Kirkwood, MO May 2026

In Kirkwood and throughout our community, women are often the steady force behind their families—the planners, organizers, and decision-makers who keep everything moving forward.

They balance careers, raise children, support aging parents, and manage the daily details that shape their family’s future. If that sounds like you, then you already understand something important: planning is an act of love. At The Estep Law Firm, we help turn that instinct into a clear, legally sound estate plan that protects your family when it matters most.

When Life Changes, Women Lead

When life takes an unexpected turn—illness, loss, or a parent’s decline—it’s often women who step forward. They make the calls, coordinate care, manage finances, and hold families together. A well-designed estate plan can’t prevent hardship, but it can ease the burden—reducing confusion, preventing conflict, and giving your loved ones a clear path forward.

A Story We See Too Often

We once worked with a local family after their father passed away. He had created a trust, but no one explained how it worked.

His daughter was left navigating legal documents, answering questions, and making difficult decisions while grieving. What should have brought the family

together, created stress and uncertainty. She told us, “I just wish we knew what to do.” That’s the difference between having documents and having a plan.

Planning Beyond Paperwork

Many families believe signing documents is enough. It’s not. Without proper guidance, trusts may go unfunded, loved ones may feel unprepared, and families can face unnecessary complications. That’s why we focus on education, helping you and your family understand your plan so it works when it’s needed

Protect What Matters Most

You’ve spent your life caring for others. Estate planning is how you continue that care. Schedule a free, noobligation consultation with The Estep Law Firm and create a plan that brings clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.

Shawn Estep, Principal (636) 233-2017

info@esteplawfirm.com 16020 Swingley Ridge Road, Ste. 360 Chesterfield, MO 63017

Something meaningful is happening around a table.

The first time I saw Mahjong tiles, I thought they were little Tarot cards - proving how little I knew about either. I had no experience with Mahjong or Tarot until a few weeks ago. First came the Tarot cards. Last month, I was walking through the French Quarter, and every shop had a sign that read, “Tarot Card Readings.” I guessed if there’s ever a place to try Tarot, it’s New Orleans, right? My reading included arrows, towers, cups, wheels, and maybe even a dragon. It was a lot to take in for my first reading. My Tarot reader told me the symbols on the cards were tools for discovery, showing patterns that revealed strategies and direction for my life. When I looked doubtful, she doubled down and said, “Something meaningful is happening.” Maybe that’s true, but is it really happening based on symbols from a few random cards? When I got back from NOLA, I had coffee with Tracy Klebe and Janine Ford, the owners of Mahj with a Twist, a Mahjong learning and lifestyle business. Tracy explained why they started their company, “There is something meaningful happening around a Mahjong table.” She was referring to the game’s meaningful social, health, and mental wellness benefits. After reading “Tiles, Tables and The Twist” on page 14, I now know that Mahjong is totally different than Tarot cards. And yet - every tile drawn or card turned symbolizes life’s mix of luck, insight, and timing. Maybe, in the mystery of that mix, we can find something meaningful.

Join us on Thursday, May 28th, at 10:00 am at EverTrue Laclade Groves, where Tracy and Janine will give an introduction to Mahjong for anyone who, like me, has no idea what is happening around that table. We’re not learning how to play; we are just talking about what the game is, how it got started, and why it seems like everyone is playing. See page 12 for more details. And if you think Mahjong is not for you, I’m right there with you. This is not my game. But - I’m still going to attend because I absolutely know that when a group of people gather in a room, or around a table, something meaningful happens.

MOORE, PUBLISHER

May 2026

PUBLISHER

Renee Moore | renee.moore@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Kate Berry | kate.berry@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION MANAGER

Katrina Wright

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Emma Convy, Lucy Rodgers, Lily R. Buehler, Erin Kuhlmann, Andrea Maddock, Katie Elizabeth

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Leah Sostman, Heidi Drexler Stehr, Scott Porter

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall

LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick

the issue

Tracy Klebe and Janine Ford teach the

Jennifer Hughey leads Goshen Coffee Roasters with her sister, Julie and their husbands.

