ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Judi Porterfield is serving the area’s sweet tooth and creativity as president of Kirke’s Ice Cream and owner of Judi’s Creative Kitchen. Porterfield, 52, works with her husband, Kirke Porterfield.

“On the ice cream side, I am in charge of production, employees, schedules, design, scheduling ice cream events and anything else,” she wrote. “For my catering business, I am in charge of catering and food prep.”

She is active in the community as a part of the Sunrise Rotary Club and the St. Clairsville Rotary, a member of the St. Clairsville Chamber of Commerce and involved with the Go Happy Hearts team with the Women of Impact Go Red Campaign, which raises awareness of heart disease and stroke.

She and Kirke Porterfield have been married for 23 years and are the parents of two boys, 21-year-old Doug and 19-year-old Mark. She also has three stepsons and three step grandchildren.

They live on a 640-acre farm where one step son raises head of cattle.

“We have an English bulldog that keeps us on our toes.”

She advises young women in her field to work hard and many lots of connections in their line of work.

“Be prepared to put in lots of hours, especially at the beginning. Get involved in community organizations. Try to build relationships with people that compliment your field,” she wrote.

“Always have a Plan B! Be flexible and don’t be locked onto one thing. I was doing a catered dinner once and dropped a tray of potatoes. Luckily, I was able to throw something else together at the very last minute. I loved it!”

Porterfield said women make up about 50 percent of the population and play a huge part day-to-day.

“Women are very focused on what needs done and are more organized. Many businesses that we deal with are run by a woman.”

Porterfield discovered her calling at a young age.

“I have always loved to cook and bake. I am the youngest of six kids and my mom was a stay-at-home mom and she was always in the kitchen. We had a huge garden and loved being there with her and helping out. My first job was in a restaurant and then started working at Kirke’s in ’92 and have been here even since.”

She also mentioned the attractions of the Ohio Valley.

“This area is much more slower paced and less traffic. People are more friendly and are willing to help out and lend a hand when needed. We have a lot of common spirit,” she wrote.

Porterfield has a simple motto to live by.

“Your word is more important than anything else! If you say you are going to do something, then you need to follow through with it.”