Snohomish, WA May 2026

Rooted in Style, Powered by Women: Discover One Common

Tucked along the charm-filled stretch of First Street, One Common is more than just a boutique, it’s an experience. There’s a quiet confidence here. A sense that this space was built not only to offer beautiful things, but to celebrate the people who wear them, gift them, and live alongside them. One Common is rooted in the belief that style isn’t about keeping up, it’s about showing up as your fullest, most embodied self. Shop One Common

Celebrating the Women in Our Lives

There’s something truly special about taking a moment to recognize the women in our lives who make the world more vibrant and beautiful. Whether it's our mothers, daughters, or friends, these women are often the silent forces that shape our days and make life richer.

With Mother’s Day this month, our thoughts naturally turn to all those incredible women who have made an unforgettable impact on us. It’s the family, friends, teachers, and neighbors who offer their love, wisdom, and support in countless ways.

I am blessed beyond measure to have two loving, wise and supportive mothers in my life. When I need to hem a dress, or want organizational hacks for my pantry, I call my mom. When my sourdough starter is struggling, or I'm not sure what plant would work best in my front garden bed, I call my mother-in-law. They are always there to listen or encourage, talk me off a ledge, or point me to the thing that matters most. Both have completely shaped the wife, mother, and woman I am today, and I know they are shaping my daughters as well. What a gift that is.

What ladies in your life have impacted you? And who are you impacting? We all have people within our spheres of influence - how are we loving, supporting and encouraging them?

This month, we celebrate a variety of remarkable women doing remarkable things. Some of these things can be seen, felt, and heard - they are out in the open. Others are happening behind closed doors, with few witnesses and little validation. All of them are important. Often behind the scenes, women's contributions to their families, towns, and people creates something that cannot be replicated.  It creates impact, it creates culture, and it creates community. The work of the women who have gone before us matters, as does ours.

So let's all take a moment this month to recognize all of the important and influential work of the women in our lives. Give someone a call, get together for a coffee, or surprise them with a thoughtful gift. Tell them why you're thankful for them, and then keep doing the hard work that's been put in front of you.

To all the mothers out there, Happy Mother’s Day - and cheers to all the other women who inspire us every day - we love you all!

KELLY BONE, EDITOR @SNOHOMISHCITYLIFESTYLE

May 2026

PUBLISHER

Shannon Coy | shannon.coy@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Teresa Coy | teresa.coy@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Kelly Bone | kelly.bone@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Carley Ridley | carley.ridley@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Michelle Parnell, Amber Dawn Schultheis, Courtney Evans, Madelyne Woods

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Susan Bone, Dawning Memories, Life N Lite

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall

LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell Learn

SIP, SWING & SPILL THE TEE

S IP, SWING & SPI L THE TEE TEE

city scene

1: A group of 100+ Women Who Care members organized the food and drinks 2: Susan Rieke, co-founder of 100+ Women Who Care, welcomes ladies to the event 3: Lisa McKay converses with the women at her table 4: The February Giving Circle supported Safe Harbor Free Clinic, Madres de Casino, and Motley Zoo 5: 100+ Women Who Care co-founder Janet Bacon shares with the group 6: Jme Thomas, founder of Motley Zoo Animal Rescue 7: Sandy Solic of Safe Harbor Free Clinic and Yolanda Morris of 100+ Women Who Care

Your Wealth

Our Strategy Building a Legacy

VanderBeken Remodel and McAuliffe Plumbing

VanderBeken Remodel is now collaborating with McAuliffe Plumbing on their projects. Together, these Snohomish area businesses strive to deliver a combination of thoughtful design and skilled craftsmanship, providing homeowners with dependable service, quality materials, and beautifully executed spaces built to last. To experience excellence call today!

Everett is a 2026 FIFA World Cup Fan Zone

Seattle will host six World Cup matches at Lumen Field between June 11th and July 19. Everett has been designated as one of nine separate “fan zones”. Each fan zone will bring tournament celebrations, offering free community-based experiences. “Our Everett team is ready to take the field and welcome soccer fans from near and far to our waterfront Fan Zone at the Port of Everett this June.” – Cassie Franklin, Mayor of Everett

Mother’s Day at Dairyland

Come join us for an extra special celebration for all the amazing moms in our lives. Think sweet moments, special sips, and a beautiful day spent together. Dairyland is located at 12125 Treosti Rd in Snohomish. The event will begin at 2:00pm on Mother’s Day, Sunday May 10th. We look forward to honoring your Mom and spending the afternoon making memories.