Much to Smile About

Dr. Holly Ellis empowers women

In between her fulltime career, her two small children, and her busy husband, Emma Convy created Maison Ritual, saying, “It started with a robe. But it was never just about a robe.” Follow Instagram @maisonritual.co

Emma Convy

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

EverTrue to Aging Brilliantly

You’ve built a life full of experiences, relationships and passions —and you’re not done yet.

At EverTrue Laclede Groves, residents stay mentally sharp and socially connected through engaging activities designed to spark conversation, creativity and fun.

We invite you to experience it yourself at our next special event. Everyone is welcome! Women, men, couples and individuals!

Mahjong & Mingle

Thursday, May 28

10 a.m. | Introduction to Mahjong

Perfect for beginners or those looking for a refresher

11 a.m. | Refreshments and Mingling

Connect with neighbors, residents and friends

EverTrue Laclede Groves

723 S. Laclede Station Rd. St. Louis, MO 63119

RSVP by May 21

EverTrueLacledeGroves.org/ Mahjong-Mingle

ARTICLE BY LUCY ROGERS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY HEIDI DREXLER STEHR

TILES, TABLES & the TWIST

Tracy Klebe and Janine Ford teach the magic of Mahjong.

Tracy Klebe and Janine Ford on friendship, empty nests, ancient tiles, and why Mahjong might be the best thing women can do for their minds — and each other.

At the intersection of ancient tradition and modern wellness, you’ll find Tracy Klebe and Janine Ford. These two friends turned a tearful conversation about empty nests and personal loss into Mahj with a Twist—a flourishing Mahjong teaching business launched last September. Tracy and Janine discuss how this complex game of tiles is doing much more than just passing the time; it’s building a sanctuary for women’s cognitive health and social connection.

HOW DID MAHJ WITH A TWIST BEGIN?

Tracy: Janine and I worked together in the wellness space and have always enjoyed each other. Fast forward about a year — we were on the phone, in tears, because we were both in the middle of major transitions. Her youngest child had just told her he was moving into his apartment at SLU that weekend. And my mom had just passed away. We were both sort of floundering.

Janine: I think I said something like, ‘We need to start a business.’ And Tracy was immediately on board.

Tracy: I just wanted any excuse to hang with her, honestly. When we started discussing ideas, we both wanted to do something around a table. I have dinner with my family every Sunday.

Janine is the ultimate entertainer, an amazing chef. We landed on Mahjong because it felt like the perfect way to combine several areas of our lives that are important to us.

Janine: We knew there was something magical about Mahjong. For Tracy and me, the tiles are great, the game is great — but it’s everything else that happens around the table. The ‘Oh my gosh, let’s keep the group together and do this next week.’ The best thing we hear when we leave a game is that the women want to keep getting together. That they’re continuing that community.

Tracy: Several years ago, I went to a good friend’s mom’s funeral, and I saw all of her mom’s Mahjong friends. They were all in their 80s, sharp as a tack, talking about the good times they’d had together at the table. I walked away thinking, there’s something magical happening here. I would love a group of Mahjong friends showing up at my funeral, speaking to the fact that we got together twice a month for decades.

Janine: Once we decided our business would center around Mahjong, we spent last summer studying at the library, passed a very difficult certification test, and just launched. We really had no idea what this business would look like.

WHAT DOES MAHJ WITH A TWIST OFFER?

Janine: We teach beginner Mahjong lessons to groups ranging in size from 4-16.  Never more than two tables, so there’s always

a teacher at each table. And we do partnered learning in larger groups — two people share one rack and one card and bounce ideas off each other. It takes the intimidation out completely.

Tracy: We come to you. We bring everything — the tables, the chairs, the tablescape, the snacks. We’ll come to your home, a boutique, a country club, a corporate setting, or a coffee shop. For those who love to host, we set it all up and leave without a trace.

Janine: Mahjong is a very hard game. We always say, “No one’s going to feel great after this first lesson. Your brain’s going to hurt. But by lesson three, when you start actually playing, it starts clicking.”

