Edina, MN May 2026

Celebrating Women: Local Strength, Style, Spirit

Welcome to the Ladies’ Issue!

This community is so lucky to have lots of wonderful women focused on connection and supporting others. Personally, I am blessed with fabulous and strong females in both my personal and professional life, and am more than grateful for the positive impact and influence they have every day.

Working on this issue, we learned more about Dr. Adepero Okulaja and her practice, The Doctor’s House. Dr. O specializes in internal and integrated medicine with a “whole life” approach to wellness. She brings medical knowledge, holistic expertise, laughter, kindness and a wonderful uplifting spirit to her patients. The practice has also expanded services to include aesthetics, weight management, and are currently booking complimentary consultations to help you get started.

Aging, downsizing, moving, and making changes later in life has challenges. WellRive, formerly known as Gentle Transitions, is a reputable and experienced company that can make these next steps easier. We met with Kaleigh Brooks, head of operations at the Edina location, to discuss how they can make a difference and lend a hand with some of the tough transition decisions.

Cellular health is important for us as humans. With over 40 trillion (yes, trillion) in the body, it’s sometimes a topic we take for granted. Stacy Lemmer, owner of the DRIPBaR in Edina, shares how feeding cells, maintaining them, and incorporating essential vitamins and peptides into your body on a regular basis can help fuel energy levels, optimize skin and metabolic health, help to strengthen the immune system, and reduce inflammation.

On a fun note, we wanted to introduce you to someone on a national scale. Becky Hillyard, blogger and influencer of Cella Jane Blog. Becky shares some current trends as well as how she grew her business from a fun, side hobby to an empire.

Whether you are a mother, grandmother, daughter, aunt, sister or friend…thank you for being a rock and pillar in this world, and cheers to all of you.

Happy Spring,

May 2026

PUBLISHER

Alexandra Patty | alexandra.patty@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Sarah Knieff | sarah.knieff@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Susan Shannon | susan.shannon@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sue Baldani, Kali Kasorzyk, Sarah Knieff

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Lucy Hawthorne, Andrew Vick

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Mary Albers

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler

ALEXANDRA PATTY, PUBLISHER

3:5-6

Where Healing Feels Like Home

Arrive

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

Standard Heating participated in the first round NFL Minnesota Vikings Draft Party at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Want to be seen in the magazine?

SENIORS

We always say the one photo that I take over the course of my career that has the most longevity on someone’s wall is the High School senior photo. To this day, my mom will rotate out photos of my kids but the one constant is my senior photo from Edina High School. Popular family session add-on available for 2026.

LUNSETH Launches Quiet, Emission-Free Electric Lawn Care

LUNSETH now offers electric mowing services. Our weekly mowing is powered entirely by battery-operated equipment, and our trailer is pulled by an all-electric Ford Lightning—eliminating emissions while delivering a significantly quieter, cleaner experience. We maintain your lawn at an optimal height to help it withstand summer heat, carefully trim along edges for a polished look, and return clippings to the turf to naturally nourish and strengthen your grass. (612) 9134899 or organiclawnsbylunseth.com

Celebrate Mom in Style at COV Edina

Families flock to COV Edina on Mother’s Day to celebrate Mom with delicious coastal-American dishes, fresh seasonal fare, and a warm atmosphere that feels both festive and relaxed. Guests enjoy catching up over flavorful entrees, sharing laughs on the patio, and toasting to the special woman in their lives. It’s the perfect spot to make lasting memories together while savoring great food and attentive service. covedina.com

Indulge and Refresh at France Nails & Spa

Treat yourself to a little pampering at France Nails & Spa in Edina, where relaxation meets beauty. This charming salon offers everything from manicures and pedicures to gel, acrylics, waxing, and lash services—all in a welcoming, stress-free atmosphere. Guests love the attention to detail, wide range of polish colors, and friendly, skilled technicians. Whether it’s a quick touch-up or a full spa day, France Nails & Spa makes self-care feel effortless. francenailsandspa.com.

Ask Susan

Dear Susan: What’s the

women make - and how can we avoid it?

Susan:

It’s not always overspending—it’s stepping out of the conversation altogether. This can include not having the discipline to consistently save and invest for the future. I often see women avoid working with a financial advisor because they’re worried about losing control, or they avoid investment risk simply because they don’t fully understand what risk actually is. In reality, the right advisor helps you gain more control—and avoiding that support can be short-sighted over time.

