Little Rock, AR July 2025

Cheers to New Adventures!

Happy July, friends! We have arrived; welcome to the lovely thick of summer – when schedules loosen, and the world seems to let out a cleansing breath. The days take a nice, long stretch, and even the sunshine is in no rush to set.

It’s the perfect time of year to let wanderlust take the lead and set sail on new adventures.

Anthony Bourdain said, “Travel is not reward for working, it’s education for living.” This month, in our Explore issue, we feature some individuals whose work is truly inspiring and adventurous spirits unmatched.

We begin with the brilliant Vonda Rainey, who lends her “Ocean Sunset” to our cover. Like herself, Vonda’s work is full of energy and adventure. Read more about her and her work in “Art & Adventures.”

We shine a bright light on the important non-profit Indigenous Roots Productions (IRP), led by educator and filmmaker Shmuel Tamo. IRP uses oral history as a research method, capturing firsthand accounts that can be passed down through generations of Indigenous cultures. Read all about this inspiring, collaborative effort in “Sharing Powerful Stories.”

Next, we introduce you to Megan Bettis. For those seeking a meaningful experience beyond a typical vacation, Megan’s Compass Yoga retreats provide “Adventures with Intention.”

For those looking to simply relax and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we highly recommend the Conrad Punta de Mita. Read more about this luxury resort in “An Escape to Paradise.”

While embarking on an adventure is exciting, we also pose the question, “What if Home Felt Like a Retreat?” This month, we feature a Hot Springs home offered by Coldwell Banker RPM Group that perfectly fits the bill. Affectionately known as Whitetail Farms, this abode is nestled on 17 acres with panoramic views of Bull Bayou Creek and the Ouachita Mountains.

Lastly, we are excited to share the season’s ultimate refresher that will transport your senses: Tay Stratton’s beautiful “Iced Hibiscus Sunrise.” We proclaim it the unofficial mocktail (or cocktail) of summer!

Cheers, friends! We hope you have many amazing, and edifying, experiences this month.

STEPHANIE HASBROUCK, PUBLISHER @LITTLEROCKCITYLIFESTYLE

July 2025

PUBLISHER

Stephanie Hasbrouck | stephanie.hasbrouck@ citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Anna Yanosick | anna.yanosick@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Katie Bode | katie.bode@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Anna Yanosick, Tay Stratton, Stephanie Hasbrouck

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Jamie Fender, Shmuel Tamo, Lizette Casas

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

COO Matthew Perry

CRO Jamie Pentz

VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson

VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders

AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler

Shmuel Tamo’s

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

RPM Group recently celebrated 70 years of success. | 1: Kris Upton, RPM Owner, President and CEO, and Karen Upton, President, Coldwell Banker RPM Group 2: The event featured balloons and marquee letters by Dogtown Ballons. 3: RPM celebrated with the individuals who have helped shaped its story - employees, agents, clients, vendors and friends. 4: Kris Upton speaks to attendees at the event. 5: The celebration included cake from Sweets by Logan and flowers by Norwood Day Floral Company. 6: RPM Group’s Advisory Council: Kris and Karen Upton, Caroline Otwell and Fred Perkins 7: The event featured an entire wall dedicated to the rich history of the company.

8 – 12: Art Group Gallery held a reception celebrating artist Donna Twyford’s Things Remembered show. 9: Susan Robbins, Shelley Gentry, Binky Martin-Tollette and Meg Hayes 10: Shirley Anderson, Virmarie Depoyster, Holly Tilley and Donna Twyford 13 – 14: Piano Specialists of Arkansas provided a digital grand piano for the Centers for Youth and Family’s Evolve Gala. Pianists Darnell Paula and Michael Hudson entertained attendees. 14: Don and Crissy Nichols of Piano Specialists of Arkansas

business monthly

Regen Med Owner Dr. Tina Ipe Appointed to Arkansas Board of Health

Dr. Tina Ipe, owner of Regen Med, has been appointed to the Arkansas Board of Health. The appointment reflects Dr. Ipe’s commitment to advancing health and wellness across Arkansas. Whether she’s treating patients at Regen Med or helping shape state policy, Dr. Ipe is committed to leading with compassion, innovation and integrity.

