Style & Substance

STYLE AND SUBSTANCE – THE ESOTERIC AND THE EARNEST – AND THESE LADIES HAVE “IT” IN SPADES. FORGING THEIR OWN PATHS AND NAVIGATING MODERN LIFE’S PEAKS AND VALLEYS, THESE COMMUNITY-MINDED TREND-SETTERS ARE UNLOCKING THE SECRETS AND BUSTING THE MYTHS OF “HAVING IT ALL.” EACH HAS DEVELOPED THEIR OWN UNIQUE SENSE OF STYLE, WHILE FOCUSING ON HOW THEY CAN POSITIVELY IMPACT THEIR FAMILIES, CAREERS, COMMUNITIES AND BEYOND.

INTERVIEWS BY MEREDITH MCKINNIE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLY MOORE CLARK

ASHLEY DOUGHTY ABLE

Ashley Doughty Able believes women’s roles in America have come a long way and are forever changing. She thanks the strong, bold women who paved the way to allow women more opportunity for advancement. Ashley’s mother, Penny Doughty, was one of those pioneers, creating a successful business in what was then a man’s world, yet balancing her role as a single mother of three daughters. Ashley is grateful for the culture shifts that make her lifestyle more accepted and respected. As Business Development Officer at First National Bank and host of Louisiana Living, alongside her roles as mother and wife, Ashley is motivated in her career, but knows her family is most important. Ashley is married to Marc Able, has two teenage daughters, Lily and Amelia Thomas, and two step-teenagers, Dianna and Travis Able. Before her mother passed away, all of her questions to Ashley were about her role as a mother, a daily reminder for Ashley that motherhood is primary. “A woman can be an executive, own her own business, make lots of money, but it’s not worth missing your children grow. Those special moments, rehearsals, games, they are fleeting, and taking the time to focus on milestones is essential.”

Ashley believes in random acts of unknown kindness, such as feeding people at homeless shelters, visiting with the lonesome, providing a Christmas for needy children and volunteering for the American Red Cross to install smoke alarms in homes. “They are acts, many times anonymous, that can change lives for others. I don’t feel the need to share with the world what I’ve done. Sometimes I don’t even think to share them with my family. God knows and that is what is important.”

Persistence is something Ashley learned early, volunteering as a news anchor for overnight cut-ins at KNOE. It got her foot in the door, and that extra effort proved substantial, as being a reporter was a hard position to acquire at that time. In college, Ashley thought, “I’m going to be BIG.” She wanted to move to a big city, be a big name, but that all changed after she had a family, and she realized she could be “big” right where she was. She is most proud of her children, their strong personalities, kind natures, determined minds, their witty comebacks and adventurous spirits. Ashley wants to be remembered for her wisdom, being there when her children and future grandchildren ask, “What would you do?” Their inquiries will cement her most valuable and fulfilling role, motherhood.

SARA BREWER

Sara Brewer describes herself as “a complete goofball,” and her energy radiates in the first moments of meeting her. She doesn’t take herself too seriously. Humor is empowering; she is able to see so much in life as “an SNL skit.” We are all bombarded with negativity in some form every single day. And while the struggles we face and the current events of today are indeed serious, life is meant to be enjoyed. Humor is usually paired with confidence, and those who learn to laugh at themselves have others gravitating to them. It’s a strength, one Sara relies on. When she walks in a room, she wants people happy to see her. She shares her inner light and encourages her three kids, now adults, to do the same. Being genuine is a trait lost on many, though quickly recognized.

