Troy, MI May 2026

WOMEN OF TROY

AUDREY RAY: FEELING SPARKS AGAIN

INSPIRED BY YOU, DESIGNED BY IMPACT

Design that elevates the way you live. At Impact, we create beautifully-curated interiors that feel effortless, intentional, and personal—spaces that reflect who you are and how you live every day.

Where Strong Women Drive Every Closing

Close Anytime Anywhere

From the first conversation to final signature, the women of Vanguard Title deliver precision, professionalism and confidence with every real estate transaction – raising the standard and ensuring every client experience is seamless.

This month, we celebrate the women who make it possible. Strong women. Strong service. Strong results.

Women of Troy: The Art of Extraordinary

There is something extraordinary about the women who shape our community, not always in sweeping, headline-making moments but in the steady, thoughtful and cultured ways they build, lead, nurture and rise.

For this year’s Women’s Issue, there were constant reminders of how fortunate I am to have a front row seat to these stories. Each conversation, each portrait is a glimpse behind the curtain that revealed something deeper than success alone. A cadence of resilience and unwavering drive. But I found it blended with deep conviction and altruism, like a beautiful mosaic blending the fierce bold colors of passion, valor and conviction with the soft foundational colors of steadfast compassion and sacrificial love. What an honor to be even a small part of this brilliant community.

This issue is not simply a celebration of achievement. It is an exploration of what fuels it. The balance between ambition and grace, and strength and softness. What struck me most is that while each woman’s journey is entirely her own, there is a shared thread woven through them all. A commitment to something greater. To community. To purpose. To lifting others as they climb. It’s a quiet kind of leadership, but extraordinary in its impact.

To tell these stories is both a privilege and a responsibility, one we carry with immense gratitude. Because within these pages, you will find more than inspiration. You will find reflection, hope and maybe even a spark of recognition in your own journey. This issue is for all the leading ladies, the hearts of Troy, building, dreaming, leading and, as always, staying fabulous.

With love,

MARGARET MEYER HAIGHT, MANAGING EDITOR @TROYCITYLIFESTYLE

May 2026

PUBLISHER

Todd Haight | todd.haight@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Margaret Haight | margaret.haight@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Allison Sommerville allison.sommerville@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGERS

Jessica Parsons | jessica.parsons@citylifestyle.com

Julie Flores

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Susan Thwing, Margaret Haight

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Simran Bajwa

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas

inside the issue

Women

Where Music Lives

Audrey

Beauty

This

Balance, the Art of Intention

Audrey

ARTICLE BY SUSAN THWING

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SIMRAN BAJWA

REACHING Her PEAK

Women discover strength, confidence and belonging at Peak Women

After surviving thyroid cancer, Lissa Pietrykowski built a women-only training space in Troy where “showing up” is the victory and confidence is the result.

Lissa wasn’t trying to create the next trendy fitness concept. She was solving a problem she kept seeing: women wanted to feel stronger, but couldn’t get themselves through the front door of a gym.

“Exercise is so important when you’re struggling with mental health, but many people are intimidated to go to a big gym,” Lissa says. “Having a separate space with a separate entrance just helps get people through the door.”

That idea became Peak Women, a women-only personal training studio built inside a dedicated section of the long-established Peak Physique Fitness in Troy. Lissa launched the women-centric concept mid 2024, creating privacy and comfort with an enclosed training room near a second entrance.

She describes it as a “first step” for clients who need a little more emotional safety before they can focus on physical strength.

The story behind Peak Women begins years earlier, in 2012, when Lissa was diagnosed with thyroid cancer at 32 while raising three small children. Treatment included surgery and radioactive iodine therapy, and a 10-day isolation period away from her kids.

“Ten days doesn’t seem long, but in their little lives, at that time, it was traumatic,” she says.

In the middle of that fear and disruption, movement became her lifeline. Jazzercise offered a reminder that her body was more

than the place where cancer had landed. She became an instructor for a short time, but the experience set something in motion: a new path that led her to the National Personal Training Institute and into the world of coaching.

What she carried into training wasn’t a “before-and-after” mindset; it was empathy. Lissa’s approach centers on the overlap between physical and mental health – and on meeting women exactly where they are.

“Exercise is not necessarily about what you look like on the outside, but how you feel on the inside,” she says.

Strong. In control. Less anxious. More at home in your own skin.

That philosophy is baked into Peak Women’s format. Training is primarily one-on-one or shared (two clients paired with one trainer), which keeps the environment small, personal and non-intimidating. New clients start with a free consultation – “just us chatting for about 30 minutes” – followed by a complimentary one-hour workout to make sure it feels like a fit.

