International Women’s Day
Hey, I’m Jess! I am a Stylist and the Education Director…and Blogger (how cool is that?!) at Glance Spa and Salon.
I spend my days making people feel good about themselves; uplifting them and making them feel more confident in their look and their presence. One of my favorite parts of my job is hearing our guests stories. What makes them who they are, what they think about the world, what big goal they are striving for next and what is the latest must read book they just couldn’t put down! I, along with my teammates, have had the privledge of meeting some really fascinating and amazing people through the years and most of the time our guests leave just as big of impact on us as we try to do on them. I look forward to using this blog through out the years to tell our guests stories and share helpful and uplifting messages with all of you!
One thing that I have held onto through the years is that I believe that every woman deserves to have a seat at the table and gets to have a turn to have their voice be heard.
So today, on International Women’s Day (also just happens to be my birthday!) , I am excited to share with you some thoughts and wisdom from some really amazing women who also happen to be long time guests of Glance.
I believe we can all learn from each other, help each other grow, and everyone has an important story to tell. This project was really fun for me and I look forward to interviewing more guests in the future.
On behalf of myself, and everyone at Glance Spa and Salon thank you for always trusting us to be a part of your story - and thank you to these women for letting us share some of their story. Today and everyday, women empowering other women, that’s what it is all about!
-Jessica Tergesen
Kesey Fern
Owner of Fern Candles
As a small business owner and someone who created their very own brand and product, what advice would you give to other women if they were considering selling their homemade products or starting their own business?
Starting a business is built on passion. If you have passion for your product (and your mission!), it will carry you through the challenges that come with operating a small business. Educate yourself on every part of your process and don’t be afraid to ask questions and change directions.
What has been the greatest advice you have ever received?
Change is necessary for growth! With that being said, Fern Candle has changed dramatically since it was launched in 2016 and I am so proud of each new fragrance, label or vessel that we launch. It would be easy to continue producing the same product, but its important to me to keep pushing for the best
Samantha Jahner:
RN at Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch
“What if I fall? Oh, but darling, what if you fly?” – Eric Hansen
As a nurse, who do you serve?
Sam has a servant heart and lives her life to enhance the lives of those around her. She worked at the Sanford Children’s Hospital for six years before starting at Dakota Boys and girls ranch where she serves at risk children and their families and help them succeed in the name of Christ. She feels it is such a privilege to have the opportunity to be a part of the kids journeys and be able to make a positive impact on their lives is so rewarding.
Where else do you give back in the community
I volunteer at Furry Friends Rocking Rescue!
Who is your hero?
Sam says her husband is her biggest hero. Matt is a five time cancer survivor and has faced multiple road blocks and challenges. Together they have tackeld whatever has come their way and she says he has taught her so much about grace, strength, and forgiveness.
Shelly Preszler is a wife, mother & grandmother of almost 9! She is a speaker and writer who resides in Mandan.
I stumbled into Glance about six years ago because I heard they were the place to come for a great manicure.
It’s true- they are! Nicole convinced me to come back for more and I have been coming back ever since!!
I have a large family and sometimes it’s hard to set aside time to care for myself.
I’m sure many of your costumers can relate to this. But, I have found out through the years, when I take care of my body and soul, I’m able to take better care of my family and friends!
I’m now an empty nester after having kids at home for over 34 years.
It was a total shock when they all left. I felt a wee bit sorry for myself.
I quickly realized this free time could be best spent helping others.
I truly enjoy cooking for family and friends and praying for my loved ones. It’s a good way to spend my free time which was a new gift to me from God.
I strongly encourage women to take care of themselves and especially their hearts!
Many people love and depend on us.
Alisa Hessinger,
RN in Infection Prevention at Sanford
“I admire women who work hard, lead with integrity and determination, and stand up for what is right, even when it is not popular!”
When asked about how she gives back to our community she said:
“I believe having enough to eat should be a basic human right, that is why I enjoy volunteering at Heavens Helpers Soup Café. I have two daughters who have also volunteered with me there. I think its important for us to give our time and resources to help those in need. Everyone wins when we share our time and talent”
Tammi Winbauer
Real-estate Agent at NextHome Legendary Properties
I will open the windows of heaven. I will pour a blessing upon you. Malachi 3:10
Tammi, you made a major career move in the last couple of years and followed your passion into real estate. With that being said, what advice would you give a woman that was contemplating pursuing something new or making a big career move?
Girl, you can do this! Have faith in yourself and what is to come. Work hard and study, study, study everything you can. Be confident in and focus on your strengths and abilities. Admit your weak areas, but don’t spend much time there. That’s not where your success will come from. Be grateful for what is unseen and know that success is just around the corner.
Who is a female mentor in your life that you look up to?
Desri Neether. “You know more than you realize,” is what she would say to me. She is a great example of kind strength, good ethics and perseverance.
Haley Boland
Anchor/Producer/Reporter at KFYR-TV and KUMV-TV
“Find out who you are and do it on purpose.” – Dolly Parton
Welcome to Bismarck, Hayley! Where are you from and who do you serve in our community?
I am originally from just outside of Roanoke, Virginia and went to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Go Tarheels!) I moved to Bismarck just over a year ago and I am currently working as a news anchor, producer, and reporter to bring the people in our area local news that is important to them. I mainly anchor the evening newscasts for the Williston viewers and also reports around Bismarck. I am passionate about getting news viewers the information they have needed to know during these uncertain times.
Who is the biggest female mentor in your professional life?
“Professionally, one of my most impactful mentors has been Andrea Mitchell. I interned for Andrea Mitchell Reports on MSNBC in Washington, DC when I was still in college. Andrea’s ability to break barriers for women in news and her non-stop dedication to journalism inspires me daily!”