Snap the QR code below for my full video with important tips on taking control of your financial future, with clarity and confidence. Tips I’ve learned over 25 years as the Founder and CEO of my financial advisory firm, Stiles Financial Services.

Susan Stiles is the Founder / CEO of Stiles Financial Services; an independent, fee-based, private wealth management financial advisory firm, specializing in families that have complex portfolio, wealth management and estate planning needs. We also advise companies on their retirement benefit plans and corporate cash management. Send “AskSusan” questions to: AskSusan@stilesfinancial.com.

feels like home WHERE HEALING

The Doctor’s House is redefining modern medicine through integrative care, root-cause healing, and a deeply personal approach to wellness.

ARTICLE BY SARAH KNIEFF | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LUCY HAWTHORNE

Located in Edina, The Doctor’s House offers a refreshing departure from today’s fast-paced, transactional healthcare model. Founded by Dr. Adepero Okulaja in 2017, the practice is built on a simple yet powerful promise: that patients deserve to feel heard, understood, and genuinely cared for. Here, appointments are unhurried, care is deeply personalized, and healing is approached through the lens of the whole person—body, mind, and spirit.

“We were never taught how to keep patients well. We were always taught how to treat patients,” says Dr. Okulaja. That realization became the catalyst for building a practice centered on prevention, root-cause medicine, and whole-person care.

A CALLING ROOTED IN EXPERIENCE

Dr. Okulaja’s journey to founding The Doctor’s House is as layered as the care she provides. Originally from Nigeria, she moved to the United States in 1994 and eventually completed her medical training, including a med-peds residency. Her early career in traditional healthcare systems revealed both the strengths—and the limitations—of conventional medicine.

While practicing, a pivotal moment reshaped her perspective. A young patient struggling with severe depression was found to have a vitamin D deficiency. “After treatment, this boy who had been nonverbal became verbal,” she recalls. “That began my love affair with integrative medicine.”

Equally transformative was her growing awareness that many patients, despite “normal” lab results, still felt unwell. “If a patient comes in and their numbers look good, medicine has no other option for them except to say, ‘Your numbers look good—what’s wrong with you?’” she says. “That didn’t sit right with me.”

These experiences, combined with her own personal health challenges, ultimately led her to step away from a large health system and create something new. “I had no plan,” she admits. “But I had a vision—a place where patients feel at home, safe, heard, and truly cared for. And that’s how The Doctor’s House was born.”

MEDICINE THAT TREATS THE WHOLE PERSON

At its core, The Doctor’s House is built on a simple but powerful philosophy: treat the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. This approach informs every service offered, from internal medicine and chronic disease management to IV therapy, medical aesthetics, and women’s health.

“I believe medicine is science, art, and heart,” Dr. Okulaja explains. “You have to have a heart for your patients.” CONTINUED >

Her approach to internal medicine reflects that philosophy. While she diagnoses and treats conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders, she also looks deeper—exploring emotional, environmental, and lifestyle factors that may be contributing to illness.

“If we’re going to get rid of a tree, we don’t cut the branches—we uproot it,” she says, describing her commitment to root-cause medicine.

That mindset has earned her a reputation as a physician who doesn’t give up. Many patients arrive after seeing multiple providers without answers. “They come because they’ve heard that I don’t stop until we find out what’s going on,” she says.

THE POWER OF LISTENING

Sometimes, the most powerful tool in Dr. Okulaja’s practice isn’t a lab test or medication— it’s conversation.

She recalls a patient with suddenly elevated blood pressure despite a previously healthy history. Instead of immediately prescribing medication, Dr. Okulaja spent time talking through her life stressors and emotional well-being.

“She just needed someone to talk to,” she says. “When she came back, her blood pressure was perfect.”

Moments like these reinforce her belief that physical symptoms often have deeper roots. “Everything that happens to us expresses itself in the body,” she explains. “It may be physical, but it may also be emotional or spiritual.”

THE L.I.F.E. PROTOCOL: WELLNESS AT THE CELLULAR LEVEL

One of the practice’s most distinctive offerings is the TDH L.I.F.E. Protocol—Lifestyle, Integrative, Functional Medicine Evaluations. These visits focus on identifying and correcting nutrient deficiencies through advanced lab testing and personalized care plans.

