CELEBRATING WOMEN IN THE WORKFORCE
AWAKEN YOUR INNER
AWAKEN YOUR INNER
Creative Elements
Creative Elements
Thinking about making some changes in your home? Dreaming about a new kitchen or bathroom you saw on Pinterest or Houzz? Whether it is changing your current look for more modern, clean lines, updating the traditional to more transitional,or simply making your space more functional, Creative Elements is ready to make your next step a reality
Seeing is Believing
Nestled along the shores of Lake Grapevine, Lakeside Village blends nature, dining, shopping, and living into one vibrant destination. Stroll the trails and take in the waterfront views, discover a mix of boutique shops and local favorites, gather with friends at restaurants that turn meals into memories, or make your home here at one of our thoughtfully designed residences. everything awaits at our water’s edge
The Never-Ending Balancing Act of a Working Mom
May has always felt like a celebration of strength, beauty, and resilience, and this issue is no exception. Our Ladies Issue is dedicated to the incredible women entrepreneurs in our community who are building businesses, leading with passion, and showing up every day with purpose.
As a fellow woman entrepreneur, this one is especially close to my heart.
I know firsthand that behind every success story is a balancing act that often goes unseen. The early mornings, the late nights, and the constant pull between business goals and family priorities. There are days when the lines blur, when you question if you are giving enough to the people who matter most, and moments when you wonder how it all fits together. And yet, we continue, driven by purpose, passion, and the desire to create something meaningful.
As a wife, a mother of three, and the owner of six franchises, I understand the constant juggle. Life does not slow down, and neither do the responsibilities. What has grounded me through it all is the belief that we are not meant to do this alone. Through leading women’s business and networking groups, I have seen firsthand the power of connection. When women come together to support one another, share resources, and open doors, incredible things happen.
I truly believe in lifting as we climb and choosing collaboration over competition. There is space for all of us to succeed, and when one woman wins, it creates momentum for others to rise alongside her.
The women featured in this issue embody that same spirit. They are visionaries, risk-takers, and community builders. They have faced challenges, embraced growth, and carved out paths not just for themselves, but for others to follow. Their stories are not just inspiring, they are real, relatable, and rooted in hard work.
This issue is a celebration of all of you. The dreamers, the doers, the women who wear many hats and somehow make it all work. You are seen, you are valued, and your impact is greater than you know.
Here is to continuing the journey together.
With gratitude,
ANGI BURNS, PUBLISHER @CROSSTIMBERSLIFESTYLE
Correction to caption found on page 15 of the April issue - The intended caption was: From left to right: Connor Price, Financial Advisor, Merrill Wealth Management; Jeffery Price, Managing Director, Wealth Management Advisor, Merrill Wealth Management; and Trenton Owens, Senior Financial Advisor, Merrill Wealth Management.
May 2026
PUBLISHER
Angi Burns | angi.burns@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Valerie Merrick | valerie.merrick@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Deborah Dove | debie.dove@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Kathy Moreno | kathy.moreno@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Britt Barber | britt.barber@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Ashton Burns | ashton.burns@citylifestyle.com
STAFF WRITERS
Fatima Durrani, Tiffany Ditto, Deborah Dove
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Macy Alex Photography
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Kali Kasorzk, Stacey Maness, Amy Salvagno
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Ryan Bayron: Happy Box Productions, Christian West: West Images, Jodie Jolley: Aven Willow Portraits
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich
LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
Jeffery D. Price, CPFA® Managing Director Wealth Management Advisor 817.410.4940 jeffery_price@ml.com Congratulations to Price & Associates for being ranked No. 1 in the state of Texas - North (High Net Worth) on the Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams” 2026 list. Published on January 7, 2026. Rankings based on data as of March 31, 2025.
Merrill Lynch Wealth Management 601 State Street Suite 100 Southlake, TX 76092 advisor.ml.com/sites/tx/southlake-tx/price
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1-7: What a fantastic St. Patrick’s Day celebration at Lakeside DFW in Flower Mound this March! Flower Mound City Lifestyle had an absolute blast serving as one of the Family Fun Zone booth sponsors. From the incredible live music by Emerald City Band to the delicious food vendors and all the festive activities, the energy was nonstop fun for the whole community.
One Year Down, Many More to Come!
