Today we’d like to introduce you to Sherry Spence and Leslie Kolovich: The Sisters of Salt Lake
Hi Leslie & Sherry, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Leslie: Our journey into the world of social media began one memorable February day while we were downtown celebrating a friend’s birthday. The day was filled with music and laughter as we danced to every beat we heard in the stores we visited. Unconcerned with who might be watching, we fully embraced our health and joy. Our spontaneous moves even caught the attention of random people at the TRAX station, leading to a delightful dance session with strangers who admired my shoes. Unbeknownst to us, our friend had been capturing these candid moments on video throughout the day. When we received the footage, Sherry and I couldn’t stop laughing at ourselves. Inspired by the genuine joy and spontaneity we saw, we decided to share these moments with a broader audience.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Sherry: Our story is much deeper than those joyful dance videos. Leslie has faced life-threatening illnesses, including a tumor in her spine and a massive heart attack. These experiences left her near death and with significant mobility challenges. I also faced my own battle when a traumatic reaction to a virus left me paralyzed and immobile for three months, followed by six months of rehabilitation to walk again. Having faced these profound health challenges, we know what it’s like when your freedom of movement and health are taken away. Even now, we still have days where our bodies don’t quite cooperate. But on the days that they do, we take every moment as a gift and strive to spread joy.
Leslie: I live in Florida, and Sherry resides in Utah, but we try to spread joy even when we are apart by sending each other funny videos throughout the week. I often travel to Utah to help Sherry care for our elderly mother, who lives in an assisted-living facility. Our commitment to family and each other is unwavering, even across the miles. We’re also big fans of the Real Housewives of Salt Lake, so the name “Sisters of Salt Lake” felt like a perfect play on words, combining our love for the show with our real-life sisterhood. Thus, our TikTok channel was born, showcasing the fun and authentic moments that define our bond.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Leslie: I was the general manager of our local community 100-watt radio station and produced my own podcast back when podcasts were just starting. I was very influential in the early days of Standup Paddle, hosting the first podcast called The SUP Radio Show, and traveling across the country to MC stand-up paddle races. I also had a regular column in The StandUp Paddle Journal and did webcasting from my home on Houndog Radio with a show called “In the Basement with Leslie Kolovich,” featuring live musicians and bands. Being behind a microphone and camera is a place I call home. In 2015 and 2017, I experienced life-changing health events that required me to slow down and take care of myself. Sisters of Salt Lake has reignited my creativity.
Sherry: I have been a kindergarten and first-grade teacher for the past 29 years, commuting two hours daily for my job. I am also the mom of three children—two college graduates and one currently in college. Balancing my career and family has been a rewarding yet challenging journey, and the joy I find in teaching and family keeps me motivated. Through our videos, Leslie and I aim to spread positivity, embrace health, and remind everyone to find joy in the little moments, just as we did that unforgettable February day.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Sherry: The Covid-19 crisis has been a profound experience for many, revealing unexpected aspects of human behavior and personal interests. Our insights highlighted how crises can deepen our understanding of others and ourselves. We found joy in activities with our individual families with whom we quarantined. Things we never took time in our busy lives to do, like puzzles, naps, cooking, picnics, garage band music jams, biking, walking, and painting, became things we looked forward to. It also was a way to cope with so much sadness within our global community.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sistersofsaltlake
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sistersofsaltlake
- Email: Sistersofsaltlake@gmail.com
