CO2 – carbon dioxide – laser resurfacing uses targeted beams of light to remove the superficial layer of your skin. This type of laser treatment can remove skin cancer, address cosmetic skin issues, such as fine or keep lines, wrinkles and acne scars; and treat areas of skin discoloration, like sunspots or age spots.
May has always felt like a celebration of strength, beauty, and resilience, and this issue is no exception. Our Ladies Issue is dedicated to the incredible women entrepreneurs in our community who are building businesses, leading with passion, and showing up every day with purpose.
As a fellow woman entrepreneur, this one is especially close to my heart.
I know firsthand that behind every success story is a balancing act that often goes unseen. The early mornings, the late nights, and the constant pull between business goals and family priorities. There are days when the lines blur, when you question if you are giving enough to the people who matter most, and moments when you wonder how it all fits together. And yet, we continue, driven by purpose, passion, and the desire to create something meaningful.
As a wife, a mother of three, and the owner of six franchises, I understand the constant juggle. Life does not slow down, and neither do the responsibilities. What has grounded me through it all is the belief that we are not meant to do this alone. Through leading women’s business and networking groups, I have seen firsthand the power of connection. When women come together to support one another, share resources, and open doors, incredible things happen.
I truly believe in lifting as we climb and choosing collaboration over competition. There is space for all of us to succeed, and when one woman wins, it creates momentum for others to rise alongside her.
The women featured in this issue embody that same spirit. They are visionaries, risk-takers, and community builders. They have faced challenges, embraced growth, and carved out paths not just for themselves, but for others to follow. Their stories are not just inspiring, they are real, relatable, and rooted in hard work.
What I admire most is not just what these women have built, but how they have done it, with heart, grit, and an unwavering commitment to both their businesses and their families.
This issue is a celebration of all of you. The dreamers, the doers, the women who wear many hats and somehow make it all work. You are seen, you are valued, and your impact is greater than you know.
Here is to continuing the journey together.
With gratitude,
PUBLISHER
Angi Burns | angi.burns@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Deborah Dove | debie.dove@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Valerie Merrick | valerie.merrick@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Kathy Moreno | kathy.moreno@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Jennifer Dartez | jennifer.dartez@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Ashton Burns | ashton.burns@citylifestyle.com
STAFF WRITER
Deborah Dove
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS
Karen Laine Photography, Ty Harper Photography
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Kali Kasorzk, Karen Laine, Jennifer Adams, Amy Salvagno
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Ryan Bayron: Happy Box Productions, Fredshots Photography, Jodie Jolley: Aven Willow Portraits
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad
LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
1-7: The Allen Chamber of Commerce rolled out the red carpet for its Annual Awards Gala, celebrating a night of Hollywood glamour and community excellence. Guests enjoyed an unforgettable evening honoring the businesses, leaders, and organizations making a lasting impact in Allen.
YOUR WORK MATTERS. YOUR VOICE MATTERS. YOUR LEADERSHIP MATTERS. YOU MATTER.
BY JODIE JOLLEY AND RYAN BAYRON
There is a moment many women experience, whether they admit it out loud or not. It happens in a boardroom, at a networking event, or even in a quiet moment at home. It is the question of whether we truly belong in the spaces we have worked so hard to reach.
I have felt it myself.
As a publisher of four City Lifestyle luxury publications, a business owner, a keynote speaker, and a woman deeply involved in supporting other professionals across the Dallas/Fort Worth area, I have
spent years in rooms where decisions are made. I have also spent years balancing those responsibilities with being a wife and a mother. That duality has shaped my perspective on what it means to be a woman in the workforce today. The truth is, we are not the exception anymore. We are the majority in many ways.
Women now make up nearly 47 percent of the overall workforce in the United States, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Even more notably, about 72 percent of mothers with children under 18 are part of the labor force. This is not a trend. It is a transformation.
And yet, the internal and external narratives have not fully caught up.
Despite progress, women still hold only about 28 percent of C-suite positions, according to McKinsey and LeanIn’s Women in the Workplace report. While that number has grown over the past decade, it highlights an important truth. We are entering the workforce in strong numbers, but we are still claiming our leadership space.
Part of that gap is structural. But part of it is something more personal.