What organization do you support that you want others to know about?
“An organization that has been a part of my heart since high school is a Help Save the Next Girl, based out of my hometown in Virginia. It promotes personal safety awareness for young women. It was created in honor of Morgan Harrington, a graduate from her high school who went missing from a concert in 2009 at the age of 20. The organization continues to raise awareness to prevent anyone from becoming the “next girl”
Hayley, in honor of International Women’s Day, what do you think is the biggest issue facing women today?
“I think an issue that women have always faced is that there aren’t enough of us in leadership roles or positions of power. Representation is important at all levels and realms – whether that be politics, corporations, organizations, etc.”
With that being said, what would you say if you had every woman listening to you right now?
“Always have confidence in yourself and your abilities. Trust that you are where you are for a purpose and don’t let anyone make you feel differently.”
Brianna Mittelsteadt:
Team Lead + Occupational Therapist at Red Door Pediatric Therapy
As a full time working mom, how do you make your weeknight routine easier for yourself when you walk in the door from a full day of helping others?”
“Meal prepping on the weekends, has eliminated all the stress of rushing in the door after work and having it be chaos and then trying to figure out what to make for dinner or who is going to cook.
Now, we have a plan and it has really helped having a calmer weeknight routine and allows me to have more time with the kids since I’m not running in the door and cooking a full meal! I plan all our meals for the week on Sundays and prep almost all the food ahead of time to make it as easy as possible for my husband and I when we walk thru the door!”
Sara Davidson
Kindergarten Teacher for Bismarck Public Schools
“Fight for the things you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.” -Ruth Bader Gingsburg
Who do you serve in our community?
“I’m a kindergarten teacher – and I LOVE it! It takes a lot of energy and patience, but I truly enjoy it and look forward to going in to work every day. Some days are more challenging than others, of course, but one of the best things about my kindergartners is that they love me even on those challenging days. I learn so much from them. They remind me to be forgiving, empathetic, and kind.
We learn A LOT in kindergarten, too – and not just academics. We learn a lot of social-emotional skills as well, such as how to identify and manage our feelings, have empathy, make friends, and use positive self-talk. Kindergarten is a BIG year, and I try my best to make sure my students feel important, loved, and safe in my classroom while also having fun!”
Sarah, since you get to help our littlest loves with some of the emotional regulation and self-talk that gets learned at a young age, you have an interesting perspective to what the biggest problem facing women today is; would you mind sharing?
“Something we need to be mindful of when it comes to discussing women in influential roles, and women in general, is that our children are listening. When we comment on a woman’s physical appearance or diminish her experiences or skills, they’re listening. Children pick up on more than we think, and hearing negativity about a woman can be seriously damaging to their self-worth, too.”
If every woman was listening to you, what would you say?
“YOU GOT THIS! We’re not in competition, let’s build each other up instead of tearing each other down!”
Amanda Dvorak
Records Coordinator at Basin Electric Power Cooperative
What advice would you give to your younger self that you want to pass on to others?
“Don’t go in a tanning bed and don’t follow along with gossip!”
What is the biggest issue facing women today?
“Tearing down other women. We need to praise each other and lift each other up!”
Where do you serve others in our community and what charity organizations are close to your heart?
“I volunteer with my church – Legacy Methodist- as a helper in the nursery. During service parents can drop their little ones off and go enjoy the service. I do also enjoy volunteering at Heavens Helpers. I love Dolly Partons Imagination Library, the United Way backpack program, Medora Foundation, and San Diego Safari Park”
Krisann Miller
Owner of Little Lights Pediatric Therapy
Krisann, who do you serve thru your work?
“I have been working as an occupational therapist with the pediatric population for 12 years. In 2018 I opened my own private practice, Little Lights Pediatric Therapy. We provide services to children birth to 21 with special needs. It began as just myself however I have been blessed to expand and include speech therapy services as well. I currently have 5 additional staff working with me.
As a business owner, what do you think one challenge facing women today is?
Since beginning my business, I feel like starting a business or becoming a business owner can be extremely intimidating for a woman. Work-life balance is also extremely difficult for working women to juggle all the responsibilities in work and home life.
Are you involved with any volunteer work in the community?
I am a part of the Bis-Man Power of 100 group, a group of women joining together to support a variety of non-profit charities in the Bismarck-Mandan community.
If you had every woman listening to you right now, what would you say?
“Practice good self-care because we are worth it! I think as women we tend to put others before ourselves before others and don’t prioritize our own needs.”
Brandi Schmidt, MS, LPC, LAC
DeCaoteau Trauma Informed Care and Practice, PLLC
Brandi, with such a vast background of helping people in all areas of their life; what advice do you have to share with other women so they can fill their own cup so they can continue to be their best selves?!
1) TAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF – stop making excuses and take the time to care for yourself!
2) MOVE YOUR BODY – join a gym, take that yoga or spin class, for go for a walk, find a boxing coach; whatever it is – just DO IT.
3) GIVE YOURSELF GRACE FOR NOT BEING PERFECT + GIVE YOURSELF CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE – we are far to hard on ourselves!
4) GET YOURSELF A THERAPIST – find someone you jive with and take the time to talk about yourself, that hour is there for you to get an unbiased view of your life and help you become a better version of yourself!
5) PRACTICE GRATITUDE - find a few things a day that you are grateful for. Take the time to take notice of what you are grateful for!
Thank you ladies for sharing your message and helping those around you today and every day! We feel lucky to have you be a part of the Glance family and look forward to seeing you at your next visit.
To learn more about International women’s day; check out the website International Women’s Day. Let’s all continue to lift each other up and live our lives on purpose.