FLOWER Farmer Girls

How generations of farming and a passion for flowers led to a mother daughter business

ARTICLE BY MICHELLE PARNELL PHOTOGRAPHY BY SUSAN BONE

Planting and nurturing seeds then watching them grow and flourish has always been part of Beth (Krause) Kendall’s life. Growing up on her family’s farm in Snohomish, Beth remembers welcoming the community to its pumpkin patch and corn maze. She can also trace her love of flowers back to time spent on the farm with her mom, Carol Krause. “My mom was always gardening and had a lot of flowers around,” shares Beth. “I remember having the joy of flowers - whether it was in the yard, putting them together for bouquets, or having a cut garden.”

Beth had her first experience selling flowers when she was about ten-years-old. While her brothers were selling corn at the family’s farm stand, Beth would sell sunflowers that her mom helped her plant and harvest.

Those experiences were no doubt on her mind in 2013, when Beth bought the original Krause family homestead about a mile from where she grew up. The land, which can be traced back to Beth’s great, great grandmother, inspired dreams of a flower farm - but it took some time for the vision to become a reality. “The first year I bought the farm, I planted peonies in my yard,” says Beth. “Then I’d add more every couple of years, and eventually I had a pretty large cut garden.”

Over time, Beth found herself planting more flowers as well as creating bouquets for brides and people celebrating special occasions using her flowers. She also felt increasingly drawn to leave her teaching career and spend more time at home with her children. So in 2018, Beth and her mom founded Flower Farmer Girls. “My mom and I are close and we like doing things together,” she says. “We get more done when we work together and it’s so

much more enjoyable than doing it alone. My husband and kids are always around and helping as well. That’s something I really love about having a family farm.”

Peonies, which Beth has always loved, were among the first flowers planted on the farm and are the inspiration for the farm’s Peony Field Days held each June. “People can come out and walk through the field of peonies,” Beth says. “They can take pictures, have a picnic, and enjoy the day. It’s just beautiful and smells amazing when you get out of your car.”

Over fifty varieties of flowers have joined the peonies on the farm and customers enjoy beautiful blooms of all colors and shapes.

With so many flowers to choose from, Beth has a hard time narrowing down which ones are her current favorites. “It’s so hard to pick a favorite because there are so many different flowers and so many of them are complementary to each other,” she says. “If I had to give a top five summer annuals, I’d say zinnias, basil, ageratum, amaranth, and celosia.”

Flower Farmer Girls offers bouquet subscriptions, allowing customers to enjoy the blooms at their peak. Bouquets can showcase a particular flower such as roses, sweet peas, and peonies, or be more diverse and include a variety of flowers. “Our original Summer Subscription is six weeks of summer bouquets that can include dahlias, sunflowers, and zinnias,” explains Beth. “The bouquets are packed with all kinds of different, really fun flowers and we love to add in things that smell good like herby foliage, amaranth, or celosia.”

Their new Sampler Subscription covers five months and provides the opportunity to experience a wide range of flowers over the growing season.  Other ways to enjoy the flowers include ordering pre-made bouquets for any day or a special occasion, purchasing a DIY bucket of flowers that includes a focal flower, foliage, and filler, and ordering floral arrangements and bouquets for events.

To find out more about Flower Farmer Girls, located at 6131 Riverview Road, visit www.flowerfarmergirls. com , email info@flowerfarmergirls.com , and follow Flower Farmer Girls on Facebook and Instagram.

Peony Field Days

Every day from May 30 - June 14: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Come wander through the fields and enjoy the twenty plus different varieties of peonies that Beth and Carol grow. Guest can enjoy a sweet treat or beverage from a local coffee vendor while building their own bouquet at the bouquet bar, filled with spring flowers grown fresh on the farm, or bring goodies from home for an on-site picnic. Hand-tied peony bouquets will also be available for purchase, as well as a garden gift shop full of treasures. See www.flowerfarmergirls.com/peonyfielddays for more information, including important notes about photography on the farm.

