River Oaks, TX May 2026

Cheers To The Ladies!

This is without a doubt one of my very favorite issues each year.

There is something so special about creating our annual Women’s Issue. My team and I truly look forward to it, and we have so much fun thoughtfully curating the stories and voices of women in our community who are doing extraordinary things.

Within these pages, you will find a beautiful blend of inspiration and celebration. From a thoughtfully curated shopping guide to stories highlighting women who are shaping and leading within the creative scene, to a meaningful focus on health and wellness, this issue is filled with content designed to uplift and inspire.

This time of year feels especially fitting. As we move into the season of Mother’s Day, we are reminded just how many remarkable women surround us. Women who lead, nurture, create, build, and inspire in ways both big and small.

I hope you take a moment to slow down, dig in, and truly savor this issue. And most importantly, I hope it inspires you to celebrate the incredible women in your life and to celebrate yourself as well.

With gratitude,

SUZANNE SCHAKETT, PUBLISHER @RIVEROAKSLIFESTYLE

May 2026

PUBLISHER

Suzanne Schakett | suzanne.schakett@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Gabi De la Rosa | gabi.delarosa@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Kayla Bokemeyer | kayla.bokemeyer@citylifestyle.com

SALES DIRECTOR

Suzanne Schakett | suzanne.schakett@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Jennifer Kahlden | jennifer.kahlden@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Arielle Alston | arielle.alston@citylifestyle.com

SALES SUPPORT COORDINATOR

Savannah Schakett

INTERN

Antonio De la Rosa

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Allyson Straczek

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman

LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle

inside the issue

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: Phoebe Tudor, Council Member Twila Carter at The Heritage Society’s 2026 Luncheon. 2: Kathy Britton, honoree John L. Nau III at The Heritage Society’s 2026 Luncheon. 3: Cody & Kusum Patel and their son at the Texas Children’s Ambassadors ‘Glow in the Park’ fundraiser. 4: Pluto & Crosby at the Texas Children’s Ambassadors ‘Glow in the Park’ fundraiser. 5: Will and Lee Britton Daugberg, Ella Fertitta and Jason Fertitta at the HMNS ‘Futurama!’ gala. 6: Audrey Selber, Kendall McCord, Jennifer Savery at the Houston Museum of Natural Science ‘Futurama!’ gala. 7: David Piccione, Walt Wilkins, and Laura Piccione at Kirby Ice House for the Hats for Homes event.

business monthly

Maggie’s Coffee Opens in the Energy Corridor

Houston’s Energy Corridor has officially welcomed Maggie’s Coffee, an elegant yet comfortable coffee shop created for professionals and visitors seeking quality and comfort. Located on the ground floor of Energy Tower II at 11720 Katy Freeway, Maggie’s Coffee offers thoughtfully crafted beverages, light bites and warm hospitality as part of the expanded amenity suite at Energy Plaza Houston.

Brassica Opens Near Hunter's Creek Village

Brassica — the buzzy Columbus, Ohio-born Eastern Mediterranean restaurant beloved for its organic ingredients — has opened its first out-of-state location in Houston at 1413 South Voss Road, near Hunter's Creek Village. The family-owned concept has built a devoted following back home, known for its house-made falafel, vibrant vegetable-forward salads and freshly baked pita sandwiches. The signature Brassica fries and tahini chocolate chip cookies have also become standout favorites.

Taste the Savings

Join us for Happy Hour Tuesday through Friday—kickstarting the week with all-day deals on Tuesdays and Wednesdays! Enjoy crave-worthy bites and refreshing drinks at feel-good prices. Bring your friends, bring your appetite, and let the good times pour.

Enjoy the cities best food and drink!

Slowpokes Coffee Opens New Location

One of Houston’s prominent coffee shops, Slowpokes, recently debuted its eighth location - this time at Silver Street Studios Arts District located at 1501 Silver Street, Building B. This addition follows the brand’s latest location the East End, along with its longer-tenured outposts in Spring Branch, Kirby Grove, Garden Oaks/Oak Forest, West University, Memorial and Westchase.

Photography by Becca Wright

Sunshine SELECTS

for gifts to celebrate summer? From sun protection to chic accessories, this collection features items that blend fashion, function, and comfort. Whether you’re upgrading your beach essentials, adding color to your wardrobe, or surprising someone special, this guide delivers options for everyone. Each pick is thoughtful, practical, and designed to keep you looking and feeling your best all season long, from beach days to weekend getaways.

