Walnut Creek, CA May 2026

Growth, Grace and Purpose.

Days of Beauty Specials

Now through May 22nd

Botox $9 per unit

minimum units 25

Dysport $3.50 per unit minimum unit 75

Juvederm Ultra $495 per syringe

Belotero $525 per syringe

Versa $399 per syringe

Restylane $495 per syringe while supplies last

Radiesse $600 per syringe

Bellafill $800 per syringe, needs test injection first

Volux Jawline $700 per syringe

PRP Scalp: Package of 3 $1500

PLEXR non surgical upper eyelid lift:

Package of 3: $1800

PLEXR upper lip wrinkles:

Package of 3 $1800

PLEXR neck crepy skin tightening:

Package of 3 $2250

Microneedling Face (3tx) $1200

Microneedling + PRP face (3tx) $1800

RHA Dynamic Facial Fillers

RHA 1-4: $550-$650

Sculptra 2 vials $1300 while supplies last

Profound Face/Upper Neck $3200

Cosmeceuticals 20% off

PRF - Under Eyes: Package of 3 $1800

Coolsculpting

Minimum 2 cycles $1100

3-5 cycles $500 per cycle

6 or More Cycles $450 per cycle

IPL $1680*

5-treatment package

ResurFX laser $2500*

4-Treatment Package

Pico Laser $1980*

3-Treatment Package

PiXel8-RF $1980

3- Treatment Package

CO2RE Laser Full Face $3180

Perioral $1680*- Periorbital $1280*

*Includes postcare cosmeceuticals valued at $260

Women Supporting Women

For this year’s Ladies Issue, I found myself thinking back to the first time I met Krystal Kerkezian at Salon Hanover. As she shared the story behind the salon, what stood out most wasn’t just the beautiful space she had created—it was the intention behind it. Krystal built her business with a clear purpose: to support other women.

That support shows up in many ways. It’s reflected in how she cares for her clients, how she mentors and collaborates with the artists who work alongside her, and in the culture she has intentionally created inside the salon. She envisioned a space that felt collaborative, encouraging, and female-forward—where women could grow, feel confident, and truly support one another.

It resonated with me because it’s something I encounter every day through the magazine. So many of the women in our community are building businesses, leading teams, raising families, volunteering, mentoring, and creating opportunities for others along the way.

I’ve also seen that spirit among the women who partner with us through the magazine. Two of our advertising partners, Yelena Vayn and Kailani Kimoto, are both successful realtors serving the Walnut Creek community and part of the broader City Lifestyle network. While they technically compete in the same industry, what I’ve experienced from them has been nothing but encouragement, kindness, and support—both toward each other and toward me. It’s a reminder that success doesn’t have to come at someone else’s expense.

There is something incredibly powerful about women who choose collaboration over competition and who lift one another up along the way.

That same spirit is what inspired this issue. The Ladies Issue celebrates the women who are shaping our community in meaningful ways—entrepreneurs, leaders, creatives, and neighbors who are making an impact while supporting those around them.

My hope is that the stories in these pages feel both inspiring and familiar. Maybe you’ll discover someone new, or maybe you’ll be reminded of the incredible women already in your life who encourage you, support you, and make you better.

We hope this issue celebrates and inspires all the women in your life.

Warmly,

LAUREL KELLAM, PUBLISHER

@WALNUTCREEKCITYLIFESTYLE

May 2026

PUBLISHER

Laurel Kellam

laurel.kellam@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Hemananthani Sivanandam hema.sivanandam@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Samantha Durbin, Ryan Phillips, Gina Mannucci

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Simone Rotman

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich

LAYOUT DESIGNER Meredith Wilson

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler

inside the issue

The Subaru Love Promise Subaru and Diablo Subaru of Walnut Creek believe in making a positive impact on the communities in which we live and work. Through the five core pillars - Environment, Health, Education, Pets and Community - we aim to create change in the areas we and our owners care about the most.