CHERRY ALMOND CREAM SCONES

The perfect pastry for your next brunch gathering

This take on the classic scone breakfast pastry is rich and tender, full of cherry-almond flavor—without a nut in sight. Made with heavy cream instead of butter, these scones have a tender, soft crumb and lightly crisp edges. They come together in 45 minutes and are delightful plain or finished with Old Fashioned Glaze Icing for a touch of decadence.

Amber Dawn Schultheis is a Snohomish-based hospitality and culinary creator and the founder of The Host Notes. From casual celebrations to Tuesday night dinner, she helps you gather with intention, joy, and ease. Find more seasonal recipes and hospitality inspiration at  thehostnotes.com and follow @thehostnotes on social media.

ARTICLE BY AMBER DAWN SCHULTHEIS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAWNING MEMORIES

BAKERY-STYLE CHERRY ALMOND CREAM SCONES

Makes 8 large scones

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour

• 1/3 cup (67g) granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon (12g) baking powder

• ½ teaspoon (3g) kosher salt

• 1 ½ cups (360g) heavy cream, cold (plus a bit more for coating the scones)

• ½ teaspoon almond extract

• 1 cup (140g) ripe cherries (fresh, pitted and halved, or frozen—do not thaw)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

3. Use the back of a spoon to create a well in the center. Pour in the cold heavy cream and almond extract.

4. Using a fork or dough whisk, gently mix until a shaggy dough begins to form. When the dough is mostly combined but still slightly crumbly, add the cherries and continue mixing gently until the dough comes together.If dry pockets remain, add 1–2 tablespoons (15–30g) additional cream as needed.

5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently bring it together and shape into a 6–7 inch round disc, about 1½ inches thick.

6. Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut the disc into 8 equal wedges.

7. Transfer the scones to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2–3 inches apart.

8. Using a pastry brush, apply a thin layer of cream to the top of each scone.

9. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and the bottoms are set.

10. Allow to cool slightly before glazing or serving.

The Host Notes:

• Keep ingredients cold for the most tender texture

• Handle the dough lightly to avoid dense scones

• Frozen cherries work beautifully here—just use them straight from the freezer to prevent excess moisture

• Serve with a pot of your favorite tea or a French press of a good, locally roasted coffee and enjoy with people you love!

Old Fashioned Glaze Icing Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar

• 2 tablespoons (30g) milk or cream (start with 1½ tablespoons / 22g)

• 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, melted

• 1 tablespoon (15g) cherry juice (optional, for color and flavor)

• ½ teaspoon almond extract

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk the powdered sugar with 1½ tablespoons (22g) of milk or cream until smooth.

2. Add the melted butter, cherry juice (if using), and almond extract. Stir until fully combined.

3. Adjust consistency as needed: Add more milk for a thinner glaze OR add more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze.

4. Once the scones have cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top or dip each scone for a more generous coating.

BACKED BY DECADES OF COMBINED EXPERIENCE, THE ALLIED CREW DOESN’T JUST INSTALL PARTS; WE BUILD VEHICLES THE RIGHT WAY.

PROVEN KNOWLEDGE, ELITE CRAFTSMANSHIP AND RESULTS YOU CAN FEEL ON AND OFF THE ROAD

100+ Women Who Care

A Simple Idea and a Room Full of Women Will to say "Yes"

Sometimes the most powerful change starts with a simple idea and a room full of women willing to say yes.

That is the heart of 100+ Women Who Care About Snohomish County, a growing group of compassionate women who believe that collective generosity can create real, visible change right here within Snohomish County. The concept itself began back in 2006, when a woman in Michigan learned that babies in her community were sleeping in dresser drawers because families could not afford beds. She invited friends to bring $100 each to a single gathering. In one hour, they raised $10,000. That moment sparked a movement that now includes hundreds of similar groups across the country.

Snohomish County’s 100+ Women Who Care took shape in 2019 after co-founder Janet Bacon attended a Giving Circle in Seattle. “On the drive home, one of my friends asked, ‘Why are we going into Seattle to do this?’” she recalled. “And I thought, she’s right. Why don’t we have this here?”

What followed was refreshingly simple and a little bold. Janet invited a few friends to gather around the kitchen table, and decided to start a group. “We honestly had no idea what we were doing,” she laughed. “But we figured, how hard can it be? Let’s invite people and see what happens.”