Sara finds our culture more inclusive of women and their viewpoints. We’re being heard. Seeing others in the same boat, sharing our stories is empowering, and there’s “strength in numbers.” Seeing women validated makes her proud to be a woman at this moment in history. Her story is not one of perfection. She admits failed relationships shaped who she is. Across the board, for women of all ages, “Bad love is not better than no love.” Some of her best memories were post-divorce with her three kids crammed into a tiny apartment. You make the most of what you have, and sometimes less makes you appreciate it more.
Sara is from Monroe, raised her kids here, and started a business here with her now husband Robert, partners and investors. Flying Tiger Brewery is in the heart of downtown and thriving. The flagship endeavor shows the willingness of Monroe’s citizens to follow passion. Sara admits Monroe is a jewel. It is just in need of people willing to see its potential, keep it polished and take it to another level. And while a business endeavor is a risk, they believe it will make it, and that Monroe will “keep drinking beer.”

Sara is most proud of her children and the adults they have become. All three possess “huge hearts” and a sense of humor that Sara has always exhibited and appreciated. She’s learned to “let toxicity go,” focusing on the good, relishing in the laughs, and making the most of the present.

“Don’t become something just because someone else wants you to, or because it’s easy; you won’t be happy. You have to do what you really, really, really, really want to do, even if it scares you.” – Kristen Wiig

CHRISTIE ECHOLS

Christie Echols enjoys seeing women living as “authentically as possible.” She relates to a feminist perspective, wanting an equal opportunity to compete in her field, but has learned to celebrate being a primary parent. She’s found peace with both the sacrifices and blessings that come with it. She shares that she has an intense passion for her work; however, her family is her greatest source of pride. She’s found that the sacrifices she’s made to prioritize her family have better positioned her to be of value to her community. “I’ve learned the hard way that if you are too overworked to be kind to you kids, spouse, or the neighbor you bump into, you aren’t really making the world a better place, even if your work is for the betterment of your community.” She appreciates the examples of both men and women prioritizing family. Working in a male dominated field, she makes a conscious effort not to hide away her role as a parent but to set an example that, even in the workplace, we should embrace all the important roles we play. Christie isn’t afraid of forging her own path and encourages younger women to do the same. When Christie didn’t fit into the profession she was educated for, she found a different opportunity to express her passion. She listened to her inner voice and took a chance.

Christie spent a decade becoming an architect, but in a field where overtime is the norm, she didn’t consider it a fit for her “mommy years.” Now as an architect-developer in Downtown Monroe, she is able to express her creativity while giving back to her community. As a college student she always said, “Austin or Boston.” But after her brother’s illness, she knew she wanted to stay close to home. Visiting downtown Monroe with her parents, she could see the lifestyle she wanted “painted over Monroe’s existing cityscape.” This included walkability, culture, beautiful buildings and an intimate sense of community. Christie loves working with others who share her passion for revival. The opening of the Baker Building was a collaboration of seven creative people. Christie wants the area to be a “mecca for creativity, the heart of the city.”

While she loves her work, it is really her relationships with family, friends and community members that matter most.The career risks she’s taken to protect those relationships have paid off; An emphasis on balance and fulfillment is Christie’s authentic life.

TALITHA ELLIOTT

It’s the time for women to shine, and Talitha Elliott shines bright. People are more open to women having drive, power, and opportunity, all that women have to offer. Talitha is capitalizing on her strengths and is encouraged by the appreciation of her efforts. She didn’t let society’s sometimes antiquated view of a woman’s limitations stop her drive. Married with a seven-month old son, Talitha began Chiropractic school; she became pregnant with twins a year into her coursework. Breastfeeding in- between classes, Talitha wanted her kids to see Mommy working and investing in them. She does it for her kids. Getting accepted meant a move to Dallas, and Talitha experienced a moment of hesitation and self-doubt. Her dad said, “Time is going to go by, whether you’re in school or not – might as well chase a goal.” Talitha wouldn’t be the same person without proving to herself that she could do it.