Hosting an onsite adoption with Joybound People & Pets to help shelter animals find their forever home.

In honor of Earth day, and with the help from Arbor Day Foundation, we will be gifting and planting 100 trees.

Partnering with AdoptAClassroom.Org to adopt 10 classrooms at Ygnacio Valley High School and donate 10 Classroom kits.

Working with Boys & Girls Clubs of Silicon Valley-Rocketship Futuro Academy to provide new high quality coats to children in need.

With the help from Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, we are bringing warmth and comfort to patients by donating blankets and care kits to aid during treatment.

Main Street Psychology Opens in Walnut Creek

Main Street Psychology, led by licensed clinical psychologist Teresa Christian, Psy.D., is now welcoming new patients. Dr. Christian specializes in short-term therapy designed to help individuals create meaningful change. She supports patients navigating anxiety, depression, stress, life transitions, sleep challenges, and grief. With a special passion for women’s health, she also provides compassionate care for issues related to fertility, pregnancy, postpartum adjustment, and perimenopause. She also supports parents' and men's mental health.

Velvet Home Staging brings thoughtful design

Velvet Home Staging brings thoughtful design and visual storytelling to the real estate market, helping properties stand out from the moment buyers walk through the door. Led by designer Rebeca Saint, the company specializes in transforming homes into warm, inviting spaces that highlight each property’s full potential. Serving clients across the Bay Area, Velvet Home Staging offers professional staging, furniture rental, and move-in-ready design packages tailored for homeowners and real estate professionals alike. Visit https://www. velvethomestaging.com/

Growth, Grace, and Purpose

WOMEN REFLECT ON WHAT PERSONAL GROWTH MEANS TODAY

WALNUT CREEK

Personal growth doesn’t look the same at every stage of life—and for many women, it evolves into something deeper, quieter, and more intentional over time. It’s no longer just about climbing ladders or chasing milestones, but about purpose, resilience, relationships, and showing up authentically in both personal and professional spaces. We asked a group of women to reflect on what personal growth means to them today.

Krystal Kerkezian

Founder of a Local Salon and Award Winning Colorist

Personal growth today looks like turning self-doubt into self-awareness. When I opened my salon in Walnut Creek in December 2017, I constantly questioned whether I was ready. That doubt pushed me to prepare more, learn more, and lead with intention. It made me listen closely to my clients, refine my craft, and build a stronger team. Instead of letting self-doubt stop me, I’ve learned to use it as fuel for improvement—and through it all, I’ve learned to always lead with love.

Kailani Kimoto

Realtor

As a realtor, I don’t just sell homes — I guide people through some of the most meaningful transitions of their lives. Serving my community is personal to me. I believe success isn’t measured only by numbers but by trust, integrity, and the relationships built along the way. Personal growth, to me, means deepening my faith, strengthening my resilience, and becoming more disciplined — mentally, spiritually, and professionally. It’s about evolving without losing heart, staying rooted in purpose, and showing up every day with excellence, courage, and genuine care.

Melissa M. Arbil

General Manager

Personal growth has come to me through patience and understanding. I try to listen more and talk less. I learn from my mistakes instead of repeating them, and I am open to feedback without becoming defensive. I am always working to create healthy boundaries and I am continuously working to align my actions with my values. I build stronger relationships with my peers, use better decision-making skills, and move with greater confidence than I did in the past. I take accountability over making excuses and consistency over quick wins, working every day to be better than I was the day before in all aspects of my life.

Yelena Vayn

Barbara Russell

Realtor General Manager

Personal growth means a continuous, unrelenting pursuit of excellence. It is based first on a determination to ongoing education and learning, always striving to improve both personally and professionally. Growth also means giving back to others - providing excellent service and guidance to my clients, supporting my community, uplifting colleagues, and mentoring others. I measure my growth by my ability to step into a leadership role while remaining a lifelong student and mentor, staying authentic and engaged every step of the way. Personal growth looks like always looking forward—personally and professionally. To me, it means eagerly anticipating the next adventure, planning an exciting trip, or embracing new learning that keeps life vibrant and purposeful.

