








![]()









There’s something powerful about a woman who decides to become fully herself.
Not who she was told to be.
Not who she learned to be to fit in or be accepted.
But who she actually is.
This issue is about that.
About women who are building, leading, creating, evolving, and doing it in their own way. Women who have taken risks, made changes, started over, and kept going even when it wasn’t easy.

Because power doesn’t look the same for everyone.
Sometimes it’s building something big.
Sometimes it’s making a quiet decision that changes everything. Sometimes it’s just being honest with yourself for the first time.
What I see in this community, and what I love so much, is the depth of the women here. The resilience. The way we keep growing, even when life stretches us.
And that’s what I hope you feel as you go through these pages.
That you recognize yourself in a story.
That something resonates.
That you see a new possibility for yourself.
Wherever you are right now, you’re allowed to evolve. You’re allowed to change your mind. You’re allowed to want more, or something different.
And you’re allowed to become the woman you’re meant to be.
Thank you for being here and for being part of this community.
With heart,

CAMILLA SOLÉA RAE, PUBLISHER @SOUTHVEGASCITYLIFESTYLE
May 2026
PUBLISHER
Camilla Soléa Rae | camilla.solearae@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Paige Candee | paige.candee@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION MANAGER
Katie Bode | katie.bode@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Paige Candee, Vivian Greggory, Jenna Oddo, Kali Kasorzyk, Andres Molina, Jennifer Florendo
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Casey Jade
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler







Women

















1: American Cancer Society’s 3rd Annual Game Changer Gala. 2: Auction paddles were flying up to push the Game Changer Gala closer to its $500,000 milestone. 3: Kim Vaughn Martin and guests enjoyed an inspiring evening devoted to knocking out cancer together. 4: Dr. Rupesh Parikh and family celebrated his award with heartfelt smiles. 5: 2026 Gala Chair Dr. Timothy Beckett championed compassionate cancer care in Las Vegas. 6: 2026 Game Changer honoree Meghan Bischel shared a celebratory moment. 7: Dr. Waseem Alhushki represented Cure 4 the Kids, honoring young patients and advancing lifesaving research.

















Desert Moon Wellness in Las Vegas hosted the local launch of Formless Beauty, a toxin-free makeup line created by Jenny McCarthy. The wellness center, founded by Janelle Ardizzone, welcomed guests for an evening focused on clean cosmetics, skincare education, and community connection. Attendees learned about the brand’s emphasis on ingredient transparency and its approach to conscious, health-minded beauty.
Photography by George Wilson

The Blooming Bistro has reopened with a new group of trainees from St. Jude’s Ranch for Children, continuing its role as a workforce training restaurant for young people facing significant life challenges. The program offers hands-on experience in both front-of-house and backof-house operations, along with industry-recognized certifications and support in securing employment. With refreshed hours and the addition of a weekend brunch menu, the restaurant resumes service while advancing its youth training mission.










Fletcher Jones Imports has been recognized by Mercedes-Benz for 55 years of dealership excellence, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s long-standing partnership with the Las Vegas automotive community. The award reflects decades of commitment to customer service, industry leadership, and continuous dedication to the Mercedes-Benz standard. As one of the longest-running dealerships of its kind, Fletcher Jones Imports remains an integral part of the region’s automotive legacy and luxury car history.

6539 S Las Vegas Blvd Suite 110, Las Vegas, NV 89119
@acnecliniclasvegasbyjustina
702-890-8760
430 S Rampart Blvd Suite 150 Las Vegas, NV 89145
@acnecliniclasvegasbjtv
702-690-9820







Women turning sharp instincts, cool nerves, and bold bets into everyday leadership wins

In business, success rarely comes with a clear playbook. Like a high-stakes game, the most powerful women leaders know how to make smart moves with incomplete information, manage risk without losing their cool, and walk away from the table when the odds no longer serve them. In this “ladies” issue, local women share how they stay composed, trust their instincts, and bet boldly on themselves with heels on, game face ready.
ARTICLE BY PAIGE CANDEE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CASEY JADE

