West Chester & Liberty, OH September 2023

The Style Issue

Express Yourself

This month, we want to take a moment to celebrate and explore the fascinating world of style. Style is not limited to the clothes we wear or the way we adorn ourselves; it encompasses many aspects of our lives. From the way we decorate our homes to the music we listen to, style permeates multiple facets of our lives. Style is deeply personal, and it evolves as we celebrate our ever-changing passions, tastes and desires.

A big part of our style is reflected in the choices we make with our hair— from color to cut, our hair is one of the first things most people notice. When I left for college many years ago, my hair was down to my waist. I felt like heading to college called for a major change, so I had my roommate cut a foot off my hair during the first week of school. I later found out that there are organizations around the country who take hair donations to make wigs for cancer patients or others in need. Since then, I’ve donated my hair five times, each time knowing that the multi-year process of growing my hair out then getting a large amount cut off was making a difference for someone in need. Flip to page 14 to learn more about a great organization that uses hair donations to make wigs and to learn how you can help cut for a cause.

In this Style issue, we shine the spotlight on a Lakota West graduate who has made her mark in the world of fashion through her 16-year career at Ralph Lauren. We also highlight a Mason company that will help style your home with an array of live plants and unique home decor.

However you choose to express your style, this month we have something for you.

Here’s to being uniquely you!

MICHELLE MOODY, PUBLISHER MICHELLE.MOODY@CITYLIFESTYLE.COM

September 2023

PUBLISHER

Michelle Moody | Michelle.Moody@CityLifestyle.com

EDITOR

Tera Michelson | Tera.Michelson@CityLifestyle.com

COPY EDITOR

A.J. Lape

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jill Clark, Mia Hilkowitz, Nan Paraskevopoulos

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Christa Hobe, Cathy Lyons—Lyons Photography, Ted Wilson

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

AD DESIGNER Josh Govero

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Lakota Welcomes Dr. Elizabeth Lolli as Interim Superintendent

A warm welcome to Lakota’s Interim Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Lolli, 45-year public education veteran. Dr. Lolli comes to Lakota from her most recent post as superintendent of Dayton Public Schools where she was recognized as “2023 Superintendent of the Year” by the Buckeye Association of School Administrators. Her accomplished career includes a wide variety of positions in public education. The Lakota Board of Education continues a thorough search process to fill the role permanently. LakotaOnline.com

West Chester Township Ranks #13 in Fortune 50 Best Places to Live for Families

Our secret is out: Fortune names West Chester Township as number 13 on its annual list of Best Places to Live for Families. Based on qualities of health care, education, diversity and resources for seniors, the list identifies top U.S. locations with strong support systems, affordability and amenities. “A community spirit binds residents together in this small Ohio town, fostered by organizations that give back to those most in need,” Fortune says.  WestChesterOH.org , Fortune.com

Olivia P. Sorg Joins Lyons & Lyons Law Team

Lyons & Lyons Attorneys at Law welcomes Attorney Olivia P. Sorg. A native of Butler County, Sorg joins the local firm to focus on estate planning, probate and trust administration and civil litigation. She is a graduate of Miami University and Michigan State University College of Law. Having previously served as an intern with Lyons, this new position feels like a homecoming. “I am so happy to come home to Lyons & Lyons,” Sorg says. LyonsandLyonsLaw.com

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/ WestChesterandLiberty

CUT FOR A CAUSE

Share Your Hair with Children With Hair Loss

When it comes to style, hair matters. Curly, wavy or straight, our tresses make a fashion statement. Are you ready for a fresh look? If you are fortunate enough to have a healthy head of locks, you can make your haircut count by donating your hair to kids who are experiencing hair loss.

The experts at Children With Hair Loss (CWHL) provide human hair replacements at no cost for kids all across the United States. The nonprofit based in Michigan custom matches hair texture, color and style from hair donations that arrive in the mail—special packages of ponytails and braids that change the lives of young people with medically-related hair loss. More than 620 children were gifted hair replacements by CWHL last year, giving them a much-needed confidence boost as they suffered through cancer treatment, alopecia, trichotillomania, burns and medical disorders. Since 2000, CWHL has been meeting their mission of “Covering young heads to heal young hearts!”