Scan to read more

Congratulations, 2025 R.O.C.K. Academy Graduates

Congratulations to the 2025 graduates of R.O.C.K. Academy. This program equips residents with tools to better understand and engage with their local government, empowering them to become stronger advocates for their communities. Interested in joining the next class? Follow the City of Little Rock on Facebook to learn about future opportunities.

Fifty-six Graduate from Class XL of Leadership Greater Little Rock

Fifty-six community leaders recently graduated from Class XL of Leadership Greater Little Rock (LGLR), a flagship program of the Little Rock Regional Chamber. LGLR is a nine-month leadership development experience designed to cultivate civic-minded professionals equipped to positively impact the future of Central Arkansas.

“From business and healthcare to education and government, LGLR alumni have helped shape the civic and economic fabric of Little Rock for decades,” says Kellen Davis, Executive Director of Leadership Greater Little Rock.

ARTICLE BY ANNA YANOSICK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHMUEL TAMO AND LIZETTE CASAS

SHMUEL TAMO’S INDIGENOUS ROOTS PRODUCTIONS PARTNERS WITH INDIGENOUS POPULATIONS TO CAPTURE FIRSTHAND ACCOUNTS, HONOR TRADITIONS AND CREATE A LASTING RECORD

SHARING POWERFUL STORIES

Born and raised in Arkansas with Assyrian heritage, educator and filmmaker Shmuel Tamo employs art and

IRP’s debut film,  Sights and Sounds of the Assyrian Diaspora: Art in Response to Statelessness, features 13 Assyrians

“SETTING FOOT ON MY ANCESTORS’ HOMELAND FOR THE FIRST TIME BROUGHT A CONNECTION AND AN UNDERSTANDING OF WHO I AM IN A WAY THAT YOU WILL NOT GET UNLESS YOU CAN GO HOME.”

a collaborative spirit to partner with Indigenous populations in sharing their powerful stories.

In 2023, Shmuel founded the nonprofit Indigenous Roots Productions (IRP), which uses oral history as a research method, capturing firsthand accounts that can be passed down through generations. This approach honors Indigenous traditions while creating a lasting, community-centered record.

By providing Indigenous nations with filmmaking tools and knowledge, IRP fosters self-empowerment, enabling communities to preserve and share their cultures with full informed consent.

“The vision here, since we’re using oral history research method, is to build a diverse, Indigenous archive supported by consistent methodology,” Shmuel says. “From there, we can look at local, regional and global patterns affecting Indigenous people around the world.”

reflecting on how art helps them cope with the trauma of war and displacement. But IRP’s work doesn’t end at the Assyrian experience. Shmuel is committed to supporting any Indigenous nation seeking reclamation.

IRP’s current project,  Espíritu , focuses on the Náhuatl village San Miguel Tecuiciapan in Mexico’s High Balsas region. The film showcases the community and its centuries-old Día de Muertos traditions, such as planting flowers, baking doll-shaped bread for departed children and making offerings at ancestral altars.

Espíritu  also brings awareness to environmental justice, specifically the contamination of the Río Balsas, a river where maize was first domesticated and continues to sustain more than 40,000 Nahua people. Both a lack of funding and outside industrial development have led to the contamination of Río Balsas.

“Not only can more awareness help us when it comes to cultural loss, genocide, statelessness and diaspora, but also bringing in financial resources and political representation — that’s going to lead to concrete change,” Shmuel says.

PLANTING THE SEED

Before launching IRP, Shmuel taught sixth-grade world history and coached cross country for seven years in Little Rock. He studied international studies and sociology at the University of Central Arkansas and earned a master’s degree in social justice and human rights from Arizona State University.

But it was his lived experience as a diasporic Assyrian that became a true catalyst for IRP.

“My father was born and raised in Mesopotamia. He came here to go to school and met my mom,” Shmuel says. “I had this outside cultural influence that really drove me to look deeper into my heritage and who I am as an Assyrian.”

