Faulkner Lifestyle October 2019 Issue

Emily Walter
Executive Broker/Realtor ®
Coldwell Banker RPM Group
2019
WOMEN in
BUSINESS
Lori Harwell
Boutique Owner @ Harwell Designs
2019
WOMEN in
BUSINESS
Where did you grow up and go to school? I was born and raised in Jonesboro. I graduated from Jonesboro High
School in 1999. I moved to Conway to become a UCA Bear in 1999 and graduated from UCA in 2003.
What brought you to Faulkner County? I’ve loved Conway since I was in high school. I would go to choir
competitions at UCA and thought it was the most beautiful campus. The weekend I moved here, I was introduced to
my (future) husband who is originally from Conway. We were married, and after college I was transferred to Franklin,
Tennessee to work. We only lived there for about two years before realizing we missed Conway, our family and
Arkansas and said we would never leave again.
How did you get into real estate? Someone told me when I was 21 years old that I would make a great real
estate agent. I never had the nerve to do it back then. During that time I lived in Tennessee, it had given me a much
greater appreciation for Conway and the things I took for granted while we were living here. The drive to become
a real estate agent stayed in the back of my head for the next 10+ years before I decided to make a leap of faith
and go to real estate school.
What do you love most about working/living here? If you know me or have ever met me, you’ll know
the #1 thing I love about our county is the history behind it. I love reading about Cadron Settlement when
it was our original state capital and especially love the history behind the city of Conway, downtown
Conway and the original churches that started in our community back in 1870.
To what do you attribute your success? My husband and daughter. They are my biggest
cheerleaders and my support system. A close second would have to be my amazing circle of
clients, family and friends. I wouldn’t be anywhere without referrals from family, friends
and especially the sellers and buyers I’ve worked with throughout the years. I also have
professional designations from GRI, ABR, SRES, GRLA, SRS, MRP, and CRS.
Any hobbies you want to share? I love touring homes and going to historic
museums. And I love visiting various communities/cities in Arkansas to learn about
their way of life. And I love going to the gym. My time in the gym is one of the few
moments in a week that I can unwind and relax and have me time.
How are you involved in your community? I’m currently the President of the
Faulkner County Board of Realtors. I also serve as Chair of the church council at
First United Methodist Church, as well as the church historian. In addition,
I serve on the Conway Symphony Orchestra Board and the City of
Conway’s Historic District Commission. What I love about
working for Coldwell Banker is the community involvement.
Whether it’s school supply drive, cereal drives, Pet
Adoption Day or attending various fundraisers
throughout the year, our company loves
giving back to the community. It was so
important to me after coming from the
corporate world to find a company that
was more hands on within the community
in which we live.
Professional organizations? I’m part of
the Toad Suck Nation Pipeline group with the
Conway Chamber of Commerce and the Women
Influence Arkansas Group.
Tell us about your family. My husband, Jeremy,
works for Illustrated Sportswear in Downtown
Conway. My daughter attends Conway Public
Schools and Sven, my Shi Tzu is 5 years old. Ralph
and Marilyn Walter are my in–laws and the BEST
in-laws you could ask for! My parents, Layne and
Jo Yawn, live in Jonesboro. I also have one older
brother and sister.
Where did you grow up and get your education?
Conway~Conway High School~University of Central
Arkansas
What brought you to Faulkner County to open a business/work?
I grew up here. My friends and family are here.
I love Faulkner County!
What do you love most about working/living here?
The people are wonderful! They love to support local small
businesses and are always so encouraging!
To what do you attribute your success? First and
foremost… God. I am blessed to have a wonderful husband
who supports me in all my ventures. He always encourages
me to work hard and have integrity!
Do you have hobbies you want to share? I love design
work and decorating. My husband and I love the outdoors
too. Camping, fishing and cycling are a few of our favorites!
How are you involved in your community? We donate
to several organizations including the Boys and Girls Club
of Faulkner County, Faulkner County Humane Society and
many others. We love supporting our local school organizations
as well!
Tell us about your family. I am married to my wonderful
husband, Kevin and we have two children, Baylea and
Brandon, and a 3.5 lb. Yorkie named Razzle Dazzle.
Any accomplishments you would like to share?Harwell
Designs recently won 2019 Faulkner County Best of the
Best Vilonia Business. We also won Boutique Storefront of
the Year in 2017 which were both a huge honor!
Any advice for someone just starting out? Work hard
and have integrity in everything you do! Even if it’s tough
(and some days it will be) don’t give up!
Favorite business quote? Nothing worth having comes easily.