GOOD HAIR DAYS

Every day is a good hair day at Children With Hair Loss. Under the direction of Founder and CEO Regina Villemure, CWHL is fueled by dedicated volunteers and coffee as they work to fulfill the growing number of requests for hair. She was inspired to start the company after she saw the need firsthand when her niece lost her hair during chemotherapy at age 3.

“Insurance won’t cover this,” Villemure says. “All kids are equal, and they’re all deserving. These are our kids,” she says. “We want to make a difference in children’s lives in a positive way.”

CWHL provides services and products free of charge for those up to age 21. With each wig or hairpiece, the organization sends a goodie box, including a styrofoam head, hair care and styling products and accessories.

The team is now preparing for their upcoming Charity Ball, a fundraiser that brings the children and their families together for camaraderie and education, culminating in a runway show where kids can show off their unique hair and style.

MADY’S STORY

Last spring, 12-year-old Mady Archer of Butler County decided to chop her locks and donated 9½ inches of golden-brown hair to Children With Hair Loss. She knows the value of her hair.

“I am hoping that a little girl like me will get it so she can be happy,” Archer says. “Especially for women, your hair kind of defines you. We style it to mirror our personalities and moods. Not everyone gets to have the ability to do whatever they want with their hair. I’ve already had that opportunity, so someone else might as well get the chance.”

Archer encourages anyone who is thinking about donating their hair to do it.

“Just think about the opportunity for the person that’s getting your hair,” she says, eyes wide with awe.

Archer is already growing out her hair to donate again.

“Growing it out is the most challenging part of the process,” says the generous tween. “I’ll keep going for however long it takes to grow it out 10 or 11 inches.”

Prepare Your Hair

Are you ready to make the cut? Register online. A hairdresser can help gather your clean and dry hair in small ponytails around your scalp and secure them with rubberbands. Seal your ponytails into a plastic storage bag to mail it in.

Eight is Great

Your hair donation must be a minimum of eight inches, but longer is better. Children With Hair Loss receives a lot of requests for long hair replacements. Grow your hair as long as you can before making a donation.

Gray is A-Okay

Children With Hair Loss welcomes silver strands to use for kids’ wigs. They have great success dying it to match color requests. While they prefer hair that has not been chemically treated, they will accept any hair in good condition.

Many Ways to Help

Not everyone can donate hair, but you are welcome to host a haircut-a-thon or fundraiser, sponsor a child, donate hair accessories to go in the goodie boxes or make a charitable contribution—no donation is too small!

ChildrenWithHairLoss.org , 734.379.4400

A radiant smile of joy and confidence on the face of a young girl as she wears her new hair.

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MOSS & IVY LIFTS SPIRITS AND ELEVATES STYLE WITH LIVE PLANTS AND UNIQUE HOME DECOR

GROW YOUR STYLE

You know those special places you walk into and just being there makes you feel good? Moss & Ivy is one of those places—an enchanting plant and home decor shop with a welcoming vibe. Situated near Mason’s Downtown Plaza, the store’s concept was born during the pandemic and opened in June 2021.

“The idea came to me on a summer day in 2020,” shop owner Jackie Smith remembers. “Working mostly from home in my current career gave me the opportunity to sit still and ask myself, ‘If I could do anything, what would it be?’ I felt drawn to opening a plant shop. But also living near downtown Mason, I’ve always craved a nearby store that has all of my favorite things.”

Smith landed on an idea for a shop with plants, unique pottery, interesting home decor, books and candles. Her vision also included a space with a garage door. While the building needed a lot of work, she couldn’t pass it up.

She recalls, “I didn’t have to go far to find the perfect space. I discovered an old beer drive-thru that had been sitting vacant for years. It not only had one garage door, it had two!”