Apex Men’s Wellness celebrated its one-year anniversary with a ribbon cutting at Integrative Therapy Spa in Flower Mound. Serving the DFW area, the clinic specializes in TRT, functional medicine, weight loss, and peptide therapy. Led by board-certified nurse practitioner Aina Bruce, the practice delivers personalized, evidence-based care focused on restoring energy, performance, and overall wellness. Located Inside Integrative Therapy Spa, 1029 Long Prairie Rd # C, Flower Mound, TX 75022.
Photography by Flower Mound Chamber of Commerce
Welcome to the Chamber!
Proton Products, LLC celebrated its ribbon cutting, highlighting its expertise in high-precision measurement and process control systems. The company supports manufacturers in improving efficiency, reducing waste, and optimizing production through advanced, cutting-edge technology solutions.
ROOF AUTO
After a storm hits, you have a lot of people knocking on your door, all of them making big promises. How do you know who to trust for your hail-damaged ROOF or AUTO?
Here’s what sets us apart: we’re a true LOCAL company. Our owner lives right here in Flower Mound, and we serve a three hour radius around DFW.
With us, you’re not just getting a roof or auto hail repair -- you’re getting peace of mind from a neighbor who’s committed to doing it right.
Photography by Lewisville Area Chamber of Commerce
From conceptualizing and planning to design and construction, Southwest Pools is a full-ser vice design-build team dedicated to creating exquisite outdoor spaces that
HVBA Is the Place to Grow Your Business!
Business owners and local professionals gather and enjoy connecting at Highland Village Business Association events, where community and collaboration take center stage. Stay in the loop on upcoming 2026 events by signing up for the HVBA newsletter at https://thehvba.com/95/Newsletters.
Photography by Highland Village Business Association
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.
Becky in Splendid x @CellaJaneBlog Spring 2026 Collection
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
YOUR WORK MATTERS. YOUR VOICE MATTERS. YOUR LEADERSHIP MATTERS. YOU MATTER.
TAKING OUR SEAT
BY JODIE JOLLEY AND RYAN BAYRON
AT THE TABLE
There is a moment many women experience, whether they admit it out loud or not. It happens in a boardroom, at a networking event, or even in a quiet moment at home. It is the question of whether we truly belong in the spaces we have worked so hard to reach.
I have felt it myself.
As a publisher of four City Lifestyle luxury publications, a business owner, a keynote speaker, and a woman deeply involved in supporting other professionals across the Dallas/Fort Worth area, I have
spent years in rooms where decisions are made. I have also spent years balancing those responsibilities with being a wife and a mother. That duality has shaped my perspective on what it means to be a woman in the workforce today. The truth is, we are not the exception anymore. We are the majority in many ways.
Women now make up nearly 47 percent of the overall workforce in the United States, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Even more notably, about 72 percent of mothers with children under 18 are part of the labor force. This is not a trend. It is a transformation.
And yet, the internal and external narratives have not fully caught up.
Despite progress, women still hold only about 28 percent of C-suite positions, according to McKinsey and LeanIn’s Women in the Workplace report. While that number has grown over the past decade, it highlights an important truth. We are entering the workforce in strong numbers, but we are still claiming our leadership space.
Part of that gap is structural. But part of it is something more personal.
There is a quiet stigma that still exists. Some women feel judged for pursuing a full-time career, as if ambition somehow competes with being present at home. Others feel pressure to downplay their success, to soften their
“THE TRUTH IS, WE ARE NOT THE EXCEPTION ANYMORE. WE ARE THE MAJORITY IN MANY WAYS.”
accomplishments so they are more palatable. I have had conversations with women who hesitate to even share what they do professionally, worried it may come across as too much.
Layered into this is something many of us carry but rarely name. Imposter syndrome.
Even in rooms we have earned our way into, there can be a voice that whispers that we are not qualified enough, not experienced enough, or not as capable as others believe. Studies have shown that a significant majority of women in corporate environments report experiencing imposter syndrome at some point in their careers. It shows up in hesitation, in overpreparing, and in the reluctance to speak confidently about our own accomplishments.
We are often taught to be humble, to let our work speak for itself. While humility has its place, it can also hold us back when it prevents us from owning our success. Celebrating your achievements is not arrogance. It is acknowledgment of your effort, your growth, and your value.
And then there is the stereotype.
For years, movies and media have portrayed successful businesswomen as cold, detached, or overly aggressive. It is a narrative that does not reflect the reality I see every day. The women I know, lead, and collaborate with are thoughtful, empathetic, and deeply committed not only to their work, but to their families and communities.
Strength and compassion are not opposites. They are partners.