During his 2009 and 2010 visits to Khabour, a region in northern Syria, Shmuel walked the same land where his ancestors had sought refuge after fleeing Iraq nearly a century earlier.

“I started to get to know family members that I had never met,” he says. “I started to be immersed in the language and in the cultural vibrations that, for a long time, I thought were what set me apart, what made me an outcast.”

He describes watching the sunrise over the Syrian desert as a physiological and spiritual experience.

“Setting foot on my ancestors’ homeland for the first time brought a connection and an understanding of who I am in a way that you will not get unless you can go home,” Shmuel says.

By the time Shmuel was ready to return in March of 2011, the Syrian civil war had begun, rendering him incapable of traveling safely and leading to the loss of family.

“Each time that happens, that means that the next generations are more disconnected from our roots, more disconnected from culture and heritage and language, more disconnected from

“WE

NEED OUR COLLABORATIONS BETWEEN DIFFERENT INDIGENOUS PEOPLES TO BUILD A CHAIN BETWEEN US TO STRENGTHEN INDIGENOUS RIGHTS AND IDENTITIES.”

cousins, aunts, uncles, and often don’t even get to meet these other family members,” Shmuel says.

Drawing from his own experience of cultural displacement and reconnection, Shmuel set out to build something rarely seen: a platform where Indigenous communities could document their histories on their own terms.

IN FULL BLOOM

Since IRP can present academic research findings through film, Shmuel envisions creating a completely Indigenous-led research database that schools and universities can use to educate and drive meaningful change.

Looking ahead, he foresees many more collaborations with Indigenous nations across the globe. Through on-the-ground workshops and access to film equipment, IRP plants “the seeds of inspiration” for Indigenous peoples to produce their own storytelling projects.

Once a film is complete and ready for release, the partnering Indigenous nation determines who can access it and where it will be streamed, ensuring full autonomy over their narratives.

“We need our collaborations between different Indigenous peoples to build a chain between us to strengthen Indigenous rights and identities,” Shmuel says.

Through IRP, Shmuel hopes to form collaborations to preserve and protect Indigenous voices worldwide so future generations will know, understand and honor them. For more information or to volunteer, visit  indigenousrootsproductions.org or contact  stamo@indigenousrootsproductions.org.

ADVENTURES with intention

When Little Rock’s Megan Bettis blended a love of yoga, a talent for teaching and a healthy dose of wanderlust, the result was inspiring.

In 2023, she launched Compass Yoga, a retreat series for people of all walks of life who want to adventure with intention.

“Every retreat blends movement with meaning. Think sailing in the Aegean, swimming with bioluminescence in Costa Rica, visiting water temples in Bali, hiking jungle waterfalls, exploring ancient towns, cooking classes, local markets — you name it, and we’re doing it.”

Megan, with more than two decades of experience in yoga instruction and trained in classical ballet, wanted to provide retreats that are not just a physical practice but also a mental escape.

“Compass Yoga was born from a deep love of travel and a serious lack of retreats that felt both real and accessible,” Megan says.

The concept stems from Megan’s favorite teaching mantra: choose your own adventure.

“I believe in giving students a strong foundation with real options, and then it’s up to them to decide where to take it,” she says.

All details are considered, from meals, meditations, yoga props and local adventures, so guests can truly let go.

CONTINUED >

“Every retreat is designed to find that sweet spot between structure and freedom, depth and play, solitude and community,” Megan says.

Megan’s lifelong passion for exploration began the summer before high school as a foreign exchange student in France, activating a sense of curiosity that has guided her ever since.

“When you taste new food, hear another language or see how someone else lives, it shifts your perspective,” Megan says. “It challenges your assumptions. It inspires creativity, empathy and awe.”

Before COVID, she led a few retreats, but it wasn’t until travel restrictions were lifted that the idea for Compass Yoga truly caught fire.

“I tried to find that feeling at a retreat as a student, but wasn’t able to find something that blended depth, freedom and fun. So I built it,” Megan says.

