Annie Rateliff

age: 34 | Esthetician/Owner | Annie Rateliff Skincare

“I’m an esthetician. I like to think I show people how beautiful they are,” says Annie Rateliff, owner of Annie Rateliff Skincare.  “We live in a world of Photoshop so I do my best to normalize natural beauty!”

Although she says it might sound cliché, Annie admits that her family is her most valuable asset.  “Zach and I started dating our senior year at Texas High School. He asked for my number, and I told him not to call me. The rest is history.  We had to grow up together and fight for our relationship during those selfish years of our life,” she admits.  “This month, we have been together 17 years and married for 11 years. While it’s like arguing with a small version of myself,  our wild and precious daughter, Nori Gayle, is our greatest accomplishment.”

Annie absolutely loves her chosen career path and knows that she is where she is meant to be.  She went out on a leap of faith to start her business in 2014, praying that she was making the right decision.  She recalls, “I opened my business with zero clients.  My schedule is now consistently booked 4-6 weeks in advance with a waiting list. We were able to purchase a building this year for my business, and we just continue to grow!”

Although the skincare business can be challenging, Annie enjoys helping those who aspire to be estheticians.  She is always willing to answer any questions those who are just starting in the business may have, and she doesn’t mind letting others shadow her.  “I didn’t have that helping hand when I started my business, and I promised myself I would always help if asked,” she says.  “There is plenty [of business] to go around, so we can all be successful!”

Best piece of advice:

“It’s better to ask forgiveness than permission.” — Sherry Harris, Annie’s mother

Name something about you that very few people know:

“I am not sure how fun it is for my husband, but I sleep walk, sing, laugh, and whistle. It is never a dull moment, even when we sleep!”

Emily Sarine

age: 39 | Administrative Assistant to the Associate Pastor, Larry Sims | First Baptist Church Texarkana

At First Baptist Church Texarkana,  Emily Sarine takes care of the behind-the-scenes details of the Senior Adult Ministry and any senior adult trip that may be scheduled. She also manages and edits the church’s newsletter, Generations, along with graphic artist, Micah Dorsey, and the pastor’s assistant, Carol Ann Mattingly.  She explains, “We are really a team at FBC, so whenever anyone needs help with anything, we all jump right in.  I love working here.”

Emily and her husband, Ross, grew up together and were great friends throughout high school.  “I married the love of my life!” she says.  Ross was her escort on the Homecoming court but they never really dated until college.  “We also have the most wonderful son, Jack, who is growing into a really amazing person.  Ross and I think that he inherited our recessive kindness genes because he is much sweeter and gentler than we are! God has truly blessed me with these two and with provision for my health and theirs.”

A member of the FBC choir and active in the Pleasant Grove PTO, Emily also likes to volunteer during activities in which Jack is involved.  Since Ross is a member of the Pleasant Grove ISD School Board, Emily constantly prays for the board, administration, teachers, staff and students of PGISD.  “I was a member of the committee who successfully campaigned for the construction of the new elementary campus for Pleasant Grove, Margaret Fischer Davis Pleasant Grove Elementary School,” she says.

In 10 years, Emily hopes to be enjoying more time with Ross and visiting Jack wherever he may be after college graduation.  She concludes, “I want to continue to be active and supportive of our wonderful city and serving wherever the Lord calls me to next.”

Best piece of advice:

“Never be part of the problem. Always be part of the solution.” — Larry Sims, Emily’s boss and dear friend

Name something about you that very few people know:

“I am a Type 1 diabetic and have been for 37 years. Most people would never guess I have a chronic illness upon meeting me. The Lord has truly blessed me with health and the ministry of hope for people of all ages who are diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. While it is a tough illness, it has not stopped me from accomplishing any of my goals in the least. It’s just a different normal than most.”

