Palm Beach, FL May 2026

In Good Company

To be a woman today is to stand at the intersection of progress and possibility.

I’ll admit, one of my quieter pleasures this past year has been watching period British dramas. I’m drawn to the elegance, the language, the costumes—but they also serve as a reminder of how constrained women’s lives once were. There was a time when a woman’s future depended almost entirely on marriage. Today, women are building businesses, shaping industries, leading communities, and defining success on their own terms.

And yet, that progress has never been linear—or evenly felt.

Across the world, many women are still navigating real challenges, from access and opportunity to safety and representation. It’s a reminder that while there is much to celebrate, there is also more work to be done.

But progress doesn’t happen in the abstract—it happens in communities. Here in Palm Beach, I have the privilege of witnessing that strength—and that momentum—every day.

One of the greatest joys of what I do is meeting and working with extraordinary women business owners. I’m constantly inspired by how each woman builds something meaningful from her passions—how hard she works, how resilient she is, and how determined she remains in bringing her vision to life. It’s a powerful, often understated force, and it’s all around us. Sharing those stories within these pages—and offering a platform where women can be seen, heard, and celebrated—is truly an honor.

This issue is a reflection of that spirit. Our cover features Christina Lambert, whose work in West Palm Beach is just one example of the impact women are making across our community every day—and of the connections that make that impact possible.

At the heart of it all is the way women show up for one another.

Moving often means leaving behind dear friends, which is never easy. What I didn’t expect was how quickly my life here would be enriched by new friendships—women who have welcomed me, supported me, and become an integral part of my world. It’s a reminder that connection has a way of finding us when we need it most.

One of my favorite things to do is have a good old “blether”—a Scottish word for a chat—with a friend at a local coffee shop. It’s in those small moments, more than anything, that connection takes shape. If you ever fancy one, whether it’s coffee or (in my case) a matcha, I’d love to meet you.

There’s always room for one more at the table.

May 2026

PUBLISHER

Denise Wood denise.wood@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Arsine Kaloustian arsine.kaloustian@citylifestyle.com

AREA DIRECTOR

David Wood david.wood@citylifestyle.com

MARKET SUPPORT DIRECTOR

Adam Sheetz | adam.sheetz@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Nancy Kumpulainen nancy.kumpulainen@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Wilder Creative, Maysa Askar

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford

LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas

DENISE DELAUNAY-WOOD,PUBLISHER @PALMBEACHCITYLIFESTYLE

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: Sarah Ross, Addison Ross co-founder, with Palm Beach City Lifestyle Publisher Denise Wood at tea party hosted at HIVE 2: Tommy and Dee Hilfiger at the Norton Museum of Art annual gala 3: Patrick and Milly Park, whose Park Foundation match helped raise $200,000 for Palm Beach Symphony. 4: Consuelo Vanderbilt Costin with Ian Duncan at a private House of Vanderbilt gathering in Palm Beach 5: Sara and David Yu at Morikami’s “A Taste of Asia” culinary and cultural experience in Delray Beach 6: Laurie Silvers and Mitchell Rubenstein at Promise Fund’s Major Donor Dinner at Club Colette 7: Crystal Beaty and Farley Rentschler at American Humane Society’s 15th Annual Hero Dog Awards at Mar-a-Lago

business monthly

In A New Light

Great lighting doesn’t just brighten a room—it changes how you live in it. LightStoreUSA helps homeowners rethink their spaces with fixtures that are equal parts style and function, from statement chandeliers to everyday essentials that actually elevate a room. For women balancing home, family, and entertaining, the right lighting makes everything feel easier, warmer, and more put together. It’s not an afterthought—it’s what makes a home work, day to night.

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Strong Looks Good on Her

JazFit is a boutique fitness studio in West Palm Beach offering a range of classes— from Pilates and barre to dance cardio and strength training—designed to keep workouts varied and engaging. With small class sizes and hands-on instruction, it delivers a more personalized experience without the intimidation factor. The focus is simple: effective movement, real results, and a routine women actually stick with—because it fits into their lives, not the other way around.

