Sarah Fennell
Owner, Interior Delights
Before opening interior Delights I was a stay at home mom for 10 years. I never once thought I’d own business and spend every day pursuing something that I love. I was a teacher before having kids, and my plan was to go back to teaching as soon as my youngest was in kindergarten. God had other plans. Our budget was tight, and I was staying home with three kids in a completely undecorated home. I shopped thrift stores and yard sales to find furniture and things that I could paint and up-cycle so that I could make my home pretty. A friend suggested that I start selling my painted furniture on Craigslist and Facebook and that’s how it all began. I started to realize that I had a pretty strong head for business, a passion for design, a love for people and a drive to get things done. All of this combined with some major encouragement from others got me to where I am now. I don’t have much spare time, but when I get a quiet moment alone, I love to journal, write, and go for long walks.
How do you stretch yourself to reach for your goals?
This year we took our online business to the next level. We acquired a warehouse and began shipping out all over the country. Our online sales have more than quadrupled this year and we’ve shipped out over 10,000 orders! Our goal is to be a business that puts family first and gives women an opportunity to have a balance between home and work. All of our orders are shipped out by moms who come into work when their kids go to school and leave when it’s time to pick them up. Our local shop is also run by women that all have one thing in common: their love for people! We love getting to know our customers and building relationships with the people who walk through our doors.
What's the best advice you've ever received?
Matthew 6:33: But seek first His kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
What's some great advice you could give another woman wanting to start something new?
If you have a passion for something, find a way to make it happen. My life motto is “Where there’s a will, there’s a way”. Start small and keep moving forward as opportunities arise.
Who do you admire most in your life?
There are many people that I admire. They are the ones who could do anything in the world, but they choose to love people more than money, work hard at what they love, and laugh along the way.
What is your indulgence of choice?
Homemade chocolate chip cookies. There are lots of happy memories in my life that always included a chocolate cookie in hand.
Christy Cassidy-Bortz
Marriage and family counselor; Founder of Widow's Walk
I reside in Lone Tree with my husband, Brian. I am a mom to five adult children and “Honey” to five of the sweetest grand-littles. To know me is to understand that my people are my heart. In 2011, I decided to return to school to obtain a Master of Arts Counseling from Colorado Christian University. I also completed a post-graduate program in Marriage and Family through Denver Family Institute in 2019.
How do you stretch yourself to reach for your goals?
On February 23, 2000, at the age of 37, I became a widow as a result of my first husband's completed suicide. At the time of his death, my children were between the ages of 8-15 years. What I had known to be or thought I could count on was wholly devastated on that day. My husband’s completed suicide immediately changed the trajectory of my life and the lives of my children. As a result, I became an advocate for suicide prevention. And as a young widow, I recognized that resources were limited or non-existent for women like myself. In 2009, I began the non-profit Widow's Walk to support other widowed women around our country and the world
What's the best advice you've ever received?
The best advice I received as a wide-eyed, non-profit novice was to hold precious experiences that were joyful and easy because, at some point, I would need to look back to see where I had been for the inspiration to keep moving forward.
What's some excellent advice you could give another woman wanting to start something new? As women, I think we frequently talk ourselves out of, rather than into, our ideas and dreams. I've learned that it isn't all or nothing; we can pursue goals and dreams as a result of having supportive family and friends.
hello@acuitycounselinggroup.com; 303-877-8220; @acuity_counseling
Paige McLaughlin
Exclusive Realtor of Fox Hill
I am a Colorado native, a wife, a mother, a friend and a believer. I live in Franktown in Fox Hill, a new farm-to-table custom home community that my husband and I have the honor of working in. My husband and I have a real estate team called “Mile High Living” through our RE/MAX Alliance Castle Pines Brokerage. I specialize in new development and construction, and we are the exclusive marketing agents for Fox Hill custom home community. I collaborate on custom home designs, selling these beautiful homes and bringing a farm-to-table community (think beehives, chickens, greenhouse, aquaponics, hops, orchards) to life. Portions of the food from the Fox Hill Farm will be provided to SECOR for their food programs which directly impact families in our surrounding community.
What's the best advice you've ever received?
The best advice I have ever received is to laugh, have fun and surround myself with like-minded, positive people. And as my husband would say, “let go and let God”. Ultimately, He is the creator and the writer of my story. Give all my trust and glory to Him!
Who do you admire most in your life?
I most admire my Mom. Truly. I am nearly her age when my father took his life, leaving her with five young children and to pick up the pieces. Now, she has turned that tragedy into triumph by going to school and not only getting her Bachelor’s degree, but her Master's as well! She now manages a non-profit ministry for widows and a successful counseling program.
What is your indulgence of choice?
I love to recharge and indulge in an Old Fashioned craft cocktail or my tried and true glass of wine. I am an early riser (4:15 a.m.) so I am often in bed by 8 p.m. or at least snuggling on the couch. My other personal therapy is working out with some of the most amazing tribe of people at Fit36 in Parker!
@milehighliving and @liveinfoxhill
Kara Massa
Executive Director, Parker Area Chamber of Commerce
I am a Colorado Native, living in Parker for 27 years, married, with three sons. Faith and family are key to my success. After selling my business of 14 years, I became the Executive Director for the Parker Area Chamber of Commerce.
