Centennial, CO May 2026

Centennial is turning 25—and we’re going all in! Join us for amazing entertainment, activities throughout the park, and splash pad fun for kids of all ages.

Plus, explore interactive Touch-a-Truck exhibits featuring our community partners, including the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office, South Metro Fire Rescue, Centennial Public Works, and more.

• 10 AM – Yoga in the amphitheater park

• K4CO radio live broadcast

• Live music, entertainment & cultural performances

• Kids’ Zone – face painting, crafts & more

• Scavenger hunt for all ages

• Community vendors

• Local food trucks

Unapologetically You

There’s something I’ve been thinking about lately: the women we look up to and the women we walk beside every day.

It’s easy to admire the ones who seem like they have it all figured out, confident, building businesses, leading teams and showing up strong. But the more I’ve gotten to know the women in this community, the clearer it becomes… no one just arrives there.

Every woman has a story, and not the polished ver sion: the real one, the pivots, the failures, the moments that almost broke them and the seasons that forced them to figure it out and keep going anyway.

That’s what builds you, and it’s not the highlight reel. It’s the hard parts.

And honestly, that’s what I respect the most.

It’s not perfection. It’s resilience. It’s the decision to keep showing up. This issue reflects that.

It’s about the women you admire, but also the ones in your everyday life, quietly holding things together, building behind the scenes and supporting others without needing recognition.

Because real support doesn’t always look big or loud. Sometimes it’s a conversation, a referral, an introduction or simply believing in someone before they fully believe in themselves.

I’ve been surrounded by women who do exactly that, and it’s changed the way I see community.

The strongest women I know aren’t competing. They’re collaborating. They’re opening doors. They’re bringing other women with them as they grow.

That’s the energy behind this issue, and we were intentional about how we showed it.

When I connected with Amanda from Pink Poppy for photos, one thing was clear: we didn’t want this to feel staged or like a pageant. These women aren’t just showing up to be seen. They’re showing up in their lives, their businesses and their communities in real, tangible ways. Unapologetically.

They’re bringing grit to the table. Balancing a lot, building, leading and figuring it out as they go, just like the rest of us.

Women who are building, growing and leading in a way that creates space for others to rise too.

Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about who you look up to, it’s about who you become and who you help along the way.

May 2026

PUBLISHER

Megan De La Rosa | megan.delarosa@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Cassandra Green | cassandra.green@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Melissa Wasilik | melissa.wasilik@citylifestyle.com

COPY EDITOR

Kristen Gonzales | kristen.gonzales@kcrcopywriting.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Pink Poppy Media | amanda@pinkpoppymedia.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Valerie Bianculli, Cassandra Green, Sofia Young

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Pink Poppy Media, Isaiah Chacon, Miranda Schlobohm, South Metro Denver Chamber, MAM Photography, Link Dental, City of Centennial

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman

LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler

MEGAN DE LA ROSA , PUBLISHER @CENTENNIALCITYLIFESTYLE

May 2025 20 3:006:00pm

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

Colorado Eye Consultants is committed to delivering compassionate and quality care in a safe and nurturing environment. Using the latest technologies and innovative practices, our doctors dedicate themselves to excellent outcomes…every time.

To learn more, or to schedule a consultation, please contact us at (303) 730-0404.

1501 West Mineral Avenue, Suite 100 Littleton, CO 80120 ColoradoEyeConsultants.com

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The

Centennial Fine Art

Festival comes to The Streets at SouthGlenn

We are excited to announce the debut of The Centennial Fine Art Festival! The event will take place on May 30–31, bringing a curated, high-quality fine art experience to the heart of South Metro Denver at the Streets at SouthGlenn. For over twenty years, ColoradoArtShows.com has excelled at creating memorable and crowd-pleasing events, producing fine art festivals featuring award-winning regional and national artists.