“As we pulled into the bay, this mama whale and her baby appeared. The baby was splashing, jumping, showing off — and it turned into one of the most magical, awe-inspiring moments in nature I’ve ever witnessed,” Megan says. “Totally off script, not part of the plan, and every single retreat has had one of those magical, unplanned moments.”

“Every retreat is designed to find that sweet spot between structure and freedom, depth and play, solitude and community.”

— Megan Bettis

After she took a group to Mexico in 2023, it was so successful that she booked a venue in Greece upon return.

“That Greece retreat sold out in a week — and I knew I was onto something.”

One moment that captures the empowering energy of Compass Yoga happened during a boat trip on the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica. Megan and her group set out before sunset to swim with bioluminescent plankton.

About half of Compass Yoga participants travel solo, and the rest bring a partner, friend or family member, but Megan says all share a “common thread of curiosity.”

“Everyone leaves with new connections,” Megan says. “There’s something incredibly powerful about being surrounded by others who are also working on themselves, navigating change, craving something new or just ready for a break and need to reset.”

For Megan, Compass Yoga’s beauty lies in its ability to give each guest agency within a shared, supportive space.

“We might be doing the same pose, in the same place, at the same moment, yet no two journeys will ever look the same. That’s the magic,” Megan says. “You have full sovereignty. You get to choose how you move, how you feel and what you take with you. Compass Yoga is just the invitation. We are just creating the container for your exploration.”

To learn more or book a retreat, visit  compass-yoga.com

WHAT

IF HOME FELT LIKE A RETREAT?

ARTICLE BY STEPHANIE HASBROUCK | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

This Hot Springs Home Is the Perfect Combination of Luxury and Comfort

Escaping to a luxury resort is a wonderful experience – but what if home inspired that same feeling? It may sound too good to be true, but this stunning Cedarglades Road listing in Hot Springs proves that everyday living can feel like a beautiful retreat.

Offered by Coldwell Banker RPM Group, 1213 Cedarglades Road, known affectionately as Whitetail Farms, is nestled on 17 acres with panoramic views of Bull Bayou Creek and the Ouachita Mountains.

“What truly sets it apart is how effortlessly it balances total privacy with luxury design and proximity to downtown Hot Springs. It’s rare to find a property that offers such a serene, natural setting without sacrificing access to dining, culture and recreation,” says Executive Broker Kent Dover.

“Without question, Cedarglades feels like a private retreat tucked inside the Ouachita Mountains. The elevated perch gives you uninterrupted views of the forest canopy and the creek below, while the landscape attracts wildlife and seasonal color.”

The interior of the home embraces its natural setting with floor-to-ceiling windows and warm wood tones.

“The design invites you to slow down and enjoy the environment, but it’s also unmistakably high-end,” Kent says.  “There’s a quiet sophistication here — what some might call ‘understated luxury.’ It never tries too hard, yet it impresses at every turn.”

Exemplifying the best of both form and function, the home’s open floor plan makes it the perfect gathering space. The kitchen is a chef’s dream with its 48-inch Wolf gas range, Sub-Zero refrigerator and elegant leathered soapstone and marble countertops.

The home also offers intentional quiet spaces with four bedroom retreats with walk-in closets, custom built-ins, spa-inspired ensuite baths and direct access to the upper deck.

“The outdoor spaces are as thoughtfully designed as the interior,” Kent adds.  “The upper deck extends the living space, with direct access from each bedroom and a hot tub nestled into the view. The lower deck surrounds the pool and is ideal for summer entertaining. There’s also a garden area that feels like a hidden sanctuary. Altogether, it creates an immersive, year-round connection to nature.”

Whitetail Farms is the ideal property for those who value privacy, beauty and quality of life, Kent says.

“Whether it’s a full-time residence or a luxurious second home, this property suits buyers looking for a quiet escape without compromising amenities. It’s a place that restores you.”

To learn more about Whitetail Farms and other luxury listings, visit  cbrpm.com

ESCAPE TO PARADISE

ARTICLE BY STEPHANIE HASBROUCK | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Earlier this year, my husband and I escaped the cold of winter to visit paradise. This was quite unlike us. We recently celebrated our 26th anniversary, and this was our first vacation in 23 years sans kiddos.

