Cullman, AL May 2026

Here's to the women!

Dear Readers,

May has a way of slowing us down just enough to notice the people around us.

The ones we see every day…the familiar faces behind our favorite shops, the voices on the other end of the phone, the women juggling more than we probably realize. This month, we wanted to take a moment to recognize them.

In this issue, we’re highlighting the women who are not only part of our local businesses — but also often the heart behind them. The ones who show up early, stay late and somehow make it all look effortless. The ones who are raising families, supporting friends and still finding a way to pour into something they’ve built.

Their stories aren’t always loud, but they are meaningful.

They are rooted in care, in consistency and in a deep connection to this community we all share. And when you take a closer look, you realize just how much of Cullman is shaped by their hands.

This month is simply a reminder to notice them. To support them. And to appreciate the quiet, steady ways they make our town feel like home.

We’re honored to share just a few of their stories with you.

With gratitude,

GURLEY, PUBLISHER

PUBLISHER

May 2026 Visit our Instagram

Missy Gurley | missy.gurley@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Wendy Sack | wendy.sack@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Lisa Jones of Lisa Jones Photography

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

LAYOUT DESIGNER Liz Nixon

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.

Proverbs 3:5-6

1: Shaun Mazur and Kris Allred representing Jack’s Western & Outdoor Wear at the Chamber Gala 2: Congratulations Reliable Fireplace & Patio on your ribbon cutting! 3: Maggie Keener, Irsih Keener and Brooke-Lynn Matthews represented Cullman County at the ALFA Jr. Livestock Expo. 4: Kathy Sims of Alfa Insurance visited a few local business on St. Patrick’s Day. 5: Dr. Jeremy and Jaci Hawkins at the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce Gala 6: We had a little snow in March! 7: The Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce held its Annual Meeting & Gala March 26.

8: Tami Rawls and Trina Walker at the Cullman Chamber Gala 9: Enjoying the Cullman Area Chamber Gala 10: A few Good Hope golfers waiting their turn to play at Cross Creek 11: Links for Literacy is a wonderful event in April. We loved their new shirts. 12: Kathy Sims of Alfa Insurance with St. Patrick’s Day treats at Classy Nails 13: A fun time at Jubilee with our R.I.S.E. Group of friends 14: Cullman Savings Bank had a wonderful time at the Cullman Association of Realtors’ bowling event.

ARTICLE BY WENDY SACK

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATIE

SUE HARRIS, LISA JONES PHOTOGRAPHY

‘It’s all INTERCONNECTED'

Dr. Katherine Vintson’s roots, holistic philosophy and faith

When Dr. Katherine Vintson, DO returned to Cullman to practice medicine, she wasn’t just coming home. She was stepping back into a community she understands.

A Cullman native now practicing at Cullman Internal Medicine, Vintson brings with her not only medical training, but also intimate knowledge of the culture and realities that shape her patients’ lives. That familiarity, she said, has transformed the way she connects with those she cares for.

“Culture shapes our health possibly more than anything else,” Vintson explained.

Knowing where her patients come from — literally and figuratively — allows her to meet them with empathy and practicality. Whether it’s helping someone find a safe place to exercise, a nearby pharmacy or reliable access to food, her care extends beyond the exam room.

A WOMAN’S PERSPECTIVE IN FAMILY MEDICINE

Family medicine demands breadth and depth: the ability to treat patients across ages, stages and circumstances, often over many years. For Vintson, being a woman and a mother has profoundly shaped how she approaches that responsibility.

“I read a quote once that said, ‘When you meet your daughter, you’ve just met the person that will be holding your hand when you die,’” she recalled. “I think most times this is true. I believe women have unique God-given qualities that allow us to give much of ourselves for the betterment of others while allowing that experience to fill us with more understanding and love and compassion for those we care for.”

Motherhood, she added, has made her a better physician. Experiencing pregnancy, childbirth and the challenges of postpartum life has given her a deeper awareness of pain, vulnerability and resilience. That empathy now informs how she cares for patients facing difficult diagnoses at any stage of life.

“You gain a level of awareness and empathy for others who are walking through difficult health experiences,” she said.