“I focus on the building blocks of the body,” says Dr. Okulaja. “Once I give the body what it needs, I trust it to do what it was designed to do.”

Patients often report increased energy, improved mood, and better overall health after addressing underlying imbalances. The protocol may include vitamin and mineral supplementation, IV therapy, and ongoing wellness coaching—all tailored to the individual.

INNOVATION MEETS ACCESSIBILITY

The Doctor’s House operates as a hybrid practice, accepting both insurance and self-pay patients. Same-day appointments, telemedicine services, and in-house lab capabilities make care accessible and efficient.

Despite its boutique feel, the clinic is highly connected. With an advanced electronic medical record system and partnerships across the country, Dr. Okulaja can coordinate care for patients locally and internationally.

“I have patients from Alabama, North Carolina, even Nigeria and the UAE,” she says. “It’s all been word of mouth.”

BEAUTY, INSIDE AND OUT

“We don’t conceal—we enhance. Our goal is to bring out the best in our patients, inside and out.”

A COMMITMENT TO PREVENTION AND EARLY DETECTION

Preventive care is another cornerstone of the practice. From annual wellness exams to advanced multi-cancer early detection tests, Dr. Okulaja emphasizes catching health issues before they become serious.

“Early detection is the best way to maximize outcomes,” she notes.

Her proactive approach extends to weight management, where medically supervised programs—including GLP-1 treatments—are paired with nutrition, lifestyle coaching, and micronutrient support for sustainable results.

In addition to medical services, The Doctor’s House recently introduced The Doctor’s House of Natural Beauty, offering customized facials and aesthetic treatments designed to enhance—not mask—natural features.

“We don’t conceal—we enhance,” says Dr. Okulaja. “Our goal is to bring out the best in our patients, inside and out.”

A TEAM WITH HEART

While Dr. Okulaja is the driving force behind the practice, she emphasizes the importance of her team. “I can’t do what I do alone,” she says. “My goal has always been to have people who share the same heart for patients.”

That shared commitment is evident from the moment patients walk through the door—a welcoming, supportive environment where they are treated as individuals, not numbers.

WHERE WELLNESS FEELS LIKE HOME

Ultimately, The Doctor’s House lives up to its name. It’s a place where patients feel comfortable, cared for, and empowered in their health journey.

“You are not just a number,” Dr. Okulaja says. “You are a whole, breathing human being—and you deserve care that reflects that.”

In a world where healthcare can feel impersonal, The Doctor’s House stands apart—proving that when medicine is practiced with science, art, and heart, healing truly begins.

thedrshouse.com or (612) 333-4834

ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREW VICK

arrive well, live well

Making the transition to a new home easier for seniors

Moving is stressful, and for those in the later stages of their lives, it can be even more overwhelming. This is where WellRive, a move solutions company, can help. “We’re here to support seniors in this major life event,” says Kaleigh Brooks, director of operations. A division of CRI, which focuses on corporate relocations, WellRive is a natural extension of its parent company.

The first step in the WellRive (Arrive Well, Live Well) process is a phone call to the Edina office, and it’s never too early to make it. “During that call, they're able to chat with one of our client service advisors and share whatever information they’re comfortable sharing about their move,” she says. This may include their address, the size of their home, and when they plan to move. Then, if the caller wants to move forward, a client consultation and a complimentary initial visit can be scheduled.

“They’ll go out, meet the potential client and see the space, and from there, they'll be able to break down the different plans and put together an estimate. If the client

then wants to move forward, we'll schedule everything that they want us to do.”

The solutions the company provides are varied and tailored to exactly what each client needs and wants. “We can come and just pack and unpack,” says Kaleigh. “We can schedule the move for you, or get floor plans ready for you, or  coordinate absolutely everything for you.”

The team can even recreate the layout of the original house so seniors can feel more at home right away. “We also partner with quite a few of the senior communities and actually help provide floor plans for them to hand out to the residents who’ll be moving in. From there, we can offer three different levels of floor planning services.”

The first one is pretty basic and involves a magnetic board and small magnetic pieces shaped like couches, beds, and tables. These are then arranged according to clients’ preferences. Furniture measurements are taken to ensure the pieces will fit in their designated spaces. WellRive can also provide more sophisticated 2D and 3D floor planning.

“We are a sounding board, a social worker, a therapist, a packer—anything that the client needs us to be.”