Tracy: We love teaching the game, and our teaching style provides an environment where people leave feeling confident and excited for the next lesson.  We never want anyone to leave our table feeling intimidated or that they didn’t learn according to the National Mahjong league rules. We want people to learn without feeling overwhelmed or frustrated. We recommend three lessons, and then we think you are ready to play in the wild.

WHAT’S THE ‘TWIST’ IN THE NAME?

Janine: We don’t just teach Mahjong; we are always looking for a way to habit stack and bring another health component to it. The game combines sensory skills, using your brain, your hands, your vision, and even your hearing. We bring healthy snacks, always brain-forward food: nut mixes, popcorn with nutritional yeast, or seasonal items. We love sharing hosting tips and wellness ideas. On Tuesdays on Instagram, we post ‘Our Favorite Things’ — what we’re watching, listening to, reading, and eating. We fold all of those things into the business.

Tracy: Janine prepares incredible food for some lessons. She elevates every single bite. The experience is everything. We want it to feel like a warm hug. Janine and I

CONTINUED >

“Mahj with a Twist is a Mahjong teaching business that proves complex tiles are more than a game around a table; it’s about building a sanctuary for cognitive health and social connection.”

know the value of treating the whole person. We want to offer an experience that fosters cognitive benefits and creates a community for women.

TELL ME ABOUT WHO’S ACTUALLY PLAYING.

Janine: It really has crossed the multi-generational divide. We have taught ages 15-86! We’ll teach young girls, women hoping to keep their brains sharp, men looking for a way to connect with their wives, retirees, club members, and even college graduates whose moms gifted them tiles to keep roommates coming back together. During the holidays, grandma, mom, daughter, and the youngsters all sit around a table together.

Janine: At the end of the day, we just want to be a tool in the toolkit for women’s health and wellbeing. That’s our goal.

Tracy: We just want to gather around the table and let the magic of Mahjong do the rest.

Mahj with a Twist

Follow along at @mahjwithatwist on Instagram,  or www.mahjwithatwist.com

Jennifer Hughey leads Goshen Coffee Roasters, a family-owned business with her sister, Julie Beard and their husbands.

GOOD ENERGY

If you’ve ever wondered if there was a way to package good energy and spread it across the city, wonder no longer. Family-owned Goshen Coffee Roasters has done just that, with rave reviews and awards to prove it. Jennifer leads the company, and Julie and Jay Beard oversee the real estate and cafe buildout and design in this dynamic family-owned business. Their belief that the good energy you put into the world comes back to you is the foundation that inspired them to create Goshen Coffee Roaster. Their focus on good energy goes much deeper, shaping how they lead, welcome customers, and show up for their coffee community.

“YOU GET BACK WHAT YOU GIVE OUT”

That motto runs through every decision Jennifer and Julie make, from how they treat their team to how they source their beans. Goshen has earned multiple Golden Bean, Good Food, and MistoBox honors —  including Coffee of the Year and Roaster of the Year accolades — cementing its place as one of the most respected specialty roasters in the Midwest.

CULTIVATED TRADE, NOT JUST FAIR TRADE

Most coffee companies treat fair-trade certification as the finish line. Goshen Coffee Roasters sees it as the starting

ARTICLE BY LUCY ROGERS PHOTOGRAPHY BY GOSHEN COFFEE ROASTERS

“Every cup of Goshen tastes like something truly special. Blends like ‘Bright Eyed Breakfast’ and ‘Black Dog Espresso’ have become household staples, loved for their depth of flavor and consistency.”

point. Their “Cultivate Trade” philosophy goes beyond paying above fair-trade prices; it means working closely with producers to understand each farm’s real needs, with the goal of helping farmers reinvest in their families, their land, and their communities year after year.

That makes every bag of Goshen Coffee feel like a deep community connection.

GOOD ENERGY IN EVERY ROAST

Goshen Coffee Roasters takes environmental responsibility just as seriously. Their Loring S35 Kestrel allows for significant fuel savings and reduced greenhouse gas emissions in every roast, compared to conventional roasters — boosting energy efficiency up to 80% while improving roast quality. Blends like “Bright Eyed Breakfast” and “Black Dog Espresso” have become household staples, loved for their depth of flavor and consistency.

