Premier Dermatology | Aesthetics & Wellness is proud to open our newest location at the Walmart Campus on March 2nd. Welcoming both Walmart associates and the community, this beautiful new space is designed to elevate your experience in skin health, aesthetics, and whole-body wellness.
Join us as we celebrate our Grand Opening on March 5th and discover a new era of personalized wellness.
I’ll be really honest with you—Our first year I thought the Investment issue might be my least favorite of our monthly themes. Don’t get me wrong; I like money as much as the next guy, but a whole issue about investing? We already have great Journals for that. Give a team with creative backgrounds a crack at it, and we just couldn’t see talking solely about money.
Luckily, invest is a pretty versatile word. We started taking wider swings and it became one of the most open-ended themes. Now, I love to see what stories of investing in the community that we’ll highlight.
For me, I’ve been pretty preoccupied with where I invest my time. I turned 35 in March and there’s something about those birthdays that end in 5s and 0s that give you a real existential kick in the pants. When I’m working, I think about whether I’m working on the right things or as efficiently as I can. When I’m at home, I think of whether I’m making the most of the time with my wife and son, or the most of the time with my friends and extended family.
My point is that there’s nothing more valuable to each of us than our time and the time of the ones we love. When you look at any of the stories featured, whether the focus is on someone’s career, someone’s philanthropic work, or even an exciting new project in NWA, the common thread is that someone used the time they’ve been given here on that project.
As it happens, there are a lot of people in NWA investing their time in some incredible and important work. We’ve been fortunate to be a small part of just a few of those projects through telling stories, raising awareness, and marketing businesses.
If you believe in shopping small, shopping local, and investing in your community, then I encourage you to not just take in these stories, but also stop and look at the pages of advertisers supporting them. You’ll likely find the next retailer, tradesperson, realtor, product, or service that you’ll love right here in NWA.
I hope these pages can introduce some of those opportunities to you. Maybe they’ll even guide you to a cause or project where you might want to invest your time.
Best,
WYATT LAYMAN, PUBLISHER @ROGERSCITYLIFESTYLE
April 2026
PUBLISHER
Wyatt Layman | wyatt.layman@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Michelle Bazis | michelle.bazis@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Claire McFarland | claire.mcfarland@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Alexis Roach | alexis.roach@citylifestyle.com
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Meredith Wilson
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
From elegant six-course tasting menus to relaxed, family-style meals, Executive Chef Kevin McCombs of House Cured Culinary will customize your dream menu and take your gathering to the next level. Every detail is handled — from shopping to cleanup — while the full menu is prepared fresh onsite, creating an experience to remember. Focus on your guests — we’ll take care of the rest.
1-7: Staff prepping for the grand opening of Whole Foods Market at Summit Marketplace in Rogers.
DEMYSTIFYING A FEW ART STEREOTYPES, MIXD GALLERY EXPERTS OFFER PRACTICAL TAKEAWAYS FOR STARTING YOUR ART COLLECTION
Art is a pillar of Northwest Arkansas’ economic identity. It’s translated literally through public sculptures and murals, workplace and hospitality design, galleries and museums. An ecosystem initiated by the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, spaces like MIXD Gallery in Rogers are designed to bridge the gap between the institution of art and art for everyday life.
Sitting down with experts – MIXD Gallery’s Director and Curator Allison Hobbs, Gallery Manager Melissa Wise-Miklos, and Curatorial Operations Manager Wren Dillard – we demystify a few art stereotypes, unpack the complexities of investing in originals, and offer some practical takeaways and encouragement for getting started on your collector’s journey.
For someone who doesn’t ‘get’ art, how would you explain the benefit of investing in original artwork?
Allison: We have preached since day one: Living with art enhances every aspect of your life. The stereotype of the art world tends to make it more difficult than it needs to be. If you like it and want to look at it every day. You’re buying that feeling.
