What do you see as one of your biggest turning points in your life? – One of the most pivotal turning points in my life came when I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 32. That moment forced me to pause and reevaluate the trajectory of my life. Confronting my own mortality made it clear that I could no longer live according to others’ expectations. I needed to build a life defined by purpose, fulfillment, and authenticity. It was this clarity that led me to pursue entrepreneurship, not just as a career path, but as a means to reclaim ownership of my time, my voice, and my future. Compounding the weight of that season, my father was also battling cancer. Watching him navigate his own diagnosis while processing mine deepened my resolve. I knew then that life was far too fragile to be lived passively. I had to step fully into who I was meant to be boldly, intentionally, and unapologetically.
What do you like to do on your day off? – On a day off, I love spending time gardening and working on landscaping projects. I’ve personally designed and completed all the landscaping around my home, and there’s something incredibly fulfilling about seeing that creative vision come to life. It’s both a peaceful escape and a tangible expression of my creativity.
Tell us a little bit about your business. – STATUS HAYMARKET, a boutique located in the heart of Lincoln’s Historic Haymarket district. STATUS is a destination for sustainable luxury fashion, offering a curated selection of luxury handbags, designer jewelry, and standout clothing pieces. All handbags are authenticated, ensuring both quality and authenticity.
The clothing line at STATUS provides unique, wardrobe-staple pieces at a reasonable price, with an intentional focus on individuality. Each clothing item is produced in limited quantities, just 8 pieces per style, so customers can confidently wear standout items that aren’t widely replicated. The boutique blends sustainable luxury with accessibility, offering fashion that is both intentional, impactful and affordable.
Unique thing about me that most people don’t know – One unique thing about me that most people don’t know is that I have a bit of a thrill-seeking side—I did autocross racing in my 20s and even jumped out of an airplane. On the flip side, I’m also a huge NFL fan and never miss a moment of the draft. It’s my favorite event of the year, and I watch every single minute from start to finish.
Who inspires you? – I’m inspired by women who boldly pursue their dreams on their own terms unapologetically and with purpose. Women who lift each other up, who collaborate rather than compete, continually motivate me to grow and show up as the best version of myself. There is nothing more powerful than a community of driven, authentic, and intelligent women supporting one another. That kind of energy is unstoppable and deeply inspiring.
Tell us a little bit about your family – I’m lucky to be surrounded by an incredible family. I married the love of my life, Kevin Smidt (he made sure I used his full name!), and we’ve been blessed with three amazing daughters who keep life fun, full, and never boring. Kevin has been my rock from the very beginning—he believed in me so much that he actually made the appointment to tour the space in the Haymarket before I even said yes. He’s been cheering me on every step of the way.
We also share our home with two unforgettable pups—Bella, our purebred Airedale Terrier who runs the yard, and Sass (short for Sasquatch Princess Sofia), our tiny but mighty Chihuahua with a big personality.
For more information go to mystatusluxhaymarket.com