Vice President of Destination Sales, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority
WHAT PERSONAL OR PROFESSIONAL STRATEGY HAS HELPED YOU MAKE SMART DECISIONS WHEN FACED WITH UNCERTAINTY?
When I’m faced with ambiguity, I slow down to get clear on three things: the data, the people, and the why. I ground myself in the facts—performance, trends, and real-time insights—so I’m not reacting from emotion alone. Then I listen closely to my team and our customers, because the best decisions come from the people closest to the work and the client. Finally, I come back to purpose: Does this choice support Las Vegas as a leading meetings destination and create long-term value for our customers and community? That mix of instincts, trusted voices, and a clear why lets me move decisively, even when I only have limited clarity.
HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN CONFIDENCE AND COMPOSURE WHEN THE “STAKES” FEEL HIGH IN YOUR BUSINESS OR CAREER?
Early in my career, I thought composure meant pretending I wasn’t nervous; now I define it as being authentic, prepared, present, and people focused. I over-prepare on what I can control, such as knowing the business case, who the players in the room are, anticipating tough questions, and aligning with my team so we’re unified. Once I’m in the room, I intentionally shift my attention away from myself and onto service: How can I make this easier for the client, and how can I clearly advocate for my team and my city? That mindset shift calms my nerves almost immediately. Confidence, for me, is not having every perfect answer—it’s being honest, humble, and steady enough that my team can mirror that energy when it matters most.
CONTINUED >


Dulcinea Rongavilla Kim Wicklund
Executive Vice President/Shareholder, Cragin & Pike
WHAT PERSONAL OR PROFESSIONAL STRATEGY HAS HELPED YOU MAKE SMART DECISIONS WHEN FACED WITH UNCERTAINTY?
I focus on gathering the right information, seeking insight from trusted voices, and then asking myself one defining question: Will this decision serve both the present and the long-term vision?
As women in leadership, we’re often balancing logic with instinct, and I’ve learned that’s not a weakness, it’s an advantage. The ability to pause, evaluate, and then move forward with clarity allows you to make confident decisions even when the path isn’t perfectly defined.
HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN CONFIDENCE AND COMPOSURE WHEN THE “STAKES” FEEL HIGH IN YOUR BUSINESS OR CAREER?
I shift my focus away from the weight of the moment and back to the people I serve and the values I lead by.
True leadership presence isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about how you show up. Staying calm, decisive, and intentional sets the tone for everyone around you; leading with both strength and grace, especially when it matters most.
President, Premiere AV Integration
WHAT PERSONAL OR PROFESSIONAL STRATEGY HAS HELPED YOU MAKE SMART DECISIONS WHEN FACED WITH UNCERTAINTY?
When faced with uncertainty, I rely on experience, preparation, and listening. I’ve learned that slowing down to gather the right information, while trusting both data and intuition, leads to better decisions. Surrounding myself with knowledgeable people and staying adaptable has allowed me to navigate change with clarity and confidence.
HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN CONFIDENCE AND COMPOSURE WHEN THE “STAKES” FEEL HIGH IN YOUR BUSINESS OR CAREER?
I stay grounded by focusing on what I can control and remembering the bigger picture. Confidence comes from knowing I’ve done the work, built strong relationships, and remained true to my values. When the pressure is high, I take a step back, breathe, and lead with calm because steady leadership sets the tone for everyone around you.

WHAT PERSONAL OR PROFESSIONAL STRATEGY HAS HELPED YOU MAKE SMART DECISIONS WHEN FACED WITH UNCERTAINTY?
I’ve faced uncertainty many times, starting my own salon space, moving to a different state, and having to rebuild my business all over again without knowing if I could financially sustain it. It was challenging in every way, financially, emotionally, and it definitely affected my confidence.
But I stayed grounded in my faith and in knowing what I offer and who I’m meant to help. I leaned on the education I’ve invested in and stayed consistent, even when it felt slow. I’ve always believed in slow, intentional growth because I trust that the right people will find me.
On my hardest days, I still showed up, posting on social media, presenting myself professionally, and continuing to serve my clients with clarity and purpose. That consistency, even when it’s hard, has been my strategy.
HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN CONFIDENCE AND COMPOSURE WHEN THE “STAKES” FEEL HIGH IN YOUR BUSINESS OR CAREER?
For me, confidence comes from preparation and experience. I’ve put in the time, the education, and the work, so even when things feel high pressure, I remind myself that I know what I’m doing, and I genuinely care about helping my clients.
I also focus on staying present. Instead of getting overwhelmed by the outcome, I center myself on the person in front of me and how I can serve them. That keeps me grounded.
I’m confident in what I do, and I’m honest about my growth. I’ve made mistakes in the past, but I never let them stop me, I learned, adjusted, and kept going. That’s what built my confidence.
I truly love what I do. It’s very personal to me. I’ve struggled with my own confidence and self-worth, so being able to help women feel good about themselves and support them, that comes first for me, before anything else.

