Kokomo Women in Business

Getting to Know Local Lady Leaders

Story & Photography Provided

Jean Ferenc, Jean Ferenc and Associates

Who has had the most influence/who has inspired you the most as a woman in business?

I would have to say Tim Renie, when I started at Tipton Building & Loan, and Ron Tomlinson of F.C. Tucker/Tomlinson REALTORS, who have both been mentors in my business career and have taught me much about mortgage lending and the real estate business.

Did you grow up in Kokomo? If so, where did you graduate from?

I moved here when I was 6 years old from Alpena, Michigan, and grew up in Indian Heights. My parents bought one of the very first houses built there, at the entrance at Center Road. I went all 12 years to Taylor community schools.

What do you love about living in Kokomo?

I love the friendly nature of people here, and really being able to run into people I know throughout the week when shopping and running errands. I feel very safe here and love watching Kokomo grow.

What would you like to see in Kokomo that we do not have yet?

I would have to say a Chick-fil-A would be nice, and a few more fine dining establishments and outdoor dining.

Cindie Law, Altered Fit

Where do you like to go out to eat on special occasions locally?

When I want to celebrate my late husband’s birthday, our anniversaries, or our special times that we shared, I choose Cook McDoogal’s. I eat there alone but never feel lonely.

What’s your favorite local salon/spa if you want to treat yourself?

I am a regular at Lea Sports Massage. My occupation causes me to have great pain in my upper neck and my hands. Every two weeks Margie works out the kinks and allows me to keep working. Magic fingers that woman has!

What do you love about living in Kokomo?

Only being here a year, my first challenge was to find a church home, being raised at the First Congregational Church of Winter Park, Florida. I naturally sought out the first Congregational Church of Kokomo. It’s there than I found my family home, love, security, and a beautiful place to worship God.

What would you like to see in Kokomo that we do not have yet?

Coming from Vegas, I loved Korean barbecue. It’s my very favorite go-to for all special occasions. I hope that we get one soon and that all Kokomo can experience what real Korean barbecue has to offer. It’s amazing.

Jo Ann Davis, Eclectic Me

Where do you like to go out to eat on special occasions locally?

I like to eat at The Foxes Trail in Kokomo. It has great service and a cozy atmosphere. Not to mention their grouper. It is the best! I highly recommend going, if you’ve never been.

What store in town is your go-to for decorating your home?

The Original Treasure Mart is my go-to for decorating. Vintage and second-hand decor is the best. You never know what you will find there, and who doesn’t love a bargain?

What would you like to see in Kokomo that we do not have yet?

I would love to see more small businesses open up on the square. Retail and restaurants, both. Kokomo has the potential to be a weekend destination in Indiana.

Who has had the most influence/inspired you as a woman in business?

There have been several people who have inspired me to pursue my business. My mom was a huge inspiration while she was alive, but after she passed I knew I had to breathe life into my dream. My family has given me so much encouragement, support and inspiration over the years, and still does, as I continue to grow in my business. I am so grateful for each of them.

Jessica Pearson, Hochstedler Floorcovering

Did you grow up in Kokomo? If so, where did you graduate from?

I grew up in Miami County and graduated from Oak Hill High School. I have been working at Hochstedler’s for the last 20 years and am a third-generation employee. My husband, kids and I have resided in Kokomo since 2009.

Where do you like to go out to eat on special occasions locally?

PASTAriffic

What’s your favorite local salon/spa if you want to treat yourself?

My husband, daughter, boys and I all go to Fade Salon. If I need a massage, I go to Healing Hands Spa.

What are your favorite local activities to do?

My favorite activity is working out/lifting weights at CrossFit Kokomo. My deadlift personal record is 360 pounds.

Kim Tracy, All-Pro Plumbing

Did you grow up in Kokomo? If so, where did you graduate from?

Growing up, I lived in a lot of places and went to many different schools, then graduated high school in California. My husband, Terry, and I chose to move to Kokomo because we were searching for a great family-based community to start our family, and that’s exactly what we found. Our children, Kristina and Joshua, went to Kokomo schools and graduated from Kokomo High School, having had some of the most incredible teachers, school trips and activities along the way.

What are your favorite local activities to do?