Kaleigh Brooks, Director of Operations

Since many of its clients are downsizing, WellRive also helps with paring down their belongings. “Our clients might have too much content for their new place, and so they're trying to figure out what they're going to do with all the furniture, artwork, and other things they've had in their homes that have memories attached to them,” she says. “We do downsizing sessions with them in preparation for the move, and keeping the same consistent team helps build trust and relationships with our clients.”

She adds, “Something that doesn't get talked about enough is the challenges that family members face too because they have to watch their parents get rid of years of stuff that they’ve had forever.”

CONTINUED >

This is why having someone neutral who isn’t invested in the items can be more helpful. “It's a lot harder for family members to be the ones to assist with this versus someone who becomes a friend of the client. It works well because we’re able to establish trust during the process, but at the same time, we’re not directly relating to those memories.”

All managers and team members undergo extensive training to help them navigate a client's needs. “For example, if they need more emotional support during the whole process, our move managers tailor their plans and their estimates so that they can be there to give that one-on-one support if needed,” says Kaleigh.”

After the relocation, the move manager usually has one last meeting or stays a little later to say goodbye and make sure everything is in place. The following week, a client service advisor will call to see how they’re settling in and find out if there's anything else they can do for them.

WellRive brought the well-known Gentle Transitions into its organization a few years ago, says Kaleigh. “Being a young career woman in this field, I feel really proud to be associated and a part of the Gentle Transitions legacy, because that really is what we are. We are a sounding board, a social worker, a therapist, a packer—anything that the client needs us to be.”

WellRive.com (952) 944-1028

ARTICLE BY SARAH KNIEFF

HEALTH AT THE Cellular LEVEL

How Vitamins and Peptides Are Shaping the Future of Wellness

As we continue to focus on proactive wellness, the conversation is shifting from surface-level health to something far more foundational: our cells. At The DRIPBaR, owner Stacy Lemmer is helping clients rethink what it truly means to feel well—starting with the more than 40 trillion cells that make up the human body.

“We really need to start thinking of our health at the cellular level,” Lemmer explains. “Every cell needs vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants to not only survive, but to thrive.”

That philosophy sits at the core of The DRIPBaR’s approach, which combines vitamin therapy and peptide treatments to support what Lemmer describes as the body’s natural ability to heal itself. While modern medicine often focuses on treating symptoms, this approach emphasizes creating an internal environment where cells can function as they were designed to.

WHY CELLULAR HEALTH MATTERS MORE THAN EVER

According to Lemmer, one of the biggest challenges today is that our bodies are no longer getting the nutrients they once did from food alone.

“We’re not getting that from our food any longer,” she says, pointing to factors like soil depletion, chemical exposure, and food processing. Even when people try to supplement, there’s another hurdle: absorption.

When vitamins are consumed orally, they pass through the digestive system, where a significant portion is broken down before the body can use them. IV vitamin therapy bypasses this process entirely, delivering nutrients directly into the bloodstream for near-total absorption.

“People really feel the difference when their cells have the nutrients that they need,” Lemmer notes.

This direct delivery system is one reason IV therapy has surged in popularity. Clients report increased energy, improved sleep, reduced brain fog, and even healthier hair, skin, and nails when treatments are done consistently rather than as a one-time fix.

THE REGENERATION FACTOR

One of the most compelling aspects of cellular health is that the body is constantly rebuilding itself. Some cells regenerate in hours, others over months or years—but all are influenced by their environment.

“The environment that they grow up in determines if they’re going to be a healthy, thriving cell, or more susceptible to disease and decay,” Lemmer explains. “What we do today affects us not only tomorrow, but 10 years from now.”

She often compares cellular health to physical fitness. “You wouldn’t go to the gym one time and expect results—you keep going back. It’s the same with our cells.”

ENTER PEPTIDES: THE NEXT FRONTIER

While vitamin therapy lays the foundation, peptides are quickly emerging as a powerful next step in optimizing health. With growing attention from regulators and increasing availability through compounding pharmacies, peptides are poised to become a major focus in the wellness space.

“Peptides are really starting to be considered the future of health and medicine,” Lemmer says.

Naturally produced in the body, peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as signaling molecules. They tell the body to perform specific functions—like repairing tissue, producing hormones, or regulating metabolism.

“When you put these amino acids in a chain, they actually function as a signal… they tell the body to do something,” she explains.