Wren: It’s important to live with art. When you invest in original art, you’re surrounding yourself with beauty, creativity, passion, and talent. For clients who don’t have a lot of experience purchasing art, that’s why we are big on education and accessibility. It’s free to enter, all our exhibitions are free, and a lot of our events are free.
How does MIXD Gallery fit into NWA’s art economy?
Allison: Having readily available access to original, contemporary art produced regionally is huge.
“WHEN YOU INVEST IN ORIGINAL ART, YOU’RE SURROUNDING YOURSELF WITH BEAUTY, CREATIVITY, PASSION, AND TALENT.”
Even some of the top-tier designers I’ve worked with wouldn’t know how to find independent artists in rural Arkansas. Even though we have a massive museum presence, the gallery rounds out that art ecosystem that Crystal Bridges started.
Art can be so subjective. What are some simple ways to interpret value?
Allison: If you’re looking specifically at regional artists, the tangible things are: where they’ve shown, how long they’ve been creating, and how many exhibitions they’ve had. The number one thing is probably how many pieces they’ve sold. Do you see an uptick in their pricing?
Wren: Craft is making such a comeback, especially in the digital age. People are recognizing that these things have value because the artist has talent, and it’s not something you can get through AI.
Melissa: Original art holds its value much more than prints. If I were a buyer looking to purchase a print, I would want it to be limited edition, signed by the artist, dated, and gallery-quality. You’re not likely to find these in a gift shop. If art feels nebulous, if that’s a big barrier for you, get into a niche. Collect small portraits of women, or abstract paintings with the color yellow. If you find a small subject you really enjoy, that’s like a bitesized chunk out of a big concept.
So is investing more about the artist or the artwork?
Allison: It’s both, but for most buyers, it’s about the artwork.
Wren: It’s like, are you an artist person or a song person? Drew Gentle and Flora Saldivar have created bodies of work that people resonate with, and they fall in love with everything they make.
Is it better to invest in up-and-coming or more established artists?
Allison: That’s tough. It’s insanely important to invest in living artists. Being able to experience the human behind the art and meet them in person is priceless.
What are some tangible ways we can protect our art investments?
Melissa: One of the first things we offer is local delivery, and we work with
an installer. In terms of preservation, a lot of the time, the artist has care instructions.
Allison: We hear it all the time that folks are afraid to invest in art because they have small kids at home. But we want to strip the fear of living with art. If you have young kids, having art in the home teaches them to respect their space and take care of what’s around them. There’s always a solution.
What about documentation?
Allison: Things like a certificate of authenticity are important when investing in original artwork. This document is important for record keeping, reselling, and generational ownership. We create the certificate of authenticity at MIXD Gallery.
Melissa: This is another benefit of investing in living artists; It’s easier to obtain documentation or authenticate.
Wren: The signature itself is a form of authenticity; you don’t necessarily need a certificate of authenticity for each piece. It’s easy to verify a painting based on the signature alone. It’s as unique as a fingerprint.
Does it matter where the artist is from when I invest?
Wren: A lot of times, choosing local or regional artists has to do with the culture that you’re familiar with. For example, Chloe Jones is a photographer who we had a show for this past summer, and she’s a photographer who pulls from this region. She grew up in a small town in Arkansas. A lot of her photos depict rural lifestyles and things that are familiar, but you wouldn’t see in a gallery outside of this region. It is so special to the people that live here; it’s a shared cultural experience.
“IT’S INSANELY IMPORTANT TO INVEST IN LIVING ARTISTS. BEING ABLE TO EXPERIENCE THE HUMAN BEHIND THE ART AND MEET THEM IN PERSON IS PRICELESS.”
That’s one reason why people might want to invest locally, because of similar life experiences.
Allison: On the art economy side, filtering that back into the community is crucial for the livelihood of where Northwest Arkansas is heading.
What was the first piece of art you invested in?