Our children are now young adults and family time together is even more precious, as it becomes more challenging to get us all together at one time. We get together every chance we can, and food is always part of Tracy family get-togethers, so we’ll typically stroll the farmers market or Top Banana to gather local foods to cook together. I love all things that have to do with food, nature and antiques, so if I’m not making food, I’m growing it in our garden or building another garden bed (Shout-out to Terry for another hexagon!). You’ll frequently find me in any garden center in Kokomo or in the local antique shops searching for a unique find to add to our yard.

Who has had the most influence/who has inspired you the most as a woman in business?

For me, food and nature are some of my passions but my family is what inspires me daily. I want to be someone they love deeply but also someone they respect, and who helps them improve and grow to become the best version of themselves they can be and want to be. To do that, I must do exactly that myself. I’m always learning and growing, working to be a better version of myself than I was the day before. Some days I win, some days I learn, but I’m always growing

Mimi Amos, Healing Hands Spa

Who was your favorite teacher in school (if you grew up locally) and why?

There are two. Mrs. Ausbrook (literature) taught me to write with imagination and helped me hone my creativity. Mrs. Karavitis (literature and mythology) taught me to explore and appreciate different cultures and their stories.

What’s your favorite local salon/spa if you want to treat yourself?

LOL, I just go to work! I am lucky enough to be able to work and relax in the same location. It is important to practice self-care. The return on investment is amazing. Your brain needs a break too, even if it is only for an hour.

What are your favorite local activities to do?

I love exploring the best-kept secrets in Kokomo and the surrounding areas. There are many hidden gems to be found. You can dive deep into Kokomo’s history and cultures in almost every area of the county.

Who has had the most influence/inspired you the most as a woman in business?

I would say for myself, I have always been a lifelong learner. Inspiration for my entrepreneurial quests stem from an ongoing multitude of support from my family, Dolly Parton, current professors, Dr. Bob Mason, warrior thinkers like Kim Tracy of All-Pro, and influencers like Gary Vee, Mel Robbins and Mike Michalowicz. Honestly, you have to be your own inspiration by looking inward, deciding what you want and figuring out a way to get it. We are surrounded by opportunities and resources. We are the only thing that stops ourselves from achieving.

Tamatha Huston, Hidden Possibilities

What store in town is your go-to for decorating your home?

Hidden Possibilities, of course! I absolutely love every piece we carry in our store and style my home with many of those items. Before I was able to open our store, I used to love shopping at Kirkland’s. I was sad to see them close unfortunately.

What’s your favorite local salon/spa if you want to treat yourself?

My favorite by far is Posh Salon and Day Spa. I love going in there and getting my hair done in such a beautiful and welcoming space. I highly recommend my daughter, Nikki, who has worked there for the past six years. On top of the great salon experience, the boutique area has so many cute pieces.

What are your favorite local activities to do?

My husband and I love to go antiquing in Kokomo and the surrounding areas. We love to find unique, one-of-a-kind finds and vintage items that you can repurpose as decor in your home. Locally we enjoy visiting The Original Treasure Mart, Wild Ostrich Antiques and Pipe Creek Mercantile. We recommend you check them out.

What do you love about living in Kokomo?

I love Kokomo because it feels like a small town, but we have many things to do, and attractions. I have so many great memories in this town. I loved being able to raise my twin daughters in Kokomo for the past 25 years.

Crista Tharp, the Blyss Chick

Did you grow up in Kokomo?

No, my husband, Chad, and I lived in Chesterton, which is in northwest Indiana. Chad started with Chrysler a few weeks before our wedding, so right after our honeymoon, we headed to Kokomo. We settled here, raised our 10 kids here and plan on staying here.

What’s your favorite local salon/spa if you want to treat yourself?

Solutions Day Spa. Heather Pine does my hair, Nichi gives me amazing massages, Holly puts up with my craziness. It’s a win-win! It is the best place in town to do self-care, revitalize and focus on me.

What would you like to see in Kokomo that we do not have yet?

I would absolutely love to see more self-care healing modalities offered in Kokomo – things like a salt cave, reiki, sound healing and light therapy. There are so many new options now to help heal not just the physical body, but also the mind and spirit that we need to make more people aware of.

Who has had the most influence/who has inspired you the most as a woman in business?