That makes every cup of Goshen taste like something truly special.

DIERBERGS MARKETS IS YOUR COFFEE CONNECTION

Goshen began as a small roastery in 2002 and has grown into a beloved coffee company with a growing regional footprint. Dierbergs Markets has been a meaningful part of that journey by featuring Goshen Coffee in its stores and amplifying the brand’s consumer base. Dierbergs is known for celebrating local businesses and bringing the best of our community to your table.

That makes every trip to Dierbergs an intentional way to support locally owned businesses.

“Coffee isn’t just a quick pick-me-up,” says Jennifer. “It’s what you share with your friends and family and what carries you through hard days. When we give good energy out through our coffee, we get it right back, knowing you’ve shared that good energy with those around you.”

Julie adds, “Sip it, share it, and soak up the energy we all need a little bit more of.”

Julie Beard and Jennifer Hughey

The Color of Jazz

TRUMPET PLAYER DAWN WEBER UNITES

THE POWER OF MUSIC AND ART.

In its first five years, KPAC has a rich history of celebrating music through the talents of local female greats like Beth Bombara, Anita Jackson, and more, as well as the music of icons like Joni Mitchell, Carole King, Ella Fitzgerald, Karen Carpenter, and Patsy Cline.

One artist who returns to the Strauss stage several times a year by popular demand is trumpeter, vocalist, and composer Dawn Weber. She performs a variety of styles, from Latinflamenco music with Gipsy Social in the spring (an annual sellout) to collaborating with the Genesis Jazz Project to creating her own style by combining what everyone loves about blues, swing, and funk into SWUNK.

But being a woman in jazz is no easy feat.

Dawn recognizes Susan Slaughter (principal trumpet player of the St. Louis Symphony – the first woman to hold this position in a major American orchestra) as a woman in jazz who inspired her most. In a time when the trumpet was commonly considered “a man’s instrument,” and women weren’t considered to be able to play brass instruments, Dawn says that Susan “won a spot and had to fight a lot of prejudices against women being trumpet players.”

Dawn has experienced her share of difficulty being taken seriously, both as a trumpet player and as a band leader, partly because an older generation is always ready to point

ARTICLE BY LILY R. BUEHLER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCOTT PORTER

Dawn performs a variety of styles, from Latin-flamenco music to collaborating with the Genesis Jazz Project to creating her own style by combining what everyone loves about blues, swing, and funk into SWUNK.

out that there aren’t many female brass players. Other challenges were as trivial as being told time and time again, including at her Juilliard audition, that she didn’t “look like a trumpet player,” a barrier that turned out to be a catalyst for finally deciding to do whatever she wanted.

Cue the bright colored hair and eyebrow piercing.

She credits having a thick skin as the most important part of finding success as a woman in the music industry, whether it’s how you respond to others’ egos or the ability to speak up for your hard-earned respect and what you believe in.

So… what can you expect when you buy a ticket to one of Dawn Weber’s shows?

Turns out no two shows are alike, as Dawn says her performances are always “different than the last thing you saw me do…” whether that be due to varying themes, styles, or stories. What you can expect every time is great music, great set lists, great energy with other musicians onstage, and, of course, she says, you will always see smiles.

Join us May 20th at 7pm, as Dawn takes the KPAC stage again, this time to ring in the new installation of artwork in the KPAC Galleries, curated by the Kirkwood Arts Commission for the summer season. She’s continuing a series in partnership with the Performing Arts Center and the Arts Commission to bring people and various art forms together in one space.

The Kirkwood Arts Commission invites you to the Summer Gallery Opening Concert at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center. The Summer Gallery Exhibition will be held in KPAC’s lobby during a free public reception from 4:00–7:00 PM.