Smith recently celebrated Moss & Ivy’s second anniversary with her staff and two children, who worked nights and weekends to help her open.

“I have an amazing team of women who make the store what it is every day and call it their happy place,” she says.

The store hasn’t only brought smiles to the staff.

“When the garage doors are open and the music is on, the vibe is perfect at Moss & Ivy,” says Smith. “Customers say they come to our store because they need to lift their spirits, so I know we have something special. Seeing how the store provides joy has been a sweet and humbling feeling.”

Stop in to experience Moss & Ivy for yourself. Take in the store’s unique atmosphere while browsing beautiful decor pieces, items for entertaining, gorgeous plants and maybe even something for your pet. Whether you need a gift for a friend or you simply want to browse for yourself, you’ll find practical and whimsical items that anyone would enjoy unwrapping (even if that someone is you)!

TIPS FOR YOUR HOME OASIS

TAILORED PLANT RECOMMENDATIONS

Incorporating plants into home decor is a growing trend, and Moss & Ivy is the place to go if you need some pointers.

“Plants can go anywhere you have light, whether that’s little or plentiful,” Smith explains. “We can guide you to the best plant for your space depending on your available light and the level of maintenance you prefer.”

Smith and her staff can also introduce you to ideal beginner plants. “Many of our customers started out with one plant in one room and now have plants in every room,” she says.

“WHEN THE GARAGE DOORS ARE OPEN AND THE MUSIC IS ON, THE VIBE IS PERFECT AT MOSS & IVY.”

DECORATING WITH PLANTS

With a unique, decorative planter, you can quickly transform any room of your house from boring to lively and interesting.

WATCH THE WATER

Most plants hate to be overwatered! If you feel like you kill every plant that you’ve ever bought, typically it’s because you’ve been overwatering them or the lighting is not appropriate for your plant choices.

SAFETY FIRST

Many plants are toxic to animals. “We can help guide customers to the best pet-safe plants if they have dogs or cats that might try to eat a leaf or two,” says Smith.

BEGINNER PLANTS

There are two great beginner plants that require very little light and do not require weekly watering like most plants. They are the Zanzibar Gem (ZZ Plant) or what the Moss & Ivy team call, “the Easy ZZ” and the Sansevieria or the Snake Plant. Both are low-maintenance and add great warmth and dimension to any room.

MOSS & IVY

117 Reading Road, Mason 513.972.8000 | MossAndIvyMason.com

Common medical conditions treated include rashes, eczema and psoriasis. We routinely conduct full body examinations and skin cancer evaluations.

Dr. Elizabeth Muennich specializes in facial rejuvenation and youth restoration offering a complete selection of non-surgical aesthetic procedures including laser skin treatments, BOTOX® Cosmetic, facial fillers, PDO threads, laser hair removal, chemical peels and more.

STYLE WITH A PURPOSE

Lazarus Artisan Goods Makes an Impact Through Education + Ethical Fashion

A faith-based organization is making waves in the world of style and fashion, but with a purpose that goes far beyond aesthetics.

Mission Lazarus is an organization dedicated to individual, family, community and economic development in Honduras and Haiti. While they have a strong presence in the heart of Nashville, the true magic of Lazarus lies in the hands of the artisans from the countries they serve.

Mission Lazarus has several programs dedicated to educating and economically uplifting individuals in Haiti and Honduras such as schools, health care centers, ranches and even a coffee farm. One of their programs, Lazarus Artisan Goods, is the epitome of the organization’s mission to empower individuals through education and vocational training. With a focus on producing high-quality leather goods, this social enterprise has not only transformed the lives of its artisans but has also impacted the communities they come from.

According to Francesc Pedró, director of the UNESCO Institute of Higher Education for Latin America and the Caribbean, only about 19% of people in Honduras have a college education. Even having a college degree is no guarantee of a high-paying job.

In Honduras, women are unlikely to finish high school. Those who do complete secondary education often don’t find jobs that will allow them to support their families. Mission Lazarus provides artisan training opportunities and offers their graduates not only a high school degree but also jobs that pay a better than fair wage, relative to the economy of Honduras.

