Huntsville, AL May 2026

The Women's Issue

Rooted in Excellence. Designed for Beautiful Smiles.

Where Advanced Clinical Care Meets Cosmetic Artistry.

Dr. Sonya Wintzell has built a practice known not only for warmth and community connection, but for clinical excellence and refined cosmetic results. She has built a place where patients feel known, heard, and genuinely cared for.

With advanced training, modern technology, and a meticulous eye for detail, she approaches every smile with scientific precision and artistic intention.

From comprehensive family dentistry to cosmetic enhancements, each treatment plan is designed with care, expertise, and long-term health in mind.

Because exceptional dentistry is not accidental. It is crafted.

Cosmetic & Clinical Expertise

• Advanced Cosmetic Dentistry

• Smile Design & Aesthetic Enhancements

• Preventative & Restorative Care

• Sedation Options for Comfort

• Technology-Driven Precision

Rooted in Huntsville. Known for Results.

Located in 35802, Dental Professionals on Whitesburg serves patients who value quality, expertise, and personal attention.

Whether maintaining your oral health or refining your smile, our commitment remains the same: excellence without compromise.

Experience dentistry that blends skill, artistry, and integrity. (256) 883-6770

dentalprofessionalsonwhitesburg.com

DESIGN | BUILD

For the love of Women

I love being a woman. I love women.

I love how we feel, how we care. I love how our emotions can’t be measured just by happy, sad, or mad but by hundreds of feelings from courageous to vulnerable to infuriated to inquisitive. I love how as we get older we learn to feel deeply without being our feelings, we learn how to discern not react, we learn how to ask ‘why’ we are feeling a certain way.

I love how conversations with women no longer stay on the surface, but go to a deeper place. I love how when I’m talking face to face with another woman I often find tears in my eyes and chill bumps on my arms because I can feel her pain and her joy.

I love my womb and the woman it created that now walks around as her own unique person in all her talents and intellect and compassion. I love that our bodies are capable of creation. And whether or not we use our bodies to create- that instinct to nurture is alive in us - whether it’s our career, our friendships, our art, or to mentor other women.

I love all the fun things about being a woman - the fashion, the style, the makeup. How we can see a space and bring forth so much beauty into it just from our minds.

I love that in my life I have been blessed with women who saw something in me I didn’t see in myself, and never held back words of encouragement to help me see the light inside me and all the capability inside me.

I love how we care and our thoughtfulness. How we will drop everything to bring someone hurting a home cooked meal or flowers or sit down to write a note to let them know they are not alone.

And I love that we are at a place in time when we are no longer scared to say what we want, that we are giving ourselves permission to go after our dreams. I feel like we are watching the growth of the most powerful creatures on this planet. No longer bending, bowing, and breaking to fit into some box other people tell us we should be in, but rather tapping into our God given talents and having the courage to bring our dreams to life.

Long. Live. Print.

BAILEY, PUBLISHER

May 2026

PUBLISHER

Amy Bailey | amy.bailey@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Casey Creque | casey.creque@citylifestyle.com

SALES MANAGER

Susan Rogers | susan.rogers@citylifestyle.com

COPY EDITOR

Mary Nell Cole

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Tresa Peppers

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Martha Lynn Coon, Stephanie Cashin, Natasha Cunningham

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Jennifer Tarkington, Tamika Watford

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas

city scene

The

It’s easy to lose track of your fin ances when your days are filled with other responsibilities. As Morgan S tanley Financial Advisors, we can work w ith you to understand your goals and help you create an investment strategy that’s right for you. We strive to help you stay on track for your future so you can focus on all that’s

2404 Alabama Street is the ultimate downtown dream home in the Medical District! With soaring ceilings, a private lot, gourmet kitchen and gorgeous primary suite: this luxury property has everything you need to live a beautiful life!

The ultimate power move — homeownership.

In the last 30 years, the landscape of homeownership has evolved dramatically—and women have been at the center of that transformation. Since 1974, women are not only participating in the housing market—they are helping lead it.

Buying earlier, purchasing independently, and viewing real estate as a powerful financial tool, women have become one of the most influential forces shaping modern homeownership trends.

* 25% of first-time home buyers are single women *

* #2 buyer group - just behind couples in total home purchases *

* Single women consistently outpace single men in the market *

* Women are increasingly buying solo, investing in long-term equity, and prioritizing financial independence *

The Heritage partner group, prides themselves on representing all clients from all walks of life, and while this month, we’re celebrating women, we are so proud of all of our clients who are winning the game of homeownership! Let us be part of your success story.

DRIVE A LITTLE SAVE A LOT

Family owned and operated, we’ve built our reputation on something simple; Doing right by our customers. Just a short drive from Huntsville and Madison, you’ll find a full lineup of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram vehicles, paired with transparent pricing, personalized service, and a buying experience that feels refreshingly straightforward. From refined luxury to rugged capability, our team is here to help you find the right car for you.

Creates SHE

Rossina as Frida Kahlo wearing Ulla Johnson Sophea Cotton Skirt and Top, MONSHIRO Iris Long

Earring, SERPUI Michelle Bun Wicker Handbag- Carriage House

Local artists styled as iconic female artists

ARTICLE BY AMY BAILEY

PHOTOGRAPHY

BY

JENNIFER TARKINGTON AND TAMIKA WATFORD

Having coffee with a friend who was planning a large scale art-inspired event, Ryker’s Rainbow, based this year on Frida Kahlo led to this fashion styled photo shoot. Here we photograph local female artists as iconic female artists. The result a colorful display of each woman in her element invoking a spirit of art and beauty that lives inside each.

ROSSINA BOYER AS FRIDA KAHLO

Originally from Peru, Boyer is a recognized artist in the Huntsville community. In 2022, she was named a “Voice of Huntsville” by The Scout Guide and invited by the Huntsville Hospital Foundation for a solo exhibition in their Arts in Medicine program. Her work has been featured in festivals including Panoply, Kentuck, 4 Bridges, and Monte Sano, and is held in private collections and exhibitions at the Von Braun Center, Lowe Mill, and The Curated Gallery.

Rossina says affectionately, “My love for art began when I realized it taught me to trust the process, embrace uncertainty, and find beauty along the way, bringing me back to joy and presence every time. It gives me a space to breathe, to feel, and to express what words cannot,” says Rossina. “When I paint, I let go. my breath syncing with the rhythm of color and movement.”

“Frida Kahlo inspires me with her fierce personality and bold artistry.” She adds, “At a time when few women were recognized as painters, she stood up for herself and became a legend. Her talent and confidence show what it means to be a strong, entrepreneurial Latina—and I admire that.”

REBEKAH SANDERS AS GEORGIA

O’KEEFE

Rebekah Sanders is a Huntsville-based painter working in contemporary realism. After founding and leading ventures such as Spirited Art and Protégé Atelier, she is now transitioning toward a more personal body of work exploring symbolism, femininity, and a deep connection to the natural world. While maintaining a relatively low public profile, her studio practice has quietly deepened in both focus and direction.

Her connection with the natural world beckoned for her to pose as Georgia O’Keefe. Rebekah says, “I am drawn to Georgia O’Keeffe because she didn’t overcomplicate things—she made simple forms carry real weight. Her work is both controlled and deeply felt, which is a tension I’m interested in exploring in my own paintings.” She adds, “I also respect how she resisted being defined by others and created a life and body of work entirely on her own terms. There’s a quiet authority in that that I find inspiring.”

For the first time, Rebekah is opening her studio on an appointment basis for people to view and collect her work. @rebekahsandersart

CAROLE FORET AS ANNE GOLDTHWAITE

Anne Goldthwaite stands as a fascinating, yet lesser-known figure in art history, working among the world’s greater-known painters of her era while remaining a steadfast voice for equal rights. Carole states, “I feel a deep kinship with her—drawn to the way she held both her creative vision and her Alabama roots in such graceful balance.”

Carole is one of the region’s most recognizable names in the arts. An Alabama native and Auburn University graduate, Carole hails from a long line of talented artists and has worked professionally teaching and inspiring students for 35 years. She has been featured frequently in the press throughout her career, with Southern Living Magazine (2008) being most notable, Alabama Public TV in 2012. In 2013, Carole was chosen as the keynote speaker for the Congressional Art Competition in Washington D.C. She has taught students in the Tuscany region of Italy over the years since 2009. Carole was awarded a month-long residency in France during the summer of 2019. Just last year, Carole was included in Huntsville City Lifestyle Magazine’s “Most Stylish” and was recognized for her interior design work of her own home.

To learn more, visit caroleforet.com to find her latest artwork, classes and other info.

JORDYN BURNETT AS BEATRICE WOOD

“After getting lost in the depths of motherhood, I turned to pottery to reconnect with my essence,” says potter Jordyn Burnett. “The more I nourished myself through my creative practice, the more I was able to be the mother and wife my family needed. I found such transformation that I set out to create a space in my community where weary souls of all skill levels can experience the restorative nature of the ceramic process.”

Jordyn’s studio and shop, The Vessel, is a space where you can fill your cup by growing your skills and connecting with like-minded people. Visit thevesselstudio.org to learn about classes and memberships and visit bisquebythevessel.com to learn about kids pottery painting.

On her inspiration potter, Beatrice Wood, “I think Beatrice broke conventional social expectations of her time to pursue an art career. When I chose to pursue art as a degree in school there was some pushback as to how viable of an option that could be, but I pursued it nonetheless and have since made it my family’s livelihood.”