Protected, Not Precious

The pieces you carry every day—your favorite handbag, the shoes you actually wear—aren’t meant to sit on a shelf. Omnilux’s ceramic coating is now being applied to leather goods, creating an invisible layer that helps protect against stains, scuffs, and daily wear. It doesn’t change the look or feel—just how well it holds up. For women who invest in quality, it’s a smarter way to use what you love without worrying about ruining it.

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DESIGNED, Not Just PLANNED

At the highest level of entertaining, coordination alone is no longer enough

ARTICLE BY ARSINE KALOUSTIAN PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF

PALM BEACH EVENT PLANNER

In Palm Beach, tradition has always set the tone. From grand ballrooms to meticulously arranged tables, entertaining here carries a sense of heritage—one that is both admired and preserved. But as a new generation of hosts comes into its own, and as new families continue to make Palm Beach home, an evolution is underway.

Today’s celebrations are becoming more personal, more immersive, and more thoughtfully designed than ever before. Guest lists are more considered. Details feel less inherited and more curated. Increasingly, the most memorable events are not those that follow a familiar formula, but those that feel entirely singular—created for one moment, one family, one story at a time.

That shift is felt less in any one detail and more in the overall experience. Events unfold with greater ease, allowing guests to move through the evening naturally rather than following a fixed structure. There is a stronger sense of atmosphere—something that builds gradually, carried through pacing, energy, and experience rather than any one detail. The result is an evening that feels cohesive and intentional, without ever appearing overly orchestrated.

For Sarah Smalley, founder of Palm Beach Event Planner, the role extends far beyond logistics. Known for her modern, designdriven approach, she brings a fresh perspective to Palm Beach entertaining—balancing tradition with innovation in a way that feels both current and enduring. With more than 15 years of experience, Smalley approaches each celebration as a fully realized experience, designed to reflect not only the occasion, but the people behind it. No two events are ever the same—even when inspired by past celebrations.

“Every event begins with a feeling,” she explains. “Before we talk about flowers or menus, we’re talking about how guests should experience the moment.”

That philosophy—part creative direction, part intuition—defines her approach. Where events were once coordinated, they are now composed, built around a curated team of trusted florists, chefs, designers, lighting specialists, and artisans—each selected specifically for the vision at hand.

In today’s Palm Beach, the most memorable celebrations are not simply planned— they are thoughtfully produced, with a level

of detail and expertise that reflects both the vision and the considerable investment behind them. The most effortless evenings are often the most carefully orchestrated, where every element works in harmony to create something seamless and unforgettably bespoke. It’s an approach that prioritizes not just how an event looks, but how it feels—on arrival, in transition, and long after the final course has been cleared. Over time, that approach naturally evolves into something evergreen. Many of Smalley’s clients return year after year, entrusting her with not just one event, but a series of life’s milestones—from weddings and christenings to anniversaries, intimate dinners, holiday gatherings, and milestone birthdays. These are relationships built on trust, consistency, mutual respect, and a shared understanding of how a celebration should feel.

In that sense, the modern Palm Beach wedding is not just a single event—it is often the beginning of a long-standing partnership.

And as Palm Beach continues to evolve—welcoming new perspectives, new aesthetics, and a new generation of effervescent hosts—so too does the way its most memorable occasions are imagined and experienced. What remains constant is the expectation of excellence; what’s changing is the intention behind it—more personal, more immersive, and more reflective of the people they’re designed around.

Working at the center of it, with a vantage point shaped by years of experience, Smalley has a clear read on what’s taking hold next—an emerging sensibility already shaping how weddings and events are conceived, designed, and experienced in the years ahead.

2027 Wedding Trends to Watch

Multi-Day Wedding Weekends

Weddings have evolved into multi-day experiences— from welcome dinners to scenic post-wedding recovery brunches—creating a bespoke guest journey.

Intentional Design Over Excess

Luxury is shifting from volume to vision. Editorial tablescapes, statement moments, and layered details feel more curated and personal.

Precision and Discretion

What guests feel matters as much as what they see. Seamless execution—timing, staffing, logistics—is carefully controlled to create an effortless experience.