For me, personal growth today is a lifelong commitment to becoming a better version of myself. As a woman and business owner in this phase of my life, growth feels gentler and more intentional. It means honoring where I’ve been while staying open to what’s still to come. I focus on caring for my health, nurturing meaningful relationships, and giving back to my community through sponsorships and volunteer work. Growth now is living with purpose, staying curious, and allowing myself to grow with grace and gratitude.

Roshmi Mukherji

Owner of In-Home Senior Care Business

As an Asian American woman and owner of an in-home senior care business,  personal growth today means cultivating curiosity and empathy over judgment. I strive to listen deeply to my employees, clients, and family, ensuring everyone feels truly heard. Professionally, I am dedicated to building a foundation of thoughtful, expert service. Beyond business metrics, my goal is to model a strong work ethic and unwavering quality for my teenage son. To me, growth is the continuous pursuit of “doing the right thing” while leading with a compassionate heart and a professional hand.

Julie Greenlaw, DDS

Dentist

Professionally, technology has had a huge impact on my growth. Born and raised in Walnut Creek, I’ve had the privilege of serving this wonderful East Bay community for over 30 years. Embracing advanced tools in dentistry has reignited my passion. These innovations enable minimally invasive care, better outcomes, and truly comfortable patient experiences. Staying forward-looking—mastering new techniques in implants, sedation, and cosmetics—keeps me evolving, delivering higher-quality, trust-building dentistry in Walnut Creek’s dynamic setting. Growth is about one forward step at a time.

Julie Block

Office

Manager

Personal growth, to me, is my story. I began as a registered dental assistant and spent 28 years growing into the role of office manager at the same practice. I’ve learned that growth isn’t about titles—it’s about people. It’s creating a culture where patients feel safe, welcomed, and genuinely cared for, and where my team feels supported. Growth means leading with heart, learning through experience, and showing up every day with pride in the trust we’ve built. That trust is what matters most to me.

Nichole Goldberg

Ana Gonzalez

Executive Director Founder, Creative Director and Principal Designer

Personal growth for me is letting go of perfection. Accepting that it takes experience, trial and error to achieve perfection. No matter the obstacle, I will always strive for perfection. I have had to let go of the idea that I can do it all. Not only in the growth of a business, but in the growth of being a mother. It truly takes a village. One that I am proud to be a part of, both in a thriving medical practice and as a mother surrounded by many strong, supportive, like-minded moms.

Personal growth today looks like alignment. It means building a business with excellence while honoring my peace, my health, and my integrity. It means setting boundaries without guilt, choosing long-term vision over short-term validation, and leading with authenticity. Growth is no longer about doing more — it’s about becoming more grounded, more intentional, and more courageous in both business and life.

A special thank you to The Ruth Bancroft Garden for providing the location for the photoshoot.

Ruth Bancroft Garden is a world-renowned 3.5-acre botanical garden and nursery in Walnut Creek. It was created by Ruth Bancroft, who began planting succulents, cacti, agaves, and other drought-tolerant plants in the 1970s, well before water conservation was a mainstream concern.

Through trial and error, Ruth discovered how to use succulents in the landscape, how to protect tender plants from winter rains and the occasional hard freeze, and created dynamic planting combinations by using contrasting textures, forms, and colors.

In 1988, Frank and Anne Cabot visited Ruth and were inspired to form the Garden Conservancy, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving significant American gardens, and The Ruth Bancroft Garden became the organization’s first preservation project.

The garden opened to the public in 1992 and has become an outstanding example of a water-conserving garden suited to the East Bay Area’s Mediterranean climate. In 2024, the Garden was ranked “ The Most Beautiful Garden in the World” by TripAdvisor.