In my own journey, I have learned that success is not about choosing between career and family. It is about redefining what balance looks like for you in each season of life. It is about building businesses that align with your values, creating opportunities for others, and recognizing that your ambition is not something to hide. It is something to honor.
I also believe strongly that we are more successful together.
The most powerful rooms I have been in are not the ones driven by competition, but the ones rooted in collaboration. When women share knowledge, open doors, and advocate for one another, the impact multiplies. We begin to shift the narrative from scarcity to abundance.
There is room for all of us at the table.
And more importantly, we deserve to be there.
To every woman reading this who has ever questioned her place, this is your reminder. Your work matters. Your voice matters. Your leadership matters. Whether you are building a business, leading a team, or balancing a career with raising a family, you are part of a generation redefining what success looks like.
Take your seat with confidence.
Speak about your work. Celebrate your wins. Own your story.
Not because you have something to prove, but because you have already earned it.
2026 Plano Chamber of Commerce Women’s Division Committee
Blue Haven Ranch Helps Single, Pregnant Mothers Rebuild Their Lives
NONPROFIT OF THE MONTH
ARTICLE BY BLUE HAVEN RANCH PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF BLUE HAVEN RANCH
On a cold, windy February day in 2020, Blue Haven Ranch founder Aubrey Schlackman took a drive down a rural road that planted the seeds of a vision that would grow into Blue Haven Ranch. As she passed a vacant ranch for sale, the idea emerged of a live-in, faith-based community where single, pregnant mothers and their children could rebuild their lives with dignity, hope, and support.
Today, Blue Haven Ranch is the only Denton County organization that provides supportive community, gospel discipleship, and farm therapy for single, pregnant mothers with children. From the beginning, the heart behind Blue Haven Ranch has
been to walk alongside mother-led families during one of the most vulnerable seasons of their lives by providing housing and focusing on long-term restoration and self-sufficiency.
The Schlackman’s farm in Krum actively serves families now, while Blue Haven Ranch as an organization works towards its own fully functioning residential community in the future. Mothers are housed in nearby apartments as they enter a nurturing environment surrounded by people committed to living life alongside them. Through intentional relationships and discipleship rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ, women and their children experience healing and meaningful transformation.
The program integrates practical life skills with spiritual formation. Mothers learn financial literacy, parenting strategies, and vocational development while participating in farm life. They plant gardens and care for animals, activities that build responsibility, confidence, and a sense of purpose. Farm therapy provides tangible ways for mothers to reconnect with themselves, their children, and God. These rhythms of work are paired with individual and group counseling that addresses trauma and fosters healthy relationships.
Each mother represents a family being strengthened, a child growing up in stability, and a generational legacy beginning to change. This month’s Ladies’ Issue of Flower Mound City Lifestyle showcases Blue Haven Ranch’s commitment to honoring women as image-bearers of God, worthy of compassion, investment, and genuine relationships. By supporting mothers during this pivotal season of life, the organization helps create stronger families and healthier communities for the future.
Looking ahead, Blue Haven Ranch continues to invite Denton County and neighboring communities into their work. Financial partners provide essential support for daily operations and future expansion. Volunteers contribute practical skills such as mentoring mothers and providing meals. Churches and organizations partner through prayer support, donation drives, and community awareness. Simply sharing the mission helps connect more families with the resources they need.
To learn more about Blue Haven Ranch and its mission, visit bluehavenranch.org. Community members can get involved by making a financial donation; volunteering on the farm alongside the moms, babies, and children; partnering as a church or organization; or sharing the mission with others. Help Blue Haven Ranch create a community where pregnant mothers and their children find support, stability, and a new beginning.
“Each mother represents a family being strengthened, a child growing up in stability, and a generational legacy beginning to change.”
Celebrating the Warriors Among Us
IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO DEFINE YOUR PURPOSE
ARTICLE BY FATIMA DURRANI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MACY ALEX PHOTOGRAPHY
In July 2024, a rash surfaced on Debbie Goforth’s breast. It was flaky, red, and shifting in appearance. While it wasn’t “lumpy” in the traditional sense (rather, she says, it felt like individual strands bunched up together), all the telltale signs were there. Debbie wisely sensed it was time to see a doctor. After a full battery of tests, including a mammography, ultrasound, and biopsy, the results arrived.
Ironically, the rash was diagnosed as eczema. But the process uncovered a lump in her armpit, a finding Debbie hadn’t initially connected to the rash. Further investigation revealed that lump to be a cancerous lymph node.