At 7:00 PM, the celebration continues in the Strauss Studio Theatre with Dawn Weber on stage. Experience an inspiring evening of community, creativity, and connection—where art meets music each season. All ticket proceeds benefit the Kirkwood Arts Commission, a Commission of the City of Kirkwood dedicated to promoting and sponsoring the arts—and encouraging participation in the arts—for the enrichment of the entire Kirkwood community.

For more information, visit thekpac.org

much to smile about

Dr. Holly Ellis empowers women to have careers, families, and something to smile about.

When Dr. Holly Ellis opened Ellis Dental in 2009, three years after graduating, she wasn’t launching her dental practice. She was building a space where women in every role, from patients to providers, could feel seen, supported, and empowered.

“I always knew I wanted my own business,” she said. “Even in high school, I recognized that I liked leading and building something that reflected my values.”

Dentistry offered the opportunity she was looking for: science, people, art, and independence. There were

very few women in her dental school classes. Today, most U.S. dental programs graduate classes that are 50–60% women. After three years working under a mentor who taught her the business fundamentals that dental school never covered, she opened Ellis Dental.

“We’ve created a place where women can build careers, not just jobs,” Holly said. She leads an all-female team of providers, hygienists, and staff, not by design, but by culture.

Running a growing practice without a business degree has meant learning in real time. “Every mistake becomes

ARTICLE BY ERIN KUHLMANN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAREY CAMPBELL

a lesson,” Holly said. Today, she intentionally splits her time between treating patients and running the business. “I had to step back to lead well. It allows me to focus on culture, patient care, and mentoring my associates.”

That mentorship is central to how she supports women in business. Younger dentists and team members are encouraged to sit in on operations conversations and explore leadership opportunities. “I want them to see every part of what it takes to run a business so they feel confident creating their own path, whether that’s here or in a practice they start someday.”

She also builds trust the old-fashioned way: by doing the work alongside her team. She’s often the first one in the office around 6 a.m. “I will never ask my team to do something I’m not willing to do,” she said.

Holly’s philosophy of care is simple: “Patients should feel good when they’re here.” Plenty of time for questions. Warm neck pillows, blankets, and massage chairs in every room. Hotel-style scent diffusers and a home-inspired design that helps patients exhale the moment they walk in.

For women juggling careers, children, and aging parents, a dental visit can easily fall to the bottom of the list. Holly creates a space that feels calm, unrushed, and judgment-free. “Some people haven’t been to the dentist in years because they’re scared or ashamed,” she said. “We just listen. We give them space. Women carry so much; if we can give them an hour where they feel cared for, that matters.”

Holly became a business owner before she became a mom, and her practice reflects that evolution. Years ago, she shifted her office hours from 8–5 to 7–4 to support both her own family and the women she employs.

“We have team members with kids, and some who are taking care of aging parents, and everything in between,” she said. “We all need flexibility.” By modeling boundaries, including reserving one day a week for her own reset, she gives her team permission to prioritize their lives outside of work, too.

Ask Holly what she’s most proud of, and she doesn’t start with numbers. “The kids I treated at three are now driving,” she laughed. “And they’re still coming. Their families are still coming.” That longevity, she says, tells her she’s built more than successful practices; she’s built trust across generations.

CONTINUED >

She is equally focused on the example she’s setting at home. Holly noted, “I want my daughter to know that with hard work comes rewards. She can build something. She can lead. She can have a career she enjoys that provides happiness!”

As for what’s next: more growth, more patients, and more women supported, empowered, and cared for. “I’m only 46,” Holly said. “There’s so much more to build.”

ellisdental.com

Why more women are choosing massage therapy as a healthcare career.

HANDS ON HEALTHCARE

ARTICLE BY LUCY ROGERS | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Ask a group of massage therapists why they chose this career, and one word comes up: contact. Not clinical contact — human contact. The kind that has quietly become harder to find in modern medicine.

In a recent conversation with healthcare specialists at Massage Envy Sunset Hills, their stories revealed a powerful truth: massage therapy is about restoring human contact and supporting healing, presence, and compassion.

For many practitioners, the road to massage therapy began inside traditional healthcare settings — hospitals, clinics, rehab facilities — where the demands of charting, policy compliance, and endless administrative tasks began to crowd out the reason they entered the field in the first place.

