The Ladies Issue
As a local, family-owned company, we are especially thankful to our community for supporting us through the years. When you choose Applewood, you’re investing in our employees and their families, and in turn, our community.
Know that you can rely on our team of licensed professionals to take care of any home comfort issues you may have, as we’ve been doing for over 50 years.
The Ladies Issue
May marks our annual Ladies issue, among the most popular of the year. This is my sixth women’s issue, and each year I learn something new, both about the women featured and about myself. There is nothing compared to the energy generated when you get several women in a room: the empathy and compassion, the transparency, the stories, the genuine exchange of ideas and well wishes.
It is one of the greatest examples of something greater than the sum of its parts. I’ve witnessed this spark every year when the women get together for the photo shoot that accompanies this issue. While each participant brings something different to the dynamic, without fail, the energy exchanged is consistent and inspiring.
2026’s theme is Authenticity. At a time when AI is dominating the news and social media feeds, we want to represent the human condition in this issue. While leveraging the tools that make AI useful, the question at the top of mind for many of us is: How do we remain authentic?
One thing I know for certain, AI will never come close to the energy that human beings create when interacting with each other. It is an essential part of our being.
We asked the women featured in this issue what it means to them. We are thrilled to share their stories, overcoming challenges, caring for their children, the community, and themselves.
I sat in on a book bling workshop recently, and I found the same energy there. As we sat gluing gems to the covers of beloved books, joy and comfort filled the room. Women of all ages, sitting together, hands busy, minds churning, energy merging.
It is the most human of experiences.
Warmly,
SONJA NIX, MANAGING EDITOR @HIGHLANDSRANCHCITYLIFESTYLE
May 2026
PUBLISHER
Jennifer Starbuck | jennifer.starbuck@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Sonja Nix | sonja.nix@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Angie Jehu | angie.jehu@citylifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
Kristen Gonzales
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Kali Kasorzyk, Sonja Nix
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Angela Grissom
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto
LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
Now is the perfect time to secure your dream summer getaway!
From luxury cruises to once-in-a-lifetime journeys abroad, the most soughtafter summer experiences are booking quickly. Let our travel expert s handle the details and design a seamless, personalized escape so all you have to do is enjoy the adventure.
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WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1-2: The South Metro Denver Chamber hosted its inaugural Health & Wellness Summit on April 2 at the Conference Center at RidgeGate in Lone Tree. This half-day event featured expert regional speakers and presenters who shared practical insights for personal health, and to help employers ensure a healthy workforce. 1: Travis Bockenstedt, President and Chief Experience Officer of Pinnacle Advanced Primary Care and Kaylin Downour of Kaiser Permanente. 2: Speakers, sponsors, and guests of the Summit. 3-7: Highlands Ranch City Lifestyle held its popular Biz Buzz Networking hour at The Happy Crew Coffee House Mar. 26. Members of the community and local businesses came to visit, network, and support the great work of The Happy Crew.
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Buy Tickets Now: Douglas County Fair & Rodeo
Explore livestock barns, carnival, midway, and creative arts! Punch your ticket to watch world champion competitors bring incredible skill and grit to one of the top ProRodeos in the nation. Between funnel cake, farm-to-table delicacies, and live music, there's something exciting here for everyone. Whether you're a lifelong local or a first timer, the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo has a way of making every guest feel right at home
Scan to read more
Rediscover Sazón
Sazón invites you to stop in this Mother’s Day and Cinco de Mayo for a truly inspired culinary experience. This woman-owned Lone Tree hotspot, known for its tableside guac, craft-made margaritas, Latin-based cocktails, and modern Mexican and Latin fare, has served South Metro residents for four years. Rediscover this local gem, recently nominated Best Mexican Cuisine by Best of Mile High.
Photography by Pink Poppy Media
2026 Ladies Movers & Shakers
Featured Women Share Their Take on Authenticity in a Digital Age
RACQUEL GARCIA, HARDBEAUTY FOUNDER
HARDBEAUTY AND HARDBEAUTY FOUNDATION
HARDBEAUTY.LIFE &
For Racquel Garcia, authenticity is a lifeline that she was offered and now offers to others. As the founder of Hard Beauty based in Douglas County, Racquel is a passionate advocate for destigmatizing substance misuse and addressing systemic and familial obstacles. Racquel is a Nationally Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist and and serves in leadership roles with the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration Advisory Council and the Colorado Opioid Abatement Council.