There is a quiet stigma that still exists. Some women feel judged for pursuing a full-time career, as if ambition somehow competes with being present at home. Others feel pressure to downplay their success, to soften their
“THE TRUTH IS, WE ARE NOT THE EXCEPTION ANYMORE. WE ARE THE MAJORITY IN MANY WAYS.”
accomplishments so they are more palatable. I have had conversations with women who hesitate to even share what they do professionally, worried it may come across as too much.
Layered into this is something many of us carry but rarely name. Imposter syndrome.
Even in rooms we have earned our way into, there can be a voice that whispers that we are not qualified enough, not experienced enough, or not as capable as others believe. Studies have shown that a significant majority of women in corporate environments report experiencing imposter syndrome at some point in their careers. It shows up in hesitation, in overpreparing, and in the reluctance to speak confidently about our own accomplishments.
We are often taught to be humble, to let our work speak for itself. While humility has its place, it can also hold us back when it prevents us from owning our success. Celebrating your achievements is not arrogance. It is acknowledgment of your effort, your growth, and your value.
And then there is the stereotype.
For years, movies and media have portrayed successful businesswomen as cold, detached, or overly aggressive. It is a narrative that does not reflect the reality I see every day. The women I know, lead, and collaborate with are thoughtful, empathetic, and deeply committed not only to their work, but to their families and communities.
Strength and compassion are not opposites. They are partners.
In my own journey, I have learned that success is not about choosing between career and family. It is about redefining what balance looks like for you in each season of life. It is about building businesses that align with your values, creating opportunities for others, and recognizing that your ambition is not something to hide. It is something to honor.
I also believe strongly that we are more successful together.
The most powerful rooms I have been in are not the ones driven by competition, but the ones rooted in collaboration. When women share knowledge, open doors, and advocate for one another, the impact multiplies. We begin to shift the narrative from scarcity to abundance.
There is room for all of us at the table.
And more importantly, we deserve to be there.
To every woman reading this who has ever questioned her place, this is your reminder. Your work matters. Your voice matters. Your leadership matters. Whether you are building a business, leading a team, or balancing a career with raising a family, you are part of a generation redefining what success looks like.
Take your seat with confidence.
Speak about your work. Celebrate your wins. Own your story.
Not because you have something to prove, but because you have already earned it.
ARTICLE BY KALI KASORZYK
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
The power of taste, trust, and the courage to “just start.”
She didn’t have a business plan, a media budget, or even a name anyone could pronounce. What Becky Hillyard had was taste, a young family, and the instinct to just start. Today, her lifestyle brand Cella Jane commands an audience the size of Vogue’s, she’s nine collections strong with Splendid, and she’s built it all while raising three kids — refusing to sacrifice one for the other. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Becky shares what it really takes to build a brand, a career, and a life you love. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full conversation.
Q: WHEN DID YOU KNOW CELLA JANE WAS MORE THAN A HOBBY?
A: Two moments. Women started emailing me saying they bought something I recommended and felt amazing — asking me to help them find a dress for a wedding. That felt incredible. Then I looked at my affiliate numbers for one month and realized I could cover our mortgage. I thought, I can actually do this. I never set out to build a business. I started it because I genuinely loved it.
Q: WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST RISK YOU EVER TOOK WITH THE BRAND?
A: Designing my own collection. It’s easy to point at items on a website and say I love these. But to create something from scratch, put your name on it, and wait to see if people connect with it — that’s terrifying. I had an incredible partner in Splendid, and women loved the pieces. It was the biggest risk and the biggest accomplishment.
Q: HOW HAS INFLUENCER MARKETING CHANGED SINCE YOU STARTED?
A: When I started, brands didn’t know whether to take it seriously. Now it’s a legitimate line item in their marketing budgets — sometimes bigger than TV. Because what we’ve built is trust. People trust a real recommendation from someone they follow far more than a commercial. There’s no question about it now.
Q: YOU’RE A MOM OF THREE RUNNING A FULL BRAND. WHAT DOES YOUR DAY ACTUALLY LOOK LIKE?
A: I try to get up at five and not hit snooze — that first hour before the house wakes up is the most productive, most peaceful hour of my day. Then it’s all hands on deck with the kids and school drop-off. After that I work — planning content, connecting with my team, editing. After pickup, the day shifts completely and it’s all about them. I’ve learned to protect both halves fiercely, because both matter.