Allison: The first piece of original art that I bought for myself was in 2012. It was $350, no certificate of authenticity. It’s a nude sketch/watercolor of a woman. The story behind it was that the artist was best friends with Mary Cassatt–who I also love–and they studied and painted together. I still have it up in
my home, and I get more appreciation and more joy out of that one piece than I do from some of the other work that I’ve spent way more money on.
Wren: I think my first piece actually was when I first started at MIXD Gallery.
I bought a Drew Gentle painting. Each one of his pieces is, like, a character, and I just really resonated with this character and the story behind it. Every time I look at it, it just sparks a little happiness inside of me. It’s just so special.
Melissa: I’m in the very beginning of my art collecting. My first piece that I remember was a travel piece. It was a print I bought from a studio on our honeymoon.
ARTICLE BY SOPHIE BROCK
FOUR SIMPLE WAYS TO INVEST IN YOUR MORNING AND START YOUR DAY OFF ON THE RIGHT FOOT
One of the best ways to invest in yourself is by creating a consistent and intentional morning routine. No matter how unpredictable or chaotic the rest of your day may become, starting your morning with self-care and purpose sets a positive tone that stays with you throughout the day. Once you develop a morning routine that truly resonates with you, you’ll look forward to it every night, knowing it will set the foundation for a productive and fulfilling day.
If you’re ready to elevate your mornings, here are some meaningful ways to invest in your routine and start each day on the right foot.
One of life’s simplest pleasures is savoring a homemade coffee each morning. While skipping the drivethru may be tough at first, brewing your own allows you to appreciate the process—and chances are, you’ll end up preferring your own perfect cup of joe.
An hour-long gym session before work may not be realistic, but a quick morning walk is. Use this time to clear your mind, enjoy nature, and listen to your favorite podcast or artist—an easy way to start your day feeling relaxed.
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, yet often the most overlooked. Setting your alarm just minutes earlier to prepare a fresh, nutritious meal can transform your morning, fueling your body and mind for a more energized and productive day.
Starting your day with a book is far more calming than scrolling through social media. Reading in the morning helps ease you into the day, providing a peaceful and mindful escape that sets a positive, focused tone for what’s ahead.
An exclusive Q&A with City Lifestyle
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
From championship trophies to global humanitarian impact, Tim Tebow’s journey has defied every standard playbook. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Tebow pulls back the curtain on the moments that truly defined him, from a humbling middle school church retreat to the life-altering shift of fatherhood. This isn’t just a look back at a career; it’s an invitation into the heart of a man driven by purpose. Read the highlights below, then join us for the full, unfiltered experience by scanning the QR code at the end.
Q: WE ALL KNOW YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD, BUT TELL US ABOUT THE CURL CONTEST.
A: I was competing for my future high school team (my brother’s team), and I pushed myself way past what was smart. I ended up collapsing and needing medical attention. But what stayed with me wasn’t the pain, it was the lesson. Would I be willing to do something that others aren’t? For much of my life, I strived to bring my best for a game, but I hope that I can say at the end of my life I was willing to do that for things that actually matter.
Q: YOU’VE ACHIEVED SO MUCH IN SPORTS. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT NOW?
A: Becoming a dad. Nothing compares. From the moment I knew my wife was pregnant, I felt a new depth of love for our child, but when you bring your baby home, the responsibility hits you like nothing else. Suddenly, everything you see, every decision you make, you’re asking, “Is this corner too sharp? What happens if she reaches that drawer?” It changes how you see the world and how you see other people.
Q: YOU’VE SPOKEN OPENLY ABOUT DISAPPOINTMENT, ESPECIALLY AROUND FOOTBALL. HOW DID THAT SEASON OF LIFE SHAPE YOU?
A: I talked a lot about that very thing in my book Shaken . We all go through moments where our faith in our abilities and purpose feels rattled, but I believe it’s often in those storms when God can show us who we could become.
Q: YOU TALK A LOT ABOUT COMPARISON CULTURE. WHY DO YOU BELIEVE COMPARISON HAS BECOME SUCH A TRAP TODAY?
