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.”