Katie Clifton – 15 in 2015

//Owner, East of Eden Salon // 27 years in Saline County

Katie Clifton is the owner and familiar face at one of Benton’s most well-known salons, East of Eden. But what many may not know is just how many other hats she wears on a daily basis, and how many big dreams she’s working to make a reality for her and others who cross her path.

Outside of her role at the salon, Katie is wife to Jared, who is a pastor, and mother to four young children, two of which were adopted locally. They are a blended family. Katie is a church planter, working alongside her husband to start Renew Church, which has been meeting in their home for the past year and a half. The church has finally reached the point where they need a bigger meeting space and will hold their first Sunday service outside of their home on February 1, 2015 at the Benton Boys & Girls Club. The focus of Renew Church is the local Saline County community, which Katie and Jared know so well through their daily life and their many years of working with various local ministries. One ministry that Katie was very involved with in years past is The Van ministry, which focuses on loving and supporting the homeless.

The person who nominated Katie as one of the 15 in 15 described her as “humble, kind and compassionate. She is a difference-maker in our community. Katie spreads charity, love and grace to so many she knows and meets. When she sees a need, she is desperate to find a way to meet it. Sometimes even going to great lengths to help raise money to support a cause. In her spare time, Katie is a mentor to women of all ages taking time to invest in her many friends and cultivate new relationships with others.” In one interaction with Katie, whether it’s at the salon, grocery store or her children’s elementary school, it’s clear her nomination is well-deserved and spot-on.

While Katie acknowledges the busy-ness of her life, and the many things that need her time and attention, she’s quick to point out that her passion and calling is ministering to women through writing and teaching. “Of all the things I have going on, this role is the most near and dear to my heart. It’s my mission field and calling. I love to write and be honest and glorify God and be authentic and encourage others. My ultimate goal is to write a book and women’s Bible study.” Katie’s blog, mireandmanna.com is her writing outlet for the time being, but the future is bright for this shining Saline County star.