Jordyn is scheduled for an upcoming show with Little Green Store in July.

CONTINUED >

ANNA HUSBAND AS HILMA OF KIINT

For some artists, creativity is something discovered over time, but for others, it’s been there all along. From childhood art classes to spreading her love for art through tattooing to developing a distinct voice through portraiture, Anna Husband’s style reflects an ever-evolving connection to creativity, identity, and self-expression.

With her love for the abstract, Anna evokes iconic artist Hilma of Klint. “I love that she chose to have her work shown

decades after her death just makes it feel even more intentional and ahead of its time. There’s something so powerful about an artist who fully trusted her vision, even knowing the world wasn’t ready for it yet. The fact that it’s like she was creating for the future, not for approval, and I really admire that kind of confidence and conviction.”

Anna’s work can be found at Little Green Store where she also has art openings.

Women Of Worth

Women who are making a lasting difference in the community and in the state

ARTICLE BY AMY BAILEY AND CASEY CREQUE

LINDSEY PATILLO KEANE

MIDCITY DISTRICT

What is success to you?

Living a robust and peaceful life. This means being able to utilize my skills and passions at work, spending quality time with my family, ample rest and quiet time, fitness/ movement, and enjoying the beautiful parts of life through new experiences, travel, and play.

What inspired you to become involved in your community?

Being part of my community and gathering people is non-negotiable. Seeing the impact of placemaking is what inspires me every day.

One accomplishment you are most proud of through your community work?

Founding The Market at MidCity and growing MidCity District. I get to work with 100s of community members and small businesses to support our efforts to make Huntsville even better than it already is.

How has giving back to your community influenced you?

It’s a way for me to support the next generation and show my daughter that it’s important to have causes you care about.

Is there a local cause that is especially meaningful to you?

Land Trust of North Alabama. One of the most incredible aspects of our community is the quantity of preserved land around Huntsville. I love that we value preservation and outdoor recreation in our region along with growth and development. Two things can co-exist at the same time.

What legacy do you hope to leave?

That I continued to push the limits through placemaking and supporting business owners

A book that changed your perspective?  Happy City by Charles Montgomery

What is success to you?

Success used to mean to me, how far up the food chain did I get in your career and how much money did I make.  Now, over time and experience, it means how fulfilling is my life AND my career.

What inspired you to become involved in community?

The city of Huntsville inspired me. I wanted to be a part of its vibrancy.  No other place I have lived has had that effect on me.

One accomplishment you are most proud of through your community work?

I am really proud of chairing the Leaders of Impact for the American Heart Association.  We had a fabulous group of young professionals who really worked hard to raise money for this great cause.

Why it is important for women to uplift one another?

As women, we have a unique skill set to understand the struggles and celebrate each others’ wins.

Is there a local cause that is especially meaningful to you?

I support the American Heart Association and the Greater Huntsville Humane Society.  Giving a voice to those who can not speak (dogs) is dear to my heart.

“

Women supporting women creates stronger families, stronger businesses, and stronger communities. When women choose collaboration over competition, we all move forward faster.

What advice would you give to young women who want to make a difference in their community?

Jump in, volunteer. Pick a cause that speaks to you!

What legacy do you hope to leave?

I don’t know about any “legacy” of mine, I just hope that in some way I have effected change for the good.

Heels or sneakers?

I only wear sneakers when exercising

DONNA BURNS

REMAX REALTY, AUTHOR OF SELL YOUR HOME FOR MORE

ANNA MANNING

HUNTSVILLE HOSPITAL FOUNDATION

What is success to you?

I feel successful when I’ve used my talents with a sincere heart to help someone else, no matter how big or small the task.

Who or what inspired you to become involved in your community?

My role model is Celeste Childs. From the moment I met her as a young teenager, I knew that I wanted to love others the way she does.

One accomplishment you are most proud of in your community work?

I am most proud of the work I get to be a part of through the Melissa George Neonatal Memorial Fund. It is one of the biggest blessings in my life to know my Event Team is helping our community’s most vulnerable patients. Nearly every piece of equipment in the Huntsville Hospital NICU is purchased through Melissa’s Fund.

Why is it important for women to uplift one another?

I see this firsthand every year at the Liz Hurley Ribbon Run Breast Cancer Survivor Walk. There is nothing stronger than the bond of women who come together to support one another. And if you’re a young female professional, I highly recommend looking into Momentum Leaders for extra support.

Is there a local cause that is especially meaningful to you?

The Caring House holds a very special place in my heart. Grief can be an overwhelming thing to navigate, but The Caring House team provides children and their families with a safe and loving place to work through loss.

What advice would you give to young women who want to make a difference in their communities?

Say yes. This is your HOME – you’ll never regret pouring your heart into it and making it better for your family, your neighbors, and your friends.

What legacy do you hope to leave?

I hope I’m thought of as someone with a servant heart, who acts with heartfelt hospitality, knows how to throw a great party… and makes a perfect southern cheese straw ;)

APRIL BRIGGS

HUNTSVILLE LEARNING CENTER

What is success to you?

Having the abundance of time, the richness of energy, and spiritual capacity to sustain myself, and enough in reserve to help other people.

What inspired you to become involved in your community?

First, my Mom who never met a stranger and would feed anyone. And my Dad, he took me to church and I got saturated in the word and involved in ministry. Then I met a fellow by the name of Art Leslie, who gave me my first job in ministry as a nursing mother of a 9-month-old. He allowed me to bring my baby to work. I worked as the assistant life skills counselor, a title I am pretty sure he made up. I started helping with at-risk teens, and I never stopped.

One accomplishment you are most proud of through your community work?

It’s a tie. I am very proud of the book that I wrote I GOT 5 ON IT (available at Amazon) because it’s a culmination of all of the lessons that I have taught to my children over their lives and teens over the past 20 years. I am also extremely proud of a camp that I founded at the Huntsville Learning Center called Growth Camp.

Why is it important for women to uplift one another?

I believe that it’s important for us to lift each other because it is an act of defiance against how society has defined women. When we remove competition and replace it with collaboration and real support something spiritual happens. When Jesus hits the scene he changes the scenery.

What advice would you give to young women who want to make a difference?

My advice would be to remember anytime in their life’s journey where they have REALLY needed something and it wasn’t available to them. I suggest that they get up and fill that need.

What legacy do you hope to leave?

I want to leave a legacy of aggressively and audaciously following God‘s path as my authentic self.

Favorite way to spend a free afternoon?

With my feet touching some type of earth.

KAREN PETERSEN

WELLSTONE

Karen Petersen

What is success to you?

When I was an aspiring TV reporter/anchor, it meant a high-paying job in a top 20 market. You know, the basics: Money, fame, and fancy clothes. Today, my definition of success is my family, health and well-being, sobriety, friendships, and a fulfilling career.

What inspired you to become involved in your community?

My parents inspired me first. They ushered, served on Church Councils, visited the homebound, and worked in the kitchen. Dad even shoveled the church (and our neighbors’) walkways after heavy Minnesota snowfalls.

One accomplishment you are most proud of?

I’m proudest of my girls, Serina and Sophia, but I’m most grateful for making it through 15 years of active addiction to alcohol and coming out on the other side. Without recovery, none of the other things would be possible. Today, I get to use my journey and experiences to advance the mission of WellStone.

Why is it important for women to support and uplift one another?

By leaning on each other, lifting each other up, and learning from each other, we all get stronger. The stronger we are, the more we can do. The wider our reach. The greater our impact.

Is there a local cause that is especially meaningful to you?

WellStone is a 24/7 care center for individuals in mental health and substance crisis. When I heard about WellStone I knew this was my calling, and when we expanded to pediatrics, I knew how much it would mean to children and families in our community.

I’m also passionate about my church, St. Mark’s Lutheran, along with other mental health/addiction recovery related nonprofits, like Best Life Recovery and NOMA, and I’m happy to see that NAMI re-established its North Alabama chapter.

What advice would you give to young women who want to make a difference in their communities?

Put yourself out there. Reflect on your personal experiences and interests and connect with the people and purposes that resonate most.

What legacy do you hope to leave?

If I could be remembered as someone who shared her hope and faith with people who had lost theirs or reminded others that they were loved and understood when they felt completely alone—that’s a legacy I could get behind.

One word that describes your leadership style? Supportive

What is success to you?

Success means creating something meaningful that positively impacts others while also building a life that is centered on family, purpose, and community.

What inspired you to become involved in your community?

The people around me who showed how small acts of support and generosity can lead to a real difference.

What is one accomplishment you are most proud of through your community work?

One accomplishment I am most proud of is creating an orthodontic practice that not only helps people with their dental health and self-confidence, but also supports and brings together our community.  I LOVE being known as the orthodontist who “gives back” - to the community, our team, and our patients.

How has giving back to your community influenced you?

Giving back has reminded me that success is most special when it benefits others.

Is there a local cause that is especially meaningful to you?

Being a Community Sponsor for our local schools is incredibly meaningful because our schools are the heart of our community. These sponsorships allow me to give back not only to individual schools, teachers, and students - but also families and our city as a whole.

What legacy do you hope to leave?

I hope to leave a legacy of creating confident smiles while building a practice that truly cares for and supports the community it serves. I want to inspire others to lead with kindness, generosity, and the courage to make a positive difference.