One therapist shared, “A lot of patient connection gets missed and lost with the never-ending tasks and time constraints in physician offices.” Massage therapy offered something different: the chance to help people directly, intentionally, and with hands-on care. Massage therapists describe the fulfillment that comes from truly connecting with a client.

That philosophy sits at the heart of what makes massage therapy uniquely rewarding. At a time when people are more digitally connected—and physically disconnected—than ever, massage therapists are reconnecting people with themselves. “We spend so much time in our heads,” one therapist noted. “Massage brings you back into a kind of presence that I think is really lacking right now.”

The therapists also emphasized the holistic health benefits— improved circulation, reduced stress, lymphatic function, and the grounding effect of reconnecting with one’s body. They also point to massage’s role in supporting mental health, including depression and PTSD, and opening a door to wellness strategies that complement, and sometimes reduce reliance on, pharmaceutical approaches.

In a world where AI, screens, and digital distance continue to grow, massage therapy stands out as a deeply human profession. Built on empathy, touch, and trust, massage therapy’s main purpose is restoring real human connection, a quality one therapist described as making it an “AI-proof career.”

Consider a career that blends science, compassion, and connection. Visit www.me-sunsethills.com

At 30, you don’t think about getting up off the floor. At 50, you notice.

You shift your weight. You reach for furniture. You hesitate before kneeling.

That hesitation isn’t “just aging.” It’s strength and stability declining in places you’re not training.

At BODY20 Des Peres, we don’t hand you random workouts. We evaluate how you move, coach you one-on-one, and build targeted strength that supports real life — not just the gym.

For golf and pickleball. For travel. For grandkids.

Words Between a Mother and Daughter

At “Write For You Life” Stories, Kathy Evans and her daughter, Grace, transform the stories of people’s lives, families, and businesses into beautifully bound memoirs. We sat down with this Kirkwood-based team to discuss the unique magic of their family partnership.

Q. Describe the evolution of your business.

Kathy: I started off as an occupational therapist. I always loved listening to my patients’ stories, so when I heard the idea of writing life stories as a way of passing down intangible legacy, I thought, “That’s what I’m going to do for the rest of my life.” The company has

Kathy and Grace

grown and evolved in the last twenty-five years, but our mission remains the same: We believe everybody has a story worth telling.

Grace: I began my career as a high school English teacher. I helped with Write for You over the summers and really connected with the work. I love learning what it was like to grow up in St. Louis in the 1960s or on a mountain in Myanmar in the 1930s. I love digging through old newspaper archives, especially when we get to uncover details a family has never heard before. I came on board full-time in 2019.

Q: How do your different perspectives improve the memoirs?

Grace: Editing high school papers was a helpful experience for ghostwriting memoirs. Both involve showcasing someone else’s voice while polishing up the rough edges for print. Coming from different generations, my mother better understands what elder generations want to say, while I better understand how younger generations are going to hear it.

Kathy: We have both learned to listen deeply. The best compliment we receive from our clients’ families is that the book “sounds” like their loved one.

Q: What is the most rewarding part of working together?

Kathy: Grace is the best thing that has ever happened to my business. There’s a lovely synchronicity to being a family business writing family stories.

Grace:  Working with my mother means I have a very understanding boss, and one who knows exactly what I’m capable of and expects nothing less. And it’s fun to talk to each other every day!

For more information, visit writeforyoustl.com .

Kathy Evans and her daughter, Grace, transform family memories into beautifully bound memoirs.

ARTICLE BY LUCY ROGERS

PHOTOGRAPHY

BY

CAREY CAMPBELL

MAISON RITUAL IS THE PIECE YOU REACH FOR WHEN YOU WANT EASE WITHOUT SACRIFICING STYLE.

REDEFINING THE ROBE

For as long as I can remember, I have been drawn to a beautifully tailored silhouette. There’s an unmistakable shift in posture that happens when you slip into something with structure—a clean line, a purposeful shoulder, a detail that makes you hold your head a little higher.