Beyond the garden’s paths, visitors can explore the retail nursery, which offers a curated selection of climate-appropriate

“The garden also offers professional landscape design services, educational programs for all ages, and a full calendar of workshops and community events.”

plants, including succulents, cacti, and California natives, along with a gift shop stocked with local art, merchandise, books, and unique finds.

The garden also offers professional landscape design services, educational programs for all ages, and a full calendar of workshops and community events. With a one-of-a-kind outdoor setting paired with a modern indoor space, it also serves as a memorable venue for weddings, celebrations of life, parties, and corporate events.

Open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Wednesday to Sunday, the garden is both an inspiring local gem and a vibrant community resource that thrives thanks to its members, volunteers, and visitors, whose support makes everything possible.

Information provided by Ruth Bancroft Garden.

In-Home Senior Care

A Florist’s Guide to Blooms She’ll Love

Mother's Day Flower Tips Every Shopper Needs to Know

Some callings don’t announce themselves loudly — they bloom quietly. For floral designer Melissa Crawford, her lifelong fascination with flowers began when she spent time with her great-grandmother and grandfather, tending their gardens filled with vegetables and blooms.

Crawford always dreamt of being a florist, but life took her down a different path, where she spent about 17 years working in hospitality and public relations before she was laid off in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Crawford then took the opportunity and spent the summer of 2020 doing a “deep dive” into the floral industry, which led to the debut of Violet & Aster, inspired by the birth-month flowers of her two daughters.

Now, as Mother’s Day approaches, the busiest season in any florist’s calendar, surpassing even Valentine’s Day, Crawford shares her deep love for blooms.

“For me specifically, I love all the intricacies of flowers. I find their life cycle fascinating–from the moment a bloom starts to open to the dropping of its petals, it takes on so many forms and colors,” she said. “Sometimes, flowers are at their most beautiful state just before they drop their petals.”

ARTICLE BY WALNUT CREEK CITY LIFESTYLE TEAM | PHOTOGRAPHY

COURTESY OF MELISSA CRAWFORD AND ADRIANA KLAS PHOTOGRAPHY

In this issue, Crawford shares her tips for those looking to surprise their loved ones with blooms.

• DON’T wait until the last minute! Mother’s Day can be busier than Valentine’s Day for some florists, with many cutting off orders the week before. While we would love to accommodate all orders, sometimes it’s just not humanly possible to ensure quality and fresh blooms.

• DON’T assume flowers are cheap. Flowers cost more than ever these days! Remember, you are not just paying for flowers, but quality blooms, time, design, and expertise.

• DO put some thought into it - What are mom’s favorite flowers? Is she more traditional, or does she lean more toward an organic and textural arrangement? Does she like bright and bold color palettes, or does she tend to be drawn toward more pastel colors? Try to choose something that speaks to her overall style and personality.

• DO allow your floral designer to have some creative freedom. You are drawn to their work for a reason. Trust their vision.For those planning to try their hand at putting together their own bouquet for their loved ones, Crawford’s “best advice” is to pick a color palette, stick to florals within that color spectrum, and include some of their favourite flowers in different sizes, shapes, and textures.

“You’ll want to include some focal flowers like peonies or roses (three to five stems), some secondary stems like ranunculus and tulips (five to seven stems), and then supporting and line flowers like sweet peas, delphinium, and butterfly ranunculus, to name a few. Then you can add in some filler and greenery,” she said.

Stripping the leaves from the stems before arranging them in a bouquet also makes it easier to remove a stem if needed while designing, said Crawford. To complement the bouquet, you can tie your bouquet with floral tape and a beautiful draping ribbon for a special touch.

Visit their Instagram page,  @Violetandaster, for bookings, ideas, or inspiration.