Favorite place in our city: Big Spring Park

DR. LINDSAY LIMBAUGH

LIMBAUGH ORTHODONTICS

DR. BETH B RICHARDSON

PROGRESS BANK

What is success to you?

Success, to me, is living in alignment with my purpose, serving others, honoring God, and making a meaningful impact. Over time, it has evolved from external achievements to internal fulfillment.

What inspired you to become involved in your community?

I was inspired by my family. The legacy of service, discipline, and excellence was modeled for me. I believe that we are blessed to be a blessing, and that conviction continues to fuel my commitment to community impact.

One accomplishment you are most proud of through your community work?

I’m most proud of the lives I’ve been able to impact whether through financial empowerment, mentorship, or leadership. Seeing individuals gain confidence, clarity, and control over their futures brings me incredible joy.

Why is it important for women to support and uplift one another?

There is power in sisterhood! When women support each other, we multiply strength, wisdom, and opportunity. We break barriers faster together, and we create spaces where everyone can excel, not merely exist.

Is there a local cause that is especially meaningful to you?

Organizations like The Cornerstone Initiative and United Way are especially meaningful to me. I’m especially passionate about initiatives centered on education, financial literacy, and faith-based development because they don’t just help people succeed in the moment, they equip them to sustain success and create lasting, generational impact.

What advice would you give to young women who want to make a difference?

Start where you are, use what you have, and trust that your voice matters.  Stay grounded in your values, remain teachable, and never underestimate the power of consistency and faith.

What legacy do you hope to leave?

I hope to leave a legacy of empowerment, integrity, and transformation; a legacy where I have shaped and changed lives, strengthened futures, and inspired generations to walk boldly in their purpose.

Heels or sneakers?

Heels for impact, sneakers for strategy.

CIERA ELLEDGE

PB&J SQUAD, #BADMOMS

What is success to you?

For me, success means building things that create opportunity for others and being present for my kids and their very full lives while still showing them what it looks like to work hard, lead, and give back. It is less about what I achieve personally and more about what I help make possible for others.

What inspired you to become involved in your community?

Becoming a mom played a huge role. Once you have kids, your world gets a lot bigger and a lot more personal. You start to care deeply about the community they are growing up in.

I run a local mom group called #Badmoms of Madison County, and through that group I have seen firsthand how powerful it is when women come together to support one another.

One accomplishment you are most proud of through your community work?

One of the things I am most proud of is helping build and mobilize community-driven initiatives like the PBJ Squad that directly support families in need. We have been able to provide groceries, organize donation drives, and step in quickly when families need support, which is incredibly meaningful to me.

How has giving back to your community influenced you?

It keeps me grounded and constantly reminds me what actually matters. How lucky I am to be in a position to serve others. It has taught me how to bring people together.

Why is it important for women to support and uplift one another?

Women supporting women creates stronger families, stronger businesses, and stronger communities. When women choose collaboration over competition, we all move forward faster.

Is there a local cause that is especially meaningful to you?

Addressing food insecurity and supporting families during difficult times is something that hits close to home. Knowing we kept a kid from going to bed hungry is a feeling of immense gratitude and pride.

I am also passionate about supporting our local schools, whether that is volunteering, helping with events, or finding ways to support students and teachers.

What advice would you give to young women who want to make a difference in their communities?

Look around your immediate circle. Your school, your neighborhood, your friend group. There is always a need, even if it is small. You don’t have to fit into a mold to make a difference. Just care enough to act.

What legacy do you hope to leave?

I want to be known as someone who brought people together, created spaces where everyone felt welcome, and made it easier for others to step in and help. More than anything, I hope my kids grow up seeing that giving back is just a part of who we are, not something we do occasionally. If that carries forward into the next generation, that is the kind of legacy that really matters.

SMALL GROUP CLASSES

The importance of bone health in perimenopause and beyond

STRONG BONES. STRONG YOU.

ARTICLE BY CASEY CREQUE

As women, we always see the latest trends and products to age gracefully on the outside, but the truth is, without a strong foundation on the inside, our health and quality of life will decline, especially when we reach the age of perimenopause and beyond. It is important to take steps now to prevent disease later.

Perimenopause triggers rapid bone loss due to declining estrogen, contributing to a potential of 1.8-2.3% annual losses in the hip and spine. In late stages of perimenopause and into post menopause this decline increases the risk of osteoporosis, fractures, balance issues, and overall weakness, and women in lower weight categories are at an even greater risk. Dr. Nancy White with Odyssey Life Clinic explains, “ It is important to stress bones to build bone back and to chemically support bone health with calcium and D3 and get plenty of protein. I send patients to OsteoStrong to help build bone back safely without too much stress such as heavy weightlifting. “

Osteogenic loading, like we see at OsteoStrong, is designed to reverse the negative effects of osteoporosis by stimulating bone metabolism, with some reports suggesting up to 14% increases in bone mineral density over 12 months, with increases in overall strength particularly for fast-twitch muscle fibers, through intense, quick loading, which is crucial for reversing sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss). Great for people new to lifting and easy on the joints.

In addition to bone health with osteogenic loading, OsteoStrong has created an environment with the latest cutting edge modalities to work in harmony with your body to restore homeostasis, increase circulation, flush the lymphatic system, boost immunity, and reduce oxidative stress which is a deep, cellular stress that is at the center of many age-related diseases.

RED LIGHT THERAPY

• supports skin health (collagen production, reduced wrinkles/acne)

• assist muscle recovery and reduce soreness after workouts

• reduce joint pain and inflammation

BIOCHARGER

This bioenergetic device is designed to replicate and amplify Earth’s natural energy frequencies, including the Schumann Resonance (approx. 7.83 Hz), alongside light, voltage, and pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF).

• optimize cellular function

• improve recovery

• boost energy

PEMF GROUNDING MAT

• reduce pain and inflammation

• supports sleep quality and relaxation

• aids circulation and tissue repair

COMPRESSION BOOTS

• improve circulation and lymphatic drainage

• reduce muscle soreness and swelling

• speeds up recovery after intense exercise

HYDRO MASSAGE

• promotes relaxation and stress relief

• helps loosen tight muscles

Visit osteostronghsv.com to begin your membership and get started on a routine that your body will thank you for.

A CLOTHING LINE WITH A SOUTHERN FLARE DESIGNED BY ALABAMA GRADUATE MORGAN HUTCHINSON FOR BUSY MOMS

SHOP

ARTICLE BY AMY BAILEY

BURU

Launched in 2013 after the birth of her first child, BURU was born out of a deeply personal frustration: the lack of clothing that felt both functional and fashion-forward for women navigating the early, demanding years of motherhood. Morgan Hutchinson, drawing from her background as a stylist and lingerie designer, envisioned garments that could move seamlessly through a woman’s day—from school drop-off to dinner out—without sacrificing ease, washability, or a sense of individuality.

The brand’s ethos, often described as “Mom. Life. Styled.,” reflects this balance, offering pieces that are equal parts playful and practical, with signature details like bold prints, feminine silhouettes, and— perhaps most beloved—well-placed pockets.

“After four years of living in Beijing, I came back as a new mom in my thirties. My life and style evolved quickly, as I struggled to find quality pieces that hit all the marks—beautiful, versatile and timeless with a twist. And so, BURU was born,” Morgan smiles.

“Fashion has been a huge part of my life since I was a child.” She continues, “Pairing outfits and shopping vintage started early for me, and the desire for unique personal style is a constant. I want BURU to provide that for all our customers in a way that accommodates every phase of their lives.”

When asked about her biggest challenges as an entrepreneur, Morgan replies, “Ha ha. How much time do you have? Name it and we’ve dealt with it. Balancing marriage and motherhood with 3 children. Seeking capital for growth. People not taking me seriously. People addressing my husband over me. The pressure of being a female breadwinner. And in general, the self-doubt that often comes with being a woman are all challenges I’ve dealt with in my career.”

“I BELIEVE CLOTHING IS WEARABLE ART—A MEDIUM THAT ALLOWS US TO SHOW PEOPLE WHO WE ARE WITHOUT SAYING A WORD.”

Morgan moved to LA to build a factory for BURU 9 years ago. “I’m so proud to say that we now have a team of over 40 fulltime production members. The ability to create with our pattern and sample makers in-person and in real time is such a luxury for the business. We are able to keep the vision while also scaling responsibly.” She continues, “Of course we also have wonderful overseas partners as well to fill in the gaps of what we cannot create in the USA, but our domestic production allows more seamless work regarding all our styles. It allows the vision to remain intact across all channels.”

She is a constant encourager for women embracing their own style. “I’m always telling our customers to “play in their closets”.  Have fun - fashion shouldn’t be serious. It should bring joy. I hope that Buru brings joy and confidence to our customers every moment they wear it.”

Her biggest mentors are the women in her family. “Hands-down the women in my life have taught me the most - my mother, my grandmothers, my great-grandmothers.”

When it comes to family time, Morgan’s favorite thing to do with her family is travel. “Travel is our family’s love language. We love experiencing new places and new cultures together.” She adds, “I’m also infinitely inspired by the fashion, the food and the architecture of foreign countries.”