At the core of Lazarus Artisan Goods are the artisans themselves. These skilled individuals, hailing from the local communities in Honduras, undergo rigorous training to craft exquisite leather products. Under the guidance of experienced mentors, they learn the art of leather crafting, from hand-stitching to intricate detailing, transforming raw materials into works of art.

When Mission Lazarus Founder and President Jarrod Brown met Juventina in Honduras, she was the only girl in her sixth-grade class who wasn’t pregnant or already a mother. Juventina was offered the opportunity to go through the vocational training program in the Lazarus Artisan Goods leather shop and became the first person in her family to graduate from high school. She now earns a premium wage and was able to build a small house.

“My life has been very different,” says Juventina, “because I have been able to learn this profession, which has been very useful for me and my family.”

Purchasing products from Lazarus Artisan Goods is more than just a style statement. It is an investment in the lives of these artisans and the communities they represent. By providing vocational training and sustainable employment opportunities, Mission Lazarus creates a positive ripple effect for families and local neighborhoods.

“We have to ask ourselves if our programs are a sustainable investment,” says Jarrod. “We are investing in people so that they can transform their communities from the inside out, rather than continually trying to bring help in.”

Phil Smith, the COO of Mission Lazarus who attends church in nearby Mason, started as a volunteer in Haiti. Phil witnessed the struggles faced by communities  and the challenges of nonprofit organizations firsthand. His experiences inspired him to join the board of Mission Lazarus and eventually assume the role of COO, following his retirement from a Fortune 50 company after 32 years. He emphasized their high standards of excellence, including those within their business practices as his inspiration for joining the organization.

“I got to know Jarrod in Haiti. The practices he brought over from his work in Honduras on measurements, accountability and transparency rang true to me. Those were the same practices we used at the company where I had worked every day. Those are things Mission Lazarus did just as second nature,” explains Phil.

The success of Lazarus Artisan Goods goes beyond sales figures. Each purchase is a step toward empowering individuals, fostering economic development and promoting sustainable change. And of course, the products are great. Their best seller is the Cecilia Tote. Its large size and four internal pockets make this gorgeous bag perfect for holding your laptop, notebook and all other essential items. Because the quality of handcrafted leather is so fine, not only will this bag last for years, it gets better with age.

“The leather goods that we have are phenomenal and the quality is impeccable,” says Phil. “When you know the story behind them, it is even more meaningful.”

Follow Mission Lazarus on the path to style with a purpose. They lead the way one beautifully crafted leather piece at a time. Lazarus Artisan Goods are available at boutiques across the United States, as well as directly from their online shop at LazarusArtisanGoods.com .  MissionLazarus.com

A Walk

IN HER SHOES

At many places Katie Hellkamp visits in New York City, she can easily spot her work on shiny poster advertisements plastered across shopping mall walls or propped up in display stands in department stores. However, for Hellkamp, senior director of footwear for the Lauren brand by Ralph Lauren, the best place to see her designer footwear is on real people.

“I always love seeing my products on people, like in the subway or walking around New York City,” Hellkamp says. “I love seeing people in real life—not just in the advertisement—because the shoes look beautiful in real life.”

Now in her sixteenth year at Ralph Lauren, a luxury apparel, footwear and accessory corporation, Hellkamp has been behind the scenes of some of the company’s most notable shoe collections in the last two decades. Shoppers can easily see her work in Macy’s, the largest distributor of the Lauren brand.

Hellkamp says she and her team are always working to find new ways to “elevate the product.” Whether that means adding high quality leather linings to existing products or launching completely new footwear lines, she says Ralph Lauren focuses on creating quality, lasting shoes that everyone can enjoy.

“How do we take a trend and put it through the Ralph Lauren brand codes?” Hellkamp says. “We’re not a fast fashion company. We’ve been around forever. We’re classic. We’re timeless.”