By the time everything was sorted, the cancer had already metastasized to her pelvis and lower spine, officially landing her with a stage 4 breast cancer diagnosis. Within a moment, everything shifted.
A career in the banking and financial services sectors that demanded high levels of stamina was all Debbie had known. Now, medical appointments filled her days, her energy waned, and the harsh side effects of chemotherapy and immunotherapy pressed in. Something had to give. Life was asking something different from her, and she now faced a choice: evolve into something new or stay the same.
“I was struggling with side effects, including neuropathy, fatigue, GI issues, brain fog, and even anxiety,” Debbie reflects. “I knew I was pushing myself hard. In early November 2024, I began a private Facebook page, sharing what was working with my treatment and what wasn’t, and asked for encouragement too. Soon, friends and family expressed I should do this for a living.”
That seed sprouted quickly into a bold new direction.
“I decided I wanted to share the lessons I had learned, especially the notion that you are not your job. When your
job gets taken away, then who are you? Your job is not your life. You don’t have to get cancer to realize this.”
Debbie’s voice now travels far beyond her own story. She speaks at rotary club meetings, within metastatic breast cancer support organizations such as Living Beyond Breast Cancer, and to patient advisory councils for Texas Oncology.
“I encourage women with stage four breast cancer to ask the hard questions. Call the insurance providers yourself; don’t solely rely on the doctors’ offices. Research the blood tests that doctors want you to take; don’t listen blindly. One of the things I’m passionate about is educating survivors about ancillary insurance policies that help to cover the costs of treatment. Because we know cancer patients don’t just suffer from the emotional fallout. It’s often financial too.”
Because Debbie receives an immunotherapy drug injection every 21 days, she knows she will be in active treatment for the rest of her life. Yet she refuses to let circumstance dictate her direction. She has transformed her daunting diagnosis into a life of purpose, helping others discover identity and meaning through honest, empowering storytelling.
“I’m not an anomaly because many stage four patients survive for years. But I’m here to tell you that it’s okay to say no to the things you no longer have the energy for. I’ve learned to work in chunks, to take naps when I need, and to rest after eight p.m. I’ve changed my eating habits due to my diabetes (another side effect of treatment), and if I skip my medications or even my vitamins for a day, the next day my body remembers that I didn’t take care of it the day before.”
If you’re inspired by Debbie’s journey and want to learn more, visit goforthpurpose.com.
“Ask the hard questions. Call the insurance providers yourself; don’t solely rely on the doctors’ offices. Research the blood tests that doctors want you to take; don’t listen blindly.”
ARTICLE BY TIFFANY DITTO | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MACY ALEX PHOTOGRAPHY
STANDING LIKE CHAMPIONS
THROUGH SELF-DEFENSE TRAINING AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT, GIRLS WHO FIGHT EMPOWERS YOUNG WOMEN AND GIRLS WITH CONFIDENCE, RESILIENCE, AND THE SKILLS TO PROTECT THEMSELVES AND LEAD
Inside the Girls Who Fight gym youth self-defense program, a group of girls line up shoulder to shoulder on the mat.
“Stand like a champion,” instructor Gemma Sheehan tells them.
Across the room, chins lift and shoulders square.
It’s the first lesson of every class, and it has nothing to do with punching or grappling. Instead, the girls practice confident body language: standing tall, looking people in the eye, and carrying themselves with purpose.
“If you walk slouched with your eyes down, bullies see you as an easy target,” Sheehan says. “But when you walk tall, look where you’re going, and speak clearly, you’re setting the tone for how you should be treated.”
At Girls Who Fight, confidence begins long before the first self-defense technique is taught.
Founded by Sheehan in 2017, the academy focuses on self-defense training designed specifically for girls and women. But the program extends far beyond martial arts. Students learn how to recognize danger, resist peer pressure, trust their instincts, and advocate for themselves in everyday situations.
Instead of learning how to score points in a competition, girls ages 6-14 years old practice practical scenarios like escaping wrist grabs, getting away from someone pinning them against a wall, or creating distance from an attacker.
“We teach jujitsu and kickboxing, but only what’s applicable to real-life situations,” Sheehan says. “In competition, the goal is to win. In self-defense, the goal is to survive.”
In addition to physical training, students complete weekly assignments focused on responsibility and leadership—reading books, helping with chores at home, and developing healthy habits. Girls also participate in leadership discussions where they present ideas and practice speaking confidently in front of their peers.
