Our September issue is dedicated to the professional women in our community who are making a difference in their workplace. Learn what drives them in the following pages, and take a moment to appreciate the hardworking women who have had an impact on your life.
Chelsey Clause
PRESIDENT
American Air Heating &
Air Conditioning, Inc.
7350 Greendale Rd., Windsor
970.686.6086
americanairnoco.com
Tell us about yourself, your history and how you came to be where you are now.
I have been in the trades over 20 years and saw the opportunity to build something with purpose. Through hard work, resilience and a passion for people, I’ve helped grow American Air into a company that values excellence and leads with heart. My journey has been about breaking molds, learning constantly and creating space for others, especially women, to thrive in an industry that is ever evolving.
What are you passionate about, professionally and personally, and why?
I’m passionate about building a people-first business rooted in integrity and compassion. I strive to lead with honesty, create space for others to feel seen and empowered and foster a culture where women in trades and leadership feel confident, valued and inspired to thrive.
What do you consider your biggest accomplishment, either professionally or personally?
My biggest accomplishment is building a strong, values-driven company culture where people feel empowered to lead, grow and take pride in their work. Creating space for women to thrive in a male-dominated industry and proving that leadership can be both effective and compassionate has been especially meaningful.
How do you give back to your community?
I give back by supporting local initiatives and being a strong advocate for our veterans and first responders. We honor their service through sponsorships, priority services and community outreach.
What are the biggest challenges as a woman in your profession?
Earning respect and being taken seriously in a male-dominated industry. I’ve learned that confidence, consistency and staying true to who you are can break down barriers and reshape expectations.
How do you make time for self-care and/or family time?
I’m fortunate to have an incredible team whose dedication and excellence allow me the rare opportunity, as a business owner, to enjoy weekends off. Outside of work, I cherish time with my amazing husband and our three wonderful children, two dogs and cat. I also prioritize my personal interests, whether it’s strength training and lifting heavy weights or taking any chance I can to escape to the beach.
What is your superpower?
My superpower is leading with purpose and direction while driving results. I know when to push, when to listen and how to bring out the best in others. Balancing heart and hustle has helped me build trust and lead with purpose across every part of the business.
Where do you see yourself in five years? In 10 years?
In five years, I see myself growing our business and developing strong leaders. In 10, I hope to be mentoring others and
helping shift the industry toward more growth and
purpose-driven leadership.
Kimi Nash
OWNER
Kind Coffee
470 E. Elkhorn Ave., Estes Park
970.586.5206
kindcoffee.com
Tell us about yourself, your history and how you came to be where you are now.
I was born and raised in Orange County, Calif., where I attended culinary school and began my career as a chocolatier. In 2019, I embraced a new chapter and relocated to Estes Park. I joined Kind Coffee as a barista and advanced to general manager, and in April 2023, I had the incredible opportunity to purchase the business.
What are you passionate about, professionally and personally, and why?
I am passionate about sustainability and making small changes to help save the planet. We only get one Earth. I love plants and gardening. I’m a cat mom and love to spoil them. I also enjoy being outdoors and spending time with my boyfriend and friends.
What do you consider your biggest accomplishment, either professionally
or personally?
Becoming the owner of Kind Coffee. It is an honor to be living in this role and working alongside the most amazing staff. Kind wouldn’t be the same without them.
How do you give back to your community?
Kind Coffee is a member of 1% for the Planet. Annually, we donate 1% of our coffee sales to the Rocky Mountain Conservancy, the Estes Valley Land Trust and Leave No Trace. We also support the Estes Nonprofit Network–they’re so great.
What are the biggest challenges as a woman in your profession?
That little voice in the back of your head saying you don’t belong here or deserve this. But look at us: We’re out here doing it.
How do you make time for self-care and/or family time?
Prioritizing my health and fitness. I’m big into essential oils and how I spend my time after work. Carving time out for myself is sometimes difficult, but it is so important.
What is your superpower?
I can remember dates and details very well. It’s definitely an advantage when it’s busy behind the bar and I’m unable to write things down.
Where do you see yourself in five years? In 10 years?
Still owning and operating Kind Coffee. I do know I’ll be making more trips back to California to see my niece, Izzy. She has a barista job lined up here already.