BURU continues to hit milestone after milestone, now with retail stores in Charleston, NYC, and Palm Beach. Morgan also hosts customer driven trips to LA. “Last fall over 60 women traveled to Los Angeles for dinner at our home, it was a dream.” And the way her family has been a part of experiencing her dream become a reality has been beyond impactful. “Honestly seeing our children run around our factory in LA or exploring Peru, India and China on sourcing trips moves me deeply and still makes me tear up.”

“I believe clothing is wearable art—a medium that allows us to show people who we are without saying a word. This has been my mission in fashion,” she says profoundly.

CONTINUED >

Aside from creating a beautiful clothing line, Morgan hopes to build a legacy of transparency for mental health and has been a vocal advocate for those dealing with bipolar disorder. “From the start, I’ve spoken openly about my bipolar diagnosis. It’s so important to me to help end the stigma and help others deal with their challenges. It is more than necessary to talk about mental health, to share stories of those struggles. People need to know they are not alone as they navigate through the hard times in life.” She adds, “And why not do that while wearing something fabulous.”

RAPID FIRE QUESTIONS:

Favorite tool?

Sketchbook

Favorite fabric?

Jacquard

Favorite color?

Chartreuse

Sneakers or heels?

Heels

Dress or casual wear? The Mod Dress

Favorite era of inspiration? 1960’s NYC

Motto? Runway for the everyday!

Friday, May 1, 2026 | Stovehouse | 6:00 to 10:00 p.m.

on Authentic Mexican Cuisine • Indulge in Artisan Cocktails, Craft Beer, and Boutique Wines Enter the Mysteré Box Drawing • Bid on Exceptional Auction Items

RYKER’S RAINBOW PRESENTED BY Our MIsSion is to provide emotional and tangible support for families who experience the loss of a pregnancy, infant, or child.

ARTICLE BY AMY BAILEY PHOTOGRAPHY BY TAMIKA WATFORD

Self REFLECTION

Artist Anna Husband’s colorful, reflective representation of women

For some artists, creativity is something discovered over time, but for others, it’s been there all along. From childhood art classes to spreading her love for art through tattooing to developing a distinct voice through portraiture, Anna Husband’s style reflects an ever-evolving connection to creativity, identity, and self-expression.

WHEN DID YOUR LOVE FOR ART BEGIN?

I remember taking art classes in elementary school from a teacher, Ms. Newby. Even from a small age feeling like this is exactly what I should be doing. I loved creating things.

WHERE DO YOU DRAW INSPIRATION FROM FOR YOUR PAINTINGS?

When I was deciding what to paint for my collection for my art show this past December, I thought about what I enjoy drawing or doodling. I’ve always enjoyed painting people and nature. Then, from there, I expanded upon that concept and thought about what I wanted the ‘censor across the eyes’ to convey.

WHEN DID YOU KNOW THAT ART WOULD BECOME A CAREER FOR YOU?

I honestly thought art would never be a career for me. I started college in interior design and moved over to art history. Then I was like, “What am I going to do to financially support myself?” I looked into things like admin work, medical jobs, and banking. After a while, I realized I just couldn’t work in those fields. So then tattooing came along to make art and support myself. Painting was always just for fun, but then I realized I wanted to make it part of my career instead of just a hobby.

TELL US ABOUT THE COVER PAINTING.

For the cover, Amy reached out to me about my work that I had done and how she truly enjoyed it and it spoke to her so we discussed a custom piece for her. When I start a portrait, I do a lot of research and looking at photos of people to make sure I have good positioning and lighting. From there, I come up with a color scheme where there’s a nice balance of warm and cool tones. Then I think about the emotion that the main picture reference feels like. This one felt happy, full, rich and bold.

CONTINUED >

“I want people to see that we are just inherently all humans and deserve to be seen.”

TELL US ABOUT THE MEANING BEHIND YOUR WORK?

For this series, I didn’t want you to look at it and identify each person as a certain person, but for the feeling the portrait conveyed. For example, I think if you saw a portrait of me, you would think that’s Anna. She’s a wife. She’s a mother. She’s an artist. She’s 33 from Huntsville. That’s all true, but I wanted you to see that she’s creative. She’s silly. She’s happy. I think often as women we tend to fall into these roles and lose a lot of who we really are. So that was my intention with the censor bar across the eyes, to hide their identity and make you focus on how they feel in that painting.

WHAT FEELINGS DO YOU HOPE VIEWERS GET WHEN IN THE PRESENCE OF YOUR ART?

I hope that they realize we are so much more than our job, our status, or any other role that we fall into. I want people to see that we are just inherently all humans and deserve to be seen.

WHAT DO YOU SEE FOR THE FUTURE OF YOUR ART CAREER?

I hope to continue to evolve and get better. I tend to be a bit of a perfectionist, which can be good and bad.  I’ve done a small mural before, it’s outside of Honest Coffee Roasters downtown. But I would love to do something on a much larger scale.

I also would love to do a tiny gallery, kind of like the tiny libraries you see around neighborhoods. For some reason, I think tiny artworks could bring so much joy.

HOW CAN PEOPLE VIEW AND PURCHASE YOUR WORK?

All of my work can be viewed or purchased at the Little Green Store and Gallery on Monte Sano Mountain. I’ve been selling my art up there for almost 10 years and everyone else who shows there is so talented.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE HAPPENING IN THE LOCAL ART COMMUNITY AS THE CITY CONTINUES TO GROW?

I would love to see much more public art. I would love to see even more local artist showcasing their work. I think the city does a great job with things like panoply, the art walk, Monte Sano Arts Festival, Lowe mill, gallery showcases, the art museum and more. But I feel like the more music and arts, the better!

MOTHER’S DAY

GIFT GUIDE

Make her feel special with these thoughtful gifts for every budget

ARTICLE BY CASEY CREQUE

Mother’s Day is a day to slow down and honor those women who built us, the ones who will drop whatever to lend a helping hand. No gift

will ever say “thank you” on the level they deserve, but these local finds are a great way to show your appreciation this Mother’s Day.

ARTICLE BY MARTHA LYNN COON

BEYOND THE COURTROOM

ATTORNEYS SHERROD AND MASTANDO NOT ONLY DEFEND THE LAW, BUT CHANGE IT

For the last century, many women have played a vital role in ensuring a just and equitable future for all Alabamians. Some are more well-known than others: Rosa Parks, who, as a young activist, intentionally refused to give up her seat on a bus in Montgomery, an action that would spark the Montgomery Bus Boycott and build a foundation for the Civil Rights Movement in America. Less well known but also vital was Maud McLure Kelly, the first woman to practice law in Alabama. Graduating third in her class from The University of Alabama’s School of Law in 1908, Kelly opened a practice in Birmingham and advocated for women’s suffrage as well as poor and underserved communities.

Luckily, these pioneers were followed by a long legacy of legal and civil advocates who work tirelessly to ensure that people’s rights are honored, their due process is met, and that their personhood, regardless of race, gender, or ability, is honored and protected within our courts of law. In North

Alabama, we are grateful for two such women who continue to call Huntsville home.

In 2000, Martha Lynn Sherrod became the first person of African descent to win an at-large partisan election in North Alabama, serving as a Madison County District Court Judge for 14 years. Prior to that she was the first African American Assistant District Attorney, and parallel to her legal career, she also taught Criminal Justice at Alabama A&M University. Sherrod cites her mother, a woman she describes as “a giver and an activist” who kept the doors of their home “open to those in need,” as a primary influence in her own call to service. Judge, as she is affectionately called by those who know her, lives out this call not only through her vocation, but also through proud membership in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated ©, an organization founded on the principal of “service to all mankind.” She took time to reflect on her journey as a celebrated member of the Huntsville legal establishment and devoted citizen of the community:

WHAT DOES SUCCESS MEAN TO YOU PERSONALLY, AND HOW HAS THAT DEFINITION EVOLVED OVER TIME?

Success means peace of mind while making a positive impact on the people you know and love. Success is making sure my actions reflect my values and goals. This definition has evolved from a desire to accumulate prosperity and all of the trappings of success, i.e. big house, luxury car, travel, etc., to a more cerebral desire for peace and contentment not just for myself but also for others. This evolution now requires making measurable progress while learning from setbacks. My definition is no longer dependent on what others think or say, but rather a personal satisfaction and resilience that allows me to live intentionally while cultivating well-being and  meaningful relationships. I care less about what others think and more about how I feel.

WHAT IS ONE ACCOMPLISHMENT YOU ARE MOST PROUD OF, EITHER PROFESSIONALLY OR THROUGH YOUR COMMUNITY WORK?

My proudest personal achievement is producing a happy, independent, responsible, smart and beautiful daughter that shares my passion for helping others. Professionally, I developed the first Family Drug Court in Alabama. Children and families were reunited in safe homes. Drug Courts reduce the cost of incarceration and drastically reduce the number of children in foster care. The Criminal Drug Courts provided an opportunity for participants to rebuild their lives and become contributors in the community rather than a liability. Treatment replaced incarceration, resulting in healthy  families and reduction in the cost to the community.

WHY DO YOU BELIEVE IT IS IMPORTANT FOR WOMEN TO SUPPORT AND UPLIFT ONE ANOTHER?

It is especially important for women to support and uplift one another because it helps create stronger individuals, healthier communities and greater equality. Encouragement from similarly situated voices can boost confidence. Standing collectively leads to more effectively addressing challenges such as inequality, discrimination, and the lack of effective representation and helps create a fairer and more supportive world for future generations.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUNG WOMEN WHO WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THEIR COMMUNITIES?