ARTICLE BY COURTNEY EVANS PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAWNING MEMORIES

The mission is simple and powerful: bring women together, pool resources, and support nonprofits that serve Snohomish County. Every dollar stays local. Every impact can be seen, felt, and celebrated in the community these women call home. Since launching in 2019, this group has turned small, individual contributions into an extraordinary force for good. Each member commits to giving $100 at each Giving Circle, three times a year. Alone, $100 is meaningful. Together, it becomes transformational. In one hour, those individual gifts combine into $20,000, $30,000, or more for one local nonprofit. Since launching, the group has donated over $443,000 to organizations serving Snohomish County. What makes 100+ Women Who Care truly special is what it does not do. It is not a nonprofit. It has no bank account, no overhead, and no administrative fees. Every dollar goes directly from members’ hands to the selected nonprofit. “We’re a conduit,” the co-founder

explained. “We connect women who want to give with nonprofits doing good work. That’s it. The money never passes through us.”

Giving Circles are designed to be meaningful, efficient, and fun. “It’s high energy,” Janet said. “Someone once told a friend, ‘You have to come. It’s like a sporting event.’” Music fills the room before the meeting starts, greeters welcome newcomers at the door, and laughter ripples through the crowd. The meetings begin promptly at 7 p.m., move efficiently, and end with a powerful reminder that something meaningful just happened.

The heart of the group is anchored in three core values: integrity,

generosity, and elevate. Integrity means members show up and follow through. Generosity reflects gratitude and shared responsibility. Elevate is the belief that when women lift others up, the entire community rises.

And the proof is undeniable. Over the years, funds have supported food banks, shelters, recovery programs, youth services, and family-focused nonprofits like Interfaith Family Shelter, Hungry Hearts, Everett Recovery Café, SnoCo Volunteer Search and Rescue, and many more.

This momentum is no accident. It is fueled by relationships, trust, and joy. Themes like belonging and community shape each gathering. Members donate food, organize tea parties, bring desserts, and even help with parking solutions. “You get a bunch of women together,” Janet said candidly, “and they get things done.”

If you have a passion for making a positive impact, this is an open invitation. Come as you are. Bring a friend. Bring your checkbook. Leave knowing that in just one hour, you helped change lives in your own community.

The next Giving Circle will be held on May 4, 2026 for more information visit 100womensnohomish.com or email  100women snohomish@gmail.com

STYLE & GRACE

The New Frontier of Luxury Real Estate

ARTICLE BY MADELYNE WOODS PHOTOGRAPHY BY LIFE N LIGHT

Across the lush, rolling landscapes of Snohomish, Washington, where mist clings to the evergreens and equestrian estates whisper of old-world charm, there’s a name that’s become synonymous with a new kind of power. To meet Tanya Mock is to encounter an architect of ambition in the world of quiet luxury. She’s a mash-up of razor-sharp strategic brilliance, unwavering commitment to her community, and a style of personal elegance that makes the most complex real estate maneuvers look effortless.

Tanya Mock isn’t just selling homes; she’s curating a legacy. As the managing broker and visionary behind her eponymous boutique brokerage, she’s ascended to the pinnacle of the Pacific Northwest’s competitive real estate market, not by following the traditional playbook, but by rewriting it with a feminine, formidable touch steeped in connectivity.

THE FOUNDATION OF A VISIONARY

Before leaning into a new world of high-stakes negotiations and multi-million dollar closings, Tanya’s professional path was paved with the drive and determination that defines every true self-made success story. Her life before real estate was dominated by a high-octane corporate career managing premium acquisitions. While she thrived at the bargaining table, she says the role demanded grueling hours and constant travel, often pulling her away from the very family she was working to support.

Tanya realized that to be able to truly nurture her children and be present for the milestones that matter, she needed to pivot. She sought a career that allowed her to own her time without sacrificing her executive edge. Real estate became that vehicle—a way to translate her sophisticated understanding of acquisitions into the residential sector.

To build her empire, Tanya didn’t just look for employees; she strategically hand-selected a circle of specialists who mirrored her own relentless drive. By recruiting Wendy Bremer and Crystal Dickerson into the fold, she created a collaborative environment where high-stakes,work-hard culture meets high-level instinct. This wasn’t merely a business expansion, but a calculated assembly of talent designed to leverage collective creativity and formidable negotiation skills. Together, they’ve forged a workspace where feminine intuition is treated as a primary asset, allowing them to outpace the market through sheer technical skill and a shared, unwavering standard of excellence.