They also use InBody scanning to shift focus away from the scale and toward meaningful progress. It tracks how much muscle is gained, inflammation reduced and imbalances improved, which helps clients stay motivated when the mirror or number doesn’t tell the whole story.

But the real differentiator is what clients describe when they try to explain Peak Women: relief.

Jeanne Coleman, 78, says she was drawn in by an ad featuring a silver-haired woman and by the idea of a women’s entrance and

“Exercise is not necessarily about what you look like on the outside, but how you feel on the inside.”

“THANKS TO LISSA I HAVE PRIORITIZED STRENGTH TRAINING HELPING ME STAY IN SHAPE AND FEEL MY BEST. HER ENCOURAGEMENT HELPS ME FEEL STRONG AND CONFIDENT" -CINDY S

training space. She describes not only physical gains, but a “community spirit” rooted in respect.

Another longtime client, Ella Treloar, credits training with helping her maintain flexibility and movement in her 70s.

“When you walk in the door, you will find instant friendship and leave feeling strength and hope at any age,” she says.

That “any age” message matters to Lissa.

“You’re never too old,” she says. “You don’t need to wait until you’re fit to start at the gym. That is what we’re there for.”

Other clients echo these sentiments.

“Working out with Lissa is about more than just proper form or how much you’re lifting, it’s about making sure you feel good, inside and out,” says Sheila, another dedicated gym regular.

For Lissa, those wins are the point. She built Peak Women to be a place where women can be honest about postpartum bodies, osteoporosis fears, anxiety, injuries, aging, or simply the intimidation of “gym culture” – and still feel worthy of taking up space.

At Peak Women, strength doesn’t start with perfection. It starts with belonging.

peakphysiquetroy.com | (248) 879-3141

AUDREY RAY WRITES IN THE LANGUAGE OF FEELING –SOFT, SINCERE AND IMPOSSIBLE TO IGNORE

WHERE MUSIC LIVES

Some songs don’t start with melody. They begin with a feeling you can’t quite name. For Audrey Ray, music often arrives that way, from memories that refuse to dissolve. “I always go to music at defining moments of my life,” she says. “After a sad experience or heartbreak, I write it down. I know I can translate it into a song.”

That instinct makes sense when you realize music was part of everyday life growing up. Her father performed in southern rock bands across Michigan and music filled the spaces in between. Family ties to Tennessee meant regular visits to the heart of country music culture.

“We’re a big country family. It was always around me,” she says. “I sang everywhere I went.”

That foundation became something more when she moved from school choir to local coffeehouses and clubs. Then, in 2012, her original song Reckless was played on Detroit country station WYCD-FM.

“That made me feel like, yes, I can really do this,” she says. “Nothing compares to hearing your song on the radio.”

Until she was invited to perform opening night at Michigan’s famed Faster Horses Festival.

“You look out and see so many people, and it’s just wild,” she laughs. “My career really took off after that.”

By day, Audrey Ray serves as Grassroots Marketing Manager for LaFontaine Automotive Group. But when the workday ends, she trades slingbacks for boots, and the stories she’s carried throughout life begin to take shape.

Her songs feel like confessions, shaped by the courage to revisit heartbreak.

Consider Cigarettes and Ashes , unfolding like a memory you wish you could forget – when a rich relationship has gone broke.

“It’s that realization it meant more to you than the other person,” she says. “I think a lot of us have been there.”

“IT’S AMAZING TO HEAR THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE SINGING YOUR SONGS WITH YOU –FEELING SOMETHING WITH YOU.”

Even her lighter songs carry motion. 68 Mustang, co-written with Dale King and Mia Green, is playful on the surface, but there’s something deeper underneath.

“We wrote that one really fast,” she recalls. “Sometimes those are the songs people connect with the most.”

Sparks, co-written with Dave Fuller and refined with producer Tim Patalan of the rock band Sponge, captures life after uncertainty. Around the same time the song was taking shape, Audrey Ray met her boyfriend, Dominic, and the lyrics suddenly carried new weight.

“It was weird how it lined up,” she says. “The song is about finally feeling sparks again and that’s exactly what was happening in my life.”

That authenticity has carried her onto increasingly prominent stages, opening for Uncle Kracker, Travis Tritt and, in one of the defining moments of her career so far, Clint Black.

“He was so nice,” she smiles. “He encouraged me to keep going. Coming from Clint Black, that meant everything.”