“Speaking skills and leadership skills are things every girl needs to succeed in the world,” Sheehan says. “Those are skills they can carry with them for the rest of their lives.”
Parents say the biggest changes happen outside the academy.
“Both of my daughters, sixth grade and high school, have been training here for about a year, and it’s honestly one of the best decisions we’ve made as parents,” says parent Adrienne Dever.
“I REALIZED THE MOST VALUABLE THING I GOT FROM MARTIAL ARTS WASN’T BECOMING A FIGHTER. IT WAS THE ABILITY TO PROTECT MYSELF AND THE HUGE CONFIDENCE THAT CAME FROM THAT.”
“My youngest is learning how to handle bullies and peer pressure. The belt requirements include completing chores, reading, and healthy habits, so the confidence boost is real. It’s practical and empowering.”
Josh Scoggins has watched his daughter grow through the program as well.
“My daughter has grown tremendously since joining the Girls Who Fight program,” he says. “I’ve seen improvements in my
daughter’s focus, confidence, and self-discipline both in class and at home.”
While many martial arts gyms are overwhelmingly male, Sheehan says that creating an environment specifically designed for girls, providing a safe place for character development, was intentional.
“Usually when a girl walks into a martial arts academy, she might be one of only a few girls in the room,” Sheehan says. “We wanted to create a place where they could train together and support each other.”
Today, more than 100 students train at Girls Who Fight, and a few of the instructors began as students themselves.
However, creating this unique space didn’t happen overnight. Sheehan’s path to opening the academy started long before the gym existed. She began training in martial arts at 14, and for years, she envisioned a future as a professional fighter. But injuries forced her to step away from fighting competitively.
“I realized the most valuable thing I got from martial arts wasn’t becoming a fighter,” she says. “It was the ability to protect myself and the huge confidence that came from that.”
That realization became the foundation for the Girls Who Fight curriculum.
If your daughter is ready to stand tall, be confident, and remember she is a champion, enroll in a free two-week trial at girlswhofight.com.
Flower Mound's Women of Influence
Five Local Female Entrepreneurs Share Their Challenges and Rewards, Plus Practical Advice for Achieving Success for Aspiring Women in Business
ARTICLE BY DEBORAH DOVE | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
VELMA MCMILLAN
CEO/OWNER OF EON INNOVATIONS LLC AND FRANCHISE OWNER OF BLO BLOW DRY BAR
Velma McMillan is the CEO and owner of EON Innovations LLC, which operates six Blo Blow Dry Bar franchise locations, including Rockwall, Las Colinas, Flower Mound, Allen, and McAllen, Texas. With a passion for leadership and business development, Velma has built a growing multi-location beauty company focused on exceptional client experiences, strong team culture, and professional growth within the beauty industry.
When it comes to being a female business owner, she says, “Like many entrepreneurs, my journey has included both challenges and incredible rewards. One of the biggest challenges in growing a multi-location business is building strong teams and maintaining consistency while continuing to expand. At the same time, the most rewarding part has been watching team members grow into leadership roles and seeing the confidence our services bring to clients every day. If I could give advice to my younger self—or to women who are starting their own business—it would be to trust your vision, stay resilient, and build strong systems early. Entrepreneurship requires hard work, discipline, and the willingness to learn as you go, but creating opportunities for others and building something meaningful makes it all worthwhile.”
Corey Nichols is the founder, CEO, and co-owner of Southwest Pools, a Dallas–Fort Worth company specializing in custom pool construction, pool renovations, and outdoor living spaces. As the leader of a 100% woman-owned company, Corey is passionate about creating backyard environments that reflect each homeowner’s vision while delivering a positive and collaborative building experience. Her approach focuses on listening first, educating clients throughout the process, and working closely with homeowners to design spaces that are both beautiful and functional.
“
“One of the most rewarding parts of her journey has been the strong support she has received from other women business owners, both within construction and throughout the community. Their encouragement and willingness to champion one another has reinforced Corey’s belief that women belong in every area of business.”
Southwest Pools serves the entire DFW metroplex and has grown primarily through referrals and word of mouth, something Corey considers one of the greatest compliments in business. After six years in business, the company continues to be 95% referral-based, allowing them to work with homeowners across the entire metroplex to transform outdoor spaces into places where families can gather, relax, and make lasting memories.
