16 Jun June 16, 2023 – Rags to Riches Karen Pudetti and Uncertainty Solution John M. Jennings
Karen Pudetti – Owner of Luxe Salon, Spa and Laser Center and Author of Rags to Riches: How Beauty Icons Made it Big
As a young girl I had a spa experience and I remember feeling transformed.
I remember feeling so good and thinking I could conquer the world feeling
like this. I never forgot that feeling and when I was in corporate America, I
found it boring. I would rather give to people by making them feel better,
look better and I knew I wanted to run my own business.
Karen Pudetti
Karen Pudetti is the owner of Luxe Salon, Spa and Laser Center and Author of Rags to Riches: How Beauty Icons Made it Big. Karen Pudetti was born and raised in upstate New York. She graduated Nazareth College with an accounting degree and began her career working for a CPA firm in Boston and later joined corporate America. She worked for various Fortune 500 companies in Corporate America, although very interesting, was not fulfilling and Karen decided to venture out on her own. She knew at nineteen years old she wanted to be her own boss and work in the beauty industry. She knew that was her true passion. Karen went back to school and received her electrolysis certification, her wax and esthetic licenses. Karen knew she wanted to be a stay-at-home Mom, but also wanted to make a good living for herself and not depend on her husband. She worked out of her house two and half days a week making over $100K a year. With her extensive financial background and the remarkable success she achieved with Luxe, Karen Pudetti embarked on a consulting journey, specializing in assisting salons and spas across the United States. Recognized as an expert in transforming unprofitable businesses into highly lucrative enterprises, Karen’s consulting services encompass the development of comprehensive business plans, implementation of tailored programs, and establishment of efficient systems, all aimed at propelling her clients’ companies to the next level. As a coach, Karen’s primary goals revolve around inspiring individuals to become savvy business owners and empowering leaders. Her coaching approach is centered on guiding clients towards personal and professional success, fostering an environment where life’s profits flourish and untapped potential is realized. Moreover, Karen envisions utilizing the proceeds generated by Bad Ass to establish a foundation dedicated to providing funding for non-conventional educational paths, such as cosmetology, veterinary technician programs, or even licensed practical nursing. By creating opportunities for individuals who excel in alternative educational settings, Karen aims to support their pursuit of fulfilling careers and contribute to their personal growth. In summary, Karen Pudetti’s professional journey encompasses her expertise in consulting, her dedication to coaching and empowering individuals, and her entrepreneurial endeavors. Through her work, she aims to transform businesses, inspire greatness, and empower women to embrace their own unique Bad Ass qualities. Karen’s unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others drives her vision of personal and professional success for all those she encounters.
John M. Jennings – President and Chief Strategist of St. Louis Trust & Family Office and Author of “The Uncertainty Solution: How to Invest with Confidence in the Face of the Unknown“
Beware of experts bearing opinions. Investment experts and economists
are atrocious at predicting what is going to happen in the stock market and economy.
John M. Jennings
John M. Jennings is President and Chief Strategist of St. Louis Trust & Family Office. In these roles, he leads the client service practice and is responsible for developing and implementing strategic initiatives. John is a member of the firm’s Management Committee, on its Board of Directors, and also serves on the Investment, Risk Management and Trust Committees. He works closely with client families, advising them in all areas of wealth management. As an author and speaker, John is a leading voice in the space of wealth management and leadership. His book, The Uncertainty Solution, is an engaging dive into investing philosophy and best practices as well as an authoritative, accessible guide for anyone who feels inundated with financial news and data. “A must-have addition to anyone’s reading list,” says Charles R. Schwab. John is also the author of the highly acclaimed IFOD blog, is an adjunct professor at Washington University’s Olin Business School, and frequently writes on wealth management topics for Forbes. He has finance and law degrees from the University of Missouri and a professional certificate in Decision Making and Behavioral Finance from Harvard. Prior to joining St. Louis Trust & Family Office as a founding principal, John gained varied professional experience in investments, tax, estate planning and trusts in the Private Client Service group at Arthur Andersen LLP and in the Estate Planning and Tax practices at the St. Louis-based law firm, Armstrong Teasdale LLP. John earned both his Bachelor of Science in Finance and Banking (cum laude) and JD degrees from the University of Missouri. A past St. Louis Business Journal “40 under 40” honoree, John is a frequent speaker on investment, trust and various other family office topics. John is a Gen Xer of median height. He is happily married with two daughters and a four-legged best friend. He is an avid reader, a BIG fan of coffee, a vegan, a skier, a lover of indie music, and a ravenous St. Louis Blues fan. He likes to challenge himself physically and mentally and loves to laugh. He’d like to think he’s funny, but you’ll have to ask his wife about that one.