Q: WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO BUILD SOMETHING OF THEIR OWN BUT KEEPS WAITING?
A: Don’t wait. Don’t wait for the perfect camera, the right strategy, or enough followers. We find every excuse to stay comfortable. Just start, be consistent, and be authentically yourself. The right people will find you — and they’ll stay.
This conversation is just the beginning. Becky goes deeper on the risks that almost stopped her, the design process behind her latest Splendid collection, and what she’d tell her 2012 self today. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle Podcast.
“Trust is the only metric that actually compounds.”
— Becky Hillyard
-Joanna
Bill
SYDNEY’S SALVATION: A LEGACY OF PURPOSE AND HOPE
Sydney Hardeman, a young woman who was never short on goals, heard the calling to help others. She was filled with determination, leadership, and a vibrant laugh that filled every room. As a gifted student and athlete, she wowed spectators on the basketball court during her years as an Allen High School Lady Eagle and earned a full scholarship to play for St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas. Sydney broke St. Mary’s women’s basketball records while earning her degree, and in 2022, graduated magna cum laude.
Shortly after college, Sydney made the decision to become a pilot. She became the proud recipient of a Sisters of the Skies Scholarship through United Aviate Academy and completed all endorsements and certifications in under one year.
Sydney’s energy and spirit were unmatched. The world caught a glimpse of it when her expression went viral during the 2018 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival as her favorite artist took the stage. That moment, captured in Beyonce’s Homecoming documentary, reflected the very essence of who she was: joyous, radiant, and unforgettable. Even though she was such a light, Sydney’s life was cut short when she left this world. We will probably never know what she was thinking on this tragic day; we are only certain that it was a life that ended far too soon.
In the face of the unimaginable loss of their daughter, Jamie and John Hardeman chose to build a legacy to honor her life. Sydney’s Salvation, a nonprofit foundation, aims to give others a chance at fulfilling their life’s purpose. It is dedicated to breaking the stigma surrounding the topic of mental health, advocating for honest conversations, and providing resources and services for those experiencing everyday life struggles. Another key pillar of the foundation’s mission is investing in the next generation of aspiring pilots through scholarships.
During the most heartbreaking moment of their lives, Jamie and John made the decision to choose organ donation, giving others a second chance at life. The Hardeman family finds joy in knowing that Sydney’s life has already given the gift of sight to an 80-year-old woman and that her additional donations will touch thousands of lives through orthopedic, neurological, and cardiac transplants.
“Grief changes you,” her parents shared. “But we knew we had a choice—to stay in that darkness or to create something that could help others find light. Sydney deserves that. Her story deserves that.”
Sydney once wrote, “Passion is very difficult to maintain without the greater meaning you have attached to it. Your ‘why’ is the very thing that will sustain whatever you are called to do, because purpose is what fulfills your existence. It aligns your human perspective to a point of view that is beyond your own. Living in your purpose transcends your own nervous system and senses because it is attached to realms and generations that exist outside of your earthly timeline.”
Through Sydney’s Salvation, Sydney’s legacy lives on through every life impacted, every dream supported, and every stigma broken.
For more information and to get involved, visit www.sydneyssalvation.org or reach out to jamie@sydneyssalvation.org.
“Grief changes you. But we knew we had a choice— to stay in that darkness or to create something that could help others find light. Sydney deserves that. Her story deserves that.”
When school is out, camp is IN!
Allen Parks and Recreation Camps brings kids over 150 action-packed, interest-based activities all summer long!
ARTICLE BY DEBORAH DOVE | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Female entrepreneurs often face unique challenges, including societal biases, lack of funding, limited support systems, self-doubt, and achieving work-life balance in a society where women still carry a disproportionate share of household tasks and childcare. Below, ten successful local women entrepreneurs share their challenges, rewards, and practical advice and the guidance they wish they’d had starting out, encouraging women at every stage to take risks, build networks, and lead with confidence.
Dr. Rodgers, a board-certified dermatologist, founded Skin Specialists of Allen in January 2009, with a second location added in Addison in 2012.
