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With her roots as a photographer, The 5th Floor event space owner Stacie Larsen had gained a vital perspective from her years of capturing special gatherings and destination weddings. “As the photographer, you generally take the lead,” she explains, “and for that day, the bride and groom look to you for direction and trust, on arguably the biggest day of their lives.” From her experiences, Larsen adds, “The location where the actual wedding takes place holds an equally important significance.”

The Fifth Floor and Photo Studio
2411 Kiesel Ave., Suite 502, Ogden
For inquiries contact/visit
thefifthfloorutah.com

At some point, Larsen felt a pull in another direction than from behind a camera. She first was asked to help with the opening of a photo studio co-op in SLC, and passed, but then realizing that another studio space was needed, and closer to her hometown, in Ogden. With support from the collective of photographers and community in Ogden, the new business quickly surpassed expectations and they outgrew their small location. Fortunately, a neighboring building was going under renovation and became available, and The 5th Floor was created.

The 5th Floor event space has a character that you can’t build from brand new; the older renovated building has the capacity for over 300 guests. Ideal for weddings, its style is described as, “industrial-chic with a modern loft feeling.” When prospective clients visit they immediately fall in love with its appeal, as Larsen adds, “It’s a very on-trend space, with bits of industrial metal, tall ceilings and lots of gorgeous, natural light.”

Ogden Shows Up for Ogden “Ogden has a stigma, but it is a tight-knit community which is packed with businesses that support each other,” Larsen explains, “with an incredible circle of people that will help you succeed.” Winning the best new business for 2018 from Indie Ogden Awards, in which the community voted, “Ogden shows up for Ogden.” She suggests, “Don’t get stuck with what you think it is.”

A More Intimate Event Space Getting away from big Utah weddings and the even bigger greeting line, The 5th Floor can allow a more intimate venue space ideally for wedding parties of 100-150 guests, though it can accommodate up to 350. With everything close, out of town guests can lodge within blocks of venue, from ceremony to sit down dinner and dancing, they have the ideal set up.

Turn a Hobby into a Career “At first I thought of my career choice of photography as crazy, especially considering social media where everyone is taking pictures.” As a woman in business, “I faced challenges of giving myself and my ‘hobby’ real credit and now it has become a six-figure career with an entire business around it that I really take pride in.”

See all of our Influential Women in Business here.

What’s better than a full-body contouring wrap that both detoxifies and results in losing inches from around your body in just one service? Adding a facial while you’re doing it, that’s what. Soulstice Day Spa and Salon has been around for a while, with two locations. Nicki Luck took over as its owner four years ago. Though she has a vast amount of experience as a CPA, she always carried an interest in the beauty and spa industry, Luck laughs as she admits she, “was somewhat surprised by the change.” Now, with her team and local spa business thriving, Luck realizes that this big career shift was a most fortunate one.

Soulstice Day Spa & Salon
6981 S. Park Centre Dr., SLC

7138 Plaza Center Dr. #120, West Jordan

801-255-3655
soulsticedayspa.com

Inheriting a passionate team of stylists and spa professionals, Luck relies heavily on the knowledge and skill set which they possess and gives them much credit on how they work together to bring their positive energy towards their clients. In addition, Luck explains, “The Soulstice team strives to stay current,” taking frequent trips to trade shows and seeking out educational opportunities to learn about trend-setting techniques and new skincare lines. Cultivating a great workspace is also of high importance to Luck, and she describes, “We love getting to know our client’s individual needs and working together as a team to serve them in the best way possible,” and adds, “Our spas carry an almost family-like feel to them.”

What’s your favorite spa service? Created from a wellness brand in Utah, beyond the weight loss and detoxifying benefits of the M’Lis full-body contouring wrap Luck notices how afterward the skin looks so much better and tighter after an hour and 30-minute session—“It’s an incredible pick me up.” While you’re all wrapped tight, she suggests to bring along some headphones, take a nap, or add a rejuvenating spa-facial to go along with it.