She’s now celebrating the launch of her debut album, Cigarettes and Ashes, developed with Patalan and recorded in collaboration with Nashville producer Kent Wells, known for his work with Dolly Parton. Recording in her environment –using her microphone – elevated her singing while preserving honesty at its core.

“It was mind-blowing to hear my work come to life. You could almost feel a little Dolly in the room, singing into her mic.”

On stage, backed by her six-piece band or standing alone with a guitar, she leans into the moment and lets the music breathe.

“It’s amazing to hear thousands of people singing your songs with you –feeling something with you,” she says.

And when that happens – when the crowd joins in – the songs stop belonging only to her. They belong to the room.

It’s why she continues. She’s not chasing the spotlight. She’s following the feeling.

And wherever it leads, the music follows.

Her concert tour celebrating Cigarettes and Ashes continues May 15 at The Roxy in Rochester, in partnership with the nonprofit A Courageous Voice. Learn more at audreyraymusic.com or follow @audrey_ray on Instagram.

Beauty and Balance, the Art of Intention

This year's Women of Troy spotlights three Leading Ladies shaping the local health and beauty landscape

ARTICLE BY MARGARET MEYER HAIGHT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SIMRAN BAJWA

HARNISHA SHAH

RESTORING BALANCE, REDEFINING CARE

For Harnisha Shah, physical therapy is for more than recovery, it’s about restoring confidence in the body. But it’s her personal experience that gives her work deeper meaning.

During her postpartum journey, Harnisha developed a personal understanding of the physical and emotional challenges women face. This refined her focus on pelvic floor health and inspired the creation of a compassionate, supportive care environment.

That vision evolved into Troy’s FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Center. Here, Harnisha has built a practice of expertise and empathy. Nowhere is that more needed than with pelvic floor disorders, which cause pain and incontinence in 35% of all women and half of women over 65. Her mission became clear: give women the space to feel comfortable and supported throughout every stage of their health journey.

Her team focuses on treating the whole person, not just isolated symptoms. Care is highly personalized and delivered oneon-one, empowering women with evidence-based therapies.

“We build strong relationships with the women we serve and encourage them to take ownership of their health,” she says.

The pelvic floor plays a vital role in stability and movement. By strengthening pelvic health, women can improve balance, restore control and move through life with confidence.

“Balance is not just about preventing falls, it begins at the core,” explains Harnisha.

And, she says, that’s the core of her message, that pelvic floor therapy helps women create healthier, more aligned and fulfilling lives.

fyzical.com/troy-mi | (248) 918-4966

For many women, self-care becomes a priority only after life demands it. Kashmira Kharas, owner of Elements Massage in Troy, came to that realization after the birth of her daughter in 1997.

Although she’s always believed in the power of massage, she began to find it essential during the busy season of motherhood.

Kashmira has lived in Troy for more than 24 years, so her connection with the community was already strong when the local Elements Massage first opened. Curious about their membership program, a new concept at the time, she booked a session and immediately felt the benefits.

“Massage relieved my pain and stress and improved my range of motion,” she says. “That’s when I knew massage was more than a luxury. It has to be an essential part of your overall wellness.”

She continued as a loyal client for years until December 2017, when she turned her loyalty into commitment by purchasing the spa, deepening her roots in the community she loves.

Troy’s supportive atmosphere has shaped her approach. With its excellent schools, engaged families and strong sense of connection, the city reflects the same values she hopes to create inside her spa. As one client affirms, “Everyone there is very friendly and makes us feel like family.”

Serving local women continues to be meaningful for Kashmira, as she understands firsthand the demands of balancing careers, families and personal responsibilities.

“Take time to care for yourself. Health is everything. Without it, nothing else matters." “

Kashmira reminds us, “Take time to care for yourself. Health is everything. Without it, nothing else matters.”

Putting your well-being first isn’t selfish, she adds. It’s necessary. She also encourages asking for help when needed, giving yourself permission to relax and surrounding yourself with supportive women.

elementsmassage.com (248) 828-0088

KASHMIRA KHARAS

RECLAIM, RESTORE, RELAX

HINNAH SHEIKH

ELEVATING SKIN, CONFIDENCE, CARE

Hinnah’s journey began in childhood, inspired by watching her grandmother’s nightly ritual with Oil of Olay. What started as fascination quickly evolved into a deeper interest in the chemistry behind skin care and the impact of ingredients on the skin.

Now with over 15 years of experience, she nurtures both skin and meaningful relationships within her luxe Troy studio, SamLab Skin. It’s a place of care and authentic connection, something echoed by clients like Taylor S., who shares, “With a soft, heated bed in a dimly lit setting, SamLab is consistently an inviting escape from reality. Hinnah speaks kindly and gracefully, exceeding professionalism with her genuine care for each client.”