“Running a business is hard work,” she says. “Many see it as a means to have a flexible schedule or control over your earnings. While being a business owner does offer autonomy, it may mean not paying yourself if revenues are down and working late days or nights to cover the duties of an absent employee. The rewards can be great, but they do not come without sacrifice.”
Kim, along with husband Gregory, purchased Elke's Market Cafe in 2020. With over 35 years in sales and marketing with a focus on fine wine, Kim's focus is on the business side of Elke's.
When asked what advice Kim might give to an up-and-coming business owner, and possibly her younger self, it would be to keep the "Ready for Takeoff" speech front and center. "Buckle up, and even more importantly, remember to put your own oxygen mask on first. As a wife, a mom, and a business owner, there are a lot of people around you that need care. You can't take care of anyone else until you take care of yourself. It's not selfish to put yourself first. It gives you the strength and energy you need so you can take care of everybody else. If you can keep that in mind, it's a lot easier to enjoy the ride."
When Nancy, a former Air Force bioenvironmental engineer, decided to change careers, BODY20 intrigued her. A fitness enthusiast herself, she thought a 20-minute workout which builds muscle and burns fat without lifting heavy weights sounded amazing—a no-brainer! She now owns BODY20 fitness studios in Watters Creek and McKinney North. Her advice for anyone embarking on a new business venture: “Do your research before! Make sure that you are 100% passionate about whatever it is you are doing!”
Debby Gowen owns Debby’s Complete Services, a local house cleaning and organization business serving Collin County for over 20 years.
Debby says, “The biggest challenge I faced in the beginning was building a client base and managing the demands of running a business, but it was extremely rewarding to see the impact I made in my clients’ houses and everyday life! My advice to women in the community who want to start their own business is simple: Start where you are, stay consistent, and don’t be afraid to believe in yourself. Every successful business begins with one step and the courage to keep going. It’s not easy but it’s always worth it!”
Jamie is the operator and owner of Drybar Allen. As a single mom to two daughters, she became an entrepreneur to build a legacy for her daughters centered around professional development and individual growth.
To aspiring female entrepreneurs, she advises, “Never allow outside influences to dictate your personal timeline. Build at your own pace. Set individual goals and identify your own, personal pillars of success. Remember, this is your journey, and your investment. Learn from your mistakes and use every setback as a set up for learning and opportunity.”
As a certified nurse practitioner and the owner/founder of Haute Beauty Aesthetics in Fairview, Jennifer got into aesthetics because she loves making the patient feel more confident about themselves, but also because she is a long time user of all the services found in a med spa and passionate about the difference they can make in one's appearance.
For women entrepreneurs just starting out, she advises, “The hardest step is starting, and then you continue to take it one day at a time. There will be lots to learn, and you will make mistakes along the way, but give yourself grace, because you will grow so much as a woman and as a business owner.”
Velma is the CEO and owner of EON Innovations LLC, which operates six Blo Blow Dry Bar franchise locations, including Allen, Rockwall, and Flower Mound.
Velma says, “Building and managing multiple locations has come with its challenges— from staffing and training to ensuring consistency and maintaining strong leadership teams in every market. One of the greatest rewards has been watching team members grow into leadership roles and seeing the confidence our services bring to clients every day.”
“My advice to my younger self, and to women in our community who are starting a business, would be to stay resilient, trust your vision, and build strong systems early. Surround yourself with people who share your values, be willing to make tough decisions, and never stop learning. Entrepreneurship is not always easy, but the opportunity to create jobs, mentor others, and build something meaningful makes the journey incredibly rewarding.”
Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Janine is the founder and owner of Custom Chiropractic.
She says, “One of the defining parts of my journey has been building a clinic that truly reflects my values. As a young mom dealing with an autoimmune disease, I experienced firsthand how discouraging it can feel when you’re not heard in the healthcare system. When I found healing through corrective chiropractic care, it inspired me to create a space where patients would always feel seen, heard, and genuinely cared for.
“The most rewarding part has been watching patients regain hope and confidence in their health. Seeing our clinic become a place where people feel supported and empowered reminds me every day why I started.
“If I could give advice to my younger self or to other women starting a business, it would be this: Trust the vision placed in your heart. There will always be challenges, but when your purpose is rooted in helping others, the hard moments become part of the journey, not the reason to stop.”