What does self-care mean to you? “My first reaction is that you can’t pour from an empty cup,” says Luck, and goes on to explain, “If we are not taking care of ourselves we are limiting what we can give to others. Self-care has a far-reaching effect on our mental, physical and emotional well being.”

See all of our Influential Women in Business here.

Meet Safer Beauty Bar; a personal care consumer advocacy group, dedicated to raising awareness of the lack of regulations within the personal care industry (aka beauty industry). The Safer Beauty Team is committed to finding safer solutions for you, the American consumer, while advocating for stricter regulations.

Safer Beauty Bar
saferbeautybar.com
@saferbeautybar

This nonprofit organization was created by a team of women entrepreneurs and small business owners, who recently discovered what only 20 percent of Americans know that there are thousands of toxic chemicals still being used in our beauty products and in our everyday personal care products, all across the board. This does not exclude ‘professional’ or ‘high end’ lines. With an 80 year old system still in place, this puts every single one of us at risk when buying deodorant, lotion, soap, makeup, shampoo, aftershave etc.

“I’ve been a business owner for over 10 years and I realized a long time ago that there is power in numbers and how important it is to support one another. Our message is very important and we know it’s going to take a lot of us to get the changes needed. Not only are we working hard on our mission, we are also having a lot of fun. We have more and more people reaching out to us wanting to be a part of it and we couldn’t be happier about that. It’s an exciting time, with a lot of amazing things happening,” says Soraya Garfield, BraBar Boutique and sales rep for Monat.

“Raising the bar and making a difference one person at a time.” – Kristin Dunlop, Salon Manager, Master Stylist at Curl Co.

“We all bring something different to the table, different strengths and different talents, making a pretty amazing, STRONG, group of people. Working together, supporting one another, will just get us to where we are all going faster.” – Robin Schwendiman owner and master esthetician, Superior Skin and Brows

“There is no limit to the amount of good you can do if you don’t care who gets the credit.” – Julie Bryson Monat, sales rep and retired hairstylist

“I love helping people feel good about themselves everyday. This has been a wonderful opportunity to empower people with knowledge about their skincare, health and beauty regimen.” – Alfie Symes, RN, BSN, Utah Facial Plastics 

See all of our Influential Women in Business here.

Creating an experience where people feel their best and look their best is what we all want,” explains Janie Ward, owner of the Form Med Spa in Cottonwood, City Creek, and Mountain View Village. “We accomplish this task by combining the top treatments with the best providers to create natural results that enhance the individual’s natural beauty.”

Form Med Spa
City Creek
50 S. Main St. Suite 130C

Cottonwood Heights
6322 S. 3000 East Suite 170

Riverton
4531 W Partridgehill Lane
Suite F105

801-513-FACE
formmedspa.com
@form_spa

Form Med Spa was co-founded with her husband, P. Daniel Ward MD, MS, FACS an internationally known facial plastic surgeon. The two have led an incredible life starting when they married before college and raised four children as he completed his training at the University of Michigan before becoming a faculty member at the University of Utah.

Janie took a leading role in opening the business three years ago. “I always loved the idea of creating a business and I realized the benefits of combining a plastics practice with a spa environment. Having partnerships with doctors and surgeons who have completed residencies and fellowships in core plastic surgery specialties brings a unique expertise to the spa. It is not always easy, but working to improve systems and processes that fulfill our mission is inspiring.“

Janie used her business mindset along with the plastics and chemistry expertise of her husband to create a skin care line, FormRX. As Janie shares, “The doctors love FormRX ‘Filler in a Bottle’ because of the science—it contains hyaluronic acid in its high-grade potency with copper peptides, which magnifies its skin-plumping and hydrating benefits. I love it because it only takes a few drops to see fantastic results!”

Top 15 Med Spa worldwide Sought out by international esthetics companies for partnerships, Form Med Spa trains other doctors in injections, laser use and treatments. Most recently it was recognized by Candela, the largest, most trusted name in lasers, which announced Form Med Spa as a Center of Excellence—being one of only 15 spas around the world to earn this distinction.