She has since opened her own clinic, New Health Chiropractic, in Monroe. Now the responsibility of the business rests on her shoulders, but being the boss allows her the freedom to make her own choices with her time. She stepped out on faith, boosted by the confidence of having faced challenges head-on. She sees more doors opening as a result of her willingness to try. And she is no stranger to failure. With all the demands of family, Talitha admits she failed her boards the first time and moved back to Monroe. She could have given up, accepting defeat, but that’s not who Talitha is. Hardship is her sweet spot. Digging back in and passing her boards even further cemented her confidence and her faith. She now walks in her truth. Her patients say she is, “not like a regular doctor.” She brings that light with her wherever she goes.
Talitha is a good neighbor, using her business and her platform to educate the community. She’s a firm believer in, “what you put in comes back to you,” and serves as an active member of Monroe’s Junior League and Alpha Kappa Alpha. She loves the smalltown feel of Monroe and is proud her four kids can grow up here. With three of them being girls, she encourages them to work hard and stay focused, reminding them they can accomplish anything. Talitha is proof her advice rings true. She is proud of her family and being an accomplished African-American woman in business.

AMY ROBINSON

Amy Robinson is proud to be a woman in 2018. Our culture has shifted, giving women more choices over their own lives. Whether they choose motherhood, a career, both or neither, Amy likes seeing women control their own stories. Flipping her own script was a risk Amy is proud she had the courage to take. She left a salary with benefits to purchase The Paper Market in Monroe with the hopes of improving the store and providing herself a more flexible schedule to focus on her family. Being her own boss and managing others has taught Amy about herself. She’s learned to embrace her own weaknesses and rely on the talents of her employees. Amy always liked being in control, but she has learned to roll with the punches, learn from her mistakes and keep moving forward.

Many of Amy’s employees are in college, and she tells them it’s “okay to not know exactly what you want to be.” One of her girls changed her major three times, and Amy reminded her it’s okay. Just focus on finishing the degree. “The person you are now will change.” Your wants, desires, goals will evolve with time; and staying determined will ensure you land where you belong. Amy encourages women to invest in their community. “Wherever you are, find time to contribute to one organization or cause, bettering where you live.” You will learn from others while making your community thrive. We all want a city that welcomes new families and businesses, and giving back ensures the best chance for your community to grow.

Amy is a lifetime member of the ULM Alumni Association and The L Club and is involved with First United Methodist Church. She is encouraged by the societal shifts for women, particularly the emphasis on self-care. “There was a time when I thought I could do it all, but I’ve learned I can’t do it all at the same time.” Women can’t be caregivers without taking care of themselves. She wants to be remembered for how she treated others. Whether it is her family, her employees, customers or even strangers, she believes everyone deserves kindness, love and respect. Alongside her husband Brian, and their children: Grant, Connor and Kate, Amy exemplifies her own version of womanhood, having both a career she loves and a family she has time for. Amy has forged her own path and widened it when necessary.

ALBERTA GREEN

Alberta knows that being a woman means being gentle, yet strong and willing to use her knowledge, compassion and drive to serve her family and community. Women juggle multiple titles such as mothers, wives, employees, business owners, community volunteers; the list is endless. Alberta believes multitasking and work/life balance was created for women, by women. Her purpose of being a change-agent that impacts and guides individuals, organizations and businesses to reach their full potential is something she lives by daily. It is clear Alberta has a drive to serve her community. As a Sunday School Superintendent, President of Christopher Youth Center, Member of Ouachita Business Alliance, ULM Foundation Board and University Health Conway Board, she has been blessed with the opportunity to make a difference while working with people from different backgrounds, cultures, socioeconomic statuses, personalities and beliefs. Alberta enjoys seeing the immediate difference her contributions of service and time makes and strives for the continued success of her community.

Alberta is no stranger to hard work and dedication. She currently serves as VP of Organizational Strategy & IT Initiatives for North Louisiana Economic Partnership and oversees the company wide initiative to recruit and support technology companies. She also is the owner of ABG Counseling and Career Consulting LLC where she provides Strategic Planning, Organizational Effectiveness, Training and Development, and Upper Management & Leadership Coaching. Her years of experience across various career industries have prepared her to embrace change, digging in when the tide shifts. Having worked for the state, higher academia, a fortune 500 company, nonprofits, and as a business owner equips her with the knowledge to succeed and the connections to make big moves.