How have you stretched yourself to reach for your goals?
As a past business owner, I am inspired by supporting local businesses while connecting them with each other and the community. I feel that you can have it all – a successful career, loving family, friends and a beautiful place to call home! My Chamber slogan for Parker, Colorado: Small town. Big opportunity.
What's the best advice you've ever received?
To succeed in life, act on the advice you give to others.
What's some great advice you could give another woman wanting to make a change and/or start something new in her life?
Do not be afraid to embrace challenges because, with each experience, you gain knowledge.
Who do you admire most in your life?
I admire my parents: my father, who helped those with disabilities, was faithful, intelligent, and a great listener; and my mother, who is spiritual, strong, kind, and always thinking of others.
What is your indulgence of choice?
My favorite indulgence is simple – a long walk with my husband, a cup of coffee, and our dog, Murphy. It is a peaceful time of conversation, hand-holding and enjoying the beautiful place in which we live.
Natalie Davis
Managing Broker/Owner, Pink Realty
I've been a real estate broker for 10 years. Currently, I am serving as the chairman for the Inclusion, Diversity and Equality committee for the South Metro Denver Realtor Association, the chair for the National Association of REALTORS ® Member Communications Committee and as a Federal Political Coordinator for Representative Jason Crow.
I am married with two amazing daughters and a very spoiled fur baby and am an active member at Harvest Church.
How have you stretched yourself to reach your goals?
I am the owner of a boutique real estate brokerage, and the journey in achieving and maintaining this dream of mine has been both challenging and rewarding. Three years ago, I opened a brokerage firm to help agents and their clients feel empowered. Helping to empower others, both clients and other agents, is my why.
When I opened the brokerage in 2018, I was a single-agent office. There are now 13 agents and one staff person between both offices. As we continue to serve Parker and much of Colorado, my focus and goal of empowerment will remain the same.
What's the best advice you've ever received?
The best advice that I have ever received has been that “whatever I put my mind to I can achieve.” I received this advice from my parents at a very young age.
What's some great advice you could give another woman wanting to make a change and/or start something new in her life?
Surround yourself with people that believe in you and your goal. Second, I would recommend that she allow herself the time to get a clear picture of what she wants to achieve and why. And I would recommend that she celebrate the small victories along the way.
Who do you admire most in your life?
The two people I admire the most are my mom and dad. They have both passed, but they were both lifelong nurses who dedicated their lives to helping others.
What is your indulgence of choice?
I love creating new experiences and adventure whenever possible. And, of course, I always love unique purses, shoes and jewelry.
@NinjaCoachNatalie
Diane Sparks
Co-owner, Club Pilates Parker
I am Jamaican-born and moved to the United States (Houston, Texas) when I was a teenager. I love doing Pilates, spending time with my hubby and three children, hiking, camping, going on walks, and going to the theater. I volunteer at my church, Jubilee Fellowship in Lone Tree, and my children’s school and activities.
How do you stretch yourself to reach for your goals?
At Club Pilates Parker, our motto is Do Pilates Do Life! I became the co-owner of Club Pilates Parker because I felt I needed to offer people a supportive fitness environment. Just the thought of owning a business was a huge leap for me, going from studio member and stay at home mom to business owner. I had to stretch myself in prayer, dig deep, and surround myself with a few supportive friends to find the courage to push through the doubts.
What's the best advice you've ever received?
A few years ago my dear friend Jen shared a few words of wisdom with me, “do the next thing God is telling you to do.” I always carry these words with me and try to do what I discern to be the next thing, whether it’s a huge life-changing decision or just getting laundry done instead of worrying about things out of my control.
What's some great advice you could give another woman wanting to start something new?
First, believe and know that you are capable of doing more than you think you can. Think about that thing that gets you excited when you talk about it and pursue it.
Keri Terpsta
Co-owner, Club Pilates Parker
I have been married for almost 18 years to my husband Toby, we have four beautiful daughters: Ava,15; Kalli, 13; Harper, 9; and Skylar, 6. We have lived in Highlands Ranch for 16 years. I am originally from the South and have never lost my southern roots and way of doing things.
How do you stretch yourself to reach for your goals?
I decided to become co-owner of Club Pilates Parker because I love how I feel and how my body has changed after practicing Pilates. I wanted to be able to give that same feeling to the Parker community. I have never run a business, so it has been a learning experience for me, but I love learning new things.
What's the best advice you've ever received?
I have always been encouraged not to give up on things you want. I admit that when things are hard, and I don't see an immediate reward, it's hard to keep going. The most rewarding things in life are those you work hard for.
What's some great advice you could give another woman wanting to start something new?
The same advice I have always received myself is what I would encourage others with: Don't give up! It's a marathon, not a race.
https://www.clubpilates.com/location/parker
@clubpilatesparker
+CREDITS:
The team at Parker Lifestyle wants to thank The Laszlo Hotel in Parker and Danielle Ozaluk, director of sales and marketing, for hosting our photoshoot for the annual Women's Movers+Shakers issue. And special thanks to Rick's Prime Steak & Seafood head bartender Jose Mejias for his ingenious and delicious hand-crafted cocktails. TheLaszloHotel.com