Ohana’s Katherine Chow writes first Children's Book

Kat Chow, co-founder of Ohana, is adding “author” to her growing list of accomplishments. Her bilingual children’s book, Silly Shrimphony (Simplified Mandarin–English Edition), brings music, culture and language together through a playful story that introduces both Western and Chinese instruments. After celebrating her book launch in April, Kat has been hosting local readings, and the book is now available on Amazon.

Centennial’s 25th Anniversary Celebration

Join the celebration Saturday, June 6th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Centennial Center Park as the city celebrates 25 years! Enjoy great food, live entertainment and activities for all ages, plus interactive exhibits from local partners. This free family-friendly event has something for everyone. Interested in sponsoring or hosting a booth? Connect with the City of Centennial to get involved!

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Mayor Sweetland Encourages Us to Find Our Spark and Light Our Community With Innovation and Resilience

INSPIRED BY COMMUNITY

ARTICLE BY CASSANDRA GREEN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY PINK POPPY MEDIA

A voice of resilience, innovation and authenticity, Mayor Christine Sweetland carries a perspective of community and service that inspires our beautiful City of Centennial.

At one point in her life, she considered moving to England. She shares, “I grew up in Southeast Denver, and then my husband’s actually British, and so, when we first met, we were trying to decide who was going to move!”

Coming from a small town in England, her husband, Andy, decided Colorado would be a better opportunity for their family. Mayor Sweetland recognizes him for leaving friends who were like brothers to him and taking a leap of faith to move to Denver and drive on the other side of the road!

“Random fact,” she exclaims, “We saw each other face-to-face 18 days before we got married and we celebrated 26 years of marriage this year!”

When they started looking for houses, they found a beautiful home in Cherry Knolls. “It’s such a great community. They’re 1965 houses and the community is really close-knit. The elementary school is within walking distance, the middle school and high school are [close by]. The pool is a big thing for the summer. So we settled there.”

Seeking flexibility in her schedule, she started her own small business, building a career as a real estate appraiser. She shares, “As the boys grew, so did my business. It gave me that flexibility so that I could still help in their school.”

From the beginning, Mayor Sweetland put her hands to serving the community. She wanted to be part of her two boys’ lives, so she volunteered in the school library, helped at field days and made sure to always be at every soccer game.

Then she started volunteering with the neighborhood association. This opened the door for her to become president of the association, and in 2019, Mayor Sweetland ran for Town Council.

She shares about the funding and programs that made a difference during the pandemic. “As a small business owner, I knew how scary it was for our small businesses. We were able to put 9.5 million dollars back into our small businesses.”

She talks about supporting the brick and mortar establishments that were able to build patios, hair stylists that were experiencing severe limitations to their work and business owners working from home. The way the Town Council was able to direct its funding made a defining difference during such uncertain times for small businesses.

“The other thing I’m really proud of being on council, we have a Centennial Home Improvement program, so if your house was built in 1985 or older and you replace the windows or get rid of a wood shed roof, we will refund your permit. We also made considerations for ‘aging in place,’ but especially ‘aging in place safely,’ so we added accessibility changes to homes. Now, accessibility adjustments, regardless of the age of your home, also get a refund on your permit. This ensures homeowners will pull a permit, so the contractor has to go through the city. It protects our senior community and the quality of the work being done in their homes. I really appreciate that we as a council put that through.”

CONTINUED >

“Centennial turns 25 this year. We have a great legacy and a great foundation. Now we’re asking, what will the next 25 years look like?”

When asked what inspires her, Mayor Sweetland shares, “The community! How we were so grassroots to form as a city in Centennial. It was just a few people who got together and said, ‘Hey, we want to be in control of our own destiny,’ and they made that happen. That is [the heart], even to this day, that we’re very innovative. The people really feel connected to Centennial. And so many people grew up in Centennial, and they’re proud to be bringing their kids back here to have the same childhood they had. I just want to make sure that we continue that. I’m inspired by it.”