Her advice to college girls is simply, “know who you are, live authentically and be willing to do what it takes to succeed, through Christ.” Trust me, you will live your best life sooner than you think, so slow down, breathe life in through your nostrils and blow it out softly while enjoying the ride. Life has given Alberta a wonderful family she is proud of: two amazing boys, Toby Jr. and Jacob, and her “caring, supportive” husband Toby Green. She is also a seasoned career woman and entrepreneur, endeavors that compliment her personality and home life. She is not afraid to seek and do it all, several steps at a time.

RACHEL DAVISON

Rachel Davison is proud of her role, though she didn’t come into it lightly. In college, she was convinced she wanted to go to dental school, but she realized what you set your mind on at a young age does not determine who you become. After a degree in biology and chemistry she landed a marketing job, then opened her own business, and is now a full-time mother. She never thought she’d be here and wished she had considered all options of study, particularly something she could do from home. The decision to sell her business, Sue Paperie in Ruston, is one that she feared. She worried without an outlet, she “may lose her mind.” But the fear didn’t last long; she knows she’s needed at home.

With the culture shift, staying home is not always a popular choice, as if the opportunities for women outside the home have to be seized. But the purpose is choice. Rachel always intended to keep working, but it was hard to leave her first child. With the support of her husband, absent of pressure, and a respect for the business she created, she knew where her heart was. She “didn’t want to give the business less than it deserved.” And she refused to shortcut her family. Now the new owners of Sue Paperie are carrying on her vision and giving it the time and attention the business needs. She feels blessed to have been able to experience both worlds.

Her mother, Susan, the namesake of her store, taught Rachel to smile and laugh and to remember to do something she enjoys. She remembers her mother reading on the porch, and how much she cherished that time. She and her husband Thomas are advocates for MedCamps and Lifehouse, Thomas serving on the board. She knows the community she invests in will be the one her children inherit. She strives to teach her daughters Olivia and Lilly to be kind and loving, and ultimately, “fight for what they believe in.” She encourages others to give back if in a position to do so, whether in their own community, church, or wherever they’re needed. Rachel invests her time in her girls, where she is most needed, and surprising even to herself, most fulfilled.

MISTI CORDELL

Misti Cordell appreciates the current diverse landscape available to women. They’re revered as doers, multi-taskers, planners and negotiators. Women are finding their place in the corporate workforce and being respected while doing so.

Misti would tell her college self to worry less about the logistics and what makes a “career.” There is always an opportunity to learn new a new skill set. Be a problem-solver, a doer. “You’ll always find a place in the world.” Be willing to work hard and jump in when needed while keeping your values and upholding your integrity. In order to move up, you first have to be willing to move outside of what is comfortable. Also, listen to the thoughts of others. You may not always agree, but there is opportunity to expand your own thought process.

Misti takes risks every day. When she quit her pharmaceutical job to be a “stay-at-home mom,”(THE hardest job I ever had), her resume expanded. She started her own design business, working on four St. Jude dream homes. She has led the PTOs at both Lexington and St. Frederick High School and has served on many boards including MedCamps and Mercy Ministries. She ventured into politics, working for the current attorney general and is now employed as a Key Accounts manager at St. Francis Hospital. She embraced the unknown and asked tons of questions.

Misti makes a point to always do what she can when she is asked. Humility is also a good trait. There is no task too big or small no matter what your “title” may be. At some point, she would like to see that her efforts made real and positive changes that will live well beyond her. She strives encourage other women and has a vested interest in her community. She is most proud of her two boys, John and Hank, and her husband, Hardeman. The boys have big hearts, and they’re thinkers. Hank, she calls her “strategist, holding adult conversations better than most adults.” John is empathetic, adventurous and a problem-solver. Misti and Hardeman are teaching them integrity and to find their gifts in life. Chase your dreams, and know that they won’t always fit in a box. No matter how life twists and turns, each new opportunity is one to be seized. Failure is a given, but when you pick yourself back up, growth is inevitable.