ARTICLE BY SONJA NIX
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANGELA GRISSOM OF ANGELA MARIE CREATIVE
Authenticity, to me, is the unwavering commitment to live, lead, and serve from a place of truth, where my lived experience as a woman in recovery from addiction, my values, and my actions are fully aligned. It is something I don’t just value; it is the foundation of everything I build, from HardBeauty to the way I show up in rooms that were not designed for voices like mine. The key elements of authenticity are honesty, self-awareness, courage, and consistency, especially when it would be easier to perform, conform, or stay silent. Authenticity is demonstrated through transparency, by saying the hard things, by creating spaces where others can also show up fully seen, and by refusing to separate who I am personally from how I lead professionally. Culture and community can either nurture authenticity by making space for truth and lived experience, or suppress it by rewarding polish over honesty and compliance over courage.
The definition that resonates most with me is being unapologetically true to oneself while remaining deeply connected to others. My life and work have been shaped by choosing authenticity, even when it cost me opportunities, because it ultimately built trust, impact, and community far beyond what performance ever could. I embody authenticity by leading with lived experience in my professional work and staying grounded in my personal values, ensuring that my decisions reflect both integrity and purpose.
I feel most alive when I am in direct connection with people, whether in a recovery space, a hospital room, or a community setting, where truth is present, and transformation is possible. My signature approach to life and work is building bridges between systems and humanity, bringing heart, structure, and innovation together in spaces that have historically lacked compassion. My “why” is rooted in creating access, dignity, and connection for people navigating substance use, mental health, and recovery, and that purpose guides every decision I make.
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“Authenticity, to me, is the unwavering commitment to live, lead, and serve from a place of truth, where my lived experience as a woman, my values and my actions are fully aligned.”
I am a 48-year-old Colorado native, born in Pueblo and raised in Aurora, where I spent most of my early life before moving to El Paso County, specifically Palmer Lake, in my early 30s in search of something different, ultimately, in search of recovery. My journey has not been linear. I struggled with addiction and lived disconnected from myself and the life I was capable of. On Oct. 18, 2009, I lost my best friend to addiction, and that moment became a turning point for me. Shortly after, on Jan. 19, 2010, I entered treatment and have remained sober ever since. In 2016, I moved to Douglas County, where my family and I purchased our home, a place that reflects both where I’ve been and where I’ve chosen to go.
I am a woman who lives her recovery out loud. It is not something I separate from who I am, but it is the foundation of how I live, love, and show up in the world. I have been married for 29 years this May, and I am a mother to four children, as well as three bonus children who came into our home during times when their families were struggling. Family, resilience, and creating safe, supportive spaces for others have always been central to who I am. My life today is rooted in honesty, growth, and a deep commitment to doing the next right thing.
JESSICA SALINAS, MD
OB/GYN, ADVENTHEALTH LITTLETON
720-922-6240
As an OB/GYN, Dr. Jessica Salinas is deeply invested in the well-being of her patients, and by extension, the broader community. Her family-centered South Texas roots inform how she approaches patient care and her own care in the South Denver Metro area, the place she calls home now.
Authenticity, to me, means showing up as the same person everywhere, at home with my family, with patients in the clinic or hospital, or with friends and colleagues outside of work. When I’m fully present, myself, and genuinely curious, patients sense it, and we connect more easily. They trust me because they sense my honesty and sincerity. They feel that I’m being my authentic self.
My authenticity is rooted in my Hispanic heritage and growing up in South Texas. I was raised in a family-centered, relationship-first way, where you greet people warmly, ask about their day, and mean it.
During medical training, there was an expectation to be strong and efficient, to keep struggles private, and to push through. I worked to remain authentic, staying warm and human while still being direct, honest, and steady.
In patient care, it shows up in small, everyday ways. I listen first. I ask about family, support systems, work, and stressors because no one walks into an OB/GYN visit as a blank slate. I never assume cultural beliefs or preferences; I ask. Speaking Spanish helps me connect more deeply with my Spanish-speaking patients and allows me to ensure patients truly understand their options. Whether someone is anxious, grieving, celebrating, or somewhere in between, I try to meet them exactly where they are.
My style is pretty simple: warm, approachable, and clear. I speak plainly, follow through on what I say, and try to create a space where patients feel seen and safe. My “why” keeps me grounded as I care for women and families during some of the most important moments of their lives. Even on hectic days, that purpose pulls me back to center.