This May, return to your best self. Infinite Wellness Las Vegas offers a curated approach to rejuvenation, designed for the woman who understands that the most powerful statement is an understated one. Our Spring focus is on precision, balance, and the quiet confidence of results that feel entirely natural.
Hormone Panel: We look beyond the surface to optimize your internal chemistry, restoring the focus and energy your lifestyle demands.
Botox: Expertly administered to soften the lines of a busy life while preserving the character and expression that make you unique.
Lip Flip Special $110: Achieve a refined, soft lift and a fuller profile without the look of traditional filler.
Book your consultation TODAY!




Fatigue. Brain fog. That sense that something’s off, yet no one can say what. Rachel Bowers, PA-C, offers more than 20 years of experience and advanced training in Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy to deliver what you need most—answers.
45-minute consultations. Around-the-clock support. A practitioner who listens.









helps women build strength, support hormonal balance, and feel grounded from the inside out—far beyond the promise of flat abs
ARTICLE BY VIVIAN GREGGORY PHOTOGRAPHY BY CLUB PILATES
For many women, the transition into perimenopause and menopause can feel like navigating uncharted territory. As estrogen levels naturally decline, the body undergoes shifts that affect everything from joint lubrication to bone density. While the fitness world often focuses on high-impact sweat sessions, a more intentional approach is taking center stage at Club Pilates.
“Pilates is a great form of exercise for women in perimenopause or menopause because it’s gentle on the joints while still providing a challenge,” says Sarah Jane W., lead Club Pilates instructor. By staying true to Joseph Pilates’ original reformer-based Contrology Method while modernizing the practice with state-ofthe-art equipment, Club Pilates offers a path to strength that respects the changing female body.
When we talk about core strength, the conversation often defaults to the pursuit of abs. However, Sarah Jane wishes more women understood that core strength is the ultimate tool for longevity. “It’s about building deep stability and support for the spine and joints, not just visible abdominal muscles,” she explains. This internal scaffolding supports everyday movements— standing, walking, lifting, and reaching— ensuring the body functions efficiently as we age. By prioritizing this deep stability, women can reduce their risk of injury and maintain the independence necessary for a vibrant lifestyle.
Beyond muscle tone, Pilates serves as a vital safeguard for skeletal health. Resistance-based training on the reformer provides the weight-bearing stimulus needed to support bone strength, which is crucial for slowing bone loss linked to osteopenia and osteoporosis.
For those navigating the “brain fog” or low energy often associated with hormonal shifts, Sarah Jane points to the foundational principle of breathing. “Focusing on deep, controlled breath helps oxygenate the blood, energize the body, and support healthy mood regulation,” she says. This mindful approach transforms a workout into a practice of resilience, promoting calm and focus when life feels unpredictable.
The most life-changing element of the Club Pilates experience isn’t the equipment, but the people. The studio fosters a warm, welcoming environment where women share experiences and navigate midlife transitions together.
“At Club Pilates, women lift each other up,” Sarah Jane notes. “This supportive community fosters new friendships with like-minded individuals and creates a space where women feel seen, understood, and empowered.”
In the journey toward female longevity, feeling strong at your center is about more than just physical prowess, it’s about having the confidence and the community to level up at every age.



















Recovery and resilience tools for busy women to fully recharge
ARTICLE BY JENNA ODDO
PHOTOGRAPHY BY HALCYON HEALTH
There’s a quiet kind of persistent exhaustion that so many women carry. The kind that doesn’t disappear after a full night’s rest, a weekend break, or any amount of coffee. It’s the result of constantly being on: balancing careers, motherhood, relationships, and the invisible mental load that holds it all together.