TREATING THE WHOLE PERSON

Vintson’s philosophy of care is distinctly holistic, rooted in the osteopathic belief that the body is an integrated unit of mind, body and spirit. That belief was forged not only in medical school, but also earlier, during a demanding season of her own life.

As an undergraduate living in Clarksville, Tennessee, while her husband was stationed at Fort Campbell, Vintson faced the emotional strain of rigorous coursework and the uncertainty of repeated deployments. During that time, she discovered the stabilizing power of exercise, nutrition and spiritual discipline. Access to gyms on base and on campus opened the door to learning about physical health, while personal study of nutrition and fitness helped her regain balance.

Vintson said she experimented with running and CrossFit before finding her stride in weightlifting, but the lesson ran deeper than fitness. Staying physically active, paying attention to nutrition and remaining spiritually grounded became essential tools.

“I really can’t separate one’s physical health from their spiritual or mental health,” she said. “It’s all interconnected.”

"I believe women have unique Godgiven qualities that allow us to give much of ourselves for the betterment of others..."

That means asking patients not only about symptoms, but also about stressors, fears and unmet needs.

Said Vintson, “Sometimes if I feel I am missing a piece of the puzzle I just have to stop and ask patients, ‘Is there anything else you need to tell me about or that you are worried about?’”

SMALL WINS, LASTING CHANGE

Though still early in her career, Vintson has already found meaning in the quiet victories that define preventative and chronic care. She spoke with pride about patients who haven’t seen a doctor in decades, only to discover pre-diabetes or diabetes — and then commit, day after day, to managing their health.

These stories, she said, affirm why she chose family medicine. “Knowledge is power,” Vintson explained. Helping patients understand their conditions gives them agency and control, replacing fear with confidence. For her, nothing is more rewarding than watching patients take responsibility for their health and see tangible results over time.

FAITH AT THE CENTER

Balancing a demanding medical career with motherhood, marriage and an active family life is no small task. For Vintson, faith weaves it all together. Her identity, she said, is found in Christ — and that conviction shapes her work and her home life.

“My work is definitely inspired by Him. More of Jesus, less of me,” she said, adding that she hopes her patients and colleagues see that reflected in her integrity, compassion and daily interactions. Prayer, though often unseen, she said, is a constant presence in her practice.

At home, her calling as a physician becomes a living example for her children. Around the dinner table, it’s not uncommon to hear her 5-year-old pray for “Mommy to help the sick people and have a good day.”

Guided by Colossians 3:23, Vintson said she strives to work “as if unto the Lord,” knowing perfection isn’t the goal. Faithfulness is.

“I am never perfect, but I can get up every day and try to do the next right thing, and that translates, ultimately in my career, to better outcomes for my patients.”

Inside the colorful world of Monograms Plus

'A LITTLE BIT QUIRKY'

ARTICLE BY WENDY SACK

Local favorite boutique Monograms Plus is a swirl of color and creativity. Owner Lynsey Todd has poured her heart into creating a shop that feels like home — with a dash of quirky charm.

Todd described the style of Monograms Plus with a smile: “Colorful, cheerful and a little bit quirky.”

She’s built a space designed to spark happiness. Think bright displays, patterns and gifts that feel personal and special.

Everything in the shop is chosen with intention. “At the end of the day, Monograms Plus is really about finding something for everyone and making people feel welcome,” Todd said.

Owning a business wasn’t always part of her plan. In fact, it once felt impossible. But after a lifetime in retail, the opportunity appeared — and she knew it was time to jump.

“It was definitely a leap of faith,” she admitted. “I was terrified!” But she also believed deeply in the vision of founder Margaret Hamm, who started Monograms Plus in her garage and grew it into three storefronts. Todd saw the chance to honor that legacy while expanding the store with new product categories and her own creative touch.

Her dream? “A store where people could find the perfect gift, treat themselves and leave happier than when they walked in.”

“What’s one behind-the-scenes moment that captures the reality of running the business?” we asked. Todd didn’t hesitate: “The holidays.”

Picture this — a stockroom overflowing with boxes, new merchandise arriving daily, displays being flipped at lightning speed and a team buzzing with energy. Add in homeschooling her child from the office, juggling everyone’s family schedules and running booths at Christkindlmarkt… and you’ve got the perfect snapshot of Monograms Plus in full festive mode.