ARTICLE BY GABI DE LA ROSA | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY

IF YOU EAT ONE THING

HONEST MARY’S FEATURES CHEF-DRIVEN GRAIN BOWLS, BOLD FLAVORS, AND A DEVOTED FAN FAVORITE.

Austin-born fast-casual concept Honest Mary’s recently opened in River Oaks Shopping Center, where the restaurant brings its chef-driven approach to nourishing grain bowls to the city for the first time. The restaurant is a homecoming for founder and CEO Nelson Monteith, who grew up in Houston and remembers visiting the historic shopping center with his family.

Founded in 2017 by Monteith and his wife, Mary, Honest Mary’s was created to solve a simple problem. “There’s healthy food, fresh food, and fast food,” Monteith says. “It’s hard to find something that checks all three boxes.” Their answer was what the team calls “life-giving fast food,” with chef-crafted bowls made with whole ingredients.

Among the restaurant’s most beloved dishes is the Aloha Poke Bowl, a menu staple since day one. After eight years, the bowl remains one of Honest Mary’s most talked-about dishes, and for many guests, the order they simply can’t skip. honestmarys.com

THE TUNA

Wild, hand-line-caught tuna, chosen for both quality and sustainability, is diced and lightly seasoned, allowing its natural flavor to shine. “Poke is traditionally simple and fresh, so the goal is to highlight the quality of the tuna rather than overpower it,” says COO Andrew Wiseheart.

THE DRESSING

The bowl is brought together by Honest Mary’s sesame vinaigrette, made with toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, and tamari. “It adds a little acidity and umami while enhancing the flavor of the tuna and vegetables without making the bowl feel heavy,” Wiseheart explains.

THE MIX-INS

Each topping in the Aloha Poke Bowl is chosen to build layers of flavor and texture. Creamy avocado adds richness that balances the vinaigrette’s tang, while edamame provides plant-based protein and a mild sweetness. Asian slaw delivers a refreshing crunch, complemented by the bright acidity of pickled onions. Fresh jalapeños provide a subtle heat that lingers without overwhelming the bowl's flavor. A sprinkle of black sesame seeds enhances the vinaigrette's sesame notes and adds a delicate crunch.

THE RICE

“It has a light, fluffy texture and a subtle aroma that works well as a base without overpowering the other ingredients,” says Wiseheart. The rice absorbs the sesame vinaigrette just enough to carry its flavor throughout the bowl, while still maintaining a fresh, balanced bite.

Spring Into a Lighter Summer

ELEVATE HOLISTIC Wellness and Sculpting at The Tox

THE TOX OFFERS NATURAL THERAPIES DESIGNED TO SCULPT, DETOXIFY, AND RESTORE BALANCE.

ARTICLE BY ALLYSON STRACZEK | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF THE TOX

Nataline and Chase Oelkers, owners of The Tox in Uptown Houston, created a tranquil space for both clients and themselves. "Our why is deeply personal. We experienced profound loss - losing a brother and two dear friends who meant everything to us. Those moments changed the way we see health, time, and the importance of truly caring for our bodies. Losing friends and family puts life into perspective. It was time to invest our heart and soul into something we could build together as a couple in their honor and as business owners that could help promote health and wellness,” explains Nataline.

“Natural holistic wellness was always important to us. But, it became more important after seeing our loved ones battle cancer and struggle with heart-related issues,” Nataline explains. “When we learned the origins and philosophy of The Tox, we knew it aligned with our dream of starting a business together and promoting healthy living. Creating a space for natural, holistic wellness lets clients address digestion issues, strengthen immunity, and promote healthy lymphatic flow.”

Designed to sculpt and rejuvenate, The Tox signature body-sculpting method combines targeted movement and bodywork to support the body’s rhythm and de-bloat, leaving clients feeling invigorated and sculpted. Their licensed estheticians focus on a single modality, allowing them to excel in lymphatic treatments. Nearly  90% of these treatments are performed by hand, making the team at The Tox highly skilled in their craft.

Clients visit The Tox seeking relief from water retention and to stimulate healthy body function. After lymphatic therapy, many clients report improved digestion, reduced water retention, and enhanced blood circulation. “Pregnant women come for relief from pregnancy aches and pains; plastic surgery patients seek post-operative care; brides prepare before their wedding; and models schedule treatments ahead of photo shoots. Men are increasingly pursuing lymphatic treatments and becoming a bigger percentage of the Houston location’s clientele. “Our clients are curious about ways that natural remedies and techniques can improve the quality of their lives.” Clients can choose a fullbody session or a sculpting facial.

After treatment, Nataline advises clients to exercise or use the sauna to help maintain healthy circulation and water flow, and to avoid alcohol and processed foods for a couple of weeks.