Brittany Rogers

age: 33 | Program Director and PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor | Runnin’ WJ Ranch

Everyday miracles are the best part of Brittany Rogers’ job as a certified riding instructor and program director of Runnin’ WJ Ranch.  Whether witnessing small or large miracles, Brittany admits that every single one equals progress.  “For example, the horse taking five steps, and my student not crying for those five steps can be a miracle,”  she describes.  “My student telling their horse to ‘walk on’ when they couldn’t say it two weeks earlier is a huge accomplishment.  The joy and love I see on their faces is amazing!”

Passing the challenging instructor’s test is Brittany’s greatest personal accomplishment.  The process to obtain this certification consists of two written tests, a riding test, a teaching test, and a three-day workshop.  “The kid side of the job was the easiest part for me because I love them so much,” she acknowledges.  “The tough part was learning about horses from head-to-toe.”

Adventuring with her boys is Brittany’s favorite reprieve from the everyday grind.  Married to Jason, the Rogers’ have two sons, Jaxon (7) and Jase (4).  As a family, they enjoy fishing, hunting, and just being outside enjoying God’s creation. 

Brittany serves on the board of the Texarkana Down Syndrome Society, a group who is near and dear to her heart.  Additionally, she helps coordinate Night to Shine Texarkana, an unforgettable prom night experience for people with special needs, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation.  

When she was 14 years old, Brittany worked her way up from volunteer to barn worker at Runnin’ WJ.  When Sam Clem took over the reins at the ranch, he approached Brittany about becoming an instructor.  After lots of prayer and consideration, Brittany finished school and began teaching in the arena.  Currently, she handles paperwork and scheduling for the students and also keeps up with all of the standards that govern the ranch and keep everyone safe.  In addition, she teaches several classes a week and hopes to one day become the director of Runnin’ WJ Ranch, where miracles occur on a daily basis.

Best piece of advice:

“Dance like no one is watching. Love like it will never hurt. Sing as if no one is listening. Live like heaven is on earth.” – Author Unknown

Name something about you that very few people know:

“I laugh uncontrollably when I am really scared!”

Randy Roeser

age: 30 | Attorney | Haltom & Doan

At Haltom & Doan, Randy Roeser practices on a wide range of civil litigation—from contract disputes to patent infringement litigation. He has also been taking the lead on expanding Haltom & Doan’s trademark practice, focusing on obtaining trademarks for local start-ups and companies both large and small across the country. “My practice is geared toward obtaining the best possible results for my clients and protecting their rights to the fullest extent possible, whether that be defending their rights in the courtroom or seeking trademark protection for their business’s name and/or logos,” he explains.  “At the end of the day, it is all about helping our clients in their time of need.”

Although he can’t pinpoint one specific professional accomplishment, Randy thinks the greatest thing lawyers can do is give back through pro bono work and help those who would otherwise not have access to legal representation. He has been blessed to have had several opportunities to do so throughout his career, and it really reminds him of why he became a lawyer.

Convincing his wife, Haley, to get married on Leap Day was a big personal achievement for Randy.  “Not only were we able to have our wonderful wedding right before all the COVID shutdowns happened, but now I only have to get her an anniversary present every four years,” he jokes.  “I’ll let y’all know how that one works out!”

An avid runner and swimmer, Randy has been a member of the Texarkana Masters Swim program for the past year.  He tries to run or swim in at least 2-3 races per year.  Randy gives back to the Texarkana community through the Clay Eichler Memorial Fund, which his aunt and uncle, Gail and Dr. Ed Eichler, founded. Each year, the organization holds Clay’s Golf & Guitars, a fundraiser which benefits local organizations such as the ArkLaTex 100 Club, the Boys & Girls Club of Texarkana, and ScoutReach.

Best piece of advice:

“Don’t waste your energy on what others think of you. Be nice, be a good person, and be happy.” —Cathy Roeser, Randy’s mother

Name something about you that very few people know:

“I’m terrible at golf! Instead of scoring my rounds the traditional way, I score them by the number of golf balls I lose. So, I never finish a round worse than five under.”