FROM WEST CHESTER TO NYC: MEET KATIE HELLKAMP, SHOE DESIGNER FOR RALPH LAUREN

Hellkamp’s venture into the fashion industry began in her hometown of West Chester, where she moved at eight years old. A graduate of Lakota West High School, she says she took every available art class at her disposal from drawing and painting to jewelry and pottery.

“I always wanted to be involved in some type of art,” Hellkamp says. “I did it because I loved anything in the arts.”

After graduating from Lakota West High School in 2003, her artistic passions landed her at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), where she planned to study animation in hopes of working on films for Disney. It wasn’t until her sister encouraged her to enroll in a fashion course that she discovered her talents in accessory design.

“I just caught the fashion bug and started pursuing it,” she says.

During the summer between her junior and senior years of college, Hellkamp took her next step towards her future career: landing an internship. After applying to jobs online, she was shocked to receive a phone call from Ralph Lauren inviting her to an interview in New York City.

While Hellkamp had originally applied for the brand’s apparel design internship, her portfolio reflected her true passions in handbag and shoe design—something leadership at Ralph Lauren were excited to see. Just a few hours after the interview while riding home in a cab, she got the call offering her an internship with the Ralph Lauren women’s accessory team.

When she returned to SCAD for senior year, Hellkamp set her sights on a new goal: getting her work in the end-of-year fashion show. Seeing their work on the fashion show runway was a dream and an honor for SCAD students. She says she was shocked and devastated when her work did not make the show.

“I remember crying and talking to my dad and my dad said ‘Katie, this isn’t the end goal,’” she says. “‘Ten years from now, five years from now, nobody’s going to wonder whether you got into this fashion show. The goal is not this fashion show, it’s to get a job.’”

Hellkamp took her father’s advice in stride. After graduating from SCAD in 2007, she reached out to her former boss, Vice President of Design for Footwear and Accessories at Ralph Lauren Nancy Boas, to inquire about job openings. Boas offered her a fulltime freelance position at the company and just two weeks after graduating, Hellkamp found herself living in NYC.

During the next 16 years, Hellkamp climbed through the ranks at Ralph Lauren, working all the way from an intern to senior director of footwear. For others interested in exploring a career in fashion design, she offers a piece of advice from her time at Ralph Lauren.

“When you go to school, pursue it and try everything,” she says.

Now mom to three, Hellkamp’s life strikes a balance—she enjoys her family and her career.

“What I’d love to say to the moms and future moms out there is that you don’t have to sacrifice your career in order to have a family. You can do what you love and be a mom. You can have both and thrive in both roles—you don’t have to compromise.”

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

The Takeover

THE SQUARE @ UNION CENTRE | 6:00 PM

Celebrate the last Takeover concert of the season with the sounds of The Michelle Robinson Band. Sponsored by First Financial Bank, the free outdoor show at the clock tower goes from 6-9 p.m. Enjoy food truck eats, craft beer and live music with your neighbors. WestChesterOH.org

Bling, Botox and Bourbon

WELLING & CO. + WEST CHESTER FAMILY DENTISTRY | 5:30 PM

Join Welling & Co. and West Chester Family Dentistry for Bling, Botox and Bourbon, a free event featuring all three on one special night, September 13, 5:30-8 p.m. Proceeds from raffle tickets for Diamond Earrings, Botox and Zoom Whitening go to Pink Ribbon Good, an organization supporting cancer patients and survivors. 8992 + 9000 Cincinnati Dayton Road, WellingAndCo.com , WCFamilyDentistry.com

WINNING

WINNING SEASONS WINNING SEASONS

SEASONS become a sponsor of

SEPTEMBER

Play it Forward for Reach Out Lakota

TOPGOLF, WEST CHESTER | 6:00 PM

Join Reach Out Lakota at Topgolf in West Chester on September 14 from 6-9:30 p.m. for a fun night of golf games, raffles, auctions and socializing while raising funds for their food and clothing pantry. Tickets include appetizers, two cocktails and dinner. Purchase tickets online. Sponsor packages are available. ReachOutLakota.org