She expands, “Centennial turns 25 this year. We have a great legacy and a great foundation. Now we’re asking, what will the next 25 years look like?”

Both vision and resilience define the steps Mayor Sweetland continues to take. She is also a breast cancer survivor. Celebrating 5 years in March, she says, “I’m grateful because my husband was an amazing caregiver and because we live in this amazing community. We have so many friends that brought meals, who reached out and were there for all of us. We were just so grateful for so many in our community that helped support us through that time. It makes me more dedicated to wanting to make my community better.”

She goes into detail, “The hardest part is that you spend so much time focusing on getting through the next chemo, the next radiation and then when you’re done that’s when you have time to really digest everything that you have been through. They call it the fourth treatment of cancer, but it’s that time where you realize what you’ve been through. That was the hardest part. When you’re starting to feel better and more normal, and you’re like, ‘oh wow, my body has been through a lot. I’ve been

through a lot emotionally. I put my family through a lot.’ It’s a lot to process. I found a breast cancer support group and that was really good. That really helped me a lot.”

“For me, personally, I like being busy. I was working full-time, being on council and going through this. I wouldn’t say that I did all of those things well, but at the same time, I needed to feel normal and those were the things that made me feel normal.”

She encourages, “I really think it’s important to figure out how you can help your community, whatever that looks like for you, right? Whatever it is, it makes a huge difference. You might not think it’s a lot, but if everybody just does a little bit, it’s amazing how much better our community becomes.”

Through all of her experiences, Mayor Sweetland expresses, “What I have found being on city council and now mayor is this really is my outreach into the community, but people do it in different ways, whether it’s art, there’s so many other ways to do it. So find that!”

“And it’s hard, right? Everybody’s busy, but try to find that time to do a little bit of something that brings you joy. I think that’s really important. Especially in today, what we’re living through right now. However we can help people, it matters.”

She implores, “As crazy as the world seems, if I can make my little corner of the world better, then, that’s what I want to do. Great? Yeah.”

Mayor Sweetland is already in the trenches to build out midtown Centennial, create opportunities to host the Denver Summit, a National Women’s Soccer League and continue to contribute to our innovative community. If you see her at ribbon cuttings or around the community, don’t be afraid to say hi. She’ll welcome you with the most beautiful smile!

WITH INTENTIONALITY AND CARE

A Calm, Intentional and Curated Approach to Care with Dr. Widian Jubair

ARTICLE BY SOFIA YOUNG PHOTOGRAPHY BY ISAIAH CHACON AND MIRANDA SCHLOBOHM

Dr. Widian Jubair and her medical assistant, Miranda, offer a medical visit like no other. Rather than the cookie-cutter experience of sterile white walls, at Celestique MD, you'll experience intentionality, care and a calming visit. Dr. Widian cultivates an appointment of true care for her clients

through her ground-breaking concierge medical practice. As patients at regular practices, Widian and Miranda found that they were usually anxious before visiting the doctor and often left feeling more frustrated than cared for. This anxiety was fuel to create something different.

Dr. Widian expresses, "I found my purpose, really. I found medicine because I love people, talking to people and seeing them feel better. But I think I lost that spark doing primary care and being on call.”

Dr. Widian left the world of regular doctors' offices and dealing with insurance companies, to provide individualized care to her clients based on personal connection and the pillars of lifestyle medicine. Dr. Widian wants her clients to experience a personalized and curated doctor's visit that provides a clear pathway toward feeling better by establishing a cultivated relationship between doctor and patient, leading to an overall healthier lifestyle for patients.

She sees the amount of money going into healthcare versus the time spent on patients and wants to bring balance to that dichotomy. She also identifies that the general public is only getting sicker.

Dr. Widian explains, "Being a doctor as long as I’ve been, we were never taught what lifestyle medicine is. Stress management is a huge thing; everyone is stressed, and we didn’t have good tools to manage that." With stress management as a lifestyle pillar, Dr. Widian and her team can help you identify, manage and process your stress.