A: Because we’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel. Social media shows people’s “best day,” often filtered and staged, and then we measure our reality against that. There’s a reason filters are so popular—it’s not real. We end up scrolling through images that don’t tell the full story, and without realizing it, comparison starts to steal our joy and our gratitude.
“We’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel... comparison starts to steal our joy.”
Q: YOUR FOUNDATION FOCUSES ON THE “MOST VULNERABLE.” WHERE DID THAT CALLING BEGIN?
A: When I was 15, I met a boy in the Philippines who was treated as a throwaway because he was born with physical differences. That moment changed me. I realized God was calling me to pursue a different kind of MVP, not “Most Valuable Player,” but “Most Vulnerable People.”
Q: FINALLY, WHAT’S ONE THING PEOPLE MIGHT BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?
A: I have some weird coffee habits, which include protein powder, collagen, and cream all mixed together. I love golf dates with my wife. And every night, I bring snacks to bed to share with our dogs. It brings me more joy than it probably should.
This conversation barely scratches the surface. Tim goes deeper into the moments that rattled him, the joys of fatherhood, and one story he has never shared publicly until now. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on Share the Lifestyle Podcast.
Type 1 Diabetes [T1D] is a dynamic and often misunderstood condition. While many are familiar with Type 2 Diabetes – typically associated with lifestyle choices – T1D is an autoimmune disease, commonly linked to genetic markers and environmental triggers. Individuals living with T1D are unable to produce insulin on their own and rely on injections or a pump to manage blood sugar. For some, including the ambassadors in this article, the diagnosis experience can be sudden and scary; something Breakthrough T1D is working to rectify through early detection and increased awareness, in addition to its primary mission to find a cure for those living with T1D.
According to Breakthrough T1D, common symptoms include: Frequent urination, extreme thirst, fruity odor on the breath, increased appetite, fatigue, sudden vision changes, and unexplained weight loss.
TYPE ONE DIABETES "LOOKS LIKE ME"
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHELLE BAZIS
Sutton loves cheerleading and golf, though cheer is her favorite. She was diagnosed at five years old and remembers the day saying, “My stomach hurt really bad. Now, when I’m low [glucose], some things taste really sour.” For Sutton, one of the most difficult things about living with T1D is explaining her devices. She wears her continuous glucose monitor [CGM] and a watch, which sends her and her caregivers alerts when needed. “People are always concerned about me,” she says. “When little kids ask me about it [CGM], I say it’s a special bandaid, but when older kids ask me, I’ll actually explain it.”
Jackson is ahead of the game in T1D advocacy. The high school freshman recently represented Arkansas at Children’s Congress in Washington, D.C. “I wrote a one-page essay about my experiences, and they selected 170 kids to go and speak to Congress.” While in D.C., he had the opportunity to meet with representatives to talk about T1D and funding for the Special Diabetes Program. “It’s cool to see our highest officials are still looking to the people for insight,” he said. Jackson was in fifth grade when he received his T1D diagnosis, and remembers a classmate’s experience being a huge help when navigating the change. “He had been diagnosed the year before. We were good friends, so I knew what it was like for him, and we could talk to each other about it.”
Unlike the others in this article, Roxana was diagnosed with T1D as an adult. “I hadn’t been feeling well for a while, and I remember being really thirsty all the time,” she said. “I was later diagnosed with endocarditis, which is likely what led to the diabetic ketoacidosis [DKA].” When Roxanna was unresponsive to messages from friends who knew she was ill, they contacted police to conduct a welfare check, which likely saved her life. Today, she helps others like her as a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist at the Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Springdale. Roxana also serves on the Board of Directors for Breakthrough T1D - Arkansas.