SEPTEMBER 16TH

Peaches Bully Rescue Night Out

HANOVER WINERY | 3:00 PM

Meet your pack at Hanover Winery, 2165 Morman Road, Hamilton, for a howling good time. Drink dog-themed wines, shop artisan booths, enjoy live music, meet adoptable (and adorable!) dogs and win raffle baskets and silent auction goodies at this fundraiser that goes from 3-9 p.m. $5 admission fee goes to support the dogs of Peaches Bully Rescue. PeachesBullyRescue.com

SEPTEMBER 23RD

Liberty Township Fall Festival

LIBERTY PARK | 11:00 AM

Welcome fall and all things pumpkin at the Liberty Township Fall Festival on Saturday, September 23, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Liberty Park, 6757 Yankee Road. Don’t miss this annual family-friendly event featuring food trucks, arts + crafts vendors, live music and inflatables. Liberty-Township.com

SEPTEMBER 30TH

Keeping the Promise

FITTON CENTER FOR CREATIVE ARTS | 6:30 PM

Put on your parachute pants and neon headbands for Keeping the Promise, a rockin’ 80s-themed fundraising event hosted by Family Promise of Butler County on September 30, 6:30-10 p.m. Join in their mission to eliminate family homelessness with a night of flashback fun, food, dancing and raffle baskets. Tickets and table hosting information are available online. FamilyPromiseButlerCountyOH.org

Camp Joy Harvest Fest Fundraiser

CAMP JOY, CLARKSVILLE, OH | 2:00 PM

Get ready for a day of fun, food and community at Camp Joy’s Harvest Fest Fundraiser, September 30, 2-7 p.m. This annual event is an opportunity to support Camp Joy’s mission to help people grow and succeed through life-long experience-based learning. Enjoy food, drinks, live music and a variety of outdoor adventures. Camp-Joy.org

Rummage Sale

LORD OF LIFE LUTHERAN CHURCH, WEST CHESTER | 8:00 AM

It’s time for the annual ginormous Lord of Life Lutheran Church Rummage Sale, September 30, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Find great deals on gently used furniture, kid stuff, kitchen goods, sporting goods and more at this fundraiser for youth programming. LOL-Lutheran.com

EDGE Golf Outing

WALDEN PONDS GOLF CLUB, HAMILTON | 8:00 AM

Have a better than par day at the EDGE Teen Center's Annual Golf Outing, October 6, 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Your ticket includes breakfast, lunch, six drink tickets and 18 holes of golf. Contest games, mulligans, raffle tickets and a silent auction will be available for an additional fee. Reserve your spot now online. EDGETeenCenter.com

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/WestChesterandLiberty

The 5th Year in a Row!

tzeuch@sibcycline.com

FEATURED: 6054 Kensington Trl

SCAN

TO FIND

OUT THE VALUE OF YOUR HOUSE

Luxury living in Four Bridges. Spacious townhome with over 2500 sq.ft. Hardwood floors in foyer and kitchen. Stainless appliances. Soaring ceilings. Walk out from great room onto screened patio with lake view. Finished, walkout lower level with gas fireplace, guest suite with full bath, and flex room. Crown molding and custom details. New water heater 2022.

Gorgeous, home in desirable Lanes Landing with updated interior. Situated on a cul-de-sac street. Hardwood floors throughout first floor. Built-ins surround gas fireplace in family room. 2nd floor bonus room. 4th bedroom has private bathroom. Finished lower level with full bath. New roof in 2023. Fenced yard includes saltwater pool & patio with pergola.

“Above & Beyond”

“Moving from out of state to the Cincy area compounded with an insane real estate market could have made for a stressful situation, however Tiffany eased the stress and got us a beautiful house. She went above and beyond finding us houses to see before they even went on the market. We believe that had we not chosen Tiffany we’d still be house hunting months later!

Thank you Tiffany!”

~Erin E.