The needs in the community are great. Focus on what appeals to you and align with others that share your interest.

WHAT LEGACY DO YOU HOPE TO LEAVE IN YOUR COMMUNITY?

I hope to be remembered as a competent and fair judge. A judge that was courteous to everyone, regardless of their status in life, with an unwavering commitment to justice and a model of integrity.

Another legal treasure in North Alabama is local attorney Teri Mastando. Currently a partner at Mastando and Artrip, LLC, Teri’s legal practice focuses on the areas of employment law as well as civil rights injuries in schools and prisons. When speaking about a high-profile appeal Teri won on behalf of a disabled student in North Alabama, she cites success as being able to resolve the case for her client “in a way that made a difference. Just getting the message out about that case made a difference.” Mastando is aware that the stakes are sometimes higher than either she or her client realizes, yet she still measures success “one client at a time. Even if we are not always as successful as we want to be, just by speaking out through the legal system we have already had a measure of success.”

Teri shared more about her client-centered approach and her own evolution as a woman and lawyer with Huntsville City Lifestyle:

WHAT DO YOU FIND MOST SATISFYING ABOUT BEING AN ADVOCATE FOR JUSTICE IN OUR COMMUNITY?

When clients arrive in my office, they are in a difficult place, just coming out of very bad experiences at work, school, or in jail. By the end of our attorney/client experience, I am often so honored to see a changed person, back on his or her feet and moving forward with life.

WHAT INSPIRED OR ENCOURAGED YOU TO BECOME A LAWYER?

When I was 16, I was experiencing embarrassing sexual harassment by a male football player. When I confided in my father, instead of taking care of it all himself, he taught me that I could advocate for myself by advising me to report this boy directly to the principal. He told me that he would not always be around to take care of my problems for me and I needed to learn how strong I was. It was the hardest thing I had done. When I did that, the harassment stopped. I see a direct correlation between that lesson my father taught me and what I do now – representing women and girls who have been sexually harassed in the workplace, schools and prisons.

I am actually the first person in my family to earn a college degree, so I had no idea what being a lawyer would be like outside of television. I had my first female role

“EVEN IF WE ARE NOT ALWAYS AS SUCCESSFUL AS WE WANT TO BE, JUST BY SPEAKING OUT THROUGH THE LEGAL SYSTEM WE HAVE ALREADY HAD A MEASURE OF SUCCESS.”

models in the legal community in the women I worked with on cases through the years. When I started practicing law in 1994, the profession was still overwhelmingly male although women were certainly making headway.

WHAT HIDDEN SUPERPOWERS MIGHT GIRLS AND YOUNG WOMEN POSSESS THAT ARE NOT ALWAYS LIFTED UP IN OUR CURRENT CULTURE, YET CAN AND WILL SERVE THEM IN THEIR CAREERS?

Preparation, empathy, and self-confidence are key. As a young girl, I was often prepared but did not understand how important

self-confidence is as a superpower. I had to learn that it wasn’t enough to be prepared when you advocate for others or for yourself, you also must believe in yourself and project that belief to others around you.

WHAT IS ONE THING THAT YOU WISH ALL WOMEN KNEW ABOUT THE LAW THAT YOU’VE LEARNED IN YOUR YEARS OF PRACTICE?

Often, reporting workplace, school, and prison misconduct is protected under the law. Sexual harassment is not about sexual desire; it is about power. You cannot let someone exert that power through sexual harassment, and you are not powerless to stop it. The workplace, the schools, and the prisons all have laws that state they cannot retaliate against you for reporting. Know your legal rights.

WHAT LEGACY DO YOU HOPE TO LEAVE IN YOUR COMMUNITY?

I hope that I helped enough people, including many woman and girls, learn that they have a voice and can speak out for themselves with courage and dignity. I hope enough people that I have helped are able to pass that along to others who need them in the future.

ARTICLE BY CASEY CREQUE

JUST KEEP Running

TWO HUNTSVILLE WOMEN WHO LOVE ADRENALINE AND ADVENTURE

KATHY FAULKNER YOUNGREN (51), ATTORNEY

What first inspired you to start running?

While in college at Georgetown University, I cheered on runners in the Marine Corps Marathon as they ran past, and in that moment, I knew—this was something I could do. With very little preparation, I ran the race the following year, and to my delight, I loved every single minute of it. Between undergrad and law school, some friends told me that if I could run a marathon, I could run 40 miles. I took their challenge to heart and signed up for the Strolling Jim 41.2-Mile Race. From the moment I crossed that finish line, I was hooked.

Which race has been the most challenging, and why?

Every race comes with its own set of challenges, and sometimes those challenges have nothing to do with training or the course itself—they lie in just getting there. My husband and I signed up to run a marathon in Antarctica. To reach it, we flew to Argentina and caught our ship in Ushuaia, the southernmost town in the world. From there, we faced the infamous Drake Passage, a notoriously rough stretch of ocean connecting the

“The Mayor of Sparta placed an olive leaf wreath on my head, and I was handed a goblet of water from the Evrotas River, a process

similar the way Olympians were honored in ancient times. ”

Atlantic and Pacific. On the way down, the Drake Passage was surprisingly kind, and we arrived in Antarctica without incident. Even running the marathon on wobbly sea legs, my husband won the race, and I finished second overall. The race was an unforgettable experience, but the real adventure came on the return journey. The Drake Passage showed its true colors. Half the ship spent two days bedridden, while the rest of us engaged in what we jokingly called the “Don’t Spill a Drop Challenge.” The goal? Keep your coffee upright while navigating a tossing, rolling ship. It turns out, this makeshift competition was tougher than the marathon itself!

Describe what it felt like crossing the finish line at the Spartathlon and knowing you traced Pheidippides’ historic path?

With a love of ancient history and a minor in classical archaeology, I was captivated by the idea of following in the footsteps of Pheidippides. He was a Greek messenger sent from Athens to Sparta in 490 BC to solicit military help while the Athenians were being attack by the Persians. Pheidippides ran 246 km on foot, leaving at daybreak and arriving the next day at sundown. The Spartathlon race honors that legendary journey of 153 mile with a 36-hour cutoff. Running through the Greek countryside and quaint little towns was an experience I will never forget. No matter how late I arrived, children on bikes would ride alongside, asking where I was from and escorting me through the town, while parents and grandparents watched from porches, playing chess. The race itself was punishing. There was no finish line, no arch, no timing mat. Instead, the clock stops when you climb a few stairs—where I may have tripped—to touch the foot of a massive statue of King Leonidas. The Mayor of Sparta placed an olive leaf wreath on my head, and I was handed a goblet of water from the Evrotas River, a process similar the way Olympians were honored in ancient times.

How do you prepare for running in brutal conditions?

Training to run Badwater, a 135-mile race in Death Valley in July, requires extra preparation. The process is two-fold: not only do you have to train your body to run the distance, but you also have to train it to endure 125-degree heat. For months leading up to the race, I would sit in the sauna after my runs for 30 minutes or more. Another method I used was heat layering—putting on extra clothes and running in the sun. I remember a July 4th training run where I wore tights, a thermal base layer, a down jacket, and gloves. I ran around Hampton Cove, up Cecil Ashburn, and back—before finishing by jumping into a friend’s pool to cool off.

How do you keep yourself motivated?

My motivation is closely tied to determination. When I am determined, the motivation seems to follow. This is not to say that there are times in a race when I succumbed to super low morale and the thoughts of quitting, but typically when running an ultra, you learn to ride the highs and fight through the lows. At those low points, I reflect on everything I’ve done to get to this moment. Remembering all that snaps me out of my pity party, and helps bring my focus back to the task at hand.

Is there a moment or race that stands out as your proudest achievement?

One of my proudest moments wasn’t finishing a race well—it was surviving a race. Starting at 11pm, I was already quickly becoming sleep deprived before I even started Badwater 135 that year. Badwater is a 135-mile race in Death Valley in July. As the race progressed, my body felt as if it were shutting down. My belly revolted, preventing me from eating and drinking. All I could do was suck on ice cubes to satisfy my dry mouth and thirst. Curling up on the side of the road and taking a nap is all I wanted to do. Hallucinations were playing tricks with my mind—I saw bridges and huge hotels in the middle of the desert. I was struggling and questioned my life choices, but my crew didn’t give up on me—they supported, encouraged, saved and carried me through every tough mile. 34 hours later, I finally crossed that finish line.

Do you have a favorite “running mantra” or piece of advice for women?

Start where you are, trust the process, stay consistent, and believe in yourself. Treat your training as a gift to yourself.

How has your perspective on running and life changed over time?

Running has been an important part of my life for over 30 years. Due to hip dysplasia, I’ve had both hips resurfaced, and my comeback has been long and slow. I’m finally starting to see progress, and there is no better way to test myself than by running the Vol State 500k again this summer. Going through this journey has taught me that success isn’t always measured in speed or distance. Sometimes it’s simply getting out the door and running— or walking—a few miles at the pace your body allows that day. And even those small steps are victories.

KRISTIN SULLINS OD (45), OPTOMETRIST

What first inspired you to start running?

During Optometry School I started running longer. That is where I ran my first half marathon. But it wasn’t truly until after I graduated and started practicing optometry when further distance training took off. I met friends who were training for a Half-Ironman, joined in, and fell in love.