“It’s definitely chaotic, but it’s also my favorite part,” she said. “You can feel the excitement of creating something special for our customers.”

What items is she loving most at the moment?Todd beams when she talks about the unexpected treasures that catch her eye. Right now, she’s obsessed with bright floral patterns in apparel, drinkware, home goods, stationery and jewelry.

But the real magic? “The coolest things in the store are the items that make people light up when they see them,” she said. She has a soft spot for gifts that solve the “hard-to-shop-for” dilemma — the unique pieces that make Monograms Plus stand out.

TODD’S ADVICE FOR A YOUNG WOMAN DREAMING OF OWNING HER OWN BUSINESS

“Don’t wait until you feel ready,” she said. “The truth is you probably never will, and you’ll always feel like you don’t know what you’re doing. Trust your vision, work hard and surround yourself with people who support you. Be willing to learn, embrace the mistakes and don’t shy away from doing something a little crazy. Some of the best things in life start that way.”

www.facebook.com/monogramsplus www.monogramsplusonline.com

"Be willing to learn, embrace mistakes and don’t shy away from doing something a little crazy. Some of the best things in life start that way.”

HAPPY TAILS, INDEED!

For business owner Page Dowdy, it’s all about relationships and family

ARTICLE BY WENDY SACK

PHOTOGRAPHY BY LISA JONES PHOTOGRAPHY, HAPPY TAILS

On any given morning at Happy Tails Groom & Board, you’ll hear a blend of cheerful barks, soft greetings from staff and the quiet hum of a place that feels more like a second home than a pet care facility. At the center of it all is the woman who built it: Page Dowdy.

“It starts with the team we’ve built and the time we invest in continuing to grow together.”

For her, the magic begins long before a dog ever steps onto the grooming table or into a play yard.

“I spend a great deal of time working alongside my staff, studying dog psychology and behavior and sharing what I’ve learned through hands-on experience and education,” said Dowdy. “Over the years I’ve traveled to multiple states to learn from respected trainers and behavior specialists. We are always learning, improving and looking for better ways to serve the dogs and families who trust us.”

The result is an environment where every dog is treated as an individual and clients feel instantly at ease.

Many clients have been with Dowdy from the very beginning. Some dogs start as wiggly puppies coming in for their first groom and stay through their senior years.

“It’s truly an honor,” she said. “Those long-term relationships remind us what we’ve built is more than a business. It’s a community. These animals feel like family.”

Dowdy’s leadership style was shaped by early experiences, mentors who believed in her and a desire to create a place where both people and pets feel safe and cared for.

One of her earliest influences was Dr. Bruce Lee, a veterinarian she worked for as a young kennel technician. “Watching the way he treated his clients — human and canine — left a lasting impression on me,” she recalled. “He genuinely cares about every person and animal that walked through his doors.”

That sense of warmth and trust became the blueprint for Happy Tails.

But as the business grew, so did the challenges. She went from doing everything herself — grooming, answering phones, scheduling appointments — to leading a team and protecting the heart of the culture she’d created.

More recently, her work with life and business coach Linda Stone helped her recognize the leader she’d already become. “Her mentorship helped me grow into that role and bring out the best in myself and our team,” Dowdy said. “I have complete trust in them. They help make Happy Tails the special place it is.”

As Happy Tails expanded with boarding, daycare, training and, eventually, the Balanced Pack Club, her role evolved. She now spends much of her time shaping the direction of the business and mentoring.

Still, she remains deeply connected to the work happening on the ground.

“I love stepping in to help with a nervous dog or supporting our trainers,” said Dowdy. “Staying connected to the day-to-day work is important to me.”

Her team’s strength also allows her to be a visible presence in the community. She attends weekly business networking meetings, sharing insights on dog behavior, responsible care and building balanced relationships with pets. And behind the scenes, her family — especially her husband — plays a vital role. After retiring from the restaurant industry, he joined Happy Tails to help lead customer relations and manage the financial side of the business.

“His support has meant everything,” Dowdy said. “It allows me to do the work I love while staying present for the people who matter most.”

Most days begin with administrative work. But the moments that light her up are the ones spent with the dogs and the team.

“Nothing makes me happier than helping a team member work with a nervous dog or giving a tour to someone seeing Happy Tails for the first time,” she said.

