Rogers, AR May 2026

It's Not Us Versus Them, It's Us WITH Them

“Confident Women Don’t Compete.”

I heard this quote recently–though, I can’t recall where–and the truth of it really stuck with me.

When we’re our most confident selves–guys and gals–we tend to support and celebrate others rather than criticize. We recognize that rising tides lift all ships, and the success of those around us only serves to better us all. Women have long been on the offensive, competing for access to ownership, opportunity, and representation. Competing for a voice and a seat at the table.

Within my grandmother’s lifetime, women earned the right to vote through the ratification of the 19th Amendment. In my mother’s lifetime, women celebrated the signing of the Equal Pay Act and the Civil Rights Act, which prohibit gender-based wage and employment discrimination.

In my lifetime, we’ve seen the first female US Vice President and achieved record representation in Congress with 28% of members being female.

No person could have achieved this without the support of others, and not just other women. Confident women working to close gaps for females aren't saying, "It's us versus them!" They're saying, "It’s us with them." I think this is a message the women of Northwest Arkansas emulate beautifully.

When I shared the quote from the top of this letter at a recent women in leadership event, the first response was: "Competing against other women? We don’t have time for that…there’s too much to do." Amen to that!

MICHELLE BĀZIS, MANAGING @ROGERSCITYLIFESTYLE EDITOR

May 2026

PUBLISHER

Wyatt Layman | wyatt.layman@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Michelle Bazis | michelle.bazis@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Claire McFarlin | claire.mcfarland@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Alexis Roach | alexis.roach@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

David Acevedo

Corporate Team

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

Math, Reading and English as a Foreign Language (EFL)

SATURDAY, JUNE 13 , 2026 TH

2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

KUMON OF ROGERS CENTER

EXPLORE & LEARN ABOUT:

NEW Program!

EFL – English for Spanish Speakers

The Kumon Method Math & Reading Programs

Meet Our Team

Tour Our Center

Program enrollment and placement process

¡Acompáñenos a nuestra Casa Abierta el 13 de junio de 2026, de 2

PM a 4 PM, en Kumon of Rogers Center! Venga a conocer nuestros programas de Matemáticas y Lectura, además de nuestro nuevo programa: Inglés como Lengua Extranjera (EFL) para hispanohablantes. Hablaremos sobre el Método Kumon, presentaremos a nuestro equipo y las instalaciones, y explicaremos el proceso de inscripción y evaluación inicial.

Premier Dermatology,Aesthetics & Wellness

Northwest Arkansas's Destination for Healthy Skin, Natural Beauty & Holistic Wellness

At Premier, we believe that confidence starts with healthy skin and whole-person wellness. Founded in 2004 by nationally recognized dermatologist Dr. Missy Clifton, our practice has grown into Northwest Arkansas’s leading destination for expert dermatology, advanced aesthetics, and personalized wellness care.

Dr. Clifton is triple board-certified in Dermatology, Laser Surgery, and Anti-Aging & Regenerative Medicine. A proud Arkansas native, she graduated first in her class from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and completed her dermatology residency as Chief Resident. Her vision was clear: to create a cutting-edge clinic offering comprehensive skin care, cosmetic treatments, and wellness services—all under one roof.

Founded on a commitment to excellence and patient-centered care, Dr. Clifton leads a team of highly trained dermatologists, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, cosmetic nurses, laser technicians, wellness specialists and clinical aestheticians – all dedicated to helping you look and feel your best.

Whether you’re looking for expert dermatologic care, a refreshed and radiant appearance, or a personalized path to wellness, Premier Dermatology, Aesthetics & Wellness is your trusted destination for comprehensive, transformative care.

479-273-3376 | premierderm.net 901 SE Plaza Ave, Suite 5, Bentonville, AR

shoppremierderm.com | @premierderm

business monthly

Kumon Launches Senior Adult Study Program — First in Arkansas

Kumon of Rogers is proud to be the first center in Arkansas selected to pilot the Kumon Senior Adult Study Program for adults age 60+. As one of only 100 centers nationwide chosen for this initiative, the program expands Kumon’s mission of lifelong learning by helping seniors stay mentally active, strengthen memory and focus, and remain engaged through structured reading and math study.

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Beyond Wellness is Now Open in Rogers

Beyond Wellness is now open in Rogers, bringing a modern, elevated approach to holistic health, wellness, and aesthetics. Founded with a focus on personalized care and intentional experiences, Beyond Wellness has grown into a trusted and award-winning destination for results-driven services in Arkansas. Offerings include aesthetic treatments, esthetician services, and wellness solutions designed to help clients look and feel their best with an inside-out - a true root cause approach.