“If you feel exhausted every day, it’s not normal. It’s your body asking for deeper support.”
This kind of fatigue is incredibly common and shouldn’t be dismissed. “It’s completely normal to feel tired every now and then. It’s human!” says Rachel Bowers, hormone practitioner and physician assistant at Las Vegas wellness center Halcyon Health. “But if you’re exhausted every single day, that’s a sign something deeper is going on.”
Women often describe a familiar pattern: brain fog, low motivation, mood swings, and a heaviness that doesn’t lift even after rest. In many cases, these symptoms may be tied to hormonal transitions like perimenopause and menopause, alongside the cumulative effects of chronic stress.
For many women, stress is a daily occurrence rather than occasional. Over time, the body adapts to this pressure in ways that quietly deplete energy.
“When stress is constant, your body stays stuck in fight or flight mode,” Rachel says. “This makes it almost impossible for your system to rest, repair, and recharge.”
This prolonged state of alertness disrupts nearly every aspect of health. Sleep becomes less restorative, energy continues to drop, and even small daily tasks can begin to feel overwhelming. Symptoms like fatigue, poor sleep, and low motivation aren’t just frustrating: they’re signals that the body isn’t getting the recovery it needs.
The basics of wellness are the first building blocks for a healthier you. “Sleep, hydration, strength-based movement, and steady nutrition create a foundation for living a healthier, happier life,” says Rachel.
CONTINUED >


That’s why it’s essential to approach these habits with flexibility and self-compassion. Small, consistent changes can begin to rebuild energy without adding more pressure.
And if your fatigue doesn’t improve? That’s important information. “Normal fatigue is temporary, and it resolves itself with rest,” Rachel notes.
If you’re already doing the right things and still feel exhausted, it may be time to look beyond the basics.
For women experiencing deeper fatigue, targeted recovery therapies can offer meaningful relief, especially when guided by personalized care.
“When women come to me with chronic exhaustion, it’s almost always tied to hormonal transitions like perimenopause and menopause,” says Rachel. “All the healthy habits in the world won’t replace a hormone that is no longer being produced.”
Halcyon Health emphasizes a whole-body approach, focusing on identifying root causes rather than masking symptoms. Personalized hormone optimization, for example, can be a key piece of the puzzle for women whose bodies are no longer producing the same levels of essential hormones.
IV therapy is another supportive option, delivering hydration and essential micronutrients directly into the bloodstream. This process helps replenish nutrients that are vital for cellular energy production, often leading to noticeable improvements in how women feel.
Contrast therapy, alternating between heat and cold exposure, offers additional benefits. By stimulating circulation and helping reset the nervous system, it can promote faster recovery and a renewed sense of energy. Many women report feeling both refreshed and recharged after their sessions.
When women begin to truly prioritize recovery and not just productivity, the shift can be life changing. Energy returns. Focus sharpens. Joy becomes more accessible again.
“One of my favorite texts that I received from a patient I had been treating for about six months was, ‘I feel like I have a new lease on life’. There’s nothing better than seeing someone finally get their life back,” Rachel says.
Support matters. Whether it’s leaning on your community or connecting with a knowledgeable healthcare provider, you don’t have to navigate this alone. “Acknowledge that what you’re feeling is real,” Rachel advises. “It’s not all in your head. Just because it’s common doesn’t mean it’s normal.”








A SENSORY ESCAPE BLENDING RESULTS, RELAXATION, AND RESTORATION
Spring has a way of calling women back to themselves—a time to refresh routines, restore balance, and invite in a little glow. As the season of renewal begins, I set out to experience one of South Las Vegas’ wellness gems, The Spa at Palms (thespapalms.com), to share with women in search of an indulgent reset of their own.
ARTICLE BY PAIGE CANDEE PHOTOGRAPHY BY TRILOGY SPA HOLDINGS
Before my treatments began, I enjoyed the amenities and was drawn to the spa’s refined setting—three levels of wellness featuring a luxurious coed lounge, men’s and women’s locker areas with steam and sauna, a fitness center, and the serene Zen Studio that makes it just as easy to linger as it is to work out.