And mentorship is one of her greatest joys. “Seeing a trainer have a breakthrough or watching a dog gain confidence — that’s what makes the work so rewarding.”

“Always remember who you are and why you started. Your vision may grow or change over time, and that’s normal. What matters is staying grounded in your values.”

Dowdy started grooming at just 19, and in 2011, she opened the original Happy Tails — a small grooming salon with big dreams. A few years later, she and her husband purchased a horse farm and transformed the stables into dog-friendly boarding suites, creating Cullman’s first in-home boarding experience.

In 2018, Happy Tails moved into its current facility, bringing grooming, boarding, daycare and training together under one roof.

Over the past two years, Dowdy’s passion for dog psychology has taken her across the country, including training at the Dog Psychology Center with Cesar Millan. Today, every service at Happy Tails is rooted in understanding how dogs think and communicate.

Dowdy is a wife and mother first. She and her husband have been married 17 years and have two daughters, Madeline and Georgia. Family life revolves around travel and competitive swimming. She also serves on the board of directors for Hope Horses, Inc., where she volunteers weekly and is involved in student lessons.

When asked what she’d tell young women pursuing their passions, she answered, “Always remember who you are and why you started… When you lead with integrity and compassion, success tends to follow naturally.”

www.facebook.com/happytailscullman www.happytailsgroomandboard.com

ARTICLE BY WENDY SACK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY VARIOUS

7 women shaping local businesses

THESE ENTREPRENEURS ARE BLAZING THEIR OWN PATHS

BECCA MCLEROY

Travel Concierge and Advisor , CCTC Travel Agency www.cupcakecastlestravel.com/beccamcleroy

I am a dedicated travel concierge and advisor with CCTC Travel Agency, passionate about turning dream vacations into seamless, unforgettable experiences. I specialize in personalized travel planning — from luxury getaways and cruises to family adventures and international escapes — handling every detail so my clients can relax and enjoy the journey. With insider knowledge, exclusive perks and a commitment to exceptional service, I ensure each trip is thoughtfully curated and stress-free from start to finish.

ASHLEA CHANCE

Owner, Mavens & Makers

www.facebook.com/MavensandMakers

Founded in 2019, Mavens & Makers is a vibrant local hub celebrating the talents of regional artisans and farmers. We offer a curated selection of handcrafted goods, farmfresh meats and gourmet foods and spices. Our shelves are stocked with high-quality kitchen wares — from pots and pans to precision knives — and we regularly host engaging cooking classes and demonstrations that bring our community together through creativity and flavor.

AMBER KEENER

Co-Owner and Farmer, Bare Bottom Farms www.barebottomfarms.com

Bare Bottom Farms is your local, family-run micro dairy in north Alabama, offering fresh raw dairy, pasture-raised meats and wholesome farm goods you can feel good about bringing home. As the 2024 Alabama Conservation Farmer of the Year, we're committed to caring for our land as well as our animals and educating you along the way. Veteran-owned, family operated, kid-approved. We will see you at the farm.

GINA CLEVENGER

Pharmacist / Health and Wellness Partner ginacrph@gmail.com

With 32 years of experience as a pharmacist, I have seen significant changes in health care, including a growing interest in natural and holistic approaches. While I support the appropriate use of pharmaceuticals, I also recognize the value of integrating natural solutions into overall wellness. By combining my clinical background with a passion for natural medicine, I help individuals take proactive steps toward better health. I would be happy to connect and discuss how this approach may support your health goals.

JAN KINNEY

Owner / Consultant, Key HR Partners, LLC  www.keyhrpartners.com

Key HR Partners specializes in providing tailored human resources consulting services to support small and emerging businesses. The company focuses on compliance, employee relations, recruiting, benefits and performance management, plus all the business essentials such as employee handbooks and policies to make your company guidelines consistent and effective. Services are designed to meet diverse client needs through ad hoc, retainer or project-based engagements, with flexible pricing options. Offering flexible engagement options, services are available on an ad hoc basis, via retainer or as project-based solutions with pricing structured hourly or per project based on the scope of work.