ARTICLE BY SAMANTHA DURBIN PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

SECOND Acts

Real Stories of Women Who Took the Leap

At 46, I’m questioning a 20-year career—and apparently, I’m not alone. Is creative happiness worth trading job stability with two kids to put through college? These are the kind of thoughts swirling in my head after speaking with three women who made career shifts in their forties. For these ladies, the outcomes were positive. Midlife pivoting isn’t a crisis, it’s a correction—and the realization that midlife is still young is quietly empowering. If you feel stuck in a maybe career, read on.

Yvonne Hemmingsen, Orthodontic RDA to Loan Officer

At 40, Hemmingsen left a 20-year career in orthodontics to enter mortgage lending—with zero industry experience.

She’d become a Registered Dental Assistant out of college, drawn by the flexibility it offered when her three children were young. But by her late thirties, she felt the ceiling.

“I had pretty much reached the pinnacle of where I was going to go,” she says. “I wanted to do something more.”

A neighbor introduced her to mortgage lending. She completed the licensing requirements, switched from a steady salary to 100% commission, and leaned on her husband’s support during the transition.

Almost nothing transferred from dental assisting, except people skills.

“Communication and creating comfort for people went further than I expected,” she says.

Entering the industry in her forties also carried an unexpected advantage: clients assumed she knew what she was doing. Twenty-seven years later, she’s still with the same company. But her role as a mother, she says, “Is the most rewarding job I could ever have imagined.”

Candida Wensley, City Planner to Oncology Nursing Assistant

Like her sister Hemmingsen, Wensley knew almost immediately that city planning wasn’t her calling. She took the job out of college with Contra Costa County, made lifelong friends, but felt something was missing.

Medicine had always been her true interest.

“I knew I wanted to help people through difficult situations,” she says. She stayed in planning for nearly two decades, shifting to part-time as her family grew, before committing to a full medical career once her youngest was more independent.

At 41, with a village around her—a supportive husband, a father who did school pickups, and her sister five minutes away providing family meals—Wensley enrolled in nursing school. She studied at softball games. It was a challenging two years, but she made it work.

Wensley has been an oncology nurse at John Muir since 2013.

“If it wasn’t for my family, I couldn’t have done it,” she says.

“Maybe if I’d started earlier, I’d be burnt out. I have so much energy and love going to work every day. When you follow your passion, it just doesn’t feel like work.”

Laura Knolle, Financial Advisor by Day, DJ by Weekend

Knolle came home from a solo trip to Las Vegas with an announcement: she wanted to be a DJ at 46. A financial advisor for over 20 years, the last 10, serving retirees, seniors, and widows, she’d built a career she loved. But the trip cracked something open.

“I realized I still have so much life in me,” she says. “I’m not too old to try a new challenge.”

Her husband bought her a DJ mixing board for Christmas. She taught herself through YouTube tutorials and an online course, figured out Instagram, and started hauling equipment to gigs. A drum majorette in high school, Knolle had always been musical. What she’d been missing was a creative outlet entirely her own.

She’s played Little League events, elementary schools, and a Walnut Creek community event. “It’s a 180° turn from what I do professionally,” she says. “It pushes me in new ways. Each time is easier, and I’m getting more confident.”  Find her on IG: djpmlaura.

While I ponder my own next chapter, I now know what I’d need to make a change: a village of support, courage, and the willingness to make mistakes along the way. Now more than ever, I have the wisdom and capacity to come into my own as a writer, a woman, and whatever comes next.

A Prom WITH Purpose

Mom Prom Fundraiser Supports Cancer Patients in the Bay Area

ARTICLE BY RYAN PHILLIPS | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF DANIELLE EPPINGA AND LIBBY EPPINGA

High school prom is one of those nights that feels like a milestone—whether you loved it, hated it, or barely remember it. It’s a rite of passage, an evening of dressing up and staying out late with friends. It can also come with plenty of pressure. After all, most people only get one shot at it.

Until now.

Mom Prom, the grown-up version of the teenage tradition, is coming to the Bay Area for the first time on Friday, May 8, at the Ultimate Fieldhouse in Walnut Creek.