What is PRP? PRP is an abbreviation which stands for platelet-rich plasma, which comes from your own blood. PRP was initially used to restore and promote healing from sports injuries; for a skin procedure it can be used either before or after a treatment, such as microneedling or lasers or on its own to create a magical glow and reduce downtime by one-third.

See all of our Influential Women in Business here.

Diane Stewart, founder of Modern West Fine Art, has a different idea about what an art gallery should be. It’s not just about the art on the walls, or the floor, or even in the air. She believes that art should help create community. That’s one reason she moved her gallery from downtown to the historic Salt Lake engineering building on 700 West. It allows her the opportunity to create a space beyond the walls.

Modern West Fine Art
412 South 700 West, SLC
801-355-3383
modernwestfineart.com
@modernwestfineart

Modern West now includes a sculpture garden with interactive installations. Stewart sees Modern West as embracing and representing a larger idea of the American West—Western in the broadest, cultural, historical sense. That includes the West’s role as a frontier of thought and space.

On the other hand, her artistic sensibility is personal as well as professional. “I would never represent an artist I would not collect,” admits Diane Stewart. The gallery represents over 30 artists and features shows which include invitational guest artists. Modern West is a place to share ideas, concepts, and varied narratives. “Each artist brings creative energy and vision to Utah, which is helpful to gain outside perspectives and broaden our understanding of each other,” she says.

Stewart and her brilliant team present innovative, relevant and thoughtful content to their patrons and collectors. The gallery features curatorially driven exhibitions that invite artists to create works which challenge their typical subject matter or genre including themed or even politically inspired topics, like the 2017 exhibition “Art Behind the Zion Curtain.” Stewart says “By inviting artists to relay their work on social, political and personal issues, perspectives change, evolve, and bring about real social change, idiomatically ‘moving the needle.’”

A Space for Creatives (and, there’s coffee.) The top floor of MW Gallery is a creative co-working and event space, founded by four Salt Lake native millennials. The Foundry SLC welcomes creatives to rent a table, an office, or conference room for as long as needed. For events, The Foundry SLC also offers space for workshops or larger gatherings. The building was once a steel casting foundry—hence the name. Now, it’s a bright, welcoming open space including a photography studio with spectacular natural light and several backdrops. Count in a kitchen space and coffee sourced from local micro-roaster, Kings Peak. In short, “The Foundry SLC” connects creatives to community.

Book it, Diane: A Taschen Library Besides Modern West’s gallery, the space features a Taschen Library, one of only a handful in the United States. The high- quality art, design, architecture and photography books from this publisher are nearly works of art in themselves. Stewart plans to bring in Taschen authors and feature discussion groups about various topics.

See all of our Influential Women in Business here.

The next time you attend a Ballet West performance and are greeted by the fresh floral arrangements while entering the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center, or notice the bouquet given to the prima ballerina during her applause—think of Pam March, founder of Every Blooming Thing. Her influence goes well beyond her shop in Salt Lake City, and it stems from her love of the arts in Utah.

Every Blooming Thing
1344 S. 2100 East, SLC
801-521-4773
Everybloomingthing.cc
@everybloomingthingslc

Her business has been blooming for over 43 years, but Pam March’s influence in Salt Lake comes from more than flowers—it also comes from her voice. March has served on countless boards, including Ballet West, Utah Symphony and Utah Festival Opera and Musical Theatre in Logan and makes frequent in-kind donations to these organizations. March shared, “My life has been continually blessed by those who believe and encourage my creative work,” and emphasized, “We make it a point to be a part of things that we support.” 

Her creative team is front and center as well, “We get to know your name and build relationships with our clients, it all starts at the top,” March glows when describing her management team, and how they are able to build whatever is needed, “If they can envision it, and it stays within budget and meets specifications, they can create it.”

“We don’t follow the trends; we set them.” March explains, “We’re the first to embrace new designs.” When new designers join the company, they are often surprised at the degree of artistic license allowed them. “It’s exciting to watch them expand and soar in their capacity and let their designs fly.”

