For the Girls
I remember a little rhyme I used to hear as a child; April showers bring May flowers. I always thought it an odd one. Growing up in a desert, April rarely brought showers and I didn’t understand which flowers were classified as “May flowers.” My mom would sing the rhyme, and I was left with more questions than allowed for a simple rhyme. I eventually let it go. Regardless of my inquisitive nature and my lack of understanding, an idea was cemented— May means flowers, florals, and all things bright, and lovely.
This issue is a celebration of women and all the things they can accomplish. It’s a celebration of girlhood and having a community of women who get it, who understand life, and the hurdles that come with it. May is the perfect month to plan a girl’s night, and we have ideas for your next gathering—check out the article, Gathering the Girls.
We connected with women throughout the valley who all bring something unique to the table, who are building something new, something exciting, and something that fits their gifts and talents. Women who are shaping Mesa and enhancing everything is has to offer.
We live in a pretty amazing place, filled with amazing women who shape our days, better our communities, and enrich our lives. This issue, while a celebration of that, is also an invitation. It’s an invitation to remember the women who have made an impact in your life. It’s an invitation to celebrate them, to love them, and connect with them.
Here’s to May, the girls, and the ways they make life lovely. With love,
P.S. Happy Mother’s Day to all the mamas! Be sure to check out the Mother’s Day breakfast article to make Mother’s Day special this year.
May 2026
PUBLISHER
Michaela Hetherington
michaela.hetherington@citylifestyle.com
SALES DIRECTOR
Adam Hetherington
adam.hetherington@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Ashleigh Underwood ashleigh.underwood@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Lindsey McArthur lindsey.mcarthur@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Sonja Stafford
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR B-Real Media
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Sarah Knieff, Matthew Sousa, Kali Kasorzyk
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad
LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
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Inspired Design Enduring Craftsmanship
Congrats Jazlyn!
Jazlyn Muzio, half of the amazing husband + wife ownership team of Arizona Pristine Roofing, has been recognized with a 2026 Empowering Women Award during a ceremony in Tucson. Learn more about Jazlyn by reading her feature on the Mesa City Lifestyle website. Congratulations Jazz!
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ARTICLE BY KALI KASORZYK
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
BECKY HILLYARD
From Side Hustle to Style Empire
The power of taste, trust, and the courage to “just start.”
She didn’t have a business plan, a media budget, or even a name anyone could pronounce. What Becky Hillyard had was taste, a young family, and the instinct to just start. Today, her lifestyle brand Cella Jane commands an audience the size of Vogue’s , she’s nine collections strong with Splendid, and she’s built it all while raising three kids — refusing to sacrifice one for the other. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Becky shares what it really takes to build a brand, a career, and a life you love. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full conversation.
Q: WHEN DID YOU KNOW CELLA JANE WAS MORE THAN A HOBBY?
A: Two moments. Women started emailing me saying they bought something I recommended and felt amazing — asking me to help them find a dress for a wedding. That felt incredible. Then I looked at my affiliate numbers for one month and realized I could cover our mortgage. I thought, I can actually do this. I never set out to build a business. I started it because I genuinely loved it.
Becky in Splendid x @CellaJaneBlog Spring 2026 Collection
Q: WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST RISK YOU EVER TOOK WITH THE BRAND?
A: Designing my own collection. It’s easy to point at items on a website and say I love these. But to create something from scratch, put your name on it, and wait to see if people connect with it — that’s terrifying. I had an incredible partner in Splendid, and women loved the pieces. It was the biggest risk and the biggest accomplishment.
Q: HOW HAS INFLUENCER MARKETING CHANGED SINCE YOU STARTED?
A: When I started, brands didn’t know whether to take it seriously. Now it’s a legitimate line item in their marketing budgets — sometimes bigger than TV. Because what we’ve built is trust. People trust a real recommendation from someone they follow far more than a commercial. There’s no question about it now.
Q: YOU’RE A MOM OF THREE RUNNING A FULL BRAND. WHAT DOES YOUR DAY ACTUALLY LOOK LIKE?
