Power Trio

The Swendiman Sisters — Three Sisters, Three Paths…

From their humble beginnings in Redding, three sisters have defied the odds, forged successful careers, and committed themselves to giving back to the community that shaped them. Jessica Swendiman Naake, Kelly Flowers, and Julie Swendiman – a tight-knit trio separated by just five years – have not only shattered barriers in their individual careers, but have also emerged as powerful advocates for women, entrepreneurship and perseverance. Their journey from small-town girls to remarkable professional success serves as an inspiring testament to the transformative power of family, education, hard work and the unwavering belief that everyone has the potential to achieve greatness.

A Foundation Built on Love and Integrity
The story of the sisters begins with their parents, Lynn and Scott Swendiman – hard-working, humble and deeply committed to fostering a home filled with love and encouragement. Each of the sisters credits her upbringing as the cornerstone of her confidence and ambition. 

Jessica, the eldest, fondly recalls the balance of support and freedom her parents provided, emphasizing that their love was never based on success. “We were celebrated for our victories but never pressured to perform for their approval,” she says, adding that this unconditional support allowed her to thrive on her own terms.

Kelly, the middle sister, paints a picture of an idyllic childhood filled with adventure and close family bonds. “Our parents included us in everything they did,” she recalls, from accompanying their father on house renovations to learning how to shake hands and engage with adults. This hands-on approach, coupled with an unshakable work ethic, instilled in them the belief that hard work and integrity were the keys to any success.

Julie, the youngest, expresses similar feelings, emphasizing how the close-knit nature of their family – including extended relatives – fostered a sense of security and belonging that empowered her to take risks in life. “We were encouraged to explore, and failure wasn’t feared,” she explains. 

Education Holds the Key
Jessica recalls a formative experience in her early education at Lassen View Elementary. “My teachers believed in me fiercely, almost recklessly,” she says. “They blew the top off my own expectations for myself and pushed me to lean into my ambition.”

Kelly credits her exceptional education for shaping her ability to succeed. Kelly was part of Music in Motion at Parsons Junior High and Starship at Enterprise High School, where she learned the value of teamwork and dedication. “The stage was where I thrived,” she reflects.

Julie agrees that their education was pivotal. “We were lucky. Our teachers were amazing, and they truly cared about us. They were patient and believed in us.”

While the sisters were always encouraged to follow their individual interests, their shared experiences as students in Redding’s school system shaped their collaborative spirit. “There was never competition between us,” Jessica shares. “We all had our strengths. I was the academic one, Kelly was the social one, and Julie, well, she’s the creative one. We all leaned on each other’s strengths.”

As they matured, their careers followed varied paths, each reflective of the confidence instilled in them during their childhood. 

Diving Into the ‘Real World’
Jessica initially pursued a career in education but faced challenges along the way that tested her resilience. “I went through several setbacks. I trained to be a teacher, but it was a disaster. I was bullied by students, and my mental health suffered. I decided to take the loss and change course,” she said. After taking a job in Japan and returning to the United States, she carved a new path in politics and tech at NAR, Deloitte, Workday and ServiceNow.

Kelly found success in the tech world as well, initially unaware of how her background in Redding could translate into such a career. “I came from a place where I didn’t have access to the type of professional networks that others had,” she says. “But once I left for college, studied abroad and got into tech, I started to see that I could define my own version of success.” She is now a sales executive at SentinelOne.

After a rocky start post-high school, Julie listened to the advice of her sisters, who encouraged her to finish what she started, even when she wasn’t sure it was the right path. “I went to beauty school thinking I wanted to be a hairdresser, but quickly realized it wasn’t for me. My sisters insisted I finish, get my license and keep an open mind. That was the best advice I ever got,” she says. Today, Julie is a successful esthetics entrepreneur and owner of REALM. 

Giving Back to the Community
The sisters have never forgotten the community that helped shape them. They’re committed to giving back, particularly to women and young people in Redding who are just beginning their professional and personal journeys. “Half the value-creation potential is held by women. We stunt our collective economic prosperity when women don’t play to their full potential in the market,” says Jessica. “I am obsessed with helping others wake up to their own potential.”

Julie agrees, adding, “I love sharing my story, the good and the bad because it shows others that success isn’t linear. It’s about persistence and believing in yourself, even when things get tough.”

For Kelly, this message extends beyond women. “I think it’s equally important for boys and men to see successful women as role models. Gender norms are so ingrained and showing our kids that there’s no one way to succeed – that it’s okay to break the mold – can only benefit everyone.”

Their commitment to supporting Redding’s growing entrepreneurial spirit is unwavering. “Redding is becoming a hub for small businesses,” Kelly observes. “We’re seeing a lot of incredible talent emerge here, and it’s exciting to be a part of that transformation.”•