At Celestique MD, patients are excited to see their doctor. Dr. Widian and Miranda make it their ambition to empower and provide advocacy for your health and well-being. Their goals for the community go beyond regular doctor's visits. They also host in-office networking events, seminars and community outreach to offer education on their model. Patients can book a free 30-minute consultation with Dr. Widian before subscribing. There are zero charges beyond the concierge health subscription fee and the investment in health is taken seriously. With Celestique MD, Centennial thrives on enabling individuals to become more excited about their health and to change their lifestyle habits for the better. To book an appointment visit www.celestiquemd.org

Centennial Women Leading Unapologetically

Highlighting Women Who Are Paving the Way, Making a Difference and Empowering Those Who Have Dreams to Chase

ARTICLE BY CASSANDRA GREEN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY PINK POPPY MEDIA

SABRINA WRIGHT-HOBART

DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR AT EMBER CENTER

Could you please share a little bit about your nonprofit?

Ember Center (formerly Crisis Center) exists to end domestic violence and sexual assault through therapy, advocacy, outreach and prevention. Our services are free, confidential and trauma-informed. They include a 24-hour crisis line, emergency shelter services, community-based advocacy, legal advocacy, therapy and community education. We serve Arapahoe, Douglas, Elbert and Lincoln counties.

Where do you find inspiration?

I'm inspired by the brave clients that we serve. The courage to reach out for help in these situations is hard. Survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault can find help and a safe place to process their trauma, access community resources, gain self-sufficiency and get free from violence. As a breast cancer thriver, I am inspired by those who have overcome challenges and use their journey to help others.

Who do you wish to empower through your life and actions?

Everyone, but particularly women and youth. Empowering other women is how to get by in this patriarchy!

What is your word of advice and encouragement for the women in our community?

"Whatever challenges you have, please remember that there is help. There is a wonderful network of caring nonprofits that often offer services for free, like ours. Let's lift each other up, and we all will thrive."

What inspires you each day?

Chatting with all of the entrepreneurs that are here each day at The Village. I love hearing their origin stories and how they overcome everyday challenges. I just love when we can all learn from each other!

Who empowered you in your endeavors?

I've never been afraid of failing (although my husband wishes I feared it a little more--haha), and I would say my husband has always supported my "next big ideas," and that freedom has let me go bigger with my ideas than I thought I could. Having people around you who can feed your little fledgling ideas is so important to entrepreneurs. We need to surround ourselves with those who cheer us on, even when we are curled up in a little ball, wondering what we were thinking!

Who would you like to empower moving forward?

I hope to encourage and inspire every person who has had a dream stuck on that "back burner" waiting for the right time to bring it forward! I love seeing people step out with tremendous bravery to start something they believe in so strongly.  I am on the balcony, cheering you all on!

“Having people around you who can feed your little fledgling ideas is so important to entrepreneurs. We need to surround ourselves with those who cheer us on, even when we are curled up in a little ball, wondering what we were thinking!” “

What is your word of encouragement to those pursuing their dreams on a rainy day?

Whenever I'm feeling down, I go to my protective bubble, which includes a great pick-me-up playlist of music, a list of specific encouraging and inspiring podcasts and sometimes even a great e-book that is on a topic that I need to learn or be inspired by.

In my latest book, Changing Directions and Starting from Scratch, I talk about the three types of people in our lives:

• the balcony people

• the basement people

• and, of course, our ideal clients

We want to spend as much time as possible with our balcony people, and we want to go to our basement people only when we need someone to poke holes in our ideas or challenge our assumptions, so we can research further. That's what I do to ensure I don't stay out in the rain for too long on those down days.

GINA SCHRECK

FOUNDER/CEO AT THE VILLAGE WORKSPACE

AMANDA MAUGHMER

CREATIVE DIRECTOR AND CHAOS CONDUCTOR AT PINK POPPY MEDIA

What inspires you each day?