I’m inspired by every single woman I see chasing her dreams and living her passion unapologetically. It is so inspiring to see another mom going through the same issues I am and rocking it. That gives me the motivation to keep going ,no matter what obstacles I put in my own way.

Susan Perry, White Lilies N Paradise

Did you grow up in Kokomo? If so, where did you graduate from?

I lived in the rural area of Kokomo on a 10-acre farm. We raised animals, and had a garden and lots of flowers. Then my family moved into Greentown, where we still had the garden and flowers. I graduated from Eastern High School.

Where do you like to go out to eat on special occasions locally?

I love seafood, so I like Red Lobster. My family had a lake cottage so we did a lot of fishing, which I enjoyed doing.

What are your favorite local activities to do?

My husband and I enjoy going camping. We have a RV, so when we have the chance to get away, we head for the state parks, where we can relax and get away from the everyday routine.

What’s your go-to place for clothes?

I like Christopher & Banks. It has several styles I like.

Heather Hunt, Skinology

What’s your go-to place for clothes?

Clothing is a slight obsession of mine. I love vintage fashion and visit as many vintage boutiques as I can. The era I love most is the ’70s and bell-bottom jeans are a hit with me.

Who has had the most influence/who has inspired you the most as a woman in business?

My father, Max, had the most influence in my business life. He taught me to be an independent thinker and encouraged me to have my own business early on in my career. He is the owner of Trinity Solutions and previously was an owner of an electronics business. In his not-so-much free time, he gave back to the community and outside countries, doing missionary work for World Renewal. He instilled the gift and freedom I have today, serving the community and its people.

What’s your favorite local salon/spa if you want to treat yourself?

My favorite spa is Skinology of course, being the owner myself. I enjoy the many facial and body treatments given by the aestheticians I work with. The atmosphere is relaxing and peaceful, and the products are delectable, hand-picked by myself.

Did you grow up in Kokomo?

I grew up in Maxwell, Indiana. We lived on a little country road surrounded by fields. In fact, the very road I grew up on excavated two wooly mammoths by an archeology team that are now displayed in the Indianapolis Children’s Museum. I often visited Kokomo, Indiana, as a child and stayed with a uncle who was stationed at Grissom Air Force base. In 2010 I married my husband and relocated to Kokomo. I’ve always felt like Kokomo was calling me home. I’m glad to be part of the community.

Joelle Orem, Orem Farms

Who was your favorite teacher in school (if you grew up locally) and why?

Eastern High School. Sally Nicholson (art) was willing to work one-on-one with me during my senior year and always encouraged me to push another step further. Karol Evenson (choir) is an amazing woman who made our group feel more like a sisterhood than a class (the Eastern Starlets).

Where do you like to go out to eat on special occasions locally?

When my friends and family let me pick, they know I will always choose Cook McDoogal’s.

What store in town is your go-to for decorating your home?

Jefferson House is my favorite place to find high-quality things for each season. In Tipton, I’m shopping at Horton’s.

Who has had the most influence/who has inspired you the most as a woman in business?

Janelle Maiocco, CEO of Barn2Door. She is one of the most genuine leaders I’ve ever known and I admire her passion for supporting farmers in growing their businesses.

Crystal Sanburn, Cross America

Did you grow up in Kokomo? If so, where did you graduate from?

I grew up in Kokomo playing tag, kick the can, and hide and seek, until after dark – playing until our mom called us in. Such a wonderful childhood. We lived in Country Club Hills on the south side and I graduated from Kokomo High School. But I still have blue and gold running in my veins since I attended Haworth High school the first three years of my high school career. In 1985 the two schools were combined and we were the first graduating class. And what a great class it was! That year produced several state championships, and helped to solidify the community as one school and district. I still love to hear, “Onward ye Haworth Huskies…”

What’s your favorite local salon/spa if you want to treat yourself?

My favorite salon in Kokomo is Posh. I am excited every time I am fortunate to have an appointment with Stephanie Wrightsman. She is fabulous and she makes me feel fabulous when I walk out the door. I have had opportunity to try many of their salon offerings and have been so satisfied with the level of customer service, kindness, and the plain ease of scheduling what I need. I don’t have daughters in my life to help me with my look, so I really rely on Steph and her team to help this old barn look refreshed and new.

What do you love about living in Kokomo?