What makes us, us. March has always held the belief that, “If you want something badly enough—and work for it with all your heart—your dreams can be achieved.”

Over the years, Every Blooming Thing has maintained a distinctive voice and personality. March loves that they have remained true to that. “We never aspired to be big, we only wished to be good,” and explains, “Whether it be a large bouquet for an event or a single rose, it’s all in the details.”

“Adding a personal touch is part of everything we do, from ownership to management, from receiving an order on the phone to the drivers who deliver to your front door,” and adds, “Because we love what we do, and that’s what makes us, us.”

See all of our Influential Women in Business here.

Been sitting on the sidelines and watching others having their eyebrows microbladed? Wanting to try it—but somewhat unsure you’ll love the results? Alyssa Johnsen, founder and master esthetician of Ero Edge, is one of Utah’s top eyebrow artists. As a certified brow artist and salon owner, over the past seven years she has accumulated experience and numerous customer reviews which are as flawless as your brows can be.

Ero Edge
274 E. Harvey Milk Blvd., SLC
801-252-5221
Eroedge.com
Instagram: @ero_edge

Alyssa is a perfectionist whether she’s working on your brows or building her business. Her expertise has attracted a team which may be small, but is remarkably strong and works well together with their individual qualities—a killer team of beauty gurus. Each has their medi-spa specialties such as waxing, teeth whitening, skincare and of course, creating the most beautiful brows imaginable.

As an Everlasting Brows Educator she has been asked to speak at conferences internationally and has hosted trainings across the country. Alyssa emphasizes the importance of taking the time to listen and honor the wishes of what their clients want, and explains, “We’re not here to give you a whole new persona. We just want to enhance and create the most beautiful you.”

Take the First Step Alyssa wishes to encourage those who are young with dreams to start their own businesses, “Don’t just talk about it, be about it. Build your vision and pursue your passion—take a chance on yourself and get moving because much comes down to grit, resilience and the understanding that you are capable of so much.

What do you find the most rewarding part of your work? “Whether it is in the classroom or working with our clients, working with women directly has had a large impact on our vision and the space that we have created. I am inspired daily as we help women feel confident and powerful.” 

What business resource has been most valuable? “Mentors. If you are the smartest person in the room, you are in the wrong room. Lean on those that are further along in their journey that can offer guidance, insight or a pep talk on the days you feel defeated.”

See all of our Influential Women in Business here.

Put away all that you’ve ever thought or considered when it comes to conventional tile—no, these aren’t those practical and monochrome tiles in bathrooms of yesteryear. Today, unprecedented materials and even 3D technology are taking tile design and interior architecture by storm. Well—way beyond anything grandma ever dreamed of anyway.

Inside Out Architecturals
3410 S. 300 West, SLC
801-487-3274
Insideoutarchitecturals.com

Leah Wynn, owner of Inside Out Architecturals (IOA) shares that after discovering a renaissance in Arts & Crafts home renovations around SLC—the demand for customized tiles was also increasing. After a few restorative projects, Wynn claims she caught the “tile bug” or the love of how tile work can enhance the beauty of an interior, marrying functionality and artistry. This all happened while working at an established tile business, and was given the opportunity to take ownership. And at that point, Wynn diverted from a conventional supplier model to take IOA in another direction.

As Wynn explains, “Our showroom is more like an art gallery,” demonstrating how several types, colors and patterns of tiles can work together. Ceramic, glass, metal and even leather can be intermixed as well, and keeping with trends are harmoniously placed on walls and freely hanging throughout, providing clients with a strong visual and assisting them in choosing what they want. When you think tile—think beyond the backsplash. Adding interest and detail to your home can also come by way of metal screens, corbels around kitchen ranges and fireplaces, accents in entryways or outdoors.

Carved from Stone With selections from over 50 lines, Wynn additionally represents an innovative manufacturer from Noida, India—Anoma—whose CAD and 3D designers along with hand-carving and inlay artisans add a multi-dimensional detail to their tiles which are made entirely of natural stone.