A passionate advocate for education whose love for tutoring began in high school and continued through college, Sandy—owner and education consultant for Tutor Doctor of Frisco and McKinney—partners with parents and teachers to provide personalized academic support for students.
She says, “I think it’s important to lift each other up, not think of each other as competition. We have to train our minds that there is enough business for all of us to succeed. We also need to learn not to wait for perfection before we launch. Most of the time, good enough will help us to get to the market, test, and either fail or succeed, or a little of both. The key is to fail fast and tweak to relaunch. Last but not least, celebrate every win regardless of how little you think it is. It’s still a win.”
Christie Pruitt is the director, CMO, and co-owner of Southwest Pools, a Dallas-area company specializing in custom pool design and outdoor living spaces.
She says, “Like many entrepreneurs, my journey into the pool industry began out of necessity but quickly became a true passion. One of the biggest challenges has been learning to wear many hats while continuing to grow, adapt, and lead with confidence. The reward, however, is incredibly fulfilling—seeing a creative vision come to life and knowing the spaces we build will become places where families gather and make memories.”
“My advice to women in our community who are starting or considering starting their own business is to stay curious, surround yourself with people who support your growth, and don’t be afraid to step into opportunities before you feel completely ready. Confidence often comes through experience, and perseverance, kindness, and integrity will take you further than you imagine.”
ARTICLE BY KAREN LAINE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
KAREN LAINE PHOTOGRAPHY
PHOTOGRAPHER KAREN LAINE ON INTENTIONALLY BUILDING CLOSE ADULT FEMALE FRIENDSHIPS
Have you ever watched one of those feel-good sisterhood movies and thought, “Where’s my sisterhood?” Most of us think of making friends as happenstance—a serendipitous accident. This does happen, and some people do have a group of friends they’ve stuck with over the years. Maybe you did too, but life changed. Big moves, busy careers, and starting families can make it hard to make and maintain the close relationships we need as women. What if we could take a shortcut and start our own blockbuster sisterhood right now?
Invitation - Start with low pressure events. Coffee meets, playdates, mom walks, or even something at your home like a block party. Graduate to more structured events as you build.
Inclusion - Cast a wide net. Neighbors, women from work or activities (and their friends). Just invite!
Persistence - Keep planning and inviting. Some people need several invites before they let their guard down.
Simplicity - Set the stage for meaningful interaction.
BYO snacks by the fire pit, Saturday coffee, a book club, crafting, or potluck game night are all easy, low-cost bonding opportunities.
Nurture - Keep communications flowing with a message group but interact with members individually too. Post frequently and plan the next event ASAP.
“ WE GO WHERE WE FEEL WANTED AND VALUED AND CARED FOR.”
Meet my sisterhood. It was born of the intentionality of one person, “T,” connecting those placed in her life by coincidence or proximity with the mindset, “You’re here, I’m here. Let’s do life together.” No prerequisites to interest, background, beliefs, status, or culture—just the commonality of womanhood. “T” proactively extended friendship to other women and invested her time and care toward them. Some have known each other for years, even since youth, but most were gathered up along the way. She did this by hosting events, often including people she barely knew. And they came. And they keep coming.
We go where we feel wanted and valued and cared for. We don’t need to have anything in common to give or receive that. The mindset to build sisterhoods and to build stronger communities is “Who can I be a friend to?” Not “Where can I find a friend?” We check in on, pray for, listen to, and show up for each other. We are still getting acquainted, but we’re going deeper with birthday celebrations, lunch dates, pedicures, game nights, shopping trips, and message groups that keep us interacting regularly.
The group is comprised of women with diverse interests, experiences, perspectives, and beliefs: capitalists and tree huggers; designated drivers and committed fermentation fans; “good girls,” “bad girls,” God lovers, and ghost hunters; authors, dreamers, and pragmatists; thrifters and the aspirationally posh; health food nuts and junk food junkies; married, widowed, and single; entrepreneurs, career women, and homemakers; all education and income levels, and a melting pot of cultural experiences.
These differences don’t separate us. They make us interesting. They make us stronger. And maybe along the way, we discover we have more in common than we thought.
Our communities need more sisterhoods like this.