After more than a decade practicing in the Highlands Ranch and South Metro area, I’ve grown to love the family-focused community and the easy access to the outdoors, where I can reset. I love hiking, uphill skiing, biking, gardening, and cooking, and I find that I have this in common with many in our community, including my patients. This affords another way to genuinely connect by being myself and sharing things that bring me so much joy.
AMY MAYS
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, THE HAPPY CREW THEHAPPYCREW.ORG
Amy Mays is known as the “teenage whisperer.” Whereas many adults feel dumbfounded by teenagers, she sees precious pearls and undiscovered potential. Founder and Executive Director of The Happy Crew and The Happy Crew Coffee House and Highlands Ranch resident of 29 years, Amy says, “I love Jesus, I love my husband, I love my family. I love true connection. I love watching people come alive with hope.”
Authenticity means being genuine and living in alignment with my faith and values. It’s being the same person in private as I am in public. It comes from knowing my “why” at my core, and using that as the litmus test for the decisions I make.
For me, authenticity starts in the gut. It resonates, it settles in my heart, and I know it’s true. Living authentically means embracing the messiness of life. It means being open to learning and growth, willing to examine my thoughts from different perspectives. It allows me to stay in my lane with ease and lean fully into what I’m passionate about.
I am deeply passionate about teenagers. I believe they are some of the most talented, open, ambitious, creative, and insightful people on the planet. They bring incredible energy to their pursuits. They think differently. They ask hard questions. This is where my strengths come alive by listening to them, creating space for them to explore and express themselves, and walking alongside them as they build deeper understanding and connection. It’s instinctive for me, like something rooted deep within and refined over time.
At the center of that passion is my family. I treasure watching them learn, grow, celebrate success, and navigate failure. Our relationships are deep and steady, not defined by circumstances. That same passion extends to working with high schoolers and encouraging them to lean into who they truly are without getting lost in comparison, to hold onto their uniqueness, and to recognize their inherent value.
I began working with teenagers as a church youth director, and it felt natural from the start. Relationships were at the core which meant listening well, leaning in, asking open-ended questions, and creating space for authenticity. I love hearing people’s stories, their motivations, their dreams, and watching them imagine and build their future.
My goal is to create spaces where people know they matter, they feel a true sense of belonging, and they can fully be themselves. Spaces where questions are welcomed, ideas are explored, and growth happens through connection.
Christina has worn many hats in her lifetime: wife, mother, sister, friend, business owner, and community member. Before she was a local health insurance broker, she was a chef. Classically trained, she has worked all over the country in high-volume restaurants, fine dining, and as a private chef in people’s homes. Motivated by a desire to be a present parent, she changed professions and hasn’t looked back.
Authenticity is EVERYTHING to me! I am known for being outspoken and a little direct. Typically, if it is on my mind, it is coming out of my mouth! I cut through the small talk because I want to get to know people and learn about them. No one questions where they stand with me. They know, because I won’t change to make others comfortable. I spent too much of my life making myself palatable for everyone, and I did not know who I really was. Those days are long gone. Being comfortable with who you are and letting that emanate is the best!
I am a champion for speaking openly about our struggles. One of those aspects is adoption. From childhood, I knew I would have at least one adopted child. My maternal grandmother and my father were orphans. This knowledge rooted something deep in me; I knew I could do better for at least one child than my father and grandmother had. I did not know adoption would be THE ONLY option. I always wanted four kids. I grew up in a large family and the constant buzz of energy is comforting and infectious to me. Early in our relationship, a regular Sunday dinner out with 15 family members was overwhelming for my now-husband. Despite my dream of having our own large family, there were other plans for us. My husband and I suffered miscarriages, two rounds of IVF, and a failed surrogacy. I talk about this, not because I want sympathy or pity, but because I want other women to know they are not alone. I want to normalize talking about our challenges, the heartbreak, and the need to stop pretending everything is OK.
Our son was born on Oct. 13, 2022. Motherhood was always going to happen for me; I just did not plan on adoption being the only way. Our son was made for us. He is the carbon copy of both of us. He and I share the same dimples, personality, and joy. It is part of our authenticity.