What is training like for these races?

My training has ebbed and flowed through my own seasons. Currently most of my training is in the mornings. I run 4x a week with friends and l may ride my Peloton and lift 2 days a week. If it doesn’t happen in the mornings it tends not to happen. Plus it always makes my day go better.

Which race has been the most challenging, and why?

After a series of life events I am most proud of my recent marathon PB at the Marine Corps Marathon in DC this Past October.

How do you keep yourself motivated?

When exhaustion hits I usually repeat positive affirmations to myself. I remind myself,  “You are stronger than you think. You’ve done harder things and you are capable of so much more. Just put one foot in front of the other, relentless forward motion…”

Do you have a favorite “running mantra” or piece of advice for women?

Running really translates into professional life well. Those mantras are the lessons I’ve learned over the years of endurance sports. You show up and put in the work on the good days and the bad days.  You grow and learn from the successes and the failures. Hard work and perseverance pays off in the long run. When you put your mind to something, anything can happen. Have a plan, but be flexible. These go for training and life. Always strive to be the best on that day with what you are given.

Future plans?

I’ll slowly chip away at the Abbott World Marathon Majors. This would fulfill a goal of running more overseas. I was also eyeballing a half marathon around Mt Kilimanjaro. Which would precede a possible climb to the top of said mountain!

Favorite quote?

“Just keep swimming.” -Dory

Medicine 3.0 has arrived in Huntsville. Health isn’t complicated but it is intentional. Dr. Lemley’s focus is on metabolic health, cardiovascular risk reduction, muscle preservation and strength, hormone optimization (when appropriate), advanced laboratory screening, and longevity strategy—not just disease management. This is proactive, relationship-based medicine designed for adults who want to stay strong, sharp, and independent for decades.

Books To Read Now

LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY

By Bonnie Garmus

THE CORRESPONDENT

By Virginia Evans

In the spirit of our women’s issue we dive into women’s lit

Society is reframing narratives shaped by the female experience, what once was suppose to shrink a woman is now her moment to be reborn - a chance to find her strength and transform her life. It is the rise of women’s literature and here are some of my favorites that will empower you and inspire you. Each offering a different thought-provoking perspective, each a unique female experience brought to life to be told, to be felt, to break down barriers, stop cycles, and evoke change.

By Belle Burden

ARTICLE BY AMY BAILEY

By Dolen Perkins-Valdez

CUMBERLAND ISLAND TIME

ARTICLE BY AMY BAILEY

PHOTOGRAPHY

COURTESY OF GREYFIELD INN

NO CARS, NO PAVED STREETS, AN ISLAND STEEPED IN HISTORY, HORSES, AND WILDNESS

Accessible only by ferry or private boat, Cumberland Island immediately separates itself from the pace of modern life. There are no bridges, no cars, no traffic lights - only maritime forests draped in Spanish moss, miles of untamed shoreline, and the quiet presence of wild horses that roam freely through the dunes. It is a place where nature leads and visitors follow.

I had the opportunity to spend the day with one of Cumberland Island’s only residents, jewelry designer and Carnegie descendant, Gogo Ferguson. When I was in St. Simons Island a few years ago I reached out to Gogo about writing a story on her and her jewelry line. She immediately responded, “My husband David can pick you up

by plane.” Before I knew it, I was in a twin prop plane flying over the marshland of the Georgia coast and landing in a field on the famous wilderness of Cumberland Island.

If Gogo’s name sounds familiar, it is because she was very good friends with John F. Kennedy Jr. She even designed his and Carolyn Bessette’s rings and was instrumental in planning their wedding on the island at the First African Baptist Church, a historic oneroom church built in 1893 by a congregation of freed slaves.

Gogo’s work is inseparable from the land itself. A lifelong resident of the island, Gogo has built an internationally recognized

jewelry line not from gemstones mined or manufactured, but from the overlooked poetry of nature: armadillo shells, sea urchins, seed pods, snake vertebrae, and fragments of bone gathered on long, meditative walks along the beach and through the forest. Her process is both instinctual and reverent—each object carefully collected, studied, and transformed through lost-wax casting into gold, silver, or vermeil, preserving every intricate detail as a wearable relic of the island’s ecosystem. Raised under the influence of her grandmother, who taught her to see the landscape with heightened awareness and respect, Ferguson

“BEFOREIKNEWIT , IWAS IN

developed an eye for beauty in the raw and unexpected. Gogo shared with me, “My grandmother Lucy Ferguson, she loved wildlife more than she loved people. She saw the beauty in animals and nature, but saw such meanness in many people.”

Gogo invited me to come with her on one of her scavenger hunts for natural items. We hop in her rustic, well-worn UTV and are off on an adventure.

What began as a necessity - creating a livelihood while raising her daughter on this remote island- has grown into a multi-million-dollar business collected by artists, celebrities, and even

presidential families. Yet despite international recognition, Gogo remains rooted in the rhythm of Cumberland, where each piece begins not in a studio, but in the quiet act of noticing. “Look at that! That’s a nice shark’s eye,” she exclaims as we walk along the island shore looking for shells and other natural oddities.

We hop back in the UTV and as we move through the marshland of the island, see an alligator. Of course we have to stop and admire. Through the maritime forest we come upon a mare and her foal. It’s April so there are newly born wild foals all over the island. As we arrive back at Gogo’s house perhaps the most

distinct aspect is the large horse skeleton she has like a statue outside their home. It is remarkable that she finds beauty not only in life, but also in bones.

Gogo’s tour of the island continues at Cumberland’s only option for non-tent accommodations. Tucked within the wild is one of the South’s most enchanting hidden treasures: Greyfield Inn. At first glimpse, the grand white structure appears almost dreamlike, rising gently above sweeping lawns and ancient live oaks. Built in 1900 by the Carnegie family as a private retreat, the home remained a family residence for generations and was Gogo’s grandmother Lucy’s home. Today it remains one of the most exclusive and intimate historic inns in the country.

The interiors are quietly elegant—antique furnishings, worn hardwood floors, and family photographs that hint at a century of stories. Nothing feels overly curated. Instead, the home carries the comfortable patina of a place that has been deeply lived in and lovingly preserved.

“ MY GRANDMOTHER LUCY FERGUSON, SHE LOVED WILDLIFE MORE THAN SHE LOVED PEOPLE. SHE SAW THE BEAUTY IN ANIMALS AND NATURE. ”

Mornings begin slowly at Greyfield as guests gather for breakfast in the dining room. Fresh fruit, warm pastries, and Southern staples set the tone for the day ahead. From there, the island beckons.

Bicycles are the preferred mode of exploration. Pedaling beneath towering oaks along sandy paths, it is easy to lose track of time while discovering the island’s quiet corners. You might even round a bend and encounter a small herd of Cumberland’s famous wild horses grazing peacefully in the dunes.

For those drawn to history, Cumberland offers an extraordinary sense of discovery. Hidden within the maritime forest lie the evocative ruins of Dungeness Ruins, the remains of the Carnegie family’s oncegrand mansion. Ivy-covered walls and stone archways now stand open to the sky, creating a hauntingly beautiful reminder of the island’s gilded past. Walking through the ruins, one can almost imagine the lavish gatherings that once took place here during America’s Gilded Age.

Yet despite its history, Cumberland never feels like a museum. The island remains vibrantly alive. Armadillos shuffle through the underbrush, dolphins appear just offshore, and loggerhead sea turtles return each summer to nest along the protected beaches. The quiet stewardship of the island has preserved something increasingly rare along the American coastline: true wilderness.

Afternoons often return guests to the wide veranda of Greyfield Inn, where rocking chairs invite long conversations and glasses of chilled wine arrive without ceremony. Evenings at Greyfield are perhaps the inn’s most beloved tradition. Guests gather for candlelit dinners prepared by the inn’s talented chef, where menus celebrate coastal Southern cuisine. And during oyster season, expect to enjoy the time-tested tradition of the Georgia coast, the oyster roast. Gogo’s family not only plans a big oyster roast every year, but walks right out in the ocean themselves to harvest.

What makes Cumberland Island so unforgettable is not simply its beauty - it is the rare combination of wildness, history, and quiet hospitality that creates an experience unlike anywhere else.

After quite an adventure, Gogo says, “Well you could stay longer!” Which is a tempting offer considering the magic of this place. I hop back in the plane with David. As we tower over treetops, he says, “You want to see the historic African church where John and Carolyn were married?” I say, “Of course.” He swoops down and flies over the rooftop of this piece of American history.

I land back on ‘mainland’ time feeling honored and deeply satisfied in my soul by such a special day, such a special adventure. I was able to experience a piece of America that isn’t just beautiful, but untouched, frozen in time. A place that is home to so much history, history that dates back over 4,000 years.

greyfieldinn.com gogojewelry.com

A Beautiful Despair

Anila Quayyum Agha

On display through August 23

Step into a world of light, shadow, and reflection with A Beautiful Despair by internationally acclaimed artist Anila Agha, now on view at the Huntsville Museum of Art.

This immersive sculpture transforms the gallery into a mesmerizing environment of intricate patterns and radiant light.

