Women in Our Community: Terra Koupal

Terra is a great friend of ours at the boutique and her daily choices are reflective of exactly what we strive to achieve at the boutique. She's truly beautiful inside and out, has made the decision to live a healthy lifestyle, follows life with faith and does so all while keeping true to herself.

Terra is a die-hard Green Bay Packers fan, (I guess I'll let that slide...) spoils two puppies: Finley and Charlie, married the love of her life on 12-12-2014 and is basically one of the sweetest and most kind-hearted people I have ever had the privilege of knowing. 

She carries her life with the phrase: 

"You either get better or you get worse. You do not stay the same." - Jon Gruden

#empowerment #empower #womenempoweringwomen

Photo by Amanda's Imagery

We'll begin with a little introduction and some work things: 

Chelsea's Boutique: Who are you? ;) 

Terra Koupal: I am the Agent/Owner of Terra Koupal Agency with American Family Insurance. I protect peoples most valuable assets, their families, their home, and their businesses. 

(Check out her Facebook: HERE)

CB: How does the day typically begin for you?

Terra: We are usually up in our household around 4:30am. I get myself up out of bed, grab my workout clothes, put a little mascara on (I won’t leave the house without it) and head to the gym. (Mascara is the one thing I too will not leave the house without.)

CB: What is your job title and, what exactly do you do at work? 

Terra: Like I mentioned, I am a business owner. I take pride in knowing my clients, their family, and knowing their goals for the future. I want to be the first person they call when they start a family, start a business, build a home, or need someone to lean on. There are so many times when there is a loss, and I am the second person to be called. I take pride in that portion of my business, and hold it close to my heart. People rely on me to make certain they have coverage when they need it most. There is so much to know about insurance and your options, my job is to make certain to educate my clients on what they have, any gaps in coverage, and also, what they can do to possibly lower their premiums. I am a risk manager, so, I am not the right fit for everyone, but, when I am the right fit, I make sure to be there for my clients.

CB: How did you begin your team? Who was/is your biggest inspiration at work and why?

Terra: I was blessed to have my assistant, Donna, from the start. She has been here, seen me fail, she has seen me succeed, and she is the backbone to my business. Donna has been with the company for many years, and many of our clients will call in just to speak with her. Donna has been a person I look to both professionally and personally. 

Mike is an Agent in Training in my office.  Mike is a great blessing to my office. He has great character and has an ability to connect with our clients like he has been in the office since we started. He is doing an excellent job and will be successful in his career with American Family Insurance - I have no doubt.

CB: What is the most rewarding part of your job?

Terra: The most rewarding part of my job is being there for my clients when they need it the most. One of the first things I did as an Agent, was deliver a Life Insurance claim. That will forever change you. You understand the importance of delivering something that a man or woman put their hard work and money towards to make certain their loved ones were taken care of, when they were no longer living.

Let's talk about your fitness journey next and touch on some personal things:

CB: You are an extremely athletic/fit/bad**s lady in the gym. What made you begin this habit? How did you realize you wanted to begin to better yourself physically and mentally? How does this empower you as a woman?

Photo by Festive Studios

Terra: I was fifty pounds overweight, I was in an unhealthy relationship, and I felt like I was spiraling out of control. The only way I knew how to keep myself sane, was to hit the gym. At first, I did it just to release some aggression, and then it became routine. A beautiful routine. Working out made me feel so empowered. I had never felt so confident about my abilities and my body. It changed me from the outside in. Once I was able to feel better about myself physically, I decided to really nail down the nutrition. The nutrition part is the most difficult, especially if you are used to feeding your body when you are stressed. The nutrition part has been really fun for me. I have been able to transform my body, and I love to cook, so coming up with inventive ways to make my Father’s amazing meals in a more healthy way, has kept me going.

Can we all just take a moment and admire this lady for all the hard work she's put into changing her life for the better! <3

CB: How do you keep your personal motivation up?

Terra: Some days are very difficult. We have so much stress and so many messy things going on in our lives - it’s easy to get distracted. I always try to have a mental conversation with myself: How will this make you feel? Is this bettering you? How will I feel when short and swimsuit season comes around? Also, you can’t be 100%, 100% of the time; I would drive myself crazy. It’s good to treat yourself. If you are struggling with food, chose ONE night as your ‘treat’ night, and plan that night on Sunday. I always say to pick something that isn’t necessarily your ‘vice'. If you are struggling with staying away from that ‘vice,’ it’s easy to want to go back to that food. Pick something different, for example, if you vice is pizza, eat ice cream. If your vice is ice cream, eat a juicy burger…you get it.  Also, hire a professional. I can work out myself, but, there is nothing like getting a trainer. A trainer will make certain you are completing the right movements and will give you that extra push to go harder. If you don’t feel comfortable with a trainer, chose a workout partner to hold you accountable.

CB: Speaking of trainer...Lemke is a big name in Sioux Falls and the surrounding area. ;) Tell us a little bit about your relationship with the gym ... and, maybe more-so that man that shares its name. ;)

Terra: James, my husband, owns Lemke’s Fitness and Training in Hartford.  I can honestly say he is my biggest fan in all that I do. He has pushed me when I was at the lowest of lows, and has helped bring me back up to become the best of me. We respect each other as business owners, and as partners. James is truly the best at what he does; he has the biggest heart of anyone I know. He is extremely disciplined in all that he does, and works so hard to make sure everyone he comes into contact with feels their best.

(Check out Lemke's Fitness & Training Co. HERE.)

CB: Not to mention your recent wedding! So beautiful. How has being in love and your relationship with James empowered you as a woman? and why.

(Like, seriously though...this wedding) :) 

Photo by Amanda's Imagery

Photo by Amanda's Imagery

Terra: Thank you! Our wedding was incredible - absolutely gorgeous. We have a very unique bond, James and I. It’s amazing when you can look at someone and have the utmost respect for them both personally and professionally. I really can say that I want to be so much better because of all that he does for me and others. My heart really wants to implode with happiness when I am around him. James lives life with so much joy and adventure. He has really helped me with my self-confidence and has shown me that I can accomplish anything if I work hard for it. There is something really amazing about a woman when they find out they can do anything they put their mind to. James lets me do those things, the crazy ideas I have, my dreams, he helps make them possible. I am blessed to have him as my partner in life. #menempoweringwomen

CB: What are some of your biggest personal goals?

Terra: I would love more than anything to be a Mother, and to make James a Father. I would also like to continue to grow a successful business. Sioux Falls is such a strong small business community, full of growth and opportunity. I am excited to be a big player in the insurance industry for our community.

I love to wrap up with some light-hearted things: 

CB: What would you say is your 'style'? What do you feel most comfortable in?

Terra: A Victoria’s Secret yoga bra top and a maxi dress.

CB: Name the top 5 pieces of clothing in your wardrobe.

Terra: Maxi Dresses, Underarmour socks, workout tanks, blazers, and my hunting coat ;)

CB: Reach into your purse, what are the first 5 things that you pull out?

Terra: Chapstick, mascara, deodorant, passport and red lipstick.

CB: Flats or heels?

Terra: This is a tie, I wear my tennis shoes to the gym, and my heels when I am off (I’m pretty short).

Terra's journey to becoming the woman she loves and knows as herself is nothing short of wonderful. From being inspired enough to begin her own business to waiting for just the right man to come along and sweep her off of her feet. We love this lady! Thanks for keeping up humble, Terra.

At Chelsea's Boutique, we LOVE hearing all about the women in your life that empower you each and every day. Is there someone that stands out to you? Someone you'd love to see featured on our blog?! Shoot us (and them) some email love to info@chelseas-boutique.com.

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