Working in a traditionally male-dominated industry has presented its share of challenges, but it has also shaped Corey’s approach to leadership and customer relationships. Early in her career, she noticed that many homeowners—especially women—often felt unheard during the construction process. That experience motivated her to build a company culture centered on respect, communication, and collaboration.
One of the most rewarding parts of her journey has been the strong support she has received from other women business owners, both within construction and throughout the community. Their encouragement and willingness to champion one another has reinforced Corey’s belief that women belong in every area of business. Today, she remains committed to continuing that spirit of support while helping homeowners create backyard transformations that bring people together across the DFW metroplex.
COREY NICHOLS
FOUNDER/CEO, SOUTHWEST POOLS
LUCIE HASEK BROTT FOUNDER/OWNER, CREATIVE ELEMENTS
Lucie Hasek Brott came to the U.S. in 1980 from the Czech Republic when she was 15 years old. Her dad was a European wood craftsman, building custom homes and yachts, and she worked with him after school and on the weekends.
She says, “The work was not easy, but I learned that through diligence and precision, one could turn what was once a vision into a beautiful product. I went on to graduate with a business degree, worked in the insurance industry, raised three children, and helped my ex-husband with several side businesses, as well as construction projects. After our move to Texas in 2001, the kids were all in school, and I wanted to get back into the workforce. I knew I wanted to work with people and my hands. I started by painting the interior of homes, which quickly developed into much more. The clients were interested in flooring, plumbing, electrical, and cabinetry, and soon Creative Elements was born. I loved creating spaces for my clients that they had dreamed of, saved their hard-earned dollars for, and thought they could never have. Being able to walk into a space and see beyond the walls and the existing structures, envisioning the possibilities of the current space is something I’m very passionate about. The structural aspect of remodeling is probably my favorite part.”
She adds, “Being a woman in remodeling/contracting presents its obvious challenge: being a woman in a man’s world. This means you must become just as knowledgeable as a male, if not more, and have the design potential on your side. The one thing that helps is knowing the functionality of spaces like kitchens and baths and having the expertise to make it better. I would not necessarily say that I was mentored by a female business owner, however, I followed my grandmother’s and mother’s grit and hard work ethic. Get up early, get the job done, and while you’re at it, do it well.”
KRIS WISE
BROKER ASSOCIATE FOR WISE ADVANTAGE GROUP
POWERED BY PLACE WITH KELLER WILLIAMS CONTINUED
What started as a passion for home renovation led Kris Wise into being a premiere real estate advisor in the Flower Mound area. Kris changed careers from accounting to real estate in 2002, and she continues to use her financial knowledge to analyze deals for the best terms possible. Kris’s deep roots in the community helps her to understand the local impact of real estate, and the Wise Advantage Group’s unique marketing strategies helps listings sell faster at a higher price. Whether it's finding a home, finding the best loan, or helping you get the most out of selling your home, Kris is there to guide you.
Kris says, “The biggest challenge I face is the real estate market in general. Regardless of whether it’s a buyer or a seller’s market, I have to help my clients achieve success. It’s also a challenge working in a saturated market where over 70 percent of realtors have not even sold a house in the last year! With so many options, it’s hard for clients to find a realtor who is an expert. Oftentimes, clients have to navigate realtors with ego, which can get in the way of clients finding the right home or the right buyer for their home.
“When I first joined, my biggest reward was working for myself and being in charge of the success of my business. Even though I got into real estate on a whim due to my love of homes, seeing how it’s changed my whole family’s life has been so gratifying. I'm proud to see my son, CJ, join me in the business. Seeing him forge his own way has been inspiring. Early in my career, I consulted with other women realtors and received mentorships. Those collaborations helped me be more successful as I started out. Now I give that knowledge back through similar mentorships, helping other women succeed in the industry.”
ARACELI “SALLY” QUEZADA
CO-OWNER, PLATINUM AUTO GLASS
Araceli “Sally” Quezada is the co-owner of Platinum Auto Glass, a family-owned company serving the DFW Metroplex. Alongside her husband, Fred Quezada, Sally leads the company’s marketing, partnerships, and community engagement, helping grow the business while building meaningful relationships throughout North Texas. She believes true success is measured not only in business growth, but in the positive impact we leave on others.
She says, “Like many women in business, my journey has come with both challenges and incredibly meaningful rewards. Balancing entrepreneurship, family life, and community commitments requires resilience, adaptability, and a lot of heart. As a co-owner of a family business, there are many days where you are wearing multiple hats leading operations, building partnerships, supporting your team, and still making sure your family remains the priority. Navigating those responsibilities while continuing to grow professionally has been one of the biggest challenges, but it has also shaped me into a stronger leader.”