In today’s fast-paced, screen-driven world, Hinnah emphasizes the importance of making space for self-care. Many women push down their own needs to prioritize balancing careers and families, often at the expense of their health. This can manifest physically through premature aging and skin concerns.

Her philosophy is simply powerful: when women take time to care for themselves, they show up stronger in every aspect of their lives. Whether it’s committing to a monthly facial, balanced diet, hydration or simply taking a few moments to decompress, self-care is essential, not optional.

“My goal is not to stop aging, but to support women in aging gracefully and naturally, helping them feel more confident in their skin,” she says. At the core of her work is education. She believes healthy skincare habits should begin early, encouraging women to introduce their children and teens to proper routines that emphasize cleanliness, hydration, sun protection and non-comedogenic products.

By building a strong foundation, these habits become second nature over time. “Skincare doesn’t have to be complicated to be effective,” she says. “Just be intentional.”

Through her work at SamLab Skin, Hinnah has created a skincare studio, yes, and much more. This is a trusted space where women feel empowered, educated and supported.

And for many of her clients, that monthly appointment isn’t just a treatment, it’s time spent with their trusted “Esti-Bestie,” a partner in their journey toward confidence and lasting self-care.

samlabskin.com | (313) 844-4102

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

Finding Solutions in Chaos

BERRY BRUSCHETTA

A RECIPE FROM A CUP FULL OF SASS

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMY TINNIN

This Berry Bruschetta is a delightful twist on the classic bruschetta that we all love. This version uses fruit, bringing a sweet element to the traditionally savory dish. With the use of fresh berries, cream cheese, delicious fruit spread, crumbled cheese, and fresh rosemary, it is the perfect addition to your next spring event. This simple, yet beautiful appetizer could be enjoyed at your next brunch, shower or Mother’s Day celebration. But let’s be honest—you don’t need an excuse to enjoy this delectable dish!

INGREDIENTS:

• 12 baguette slices

• Extra virgin olive oil (for brushing)

• 4 oz cream cheese

• 1/4 cup Fruit and Honey Triple Berry Spread (or any fruit spread of your choice)

• 1/3 cup fresh strawberries, sliced

• 1/3 cup fresh blueberries

• 2 oz fruit cheese (such as Wensleydale with Autumn Fruit), crumbled

• Fresh rosemary for garnish

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Lightly brush the front and back of the baguette slices with Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

3. Toast baguette slices in the oven for 3-5 minutes or until lightly toasted.

4. Once the baguette slices are cool, spread a generous layer of cream cheese over each slice.

5. Add the fruit spread on top of the cream cheese.

6. Add sliced strawberries and a few blueberries, allowing the vibrant colors to pop. (A great place to find fresh fruit is our local staple, Crystal & Rich’s Produce.)

7. Crumble the fruit cheese over the top for an added layer of richness and depth.

8. Garnish with fresh Rosemary if desired.

9. Serve and enjoy!

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A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

Magic Soiree: Where Magic Gets Funny

Embassy Suites by Hilton, 850 Tower Drive, Troy | 5:15 PM

The Magic Soiree Early and Late Show, a magic-comedy dinner show, begins with close-up magic performed at your table in the Atrium Bar & Grill, then a cabaret-style stage show hosted by Lady Sarah and Keith Fields-an award winning duo known for their mind-blowing magic. Two shows each date, 5:15 PM and 7:15 PM, RSVP themagicsoiree.com 248.990.8198

MAY 12TH AND 20TH

Carrabba’s May Wine Dinners

Carrabba’s Italian Grill, 600 W. Big Beaver, Troy | 6:30 PM

Step into the director’s chair for a night of storytelling through food and wine. Director’s Cut returns, featuring a four-course pairing dinner, showcasing the wines of Francis Ford Coppola. RSVP at carrabbas.com or call (248) 269-0095.

MAY 16TH

History Tea Tour at Troy Historic Village

Troy Historic Village, 60 W. Wattles Road, Troy | 10:00 AM

You’ll receive a cup (or bring your own) to sample distinct teas from around the world as you learn about each tea’s history. Most of the program will take place indoors, but you will have to walk outside to go between buildings. Sponsored by Troy 100 Women Who Care. For more information, call (248) 524-3570.

Successfully managing 50 Jimmy John’s locations and more than 700 employees requires going above and healthcare, and HR services. Switching to Trion, one of the country’s most trusted Professional Employer our team members and customers. And that’s why we rely on Trion. Visit RelyonTrion.com