Erica McNamee and Kara Sparks

Olson Insurance, LaRúe Kay Boutique, LaRúe Kay Salon

Erica McNamee and Kara Sparks met eight years ago when Kara started doing Erica’s hair. Somewhere between root touch-ups and spilling the tea, a friendship took root. What started as client and stylist quickly grew into an unshakable bond grounded in trust, encouragement and showing up for each other through it all.

Both women have been part of Business Women of Style before, but this year, they decided to do it together—not to promote a joint venture, but to celebrate the power of friendship. 

Erica is an accounting specialist and owns Olson Insurance, a third-generation family business known for its integrity and deep ties to the community. Kara is CEO of LaRúe Kay, a full-service salon full of energy, creativity and heart. She is also the proprietor of LaRúe Kay Boutique in Mount Dora, a shop where customers can discover an array of fashionable hand-curated merchandise. 

One thrives in spreadsheets and numbers, the other in glamour, beauty and fashion. Together, they strike a balance that’s rare.

They’re not building a brand together but have created a bond with mutual support and respect. From late-night texts and number-crunching to pep talks and perspective shifts, they’re on speed dial for each other. They even have their own shared mantra—“Tide of it!”—an inside joke to remind each other not to take it all too seriously or give up.

They’ve helped each other through business challenges, personal hurdles and big transitions. When one is doubting, the other is steady. When one needs a push, the other is already cheering.

This collaboration wasn’t strategic, it was personal and a moment to honor how far they’ve come and who they’ve become, side by side. Two businesses, two lives and one incredible friendship that is worth celebrating!