DEIRDRE WARD

Wellness Advocate, Wellness with Deirdre https://tinyurl.com/WellnesswithDeirdre

Wellness with Deirdre is dedicated to helping individuals restore their health, confidence and overall well-being through simple, intentional daily habits and high-quality wellness products. I believe true wellness starts from within — physically, mentally and spiritually. One of the core products I share is MOA, a powerful superfood blend rich in antioxidants that helps reduce inflammation and support the body at a cellular level. My mission is to educate, encourage and empower others — especially women — to take back control of their health, walk in confidence and become the best version of themselves in every area of life.

PAM DODD

Owner, The Patio at Smith Lake www.thepatioatsmithlake.com thepatiosmithal@gmail.com 256-318-4555

Nestled along the serene shores of Smith Lake, The Patio at Smith Lake has become far more than just an event venue — it has grown into a destination where beauty, connection and peace come together in a truly unforgettable way. What began as a single venue has thoughtfully expanded into a collection of unique spaces, each designed to enhance the overall experience. The Pavilion at Smith Lake offers an inviting setting for gatherings of all kinds, while The Pines at Smith Lake provides a picturesque and intimate backdrop nestled among towering trees. The newest addition, The Lodge at Smith Lake, now welcomes up to 12 overnight guests, creating an opportunity for extended stays and deeper connection. Enhancing the experience even further, guests can now gather around the new 600-square-foot outdoor gas fire pit — perfect for relaxed evenings filled with conversation under the stars. At the heart of it all is a simple yet powerful vision: to create a space where people can come together to celebrate life’s most meaningful moments.

"You can't be that kid standing at the top of the water slide, overthinking it. You have to go down the chute."

— TINA FEY

Wellness in Full Bloom

Helps

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

MAY 9TH

Kicking It for the Kids

Cullman County Fairgrounds | 1:00 PM

Join us for an exciting day of fun, connection and giving back at our family-friendly event! Bring the whole family out from 1-6 p.m. for an afternoon filled with community leaders, local bands, outreach and education from local support groups, food trucks, inflatables, animal education and petting zoo, food drive, raffle prizes and more. Benefits Cullman Caring for Kids. https://tinyurl.com/KIFTK2026

MAY 16TH

Dinner on First

Cullman Warehouse District on First Avenue | 6:00 PM

A decade of dining together. Join us for an evening under the lights. One long table, great food and a night spent connecting with friends, neighbors and local businesses. This year’s event will support the transformation of a historic church into a dedicated Arts Center for Cullman Community Theatre, Choir, Band and other cultural programs. www.dinneronfirst.com

A Timepiece for Her Season

Celebrating strength, grace, and timeless style.

This May, honor the women who lead with confidence and live with intention.

Elevate every moment with a piece her story. Curated luxury timepiece’s. Authenticity, Craftsmanship. Legacy. Shop in-store or online Cullman, Alabama. www.kingdomwatchcompay.com @kingdomwatchguy

CONTINUED

MAY 16TH

53rd Annual Arley Day Festival

D.H. Hamner Memorial Park | 7:00 AM

Pancake breakfast 7-8:30 a.m. at the Arley Fire Station. Parade begins at 8. Festival activities begin at 8 and include a car show, vendors and two water slides, horseback rides, obstacle course, games, free hot dog lunch and more for the kids. Pickleball tournament at 8. Festival runs until 2 p.m. Admission is free. www.facebook.com/ArleyWomensClub

MAY 23RD-24TH

Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic

Point Mallard Park, Decatur | 6:00 AM

Hot air balloons, food and vendors, entertainment, arts and crafts, auto show and tractor show. Free admission and free parking. www.alabamajubilee.net

MAY 23RD

Smith Lake Park Memorial Day Festival

Smith Lake Park | 9:00 AM

This year's Smith Lake Park Memorial Day Festival will be held on Saturday, May 23, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. There will be live entertainment, food trucks and arts and crafts vendors throughout the event area.

MAY 30TH

Relay For Life

Depot Park | 5:00 PM

Join us for an evening filled with hope, connection and purpose as we honor survivors, support caregivers and stand united in the mission to end cancer. Bring your team, family, friends and passion for the cause. From opening ceremonies to the final lap, every moment helps fuel the impact we’re making together. Let’s light up the night with hope. www.facebook.com/RFLCullmanAL

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