Haley & Victoria - HayVic’s has made a significant impact in the community through generous donations to various organizations, including the Police Department, local churches, Moore Schools, Student Council, cheer teams and softball teams. These contributions help support community development and provide essential resources to these groups.
Judy – True Sky has a strong community connection. Some examples include sponsoring teacher shopping sprees for their classrooms prior to the start of school. We provide scholarships for high school students through our TSFCU Foundation. We’ve had gas giveaways and grocery giveaways. Our True Sky team has provided lunch for first responders. We also set up a model classroom for a local elementary school. It is important to be a good corporate citizen and a contributing member to the community.
Q. Favorite quote?
Beth – My favorite quote, one I penned myself, is “Only solutions.” Everyone has problems, but not everyone has solutions. No matter the challenge, I focus on finding a way forward. It is important to be proactive not reactive.
Haley & Victoria - “The success of a small business is the success of the community! Shop small.”
Judy - President Truman was said to have a quote on his desk that read “The buck stops here.” It reflects my core values to accept responsibility and accountability.
BETH KETCHUM
I was born in Youngstown, Ohio, and moved to Oklahoma when I was 7—this state has felt like home ever since. I’m a proud graduate of the University of Oklahoma. With over 20 years of experience in the drapery business, I opened Wunderhaus Design + Consign in 2022, a high-end boutique offering furniture consignment, custom upholstery, window coverings, interior fabrics and wallpaper.
HALEY IRELAND & VICTORIA IRELAND-KROHN
In 2015, my sister and I turned our love for fashion and community into a reality by opening our boutique in Moore. With a focus on both trendy and cozy styles, HayVic’s quickly became a go-to spot for locals seeking the latest fashion and timeless pieces. Our boutique isn’t just a store—it’s a reflection of our deep connection to each other, our love for fashion, and our hometown.
JUDY RICHEY
I have served on the True Sky Board of Directors for 25 years and held all offices on the board. I am retired from the FAA Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, serving in division management positions in Human Resource Management and Technical Training. I also was executive officer for U.S. DOT’s Transportation Safety Institute.