A: I try to get up at five and not hit snooze — that first hour before the house wakes up is the most productive, most peaceful hour of my day. Then it’s all hands on deck with the kids and school drop-off. After that I work — planning content, connecting with my team, editing. After pickup, the day shifts completely and it’s all about them. I’ve learned to protect both halves fiercely, because both matter.
Q: WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO BUILD SOMETHING OF THEIR OWN BUT KEEPS WAITING?
A: Don’t wait. Don’t wait for the perfect camera, the right strategy, or enough followers. We find every excuse to stay comfortable. Just start, be consistent, and be authentically yourself. The right people will find you — and they’ll stay.
This conversation is just the beginning. Becky goes deeper on the risks that almost stopped her, the design process behind her latest Splendid collection, and what she’d tell her 2012 self today. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle podcast.
“Trust is the only metric that actually compounds.”
— Becky Hillyard
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HOPE FILLED Florals
A LOCAL ARTIST SHARES HOPE, TRUTH, AND BEAUTY
ARTICLE BY ASHLEIGH UNDERWOOD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ELLEN GONZALES
Ellen Gonzales has always loved art. While she used to play with watercolors, her mom would paint her entire house in florals. As she shares the stories about the intricate floral patterns and creations her mom used to make, she laughs because she hated it as a child. She wasn’t a girl really into flowers or florals, and her mom was adding florals to almost any surface she could get her hands on. The irony of her childhood and floral surroundings is not lost on Ellen; her laughter continues as she reminds me that she exclusively paints florals. Her mom finds it funny too.
“You can actually say a lot with flowers without actually saying it,” she says, sharing how her view on florals has changed after the laughter dies down. You won’t catch Ellen decorating with real flowers, but we all get to appreciate her talents with the exquisite flowers she paints.
While always loving art, Ellen didn’t set out to be an artist. Originally, she wanted to be a teacher. She did pursue a
degree in social sciences with an emphasis in education but the only time she spent teaching involved teaching preschool. She would change to pursuing music at John Brown University in Arkansas. Moving to Arkansas was the start of a few cross-coun try moves Ellen and her family would do before coming back home to Arizona. She would hold a few different jobs in a few different career fields during this time. Behind the changes, the careers, and the moves, Ellen had her art.
It was a hobby for her, an outlet. Despite her mom’s florals and decorating schemes, Ellen didn’t start exploring art until high school, taking an art class. Her talent was immediately noticed. She won awards and was featured in different student galleries. She continued to take art classes in col lege, even while pursuing different degree paths. Her talent was obvious, but she kept art a hobby. “It never occurred to me that I could make it a career,” she says when explaining her art journey.
“You can actually say a lot with flowers without actually saying it,”
2020 came around and it changed things for Ellen, just like that year has changed things for so many of us. She started making stickers, using her skills to create beautiful florals with truth from scripture. Her stickers were perfect for planners, Bibles, even journals. Her husband encouraged her to open an Etsy shop, and she listened. The first day her shop was open, she sold a bunch, taking her completely by surprise. As planner companies started reaching out to do collaborations, Ellen started painting Bibles, making bookmarks, and journals, growing her shop to be a place for hope filled, truth reminding, and God glorifying art. Her Etsy shop even grew legs and walked out into local collective shops and markets around Arizona.
Over the past six years, God has been guiding Ellen, creating a path for her to make art a career step by step. Six years later and Ellen has shifted. The smaller stuff has been surrendered as she has been led to focus on fine art, bigger paintings. Each of her paintings hold a message, a truth from scripture, but ultimately, Ellen hopes people feel the presence of God when they see her paintings.