Energy as the Aesthetic

Celebrations are defined by how they unfold. Lighting, music, and pacing shape the rhythm of the evening, creating a custom, cohesive ambience.

The Planner as Producer

The modern wedding is no longer coordinated— it’s produced. Planners now serve as creative directors and strategic leads, bringing every element together as one seamless vision.

ARTICLE BY ARSINE KALOUSTIAN PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF FLAWLESS BY MELISSA FOX

MOTHER’S DAY—AND AFTER WHAT TO BOOK FOR

A more thoughtful approach to skincare and hair health that goes beyond a single day

Flowers are expected. Reservations are appreciated. But increasingly, Mother’s Day is less about tradition and more about choosing an experience over something that simply gets unwrapped.

At Flawless by Melissa Fox, that shift shows up in treatments designed not just for the moment, but for skin and hair that improve over time.

Most days move quickly—between work, school drop-offs, dinners, and everything in between, it’s easy for hydration and skincare to fall to the bottom of the list. Stepping out of that rhythm— even briefly—and letting someone else take over has its place.

At Flawless, that starts with the Head Spa.

Designed as an extension of skincare, it begins with a detailed analysis that reveals buildup, oil, and scalp condition, followed by targeted cleansing and stimulation using products such as Biologique Recherche and JuliArt to support circulation and create the right environment for healthy hair growth. Recommended every four to six weeks, the treatment incorporates extended massage through the scalp, shoulders, and hands—balancing results with relaxation.

For the skin, the Flawless Facial follows the same philosophy.

Developed by founder Melissa Fox, each treatment begins with a detailed analysis, allowing the esthetician to adjust in real time based on individual concerns. Deep cleansing and lymphatic drainage prepare the skin, followed by precise, pore-by-pore extractions that clear congestion while maintaining balance.

The result is not just smoother skin, but clearer, healthier skin— driven by technique rather than intensity. Select enhancements can be added to further tailor the treatment.

For those planning ahead, facials are typically scheduled about a week before an event, with a brief post-treatment pause—no workouts, minimal stress—helping to maintain results.

It’s a more grounded approach to beauty—built on consistency, precision, and care.

And for Mother’s Day, it offers something simple: a place to start—and a routine worth returning to, even as schedules fill and the pace of everyday life picks back up.

FACIAL ENHANCEMENTS AT FLAWLESS

Add any of the following to further tailor your treatment:

• Glow Peel

• O2 Infusion

• Microdermabrasion

• Cryo Mask

• LED

• Cryo Lift

• Dermaplane

• Jet Peel

CHRISTINA LAMBERT

IN THE WORK

ARTICLE BY ARSINE KALOUSTIAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY MAYSA ASKAR

Christina Lambert’s career has moved across sectors—including nonprofit leadership, private industry, and local government—but the throughline is consistent. She tends to operate where decisions turn into something tangible.

Lambert represents a version of leadership that is both high-functioning and deeply personal— one that does not separate professional responsibility from everyday life.

Before entering public office, Lambert led Leadership Palm Beach County, bringing together professionals across industries to engage directly with the region’s most pressing issues. She later served as President and CEO of the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County, where the focus narrowed to classrooms, funding, and the realities teachers and students face every day. Programs like Red Apple Supplies, which continues to support local educators, came out of that effort.

Since 2018, she has served on the West Palm Beach City Commission, representing District 5 during a period of sustained growth in the city. New development, increased investment, and

shifting demographics have defined this moment, and her role has been part of the broader effort to manage that growth while maintaining the fundamentals of public safety, housing, infrastructure, and economic opportunity.

At the same time, her professional role operates in a similarly exacting space. As Chief Administrative Officer at Gordon & Partners, Lambert oversees operations for a large team, focusing on internal systems, efficiency, and long-term strategy.

In West Palm Beach, where growth is accelerating, the presence of women in leadership is still evolving. As one of the few women operating at this level in Palm Beach County’s largest city, Lambert represents

a version of leadership that is both high-functioning and deeply personal—one that does not separate professional responsibility from everyday life.

