Middleton, WI May 2026

Lifestyle Letter | Women’s Issue

Eight months ago, I stepped into one of the biggest transitions of my life, becoming a mother to our son, Levi. I always knew that when I had children, I’d want to step back from work and be present during those early years. Still, like many women, I carried a quiet fear: what would others think if I wasn’t constantly working, building, and proving myself as I always had?

What I’ve learned is that identity doesn’t disappear in transition; it expands. I’ve discovered a new kind of strength in slowing down, being present, and redefining what productivity and purpose look like in this season. Motherhood has deepened my identity in Christ and helped quiet those fears. And as I’ve begun stepping back into real estate, it’s been empowering to rediscover that part of myself alongside motherhood, rather than apart from it.

That tension is something many women experience. This issue explores how women build, create, lead, and evolve through seasons of change, and I’m excited to share these stories with you.

Through Her Lens

This piece explores creativity, balance, and the evolution of a woman building a life around her passion. From early inspiration to building a studio rooted in collaboration and community, it’s a reflection on what it means to grow into your work while also growing into yourself.

Respect the Trade

At its core, this story is about value: how women in skilled industries are reshaping the way we think about labor, pricing, and professionalism. It highlights the importance of recognizing expertise that is often overlooked, and the power that comes when women fully understand and stand behind their worth.

From Siberia to Middleton

This business owner wants every client to carry a smile that stays long after they leave her chair. Through her journey, she shows her four children that dedication opens doors to a brighter future. “No pain, no gain,” guides her family’s path. With heart and determination, she has built more than a business; she has built a community grounded in confidence and belonging in Middleton.

What I love most about this issue is that it doesn’t define women by a single role or season. Instead, it shows the many ways we evolve, sometimes boldly, sometimes quietly, always meaningfully. I hope these stories meet you where you are in your own journey, whatever that looks like today.

ALEXIS VENTER, PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

May 2026

PUBLISHER

Cole Spitler | cole.spitler@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Jill Heilman | jill.heilman@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Alexis Venter | alexis.venter@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kelly Mulqueen, Lexia Frank, Jill Heilman

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

studio soma, Jill Heilman, Taryn Marie Photography

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Mary Albers

LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas

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Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (MLPF&S) is a registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, and Member SIPC. Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC and MLPF&S are wholly owned subsidiaries of Bank of America Corporation.

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A Senior Portfolio Advisor can help clients pursue their objectives by managing on a discretionary basis custom investment strategies, selecting from a wide range of Merrill model portfolios and third-party investment strategies. © 2025 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved. MAP6209646 | AD-01-25-2573 | 470944PM-0124 | 02/2025

RESPECT THE TRADE

Don’t Call Me the Cleaning Lady

ARTICLE BY KELLY MULQUEEN & MCL

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TARYN MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY

As a woman-owned business, I built Happy House on a principle this industry often ignores: cleaning is skilled labor, not casual work. While I officially started my LLC in 2017, my experience began years earlier, cleaning homes in high school and then in college while pursuing an animal science degree at UW-Madison.

“Women are not ‘cleaning ladies.’ They are skilled professionals who deserve respect, standards, and pricing reflective of that.”

Many cleaning business owners start the same way, picking up a mop without ever regularly calculating their numbers. There is rarely a bigger picture or long-term goals in mind.

We clean.

We stash cash. We burn out.

Then we disappear.

For homeowners, that cycle creates a frustrating experience. Most cleaning businesses are never built to last.

About two years ago, I dropped the mop.

Instead of cleaning, I started building systems. I focused on who we want to clean for and what we want to achieve as a company. It is simple: stability and consistency, for both the client side and the employee side.

We want to give value and feel valued.

Our clients do not write “cleaning lady today” on their calendars. They know us by name. They respect what we do as skilled labor. They expect annual price increases to keep up with inflation. They want that for themselves and for the technicians who care for their home.

In return, we provide a professional, high-quality, consistent cleaning service.

House cleaning is not casual work. It is skilled labor that often goes unnoticed and underappreciated.

We would never dream of stiffing the bartender at a hotel, even following mediocre service, but do you leave a tip for the housekeeping staff each stay? In a world of tipping fatigue, appreciation does not have to be monetary. If you found your room to be exceptionally clean, share a compliment by letting the

front desk know. Complaints flow more frequently than compliments in this industry.

Consider another comparison. A professional car detailing typically costs between $200 and $500.

Now imagine applying that same level of detail not to one vehicle, but to an entire home: bathrooms, kitchens, floors, appliances, baseboards, and every surface people utilize day-to-day. Anyone who believes the level of detail does not compare has likely never cleaned homes professionally.