Deepen your friendships and build bonds that strengthen and uplift your day-to-day life

When Women Are For Each Other

ARTICLE BY STEPHANIE CASHIN

For the past year, my favorite podcast has been the series of eight-minute voice memos my friend Julia and I send each other. She lives 200 miles away, but we have talked daily through all the things: fertility and divorce, business and grief, holidays and dating. Navigating becoming more fully ourselves while showing up for the day-to-day. Some days the memos are full of laughter. Some days one of us is crying in a parking lot. But most days, it’s the most beautiful quiet relief of being met instead of managed.

This and a handful of other friendships with women support the research that when women are for one another, something in the body softens and steadies. The softening is biological, not sentimental, and it’s one of the most protective forces women have against stress, burnout, and emotional depletion.

A good friendship is both comfort and catalyst. It’s where you can exhale, and where you can grow. It’s the woman who can sit with your grief without trying to solve it, celebrate your wins without asking you to make them smaller, and tell you the truth in a way that leaves your dignity intact. That kind of relationship is rare, but it’s worth building on purpose, because it protects women from two quiet erosions over time: isolation and self-abandonment. So instead of treating friendship like chemistry you either “have” or you don’t, what if we treated it for what it actually is—an essential skill and a sustaining support system—shaped through a few key shifts that deepen trust and help connection last?

Female friendships—real, intimate ones—ask for a particular kind of presence. They ask you to notice subtle shifts in tone, to tolerate misattunement without spiraling, to stay in the room when something feels awkward, and to repair after rupture instead of quietly disappearing.

Female friendships require capacity.

Capacity is the ability to remain steady inside yourself while staying connected to someone else. It’s the ability to feel discomfort and not immediately shut down, over-explain, perform, or retreat. It’s the ability to hold complexity without forcing a quick resolution.

“Trust is not built on perfection. It’s built, slowly and unmistakably, by showing up when it would be easier not to.”

The good news is- capacity is learnable at any age. If friendship has felt inconsistent or draining, it’s not evidence that you’re “bad at relationships.” It’s often evidence that your nervous system hasn’t had enough support to tolerate the very things closeness requires.

A client recently shared heartbreaking details of an attempt at an adult friendship- She had tried- she ignored the voice in her head saying, “you’re probably bothering her.” She had reached out, made the plan, followed up. And then, the “can we raincheck?” text came through and she was crushed, but of course she replied, “No worries.”

Then she laughed a little, like it wasn’t a big deal. But it was. It is.

She’s the kind of woman who holds a lot together. High-achieving. Thoughtful. Usually the one making the plans, checking in, remembering birthdays. And as she kept talking, I could hear what was underneath the “no worries.”

There was quiet confusion, and a little shame. Why does this feel so hard for me? Why can’t I be easier about it?

So she did what so many women do. She minimized it. “It’s not a big deal.” “Everyone’s in a different season.” “It’s normal.” All true. And also not the whole truth. Because underneath was something much more human: I don’t want to be left out.

When adult friendships start to feel confusing or strained, we’re quick to make it a personality problem. I’m too much. I’m too sensitive. I’m the only one who cares this much. But more often than not, it isn’t about effort, and it isn’t about something being wrong with you.  Two people can care deeply about each other and still not have the same emotional, relational, or logistical capacity in a given season. And when you’re the one who does have the capacity, you feel the gap—and your brain tries to make sense of it the fastest way it knows how: make it mean something about you.

But that interpretation is not always accurate. Sometimes the most honest explanation is also the least personal one. Nothing has gone wrong. But something has changed. And you’re allowed to feel that.

Friendship in adulthood is not proximity. It’s presence.

For a few lucky women, earliest friendships were built on proximity. You saw each other every day. You were in the same classes, the same routines, the same life stage. Friendship didn’t require much intention because it was woven into the architecture of your week.

Adult friendship follows a different rhythm.  It’s no longer anchored to the casual consistency of seeing each other in passing. It’s built in the margins: between school pick-ups and deadlines, between soccer practice and Sunday dinner, between the text you mean to send and the day that gets away from you.

And the content of friendship changes, too. We’re no longer texting about who’s bringing what to a formal, or asking if someone “likes him.” We’re sending eight-minute voice memos from the car. We’re holding each other’s stories with trembling hands. We’re sitting with one another through ectopic pregnancies, aging parents, diagnoses we never saw coming, marriages that unravel, and seasons that don’t have neat endings.

Adult friendships are made of presence. Not performative check-ins. Not perfectly worded advice or a polished ability to make it better. Presence is staying close when you don’t know what to say. It’s letting someone be sad without rushing them toward silver linings. It’s making space for joy and grief to exist in the same room without forcing either one to shrink.

Many friendships quietly thin out, not because women don’t care, but because real presence asks for more than logistics; it asks emotional steadiness. And the willingness to feel a little helpless and stay anyway.

**The truth is, not knowing what to say isn’t the problem. Avoiding is.**Trust is not built on perfection. It’s built, slowly and unmistakably, by showing up when it would be easier not to.

Adult friendship isn’t about how often you cross paths. It’s about who stays present when life gets real.

There is a kind of female friendship that changes the way a woman experiences her own life because it’s generous.

Every woman needs other women who think she’s a big deal. Not in a performative, cheerleader kind of

way, but in the grounded, grown-up sense of: I see you. I’m for you. I’m not threatened by you.

Supportive friendships that don’t keep a silent scorecard widen your perspective and your sense of what’s possible. They settle you and remind you that your life is not a solo performance. They give you a place where your joy can be celebrated without apology, and your hard seasons can be held without judgment.

And this isn’t just emotional—it’s biological.

When you feel safe with someone, your body responds. Connection triggers the release of beta-endorphins, which reduce pain and increase a sense of well-being. Stress hormones like cortisol begin to lower, and the nervous system shifts out of threat and into steadiness.

Over time, these kinds of relationships don’t just make life feel better—they help your body function better. They reduce inflammation, support immune health, and are linked to lower rates of anxiety, depression, and even chronic disease.

Friendship, especially the kind rooted in mutual support and emotional safety, is one of the most underappreciated forms of protection women have.

Being seen with warmth, being affirmed without competition, and being accompanied through stress changes the body. It lowers the sense of threat. It increases steadiness. It gives a woman the felt experience of, I’m not alone in this.

Compassionate, Comprehensive

THERAPY

If you’re tired of holding everything together, you’re not alone. You’re capable, but overwhelmed. When burnout keeps circling back and “I’ll figure it out” no longer works, it’s time for support. You deserve a therapist who sees the full picture... your hormones, trauma, sleep, cycles, and emotional health. Together, we’ll help you find lasting peace so you can feel like yourself again.

therapyhuntsville.com

256-701-5292

@thehuntsvilletherapist 2327 Pansy Street SW

So a practical question to ask as you build your friendships is not only, “Do we have fun?” but also, “Do I feel safe here?”

Do I feel celebrated?

Do I feel more like myself when I leave?

Because the friendships that last are rarely the flashiest ones. They’re the ones built on mutual goodwill, honest affection, and the quiet decision to be for each other—fully.

Layered on top of all of this in 2026 is the fact that we’re more “connected”  now than ever.

And yet, it has never been easier to avoid real connection. We can stay updated on each other’s lives without ever actually being in them.

We can love someone sincerely and still drift into a kind of contact that never asks us to arrive.

And digital connection has its place. Sometimes a voice memo is a lifeline. Sometimes a midnight text is exactly what a woman needs.

But if being for each other is the point, then connection still asks something of us.

Because friendship isn’t just cognitive, it’s physiological.

Time spent together—laughing, talking, or simply sitting side by side—shifts the body out of bracing and into something softer. It reminds the nervous system, I’m not doing life alone.

So in a world that offers constant access, women have to choose intimacy on purpose.

Not perfection, just the steady decision to turn toward each other in real ways—again and again. Friendship isn’t fragile, but it is formative. Friendship between women is not inherently dramatic or fragile.  But it does ask more of us.

Not more effort.

But more capacity, more presence, more generosity.

Therapy doesn’t hand you friendships. But it does give you something just as important: the ability to stay in them. May you have women who are for you. And may you be a woman who is for others.

If friendship has felt tender lately, start smaller than you think you need to:

• Say the honest thing.

• Invite someone into something ordinary.

• Leave a voice memo instead of overthinking the perfect reply.

• Yap on the phone while folding laundry

• Text one person and make a specific plan

• —>“Do you want to walk at 5:30 on Thursday?” (not “we should hang soon”)

• Start small. Stay consistent. Let it build.

Once you’ve found it, you know you’re home. Banking and mortgage loans are the same way.

Refresh with Nature

1818 Farms Founder Natasha Cunningham on using natural products and flowers for self care

As warmer days arrive, I always feel a natural shift in how I care for myself. Refreshing your self-care routine does not have to be complicated. I like to focus on simple, intentional changes that support your mind, body, and environment.

1.

Skincare for Warmer Weather

As temperatures rise, I shift to lighter, nourishing hydration. Using clean, effective products like 1818 Farms Shea Cream restores moisture while still allowing your skin to breathe. Pairing hydration with daily sunscreen is essential as you spend more time outdoors.

2. Bring Fresh Flowers In

One of the easiest ways to refresh your home and your mindset is by incorporating fresh flowers. I always say that even a simple arrangement on your kitchen counter or bedside table can completely transform a space. Flowers add beauty, but they also bring a sense of calmness and intention to your routine.