Transformation and community. I’m drawn to the moment when someone goes from “I hate having my photo taken” to “Wait… that actually feels like me.” That shift in confidence never gets old, and I know how much it impacts how someone shows up in their business.

I’m also inspired by the community I’m part of, collaborating with local businesses and supporting nonprofits like Lifeline Puppy Rescue. Being able to use my work to elevate others while contributing to something bigger than myself is what keeps me coming back to it every day.

Who empowered you in your endeavors?

Empowerment hasn’t always come in the traditional sense. I’ve had a lot of people throughout my life who told me I wouldn’t succeed, whether that was in college or as a business owner. For a long time, that lit a fire in me. I was motivated by proving people wrong.

What’s changed is where that drive comes from. Today, it’s much more about proving to myself what I’m capable of and continuing to push my own limits.

I’m also surrounded by an incredible community of women business owners who show up, support and encourage each other in ways they probably don’t even realize, but it makes a difference every single day.

And I can’t talk about my journey without acknowledging my husband. He’s been incredibly supportive and has stepped in behind the scenes in countless ways, which has allowed me to focus on building and growing my business.

Who would you like to empower moving forward?

I want to empower people who feel stuck or uncertain about what’s next, whether that’s someone in corporate America who knows they’re meant for something different but is scared to make the leap, or a business owner who feels like they’re carrying everything on their own.

I’ve been in that space, and it can feel isolating, especially when you’re choosing a path that doesn’t follow what’s considered “normal.” There isn’t always a clear roadmap. That can make even the right decision feel risky.

If I can help someone trust themselves a little more, take that next step or feel less alone in the process, that’s what matters to me. Because once someone believes they can do it, everything starts to shift.

JEN ZHANG

CO-OWNER OF COLORADO TINTING

Could you share a little bit about your business?

My husband and I own Colorado Tinting. We started about 8 years ago, and my husband has been doing it for 25 years. We provide quality installation using exceptional materials. We are a true mom-and-pop shop, focusing mainly on educating people about the benefits of the products and services we offer. We want to build an honest and trusting relationship with our customers.  Our services include: window tinting, paint protection film, paint correction, vinyl and ceramic coating for vehicles. We also offer window tint and window film for homes and businesses, including frosted, printed vinyl, security film and graffiti guards.

Fun Facts:

Many people think window tinting is just for privacy. But the window tint we offer provides 99% UV protection, and our material is recommended by the Skin Cancer Society. It can also keep your vehicle, home and office cooler. Many people don't know that there are clear tints that can offer the same benefit without darkening your windows. This type of tint is very popular for older people and people who want a full windshield tint. Most trucks and SUVs come with factory “tint” in the back windows, which is

just dyed glass. This offers privacy but provides no heat rejection or UV protection at all.

Where do you find your inspiration?

My biggest inspiration is my kids. They remind me why I push through hard days and keep growing. They inspire me to work hard and build something meaningful, not just for today, but for their future. I want them to see what dedication, kindness and resilience look like in real life.

Who do you wish to empower through your life and actions?

I hope to empower those around me: my family, team and community! To show up with confidence, resilience and the belief they can build lives they're proud of without losing themselves in the process.

What is your word of encouragement to our community in Centennial?

Let's keep supporting each other, lifting each other up and choosing to show up with kindness and resilience. Centennial isn't just where we live or work. It's something we build together.

THE WOMEN LEADING CENTENNIAL’S ARTS MOVEMENT

BRINGING ART TO LIFE

In a city known for its thoughtful growth and strong sense of community, the arts are finding an increasingly vibrant voice thanks in large part to the women behind the Centennial Arts and Cultural Foundation.

At the center of it all is Stephanie Piko, former mayor of Centennial, who helped transform a community’s desire into a tangible, thriving initiative. “Our mission is to celebrate, inspire and connect art and culture in Centennial,” Stephanie shares. “For years, I kept hearing from residents that there wasn’t a real place for art. That stuck with me.”