One of the most potent weapons in Tanya’s strategic arsenal is the team’s immersive, creative approach to listing a home. In an industry where “staging” is often an afterthought or a hefty line item for the seller, Tanya, Wendy, and Crystal provide a high-end, complimentary staging service that typically costs between $6,000 and $10,000.

Each member of the team maintains their own private warehouse of high-end, curated furniture. Their philosophy is radical: they ask clients to completely empty the home of personal belongings, creating a literal blank canvas. By stripping away the visual noise of a previous owner’s life, they use their inventory to craft a clean, beautiful, minimalist vision. This allows prospective buyers to stop walking into “someone else’s house” and start imagining how the architecture can fit their own unique lifestyle. This intentional, expensive, and deeply creative trick of the trade is why a Tanya Mock listing stands out in a crowded market.

“We don’t chase clients; we attract them,” Tanya says of her collaborative philosophy. “We achieve that by integrating ourselves into the community in a personal, first-hand way. You can’t represent a legacy property if you don’t intimately understand the nuances of the local school districts or the technicalities of the flood zones. We lead with knowledge so our clients can proceed with confidence.”

A DECORATED CAREER: AWARDS AND ACCOLADES

Tanya’s ascent hasn’t gone unnoticed by industry gatekeepers. Her mantle serves as a testament to her volume of sales and her quality of service. She’s consistently been ranked in the Top 1% of Realtors statewide, a feat that is particularly impressive given the high concentration of elite agents in the Greater Seattle area.

Tanya attributes this success to her relentless pursuit of market mastery. “I invest the time, energy, and intention to stay educated on what is cutting-edge in this industry,” she explains. “The luxury market moves fast, and if you aren’t ahead of the curve in technology and global marketing trends, you’re doing your clients a disservice. My goal is always to help my clients achieve the highest price per square foot in the shortest amount of time.”

Her shelf of accolades includes multiple Five Star Real Estate Agent awards and a recurring fixture on the Best of Snohomish lists for nearly a decade.

“People often talk about the ‘Mock Touch’ as if it’s just an aesthetic, but to me, it’s a standard of care,” Tanya says. “I’ve always believed that strategic precision only matters when it’s wrapped in a genuine, personal connection. You shouldn’t have to choose between a brilliant negotiator and a person who truly cares about your family’s future—you deserve both.”

THE POWER OF A FEMALE FORCE: WENDY BREMER AND CRYSTAL DICKERSON

In an industry that can often feel transactional and cold, Tanya has built a sanctuary of collaboration. Her Boutique Brokerage is powered by a mostly female team—a deliberate choice that speaks to her belief in the unique strategic advantages of women in business.

Central to this powerhouse collective are broker Wendy Bremer and senior broker Crystal Dickerson, two elite professionals who embody Tanya’s standard of excellence through their own remarkable career pivots.

WENDY BREMER: THE SAGE OF THE SOIL

Wendy brings a seasoned perspective to the team, though her path to real estate was forged in a different kind of service. A retired pharmacist, Wendy spent her first career cultivating intimate relationships with her customers, acting as a trusted advisor on sensitive health matters. Today, she’s seamlessly transferred those people skills to the real estate world.

Wendy often reflects on the intrinsic value women bring to the negotiation table. “I believe women often handle negotiations with a superior level of intuition,” Wendy explains. “We hear things differently. We take the time to truly understand where someone is coming from before we react. My approach is never to ‘win’ at someone else’s expense, but to be collaborative and uplift my clients, ensuring they feel supported every step of the way.”

Her personality is defined by a warm, witty, unflappable confidence. Outside of the office, she and her husband are empty nesters with an open-door policy for their adult children.  She’s adept at balancing her high-stakes career with family adventures, resplendent with the quiet joys of rural living.

CONTINUED >

Wendy Bremer

CRYSTAL DICKERSON: THE MAVEN OF CONNECTION

Crystal serves as a vital pillar of the team’s operational and sales success, having transitioned from a demanding career as a clinical IT specialist. By pivoting to real estate, Crystal found a way to apply her high-level organizational skills and analytical mindset to luxury storytelling, all while reclaiming the ability to be the primary cheerleader for her children’s activities.