She and her husband Monte are raising their three-year-old daughter, Brianna, in the same city she helps shape.

“Once we brought Brianna home, it reframed how I see everything,” Lambert says.

“Even though I’ve always been a mentor, an auntie, a godmother to kids in my family and in the community, seeing things through her eyes every day has given me a different level of energy. It makes me want to make our community as strong as it can be for all children.”

“She’s learning early that all ships rise with the tide—that we look out for everyone,” she adds. “Through volunteering, or by building things that support other families.”

That mindset carries into how Lambert approaches the city itself.

From parks to green space, her focus centers on the places that shape everyday life for families.

“I grew up having my birthday parties at parks,” she says. “Making sure those spaces are clean, safe, and inviting really matters to our community.”

Raised in Florida in a blended family, with grandparents who immigrated from Mexico, Lambert grew up with a clear understanding of responsibility to both family and community—a perspective that continues to shape how she approaches her work.

There has been increasing attention around what she may do next, but her work to date speaks for itself.

A career built across sectors. An approach that stays close to the operational side of things. A perspective shaped not just by professional experience, but by raising the next generation within the same city she serves.

For Lambert, the work is not separate from the example being set at home. It happens in parallel—showing what it looks like in practice, and how responsibility takes shape over time.

“I want Brianna to grow up knowing we look out for each other,” she says. “That no one person’s priorities dictate what’s best for everyone.”

For women especially, the overlap between leadership and everyday life is often expected—but rarely acknowledged.

In West Palm Beach, that connection plays out day to day, in the same spaces where people live and raise their families.

And for Lambert, it’s very much the point.

FLAWLESS

SMILE MAKERS THE NEXT

AT MCCRANELS ORTHODONTICS, THE NEXT CHAPTER IS TAKING SHAPE

For decades, McCranels Orthodontics has been synonymous with Palm Beach tradition—a practice rooted in family, community, and generations of confident smiles. Today, something more nuanced is unfolding behind those familiar doors. Not a reinvention, but a continuation—one that honors a family legacy while carrying it forward through the next chapter of leadership.

At the center of that next chapter are two women: Dr. Thebis Alvarez Franceschi and Dr. Stephanie Quinn.

Together, they represent a modern approach to orthodontics— one that is as emotionally intelligent as it is clinically advanced, as personalized as it is precise.

Dr. Scott McCranels, who has carried forward his father’s legacy since 1995, remains a steady presence in the practice. A Singer Island native, former professional surfer, and member of both the East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame and the Florida Skateboard Hall of Fame, his path has long been defined by discipline, intuition, and deep community ties. Those same qualities now guide how he is shaping the future of the practice by thoughtfully expanding the team.

Along the side of the building, orchids planted by his father still bloom each season, weaving through the clusia hedge—a quiet reminder that some things here are meant to endure.

“This is about continuity,” Dr. McCranels says. “But it’s also about growth.”

Spend even a few minutes inside the office and that dynamic becomes immediately clear. Conversations overlap. Genuine laughter carries easily between rooms. There’s a natural rhythm to the way the team works together—collaborative, relaxed, and unmistakably in sync.

A NATURAL PROGRESSION

At McCranels Orthodontics, the next chapter is taking shape in a way that feels both seamless and assured.

Dr. Alvarez and Dr. Quinn bring distinct perspectives to the practice, each grounded in a shared understanding of what has made it so trusted over time. Dr. Alvarez, who trained in Florida after moving to the United States from Venezuela, brings a perspective shaped by rigorous clinical training and a thoughtful approach to care. Dr. Quinn, a University of Miami graduate whose path into orthodontics was influenced by her own early patient experience, brings a natural emphasis on communication and patient comfort.

“This is about continuity,” Dr. McCranels says. “But it’s also about growth.”

Their presence doesn’t redefine the practice; it builds on it—adding dimension to something already known for its consistency and care.

It’s a dynamic that feels current without feeling new, an expansion that reflects both the strength of what exists and the direction it’s moving.

EXPANDING THE EXPERIENCE

What stands out just as much as the clinical work is the way the practice now operates as a team.