My husband, Dick, and I have both loved being raised here in Kokomo and loved raising our children here as well. As I travel from city to city, around the country and then the world, I am constantly thankful that our families have lived close by, we know our neighbors, and I have faith in our city and county governments who are trying to do the right things to make our community better than ever. No one group or individual is perfect, but I am appreciative of those who work daily to protect, guard and direct the future and the daily workings of Howard County and Kokomo. The people of Kokomo are what make it special. They are some of the most caring individuals I know – anywhere. Dick and I wouldn’t be anywhere else.

Who has had the most influence/who has inspired you the most as a woman in business?

I served on the Kokomo school board for 12 years and was highly influenced by Mrs. Marsha Bowling, a lifelong educator at Kokomo schools. She recruited me and we served together for six years. She answered every question I had without hesitation, encouraged me, and directed me in positive ways to communicate to families, administration and other board members. She believed in me, always created an atmosphere where I felt heard, and always told me the truth – even when I was sure I was right, when in reality I was probably wrong. I learned to collaborate and listen well as I watched her handle many personalities that came and went on our board, along with those she interacted with in the community. She is an incredible woman and I am thankful every day that we were together during that time. She is a forever friend, and I know God placed her in my life to learn for possible future situations that lie ahead in my life. I am indebted to her.

Abbee Summers, Right Path Physical Therapy and Performance Academy

Who has had the most influence/who has inspired you the most as a woman in business?

My late sister was Aimee Romero, former vice president/branch manager of Ruoff Mortgage in Kokomo, until she was tragically taken in March of 2021 as a victim of domestic violence. Her hard work and unmatched leadership had earned her the VP position. She was loved and respected by her staff and she was a bright, shining light in this Kokomo community. Aimee always believed in me, and my dream to own and thrive in my own private outpatient physical therapy clinic, treating the community that I have known and loved for over 23 years.

What’s your favorite local salon/spa if you want to treat yourself?

The place you can find me if I want to treat myself is sitting in my hair stylist Britni Wolfe’s chair at Revive Salon. They are all so friendly and always take great care of my family and me.

What do you love about living in Kokomo?

Although I live closer to Greentown than Kokomo, I have worked as a physical therapist assistant in Kokomo for over 23 years. I have seen this community come together in times of tragedy, and know firsthand that Kokomo people are selfless and loving people that reach out a helping hand to their neighbor. I am blessed to work and have a successful business in this community.

Did you grow up in Kokomo? If so, where did you graduate from?

I was raised in Greentown on a farm where we farmed soybeans, corn and winter wheat. We also had cattle and hogs that we took care of and raised. My grandad, Fred David, built a farm on his own and farmed his ground until he was 95. He was the most determined, hard-working man I’ve ever known. I went to Eastern High School, and also attribute my desire to succeed in my business to my life on the farm and having such an amazing role model in my grandad.

Shelly Brafford, RE/MAX Realty One

Did you grow up in Kokomo? If so, where did you graduate from?

I grew up north of Kokomo. I graduated from North Miami High School.

What are your favorite activities to do?

I love spending time with my grandson and watching him playing in different sports. He is in fifth grade. I enjoy photography and traveling with my husband, as well as spending time with my children.

What do you love about living in Kokomo?

I love that the community always comes together to help others when in need. I like the small-town feeling that you get living in Kokomo.

Who has had the most influence/who has inspired you the most as a woman in business?  My mom has always been an inspiration to me. She was always active in the community and work. Whatever you set your mind to, you can achieve it.

Margaret Johnson, The Wellness Garden

Did you grow up in Kokomo? If so, where did you graduate from?

I was born and raised in Kokomo and graduated from Northwestern High School.

What are your favorite local activities to do?

My favorite things to do are all the various fundraisers and charity events that Kokomo has to offer. Giving back to help our community feels great and is fun. My favorites include Breast in Show, Little Black Dress and anything the Kokomo YMCA is doing.

What would you like to see in Kokomo that we do not have yet?

A Fresh Thyme store. I’m always preaching about nutrition and we need a big grocery with more organic, natural options.

Who has had the most influence/who has inspired you the most as a woman in business? All the beautiful and powerful women in the Greater Chamber Women’s Business Council. These chamber ladies bring their best experiences, knowledge and expertise to support women in business. I have been directly affected by their strength and encouragement.