My escape began with the Bright & Brilliant Facial, a treatment designed to awaken the complexion while calming the mind. My esthetician’s confidence and kindness immediately put me at ease. She introduced each product and technique, explaining how brightening ingredients and hydration boosters would bring my skin back to life after months of dry air and long days. The experience was both clinical and nurturing; polished yet personal. Her touch was firm but gentle, her timing seamless. By the end, my skin looked refreshed and felt impossibly smooth, as if a layer of dullness had been lifted away.
The Spa at Palms Assistant Spa Director, Stacie Stark, described it best: “Our philosophy centers around creating a luxurious, yet approachable wellness experience that blends results-driven treatments with a sense of escape and indulgence. We want every guest to feel both restored and renewed physically, mentally, and emotionally.” It’s a philosophy that comes to life in every thoughtful detail, from the product selection to the care in each movement.
Next, I moved on to the Aromatherapy Massage with CBD Targeted Spot Treatment—a deeply comforting experience customized to what my body needed most. My therapist, a skilled professional with an intuitive sense of pace and pressure, used a blend of essential oils to release tension and quiet the mind. When he focused the CBD-infused cream on specific areas of tightness, the relief was immediate and lasting. “Adding enhancements like the CBD targeted spot treatment provides therapeutic benefits that deliver immediate


[therapeutic] properties,” Stacie explained, and she was absolutely right. The result was a calm that lingered long after the session ended.
What stood out most was how genuine the environment and team felt, there was no pretense, no performance, just thoughtful hospitality. “We focus on intentional service, curated treatments, and a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere,” Stacie said. “It’s that balance of luxury and comfort that creates a distinctive experience.” That balance shines through at every turn, making it easy for anyone to feel welcome and completely cared for.
For locals, Stacie hopes the spa offers “an accessible escape, not just a special-occasion destination.” And it does. Whether you’re seeking renewal, relief, or simply a pause from the everyday, this is a space where you can truly exhale.
When I stepped back out into the soft sunlight, I felt lighter both inside and out. It was more than a spa visit; it was a genuine renewal, the kind that reminds you to slow down and savor your own glow.

ARTICLE BY KALI KASORZYK
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
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



MAY 1ST
14th Annual Power Within
Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa | 8:00 AM
Communities In Schools of Southern Nevada bring back the annual Power Within breakfast, co-presented by NV Energy Foundation and Cox Communications. The event recognizes three students for their extraordinary personal and academic growth during the 20252026 school year. Additionally, a dedicated CIS site coordinator will receive the Unsung Hero award. For sponsorships and tickets, visit one.bidpal.net.
MAY 2ND
Madama Butterfly
The Opera in Concert
Windmill Library | 2:00 PM


The International Opera Institute will present Puccini’s opera “Madama Butterfly” in concert featuring voices from the Metropolitan Opera, Los Angeles Opera, and New York’s Chautauqua Opera Company. For more information, call 702-507-6068.
MAY 2ND
Rita Deanin Abbey Art Museum 2:00 PM
RDA Performs’ inaugural season closes with a special concert performed by select principal musicians of the Las Vegas Philharmonic. This program brings you within arm’s reach of world-class musicians. Tickets are available for purchase at ritadeaninabbeymuseum.org .












MAY 7TH
CONTINUED
Virgin Hotels Las Vegas | 6:00 PM
The annual Circus Courture gala unites performers, artists, musicians, physicians, and childhood cancer survivors in an unforgettable evening that supports the life-saving work of Cure 4 The Kids Foundation, the state’s only pediatric cancer and rare disease treatment center. VIP tables, sponsorship packages, and individual tickets are available at give. cure4thekids.org/beyondtomorrow or by contacting events@cure4thekids.org
MAY 7TH
Anthem Country Club | 6:00 PM
A private documentary screening and fundraising gala benefiting The Invisible Enemy will be held at Anthem Country Club on May 7 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Complimentary valet parking will be provided. The event is hosted by Leadership Henderson Class of 2026 and The Invisible Enemy. Tickets available at the-invisible-enemy.givecloud.co/ documentaryscreeingandgala
MAY 30TH
Desert Breeze Events Center | 12:00 PM
The one-day event, curated specifically for families, celebrates Africa Day. Taste and experience a wide variety of authentic African and African-influenced dishes and beverages from the continent, listen to and dance to African sounds, buy African artisan crafts, and much more. africandiasporalv.org