ELLEN GONZALES
Ellen Gonzales is the owner and operator of White Bird Design Co. Her husband and her kids have been key helpers in all aspects of her business, including restocks at local collective stores, along with helping at pop up markets. What started in 2020 as an Etsy shop, making stickers, has become a family business, even with the shift to focus on Fine Art. White Bird Design Co. has an online gallery where you can shop paintings and fine art prints. www.whitebirddesignco. com You can also find her on Instagram: @whitebirddesignco where she shares upcoming art shows and upcoming works.
www.whitebirddesignco.com | @whitebirddesignco
APRIL SHOWERS BRING MAY FLOWERS
ARTICLE BY SARAH KNIEFF
Supplies:
• Flowers of your choice
• Scissors
• Twine or floral tape
• Ribbon (optional)
Decorate Your Space With a DIY Floral Design
Spring: the days grow longer, weather turns warmer, and the earth’s greenery starts to make its reappearance. During this time, flowers shoot up from the ground in a ballet of colors and movement. Walking outside becomes a cherished moment to breathe the fresh air and immerse yourself in lush surroundings. Being inside your home turns dreary and dull, everything that thrives is now outside, but this can easily be remedied. Why not bring some life inside? Make a spring floral bouquet to lighten up your space. Flowers add color and character to any room that needs a little lift, and our step-by-step guide will inspire you to create something grand.
• Decorative paper (optional)
• Bouquet sleeve (optional)
“Just remember, whatever way you choose to decorate your bouquet, you will end with a personalized piece made with love and care.”
Directions:
Step 1: When creating a beautiful floral arrangement, the first thing to do is decide on a color scheme and prepare the flowers. Have fun deciding what colors you want to play with. Perhaps go pastel for spring or match the hues to other decor items in your house. Once you have picked your flowers, you need to do a little prep work. First, remove extra leaves and damaged petals from the stems. Then make a fresh diagonal cut to the bottom of all the flowers. This allows each bloom to soak up as much water as they need.
Step 2: Now it’s arranging time — think focal and filler. The best way to start the arranging process is by choosing your most interesting or favorite flowers — this will be your focal point. Hold the focal flower(s) upright and add your supporting blooms around it. Make sure to turn the bouquet as you build so that the design is as desired. Once this is complete, add your filler flowers to finalize the look. Filler options include baby’s breath, ivy, fern, eucalyptus and more.
Step 3: Let’s get ready to tie. Once you’ve arranged your bouquet, tie all the stems together using twine or floral tape. If using twine, we recommend securing it in a small bow in case you would like to rearrange at any given time. Floral tape is easy to move on and off for this purpose as well.
Step 4: Add the finishing touches. At this point, you are almost done with your bouquet and all that’s left is embellishments. There are so many ways to further adorn your creation: one way we love is to wrap it in fun decorative paper or put it in a special sleeve made just for flowers. If this idea isn’t for you, we recommend going to Pinterest for inspiration. Just remember, whatever way you choose to decorate your bouquet, you will end with a personalized piece made with love and care.
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ARTICLE BY ASHLEIGH UNDERWOOD
Gather the Girls!
Between hectic schedules and to-do lists a mile long, it can be hard to find some time to hang out with the girls. Here are some simple ways to get the girls together for some quality time—easy planning and easy scheduling.
Mini Book Club
Sort of like a regular book club but without the continued commitment level. Find a book you would all enjoy, read it, and plan a coffee date to get together to talk about it. Don’t worry about finding discussion questions. You can talk about favorite and least favorite scenes; it’s a great starting point and sure to lead to further discussion. Pick a coffee shop with good outdoor seating, enjoy the sunshine while hanging with the girls.
Find book recommendations from Mesa City Lifestyle’s book round ups at citylifestyle.com/mesaaz
Craft Night at Home
Remember how birthday parties used to have a craft to do? I’m not sure why becoming an adult meant we had to stop crafting, but it is a perfect way to get all the girlies together. It’s a fun night and everybody gets a little memento to take home. Set up a few stations around your dining table with some supplies and you’re ready to go! Great craft ideas include, canvas tote bag painting, bible cover making, book bedazzling, phone case decorating, beaded bracelets, and keychains. Be sure to have some snacks and drinks available.
Favorite Things Party
The only one that would be classified as a party instead of a hang out, but it’s the simplest party you will ever plan or put together. A favorite things party is where everybody brings two of their favorite things. It helps to set a max budget for the items to stay fair. During the party, each lady will explain what their favorite thing is, why it is their favorite, and then draw two names randomly. Those two ladies will get to go home with the item. Everybody gets to take two things home and maybe discover a new favorite thing.