Ten years ago, while living in the West Village in New York, I found myself facing a daily dilemma: what to throw on after a workout or for a quick errand that felt both effortless and put-together.

THAT GAP BECAME THE IDEA.

Every day, I’d leave my cardio class drenched in sweat, wanting to wrap myself in something easy, functional, and chic—a piece that still felt like me. I kept coming back to the idea of a robe. Not a bulky spa robe that swallowed me. Not a delicate silk piece that felt out of place at a coffee shop. Something in between.

When I realized it didn’t exist, I decided to make it myself.

I bought a sewing machine, found a teacher in Brooklyn, and signed up for classes. I went to Mood Fabrics—yes, that Mood— and immersed myself in textiles, trims, and the thrill of creating something that didn’t yet exist.

I took sewing lessons for months. I learned a lot, but realized I wasn’t getting any closer to creating the robe I envisioned.

Eventually, I shelved my idea. Life moved on. But the need for that piece never left.

The turning point came last year. As a full-time, working-fromhome mom with two young boys, I realized I had stopped reaching for the tailored clothes I loved. My daily “uniform” had become a rotation of sweatshirts and yoga pants. I didn’t feel like myself.

I missed the confidence that comes from wearing something intentional, something structured, even for the quiet moments at home.

I kept coming back to creating a robe for the moments that shaped my day.

BUILDING MAISON RITUAL

The first step was the name.

I landed on Maison Ritual because it captures exactly what I believe. Maison is French for home—not just a physical place, but a feeling. Ritual is about the care we give ourselves, the intention behind how we show up—even in life’s in-between moments.

After the name came the question: how do I actually make this?

My background is in Human Resources. Fashion manufacturing? Building a brand? I knew nothing.

And that’s when these amazing women started showing up.

A good friend in Chicago who launched a beautiful and functional UPF cover-up line shared everything she knew—her process, her contacts, her advice. My sister-in-law, Kaki, a business owner and mom, became my creative partner. She challenges me in all the right ways, the kind of push that makes something better.

Cheree Berry brought the brand to life visually, designing our logo, packaging, and identity with such artistry. From the tissue paper to the custom inserts, opening a Maison Ritual box feels like a ritual in itself. In that same spirit, we’re partnering with Leah Sostman of Wildona Productions on photography—bringing that same sense of intention to how the brand is captured, rooted in quiet confidence and a sense of ease.

And then there was the moment I knew I had something.

Wearing one of our early samples in a hotel lobby, the barista from the coffee bar looked at me and said, “You look cute,” with a confused smile that told me she’d never seen a robe like this before.

That reaction told me everything.

Maison Ritual was built on that feeling.

IT’S ALL IN THE DESIGN AND THE DETAILS.

I spent nearly a year perfecting the product because the fit is everything.

The robe is crafted from a quilted cotton, polyester, and spandex blend—each component intentional. The polyester holds the structure. The cotton breathes. The spandex adds just enough stretch.

It features tailored shoulders, sculpted sleeves, and a structured overlapping placket with hidden snap closures, so it fits your body the way a dress would, not like something you wrap loosely around yourself and hope stays put.

Our robes are designed to help you feel present, confident, and seen. It’s the piece you reach for when you want ease without sacrificing style.

Maison Ritual launches this July with two silhouettes—a long sleeve and a short sleeve—in a modern mini length, offered in three neutral colorways: charcoal, ivory, and oat. We’re starting small, listening closely, and building organically. And yes, we’re offering a gift box, because this robe is as giftable as it is personal.

“I kept coming back to creating a robe for the moments that shaped my day.”

Launching a business as a working mom isn’t without its challenges. My house isn’t always clean. We order takeout more than we should. I work in ten-m inute increments between the kids’ naps and after their bedtime.

But I thrive in that rhythm, when there’s a lot going on.

And this idea I’ve carried for a decade, this brand I’ve created, has become this thing that refuels me.

Maison Ritual is my “why not?” My “if not now, when?” My reminder that women can build, create, and reinvent themselves at any stage.