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Senior Care Management—A Resource for Solo Agers, Caregivers and Families

Navigating senior care can be overwhelming, especially for solo agers, spouses caring for loved ones, or families unexpectedly in caregiving roles. Senior Care Management provides professional guidance, personalized support, and advocacy to ensure your loved one’s needs are met with dignity and compassion. Founder Lena Kelley helps coordinate healthcare, arrange essential services, and offer peace of mind.

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ARTICLE BY KALI KASORZYK

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

BECKY HILLYARD

From Side Hustle to Style Empire

The power of taste, trust, and the courage to “just start.”

She didn’t have a business plan, a media budget, or even a name anyone could pronounce. What Becky Hillyard had was taste, a young family, and the instinct to just start. Today, her lifestyle brand Cella Jane commands an audience the size of Vogue’s , she’s nine collections strong with Splendid, and she’s built it all while raising three kids — refusing to sacrifice one for the other. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Becky shares what it really takes to build a brand, a career, and a life you love. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full conversation.

Q: WHEN DID YOU KNOW CELLA JANE WAS MORE THAN A HOBBY?

A: Two moments. Women started emailing me saying they bought something I recommended and felt amazing — asking me to help them find a dress for a wedding. That felt incredible. Then I looked at my affiliate numbers for one month and realized I could cover our mortgage. I thought, I can actually do this. I never set out to build a business. I started it because I genuinely loved it.

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

RIA PRIORITIZES INGREDIENTS AND EXPERIENCE OFFERING ELEVATED NEO NEAPOLITAN STYLE PIZZA IN DOWNTOWN ROGERS

CICIONI'S PROOF

Located a stone’s throw from the railroad tracks in Downtown Rogers, stands a building that blends the town’s industrial heritage with its more contemporary culinary scene. Once the oldest auto parts store in Benton County—a place of grit and grease—it has been purposefully transformed into a hub for gastro-experimentation. This is Proof, a restaurant incubator that is less about the bottom line and more about preserving the genuine culture of Rogers hospitality.

The mastermind for the space is Hannah Cicioni.

As the founder of commercial real estate firm CRD, Cicioni possesses a panoramic view of community growth. Having lived in Downtown Rogers for more than 30 years, she has shaken hands and shared drinks with the business owners whose children now operate some of the city’s favorite bars and restaurants.

“We’re just good people doing good stuff,” she illustrates. “Rogers was originally built as a blue-collar town along the railroad. Today, you’ll see a guy in a custom suit sitting next to a chicken farmer at the bar, finding commonality in place. We don’t care about the flashy stuff here. We care about who you are in action.”

Cicioni is no stranger to the kitchen. Her venture, TxAR House BBQ, was her baptism by fire.

“Everything in food and beverage is vulnerable,” she reflects. “You’re judged on every plate.”This restaurant experience, paired with her development background, offers a symbiotic perspective perfect for serving both the passionate and pragmatic sides of food and beverage tenants.

“PROOF IS ABOUT SERVING THE COMMUNITY WHERE THE NEEDS ARE.”

– HANNAH CICIONI

“I saw the need,” Cicioni said. “I represent so many restaurant owners and tenants, and I understand the vulnerability of the industry. Proof is about serving the community where the needs are, and what Northwest Arkansas needed was a kitchen-ready space to test restaurant concepts.”

She represented the client who bought the building located across from the Rogers Fire Department. Roughly half a million dollars went into renovations, creating infrastructure where none existed. They developed the entire back half, adding bathrooms and a garage door. The property now houses three restaurant spaces, including Proof.

Unlike typical commercial spaces that would require lengthy terms and six-figure build-outs, Proof’s “blank canvas” model offers leases as short as 30 days, allowing chefs to burn with palatable consequences or thrive with a direct line to accelerator resources.

By providing a low-barrier-to-entry, Cicioni is effectively softening the risk for lenders who are traditionally hesitant to back high-turnover ventures. When a concept succeeds at Proof, it leaves with fans and a track record, making it an attractive option for some of Cicioni’s other clients looking for anchor restaurants. It is a masterclass in the “long game”—where investing in the ambitions of locals leads to generational success and ensures the vitality of the neighborhood.

“There’s a difference between development and responsible development,” she says. “I want to help facilitate other people’s dreams. If we shift our lens so that Rogers is a community where people can achieve and dream, then we’re living in the best place in the world.”

