BETSY ANN TRACY: Finding her calling

By Sam Terry
Managing Editor
Jobe Publishing, Inc.

Growing up on a Barren County dairy farm, Betsy Ann Tracy developed a wide range of skills, a work ethic, and a love for her community. She didn’t realize just how much her community would rally to support her until she was diagnosed with cancer at age 20. “Glasgow and Barren County is one of the most compassionate communities of people you’ll ever find. I experienced it myself when I felt this outpouring of genuine concern for me as I battled cancer. Truly, I felt like the whole community was praying for me and encouraging me,” Tracy said recently.

Since that time, Tracy has completed a Bachelor’s degree in education as well as a Master’s degree, both from Western Kentucky University. As a young adult, she lived in Bowling Green for about eight years before realizing Glasgow was the place she needed to be. In the early days of her career, she decided the classroom might not be where she was best suited. Instead, she honed her skills in marketing and enjoyed a stint as a UK Extension Agent before finding her niche.

“I’ve had really good jobs at some good companies and I got to work with great people,” Tracy recalls about her work experiences. Even though she enjoyed her work, she felt that she had not found her career niche. Then came the opportunity to market Agnes & Dora Clothing from her home.

“I fell in love with the clothes, in fact, I loved the line so much I wanted to share it with others. If I felt good wearing Agnes & Dora I was certain other women would too,” Tracy said. Last year she began her home-based business that markets the clothing line through periodic shows in her home or elsewhere plus personal appointments with her clients. The bulk of her business is generated by social media.

“Building the business through social media has been an organic process. I started with five clients following the clothing line and in a short period of time, that’s grown to over 2,000 individuals,” Tracy said.

“I’ve found more fulfillment doing this than I ever imagined. I love being able to help my customers find just the right garments that they will feel good about wearing. My clients come from all type of career paths, from executives to bank tellers,” Tracy explained. “It’s challenging and fulfilling to meet the needs of a woman who recently had a baby, or someone searching for the perfect garment for a holiday party, or even something appropriate to wear to a family funeral. I want to make life a little easier for my clients.”

Tracy is one of the founding members of the Young Professionals organization, a group of individuals under the age of 40 who hold monthly meetings and other networking opportunities. She is currently serving on the board as the Social Media co-chairperson.

As for her community, Tracy contends “we have so many great things here. We have a strong agriculture base that continues to be so important. Our schools are outstanding and some of the best in the state. We have great healthcare providers here. I think people forget all the things Glasgow and Barren County have that other communities simply don’t have. You tend to forget about those things until you live somewhere else.”

Regarding her community involvement, Tracy says she believes Glasgow is a great place to be – for her and other young professionals – to find their calling.

This is the seventh in our series, “Forty Under Forty,” highlighting 40 Barren County residents, all under the age of 40, who are bringing vitality and vision to their careers, professions, and the local community.

Learn more about Betsy Ann Tracy and her journey back to her hometown when Kellie McKay interviews her on NASH Icon 103.7.