Visit www.karen-laine.com to learn more about Karen.
A simple moment in front of the mirror can become a powerful habit for maintaining healthy, radiant skin. A daily at-home skincare routine built with high-quality, medical-grade products does more than cleanse the surface; it actively supports the skin’s structure, balance, and long-term resilience. These formulations are typically created with higher concentrations of proven ingredients, allowing them to penetrate effectively and target dullness, uneven tone, dehydration, and early signs of aging. When used consistently, gentle cleansers, targeted serums, nourishing moisturizers, and
protective sunscreen work together to reinforce the skin barrier and encourage steady cell renewal.
Over time, this routine becomes less about fixing problems and more about preserving healthy skin. Just a few minutes each day can help maintain clarity, smoothness, and luminosity while protecting against daily environmental stressors. Investing in quality products and using them consistently empowers you to care for your skin proactively, helping it look vibrant, balanced, and naturally beautiful. We are excited to share our eight favorite skincare products and the reasons we love and recommend each one.
Our Approach to Healthy Skin and Eight Products We Cannot Live Without
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER ADAMS
ZO SKIN HEALTH WRINKLE + TEXTURE
0.5% RETINOL:
High-potency 0.5% retinol
harnesses microemulsion technology to stimulate collagen, smooth wrinkles, tighten the look of pores, and reveal visibly healthier,
CO2LIFT PRO CARBOXY MASK:
Fast-tracks post-procedure healing, increases your skin hydration by 117%, reduces inflammation, and targets acne, fine lines/ wrinkles, and rosacea.
EXFOLIATING POLISH:
Powered by ultra-fine magnesium oxide crystals, this polish gently buffs away dull, textured skin— revealing a smoother, brighter, lit-from-within glow.
JENNIFER ADAMS & OLIVIA WOMACK
Jennifer Adams, board-certified nurse practitioner, and Olivia Womack, licensed aesthetician, are the team behind Fairview’s Haute Beauty Aesthetics. Jennifer brings 20-plus years of experience in emergency medicine and nine years in aesthetic medicine and injectables, which Olivia complements with six years of advanced skincare and aesthetic treatments. They combine medical knowledge, technical skill, and an artistic eye to deliver natural-look ing, results-driven care that enhances each client’s natural beauty while prioritizing longterm skin health. Believing that radiant skin reflects overall wellness, they embrace a holistic approach that connects inner health, thoughtful skincare, and aesthetic confidence.
SUNFORGETTABLE TOTAL PROTECTION FACE
SHIELD FLEX SPF 50:
Mineral protection meets tone-adapting pigments that blur imperfections, even skin tone, and defend against UV, blue light,
BIOREPEEL:
A 35% TCA peel with NO downtime, BioRePeel is a peel unlike any other. BioRepeel targets pigmentation, texture, fine lines/wrinkles, acne, acne scarring, and rosacea.
ZO SKIN HEALTH GROWTH FACTOR SERUM:
Made with plant and enzymatic growth factors that trigger collagen and
ZO SKIN HEALTH COMPLEXION
RENEWAL PADS:
Exfoliating pads with glycolic and salicylic acid sweep away dead skin, unclog pores, smooth texture, and leave your complexion clearer, brighter, and refreshed.
From conceptualizing and planning to design and construction, Southwest Pools is a full-ser vice design-build team dedicated to creating exquisite outdoor spaces that reflect the uniqe tastes of each client.
A liate and Partner with The Franchise Consulting Company, a collection of professional franchise executives with decades of experience who collaborate to make these dreams a reality.
MAY 1ST
Stephen G. Terrell Community Park: 1680 W Exchange Pkwy., Allen, TX 75013 | 6:00 PM
Swifties and casual fans alike will find their place at this free outdoor concert. Reputation brings an Eras-style tribute to life, complete with food trucks, bracelet swapping, and high-energy performances. No tickets, no registration, just pure fan-fueled magic under the open sky. Learn more at LifeinAllen.org/SeasonalSounds.
MAY 3RD
Christ the Servant Lutheran: 821 S Greenville Ave., Allen, TX 75002 | 4:00 PM
The Allen Symphony Chorus transforms spring into song with a carefully curated program of works spanning Brahms, Dan Forrest, Morten Lauridsen, and an original composition by their own director. Celebrating Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, this free concert is a rich, elegant hour of music that blooms from the very first note. See all of the details at www.allenphilharmonic.org.