When I started my company in 2017, I charged $80 an hour. Almost ten years later, that rate is still considered high, and that is part of the problem. I regularly hear homeowners say, “My cleaner charged $150 for my 5,000 square foot home for 20 years.”

In most industries, employees expect an annual raise. It is considered normal and necessary. But in residential cleaning, even modest price increases often cause clients to shop around for a cheaper option.

The result is an industry where prices remain frozen for years, sometimes decades, and the only way cleaners increase their income is by working faster and taking on more homes.

That is not growth.

That is wage stagnation.

And it is time we start talking about it.

For the industry to grow, we have to stop underbidding one another just to secure the next job. We need to show up as professionals and treat cleaning as a skilled trade. It requires knowledge of surfaces, chemicals, materials, and finishes.

The cleaning industry is built and powered largely by women. I want more of them to understand their numbers and know their worth. If you have questions, email me [Kelly Mullqueen | Kelly@ happyhousemasison.com]. I will help you make the decisions that move your business forward.

Higher standards create better businesses. Better businesses create better careers for the technicians who do the work and a better experience for our clients.

The professionals who maintain two to three homes every single workday deserve recognition for the skill their work requires.

Women shine their brightest when they know their worth and refuse to negotiate it.

When we stand firmly in that value, we do not just strengthen our own businesses.

We elevate an entire industry.

Warmer Weather is on the Way!

From Siberia to Middleton

DG Beauty Salon - The Result of a Passionate Immigrant Mother of Four

Dora Gyamtso’s journey began near the clear waters of Lake Baikal in Siberia, a region shaped by a rich blend of Russian and Mongolian heritage. From a young age, she carried a quiet determination and a sense that she was meant to build something of her own. Recognizing Dora’s potential, her parents guided her toward a career in accounting, where she excelled not only in her studies but in every creative pursuit she found along the way. Still, despite her achievements, there was a lingering feeling that something was missing.

After meeting her husband, Dora made the life-changing decision to move to the United States. She arrived with a readiness to embrace whatever came next.

Leaving behind everything familiar, Dora didn’t shrink; she blossomed. Drawn to the beauty industry, she began working as a hair stylist assistant and nail technician in 2013. At the same time, she was learning English as her third language, quietly observing, absorbing, and growing with each passing day. Her natural talent did not go unnoticed. With encouragement from her employer, she

continued her education and became a cosmetologist. By summer of 2018, Dora felt ready. With courage, a home equity loan, and an unwavering belief in herself, she opened DG Beauty Salon, one of the very first businesses in the Middleton Center.

What began as a leap of faith has grown into something deeply meaningful. Dora believed not only in herself, but in the power of community and in uplifting other women. She has created a space where people from different corners of the world come together, bringing their stories, skills, and hearts into everything they do.

Haleh, the hair stylist, brings warmth and balance, creating an atmosphere where clients instantly feel at ease. Anastasia, a nail artist from West Ukraine, is known for her steady hands, strong work ethic, and calming presence. Kacey carries a gentle, radiant energy, offering thoughtful care and a genuine passion for helping others feel confident in their skin. Lena channels her artistic background into beautiful, detailed nail designs, while Lily brings a joyful spirit and dedication that shines through her nail art. Tara, a licensed massage therapist from Mongolia, approaches her craft with spiritual intuition and care, helping clients feel restored both physically and emotionally.

Leading it all is Dora: strong, driven, and deeply compassionate, specializing in transformative hair services and semi-permanent makeup. Always striving to help others feel like the best version of themselves.

This March marked a moment that felt like a dream fully realized. Dora expanded into the neighboring space, bringing to life DG Aesthetics, an idea that had been growing in her heart for some time. It felt like the right moment and natural next step in a journey built on courage and vision.

Together, these women have created more than a salon. They have built a place where beauty, care, and connection come together; a space where dreams are nurtured, and where each person who walks through the door is welcomed with intention and heart.

CONTINUED >

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

STYLE, SERENITY, AND HAPPY DOGS SERENITY, DOGS

Through Her Lens

THE CREATIVE JOURNEY OF LEXIA

FRANK

YOU STUDIED FINE ART AT UW–MADISON BEFORE BUILDING A PHOTOGRAPHY CAREER AROUND THE COUNTRY. WHAT FIRST SPARKED YOUR INTEREST?

My late father was an *incredibly* talented hobbyist photographer, and one of my fondest memories was him teaching me to use his old Nikon 35mm film camera. Seeing the prints develop in the chemicals hooked me, and I never looked back. I LOVE storytelling, and photography became a way for me to quietly tell a story in each frame, preserve memories (I’m SO sentimental), and honor my subjects.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO MOVE BACK TO WISCONSIN AND OPEN YOUR OWN STUDIO?