After dusting off the luggage and renewing our passports, we jetted off to sunny Mexico, where we stayed at the exquisite Conrad Punta de Mita resort. Though extremely overdue, this vacation was well worth the wait.

Situated along the Riviera Nayarit, Punta de Mita is a 1,500-acre peaceful, private peninsula that houses luxury resorts and vacation homes.

The Conrad embraces its tranquil surroundings and offers a multi-sensory experience. Its on-site spa blends serenity with a touch of mysticism and boasts an impressive menu of treatments to create the perfect setting for healing and relaxing. (I personally recommend the Hydrating Facial and Aromatherapy Massage.)

The Conrad also offers seven distinctive restaurants and bars, plus private and in-room dining. Cuisine includes elevated traditional Mexican recipes and hand-crafted cocktails, including perhaps the best margarita I have ever tasted. Be sure to make dining reservations ahead of time. (I recommend reserving a sunset table at the beachfront Mezquite.)

The Conrad Punta de Mita Is a Luxurious, Multi-Sensory Experience

For those looking to do more than relax on the beach or at the spa, the Conrad hosts myriad activities, including excursions and day trips to nearby destinations. Visitors also can enjoy zip lining, horseback riding on the beach, fishing, sailing and the neighboring Higuera Golf Club.

As for accommodations, the Conrad offers a wide range – from beachfront suites with their own plunge pool and a personal concierge to more modest rooms with ocean views — all highly appointed with spacious, spa-like baths. Its Casa 5 can accommodate as many as 36 guests, making it the perfect choice for families, friend trips or destination weddings.

I suggest not waiting until your 26th anniversary to enjoy a trip to Punta de Mita. Go ahead — book your trip and thank me later.

For more information on Conrad Punta de Mita, visit conradpuntademita.com .

Conrad Punta de Mita

• Accommodations include personal concierge suites, beachfront rooms and suites, basic rooms and Casa 5.

• The resort houses seven distinctive restaurants and bars, including the award-winning Codex and beautiful beachfront Mezquite.

• Conrad Spa boasts a full menu, including spiritual ceremonies, massages, facials, body treatments, manicures and pedicures.

• The resort offers curated activities and experiences, including the Conrad’s popular Agave Spirits Tasting, featuring the resort’s impressive collection of tequila, mezcal, raicilla and sotol.

• The Conrad is a popular venue for destination weddings, retreats or luxurious family vacations.

Iced Hibiscus Sunrise

This delightful refresher perfectly balances flavor and wellness. The Iced Hibiscus Sunrise’s main star is caffeine-free Hibiscus Ginger Green Tea. It is vibrant, delicious and packed with natural goodness. Make it into a cocktail favorite by adding a shot of Fennel and Fire Hibiscus Vodka or honey vodka.

INGREDIENTS

• 4 cups of brewed Fennel and Fire Hibiscus Ginger Tea

• 6 tsp of Siloam Syrups Sunny Simple Syrup, sugar, honey or agave syrup (adjusted to taste)

• 2 freshly squeezed oranges

• 1 freshly squeezed lime

• Ice cubes

• Fresh mint leaves, orange slices or clean hibiscus flower to garnish.

• Optional: 4 ounces of Fennel and Fire Hibiscus Vodka or honey vodka.

DIRECTIONS

1. Brew the tea. In a medium-sized pot, bring four cups of water to 175 degrees. Pour the water over five teaspoons of Fennel and Fire Hibiscus Ginger Green Tea. Let the tea steep for four minutes. Strain and cool to room temperature.

2. Sweeten the tea. Once the tea has cooled, stir in your preferred sweetener until fully dissolved.

3. Chill. Transfer the tea to a covered pitcher and refrigerate for at least one hour or until thoroughly chilled.

4. Finish and Serve: Fill four glasses with ice cubes and pour the chilled tea over the ice.

5. Squeeze two fresh oranges and one lime into the pitcher of tea. Mix well to combine.

6. Garnish each glass with fresh mint leaves, orange slices or a clean hibiscus flower.

7. Make it a cocktail. Add 1 ounce, per glass, of Fennel and Fire Hibiscus Vodka, or honey vodka to transform into a delightful cocktail.