3. Turn Your Shower Into a Mini Spa

You do not need a full day at the spa to feel restored. I love creating small moments of relaxation at home, whether that is through unwinding with our spa experience gift boxes or soaking in a warm bath with 1818 Farms Goat’s Milk Bath Tea. These rituals help you slow down and reset.

4. Take Short Nature Breaks

Spring is the perfect time to step outside and reconnect with the world around you. Spending even 10 minutes outdoors, whether walking, gardening, or simply sitting in the fresh air, can help reduce stress and improve your mood.

5. Plan a Self-Care

Experience

I always encourage people to try something new. Whether it is attending one of our workshops at 1818 Farms, visiting a local garden, or learning a creative skill, these experiences bring joy and help you reconnect with yourself and your community.

Discover 1818 Farms.com.

Buy local, buy mindfully, support our city’s female veterans

From Serving Country To Serving Community

Huntsville, being a military defense hub, is home to people with an abundance of knowledge, creativity, and courage. These women are no exception, as they have served our country and gone on to fulfill their passions while serving the community in different ways.

ARTICLE BY CASEY CREQUE

Wafel-Bitte

After four years in uniform and nearly three decades in federal law enforcement, Bailey Erickson turned her focus to entrepreneurship, partnering with her daughter Alexis, an Air Force veteran and current Reservist at Maxwell Air Force Base. The idea for Wafel-Bitte was born in 2020, as Bailey was determined to pass on practical skills before Alexis departed for military service. Together, they chose a product rooted in joy and memory: authentic Belgian Liège waffles, inspired by their travels in Europe. Wafel-Bitte has grown into a nationally distributed waffle mix brand, with both traditional and gluten-free options.

Look for Wafel-Bitte on EZCater and for their new mobile “waffle wagon.” @wafelbitte

Shay la vie

After 5 years as a Naval Chef and 12 years following as a restaurant Chef, pastry Chef & Chocolatier, 2020 became a critical turning point in Shay Hawley’s 17-year career. As a single mother, as well as a disabled veteran, she decided to step away from the corporate world and start Shay la Vie, a private chef and elite catering service. Shay and her family packed their bags and drove across the country to a small southern city they didn’t know existed to start a new life & legacy. Now she balances her life as a mother with a passion for cooking in a way most only dream about.

Reach out about your next catering event with Shay at @chefshaylavie

Petite Fete

Jaz Pylant is originally from Long Island, New York but has been a proud Huntsvillian since 2014. She spent 6 years in the Air Force Reserves stationed in both Montgomery, AL and Goldsboro, NC. In 2021 she planned and executed her own intimate sized wedding leading to a love of small parties with special touches. As this love of sourcing and planning continued to grow, Jaz took a leap and officially launched Petite Fête in 2024. Whether it’s a baby shower, birthday, kid’s party, or dinner celebration, the goal is to help bring the client’s vision to life.

Start your party planning by contacting Jaz @petitefetehsv or thepetitefete.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

Congratulations to our 2026 Directors

RECOGNIZING ADVISORS WHO EXEMPLIFY OUR CORE VALUES, LEADERSHIP AND COMMITMENT TO EXTRAORDINARY SERVICE.

Each year, Engel & Völkers recognizes advisors whose performance, leadership and dedication reflect the very best of our global brand. Our 2026 Directors are trusted experts who enrich the Engel & Völkers' experience across North Alabama guiding clients with professionalism, local insight and mastery within their specialty fields. Their continued contributions strengthen our shops, elevate our service offering and uphold our reputation for luxury service throughout the region.

BRIAN MAY • MRP Advisor Director of Regional Sales brian.may@evrealestate.com

SHALU HOLMAN • CLHMS

Associate Broker Director of Luxury Sales shalu.holman@evrealestate.com

MIKE FLEMING • SRES

Associate Broker Director of Commercial Services mike.fleming@evrealestate.com

CHARLIE WELLS

Associate Broker Director of Luxury Historic Properties charlie.wells@evrealestate.com

CONNOR BROOKMAN

Qualifying Broker Director of Development Services connor.brookman@evrealestate.com

3 Ledge View Drive, Huntsville, AL, 35802

8 BD / 11 BA / 13,716 SQ.FT. | Experience elevated living in The Ledges, Huntsville’s premier gated golf community. This private estate offers stunning bluff views, refined architectural details, multiple suites, elevator access, and access to resortstyle amenities for true luxury living.

|

262 County Road 664, Coffee Springs, AL, 36318

26 Acre Estate in Southeast Alabama

$2,995,000

3 BD / 4 BA / 2,582 SQ.FT. | This remarkable 26-acre property features five distinct buildings, including a main house, historic cabin, boathouse, workshop, and art studio. Thoughtfully designed and privately set, the estate blends craftsmanship, creativity, and space for living, working, and retreating

Connor Brookman +1 (256) 7

|

118 Creekmound Drive, Huntsville, AL, 35806

Convenient Living on Large Lot

$1,400,000

5 BD / 4 BA / 4,304 SQ.FT. | Beautiful 1-acre property with open-concept living, vibrant interiors, wood floors, cozy gas FP, and a well-appointed kitchen with quartz, island, and walk-in pantry Primary suite w/ huge closet + laundry Loft, family room, and great outdoor space backing to Indian Creek.

Brian May +1 (256) 497-6780 | brian may@evrealestate com

Newly Developed RV Park in Troy, Alabama

$789,000

19.86 ACRES | Trojan Station RV Park in Troy, Alabama is a newly developed hospitality asset opened in November 2023 The 19 86-acre property offers 76 RV sites with highway frontage, strong visibility, expansion potential, and demand driven by Troy University and the Troy Sportsplex.

$1,800,000

MAY 2026

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

MAY 2ND

Porch Fest Five Points

Pratt Ave Historic Five Points | 2:00 PM

The annual local music fest is back on the porches of Historic Five Points. Bring the whole family and your tip money to tip the artists, purchase merch, and enjoy the food trucks. This is a free event benefitting the local creative projects through Huntsville Music Scene. @porchfestfivepoints

MAY 5TH-10TH

Water For Elephants

Mark C. Smith Concert Hall | 7:00 PM

Tony Award-nominated director Jessica Stone’s “huge, heart-filling” production features a book by three-time Tony nominee Rick Elice adapted from Sara Gruen’s novel, and a soaring score by the acclaimed PigPen Theatre Co. So, step right up to the “spellbinding entertainment” (Variety) at Water For Elephants presented by Broadway Theatre League. For more info visit broadwaytheatreleague.org

MAY 7TH

Ann Caudle Gallery Opening

The Little Green Store and Gallery 5:00 PM

Gather with art enthusiasts alike to view and purchase the vibrant works of Huntsville artist, Ann Caudle. Her paintings, whether oil, watercolor, or pastel bring the world around us to life and are the perfect addition to any art collection.

MAY 9TH

Huntsville Heart Walk

Big Spring Park | 8:00 AM

The Heart Walk is a family-friendly event that unites our community to get active, raise funds, and make a difference together. For more information on this 2.6 mile walk and registration visit www2.heart.org

MAY 29TH

City Lights & Stars: Eric Essix

Burritt on the Mountain | 7:00 PM

Bring a lawn chair and enjoy dinner and a show at the best view in the city as Eric Essix takes you on an emotional journey through contemporary jazz. Member Ticket Presale Opens March 15th at 10am, General Public on sale April 1st at 10am. burrittonthemountain.com/events

MAY 30TH-JUNE 1ST

22nd Annual Cigar Box Festival

AVIQ Showroom | 6:00 PM

This is a fun weekend festival for all music lovers with events from Friday to Sunday. Kick off the weekend at AVIQ on Friday, then on Saturday don't miss the family activities at Lowe Mill including a swing dance concert at Saturn Jive Dance Space, and then Sunday round out the festival with a day at Orion with a Finale Concert. For more info and schedule visit cigarboxfestival.com/events

Want to be featured?

GET IN TOUCH AT CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/ HUNTSVILLE

LOCAL

REACH

ARTICLE BY RACHEL JOHANNES

Daily Health Must Haves

HOME RN’S RACHEL JOHANNES SHARES HER HEALTHY ROUTINE FAVORITES

Pure Barre

Pure barre has been my mainstay for 10 years now! I love the variety in classes and the community I have found there.

Walking my chocolate lab, Rory

I love to walk her in my neighborhood or take her downtown to walk the square or Big Spring Park

Tri Immune Boost Injection from homeRN

This is a vitamin injection with zinc, vitamin c, and glutathione. Boosts energy and immunity and has great benefits for hair skin and nails as well!

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

I wear this every night and now I can’t sleep with out it! I use the lip balm on the go during the day!

Easy source of protein that I add this to everything- fruit, eggs, toast, or by itself!

Home Is Where The Park Is

Yes, literally!

Imagine living INSIDE a 500-acre city park

Not near it. Not next to it. Inside it. At Hays Farm, nature isn’t just a backdrop—it’s your front yard, backyard, and everyday escape. With over 10 miles of scenic trails, lush green spaces, and a city-maintained 500-acre park, you get all the beauty without the upkeep.

But there’s more than just nature—Hays Farm is designed for the way you want to live, with resort-style amenities and two distinct neighborhoods offering a variety of lot sizes and price points. And when you’re ready for shopping, dining, or entertainment, everything is just minutes away.

Come experience life inside a 500-acre city park—yes, we really mean inside the park. Contact us today to find your dream home, perfectly nestled in nature at Hays Farm.