She adds, “One of the greatest rewards has been seeing how a business can become more than just a service; it can become
a platform for impact. Through Platinum Auto Glass, we have been able to build meaningful relationships in our community and support initiatives that recognize exceptional students and educators through Audrey’s Butterfly Effect, a mission inspired by my daughter Audrey that recognizes exceptional students and educators across the Lewisville Independent School District. Knowing that our work can help uplift others and create opportunities for recognition and encouragement has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my journey.
“Being a woman in business has also taught me the importance of community and collaboration. The support of other women entrepreneurs has played a powerful role in my growth. Their mentorship, encouragement, and willingness to share experiences have reminded me that we don’t have to navigate these paths alone. When women support and uplift one another, we create stronger businesses, stronger communities, and new opportunities for the next generation of leaders. I truly believe that success is not just measured by what we achieve individually, but by how we empower others along the way.”
GET INSPIRED EAT & DRINK SHOP
BEAUTY Roundup
Choosing skincare for Sutera Spa is a thoughtful process. With so many products on the market, I focus on formulas that are backed by science, deliver consistent results, and are safe for a wide range of skin types.
Every product we carry has been carefully tested in the treatment room. I look for ingredients that truly improve skin health—such as antioxidants, peptides, and advanced hydrators—rather than quick trends or marketing claims. Results matter, but so does long-term skin health.
Another important factor is how products work together in a routine. Great skincare should support the skin barrier,
protect against environmental damage, and address individual concerns like aging, pigmentation, or dehydration.
For clients choosing products, my best advice is to keep your routine simple and targeted. Start with the essentials: a quality cleanser, an effective treatment serum, daily SPF protection, and a moisturizer suited to your skin type.
Professional guidance also makes a difference. A personalized consultation helps identify your skin’s needs and ensures you’re investing in products that truly work for you.
My Favorite Skincare Products
ARTICLE BY STACEY MANESS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRISTIAN WEST: WEST IMAGES
– ZO SKIN HEALTH
Ultra-fine magnesium crystals gently exfoliate, revealing smoother, brighter skin and improving texture while preparing skin to better absorb treatment products.
PEPTI EYE SERUM –
VICTORIA DEANN
A peptide eye treatment designed to hydrate delicate under-eye skin while helping reduce the appearance of fine lines, puffiness, and fatigue.
moisture balance, helping skin appear healthier, more radiant, and hydrated all day.
STACEY MANESS
Founder and Owner of Sutera Spa
Stacey Maness is the founder and owner of Sutera Spa, which she opened in 2004. With more than two decades of experience in professional skincare, she is known for her results-driven approach and carefully curated product selections. Stacey believes healthy skin begins with high-quality ingredients, consistent routines, and personalized care. At Sutera Spa, she and her team focus on treatments and products that deliver real results while creating a relaxing, welcoming environment for every client in the community.
DAILY POWER DEFENSE – ZO SKIN HEALTH
An antioxidant treatment that strengthens the skin barrier, improves resilience, against environmental damage while supporting
ORMEDIC BALANCING LIP ENHANCEMENT COMPLEX – IMAGE
TUESDAYS IN MAY AND JUNE
Music and the Open Sky
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
Vista Ridge Amphitheater: 2950 Lake Vista Dr., Lewisville, TX 75067 | 7:00 PM
Since 1991, Sounds of Lewisville has been the area’s favorite free summer concert tradition, and it keeps delivering. Weekly performances feature two bands per night, food trucks, vendor pop-ups, and community activities, wrapping the season with a spectacular Red, White, and Lewisville fireworks finale. Blankets and chairs encouraged. Go to www.cityoflewisville.com. for the full schedule.
FRIDAYS IN MAY
Friday Night Sounds
Heritage Park: 600 Spinks Rd., Flower Mound, TX 75028 | 7:00 PM
Heritage Park transforms into the area's best free outdoor venue every Friday evening in May. The Concerts in the Park series delivers four nights of family-friendly live music spanning decades, classic rock, and everything in between. Bring the whole crew, claim your patch of grass, and settle in. Visit www.flowermound.gov/1370/Concerts-in-the-Park for the full lineup.