Crystal believes the success women find in real estate stems from a holistic worldview. “Women are uniquely successful in this market because we don’t just see a deal; we see a life being built,” Crystal says. “While others might get bogged down in the mechanics of a transaction, we focus on what it takes to cultivate a home and a lifestyle. We are selling the backdrop for a family’s most precious memories.”

A HEART FOR SNOHOMISH: LEADING THROUGH SERVICE

For Tanya and her team, success is not measured solely by closing numbers, but by the strength of the community they help build.

Tanya leads this charge with a focus on local heritage and youth. She’s a prominent supporter of the Snohomish Historical Society, ensuring the town’s architectural legacy remains intact. Beyond preservation, Tanya is deeply involved with local school athletic programs and youth mentorship, believing that leadership skills should be passed down to the next generation.

Wendy Bremer is a passionate advocate for local small businesses and routinely stocks her give away baskets for various fundraisers by shopping locally. She’s also a committed sponsor for the region’s youth sports leagues, and spends much of her spare time volunteering at local schools and with the Snohomish Education Foundation.

Crystal Dickerson focuses her community efforts on family wellness, and is a major sponsor for the Snohomish High School football, lacrosse, and girl’s basketball teams, as well as the Snohomish Education Foundation.

THE HEART BEHIND THE EMPIRE: FAMILY AND FAITH

While her professional accolades are numerous, Tanya’s true north star is found within the walls of her own home. A devoted family woman, she often speaks of her children as her “why.” The balance she maintains between running a top-tier firm and being a present, nurturing force for her loved ones is, perhaps, her greatest achievement.

It’s this grounded nature—rooted in faith and tradition—that makes her so relatable to her high-net-worth clients. She understands the pressure of providing for a legacy because she is building one herself.

A LEGACY IN MOTION

As the real estate landscape continues to evolve, Tanya Mock remains a steady, sophisticated beacon. Her story is a testament to what happens when strategic brilliance meets a warm heart. She’s inspired a generation of women in Washington to realize that they don’t have to choose between their power and their grace. They can have both.

“In real estate, having strategic precision only matters when it shows up in a genuine, personal connection.”

- TAYNA MOCK

ABOUT THE FIRM

Tanya Mock Real Estate is a premier luxury boutique brokerage based in Snohomish, Washington. Specializing in high-end estates and strategic consulting, Tanya and her team—including specialists Wendy Bremer and Crystal Dickerson—are dedicated to providing a sophisticated, seamless experience for the discerning homeowner. We are part of Compass, a global powerhouse with connections in every top U.S. market and buyers across the world. For sellers in 98290 & 98296, this means your home gets unmatched exposure, datadriven strategy, and access to the most qualified buyers, far beyond what a small, one-agent shop can offer.

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

ARTICLE BY KELLY BONE

ASK THE Expert

ASHLEY LANG SHARES THE BENEFITS OF ORT

Women experience temporomandibular joint disorders (commonly known as TMJ) up to four times more often than men, yet many spend years treating headaches, neck tension, and facial pain without realizing the root cause may actually lie in the jaw. At Resurrection Bodyworks, Ashley Lang specializes in Orofacial Recovery Therapy (ORT), a gentle yet highly specialized form of manual therapy designed to release tension in the face, mouth, and neck. This deeply restorative work helps calm the nervous system, reduce chronic pain patterns, and support recovery after dental procedures or oral surgery. Many clients can feel the relief after just one session, as the tension in their jaw is finally released.

Can you tell me about Orofacial Recovery Therapy? What is it and why is it important?

Orofacial Recovery Therapy (ORT) is a specialized form of manual therapy that focuses on the muscles, fascia, lymphatic system, and joints of the face, jaw, mouth, neck, and throat.

“The jaw is one of the most neurologically connected regions of the body. When that tension is released, the entire nervous system begins to shift.”

It combines gentle external techniques with therapeutic work inside the mouth to release tension patterns. The face and jaw are incredibly complex areas of the body - they influence how we breathe, chew, swallow, speak, and even how we hold our posture. When these structures become tight or imbalanced, it can affect the entire body. ORT restores healthy movement and circulation to tissues that are often overlooked.

What are the benefits of ORT?

Who specifically can benefit?

