June is a well-loved issue for us. It’s traditionally the issue that houses our Women to Watch promotional section, and over the years we’ve leaned into it, sharing the stories of amazing women on our editorial pages as well. But part of what makes it so special is our primarily-female staff.
Because women supporting women is something we’re passionate about, I asked our teammates to shout out other local women they think deserve a spotlight.
I’ll start.
My shoutout goes to Abbi Siler, the owner of Abbi’s Teas & Things in Hillcrest. Like every business owner, she had to make some major changes last spring. But unlike every business owner, she spent a whole year outside in the elements selling teas, keeping customers safe and building community at her sidewalk stand. She recently reopened her shop, and I can’t imagine how good it felt. Bravo, Abbi!
– Jess Ardrey | Editor
“Giving my shoutout to my good friend Catherine Thorpe because she has literally saved me so many times recently. Encouraging me and not being afraid to pass a Diet Coke my way when I need it — I’m thankful she’s in my life during this season!”
– Maddie Schmidt | Advertising Coordinator
“Kenya Eddings is a community connector and advocate for women. Kenya was a 2020 Community Outreach Finalist for the Arkansas Business Health Care Heroes awards, board member of Junior League of Little Rock and the online editor for Today’s Communiqué, an online guide highlighting events around the community.”
– Kelli Roy | Awards Events & Marketing Coordinator
“I spoke with Markia Herron of Herron Hats for this edition of Soirée and I am inspired by her determination and drive to create a legacy for herself, while also being so full of gratitude for the support she receives from her friends and family.”
– Beth Dedman | Writer
“Claire Admire and Sam Harrington, the creators of Yoga in the Rock and owners of Sixth House Studio! These ladies have worked hard to create ways to make yoga welcoming and accessible in the community. It is wonderful to practice with so many new people during their outdoor series Yoga in the Rock (check their Facebook schedule!) and I am looking forward to taking a few classes at their beautiful new space in the heart of downtown, Sixth House Studio.”
– Emma Devine | Art Director
“I would like to highlight Elizabeth McMichael. She is a fourth grade teacher at Don Roberts Elementary and has poured her heart and soul into teaching and nurturing her students over this past year, just like so many educators have. She brings a unique energy, love of history and contagious sense of humor to her classroom and has inspired my son and our family to read more, learn more and be more!”
– Betsy Smith | Account Executive
“I’m shouting out Kim Carter and Alicia Miller, the co-owners of Carter Miller salon. Apart from Kim cutting my curls for 14 years (the single longest relationship I’ve had with anyone except my husband and family), this duo is amazingly supportive of people, particularly women. They make women feel and look beautiful every day at their salon, but more so they make everyone they encounter feel beautiful on the inside as well. For a dose of that feel-goodness, follow their @lookforalltheprettythings Insta feed and blog.”
– Mandy Richardson | Publisher