And most importantly, a reminder that the right fit can change your posture, steady your pace, and change your mood.

To learn more, visit maisonritual.co or follow along on Instagram @maisonritual.co.

Talk of the Neighborhood

Connecting with women in our neighborhoods

At the “What’s the Occasion?” event, The Women’s Exchange’s Donor Relations and Communications Coordinator, Molly Amburgey (and part-time stand-up comedian), connected shoppers with female-founded businesses. Guests enjoyed signature desserts, including gooey butter brownies, mint chocolate brownies, and lemon squares. Gather your girlfriends for lunch and shopping at The Woman’s Exchange.

For over 50 years, Mom’s Connect of Webster Groves has been the ultimate “village” for local women. From playgroups and meal support to book clubs and service projects, this fun and dynamic group turns neighbors into lifelong friends. Membership is open to all women living within the Webster Groves boundaries.

As a realtor who helps families find the right home, I highlight all things that make our community a unique place to live. Email me at ahmaddock@ janetmcafee.com to be featured in Talk of the Neighborhood.

ARTICLE BY ANDREA MADDOCK, REALTOR JANET MCAFEE

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Homes Are Selling!

Have you thought about moving but aren’t sure where to start?

Whether you're ready for a change or just exploring your options, I'd love to sit down with you and help you decide if it's the right time to make a move.

You deserve a top local agent, and with my background in design, preparing homes for sale is one of my favorite parts of this business. I enjoy walking through each room and offering tailored suggestions to help your home stand out to today’s buyers.

Whether you’re buying or selling in Kirkwood, Webster Groves, Des Peres, or anywhere in the greater St. Louis area, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. Let’s get started.

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 crackers split in half (I use Wasa Whole Grain CrispBread)

• 4 oz oven-roasted deli turkey

• 3 oz goat cheese

• sliced cucumbers or tomatoes

THREE EASY STEPS:

1. Divide the turkey among the crackers and place on top.

2. Add a small portion of the goat cheese.

3. Top with cucumber and or tomato slices.

NUTRITIONAL INFO:

• C alories: 445–455

• P rotein: 39g

• C arbs: 28–30g

• Fiber: 7–8g

• Fat: 18–19g

Girl Dinner

ARTICLE BY KATIE ELIZABETH PHOTOGRAPHY BY STRONG BY INTENTION

Nobody tells you that the hardest part of being an adult is deciding what to make for dinner every single night for the rest of your life. Now add the layer that the dinner should be healthy, well-balanced, and help you reach your goals. That is just too much. Enter: girl dinner… it can be guys dinner, and even family dinner.

The truth is that healthy eating doesn’t require complicated recipes or hours in the kitchen. Some of the most sustainable, balanced meals I see clients stick to are what I call “structured simplicity” - a smart mix of easy-to-grab foods.

A balanced “girl dinner” isn’t just grabbing a random assortment of snacks. It’s about making sure your plate, no matter how casual, includes what your body actually needs:

The key is intention.

• Protein to keep you full and support muscle (think Greek yogurt, deli turkey, eggs, cottage cheese)

• Fiber for digestion and satiety (fruit, veggies, whole grain crackers, hummus)

• Healthy fats to round it out (nuts, avocado, cheese)

When you build your plate this way, what looks like a snack board becomes a nutritionally complete meal. And even better, it is something that you can stick with because it is so easy.

Most people don’t struggle with knowing what to eat—they struggle with doing it consistently in the middle of real life. Long days. Late meetings. Kids’ schedules. Travel. Decision fatigue. Not to mention all of the different food preferences in the house. All of this makes a complicated meal plan fall apart quickly.

But a dinner that you can pull together in five minutes solves so many of those problems. It removes the pressure of perfection and replaces it with something far more powerful: a system you can actually follow.

The goal is not to eat perfectly. It is to eat in a way that supports you through the busiest, most chaotic days and all of those days you just don’t want to cook.

Find more recipes at strongbyintention.com or on my Instagram @ ktelizabethwellness

The truth is that healthy eating doesn’t require complicated recipes or hours in the kitchen.