The benefits of ORT are both therapeutic and preventative. Many clients seek treatment for TMJ pain, jaw clicking or locking, headaches, facial tension, and neck pain. ORT is also highly beneficial for people recovering from oral surgery, wisdom tooth extraction, orthodontic procedures, implants, or facial trauma. Gentle lymphatic techniques help reduce swelling and inflammation while improving circulation and tissue healing. In many cases, addressing tension in the jaw can have surprisingly positive effects on the entire nervous system.

What does a typical session look like?

Are there any side effects?

A typical session begins with a conversation about symptoms, history, and areas of discomfort. Treatment usually includes work on the neck, shoulders, chest, and scalp first to relax surrounding tissues and prepare the body. I then incorporate specialized techniques for the jaw and face. When appropriate, intraoral massage is performed using medical gloves to gently release tension in the muscles inside the mouth, including the cheeks, jaw attachments, and floor of the mouth. Many clients describe the experience as deeply relieving and relaxing, occasionally even falling asleep. Some areas can feel tender if the tissues have been restricted for a long time. The floor of the mouth is where people usually experience pain if any, but side effects are usually mild and temporary.

To make learn more about Resurrection Bodyworks or to make an appointment, visit resurrection-bodyworks.com .

Heidi's

ARTICLE

BY

AMBER DAWN SCHULTHEIS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAWNING MEMORIES

1st Street's Social House and Catering Go-To

Sandwichboard

When it comes to delicious food and thoughtful convenience, Heidi’s Sandwichboard cannot be beat. It’s a mainstay on First Street in downtown Snohomish and a go-to spot for locals looking to gather and enjoy a tasty bite. They offer freshly made gourmet sandwiches, homemade soups, salads, charcuterie, desserts and an extensive selection of wine, beer, and carefully crafted cocktails. And if you’re looking for a seasoned caterer, the team at Heidi’s has you covered.

THE CULTURE OF HEIDI’S SANDWICHBOARD

Giving back to the community is an important part of what makes Heidi’s Sandwichboard special. She and her team often cater luncheons for the local Chamber of Commerce and other local causes and it’s become part of the cafe’s culture to mentor team members and grow them along with the growth of the business.

On a given day, you’ll find Heidi in the shop kitchen whipping up her latest seasonal soup and teaching new team members how to taste their way to the perfect dish. In this kitchen, recipes are thoughtful lists of ingredients, without exact measurements, and until recently, only lived in Heidi’s head. As the team has more than doubled in size since she took the helm, Heidi began to document her chef secrets and bring the team alongside her so anyone in the shop can create a consistent end product for their guests. “Tasting as you go is an important part of making delicious food,” Heidi says. “I want my team to not simply follow a recipe, but really know what it  should taste like. I want everyone to learn how to cook!”

Heidi and Karam Mann acquired the business in 2023 after two decades of deli shop franchise ownership. Owning and operating multiple sandwich shop locations in the greater Seattle area brought insightful lessons about the way Heidi and Karam would run a shop of their own; thoughtful ingredients with a focus on hospitable service. Since taking over Heidi’s Sandwichboard, the two have expanded their offerings beyond traditional deli fare to include options like afternoon tea, specialty cocktails, and high-quality charcuterie boards.

One of their best known menu items is the Humboldt Fog Melt, a flavor-packed open-faced sandwich stacked with layers of Black Forest ham, melted Humboldt Fog cheese, lettuce, tomato, a house-made honey dijon mustard, and a fig jam. One of many reasons to stop in for lunch.

“IF

YOU ARE LOOKING FOR SOMETHING SPECIFIC AND YOU CANNOT FIND IT ON THE STANDARD MENU, YOU ARE WARMLY WELCOME TO INQUIRE. WE GET A LOT OF JOY OUT OF CREATING NEW, INTERESTING DISHES AND LOV HELPING THE VISION OF OUR GUESTS COME TO LIFE.”

Heidi’s love for serving others shines in the thoughtful leadership she provides to her team as well as in the quality product she serves her guests. She has developed systems for every aspect of the cafe, including onboarding new team members, developing their talents, and giving them opportunities for both growth and rest. The team takes a week off twice a year to spend time to recharge and do more of what makes their lives fulfilling. This has become an important part of the Sandwichboard culture, something everyone looks forward to.

AFTERNOON TEA

A recent addition to Heidi’s Sandwichboard is an afternoon tea service, which is offered on the first and third Sunday of the month. The service begins with a cozy pot of tea (of your choice), followed by a selection of sweet and savory treats including finger sandwiches and pastries, all served on an elegant tiered serving tray, much like a traditional afternoon tea in England. It’s the perfect occasion to get dressed up and share a memorable experience with friends and family.