Amanda Ables

age: 36 | Realtor | Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Infinity

In everything she has ever done, Amanda Ables has enjoyed connecting and building relationships with people on a personal level to try and help them attain whatever it is they are needing. As a Realtor at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Infinity, Amanda gets invited into a very intimate part of people’s lives and is trusted to help them make one of the biggest decisions they will have to make. “I have built some amazing relationships with my clients, and the warmth I feel helping people start their next chapter is honestly the best, most fulfilling thing for me,” she acknowledges.

Engaged to James Kowzic, Amanda has a son, Layne Tadlock, and a future stepson, Jayden Kowzic.  Seeing the kind of young man Layne has turned out to be is Amanda’s greatest personal endeavor.  Since she was a single mother for several years, she and her mother, Lori Ables, devoted themselves to making sure they instilled the best values in him.  Amanda even left a career she loved with Texas Roadhouse to be present for the critical moments in Layne’s growth, and it has paid off immensely.  She says, “Layne is funny, smart, respectful, kind, and seeing him come into his own makes me prouder than any material thing I have ever accomplished.”

While employed at Roadhouse, Amanda served as a corporate trainer and training coordinator.  She won the national award for Training Coordinator of the Year, and was featured on the cover of the yearly training magazine, Texas Today.  As a trainer for Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Infinity, Amanda writes effective training systems dedicated to an exceptional level of service to set new Realtors up for success from the very beginning of their licensure.

Amanda serves on the board of directors of her favorite local nonprofit, Texarkana Repertory Company.  She has been involved on and off the stage since she was a 12-year-old preteen.  In the future, she hopes to coach Realtors on the national level by helping them become acclimated to their new careers.  She explains, “I want to contribute to growing wealth, confidence, and accountability for new agents so that the reputation of Realtors can be strengthened and fortified.”

Best piece of advice:

“If not you, then who?” – Lori Ables, Amanda’s mother

Name something about you that very few people know:

“I still get intensely nervous before a performance or speaking in front of a large crowd, no matter how many times I have done it.”

Marshall Freeman

age: 30 | Landscape Designer | Freeman Landscape

Marshall Freeman grew up going to work with his father and watched him grow a successful landscaping business.  He has been learning about plants since he was born.  “Not only was I born into the landscaping business, but I absolutely love it and know it is what I am called to do,” he says.  “I’ve worked with my family learning all about plants and outdoor living at both Freeman Nursery and Freeman Landscape.”

As a landscape designer for his family’s business, Marshall creates custom 3D landscape designs for residential and commercial properties and installs them as well.  He has attended trainings and professional development seminars all over the area to hone his skills, even training and building koi ponds with some of the most famous landscapers and pond builders in the world, including Ed Beaulieu and Greg Wittstock. He has also helped build a church on a remote African island named Idugu and helped engineer and install a French drain system for a boys’ orphanage in Mozambique.

A family man, Marshall says that marrying Summer, the woman of his dreams, is his greatest personal accomplishment.  They have one son, Wesley, and look forward to growing their family in the future.  Spending time in the great outdoors and going on adventures as a family are ways the Freemans spend their downtime.

“I have worked and trained to become a licensed irrigator and a certified lawn and pesticide applicator.  My greatest professional achievement is obtaining my irrigator license, as well as my chemical application licenses,” Marshall describes.  “I researched and taught myself to become one of the first and only professional landscape designers in the area that designs 3D virtual landscape designs in great detail.”  

In 10 years, Marshall hopes to be ten times the father, husband, and businessman that he is now.  And he hopes to never stop learning and obtaining more knowledge so he can continue providing his clients with the outdoor space of their dreams.

Best piece of advice:

“The only people that aren’t making mistakes are the ones that aren’t doing anything. Always work as hard as you can, and do the best you can.” —Curtis Freeman, Marshall’s grandfather

Name something about you that very few people know:

“As a kid, I used to skateboard and still have a few tricks up my sleeve.”