&

Vonda Rainey has a beautiful way of communicating. As a licensed speech-language pathologist, she teaches others how to express their thoughts through words and other forms of communication, and as an artist, she lets her paintbrush do the talking.

“As a young girl I always loved to create art – mostly coloring and painting. I have also always been fascinated with communication and how important it is for an individual to be heard and understood by others,” Vonda says.

Like herself, Vonda’s work is full of energy and adventure. She enjoys interpreting her travel experiences on canvas. “I would definitely say I am an explorer. I like to try new things and meet new people. I love to paint from my travel photos because in creating those travel-inspired paintings, it’s like taking the trip again, except without the expense, luggage and TSA!”

Vonda’s works include a wide range of subjects, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. “I love variety! I would become bored painting the same subject matter over and over, so I like to shake things up. I challenge myself by painting a variety of subjects, and I let the subject matter dictate which medium I choose for each painting.”

To view Vonda’s works, visit Art Group Gallery in Pleasant Ridge Town Center and artgrouparkansas.com

ARTICLE BY STEPHANIE HASBROUCK PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Artist Vonda Rainey Finds Joy in Helping Others, Traveling and Painting a Variety of Subjects

ART ADVENTURES

events

JULY 2ND, 9TH, 16TH, 23RD, 30TH

Wednesday Spins

Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts | 8:00 PM

Elevate your midweek mood at Wednesday Spins. Experience a night of art, music, drinks and socializing amid beautiful views of the Museum. AMFA is the place to be on Wednesday nights all summer long.

JULY 4TH

Frontier Fourth of July

Historic Arkansas Musuem | 10:00 AM

Celebrate American freedom during Frontier Fourth of July, featuring a parade, sack races, refreshments and a reading of the Declaration of Independence. For more information, visit arkansasheritage.com/events

JULY 4TH

Pops on the River

First Security Ampitheater | 5:00 PM

Party like it’s 1776 at Pops on the River, Little Rock’s largest Independence Day celebration.  The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette presents an evening of fireworks, patriotic music and local vendors. Catch live performances by Kemistri Band featuring Nicky Parrish, The Rodney Block Collective and the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra. Fireworks start at 9:15 p.m. over the Main Street Bridge. For tickets, visit pops.arkansasonline.com .

Summer brings warm weather, vacations, and potential for plumbing disaster! Don’t be caught unprepared, call us and trust we will provide local, quality service to your home. Schedule with us now!

JULY 8TH – 27TH

“Hair” at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre

The Arkansas Repertory Theatre | 7:00 PM

See the iconic rock musical “Hair” at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre, including hit songs “Aquarius” and “Let the Sunshine In.” Performances are Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. For tickets, visit therep.org/hair-tickets/

JULY 9TH

River Market Live!

River Market Pavilions | 6:00 PM

Move and groove with gospel R&B musician Dee Dee Jones at River Market Live!’s free concert. For more information, visit littlerock.com/river-market/play/rmed/

JULY 18TH

Third Friday Night Art Walk

Argenta | 5:00 PM

Explore original art from local and regional artists at Argenta’s Third Friday Night Art Walk. For more information, visit argentaartsdistrict.org//events/

Opening Reception Saturday, July 19, 6-8 p.m. Exhibition runs through Aug. 9.

Stanley is central Arkansas’ most trusted name in jewelry, and Laura Stanley is proud to continue the family tradition. A 3rd generation jeweler, she specializes in custom design, personal shopping for just the right piece, estate jewelry, or re-designing those pieces that just aren’t working for you anymore. Working by appointment is a private and personal experience, and once you visit her salon, you’ll feel the difference! Laura’s passion for fine jewelry comes through with every project.

Resources to Help at Every Step

- Elaine & Loyd