Fall 2020 Faulkner Lifestyle

2020
WOMEN in
BUSINESS
Kimberly Paladino
Owner, Classic Touch
Kimberly is the owner and lead floral and
event designer of Classic Touch, located
on Prince Street in Conway. She grew up
in Southwest Arkansas and graduated from the
University of Arkansas in 2010 with a Bachelor
of Arts degree. Kimberly says, “I always loved
every aspect of the artistic world and am so
thrilled to have been able to incorporate my
love for art into a career. That’s a true blessing,
and a rare one at that. I never saw myself
becoming a floral designer. That part found me,
and I could not be more grateful it did!”
Kimberly is the proud wife of 10 years to Andy
Paladino. Kimberly says, “He works a full 40+
hour week for Reliance Healthcare and still
finds time to clean buckets or chop flowers at
our store. I could not manage this businessowner
life without him. We make a great team,
and he picks up my slack wherever it is needed,
except maybe flower arranging. He draws the
line at that!” Kimberly and Andy have three
sons, Beckett-9, Bennet-6, and Bash-5, who
all attend Woodrow Cummins Elementary.
“Each one is full of their own personality and
keeps us running at all times. Their favorite
time at the store is when no one is around and
they can play hide and seek amongst all the
beautiful, mind you, very breakable objects, we
have for sale. It’s a real thrill for this momma,
but we love them with all our being!”
Andy’s career brought them to Conway six
years ago. “We wanted to be a part of a great
school district for our three boys. I started out
as a stay-at-home mom, working part time as
an event coordinator. After our boys got to be
of school age, Andy and I decided it was time
for me to try something new and expand my
career and passions. When we heard Classic
Touch was open to being purchased, we
knew it was the right fit for our family and fit
perfectly in line with where I saw my career
heading,” Kimberly says.
“I love working with the people in this
community. We’ve made so many great
friends. Everyone has been so supportive
and amazing to us concerning our new
business. It’s hard not to get attached
when your work life and home life cross
paths perfectly with great people.”
As for the future for Classic Touch,
Kimberly says, “I see Classic Touch
as a continued staple of Conway
and Faulkner County, but growing
and becoming more and more of a
family-owned and loved business.
I want to see us collaborating with
more local shops for events and projects.
I want to reach out to other organizations
in our community to see how we can help
enhance their own goals and ideas. I’m ready
to start several new projects we’ve had on
our bucket list to give our community some
new teaching opportunities
with floral classes and design
workshops. I think the
future for us is what we
are willing to make it and
we’re ready to push to
the next level.”
Nicole Hurst
Administrator, Superior Senior Care
2020
WOMEN in
BUSINESS
62 faulkner lifestyle | fall 2020
Nicole, who is the Administrator for
Superior Senior Care in Conway, moved
to Conway in 1993 and is a graduate
of Conway High School. Nicole says, “I have
worked in the healthcare industry for 22 years.
I was the office manager for Abundant Health
Chiropractic for 16 years prior to becoming
the administrator for Superior Senior Care
in 2014. I have always had the mindset,
if you want it, make it happen! Do not
be scared, do not let anyone or anything
stand in your way of being happy. After I
was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017,
this became even more apparent to me.
Do not live in fear, because when you live
in fear, you are not living.”
Superior Senior Care was founded
in 1985 in Hot Springs, Arkansas, in a
one-room office with one telephone. Fast
forward 35 years later, Superior Senior Care now
has 24 offices throughout the state of Arkansas.
SSC’s mission has always remained the same.
To provide quality caregiving assistance to
individuals who want to stay in their homes
either because they do not need full time skilled
care, or they are not comfortable leaving their
homes to live in a residential care facility.
When asked what the future holds, Nicole
says, “I have called Faulkner County home
since 1993. I intend to grow Superior
Senior Care even more as the need for help
increases, especially as clients are wanting to
stay home now more than ever.”
“I have one son, Logan, who is 17. He is a
senior at Vilonia High School. We also have
a very spoiled French Bulldog, Dolce’ I have
been so blessed with a wonderful circle of
family and friends that I love spending time
with. I also enjoy traveling, even if it is just a
quick weekend getaway! I always try to have
a trip planned, big or small!” Nicole says.
Nicole’s advice to those just starting out
is, “Honesty! Being honest with your
coworkers and with your clients is key. This
sets the tone for your business, it provides
consistency at your workplace, and builds
loyalty and trust with your clients.”