Composing Destiny

Chadwick Johnson hits career high notes

By Jen Smith / Photo by Jeremy Ryan

Singer-songwriter Chadwick Johnson has two great loves: music and horses.

A childhood spent at the rodeo ignited his passion for horses, but hearing the national anthem at every event—and eventually singing it—sparked his interest in music.

“That was my first experience seeing such a powerfully emotional, positive response from music,” Johnson says. “That was when I realized I need to take this and figure out how to do it for a living.”

Pursuing his career in Los Angeles as a young adult connected him to vocal coach Janice Beutin, who helped him develop his “soulful pop” style. Johnson underwent intensive training to learn and play brand-new songs he’d never heard before, developing his voice.

He credits the legendary work of artists like Dolly Parton, Wynonna Judd, Willie Nelson and Chris Stapleton for his sound, which “grows and evolves” based on his current obsessions.

Johnson lived and worked in Nashville before relocating to Las Vegas, where he settled in the northwest corner of the city and continues to create original music.  He stays involved in the world of rodeo through competitions. His horse, Red, who is stabled at his property, allows him to continue cultivating his love of all things equine.

“Las Vegas has allowed me to afford to have both of those loves of my life flourish in such a beautiful way,” he says.

Now, Johnson’s career continues to ascend. He performs around Las Vegas and the westside, booking gigs every other month. His latest album venture with Kent Wells, a producer renowned for creating music with Dolly Parton, takes him back and forth between Las Vegas and Nashville for production. His next appearance at the Myron’s is scheduled for October 22, following a sold-out show in March.

“The Las Vegas community of people who want to support the arts and support local artists, is absolutely unlike any other place I’ve ever seen,” he says. “It’s really special.”

In the meantime, catch Johnson on the local beat with his “What The World Needs Now” show on August 22 at the Italian American Club Showroom chadwickjohnson.com

Golden Glow Up

Ayelet Ritorto launches two businesses focused on beauty and well-being

By Jen Smith / Photo by Louiie Victa

Ayelet Ritorto is in the business of creating confidence with all of her endeavors.

Ritorto’s experience in the beauty industry spans over 12 years, from when she started doing eyelashes in a salon to when she quickly branched off into her own practice.

The esthetician-turned-spray tan artist now owns and operates Tan That Tush, a mobile beauty business specializing in customized spray tans. Based in Summerlin, she travels throughout Las Vegas and Los Angeles to deliver spray tans tailored to a range of shades, featuring skin-firming, scents and even gold glitter as add-ons.

“I’ve always loved the confidence that comes with a great tan,” she says. “I want a woman to walk away feeling elevated and seen and confident in her own skin and I think that’s what Tan That Tush is about.”

It’s not all about appearances. That desire to help women look and feel confident has inspired Ritorto to spearhead another venture.

I Yell Wealth (after her mnemonic first name) is an empowerment community for women to share their stories of “unapologetically starting over” in life after loss or hardship. Ritorto finds herself in the driver’s seat of that experience, hoping that her brand-new business will support and encourage other women.

“It’s women finding the best version of themselves and reclaiming their power,” she says about I Yell Wealth. “I want to bring value and courage to other single moms. I think it’s super important that women support other women.”

An integral part of Ritorto’s journey is reclaiming herself. As a single mom, she prioritizes the flexibility of entrepreneurship, allowing her to spend more time with her three children.

“They are my fuel and my why,” Ritorto says. “I live and breathe [for my children]. My heart beats for them.”

Ritorto hopes to expand her business by offering spray tans in Las Vegas Strip hotel rooms and teaching other business owners how to perform the same service.

“I want this journey to shape other women into feeling their best self,” she says.

Follow @tanthattush on Instagram for bookings and @iyellwealth to join the empowerment movement.