Terra Bookout, P.A.
Yvonne Hampson, R.N.
Suzy Saenz, M.D.
Allura Skin, Laser & Wellness Clinic
2032 Lowe St., Ste. 103, Fort Collins
1615 Foxtrail Dr., Ste. 190, Loveland
970.223.0193 •. alluraclinic.com
Tell us about yourself, your history and how you came to be where you are now.
Founded in 2008, Allura Skin, Laser & Wellness Clinic is a proud women-owned, full-service medical spa with two locations in Northern Colorado. Our success is built on our dedication to providing the most advanced aesthetic treatments, performed by some of the region’s most skilled and highly trained providers. From Botox and injectables to skin revitalizing laser services, bioidentical hormone therapy, microneedling and vaginal rejuvenation, our clients trust us to deliver exceptional results with the highest standard of care.
Education/certifications
Allura is proud to be the only med spa in Northern Colorado with a medical doctor onsite daily as well as a medical director who treats clients regularly. Our team includes two doctors, one physician assistant, two nurse practitioners, three registered nurses, five medical aestheticians and a team of highly trained medical assistants. We are committed to ongoing growth, continually advancing our expertise through both hands-on and virtual training.
What are you passionate about, professionally and personally, and why?
We are passionate about our clients and the relationships we hold with them. Whether they visit our clinic for the first time due to a specific skin concern or they’re a long-time bioidentical hormone client, we’re committed to helping them achieve their desired outcome. By taking the time to understand each client’s unique needs, goals and personality, we foster meaningful, long-term relationships, something that is reflected in the exceptional loyalty of our client base.
Allison Jung
General Dentist
Allison Jung Family Dentistry
1927 Wilmington Dr., Unit 202, Fort Collins
970.484.4850
ajfamilydentistry.com
What are you passionate about, professionally and personally,
and why?
Professionally, I strive to provide personalized, compassionate dental care in a judgment-free space, helping patients understand the connection between oral health and overall wellness. Personally, I’m focused on raising kind, thoughtful children who live by the same values of care, trust and connection that guide me in my work and family life.
What do you consider your biggest accomplishment, either professionally or personally?
I recently completed advanced residency training at The Dawson Academy, which improved my ability to manage all dental cases, simple and complex, with a holistic approach. For example, this training has allowed me to diagnose and treat TMJ disorders, relieving patients’ pain while enhancing their overall health and quality of life.
What are the biggest challenges as a woman in your profession?
Some of the challenges I’ve faced as a woman in this profession have also become the very qualities that set me, and the team I lead, apart. We foster compassion, empathy and gentle care, treating patients with the same kindness and attentiveness I bring to all my relationships.
How do you make time for self-care and/or family time?
Balancing dentistry, practice ownership, patient care, team guidance and family is challenging. I make self-care a priority by setting aside intentional family time. We love camping, hiking, biking and skiing around this beautiful community. It’s how I recharge and stay grounded to give my best every day.
The Leadership Team
Clean Bees Homekeepers
970.566.2415
cleanbees.com
Tell us about yourself, your history and how you came to be where
you are now.
Katie, Emily, Angela, Chelsey and Becky are the hive behind Clean Bees. Our paths into professional cleaning are as unique as our personalities, but we’re united by a love for building something that matters: a company clients can trust and employees can thrive in. From one woman and a mop to a full-scale, expertly trained team, we’ve built Clean Bees into Northern Colorado’s go-to for superior service and spotless living.
What are you passionate about, professionally and personally, and why?
Professionally, we’re obsessed with delivering detailed, reliable cleaning backed by a happy, well-trained team. Personally, we share a love for home, whether that’s spending time with family, hosting friends or creating beautiful, peaceful spaces.
For us, cleaning isn’t just a service; it’s a way to give people back time and joy.
What is your superpower?
Katie: fearless problem solving
Emily: big-picture strategy and systems
Angela: client connection magic
Chelsey: client care queen
Becky: team growth guru
Together, we’re the ultimate dream team balancing precision, warmth and relentless follow-through. Our true superpower? Transforming a task most people dread into a trusted, elevated experience worth buzzing about.
Where do you see yourself in five years? In 10 years?