The concept, which originated in Michigan in 2006, has since spread across the country as a fundraising franchise. It keeps the best parts of prom while leaving the awkward teenage drama behind. There will still be fancy dresses, a DJ, contests, and awards—but without the angst.

The Ultimate Fieldhouse was chosen for its throwback feel, similar to high school gyms where so many proms are held. The event is open to all women, not just mothers: plant moms, dog moms, or “anyone who identifies as a bad*ss woman,” co-organizer Danielle Eppinga said.

“We are creating a safe space where women can be with women and celebrate each other without that fear of judgment, fear of popularity, fear of the dating game,” Danielle said.

“Prepare to dance your fanny off,” she added.

Danielle discovered Mom Prom a few years ago when she attended one in Michigan. She was struck by the women, ranging in age from 21 to 90, having the time of their lives in their old prom dresses, bridesmaid outfits, or something glamorous and fancy.

Inspired by the experience, Danielle decided to bring the first Bay Area Mom Prom to life. She enlisted her sister-in-law and close friend, Libby Eppinga, as co-organizer.

The event will be co-hosted by Amelia Schimmel, the first female public address announcer for the Athletics, and Ruby Lopez, the in-game host for the Athletics and a former in-arena

host for the Golden State Warriors.  Pacific Service Credit Union is the title sponsor for this event.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Cancer Support Community San Francisco Bay Area, where Libby serves as director of donor support. The organization provides free support–counseling, education, nutrition, and exercise–for people impacted by cancer. A new cancer support center is being built in Lafayette for expanded services in the Bay Area.

The choice of beneficiary is also personal. Danielle’s stepmother died of cancer, and her father received grief counseling through the organization.

For Libby, the mission behind the music is what makes the event especially meaningful.

“I love when we can recycle the bad and the sad and make it into an empowerment situation,” she said.

Danielle and Libby hope this is just the beginning. The organizers envision the Bay Area event growing and potentially moving to different locations in the future.

For now, they are focused on filling the room with women ready to reclaim prom on their own terms.

For tickets, visit https://paybee.io/ in-person-event/cscgala/6#image-0

“The

ARTICLE BY WALNUT CREEK

really take a good history, because you can find out a lot. So I think a lot of it just comes down to whether the patient can. If they can, they really should say, “I’m having these specific symptoms,” and set up a dedicated visit to talk about them. If they’re still getting pushed back after that, then they probably need to find someone else.

Q: What are the symptoms women should look out for when they are heading towards perimenopause?

A: The things that are talked about the most are hot flashes, but there are a lot of other symptoms that don’t get talked about as much, and that are quite prevalent. Other symptoms include sleep disruption, insomnia, mood changes, brain fog, and joint pain.

Tackling Perimenopause and Menopause.

A

Q&A with Dr. Lindsay Klein

As more women seek clarity and support during perimenopause and menopause, Dr. Lindsay Klein, a board-certified internal medicine physician, is passionate about helping women navigate this often-overlooked stage of life. A Fellow of the American College of Physicians. Dr. Klein brings over a decade of experience in primary care internal medicine, including 10 years at John Muir Health, and now practices at Banner Peak Health.

Dr. Klein’s areas of interest include stress management, cardiovascular health, preventive care, and menopausal hormone therapy. In the following Q&A, she shares practical guidance on what women can do when facing perimenopause—from recognizing symptoms to exploring treatment options and reclaiming a sense of balance and well-being.

Q: How can women push back when their concerns or symptoms are dismissed? What can

women do to ensure they are taken seriously and heard?

A: Unfortunately, it does happen quite a bit, especially to women in their early 40s, when they’re having symptoms of perimenopause, they kind of do get dismissed or told at least, “Oh, you’re too young for that.” I think what it comes down to is having a good relationship with their provider, whether that’s their OB/GYN or their primary care doctor. Have a dedicated visit to bring up those concerns. In many traditional healthcare models, people are overwhelmed. And if the patient comes in with a list of, you know, 10 various issues going on. It’s really hard for that doctor to address those issues in the 10 to 15-minute visit that they’re allotted.