Christy Hibbs

age: 40 | Realtor | Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Infinity

Christy Hibbs spent many years exploring different careers before finding her true calling.  She has been a swim coach, firefighter, EMT, store manager, dental assistant, professional photographer, pharmaceutical rep, and a hospice rep.  “In September 2016, I was diagnosed with Lyme disease and was forced to do some soul searching because I was too sick to be able to work full-time.  I needed a career I could do at my own pace due to the lack of energy and inflammation I dealt with on a daily basis as well as a career in which I would get out what I put into it.  I had been taking professional pictures for local real estate agents to help provide income while undergoing extensive treatment for Lyme disease,” she explains.  “I felt my love for design and helping others find a home they loved would be perfect for me so I began the road to real estate, and I haven’t looked back.   It has truly been a blessing in my life, and I strive to be a blessing to others as I help them with the largest purchase of their life.”

Receiving a full swimming scholarship to the University of Wisconsin and overcoming a lot of adversity while there are proud personal accomplishments for Christy.  She admits that she learned not to give up when life gets hard, and that has kept her going through her battle with Lyme disease and other hard times in her life.  Professionally, Christy’s goal of selling more than $6,000,000 in real estate was a great achievement.  “With the average home sold in Texarkana being $140,000, selling $6,000,000 is a lot of houses!” she exclaims.

 Christy and her husband, Nick, have been working together to build spec and custom homes through 5 Talent Properties.  They are currently in the process of developing a new subdivision in Pleasant Grove called Arbor Meadows.  In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with Nick and her children, Taylor and Tyler Breiby, and new baby, Elliana, stepchildren, Ian and Noah Hibbs, going to the lake, working out, and watching crime shows.

Each time Christy sells a home or land, she gives a personal donation to a foundation of her choice.  “I have been able to financially help support local charities, and that always feels good because I don’t have a lot of time to donate.”

Best piece of advice:

“If it doesn’t kill you, it just makes you stronger.” -Jan Mullinax, Christy’s mother

Name something about you that very few people know:

“In college, I was definitely the team clown. I would put my ‘Billy Bob’ teeth in and transform into ‘Rhonda.’ She was a hoot!”

Jes Weiner

age: 30 | Muralist and Portrait Artist | Self-employed

While driving in downtown Texarkana, one can’t help but notice all of the colorful murals which have recently added vibrant life to the area.  One of the talented artists who has created three of these one-of-a-kind masterpieces is Texarkana native, Jes Weiner.  “Shine Bright” and “Love Thy Neighbor” located in the Kress Gap, off of Broad Street, and the TXK Logo, facing the front doors of the Perot Theatre, are the creations that Jes brought to fruition. “I believe the murals add color, value, and life to a part of town that was loved but tired,” Jess describes. 
“I think when people see them, they are reminded that downtown Texarkana is worth investing time, money, resources, effort (and for me personally, a nine-hour road trip). I will never stop coming back to invest in my hometown. It’s worth the risk because the people of Texarkana are worth it.” 

Jes and her husband, Ian, are the parents of three children: Zion, Ivan, and August.  “This will sound cliché, but my greatest personal accomplishment is truly the birth of my children.  Building babies is HARD, and birthing them is harder, and RAISING them is even harder!” she admits. “But any parent reading this knows that every bit of it is worth it.”

Well-known for painting murals and custom portraits, Jess “adores” painting murals.  A blank wall, or even a run down area of town, instantly transforms into a hot spot for tourism, photography, and events when murals are added to the area.  “I love seeing the transformation that a space makes with just a little (or a lot) of paint. You instantly add value to a place and its surrounding areas when you take the time to beautify it,” she acknowledges. 

All three of Jes’ Texarkana murals are very special to her, but the one that took the most “effort and guts” was the TXK Logo mural. “Fifty hours on a boom lift was both physically and mentally taxing. I measured everything twice. Did the math twice. It had to be RIGHT,” Jes recalls.  “It was a commissioned piece, and it wasn’t my original design so there was no messing it up. No room for error. It was one of the hardest things I have ever done but I am still overflowing with pride and gratitude that I had the opportunity to make the big stamp on downtown TXK.”