What began as a simple idea of wrapping traffic signal boxes with public art to commemorate the city’s 20th anniversary quickly evolved into something much larger. “It was a relatively easy and inexpensive way to bring color into the community,” she explains. “But more importantly, people responded to it. That’s when we knew we were onto something.”

From there, Stephanie, alongside fellow founding members Tammy Maurer and Kathy Turley, launched the nonprofit foundation in 2021. What started as a small, hands-on effort has since grown into a dynamic organization producing murals, public art installations, interactive community events and now the inaugural Centennial Fine Art Festival.

Still, the foundation’s impact isn’t measured solely in programs; it’s found in the quieter, deeply human moments. Stephanie recalls receiving a note from a local resident whose wife, living with Alzheimer’s, found joy in driving around the city to visit each painted traffic box. “He said it gave her a way to engage and get out of the house,” Stephanie says. “When you hear things like that, you realize it matters.”

That sense of purpose is matched by a team that embodies this issue’s theme: powerhouse women. “We just get it done,” Stephanie says with a laugh. “There’s no glamour in setting up tents, hauling supplies or power washing a bridge for a mural, but we do it.”

Each member brings a distinct strength, creating a balance that allows the foundation to operate at a remarkable level. From logistics and creative direction to community outreach and social media, the group functions as a cohesive unit grounded in trust. “When people know what they’re responsible for, you can count on them,” Stephanie explains. “That’s what makes it work.”

For Board President Julie Holt, that collective energy is what continues to propel the foundation forward. “As we celebrate our fifth anniversary, we also celebrate the many collaborative partnerships we’ve built with local organizations and businesses, both large and small,” she says. “Involving the community has made our projects and events more robust and truly brought a new level of excitement to Centennial.”

This spring marks a major milestone with the launch of the Centennial Fine Art Festival, taking place May 30–31, with a VIP preview on May 29. In partnership with Colorado Art Weekend, the event will bring local and regional artists together for a weekend celebrating creativity and connection.

“It’s something the community has been asking for,” Stephanie says. “We knew we couldn’t do it alone, so finding the right partner made all the difference.”

As the foundation continues to grow, so do its ambitions. Expanding public art, increasing community engagement and building a sustainable model for the future. At its core, the mission remains the same: creating spaces where art and people intersect in meaningful ways.

For women looking to make an impact in their own communities, Stephanie offers simple but powerful advice: “Lean in. Show up, ask questions and stay consistent. There is always an opportunity to get involved.”

And in Centennial, thanks to a group of women willing to roll up their sleeves, that opportunity is more inspiring than ever. www.centennial-art.org

Designing a Life Well Lived

RACHELLE BARRIOS ON CREATING INTENTIONAL, ELEVATED HOMES

A home is much more than just a place to live. It’s a reflection of lifestyle, identity and intention. We sat down with two of Centennial’s powerhouse women in design, and it quickly became clear that this philosophy is at the heart of everything they do.

For Rachelle Barrios, founder of Barrios Design Group powered by Kitchen Wise Closet Wise, the journey into the industry wasn’t accidental; it was deeply personal. “I’ve always loved transforming spaces, but more importantly, transforming how people feel in their homes,” she says.

That emotional connection is what drives her signature approach. After noticing that many homeowners didn’t want to move but instead wanted their current homes to better reflect their lives, Rachelle built a business around bridging the gap between vision and execution. “People know exactly what they want,” she explains. “But they don’t always have someone who can take that vision and turn it into a reality.”

Her solution? A concierge-style, “white glove renovation” experience rooted in her philosophy: design, organize, elevate.

“I approach every project as a partnership, not a transaction,” she says. “A home is one of the most personal spaces in someone’s life. I want to understand how they live, what’s

ARTICLE BY VALERIE BIANCULLI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIAH FOX PHOTOGRAPHY

not working and why they’re making a change. From there, we create something that’s not just beautiful, but truly livable.”

