Elaine Barkdull-Spencer
By Asher Lucas
Entrepreneurship isn’t just about starting a business — it’s about seeing opportunities where others see obstacles, about creating something out of nothing, about never settling for “good enough.” Elaine Barkdull-Spencer’s story is proof of that.
Her journey didn’t begin with a grand vision or a perfect plan. It began with relationships. In college, she built connections that led to an unexpected opportunity: a chance to become CEO of a company. Faced with a choice between continuing school or stepping into the world of business, she took the leap. That decision changed everything.
“Success isn’t about knowing everything from the start; it’s about learning as you go and being fearless enough to keep moving forward.”
From that moment on, Elaine never stopped building. She has owned and managed 12 businesses throughout her career, proving that success isn’t about sticking to one thing but about finding opportunities and making them work. Right now, she runs Plato’s Closet, located in the Carson Mall, where young people can find affordable and sustainable fashion. She recently transitioned Renew Skincare and Wellness Studios into independent services, giving beauty and wellness professionals the opportunity to run their own businesses within the space. This change reflects Elaine’s commitment to creating opportunities for others and supporting local entrepreneurs.
Elaine has also played a pivotal role in the community. She has helped put together major events such as the Carson-Tahoe Home Show and the Sierra Women’s Expo, which bring local businesses and residents together. She’s also been involved in projects that preserve Carson City’s history when she managed the V&T Railway. That job wasn’t just about running trains — it was about keeping an important part of Nevada’s history alive.
Her curiosity and drive have carried her through every venture. When she saw a gap in the job market for estheticians, she opened a skincare business to give them a place to work. When she realized her community needed better ways to experience the outdoors, she introduced rail bikes, transforming miles of unused track into a new recreational adventure. She even played a role in developing an industrial park in Elko County — because if there’s a need, Elaine finds a way to meet it.
But the most powerful lesson in her journey isn’t about what she built — it’s about how she thinks.
Elaine doesn’t believe in failure. If something isn’t working, she pivots. A struggling business isn’t a dead end — it’s an opportunity to adapt, restructure, or bring in the right people. She understands that success isn’t about knowing everything from the start; it’s about learning as you go and being fearless enough to keep moving forward.
Her biggest wins have come from mastering the art of stakeholder engagement — strategic communication that connects businesses with the communities they serve. It’s a skill that made her one of the most sought-after consultants in her field, proving that the most valuable thing an entrepreneur can sell isn’t a product — it’s expertise.
Elaine’s ability to adapt and lead hasn’t gone unnoticed. In 2023, the Carson City Chamber of Commerce honored her as Entrepreneur of the Year, and in 2024, she was recognized as one of their Women of Distinction for her outstanding contributions to business and the community.
Elaine sees obstacles as opportunities. She is not afraid to embrace the unknown. She says “stop waiting for the perfect moment and just get started.” Entrepreneurship isn’t reserved for the lucky or the wealthy or the people with flawless business plans. It’s for the ones willing to take a chance, build relationships, and create something new.