Law &
ARTICLE BY ASHLEIGH UNDERWOOD PHOTOGRAPHY BY SONJA STAFFORD
how Carly Whiteside pursued her passions and dreams to become a standout in the legal field.
Dedication
Arizona native Carly Whiteside has always wanted to be a lawyer. Her passion for law never changed, even when life had different plans. When she found out she was pregnant with her daughter, Carly finished out the year of college she was in and then pursued her paralegal degree once her daughter started kindergarten. After finishing the program, she would work for the Arizona Attorney General’s office. She describes her time there as rewarding and a great learning experience. After her time there, she went on to work at a litigation funding firm. Her clients there were usually other law firms working on funding for big, expensive lawsuit,
“I REALLY WANT TO GIVE MOMS IN THE LEGAL COMMUNITY A PLACE
like class action cases. The day to day of the work had her wondering who exactly she was helping. It became a question that would lead her to try out a new firm in a different area of law.
She went to a probate firm. That question that was going on in the back of her mind, who am I helping? was answered in this new job. Carly had found an area of law where she could make a difference. She could connect with her clients and see the help she was able to bring. After a year and a half at the probate firm, Carly decided to start Copper Wren Law, opening in early 2023.
Carly is the first women to be a sole owner of an ABS in Arizona. What is ABS? ABS stands for “Alternative Business Structure” and means that the firm is, in part or wholly (in Carly’s case) owned by a non-lawyer. The ABS allows Copper Wren to function like a regular law firm. As an ABS firm though, there is more oversight. Not just in the extra steps it took to start her business (it involved the Arizona Supreme Court
SHE’S ORGANIZED, PASSIONATE, EMPATHETIC, AND DEDICATED. HER FAMILY WOULD DESCRIBE HER AS A PERFECTIONIST AND A WORKAHOLIC. CARLY IS CHANGING THE GAME FOR LAW PROFESSIONALS AND CLIENTS, ALLOWING EVERYBODY TO HAVE TIME TO BE HUMAN, HAVE A LIFE, AND ENJOY IT.
Certification and Licensing division and background checks), but also with the daily workings of the firm. To be an ABS, you must have a licensed lawyer functioning as the compliance counsel. The compliance counsel is an internal lawyer that focused on the firm and ensuring ethical standards are met and kept.
Over the three years since Carly opened Copper Wren Law, she has narrowed down and defined the services her firm offers. Copper Wren Law specializes and offers services in probate, trust administration, guardianship and conservatorship. In these areas Copper Wren will handle uncontested and litigated cases. They can also help with deed work and Power of Attorney matters. If you need Estate Planning, Copper Wren does have firms they work with that handle estate planning. Copper Wren no longer handles estate planning.
There’s a mindset that comes with law and it’s one that many adhere to, not out of choice but more because it is the status quo. Carly wants to change the idea that “you have to work yourself to death to be successful.” With her goal to end that idea and culture, she is bringing back a focus on customer service. She is bringing compassion back to law.
Carly’s goal with Copper Wren is to change how the legal field is handled. So, she is focused on being an all-women firm. Her firm handles a lot of law that would fall into an emotional realm, where clients are dealing with emotionally charged situations. In her experience, women attorneys are truly trying to help and handle the emotional labor of the cases better. For her employees though, she is creating a work environment where moms in the legal community can work, utilizing their skills and knowledge, without being penalized for being a mom.
On top of her missions to better the law industry for clients and professionals, Carly hosts a podcast, Probate Problems and Practical Solutions. The podcast is dedicated to helping Arizona families navigate probate, guardianship, and conservatorship with confidence.
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Whether it’s setting up your wedding in a serene forest or by a picturesque river, we’ll be there to make your special day unforgettable. No destination is too far for us to bring our exceptional service to you.
“We got married 10.07.2023 in Strawberry Arizona at the Rim! Josh & Kasandra went up & beyond to make our day SO special! We got married in the woods with a limited power supply and limited notice for the exact location of our wedding! (Because it’s the middle of the woods and you never know!)