That level of intention is matched by a strong sense of identity. “I’ve been underestimated more times than I can count,” Rachelle says. “But instead of shrinking back, I leaned fully into who I am.”

Self-described as the “Design Diva,” she embraces both her femininity and her authority on job sites. “I didn’t ask for a seat at the table,” she says. “I built my own.”

It’s that confidence, paired with deep technical knowledge, that has earned her respect as both a designer and builder. And it’s also what defines her view of what it means to be a powerhouse woman.

“It’s not just about success, it’s about impact,” she says. “It’s about being strong and compassionate, lifting others up and never stepping on someone else to get ahead. I believe in rising while bringing other women with me.”

That same mindset shows up in her work with her husband, with whom she runs multiple businesses. “It’s the most rewarding experience,” she says. “My vision is big and creative, and he brings the structure to make it happen. That balance is everything.”

“Start before you feel ready,” Rachelle says. “Confidence comes through action.”

“I want to understand how they live, what’s not working and why they’re making a change. From there, we create something that’s not just beautiful, but truly livable.”

FALL BACK INTO FITNESS

ARTICLE BY KALI KASORZYK

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

BECKY HILLYARD

From Side Hustle to Style Empire

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

DELIGHT MOM WITH HOMEMADE BELGIAN WAFFLES

ARTICLE BY MATTHEW SOUSA

Mother’s Day is the perfect occasion to treat Mom to a special homemade breakfast, and nothing says “I love you” like a plate of warm, fluffy Belgian waffles. These waffles are crispy on the outside, light and airy on the inside, and perfect for a delicious morning celebration.

CLASSIC BELGIAN WAFFLE RECIPE

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tbsp sugar

• 1 tbsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• 2 eggs, separated

• 1¾ cups milk

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1.  In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

2. In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks, then mix in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.

3. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.

4.  In another bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form, then gently fold them into the batter.

5. Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it. Pour in enough batter to cover the surface and cook until golden brown and crisp.

Serving Suggestions:

Top the waffles with fresh berries, whipped cream, and a drizzle of maple syrup or chocolate sauce. Pair with a hot cup of coffee or fresh orange juice for a perfect Mother’s Day surprise.

This simple yet elegant breakfast is a heartfelt way to show Mom just how much she means to you. Happy Mother’s Day!

BREAKFAST Mother’s Day

MAY 2026

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

MAY 9TH

Mom Fest at The Chicken Salad Chick DTC:

Celebrate Mom

Chicken Salad Chick DTC | 10:00 AM

Celebrate Mom at The Chick DTC with a lineup of women-owned businesses. Enjoy Colorado Fairy Hair from 12–4 PM, live music by School of Rock Aurora House Band from 2–4 PM, and a special Dog Mom patio training class with Erin Gianella of Perfect Pals. Follow @chickensaladchick_dtc for updates.

MAY 9TH THROUGH OCTOBER 31ST

University Hills Farmers Market in South Denver

Wellshire Presbyterian Church, 2999 S. Colorado Blvd., Denver 80222 | 9:00 AM

University Hills Farmers Market in South Denver runs every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. from May 9th through October 31st. All the faves will be there, from produce, food, beverage to wellness and crafts and live music. Visit www.farmersmarketscolorado.com for more details!

MAY 30TH - 31ST

Centennial Fine Art Festival

Streets at SouthGlenn

Centennial Fine Art Festival debuts May 30–31, 2026 at the Streets at SouthGlenn—a beautiful open-air destination for a weekend of juried fine art, live music, great food and hands-on fun. 6902 S. Vine Street, Centennial, Colorado. Come stroll the promenade, meet the artists and discover one-of-a-kind work you’ll love living with from paintings, sculpture, jewelry, glass, and ceramics to photography, wood, fiber and more.