Currently occupying the Proof spotlight is a longer-term tenant, RIA, a premium pizza concept founded by João Oliveira. RIA, a playful truncation of pizzaria , is a neo-Neapolitan

CONTINUED >

restaurant born out of his successful private catering business. At its heart, RIA offers simple, quality ingredients - pizza in its most elevated, honest form.

“People tell me all the time that pizza normally makes them bloated,” Oliveira notes, “But when they eat ours, they don’t feel that. That’s because of the ingredients and the long fermentation process.”

Oliveira is a veteran of the “goodness-forward” food philosophy. In his native Brazil, he owned Pani, a bakery offering everything from gluten-free pastries to antioxidant smoothies.

For Oliveira, Proof was the bridge between a dream and a destination. “I wouldn’t have been able to do this without Proof,” he admits. “The barrier to entry would have been too high.” His goal is to carry the momentum gained at Proof into permanent spaces in Bentonville and Rogers.

What Cicioni has created at 200 North 1st Street is more than a pop-up space spoiling locals with fresh culinary experiences. Proof reminds us that quality development offers the freedom to fail, the space to innovate, and the support to grow.

“You’ve got to remember the human in it,” she said. “You’re not going to be anything in this life without giving good back.”

Dirt Therapy THE PROJECT

Helping Veterans Find Community Through Mountain Biking

ARTICLE BY MICHELLE BAZIS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID ACEVEDO

If you’re a fan of mountain biking, you understand the feeling of zoning out on a ride. Whether you’re taking on a steep climb, navigating technical trails, or bombing down hill, there’s little room for distractions. Between the adrenaline and line strategy, the dialed-in focus and energy you feel is both healing and invigorating.

This feeling, along with a desire to help other combat Veterans is what inspired Marine Corps Veteran Jonathan Hagerman to create The Dirt Therapy Project (TDTP).

Originally from Utah, Hagerman grew up during the freeride explosion. Saving money for a Kona Stinky with a paper route, he had dreams of becoming the next Wade Simmons or Kyle Strait. But shortly after graduating from high school, Hagerman enlisted in the Marines.

Hagerman went to boot camp in 2009, and was stationed at MCAS Miramar in Southern California working as a utility engineer. By September 2010 he deployed to the Sangin District of Helmand Province in Afghanistan.

"Our time in Sangin is considered one of the most devastating deployments for the Marine Corps since the Vietnam Conflict," he shared.

"In four-and-a-half months, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines suffered immense loss. At 22, I had accepted the fact that I might not return home."

While the Veteran experience is both broad and unfathomable, there is a unified camaraderie they all find together. A shared bond and understanding that is difficult to find outside of their unit.

“You don’t realize the gravity of what’s happening while you’re in it,” he explains. “The mission goes on; you have to compartmentalize. Coming home, I struggled with this unresolved trauma exposure.”

After completing his Military service, Hagerman enrolled at the University of Texas at San Antonio where he completed an undergraduate degree as well as an MBA. It was during his time in Grad school that The Dirt Therapy Project came to life.

“I was a combat Veteran in grad school working at a Fortune 100 financial institution. It had been ten years since I had ridden a bike, but I found an old Kona on Facebook Marketplace and started riding as much as I could. I fell in love with the sport and noticed the impact it was having on my life; both the adrenaline—which is great for military personnel— and as a stress reducer. When you’re in it, you can't think of anything outside of what's in front of you.”

At this time, Hagerman had been away from active duty for over five years. His rediscovery of mountain biking–coupled with having a recently retried Marine Lt. Col on his team at work–gave him the space and opportunity to dream up what eventually became The Dirt Therapy Project.

“When I started TDTP, I never imagined that it would become what it is. I thought a few folks would get together to ride bikes and we’d fundraise to offer a few bikes. A year into it, I realized it was more than people wanting to be on a mountain bike; it was people seeking a community and a sense of belonging.”

Hagerman hosted the first Dirt Therapy retreat in 2019 with a road trip to Bentonville. Hagerman, Kevin “Sport” Guiler, and Simon Garcia spent a few days exploring NWA trails. A few years later the program returned with a group of 25 and met University of Health and Performance (UHP) Founder and CEO, Matt Hesse.

“We ran into Matt at COLER in 2022. He saw us cooling off in the creek and asked if we were a group of Veterans. We stayed in contact, and in 2023, I flew out to meet with Matt about UHP. During that visit, he encouraged me to move TDTP to Bentonville and connected me with the Veterans Future Foundation (VFF).”

Hagerman took a position as VFF’s Director of Operations, merging TDTP with VFF. Today TDTP operates as a program of VFF, with Hagerman as its Executive Director. He explains

that VFF exists to support graduates of UHP. With this merger, the TDTP community now has access to many of the resources available through UHP and VFF.

