Madison, AL May 2026

The Women's Issue

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The Women’s Issue

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.

AMY BAILEY, PUBLISHER

LETTER Proverbs 3:5-6

May 2026

PUBLISHER

Amy Bailey | amy.bailey@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Casey Creque | casey.creque@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Susan Rogers | susan.rogers@citylifestyle.com

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 Marina Campbell

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.

inside the issue

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 GOLDWAITHE

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 KEENE

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

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.

CIERRA 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.

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.

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

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.