Cathy Zion: FACES of Louisville
Cathy Zion has the pleasure of meeting fascinating women all over our community and writing about them in her publication, <em>Today's Woman</em>. Today, we find out why sheΒ left her 21-year career in banking to take the plunge into publishing, and why, she says, she has the best job ever!
βBehind every woman is an inspiring story,β says Cathy Zion, owner and publisher of Louisvilleβs monthly Todayβs Woman magazine. One of the most inspiring stories weβve heard is Cathyβs, who left a career in banking after 21 years toΒ purchaseΒ Todayβs Woman. She finds that after over two decades, and the countless local women sheβs met, that the work is still so invigorating and has become a huge part of who she is. But this woman isnβt all business; she has a soft spot for watches and for her new puppy that shares her office. Meet todayβs FACES of Louisville profile, Cathy Zion.
In your past life you were a banker. What prompted the career change?
After 21 years in banking, I had reached a point in my career and life where I no longer felt that I was making a difference. I believed that Todayβs Woman could become a needed resource for women in Kentuckiana. Iβve never looked back.
What part of working at Todayβs Woman do you enjoy the most? Writing? Selling? Layout?
I love watching each magazine come together from concept to layout to print and then lighting up the faces of the women who pick it up to read.
Who is βTodayβs Womanβ in Louisville?
She is your neighbor, sister, mother, daughter, person at church, co-worker, boss, doctor. I have always said behind every woman is an inspiring story. Thatβs why we never run out of women to feature each month.
Whatβs the funniest interview you have ever done? Or the most provocative orΒ surprising?
Kirby Adams would have to be one of the funniest. Many years ago, we asked her to portray a woman in stress. We teased her hair and put a vice around her head! The most provocative interview? Tori Murden McClure is one of the most amazing women weβve interviewed. What hasnβt she accomplished?Β Most surprising? Every woman we interview surprises me with her accomplishments, her achievements and what sheβs overcome.
Who are your mentors, and what advice do you treasure?
My dad told me on my first babysitting job, βIf a task is once begun, never leave it βtil itβs done. Be the wages great or small, do it well or not at all.β
What is a typical day or week like for you?
Thereβs nothing typical about any day, and thatβs what I love. I find myself outside my office quite a bit, involved with a number of nonprofits.
If you were not in your current job, what would you secretly love to do?
Iβve got the best job.
What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
I love clogging. Several years ago, I found a class, enrolled and had a ball. Then the instructor moved out of town, and I severed my Achilles tendon, so no more clogging.
Fill in the blank. Youβll never see me without my: ______.Β (And you canβt say phone.)
My watch. I love watches and have about 25. My momβs Mickey Mouse watch is my favorite. She passed away 11 years ago, so wearing it reminds me of her.
Whatβs your bucket list travel destination?
Any place on the ocean! Iβm headed to Hawaii this summer.
Whatβs your favorite thing to do in Louisville?
The Derby Festival hot air balloon race.
Night owl or early bird? What do you do during that βquiet time?β
Iβm an early bird. Iβm in bed by 10 p.m. and up at 6:30 a.m. Since we got a puppy in August from the Humane Society, thereβs not been much quiet time. When there is, I like to read.
Tell us some of your favorite local restaurants.
I loveΒ Brix Wine Bar & Bistro, Volare, VaraneseΒ and Seviche.
Whatβs on your personal reading list right now?
Cesarβs Way by Cesar Millan, the dog whisperer. (Did I mention we have a new puppy????)
Lightning Round! Give us your favorite:
- Candy or junk food splurge: Peanut butter pie
- Guilty pleasure song: Zac Brown Bandβs βToes in the Waterβ
- Tearjerker movie pick: Marley and Me.Β I took my grandchildren, and I cried through the entire movie.
- Standby nail polish color: Strawberry Margarita
- Favorite cocktail: Pinot Grigio wine or a Mint Julep at the Derby
- Cartoon alter-ego: βCathyβ of course!!
Meeting fascinating women is the best part of our job here at StyleBlueprint, and Cathy Zion has the pleasure of that experience, as well. Pick up the latest copy of Todayβs Woman, distributed free all around Louisville, or check out their website atΒ todayswomannow.com.
As always, much gratitude to our FACES photographer, Adele Reding, for her fantastic work.Β Visit her website atΒ adeleredingphotography.com.
Want to read about more inspiring women in the community? Click here to check out more FACES.