I’m fortunate in my practice not to have those time constraints. And I relish that, because it really does allow me to say, “Okay, well, tell me about your sleep. Tell me about your symptoms, when did they start?” and

I think joint pain often gets missed. People say, “Oh, well, you know, you’re just getting older. You need to stretch more. You need to exercise more.” And with a lot of those patients, not all, but with many, you put them on hormone therapy, and they do feel better.

Q: Should women be seeing their ob-gyn, a primary care physician, or a menopause/ hormonal specialist when they experience symptoms?

A:  I’m a primary care internist, and so because I have a special interest in women’s health and hormone therapy, I feel perfectly comfortable talking about these issues and prescribing hormone therapy, but there are many primary care doctors who are not. From a basic standpoint, most women should start with either their primary care doctor or their OB/GYN. Unfortunately, though, women should know and realize that even their OB/GYN does not get a lot of training in menopausal hormone therapy, and so that’s an area of medicine that is really booming right now. There’s a lot more being talked about than there was 10 to 15 years ago, but it’s a lot of doctors learning from each other, from podcasts, and from other folks who are now considered experts in those fields. And so it really takes a physician who has some experience in it and who’s willing to take the time to learn about it, which can sometimes be hard to find.

Q: When is it time to seek a second opinion, find a menopause-certified provider, or simply switch doctors?

A: If women are having these symptoms, and they’re a little gun-shy about bringing it up to their doctor, and they’re curious, one simple thing that patients can do is actually check on the Menopause Society website, at menopause.org, to see if your doctor is menopause certified. And so you may want to first bring these issues up with the person who is already menopause certified.

The other thing I would say is just to do a gut check. If you brought it up with your primary care doctor and don’t feel like you got any traction, maybe bring it up with your OB/GYN. And if you really don’t get traction there, it might be time to check the Menopause Society website to find someone in your area who’s menopause-certified and go see them. It may not end up being a long-term relationship. Sometimes it’s just a matter of finding the right combination of hormones, and once you find the right one for you, you can go back to one of your doctors and say, “Listen, I went to see somebody else, and they put me on this, and it’s working for me. Can you, can you take over at this point?”

And I would say that most doctors, I think, don’t get offended by that, especially because there are a lot of women now who are turning to these telehealth medical organizations to get their needs met because they’re not getting them met with their primary care doctor or with or even with their OB/GYN.

Dr. Lindsay Klein

Dr. Klein received her medical degree from The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. She completed her residency in internal medicine at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. Visit Bannerpeakhealth.com/

A TRADITION OF Celebration:

EXPLORING MOTHER’S DAY IN DOWNTOWN WALNUT CREEK

ARTICLE BY GINA MANNUCCI

Each May, as residents stroll through downtown Walnut Creek beneath the soft brightness of spring, a quieter transformation unfolds within the city’s most beloved storefronts. Windows blossom with delicate tributes, tables are adorned with florals and fine paper, and a gentle air of anticipation settles in.

Among Walnut Creek’s most beloved retailers, several stores feature exquisitely curated Mother’s Day displays that honor the elegance, devotion, and timeless traditions that define this special occasion.

DAVID M. BRIAN: PORTAL ARTESANAL: GIVING BACK:

A Tradition in Full Bloom Exquisite Craft

On Broadway Plaza, David M. Brian has long been known for its elaborate seasonal merchandising and refined presentation. Privately owned and family-operated, the store continues to captivate residents with annual Mother’s Day pop-up displays.

Thoughtfully curated tables brim with elegant table covers in watercolor florals and keepsake gifts selected with a keen eye for sentiment. The Mother’s Day pop-up feels like a love letter to mothers, grandmothers, and the generations of women who anchor families.