CATERING SERVICES & DINING OPTIONS

Heidi’s Sandwichboard offers artisanal catering and grazing, a personalized culinary experience. Offering breakfast, brunch, and hearty lunch menus, part of serving her community is accommodating the vision of her guests. “If you are looking for something specific and you cannot find it on the standard menu, you are warmly welcome to inquire,” Heidi says. “We get a lot of joy out of creating new, interesting dishes

and love helping the vision of our guests come to life.” The menu boasts options ranging from American, to German, Greek, Italian, Indian, Hawaiian, and Mexican dishes. To top it all off, they handcraft every dish using locally sourced ingredients.

They also offer both indoor dining and outside patio seating, as well as to-go orders, making it a convenient option for all those looking to enjoy the freshly made food.

BEST OF SNOHOMISH

In 2024, Heidi’s placed in all three categories of the Everett Herald’s ‘Best of Snohomish County,’ including 1st place for Best Deli Sandwich, 2nd place for Best Catering, and 3rd place for Best Lunch Spot.

Heidi’s is more than a sandwich shop - it’s a social house for gathering, a hub for social events, and a third place outside of work and home. To learn more about upcoming events, afternoon tea sittings, and seasonal menu changes, visit heidissandwichboard.com

APRIL SHOWERS BRING MAY FLOWERS

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.

Supplies:

• Flowers of your choice

• Scissors

• Twine or floral tape

• Ribbon (optional)

• Decorative paper (optional)

• Bouquet sleeve (optional)

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.

MAY 2026

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

MAY 2ND & 3RD

Seattle North Spartan Event Weekend

Meadow Wood Equestrian Center | 18601 Sky Meadows Ln., Snohomish

Conquer challenging wooded trails and legendary obstacles in a race that embodies the resilient spirit of the Pacific Northwest. Narrow dirt trails cut through evergreen forests beside the Snohomish river. Great for first-timers and PR-seekers alike. Visit www.spartan.com to register.

MAY 7TH

Snohomish Farmers Market

Historic Downtown Snohomish | 105 Cedar Avenue, Snohomish | 3:00 PM

The Snohomish Farmers Market has been serving our community more than 35 years. We help cultivate a vibrant community hub that connects local farmers, artisans, and consumers by providing access to fresh, sustainably grown food and handcrafted goods. Come shop local every week starting on Thursday, May 7th from 3 - 7 p.m., through October 29th. Rain or shine!

MAY 8TH

Mother’s Day

Floral Vase Painting

Descendant Cellars | 18732 142nd Ave NE, Woodinville | 6:00 PM

Celebrate Mother’s Day with a joyful paint & sip experience. Create a beautiful floral painting with step-by-step guidance—no experience needed. All supplies are included, and wine is available for purchase. Perfect for mothers and sons or daughters, as well as friends looking to enjoy a relaxed, creative, and memorable experience together. To register visit www.eventbrite.com Cost is $55.20.

Resurrection Body works

MAY 9TH

Spring Plant Sale

Evergreen State Fairgrounds - Don Britton Livestock Pavillon | 14405 179th Ave SE, Monroe | 9:00 AM

The WSU Extension Snohomish County Master Gardeners invite you to our annual plant sale! The sale will have thousands of tomatoes, herbs, and vegetables.  We will also have thousands of perennials, trees and native plants.  We will be there rain or shine, most of the sale will be indoors and undercover.

MAY 28TH

Snoho Art Walk

Downtown Snohomish | 5:00 PM

Join us for the monthly Snoho Art Walk. Access this map from your cellular device in real time while on the walk. During the walk select shops, venues, studios and galleries will be open late and welcome you to explore Snohomish’s growing art scene. For information visit www.snohoart.com

MAY 31ST

Snohomish Wedding Tour

Belle Chapel | 231 Avenue B, Snohomish | 10:00 AM

The 18th Annual Snohomish Wedding Tour showcases teams of incredible wedding vendors at nine different venues across Snohomish. Designed as a self-guided experience. Checkin begins at Belle Chapel at 10 a.m., where you’ll pick up your tour map, engagement guide, and swag bag. Venues will be open from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. and recommended routes are available at mysnohomishwedding.com