One of the reasons we left was to expand my horizons as an artist. It was incredible to be enmeshed in the arts elsewhere, but what excites me now is seeing what local Madison creatives are doing, and I want to be part of building up that scene. There is so much collaboration and inter-arts experiences that are happening. It’s really exciting. Madison has been incredibly fortunate to have generous donors for the arts, and instead of losing our talent to bigger cities, people are now coming to MADISON to be part of our creative scene.

ARTICLE BY LEXIA FRANK & MCL | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY STUDIO SOMA

WHO TYPICALLY USES THE SPACE?

I’ve always had an immense love of the arts- not just the visual arts like photography, but music and the performing arts. I was a member of the Madison Ballet, on the UW-Madison Dance Team, and have taught dance for over 20 years. So, many brands I work with are performing arts companies. It has felt incredible to use my talents to amplify other organizations whose mission I believe in wholeheartedly. That is my favorite part of my job- visually amplifying others and helping them tell their story. But it’s not just arts organizations- I work with small and large brands, and hold quarterly mini sessions for families. Other photographers rent my space 2 days a week. We host classes, free lectures, and open studio time. It’s just a big wide-open clean environment for any content creation needs people have!

WHAT DOES SUCCESS LOOK LIKE FOR YOU RIGHT NOW, BOTH PROFESSIONALLY AND PERSONALLY?

Success for me looks like 1) balance, 2) joy, 3) sustainability. After 41 years living inside my body and brain, I have finally figured out my ideal balance of work and personal life, and I ensure I maintain that balance for my mental and physical health. It took me reading The Artist’s Way to get back to my roots and rediscover what brings me true joy.

Sustainability is a huge marker of success for me. Pre-pandemic, my business only brought in money when I was directly, physically working. Now, my business is built with multiple safety nets that don’t rely exclusively on my presence. Building these systems took me a long time, but they have paid off immensely in peace of mind.

Also…side note… I really just hope my kids are proud of me. I’ve worked to build a business that would allow me to be the best mom I possibly could. I want them to see their mom winning and be proud of who I am. If they are proud of me, then I will have succeeded. Everything I do, I do for them.

“My hope for Studio Soma is to be the place I needed when I was starting as a young photographer, mother, and business owner. A space accessible for all.”

“Don’t fake it till you make it. People connect with real-life processes. If you’re real about your journey, people will root for your success and give you grace with your stumbles. You’ll receive help and build better community relationships when you are genuine.”

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE OTHER WOMEN WHO WANT TO PURSUE CREATIVE CAREERS OR START THEIR OWN BUSINESSES?

Nearly everything is figure-out-able on your own. If you are scrappy, you can do it. HOWEVER, nothing is more valuable than individual mentor sessions. You will learn 10X faster and save yourself from mistakes. Invest in your education before you invest in fancy equipment that will be outmoded in a few years.

Do not undercharge because you’re nervous. Know your worth. Oftentimes, as creatives and entrepreneurs, our work stems from our souls and is deeply personal. So, it is emotionally challenging to place a number on it. We must separate our self-worth from our art’s worth to earn a living doing what we love. It’s also hard when you love what you do so much that you would do it for free…but that doesn’t mean you don’t *deserve* to be paid a living wage. Take up space, respect your work and yourself.

MEET THE WOMAN BEHIND THE WORDS; A DEEP THINKER DEDICATED TO TRANSLATING THE AUTHENTIC SPIRIT OF OUR LOCAL BUSINESS OWNERS

TIME TO MEET THE EDITOR

Jill is my name; words and photos are my game.

Not a word wrote goes without a thought unprovoked.

A story refined; a community heart stoked.

Whether a pic photo note or quote,

I aim to keep the local spirit afloat.

I am elaborate and kind; I say what is on my mind.

And on my mind is you.

A community through and through.

ARTICLE BY JILL HEILMAN & MCL |

WHERE DOES YOUR LOCAL STORY BEGIN?

I am a Madisonian through and through. Born and raised on the West Side, I grew up in the halls of SMG and JMM. After a stint at UW-LAX, studies in Australia, and a bit in New Zealand, I found myself at UW-Madison, drawn back to this city that has its way of encaptivating you! It’s the intersection of nature + city size for me. Recently, my partner, Andrew Charles, and I moved to the same neighborhood where I grew up. It feels full circle.

WHAT DREW YOU TO THE WORLD OF EDITING?