In five years, we see Clean Bees as the gold standard for cleaning in NOCO—larger in reach but still personal in service. In 10 years, we envision expanding to new communities, empowering even more team members and continuing to raise the bar for what professional cleaning can and should be.
Elizabeth Shipler
CEO/OWNER
A&E Metal Fabrication
970.405.4604
aemetalfab.com
What are you passionate about, professionally and personally, and why?
I’m passionate about creating work that matters and building something real. Professionally, I care about providing honest, dependable service and creating opportunities for others. Personally, I’m driven by growth, connection and supporting the people I love. Both sides come from the same place: wanting to uplift others and make a difference.
What do you consider your biggest accomplishment, either professionally or personally?
My biggest accomplishment has been finding the strength to start over when life didn’t go as planned. Building my business while overcoming personal setbacks proved what I’m capable of. It’s more than the work; it’s the resilience to rise, rebuild and keep going no matter the challenge.
What are the biggest challenges as a woman in your profession?
One of the biggest challenges is being underestimated. I’ve had to work harder to prove my knowledge and earn respect in spaces often dominated by men. Those challenges pushed me to stand stronger, stay confident and keep breaking barriers for women coming after me.
How do you make time for self-care and/or family time?
I’ve learned to protect my time the same way I protect my work. Self-care and family time aren’t luxuries; they’re necessary. I set boundaries, slow down when I need to and stay present with the people I love. That balance keeps me strong and able to keep building.
Vel Green
OWNER
The Cheer and Dance Connection, DBA WEBBY
Dance Company
970.305.0803
thecheeranddanceconnection.com
Tell us about yourself, your history and how you came to be where you are now.
Since 2010, we’ve grown from a small team with my daughters to more than 400 cheerleaders and dancers. I’m passionate about community, kids and creating a place where everyone belongs. Blessed with a wonderful husband, four children, three sons-in-law and five grandchildren, my family is my heart.
What are you passionate about, professionally and personally, and why?
I’m passionate about investing in the next generation by teaching kids to lead, give back and shine. Our special needs team is the heart of The Cheer and Dance Connection, where we go beyond cheer and dance to truly care for every child.
Teri Segelke
OWNER
J & T Feeds
3616 W. 10th St., Greeley
970.378.0240
jt-feeds.com
What are you passionate about, professionally and personally, and why?
I love animals and helping in situations that can be addressed with nutrition or supplements. I personally have had pets with cancer, arthritis and digestive issues that I have been able to address with products in my store. It is very fulfilling to help my clients with similar problems.
What are the biggest challenges as a woman in your profession?
When trying to secure financing for my business almost 24 years ago, I was told by a male banker that I should open a clothing store. At that moment, I was determined to show him that I could be successful in anything I choose to do.
Catherine Belanger
Founder
Resumé Catalyst
155 N. College Ave., Fort Collins
508.769.1393
resumecatalyst.com
Tell us about yourself, your history and how you came to be where you are now.
I’m a 30-year HR and talent acquisition professional who transitioned into resume writing and career coaching after years of hiring across industries. I help all levels but have a spot in my heart for recent grads. After hearing countless stories about how poorly career centers prepare them for the real world, I launched Resumé Catalyst to provide strategic, heart-led guidance that helps clarify their direction, tell their story and land them roles that truly fit.
What is your superpower?
My superpower is intuition. I have a natural ability to sense what people need—often before they say it. I blend that with my love of astrology and personality styles to help clients understand themselves more deeply and find the culture and role where they truly belong.
Madeline DeGroot
OWNER
Ivy Boutique
158 S. College Ave., Fort Collins
970.825.5121
ivyboutiquefoco.com
Tell us about yourself, your history and how you came to be where you are now.
I graduated from Colorado State University in 2018 and moved back to Fort Collins in 2021 to open Ivy. I am now married and have a 1-year-old daughter. I am very excited to share that I will be opening a new store in Old Town this fall. Ivy At Home will feature unique home goods and decor, and gifts for every occasion. I can’t wait to welcome you in.
What are you passionate about, professionally and personally, and why?
I am passionate about building meaningful connections and creating lasting positive experiences for others. Shopping is a fun pastime for people, and it brings me a lot of joy making someone’s day better by helping them. Employing and empowering the next generation is also a passion of mine.