Most clients initially return every two weeks, then monthly to sustain the benefits of lymphatic treatments. Currently, Nataline and Chase offer a new client special: a complimentary 40-minute facial with the purchase of a body detox to encourage curiosity about both therapies.

walk out of here with natural blush,” says Nataline. “Many people don’t realize facial treatments can support digestion and overall body flow,” she says.

While the purpose of a massage is to promote relaxation, a Body Detox treatment helps push out and remove excess fluid. “Clients feel lighter when they finish a treatment because of the water loss,” Nataline explains.

The Tox also offers products that help clients continue pursuing a healthy lifestyle at home and prolong the benefits of treatment. Each product is organic and natural, containing only the necessary ingredients. Products include caffeinated body lotion to help the body drain, facial oil, facial suction cups, sculpting tools, drainage patches to help decrease water retention, and detox and lymphatic tea and gummies.

The Tox treatments help the lymph nodes release excess water, enabling the body to move more freely.

The Oelkers purchased The Tox’s Houston Uptown location from its previous owners and reopened it in September 2025. Since then, it has been thriving.  “Our employees give us purpose, and helping them build better lives matters to us,” Nataline explains. “Whatever goals they pursue — whether a wedding, a car, or supporting their children — we want to help.”

Clients who receive sculpting facials notice improvements in the jawline and a natural glow from increased blood flow. “I’ve seen patients

Encouraged by the success, Nataline and Chase plan to launch two more Houston-area locations. Sugarland is set to open this month, with a Woodlands location to follow. thetoxtechnique.com

Simply Sherry, a Mother-Daughters team working together to create one of a kind experiences. We are a full-service Design and Event planning service. We partner with our select vendors to create unique and personalized events. We specialize in bespoke balloon designs of all sizes, themes, occasions and holiday decor. Servicing residential and commercial clients.

IN HER ELEMENT

FROM RESORT-READY FASHION TO IMMERSIVE FLORALS AND HOUSTON’S CULTURAL LEADERS, THIS LINEUP HIGHLIGHTS THE WOMEN SHAPING THE CITY’S EVOLVING CREATIVE SCENE.

ARTICLE BY GABI DE LA ROSA

CHRISTY LYNN LEE

FOUNDER, CHRISTY LYNN

Sun-drenched and ready for the summer months’ jet-setting itinerary, Christy Lynn’s Summer 2026 collection feels like a passport stamped with silk and sun. Inspired by resort living and California wine country, the designer intentionally embraces vacation vibes. “My hope is that this collection can take my customer into a sun-filled escape,” says designer Christy Lynn Lee. This season, she will debut her first foray into swimwear alongside signature kaftans and breezy dresses made for effortless vacation dressing. The mood is light, but the details are well-defined, with shoppers already gravitating toward the new dresses, punctuated by pops of gold and teal. Behind the scenes, Lee’s design process is all about hunting for just the right fabrics and discovery. She sources vintage fabrics from around the world, looking for unique prints, laces, and

then collaborates with her sister, who hand-sketches each print. Biannual trips to Paris are where she recharges her creative spirit, allowing each collection to have a timeless quality. That mindset shapes her business, too. “I’ve always seen obstacles as opportunities,” she says. This perspective guides her brand’s evolution with resilience and style. christylynn.com

SUSAN MEEKS

CONTEMPORARY ARTIST

Houston-based artist Susan Meeks is redefining the traditional floral still life, scaling it up and giving viewers an up-close view. Her work, rooted in contemporary realism, transforms familiar botanicals into immersive compositions.

“I’ve always been drawn to the structure of flowers,” Meeks says. “There’s an architectural strength there that people often overlook.” Working exclusively in oil, she builds each piece through thin, translucent layers, creating a luminous depth that gives her art a sculptural presence.

Her latest piece, a five-by-four-foot magnolia study, captures that balance. Constructed from a custom collage of her own photography, the composition allows her to create a scene

that a single image can’t. “I want the viewer to feel like they’re stepping inside the canopy,” she explains. “That sense of intimacy is everything.”

That closeness is accomplished through a signature macro perspective. By zooming in, Meeks eliminates background distractions to provide a closer view of each curve and gradient. It is both delicate and technically detailed.