CHRISTINA HOFFELD
PRINCIPAL/OWNER, HOFF HOUSE HEALTH HOFFHOUSEHEALTH.COM
ANNETTE BERGEON CEO, ENDOW ENDOWGROUPS.ORG
Annette is passionate about Endow’s mission to help women encounter their identity, dignity, and the beauty of our feminine vocation. After a successful leadership career at Chrysler Motors and BASF Corporation, she and her husband moved to Colorado to raise their family. It was then that she joined an Endow group and found the experience to be transformational. After her children were grown, she joined the leadership team at Endow.
We live curated lives. Images are edited, moments staged, and captions refined until they present a perfected version of ourselves that we want others to see. In a world saturated with carefully constructed impressions, we encounter very little that is raw, unfiltered, or real, and the result is a quiet but persistent loneliness. This loneliness is especially acute among the young, who are growing up with fewer opportunities for genuine face-to-face encounters. Where earlier generations depended on extended family, neighbors, and friends simply to navigate daily life, we now order our groceries, manage our finances, and interact with others without ever leaving home. But humans were not made for isolation. We were created for relationships, in all of their messiness, and it is only in relationships with others that we rediscover what it means to be fully human.
The antidote to uber-curation is authenticity, which begins with self-discovery. To live authentically is to ask: Who am I? Why was I created? What gifts has God entrusted to me? Which desires consistently draw me toward the true, the good, and the beautiful? These questions are difficult, and unfortunately, answers can rarely be found alone. We come to know ourselves through those who love us and can, like a mirror, reflect our identity and dignity back to us.
At its heart, authenticity is a matter of congruence, the alignment of the way we live with the truth of who we really are. When approval becomes more important than integrity, we begin to fragment. But when we are free to choose what is true and good, even at personal cost, our lives grow unified.
As St. Edith Stein wrote, authenticity unfolds when the unique form of the soul is allowed to develop according to God’s intention for it.
Our modern culture often misinterprets authenticity as “being true to your feelings.” Yet while feelings change, the truth does not. Authentic living means aligning our actions with our conscience, resisting the pressure to perform or conform, and choosing the good even when it is difficult.
St. Catherine of Siena said, “Be who God created you to be, and you will set the whole world on fire.” Her words remind us that authenticity is not self-invention but courageous fidelity to God’s design. When we live from that truth, our lives become radiant with purpose, and the impact we can have is far greater than anything we could have imagined.
Does the name Taylor Davis sound familiar? The Highlands Ranch community collectively held its breath for Taylor and several other law enforcement officers on a horrific day not long ago. Now serving as the Division Chief for the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department, she bravely and authentically shares her story.
Dec. 31, 2017, changed my life. Three months into my job with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, a “routine” mental health call in an apartment escalated into a tragic ambush. Several responders and citizens were injured, and we lost Deputy Zack Parrish III. I was also gravely injured but managed to reach safety.
For a long time, my memories of that day were unclear. The first time I did a welfare check at an apartment after the incident, my body reacted before my mind did. Before that moment, I couldn’t truly recall those details, only fill them in from body cam footage.
What I’ll always remember from that day is the overwhelming sense of care once I was clear of the apartment. I remember the incredible EMTs who immediately shielded and tended to me, providing comfort when I was at my most vulnerable. A sergeant who placed his hand on my knee, a gesture to let me know I was safe, before driving me away from the scene and seeing my fellow survivors for the first time, knowing that we now shared a bond that only we understood. I remember the Sheriff placed his hand on my forehead, telling me it was OK without words, though in that moment, I’m not sure either of us believed it. I recall seeing my family for the first time afterward, knowing they had to grapple with a kind of trauma I would never understand. In the quiet following the news of Zack’s passing, a nurse held me as I grieved, and I found myself being comforted by Zack’s wife, a grace I’ll never forget on a day filled with such heavy emotion.
Afterward, I found comfort in my family, coworkers, and a supportive community. I sought the mental health help I needed.
People often ask if I ever wanted to quit. The answer is no. I love my job, my community, and my coworkers. This tragedy is part of my story, but it doesn’t define me. The strength I found afterward is what does.
TAYLOR DAVIS
DIVISION CHIEF, DOUGLAS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
DCSHERIFF.NET
ZOE ROMERO
OWNER, BREMAN HOSPITALITY: ENTRAMBI CATERING, COLONNAS & CENCALLI
Together, Zoemi (Zoe) Romero and Connie Lamb run Entrambi Catering. In Italian, Entrambi means “both” and fits their food and approach, representing authenticity at its core. Both refined and casual. Both elevated and grounded. Both work and family. And both these women have multiple areas of professional interest. entrambicatering.com
Authenticity is the backbone of everything I have built and continue to build. I am a mother of three and the owner of BREMAM Hospitality, which I created from the ground up. Being a mom and owning a business are part of the same story for me. Every decision I make in my restaurants translates to my dinner table, and everything I teach my kids, I strive to live out loud in my business.