A stroll up North Main Street will lead you to Portal Artesanal. Known for its carefully curated collection of handwoven textiles, vibrant ceramics, and jewelry, the shop offers pieces that carry stories of distinctive craftsmanship.

Here, art becomes an allegory for motherhood itself, shaped by creativity and exquisite artisanal quality. Every item invites you to pause and savor the skill and passion embedded in its craftsmanship. Walking through the shop, you sense a quiet celebration of tradition meeting contemporary expression.

The American Cancer Society Boutique

Each year, the American Cancer Society's Walnut Creek location creates seasonal pop-up displays for every major holiday, including Mother’s Day.

Its presentation blends affordability with intention. Shoppers may find gently loved designer handbags, delicate teacups, or vintage brooches, with each purchase supporting a mission that touches countless families.

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ARTICLE BY KALI KASORZYK

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

BECKY HILLYARD

From Side Hustle to Style Empire

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

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

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

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

Q: WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST RISK YOU EVER TOOK WITH THE BRAND?

A: Designing my own collection. It’s easy to point at items on a website and say I love these. But to create something from scratch, put your name on it, and wait to see if people connect with it — that’s terrifying. I had an incredible partner in Splendid, and women loved the pieces. It was the biggest risk and the biggest accomplishment.

Q: HOW HAS INFLUENCER MARKETING CHANGED SINCE YOU STARTED?

A: When I started, brands didn’t know whether to take it seriously. Now it’s a legitimate line item in their marketing budgets — sometimes bigger than TV. Because what we’ve built is trust. People trust a real recommendation from someone they follow far more than a commercial. There’s no question about it now.

Q: YOU’RE A MOM OF THREE RUNNING A FULL BRAND. WHAT DOES YOUR DAY ACTUALLY LOOK LIKE?

A: I try to get up at five and not hit snooze — that first hour before the house wakes up is the most productive, most peaceful hour of my day. Then it’s all hands on deck with the kids and school drop-off. After that I work — planning content, connecting with my team, editing. After pickup, the day shifts completely and it’s all about them. I’ve learned to protect both halves fiercely, because both matter.

Q: WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO BUILD SOMETHING OF THEIR OWN BUT KEEPS WAITING?

A: Don’t wait. Don’t wait for the perfect camera, the right strategy, or enough followers. We find every excuse to stay comfortable. Just start, be consistent, and be authentically yourself. The right people will find you — and they’ll stay.

This conversation is just the beginning. Becky goes deeper on the risks that almost stopped her, the design process behind her latest Splendid collection, and what she’d tell her 2012 self today. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle Podcast.

“Trust is the only metric that actually compounds.”

— Becky Hillyard

MAY 2026

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

Farmers' Market

Locust Street between Cole and Lacassie Street. | 9:00 AM

Visit the farmers' market, a Walnut Creek tradition since 1985 and shop for the season's best. You also get to support family-owned farms!

Hella Comix Comic

Walnut Creek Library, 1644 N. Broadway, Walnut Creek | 11:30 AM

If you're a fan of Hella Comix, then head on over to the library for a live comic reading you won’t want to miss! Come experience stories brought to life as talented local creators share their work — from laugh-out-loud moments to powerful, imaginative worlds told through bold art and unforgettable characters.

MAY 9TH

California Symphony: Heroic Rachmaninof

Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek | 7:30 PM

Behind each of our 200+ City Lifestyle magazines is someone who cares deeply about their community. Someone who connects people, celebrates businesses, and shares the stories that matter most. What if that someone was you?

Or maybe it’s someone you know. If this isn’t the right time for you, but you know someone who could be the perfect fit, we’d love an introduction.

Learn more at future.citylifestyle.com

This California Symphony’s season finale concert features Rachmaninoff's dazzling piano concerto, Borodin's dramatic symphony, and a world premiere. The performances include the final commission for the California Symphony by Resident Composer Saad Haddad.

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