“Continuous effort-not strength or intelligence- is the key to unlocking our potential.” Winston Churchill

DELIA SIMPSON

Delia Simpson insists the best thing about being a woman in 2018 is “it can mean whatever you want it to mean.” It’s a good time to be a woman. They are involved in all facets of society and politics. Seeing other women rise in each professional level, embracing their achievements and their power is encouraging for all of us. Delia is particularly proud of being a businesswoman in a male-dominated industry. As Craft Brand Manager at Choice Brands, beer is her product. Going to national meetings for bigger breweries, Delia sees how few women there are by comparison. Working for a smaller company, every person’s role is essential, so no one gets lost in the shuffle. Navigating the dynamic has not been without challenges, but as the industry evolves, so does she. She’s confident in what she does, what she knows and how she performs.

She would encourage college women to worry less about what others think of them. Being proud of your accomplishments is not conceited, but confident. Success looks different for everyone. If you do what you love and it makes you happy, that’s success. Delia took a risk moving to Jacksonville, Florida, at 23. She stepped out of her comfort zone in a brand new place, knowing no one. It taught her to stand on her own and trust her abilities. After ten years, moving back to Monroe was just as scary. She worried that she would regret it, that it may be a step backward. But with her newfound wisdom, she wasn’t the same person in Monroe she was before. Embracing her hometown, Delia knows the importance of investing in her community. In her line of work, helping to develop and expand our culture is key. Bringing new things to Monroe encourages people to stay here. With so many women involved in the community development, it provides a great atmosphere, with more ideas and perspectives. Delia is proud of Monroe thriving and its people seeing the potential in their town.

Delia values humor and hopes people will remember her as kind and generous spirit. She likes making people laugh. Most of her memories of friends and relatives revolve around funny stories that are still told at family gatherings. Her grandmother’s poems and her mother’s quirky sayings are treasured family heirlooms. She hopes to leave the people she loves with the kind of stories they can laugh about over a beer… and that those stories lose nothing in the telling.

JULIA LETLOW

Julia Letlow says it’s an exciting time to be a career woman. “It’s inspiring to see women finding their voices, expressing themselves, encouraging one another.” Julia believes having mentors is instrumental. Women need to see ambition up close, be encouraged by those who are paving the way. Julia finds mentors in all aspects of her life. Whether it be family members, friends, or other career professionals, having that support, people in her corner, pushing her to succeed has helped her. She has learned lessons from her mentors through their willingness to openly share obstacles that they have faced and how to navigate around them. When they speak, Julia listens.

Being a career woman is a role Julia has had time to master. Being a mother is new. Julia admits, “The village concept is not there anymore.” While motherhood is beautiful and fulfilling, it is also emotionally and physically consuming. In our time sensitive world, women must make the effort to reach out and cultivate those relationships; ask for help when we need it. We can’t do it all alone, and fortunately, we don’t have to. Julia now calls Start, Louisiana home, and she has found the most tight-knit, welcoming community that has enveloped her in its warmth. As her responsibilities have increased, she’s learned to embrace the kindness of her family and neighbors and lean on them.

While society encourages college students to focus, Julia recognizes the importance of seizing youth and freedom as a gift. “Soak up every second; enjoy being young. Date all the boys, and don’t take yourself too seriously.” It only gets better; finding contentment in the present while chasing your goals is essential. Live in the moment, even while working toward the future. Julia is not afraid of risks. Her biggest one was moving to Tampa, Florida, for graduate school. She grew more in those three years, outside her bubble, becoming a more well-rounded woman. She met people unlike herself, cementing her belief that varying perspectives enrich our souls. She has carried those people and those lessons with her. Failure inevitably happens, stinging her competitive nature. But behind failure comes humility, grounding us. Julia and her husband Luke will share that wisdom raising their son Jeremiah. An emphasis on ambition, seizing moments, and the hope to leave this world a better place than when she found it are the fabric of Julia’s story.