Cencalli, Entrambi, and Colonnas are concepts I designed, but they are also expressions of who I am. Each has its own soul, flavors, and reason for existing. I refused to settle for anything less than exceptional pride when looking at what I have constructed throughout my career. While awards are wonderful, I don’t believe they define a business. Instead, a business achieves its legacy through day-to-day interactions, honest choices, and genuine connections. As a minority business owner, that truth hits differently. Second chances are rare, so every interaction, every guest, every relationship matters.
My desire to showcase the beauty of Latino culture led me to partner with local chambers to create Latino Committees in Parker and Littleton. These committees produced events that added another dimension of richness to the communities we call home. We strive to teach people that our Latino culture goes far beyond food; it is art, music, history, and heart.
I want my children to know that passion is not a luxury, but a strategy. The lesson is that when you do what you love with everything you have, you reap the rewards. That is the beauty of life. And for my children, my community, and every person who has ever doubted what they were capable of, passion is the proof behind the success.
CONNIE LAMB
DIRECTOR OF CATERING, ENTRAMBI
Authenticity, to me, is the courage to show up fully, grounded in who you are and expressed through what you create. In the catering world, that means more than just great food. It’s about intention and creating experiences that feel genuine, thoughtful, and memorable.
At its core, authenticity is rooted in integrity, consistency, and connection. It’s demonstrated in the details, the way ingredients are selected, how a menu is crafted, and how a team comes together to bring an event to life. Guests may not always see everything behind the scenes, but they feel it. Authenticity creates trust, elevates the experience, and turns a meal into something meaningful.
After more than 35 years in hospitality, I’ve learned that the most successful events aren’t just executed well, they’re felt. My approach to catering is to create experiences that reflect both the client’s vision and the heart behind our work. Whether it’s an intimate gathering or a large-scale event, we focus on quality, connection, and a sense of ease that allows guests to truly enjoy the moment.
I feel most alive in the energy of an event coming together, when every detail aligns, and the room is filled with connection, conversation, and joy. That’s my why: to bring people together in a way that feels effortless, elevated, and real.
Authenticity isn’t a trend. It’s the ingredient that makes everything better.
ENTRAMBI CATERING
Entrambi Catering is where connection, culture, and cuisine come together to create unforgettable, authentic experiences. Rooted in the spirit of hospitality, we believe food is more than something you serve; it’s something you feel. Authenticity is at the heart of everything we do, from thoughtfully sourced ingredients to menus that reflect both tradition and creativity.
Our name, Entrambi, meaning “both” in Italian, represents the balance we bring to every event: elevated yet approachable, refined yet welcoming, intentional yet effortless. We honor the vision of each client while infusing our own passion for genuine, heartfelt hospitality.
Whether we’re serving an intimate gathering or a large-scale celebration, our goal is to create experiences that feel real, connected, and memorable. Guests may not see every detail, but they feel the care behind it.
At Entrambi Catering, authenticity is our foundation. Because when food is created with purpose and served with heart, it becomes something more. It becomes an experience worth savoring.
For more than 40 years, the Colorado Eye Consultants team has been caring for patients and changing lives.
Colorado Eye Consultants is committed to delivering compassionate and quality care in a safe and nurturing environment. Using the latest technologies and innovative practices, our doctors dedicate themselves to excellent outcomes…every time.
To learn more, or to schedule a consultation, please contact us at (303) 730-0404.