Diagnosed at eight years old, Sandy grew up without the modern tools benefiting those with T1D today. She recalls her mom being her greatest asset. “My mom was pretty aware and kept on it. She boiled syringes, tested my pee, and regulated what I ate, drank, my exercise, and my insulin.” When she was young, doctors said she wouldn’t have kids, but Sandy ended up having three sons, including twins. “When my sugar was low, my kids would say, ‘She’s going banana sandwich!’” Now, with her CGM and a pump, she feels more freedom with her T1D management, but still does what she can to spread awareness.
ARTICLE BY SUSAN LANIER-GRAHAM
Investing in your future is critical yet complicated. While reaching out to qualified professionals is vital—whether you’re building your business, investing in your financial security, or planning for retirement—doing some of your own research is often helpful. We checked out some of the top investment books that help you better understand how to invest in your future and build wealth.
One Up On Wall Street: How to Use What You Already Know to Make Money in the Market by Peter Lynch with John Rothchild. Peter Lynch explains average investors’ advantages over professionals and how they can use these advantages to achieve financial success.
How to Invest: Navigating the Brave New World of Personal Investment, part of Economist Books, by Peter Stanyer, Masood Javaid, and Stephe Satchell. A dynamic new guide to personal investment for the era of cryptocurrencies and personal trading platforms.
Power Your Profits: How to Take Your Business from $10,000 to $10,000,000 by Susie Carder. While not a traditional book on investments, Power Your Profits helps you discover how to take your business from startup mode to the multi-million-dollar mark.
The Wealth Decision: 10 Simple Steps to Achieve Financial Freedom and Build Generational Wealth by Dominique Broadway. A roadmap for becoming a millionaire and building the foundation of generational wealth from a self-made, first-generation multimillionaire.
How to Invest: Masters on the Craft by David M. Rubenstein. This book is a master class on investing, featuring conversations with the biggest names in finance. Brought to you by the legendary cofounder of The Carlyle Group, David M. Rubenstein.
APRIL 2026
APRIL 2ND - 5TH
103 West Walnut St, Rogers, AR
Underbrush Books will be hosting its 3-night spring reading retreat at the Ozarker Lodge in Branson, Missouri. The adults-only reading retreat is all-inclusive, meaning meals, drinks, yoga, and swag are included. BYOBBring your own books! Unable to attend? Visit underbrushbooks.com to learn more about book clubs and craft nights you can join this month.
APRIL 4TH
Mount Hebron Park Pavilion | 9:00 AM
From baked goods and fresh produce to local meats and handmade crafts, the weekly Rogers farmers market is a perfect place to meet local businesses and support your community. Purchasing from market vendors fuels our local economy and sustains the dreams of local growers.
APRIL 18TH
Pinnacle Hills Promenade | 10:00 AM
On Saturday, April 18th, stop by the lawn in front of Malco Cinemas at the Pinnacle Hills Promenade to shop more than 60 local makers at the NWA Makers Market pop-up. From ceramics and craft goods to hand-made home decor and artwork, there is much to discover at this spring event. Admission is free.
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APRIL 18TH
Natural State Springfest
5214 W Village Pkwy, Rogers, AR | 12:00 PM
Set against the backdrop of the brewery’s scenic lakeside taproom and beer garden, this festival celebrates the vibrant spring season. Browse a curated selection of local artisans, savor flavorful bites, and join in on spirited German-style competitions—all while soaking in the lively atmosphere. It’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon among friends and fellow beer enthusiasts. Admission is free.
APRIL 22ND
Rod Stewart
Walmart AMP | 7:30 PM
Known for his raspy voice and energetic stage presence, Rod Stewart’s performance promises a night filled with your favorite hits. This is a generational favorite will be an unforgettable experience for fans of all ages.
APRIL 22ND - 26TH
Spring Fling Event
Pig Trail Harley-Davidson | 9:00 AM
This year’s Spring Fling Bike Rally is a riot for Harley enthusiasts. Pig Trail Harley-Davidson will have the Harley-Davidson Demo Truck with an impressive lineup of bikes you won’t want to miss. Make it a point to come to Spring Fling Bike Rally April 22nd - 26th.