There’s an ease to the environment—light, collaborative, and genuinely warm—but underneath it is something more structural: a practice that now moves with greater range and flexibility.

With three doctors working in concert, care becomes more layered. Cases can be approached from multiple perspectives. Schedules open up. Patients benefit from both continuity and access, without sacrificing the familiarity they’ve come to expect.

It’s a shift that isn’t immediately obvious—but it’s felt.

Not in anything overt, but in how naturally everything works together.

LOOKING AHEAD

For Dr. McCranels, this next chapter is about stewardship— guiding a legacy practice forward while preserving the qualities that have defined it over time.

By bringing in doctors who reflect both the advancements in orthodontics and the expectations of today’s patients, he is ensuring that the practice continues to grow in a way that feels both natural and forward-looking.

The result is not a reinvention, but a refinement.

A practice grounded in legacy, now shaped by a broader vision— one that honors where it’s been while moving confidently toward what comes next.

Because the most enduring institutions don’t stand still. They evolve—and remain places people genuinely want to be.

IT WAS EASIER THE First Time

THE COMPLEX REALITY OF SECONDARY INFERTILITY

ARTICLE BY ARSINE KALOUSTIAN | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF IVFMD

It often begins in a way that feels familiar. A conversation over dinner. A glance across the room at the child who made you a mother—and the sense that maybe now, you’re ready to do it again.

You begin trying. You start hoping. You assume-because it happened before-it will happen again.

And for a while, nothing feels different. Until the calendar starts to matter.

One month becomes three. Then six. Then longer than expected. What once felt natural now feels measured—tracked in days, in cycles, in calculations you never made the first time.

At IVFMD, this is the moment physicians see often: women arriving not in crisis, but in disbelief—wondering how something that once came easily now feels just out of reach.

THE ASSUMPTION THAT DOESN’T ALWAYS HOLD

There’s a belief that once your body has done something, it will do it again.

It’s comforting. And it’s not always true. Secondary infertility—the inability to conceive or carry a pregnancy after previously giving birth—accounts for more than half of infertility cases in the United States, yet is far less openly discussed.

“There’s a misconception that it only applies to someone trying for a second child,” says Dr. Jenna McCarthy. “In reality, it can affect families at many stages, and the challenges can feel just as complex.”

The outside world sees a family that has already begun. What it doesn’t see is the space someone is still hoping to fill.

“Patients are often caught off guard,” Dr. Sabrina Gerkowicz explains. “They come in thinking this part of their life is already understood—and then they’re faced with something entirely different.”

WHEN THE TIMELINE SHIFTS

The most common reason is also the most difficult to feel in real time: age.

Fertility changes gradually, then all at once. Egg quantity declines. Egg quality becomes more variable. What may have been a wide window just a few years ago narrows in ways that aren’t visible—but deeply felt.

Other factors can emerge-scar tissue, hormonal changes, uterine conditions, or partner-related fertility factors.

The result is not always an inability to conceive—but a process that requires more timing, and often more support.

THE EMOTIONAL WEIGHT NO ONE PREPARES YOU FOR

What makes secondary infertility distinct isn’t just the biology— it’s the contradiction.

There is gratitude for the child you already have, alongside the desire for another.

A sibling. A fuller table. The way you always pictured.

LIFE DOESN’T PAUSE FOR FERTILITY

Unlike the first time, life is already in motion. School drop-offs. Packed calendars. Work obligations. Routines that leave little room for uncertainty—or for the logistics treatment requires.

Appointments, testing, procedures—all layered into an already full life, often happening privately.

Many women choose not to share what they’re going through, even as they rearrange schedules or step away for appointments that carry more weight than anyone else realizes.

“There’s a misconception that it only applies to someone trying for a sec ond child.”

— Dr. Jenna

McCarthy

FROM UNCERTAINTY TO UNDERSTANDING

What IVFMD offers, first and foremost, is clarity.

A comprehensive evaluation—hormones, ovarian reserve, uterine health, and partner factors—can identify what has changed since the first pregnancy.

In many cases, there is a clear explanation— and a path forward.