Made in Utah With its demand, local artisans are increasingly catching the “bug” and creating beautifully-crafted customized tiles. Wynn finds this exciting, “Folks can purchase anything online these days, so people are increasingly interested in purchasing local products.” Beyond supporting local brings people together, “It gives them the opportunity to connect with the artist by creating a truly unique work of art for their living space.”

See all of our Influential Women in Business here.

Madison McCord Interiors always strives to provide the best design possible, but their commitment to impressing clients with their design and delivery doesn’t stop there. “We do custom upholstery and our production time is three weeks,” says Marsha Holfeltz, owner and founder of Madison McCord Interiors. The unheard of three-week custom creation timeline is revolutionizing the interior design of Utah, and Marsha’s custom upholstery covers everything from accent chairs, sectionals and sofas to beds and dining chairs.

3960 Highland Dr.,
SLC 801-277-5555
madisonmccordinteriors.com
IG @madisonmccordinteriors

The possibilities are endless for Marsha’s clients who are seeking something unique to their style preferences and taste. “We have thousands of fabrics and high-quality leathers to select from. If you love the way a sofa sits, you can pick whatever fabric you want,” says Holfeltz.

Visiting their 22,000 square foot showroom has its advantages as well because clients can experience what furnishings look and feel like. While customizing is always an option, if you like what you see, as Holfeltz explains, “you can buy from the showroom and take it home the very same day.”

Where do you look for professional inspiration? “I go to textiles. I like rich, colorful textiles, movement and beading and opulent fabrics. But we generally advise clients to go safer with their sofa fabrics and add the bolder prints and colors with accent pillows, chairs or artwork.”

Designer for a Cause “A huge emphasis is our involvement with the Utah Animal Advocacy rescue group—we have created a hospice care facility for special-needs dogs in our showroom. Many people visit here to check in regularly with the dogs (all adoptable)—even more so than our furnishings.”

See all of our Influential Women in Business here. 

In starting our conversation, Gina DiSera mentioned that she had just returned from her morning bike ride up City Creek Canyon. That high energy has served her in following what she does naturally. Past retail work experience managing the Women’s Designer Department and Men’s Sportswear at Nordstroms and 30 plus years of personal training, led DiSera to notice the strong link between bodies, fashion and fitness. She developed a talent to help clients look and feel their best in every way. DiSera’s work continued by opening her own fashion retail space, bella Forte, and what stood out above all else was the satisfaction she got from helping others one-on-one. Years of moving her clients both to their ultimate physical goals and their best fashion selves has created two careers that Gina says, “really are one and the same.”

Gina DiSera
801-244-9416
ginadisera.jhilburn.com
ginadisera.carlislecollection.com
ginadisera.etcetera.com

As a personal stylist, DiSera takes the time to get to know you, your unique body challenges and preferences. Her years of working with different bodies, has created a keen sense of innately knowing the perfect “style and cut” that would best flatter each individual.

For men, measurements are taken and items are ordered and customized as needed. For example, “A male client might call and say that he needs a pink shirt,” DiSera explains, “and knowing his measurements and business style, I can select exactly what he needs.” Offering a quick and streamlined approach to one’s personal shopping needs, DiSera’s seasonal Women’s Trunk Shows, from the brands Carlisle and ETCetera, allow attendees to select from over 400 current apparel choices and accessories, order their size and easily exchange or return if needed.

What is your Color? Inspired by one of her favorite books, “What Color is Your Parachute,” DiSera’s advice is to examine the things that are fun for you, and choose to do something that you love. “Not even considering the money part,” she explains, and “just following what you have always loved and been good at.”

What Suits You Customized Men’s Clothing from J.Hilburn—after being measured men can select from a number of high-end Italian fabrics, add a preferred cuff, pleat, double-breasted or any lapel style. She offers a full line of men’s custom clothing from beautiful suits to custom dress-down clothing like chinos, golf attire and 5-pocket jeans.

One Woman, Two Careers “I have always had two careers, and always will, because to me, they are really one career, one life thrust—and that is by helping men and women look and feel amazing!”

See all of our Influential Women in Business here.