In an effort to broaden its reach and improve access to the outdoors for veterans, TDTP will do something it has never done before for its spring retreat in Northwest Arkansas: activations outside of mountain biking. “They’ll have a five-day event (including travel),” Hagerman shared.

“Day one will be hiking, then biking in Bentonville with the use of E-bikes from our friends at Ari, and paddling the Buffalo National River on day three.”

In addition to monthly group rides and seasonal retreats, TDTP is working with groups like the American Alpine Club to draft legislation that would include seasonal coaching in the GI Bill. This would allow Veterans to use the GI Bill to become certified mountain bike or ski instructors.

“We are very fortunate that the people who are attracted to TDTP are all excellent caliber human beings,” Hagerman says.

“I get to benefit from that community and fill my cup with like-minded individuals. By widening our offerings, we can get more folks outside to discover their own path to healing.”

ARTICLE BY PAM REID

OLD WALL, NEW TRICKS

HANG UP THE OLD WAY AND TRY A GALLERY WALL HANGING SYSTEM IN YOUR HOME.

One of my happy places is sitting in front of a museum wall gallery. I can admire art for hours, and if I’m with a friend, there’s no telling how long we’ll sit, reflect, and share our individual perspectives. If you’ve admired gallery wall displays in magazines, catalogs, or on social media and would like to create one in your home, it’s much easier than you might think.

DESIGNING YOUR GALLERY WALL

The first step in creating a gallery wall is planning. Start by selecting a theme or color scheme that complements your space. Themes can be as varied as black-and-white photographs, abstract paintings, or a mix of personal and artistic prints.

MATERIALS YOU WILL NEED:

• A gallery wall hanging system, which typically includes mounting rails, cables or rods, and hooks. You can find them pretty much anywhere, online or at your local home improvement store.

• A collection of frames and artwork.

• A level, measuring tape, and perhaps a laser pointer for precision.

CREATIVE ARRANGEMENTS

The arrangement of your gallery wall can follow several patterns, depending on your taste:

• Linear: Artworks are hung in a straight line at eye level, creating a clean and orderly appearance.

• Grid: Perfect for a collection of similarly sized frames, this layout emphasizes structure and uniformity.

• Salon Style: This more traditional arrangement involves layering pieces closely together, often extending across the wall. It’s ideal for creating a rich, filled look.

INSTALLATION TIPS:

01 MEASURE YOUR SPACE:

Carefully measure the wall space where you want to install the gallery. Consider the height and width available, keeping in mind furniture and other room features.

02 LAY IT OUT:

Arrange your artwork on the floor to finalize your layout. This “dry run” is crucial to get a feel for how the pieces will interact with one another. I like to use painter’s tape to create a visual of what my display will look like on the walls.

03 INSTALL THE RAILS AND HANG YOUR ART:

Following the manufacturer’s instructions, mount the rails at the top of your wall. Ensure they are level and securely attached. Attach cables or rods to the rails, then use hooks to hang your frames. The beauty of the system is that you can adjust the height and position easily.

04 BALANCE AND SYMMETRY:

Step back to view your layout from different angles. Adjust the spacing and alignment as needed to achieve visual balance.

2026

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

MAY 2ND

14th Annual Mini Derby

5920 S. Bellview Rd Rogers, AR | 4:00 PM

Purchase your tickets for the 14th Annual Mini Derby celebration with purpose. The 18+ Kentucky Derby–inspired event includes mini horse races, derby fashion, music, and more to benefit the mission of Equestrian Bridges: equine-assisted services for children and individuals with disabilities. www.miniderby.com

MAY 2ND - 3RD

Major League Fishing (MLF) 2026 Bass Pro Tour

Bass Pro Shops & Beaver Lake

Hosted by Destination Rogers, the event will showcase a field of 51 of the world’s top professional bass anglers competing for the sport’s largest payouts – including a top prize of $150,000 at Beaver Lake. This event marks the first time the MLF Bass Pro Tour has visited Beaver Lake. Attend the MLF Fishing Show May 2-3 at Rogers’ Bass Pro Shops: 2300 S Promenade Blvd.

MAY 14TH - 16TH

Native Plants Sale

216 W Birch St, Rogers, AR 72756 | 9:00 AM

The NRM Spring Native Plant Sale is your chance to enhance your home landscape with beautiful, regionally grown native plants. Attendees will have a chance to shop a wide selection of quart and gallon plants perfect for pollinator gardens and habitat restoration.  Stop by the event at 216 West Birch Street from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., May 14–16.