1501 West Mineral Avenue, Suite 100 Littleton, CO 80120 ColoradoEyeConsultants.com
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IN HER OWN WORDS
HOW TO MAINTAIN AUTHENTICITY IN THE AGE OF AI
We asked the women featured how to maximize the benefits of AI while maintaining their authentic selves.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANGELA GRISSOM
“Nothing can replace the human condition. AI is wonderful; I use it regularly to fact-check, research market pools, and current events. But it can’t replace the nuances of human empathy. When a client is frantic, AI can’t pivot to comfort them before solving the problem and connect on shared experiences. You can’t run into AI at the grocery store.” Christina Hoffeld
“AI can help bring clarity, but only people can bring relationship, empathy, listening, and true connection.” Amy Mays
“While today’s advancements are remarkable, they can distance us from what matters most. I use technology daily, but I remind myself that genuine connection, both at work and at home, depends on how I treat others.” Taylor Davis
“Maintaining personal integrity is crucial as people become increasingly skeptical about what is true and what is real. I believe those who navigate this tenuous balance best will be the most successful in the future.” Annette Bergeon
“I believe it’s about finding balance. AI helps me communicate clearly and efficiently, but it can also strip away our uniqueness if we rely on it too heavily. Authenticity comes from lived experience, voice, and human connection, things technology can’t replace. It’s about using AI as a support, not a substitute.” Racquel Garcia
“Staying present within our community is so important. We can leverage AI to do tasks that free our time up to spend time on things we truly love.” Connie Lamb
“Just as our fingerprints are unique, so are our God-given gifts and talents. Authenticity is all about balancing AI in a constructive way while remaining true to ourselves.” Angie Jehu
“Remember the 80’s movie War Games? The computer’s endgame was peace. But it was the humans who taught him that peace is more than an equation. I believe that humans, for all our flaws, are inherently good and will figure out how to use technology beneficially.” Sonja Nix
“My hope is we keep AI inside the toolbox, and not make it the Builder.” Jennifer Starbuck
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
TUESDAY-SUNDAY
MAY 13TH-14TH
Adictivo Tequila Chef’s Table Experience
Uncorked Kitchen & Wine Bar, 8171 S Chester St Ste A, Centennial
An intimate, chef-driven dining experience featuring Adictivo Tequila. Enjoy a multi-course dinner crafted by Chef Albert, thoughtfully paired with premium tequila expressions. Limited to just 24 guests, this exclusive chef’s table offers a refined, up-close evening of elevated flavors in one of our teaching kitchens. uncorkedkitchen.com
MAY 15TH
Pilates Pop Up
Northridge Rec Center, 8800 S Broadway, Highlands Ranch
HRCA invites the community to a one-of-its-kind Pilates pop-up. Sheena Nix will lead a class between 5:30-6:30 p.m., followed by a vendor social hour. Tickets include a B12 shot from Hydrate IV, a massage, goody bag from Facial Aesthetics, snack from Vibe Foods and a dirty soda bar featuring prebiotic soda. HRCAonline.org
MAY 16TH
DCL Welcomes Bestselling Author Jack Carr
DCSD Legacy Campus
Join New York Times bestselling author Jack Carr for a conversation with Ross Kaminsky of KOA Denver. They will introduce and discuss “The Fourth Option,” the first thriller in his new series featuring fictional former Navy SEAL and CIA operative Chris Walker. General admission tickets include a pre-signed hardcover book and access to the photo line. Companion tickets are available. dcl.org/featured-events
Books Be Dazzling
Natalia Marendt of the Teeny Tiny Bookshop mobile trailer and The Corner Nook in Parker shares these steps to bling out your book. Most books work: paperback or hardcover, a beloved keepsake children’s book, a hot-off-the-press bestseller, and even the DSM.
MATERIALS:
• A book of your choice.
• Flatback rhinestones or gems (usually 3mm or 4mm work best for bedazzling book covers)
• Strong adhesive (such as B-7000, available on Amazon)
• Wax pencil (We call this a rhinestone picker. The wax tip works best for picking up the rhinestones and placing them on the book).
INSTRUCTIONS:
1) Prep your book: Not much prep work is needed here, but wiping down the surface lightly to remove any oils is usually a good idea.
2) Plan out your design: what do you want to bedazzle. Tips: Bedazzling the entire cover takes a very long time, so for beginners, it’s best to bedazzle the book’s title and maybe a few accent pieces on the cover to really make it pop.
3) Work in small sections. Don’t put glue on the entire part of the cover you’re bedazzling all at once. Instead place the glue on the section you’re working.
4) Use a wax pencil (rhinestone picker) and press it gently into the glue. Continue this process for all the sections you are bedazzling.
The glue dries pretty quickly, but it does take about 24 hours to fully set. Once it’s set, it should stay permanently!
If you want company while bedazzling, be sure to check out the Corner Nook’s event page for book bling classes and other book-related activities. cornernookparker.com
ARTICLE BY SONJA NIX