The intrigue unknowingly started with my mother. I have core memories of us sitting together as she helped me dissect my book reports. She taught me to look at writing microscopically, using intentional tweaks to alter the macro-level feel of a piece. Later, I fell for the psychology of people and language.

YOU’RE ALSO A PHOTOGRAPHER?

Yes! Quick backstory - I was a big sports gal until a bad concussion in high school. Identity lost. Cue the early mid-life crisis! I pivoted to art and immediately took to photography. It has remained a core part of me. I professionally photograph graduations for the UW system and beyond, as well as our local high schools! Personally, I shoot for a girl-next-door-style approach.

HOW DID YOUR GRANDPA INFLUENCE YOUR WRITING?

My grandfather gave me the confidence to take myself seriously. He entrusted me to help with his [what ended up totaling] 500-page book about my great-great-grandfather, Cy Williams, a professional home-run slugging baseball player in the 1920s, and an influential architect in the Northwoods. The writing from back then was masterfully colorful! My Papa is very particular; he speaks with purpose and did not want his voice changed. It taught me how to restructure for clarity while maintaining the authentic core. Editing that project was tedious, but an undeniably constructive process.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR SPECIFIC STYLE?

I am quirky to the max. My mind naturally works in rhymes, and sometimes, humorously, I can’t turn it off! I might ponder for ten minutes to find one specific adjective that has the right “feel.” (I totally do this with clothes, too, haha) I find great fun in developing a long flow, hidden messages, using atypical metaphors, and stringing an unlikely structure together in hopes of a double-take hook and catch.

YOUR PROCESS WHEN YOU SIT DOWN TO WRITE?

I am a deep thinker and major empath, so I feel the weight of each story to tell. I want every sentence to have a point. I’m not able to easily churn out content. I take time to interpret. My mind works in a compilation of partial thoughts that I eventually refine into something intentional as I aim to translate a conversation into a piece that resonates.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT THIS MAGAZINE?

The opportunity to sit down with the shapers of our city. It is inspiring to encapsulate the values of a business owner or the commendations of a neighbor. I’ve had a goal to be fully ingrained in the growth of the city I ‘settle down’ in, and this is the ideal platform to combine both my strengths and interests in a way that feels impactful. I love bringing people together and am excited to use my deep background in events to expand our MCL community. I also prize Publisher Cole for being an excellent collaborator and providing a safe space to explore my potential while balancing my other creative and professional endeavours. Is this what we call work-life balance!?

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

events

MAY 2ND

MegaStars of Country

2100 Bristol St, Middleton | 7:30 PM

Enjoy an evening of classic country as talented tribute performers bring the music of legends like Brooks & Dunn, George Strait, and Alan Jackson to life. With authentic vocals, detailed costumes, and familiar hits, this high-energy show recreates the feel of a live Nashville concert experience.

MAY 7TH

Greenway Station Farmers Market

1650 Deming Way, Middleton | 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Kick off the local market season with fresh produce, flowers, baked goods, jams, cheeses, meats and more at this weekly outdoor farmers market. Held in the Greenway Station parking area, it offers a chance to support area growers and makers while enjoying the community atmosphere.

MAY 14TH

Live Music: Rod Ellenbecker at Capital Brewery

7734 Terrace Ave, Middleton | 6:00 – 9:00 PM

Spend a Friday evening at Capital Brewery with free live music from local musician Rod Ellenbecker. Relax with award-winning beers and enjoy a lively mix of songs performed with passion in the cozy Bier Stube setting. It’s a great way to unwind and support live local entertainment.

MAY 16TH

Tri 4 Schools Youth Triathlon

301 Community Dr, Waunakee | 8:30 AM

Kick off the spring season with this youth-focused triathlon designed to get kids active and engaged. Participants will swim in an indoor pool, bike along local streets and paths, and run on a track before celebrating their finish. Multiple course options accommodate different ages and ability levels.

MAY 16TH

Art Walk Middleton

Downtown Middleton | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Celebrate local creativity at this free, all-ages art stroll through downtown Middleton. Dozens of artists will display and sell paintings, jewelry, photography and more, with live art demonstrations and music adding to the lively atmosphere. It’s a great way to explore community art and support regional talent.

MAY 23RD

Cider Markets

2500 Pleasant View Rd. Suite 102, Middleton | 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Spend a full Saturday at this lively outdoor market and celebration at Hidden Cave Cidery. Browse local makers and artisans, enjoy brunch and dinner food trucks, take part in interactive crafts and games, then wind down with live music and a refreshing cider on the patio. All ages welcome, free to attend.