Leyla Badillo
Founder
A Brand Above
970.999.1232
abrandabove.com
Tell us about yourself, your history and how you came to be where you are now.
I’ve spent 20 years building brands. I believe that every brand deserves a clear voice, a strong presence and a road map for real business growth.
What are the biggest challenges as a woman in your profession?
One challenge is being underestimated. My friendly personality and youthful appearance can lead people to misjudge my experience. I’ve learned how to lead with clarity and let the work speak. People don’t hire me for fluff. They hire me for impact.
Where do you see yourself in five years? In 10 years?
In five years, I see A Brand Above in a brick-and-mortar space with a collaborative, purpose-driven team. In 10 years, I hope to launch a free program through a nonprofit, where children can learn their potential through creativity and business-driven solutions. Educating our children is the greatest gift we can give future generations, and I want to be part of that.
Cheri Freestone
Co-owner/Senior Interior Designer
Freestone Design Build
222 Pine St., Fort Collins
970.692.4332
Tell us about your business.
Our company, founded in 1996, specializes in interior design, remodeling and building for residential homes.
Describe your background, education and/or certifications.
I have 25 years of on-the-job experience and continuously take courses and study trends to stay current.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I love seeing clients light up when we land on the perfect design and finishes for their home. Seeing a tangible, beautiful, finished product that will be enjoyed for years to come is rewarding.
What inspires and motivates you?
I’m inspired by many things, but nature stands out as a key influence. I love creating environments where people feel relaxed and connected. This is why I incorporate elements like natural light, natural wood tones and a seamless integration of the outdoors in all my designs.
Carleen Corman
Licensed Aesthetician
Remedy Skin Studio
1211 Lake Ave. #101, Berthoud
970.658.7970
remedyskinstudio.com
Tell us about yourself, your history and how you came to be where you are now.
When I reflect on how I got to where I am today, I have to be honest: It wasn’t a beautiful or easy journey. It was shaped by fear, anxiety and deep self-doubt. I faced setback after setback, and for years I was told that I’d never become anything. Those words stayed with me, weighing heavily on my confidence. The beginning of my story was anything but smooth, but it taught me perseverance.
What are you passionate about, professionally and personally, and why?
The power of women supporting other women. I was completely unaware how much leaning on other women in my life would change everything. Now I am a highly focused aesthetician who truly listens to clients and understands their unique skincare needs, allowing me to deliver a holistic approach using only medical-grade products.
Patti Smith
Founder, Executive Director
Living Her Legacy
2519 S. Shields St. 1K, #132, Fort Collins
970.988.8529
livingherlegacy.org
Tell us about yourself, your history and how you came to be where you are now.
I grew up on a farm, driving a tractor and learning how to problem solve with my dad. From my mom, a nurse, I learned kindness and service to others. I spent years supporting girls in career and technical education programs, and I’m currently involved with the Zonta Club of Fort Collins. When I saw a portrait exhibit in Denver about the men and women of Colorado, I thought, “Why can’t we do this in Fort Collins and only recognize women?” This is how my journey began.
How do you give back to your community.
Recognizing women. Inspiring girls. We offer education programs to girls from 5th grade to 19 years old. I facilitated a girls leadership program at Poudre High School for several years and also one at Colorado State University for five years. Visit our website to stay connected, and attend our installation of impactful women’s portraits this fall in Old Town Fort Collins.
Rachael Ardanuy
Attorney & Founder
RZA Legal
126 W. Harvard St., Suite 2A, Fort Collins
303.586.5020
rzalegal.com
Tell us about yourself, your history and how you came to be where you are now.
This month, I celebrate 10 years of business ownership at my law firm, RZA Legal, while balancing life as a mom, wife, Jazzercise instructor and law professor. As a lawyer turned entrepreneur, I thrive on serving bold businesses, mentoring the next generation of attorneys and entrepreneurs and building a life rooted in courage, growth and community.
What are you passionate about, professionally and personally, and why?
I’m passionate about empowering business owners to navigate complex laws and business deals with clarity and confidence. Personally, I love teaching dance fitness classes, gardening and seeing live music. Whether it’s businesses or tomatoes, I’m devoted to nurturing growth, embracing challenges and celebrating the harvest.
