On centre-stage: Some inspiring women entrepreneurs from Kentucky
#KentuckyWomenInBusiness #BluegrassEntrepreneurs #EmpoweringWomen
In the heart of the Bluegrass State, women entrepreneurs are breaking barriers and indeed, making waves across diverse industries. Kentucky’s landscape may be rural and traditionally male-dominated, but it’s a fact that women-owned businesses are steadily reshaping the state’s economy, with an inspiring combination of resilience & creativity. With women now owning 40.6% of Kentucky businesses and providing nearly half of the state’s jobs, women entrepreneurs are a powerful force for economic growth and innovation.
Breaking Barriers: Kentucky’s Women Entrepreneurs Transforming the Bluegrass State
From the iconic bourbon and equine sectors to hospitality, healthcare & education, Kentucky’s women entrepreneurs are not only driving success in established fields, but also adapting and transforming traditional industries with a fresh perspective. These women embody Kentucky’s spirit of determination – thriving in challenging environments and redefining what’s possible for the next generation. Their impact extends beyond state lines, with many receiving national recognition for their ingenuity and accomplishments.
In Kentucky, women in business are more than just business owners – they are pioneers, community builders, and role models. They inspire others to follow their passions, proving that in the ‘Bluegrass State’, entrepreneurial dreams are not only possible but are actively shaping the future.
Here’s presenting some enterprising women entrepreneurs from Kentucky.
> Colleen and Maggie Clines, Co-founders, Anchal Project
The Anchal Project is a non-profit textile business founded by two Catholic women from Kentucky, which really changed the lives of many women in Ajmer, Rajasthan, India.
Two sisters Colleen and Maggie Clines lead the Anchal Project by centering not only their designs, but also their collaboration with women artisans in India. Since becoming a Louisville-based non-profit in 2010, Colleen expanded by partnering with the Ajmer- based NGO Vatsalya; and her sister Maggie joined to co-lead the project in 2012.
So, this textile business – The Anchal Project, produces items for sale – such as quilts, bedding, clothing and home goods. Today, Anchal sources recycled materials, organic fibers & natural dyes to handcraft textile products. Among their impressive designs are – one-of-a-kind quilts made from upcycled saris.
What is most inspiring is the global ‘sisterhood’ Anchal initiated – by employing and training women who have been forced into commercial sex trade, who are survivors of domestic violence, or who are otherwise vulnerable to exploitation.
> Kaviya Ravi, Co-founder, Khromophilia
An artist and founder of community space, Studio Pause, Kaviya Ravi, a first-generation Indian American from Louisville, Kentucky who was in the batch of makers on Season 3 of NBC’s “Making It”.
South Asian Louisvillian Kaviya Ravi is obsessed with color. Once a display designer for Anthropologie at Oxmoor Center and then a contestant on season three of “Making It,” she now describes herself interestingly as – “the original khromophiliac” and the “Maker-in-Chief” at khromophilia.
She and her business partner Guru design a full spectrum of accessories – including earrings, necklaces, hair clips, pins, scarves and socks, as well as home goods including baskets, planters, and stationery. One can find khromophilia designs in the curated gift shop of the “India” exhibition at Speed Art Museum.
> Lisa Ann Markuson, Founder, ARS Poetica
Lisa Ann Markuson (known affectionately by friends as LA), is the poet who founded Ars Poetica, which is a creative events agency for typewriter poets and performance artists. With a degree in International Studies from the University of San Francisco and graduate studies in International Communications at American University, Lisa Ann’s first career was in cultural diplomacy. She was the Director of Meridian International’s International Children’s Festival in Washington, DC in 2012; and coincidentally, realized that through her work with artists that she herself was, in fact, really an artist too!!
She shifted her tracks, to start a new path of art and entrepreneurship. Now, with 10+ years of experience as a freelancer, indie event producer, journalist, curator, social media executive, yoga teacher, certified tour guide, and CEO, her inclusive and sustainable business now celebrates the multitalented nature of her artists through her poetic agency, Ars Poetica.
And what’s her dream? To fulfill the potential that poetry has to enrich every type of experience, on and off the page. And always outside of the lines!!
> Madison Jacy, Founder, Madkind Design
Madison Jacy has crafted Madkind Design, a food & beverage branding and design company as a creative studio with really good taste.
Having experience as an e-comm designer and photographer, she worked as a speech language pathologist before she decided to take a risk and pursue her passions – photography and design. So, from a demotivated speech language pathologist she shifted to running a creative studio for woman-owned brands, bringing Madkind to life. This was the coolest dream she never knew she had!!
> Kaitlyn Hubert, Owner, Pelo West & Golden Aesthetic Atelier
Kaitlyn Hubert is a hair-care, beauty, and spa entrepreneur and master cosmetologist. After working in high-end salons in New York and Los Angeles, she returned home to Louisville and got actively involved in the local community.
She is the owner of Pelo West, the new urban luxury spa at the Galt House Hotel as well as Golden Aesthetic Atelier, part of the Pelo Beauty Collective with locations in Middletown and Lexington. Pelo West also was the presenting sponsor of The Down with Derby Fashion Show.
> Miranda Deaton, Founder, Velvet Outlaw
Miranda Deaton is the founder, designer & seamstress of Velvet Outlaw. Velvet Outlaw is Louisville-based clothing brand that focuses on body positivity, reused textiles and, also the really ‘cute’ 70’s-Western fashion.
Started in Miranda Deaton’s attic in 2022, the seamstress also offers fully-custom clothing. Fringe, flair and rhinestone-fitted vests – these are exactly what one can find when you enter the newly-opened retail establishment in Mellwood Art Centre.
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