They took the time to meet us at our wedding location on the Rim days before the wedding! They took the time to ensure we were happy with the food and if we had enough to eat! Their crew was so helpful in arranging the tables and even table settings! They even packed our leftovers which we are still enjoying today!!
A huge shout out to Kasandra who took the time to help me breathe, take a moment to myself, and let me know it was my turn to walk down the aisle from afar! Thank you both so much! Our day wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for you guys! We would %100 recommend The Local Catering company as your choice for catering!!!” - Olivia Hammond
DELIGHT MOM WITH HOMEMADE BELGIAN WAFFLES
ARTICLE BY MATTHEW SOUSA
Mother’s Day is the perfect occasion to treat Mom to a special homemade breakfast, and nothing says “I love you” like a plate of warm, fluffy Belgian waffles. These waffles are crispy on the outside, light and airy on the inside, and perfect for a delicious morning celebration.
CLASSIC BELGIAN WAFFLE RECIPE
Ingredients:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 eggs, separated
• 1¾ cups milk
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks, then mix in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
3. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
4. In another bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form, then gently fold them into the batter.
5. Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it. Pour in enough batter to cover the surface and cook until golden brown and crisp.
Serving Suggestions:
Top the waffles with fresh berries, whipped cream, and a drizzle of maple syrup or chocolate sauce. Pair with a hot cup of coffee or fresh orange juice for a perfect Mother’s Day surprise.
This simple yet elegant breakfast is a heartfelt way to show Mom just how much she means to you. Happy Mother’s Day!
BREAKFAST Mother’s Day
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
MAY 2ND
Spiritworld—Mesa
105 W Main St Mesa, AZ 85210 | 6:00 PM
Spiritworld, a local favorite, will be at The Underground at Nile Theater! Learn more and get tickets at: www.visitmesa.com/events/spirit world-mesa/
MAY 2ND
Cosmic Takeover Tour
Sloan Park, 2330 W Rio Salado Pkwy Mesa, 85201 | 7:00 PM
Come down to Sloan Park for an unforgettable night! Cosmic baseball is America’s favorite past time with a neon flair. There will be special effects, glow-in-the-dark elements, and a great atmosphere. Get more information about tickets at: chilipeppers baseball.com/cosmic-lottery/
MAY 8TH
Riverdance 30
1 E Main St Mesa, 85201 | 8:00 PM
Since “Riverdance” first emerged onto the world stage, its fusion of Irish and international dance and music has captured the hearts of millions worldwide and now you can experience it for yourself! Get tickets and see more show dates and times at: www. mesaartscenter.com/show-details/ riverdance-30-the-new-generation
An agency hires caregivers who have been background checked, are legal to work in the United States, have workman’s compensation coverage, and abide by labor laws. Arizona agencies who are members of Arizona In-Home Care Association agree to have business liability, and uphold to the standards by the association due to the lack of regulation of inhome care in Arizona. An agency protects you, the client, and your family from potential financial and legal risks.
CONTINUED
MAY 10TH
Mother’s Day Brunch at The Vistas Pavilion at Las Sendas
7555 East Eagle Crest Dr Mesa, 85207 | 9:00 AM
Skip the cooking and stress and take mom out for mother’s day! Reserve your spot at The Vistas Pavilion at Las Sendas by calling (480) 396-4000 ext. 222 or emailing cshaw@lassendas.com
MAY 13TH
Ballet in Bloom: An Evening at Desert Botanical Garden
1201 N. Galvin Parkway Phoenix, AZ 85008 | 6:30 PM
By popular demand, An Evening at Desert Botanical Garden is back and better than ever before! Surrounded by the magnificent desert landscape with the setting sun as its backdrop, this audience favorite now features two ballet experiences as a double-feature event. Get tickets at: balletaz.org
MAY 16TH
Healthy Living Conference & Expo
263 N Center St Mesa, AZ 85201 | 9:00 AM
The Healthy Living Conference & Expo is a one-day wellness focused conference featuring educational sessions, interactive experiences, and a diverse vendor showcase. Learn more and get your tickets at: healthyliving conference.com
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