Behind the scenes, Meeks balances her studio practice with her role as an early childhood teacher, often painting late into the night. The payoff has been worth it for the artist. Seeing her work represented at Jack Meier Gallery, a space she admired as a child, is a full-circle moment. “It’s surreal,” she says. “I used to dream about being in those windows.” susanpaintsflowers.wixsite.com

KARA PRZYBYL MCIVER

DEPUTY DIRECTOR, OPERA GALLERY

Opera Gallery recently opened in River Oaks District, and Deputy Director Kara Przybyl McIver sees it as a natural fit rather than a gamble. “Houston has a cultural community that genuinely supports the arts,” she says, pointing to institutions like the Menil and Rothko Chapel as anchors for a sophisticated audience that is already deeply engaged.

The gallery’s mix of historic masterworks and leading contemporary artists taps into that mindset, offering work that invites not just acquisition but a clear sense of legacy. McIver’s approach to building those relationships is shaped by a career spent close to collectors, from auction houses to art consulting and time at the Kimbell Art Museum. “Collecting is both personal and thoughtful,” she explains. “It’s about what someone connects with, but also how a work fits into a larger story over time.” That perspective carries into her vision for the gallery as a place where conversations and transactions take place side by side, bringing together artists, curators, and new audiences. McIver believes Opera Gallery will feel right at home, adding to Houston’s evolving cultural dialogue in a collaborative, intentional way. operagallery.com

BRITTANY COBB

FOUNDER AND CEO, FLEA STYLE

Flea Style recently returned to Houston with a new storefront in River Oaks, bringing boots, belts, and custom hats back to a city that helped create the brand. Founder and CEO Brittany Cobb calls the opening a full-circle moment, having launched her early business at The Houston Flea. “I’ve been looking for a Houston location for about five years,” she says. “This finally felt like our long-term home.”

The shop opens with a tight edit of vintage women’s cowboy boots, kantha quilt capes, and custom-decorated hats, alongside the brand’s popular Original Hat Bar. “Our Houston customer loves vintage and one-of-a-kind pieces,” Cobb says.

“I shopped with them in mind.”

Cobb says the return feels both exciting and personal. “The Houston shopper has been part of my story from the beginning,” she says. “I’m happy to be back and continue that connection in person.” fleastyle.com

MICHELE LEAL

DIRECTOR, CITY OF HOUSTON MAYOR’S OFFICE OF THE ARTS

Michele Leal’s role as Director of the City of Houston Mayor’s Office of the Arts comes at a moment when the city’s cultural momentum is hard to ignore. “I’m excited that Mayor Whitmire has placed this level of trust in me,” she says, noting her role as a bridge between City Hall and Houston’s arts community. That energy is already visible across the city, from record-breaking exhibitions to milestones like Houston Grand Opera’s third Grammy win, Asia Society Texas’s The House of Pikachu, and the return of Untitled Art, all of which point to a growing spotlight.

Her approach is formed by a career full of community-focused work and a sincere respect for artists. “My entire professional life

has been about creating space for stories that might not otherwise be told,” she says. Interacting directly with artists and appreciating their perspectives is central to how she leads. As a native Houstonian, she also sees the role as personal. “We have so much to offer, and we deserve that recognition on a global stage.”

For Leal, accessibility is a priority moving forward. Through partnerships and citywide funding initiatives, Leal is working to ensure the arts reach every corner of Houston. “Accessibility is about going out, listening to Houstonians, and finding ways to bring those ideas to life,” she says. “I would love to see Houston thriving in the national spotlight as the arts destination it already is. We have award-winning institutions and programming, very generous arts patrons, and so many unique Houston arts and cultural activities.” houstontx.gov/culturalaffairs

COURTNEY FREELS

OWNER OF BLUSHINGTON RIVER OAKS

For Courtney Freels, opening Blushington in River Oaks District seemed like a natural fit. “Blushington’s customer is a multifaceted woman wearing a lot of hats,” she says, and that’s exactly who you’ll find in River Oaks. From working women to socialites to beauty lovers, it’s a neighborhood that reflects how Houston actually lives and gets ready. “It’s elevated, but still incredibly community-driven,” she adds.

Inside, the focus is on making that getting-ready process feel easy and fun, not overwhelming. Freels says the “Debut Package” is one of her favorites. “It really captures the full Blushington experience in one visit,” she says. She also recommends the signature “Simply Glowing” because it was what made her fall in love with the brand in 2015. “It’s that effortless,

soft glam that enhances your features without ever feeling overdone.”

Her path here wasn’t exactly linear. Freels came from global energy trading before moving into entrepreneurship, all while raising a family. “Both demand resilience and the ability to juggle a lot at once,” she says. Now, she has learned to embrace the unpredictability. “No two days are the same, but if you stay focused and keep a sense of humor, it’s incredibly rewarding.”blushington.com

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

2202 W Al abama St #C

Houston, TX 77098

281-520-3722 www.albiwellness.com

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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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