WOMEN OF WISDOM IN SEPTEMBER

-HELAYNE SPIVAK-

Helayne Spivak moved to Richmond in 2012 to join VCU Brandcenter as its Executive Director, a position she held until June, 2019. VCU Brandcenter was recognized by Creativity Magazine as the #1Master’s Program in marketing and advertising in the country.Previously, Helayne had a long, successful, award winning career in advertising serving as Chief Creative Officer (CCO) of Young &Rubicam NY, CCO of Ammirati Puris Lintas, CCO of JWT, NY, and CCO of Saatchi & Saatchi Wellness. Over the course of her career Helayne has been recognized by The Wall Street Journal’s Leaders Campaign, received The Matrix Award for Women in Communications and was named one of the top 50 Women In Business by Business Week magazine. She has received many individual awards for herwork from the Clio Awards (including best writer), The One Club, Cannes Lions, The Andy’s, Art Director’s Club and the Effie’s. A nativeNew Yorker, Helayne now lives, quite happily, in Richmond, Virginia where she served on the board of The Valentine, Richmond History Museum, J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, and mostrecently joined the board of The Doorways. Any extra time she has she spends (and spends) at Phoenix in Carytown.

-HOLLIE FRANCIS-

I was born in Alabama and raised in Los Angeles - twice retired and now living the life back in Alabama - traveling and enjoying life! I love music and art - dabble at painting and creative projects! Fashion is my passion - color and vibrant designs! I was introduced to my current husband by an ex boss and we live on a river in nature with lots of wildlife to observe. Life is good.

I worked at BFI Industries  (1982-1994) LA division on an Acquisition Team. I retired and moved to Alabama, my home state. I then went back to work for Freeman Land Development as Office Manager from 1994-2011 and retired AGAIN after 17 years - loved my job but time to travel and enjoy life! I also continue to shop in my favorite shop (The Phoenix) while living in Alabama.

-ANNA KLERKX-

Porto owners Bart and Ana Klerkx discovered their passion for European style during the eight years they lived in Italy. After moving to the United States in 1996, they began importing the women’s forward-fashion pieces they had fallen in love with overseas. 

Over the years, they have successfully introduced several beautiful European labels to the U.S. market, including GLIV, Emozione, MC Planet, Vassali, and Sathia. 

Ana Klerkx, founder, works closely with her team to create custom prints and timeless styles. She takes an innovative approach using luxury stretch fabrics. Porto deeply respects the value of producing clothing responsibly and acknowledges the people who help build the brand through a shared sense that life is better when you dress for it.