As we age, these signals weaken. That’s where peptide therapy comes in—helping to restore communication within the body and promote functions that may have slowed over time.

At The DRIPBaR, clients have access to a range of peptides – from FDA approved compounding pharmacies –  designed for targeted benefits, from tissue repair and fat metabolism to skin rejuvenation and energy support. Lemmer notes that many clients begin to notice tangible improvements in how they feel, especially when peptides are combined with consistent vitamin therapy.

FROM FEELING “FINE” TO FEELING STRONG

For many clients—busy professionals, parents, and active individuals—the goal isn’t just avoiding illness. It’s achieving sustained energy, mental clarity, and resilience.

“People want to go from not just feeling fine, but feeling strong and sharp and resilient,” Lemmer says.

CONTINUED >

“The environment that they grow up in determines if they’re going to be a healthy, thriving cell, or more susceptible to disease and decay. What we do today affects us not only tomorrow, but 10 years from now.”

This is particularly important in today’s high-demand lifestyles, where stress, travel, and packed schedules can take a toll on the body. By supporting cellular health, vitamin and peptide therapies aim to create a more stable foundation for long-term wellness.

A PROACTIVE APPROACH TO LONGEVITY

Beyond day-to-day benefits, Lemmer emphasizes that these therapies are part of a larger, proactive approach to health and longevity.

“This is about improving quality of life— helping your body feel better and function better over time,” she says.

That includes not only general wellness, but also supporting the body during times of stress or illness. By strategically combining vitamins and nutrients, therapies can be tailored to support immune function, recovery, and overall resilience.

Ultimately, the message is simple but powerful: health doesn’t start at the surface—it starts at the cellular level.

And as Lemmer puts it, “Once people understand that, it really opens their eyes to what’s possible.”

3515 W 70th St. | 612-429-6822 edina.thedripbar.com

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

events

SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS, APRIL 11TH - MAY 10TH

Bridgerton Afternoon Tea

The Westin Edina Galleria

Indulge in a Bridgerton-inspired afternoon tea experience that channels the elegance and romance of the Regency era. Guests can dress in their finest, enjoy a spring-floral setting, and savor a curated menu of finger sandwiches, scones with cream and jam, and signature sweet treats—each nodding to the beloved series’ stylish world. It’s a charming, genteel treat for fans and foodies alike. edinaweekendwonders.com.

MAY 3RD

Miami Grand Prix Watch Party

Galleria Edina | 3:00 PM

Come join Mille Motor Club for an exciting F1 viewing experience, where race day energy meets a stylish, social atmosphere. Watch the action unfold alongside fellow fans while enjoying provided drinks and snacks. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the thrill of Formula 1, connect with the community, and soak in every high-speed moment together. galleriaedina.com.

MAY 16TH

Free Spring Buckthorn Dump

7420 Braemar Blvd., Edina | 8:00 AM

Edina residents are invited to take advantage of a free opportunity to responsibly dispose of invasive buckthorn and help protect local ecosystems. This community initiative makes it easy to clear unwanted brush while learning best practices for safe removal and prevention. With simple guidelines in place, participants can contribute to a healthier, more sustainable landscape for all. edinamn.gov.

MAY 16TH

ALS SuperHero 5K/10K Dash

Harriet Island Regional Park | 9:00 AM

Join a passionate community committed to ending ALS through action and awareness. This inspiring endurance-based fundraising initiative invites participants to run, ride, walk, or take on athletic challenges while supporting vital research and care. With every mile and every dollar raised, participants help advance treatment efforts and bring hope to individuals and families affected by ALS. als.org.

MAY 29TH - 30TH

Flint Hills Family Festival

Ordway Center for the Performing Arts

Kick off summer with this beloved arts festival designed for families and curious minds of all ages. Featuring lively performances, handson art activities, and a mix of free outdoor entertainment and ticketed indoor shows, the celebration brings creativity to life—inviting kids and adults alike to explore, play, and be inspired together. ordway.org

MAY 31ST

Walls of Wonder and Fluttering Forms

Minneapolis Institute of Art | 2:00 PM

Dive into modern art with a compelling talk that illuminates the abstract visions of two influential Japanese artists. Explore how the dynamic forms, vibrant prints, and inventive techniques of Yoshida Hodaka and Chizuko push the boundaries of woodblock and modernist expression, revealing both contrast and connection in their creative approaches. new.artsmia.org