Treatment may be straightforward—supporting ovulation or refining timing—or may involve IUI or IVF, designed to work with the body as it is now.

And with that often comes guilt—for wanting more, for feeling disappointed, for struggling with something others assume should be simple.

“There can be a real sense of isolation,” Dr. Joelle Karch (Taylor) notes. “You’re surrounded by your child—by school, by activities, by other families—and at the same time, you’re aware of what’s not happening.”

Even well-meaning questions—Are you thinking about another?—can land differently when the answer isn’t clear.

The shift is often immediate:

From Why is this happening?

To What can we do next?

REDEFINING THE JOURNEY

The second time around may not look like the first.

But it also brings awareness—an understanding that fertility is not a fixed milestone, but an evolving part of life.

Because growing a family isn’t always linear.

But it is still possible.

Handmade Soap

Add a spa-like feel to your home with this refreshing soap recipe that's simple to make at home.

ARTICLE BY ANGI HOCKETT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

The art of soap making has come a long way since our grandmothers’ day. All the nourishing oils, beautiful colors, scents and exfoliants would have been a dream to her. Today, it is easy to custom make soap for any skin type. Adding oils such as avocado, olive, jojoba, and argon are just a few ingredients to make a rich smooth bar.

Not only do handmade soaps get super-fatted oils to add moisture, they can also include some amazing exfoliants, additives and scents. A few of my favorites are honey, aloe juice, goat’s milk, activated charcoal and clays.

If you want to get started making soap try this simple pour and mold recipe.

lavender honey lemon soap

ingredients

•2 lb. goat’s milk melt-and-pour soap

•1 lemon rind, zested

•3 tablespoons of dried lavender buds

• 2 tablespoons of honey

•15 drops of lavender essential oil

•6 drops of lemon essential oil

• Jar or bowl for melting soap base

• Silicone mold

directions

Chop soap into smaller pieces. It will melt faster this way. Place in bowl and microwave (or double boil). Be careful to watch soap and not let it burn.  If you are using microwave, heat in 30 second increments, stirring frequently. Once soap is melted add your essential oils first. Once essential oils have been added and mixed thoroughly, add the lavender buds, lemon zest and honey. Have your mold ready to go, on a flat, even surface. You’ll want to move quickly before the soap cools too much. Mix everything thoroughly again, and pour mixture into mold. Let the soap cool for 2-3 hours until bars are completely solid. Wrap or package however you like.

Recipe from Sisoo.com

BERRY BRUSCHETTA

A RECIPE FROM A CUP FULL OF SASS

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMY TINNIN

This Berry Bruschetta is a delightful twist on the classic bruschetta that we all love. This version uses fruit, bringing a sweet element to the traditionally savory dish. With the use of fresh berries, cream cheese, delicious fruit spread, crumbled cheese, and fresh rosemary, it is the perfect addition to your next spring event. This simple, yet beautiful appetizer could be enjoyed at your next brunch, shower or Mother’s Day celebration. But let’s be honest—you don’t need an excuse to enjoy this delectable dish!

INGREDIENTS:

• 12 baguette slices

• Extra virgin olive oil (for brushing)

• 4 oz cream cheese

• 1/4 cup Fruit and Honey Triple Berry Spread (or any fruit spread of your choice)

• 1/3 cup fresh strawberries, sliced

• 1/3 cup fresh blueberries

• 2 oz fruit cheese (such as Wensleydale with Autumn Fruit), crumbled

• Fresh rosemary for garnish

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Lightly brush the front and back of the baguette slices with Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

3. Toast baguette slices in the oven for 3-5 minutes or until lightly toasted.

4. Once the baguette slices are cool, spread a generous layer of cream cheese over each slice.

5. Add the fruit spread on top of the cream cheese.

6. Add sliced strawberries and a few blueberries, allowing the vibrant colors to pop. (A great place to find fresh fruit is our local staple, Crystal & Rich’s Produce.)

7. Crumble the fruit cheese over the top for an added layer of richness and depth.

8. Garnish with fresh Rosemary if desired.

9. Serve and enjoy!

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