MAY 1ST
Bright Outfits, Big Achievements
Hilton Garden Inn Lewisville: 785 State Hwy. 121, Lewisville, TX 75067 | 6:00 PM
The Lewisville Chamber's Annual Awards Gala is the night the community dresses up and shows out, literally. Guests are encouraged to wear bold, colorful looks inspired by Cinco de Mayo while celebrating the businesses, leaders, and volunteers driving real impact. An evening of recognition, connection, and genuine community pride. Visit www.lewisvillechamber.org for tickets and details.
MAY 2ND
Highland Village Art Festival
The Shops at Highland Village: 1701 Shoal Creek, Highland Village, TX 75077 | 10:00 AM
Over 30 gallery-quality artists bring their finest work to this free community arts festival, complete with live demonstrations, musical performances, and hands-on art activities for children. Benefiting Kids Kastle, this collaborative celebration of creativity is the kind of afternoon that makes a community genuinely proud. Visit www.highlandvillage.org/786/Highland-Village-Art-Festival for artist and vendor details.
MAY 2ND
Dolly and Diamonds Gala
Fort Worth Stockyards Station, Stampede Room: 140 E Exchange Ave., Fort Worth, TX 76164 | 6:00 PM
Glamour meets generosity at this dazzling gala benefiting Ally's Wish, a nonprofit making a meaningful difference. Guests can expect an evening of fun-draising events, elegant ambiance, and the warm satisfaction of supporting a truly worthwhile cause. Dress up, show up, and give back. Visit www.allyswish.org to learn more.
MAY 9TH
Shapes, Snacks, and Art Collide
Heritage Park: 600 Spinks Rd., Flower Mound, TX 75028 | 10:00 AM
Flower Mound's sixth annual Arts Festival is back with a fresh theme: shapes. Guests can browse local art vendors, catch live performances, get hands-on with creative activities, and fuel up from food trucks, all in one vibrant outdoor celebration. There is genuinely something for everyone here. Visit www.flowermound.gov/2150/Arts-Festival for full details.
Want to be featured?
MAY 15TH
Glow Up and Dance It Out
Thrive: 1950 S Valley Pkwy., Lewisville, TX 75067 | 5:00 PM
This inclusive glow-in-the-dark dance celebration is designed specifically for community members with special needs and their families. Glowsticks, dance lights, and an atmosphere of pure joy make this one of the most heartfelt nights on the calendar. Free for all ages, and every single person in the room belongs. Check out the details on the Events Calendar at www.cityoflewisville.com.
MAY 16TH
Guitar, Soul, and Pure Texas Magic
Lewisville Grand Theater: 100 N Charles St., Lewisville, TX 75057 | 8:00 PM
Lee Roy Parnell defies every genre box, blending Texas blues, Memphis soul, Delta roots, and Southern rock into something entirely his own. A Grammy-nominated guitarist widely regarded as one of the best slide players alive, Parnell brings his singular sound to an intimate seated venue. Purchase tickets at www.lewisvillegrand.com before they sell out.
MAY 25TH
Honor the Fallen
Flower Mound Senior Center: 2701 W Windsor Dr., Flower Mound, TX 75028 | 9:00 AM
This reverent and moving Memorial Day Ceremony brings the community together to honor those who gave everything in service to this country. Keynote speaker SMSgt Gary Steele, a Vietnam veteran and Congressional honoree, will deliver remarks that are sure to resonate deeply. All are welcome. Visit their website to submit a tribute to a fallen hero.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMY SALVAGNO
Elevated Cocktail for Brunch Beyond &
A Fun Cocktail That Is Sure To Impress
Whether you prefer to dine reclining pillow-side in pajamas or beside a beautifully dressed table, you’ll appreciate an elegant, elevated cocktail to make your brunch menu extra special. So while you’re indulging in a few extra pieces of bacon, savoring bites of flaky quiche and luxuriating over berry and whipped cream-topped pancakes, you’ll be sure to impress with this morning-friendly mix.
Gin & Jam
A simple ingredient drink unites the botanical complexity of gin with the rich sweetness of your favorite jam.
Ingredients:
• 2 ounces gin
• 1 ounce lemon juice
• 1/2 ounce simple syrup
• 1 teaspoon raspberry (or your favorite) jam
• Spoonful of jam for garnish
Instructions:
1. Add the gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and jam to your mixing glass.
2. Add ice and shake for 10 seconds.
3. Strain into a double old-fashioned glass over crushed ice.
4. Top with a spoonful of jam and stir it in while you sip.