Best piece of advice:

“Give it your ALL until the job is done, and finish strong. Have fun, and don’t let anyone embarrass you for having fun or being silly.” —John Flint, Jes’ father

Name something about you that very few people know:

“I play the ukulele.”

Wade Williamson

age: 40 | Electrical Contractor | R&W Electric

R&W Electric was founded in 2000 and quickly became a leader in the electrical industry throughout the Four States area.  Upon inception, Wade Williamson was a 21-year-old boy that wanted to conquer the world.  “I knew that my path would not be the traditional one but that I would make a mark on the world because of my entrepreneurial spirit,” he says.  “Today, my goal is to provide next level service to all customers.  We work hard to anticipate the needs of those that entrust us with their projects, whether it concerns new construction or repairs.”

Wade married his high school sweetheart, Riki, and they have raised their beautiful daughter, Landi, together.  “These two are the force behind my success,” he remarks.  “Their support and encouragement has allowed me to fulfill my dreams.”

Professionally, Wade’s greatest achievement is hiring an awesome staff.  He enjoys helping others realize their dreams and calls his employees the “pillars to this business.”  Building lifelong relationships with his customers and his employees makes Wade extremely proud.  In the future, Wade looks forward to continuing to grow his business in Texarkana with the goal of expanding to a second location, too.

Giving back to his community is important to Wade.  R&W has donated time and resources to multiple charities, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Texarkana Baptist Children’s Home, and the Salvation Army.  In addition, he has provided necessities for families in need who have been affected by calamities, such as fires and natural disasters.  In his spare time, Wade enjoys fishing, hunting, and playing golf with Landi. 

Best piece of advice:

“If you make a promise, keep it.” – Zig Ziglar

Name something about you that very few people know:

“In high school, I worked at a local pizza restaurant. My family still says I make the best homemade pizza.”

Silvia Martinez

age: 24 | Transaction Coordinator/Administrative Assistant | ERA Raffaelli Realtors

A soon-to-be Realtor, Silvia Martinez shadows her boss/mentor, Virginia Ann Prazak, to experience firsthand the different sides of real estate transactions, whether home purchasing or selling. “There is a joy in either transaction because I get to see different families move onto their next journey and create lifelong relationships,” Silvia says. When she is not shadowing, Silvia handles multiple transactions from start to finish by performing administrative duties that are required. In doing so, she assists the Realtors at ERA Raffaelli Realtors in making their transactions a little less hectic. 

Both of Silvia’s parents immigrated to the U.S. to have a better future and to provide more opportunities for their children.  “Reaching many different milestones in life, furthering my education, and having a career is making my parent’s dream a reality and making all their sacrifices worthwhile,” she explains.  “Seeing their vision become a reality will always be my greatest accomplishment.”

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has slowed down Silvia’s goal of obtaining her real estate license, she has stayed very busy.  She has obtained her Distinguished Property certification and has attended multiple ERA University sessions to continue her education in what the franchise has to offer and how to better serve the community.  

Silvia is a member of St. Edwards Catholic Church where she assists with Vacation Bible School, Outreach Center, chauffeuring the youth group, and church renovation projects.  She plans to become a volunteer with CASA for Children and has been a volunteer at the Texarkana Animal Shelter. Many in the Hispanic community often reach out to Silvia for help in translating speeches and writings. 

“In the future, I see myself having completed Law School and practicing immigration, criminal, and family law, along with real estate,” Silvia says.  “Virginia gives me the perfect example that although it can be a lot of work, it is very much possible when you have the strength, determination, and support to accomplish goals.”

Best piece of advice:

“Give yourself the opportunity to get to know yourself.” —Araceli Martinez, Silvia’s mother

Name something about you that very few people know:

“Despite being Hispanic and Spanish being my first language, I cannot roll my R’s to save my life.”