MAY 7TH
Armor Brewing Co: 9 Prestige Cir., Allen, TX 75002 | 4:30 PM
Professional networking shouldn't feel like work! Allen After Hours is a quarterly happy hour that brings Allen Chamber of Commerce members and non-members together for authentic conversation, fresh opportunities, and relationship-building in a genuinely relaxed atmosphere. The first 50 guests even score a complimentary drink! Free to attend and worth every minute. RSVP at www.allenchamber.com.
MAY 8TH - 10TH
Watters Creek Village: 970 Garden Park Dr., Allen, TX 75013
A beloved annual tradition returns with an impressive showcase of local and visiting artists spanning multiple mediums. Live entertainment, hands-on art activities for all ages, and a vibrant creative atmosphere make this a must-attend weekend for culture lovers and families alike. See the full lineup at www.watterscreek.com/events.
MAY 9TH
The Meridian Venue: 351 Southwind Ln., Fairview, TX 75069 | 6:00 PM
Roll the dice for a worthy cause. This glamorous casino night benefits Community Garden Kitchen and includes dinner, a wine pull, and raffle baskets. Guests receive $2,000 in casino currency to try their luck at blackjack, poker, roulette, and craps. Head to www.communitygardenkitchen.org to grab tickets.
MAY 9TH
Lowery Freshman Center Auditorium: 368 N Greenville Ave., Allen, TX 75002 | 3:00 PM
This free concert is a triple celebration, honoring mothers, memorializing fallen heroes, and saluting America's birthday all in one afternoon. The program builds to a rousing finale performance of John Philip Sousa's iconic "Stars and Stripes Forever," a crowd-pleasing closer that never gets old. Visit www.allencommunityband.com to learn more.
MAY 9TH
Pirouettes for Pets
Blue House Too Gallery: 970 Watters Creek Blvd., Allen, TX 75013 | 6:00 PM
The Allen Civic Ballet Company is trading the traditional stage for something far more charming. Dancers perform excerpts from beloved ballets alongside original contemporary pieces, all in support of the Allen Animal Shelter. Adoptable animals will be on-site, and donations of pet supplies are warmly welcomed. Free admission, big heart required. Visit www.allencivicballet.org/pirouettes-for-pets for details.
MAY 16TH
The HUB: 1289 Johnson Rd., Allen, TX 75013 | 12:00 PM
Animal lovers will not want to miss this heartwarming public meet-and-greet. The Rescue Adoption Bus will be on-site showcasing adorable adoptable pets, plus a full lineup of branded apparel available for purchase to support the rescue. Come for the cuddles, stay for the cause. Find out more at www.codysfriendsrescue.org.
MAY 29TH - 30TH
Credit Union of Texas Event Center: 200 E Stacy Rd. #1350, Allen, TX 75002
Fresh from record-breaking World and National Championship performances, America's top figure skaters are heading out on tour with Olympic glory in their rearview. Stars on Ice delivers world-class athleticism, dazzling choreography, and genuine excitement for skating fans of all ages. Purchase tickets and plan the outing at www.cutxeventcenter.com.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMY SALVAGNO
A Fun Cocktail That Is Sure To Impress
Whether you prefer to dine reclining pillow-side in pajamas or beside a beautifully dressed table, you’ll appreciate an elegant, elevated cocktail to make your brunch menu extra special. So while you’re indulging in a few extra pieces of bacon, savoring bites of flaky quiche and luxuriating over berry and whipped cream-topped pancakes, you’ll be sure to impress with this morning-friendly mix.
A simple ingredient drink unites the botanical complexity of gin with the rich sweetness of your favorite jam.
• 2 ounces gin
• 1 ounce lemon juice
• 1/2 ounce simple syrup
• 1 teaspoon raspberry (or your favorite) jam
• Spoonful of jam for garnish
1. Add the gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and jam to your mixing glass.
2. Add ice and shake for 10 seconds.
3. Strain into a double old-fashioned glass over crushed ice.
4. Top with a spoonful of jam and stir it in while you sip.
