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DISCOVER NORTH TEXAS MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2024 | Issue Number 2

HEALTHY GAIT Dr. Kayla Richer Offers Chiropractic Services For More Than Just Humans

KASSADY VANDAGRIFF The Obstacles Seemed Daunting, But Her Determination Paid Off

ELM CREEK MANOR Not Your Normal Bed & Breakfast, They Offer Five Star Fine Dining & More

CHANDLER THREE BOUTIQUEE Three Local Sisters Are Taking Shopping To The Next Level

HEALTH & WELLNESS Eat Your Greens Organic Farm

isaac sloane AND THE SOUND BRIGADE

DISCOVERNORTHTEXASMAGAZINE.COM 940-390-3911

Editor-in-Chief Laura Bradley

Marketing & Advertising Laura Bradley

About Discover North Texas Magazine, LLC

Content Director Laura Bradley

Cover Photography Mikayla Peterson

Web: DiscoverNorthTexasMagazine.com Email: discoverntmagazine@gmail.com Phone: 940-390-3911 1217 North Saint James Circle Pilot Point Texas, 76258 1

Welcome to Discover North Texas Magazine, your online source for everything North Texas! Each monthly issue will be filled with local small businesses, Mom & Pop shops, local services, inspirational people and more. We aim to bring attention to North Texas businesses and events and the people behind them to keep you in the know! Our publication reaches thousands of subscribers and has new content every single month and subscribing is FREE! To subscribe and receive your free copy every month, head on over to our website and hit subscribe on the home page. You’ll be glad ya did! Let our advertisers know you saw them here. To be featured or to nominate someone for a future story, email us at discoverntmagazine@gmail.com

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FROM THE EDITOR FEBRUARY IS THE BORDER BETWEEN WINTER AND SPRING ― TERRI GUILLEMETS

February is most often thought of as the “Love” month, mainly because Valentines Day falls right in the middle of the month. Around my house, we don’t particularly “celebrate” Valentines Day because our Anniversary is February 23rd and we always go on a short trip to celebrate that instead. This year we will be married for 23 years! My husband likes to say “It feels like five minutes...... Under water!” February is the month of love, Mardi Gras and Black History Month, all of which should be recognized and if you choose to, celebrate them! I often look at February as the “relaxing” month. With the hustle and bustle of the holidays, then new beginnings in January, February comes in right in the middle of winter and right before spring and offers us a time to catch our breath. So I hope this month, maybe you too can catch your breath and relax a little.

Laura Bradley Editor-in-Chief 2

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Call us for your free estimate 940-391-3264

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IN THIS ISSUE

ISAAC SLOANE

HEALTHY GAIT

KASSADY VANDAGRIFF

PLACE TO STAY

See What’s In This Months Issue

And The Sound Brigade

Dr. Kayla Richer Offers Chiropractic Services To Humans & Animals

The Obstacles Seemed Daunting, But She Kept Going

Elm Creek Manor Offers Five Star Dining And Tuscan Inspired Stays

27 4

FOOD & DRINK Zero Gradi Equals Zero Regrets

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EVENTS

TRAVEL & OUTDOORS

SHOPPING

HEALTH & WELLNESS

FAITH & FAMILY

FINANCIAL TALK

Local Events Happening In February

Saint Jo Texas, The North Texas Hill Country

Chandler Three Boutique

Eat Your Greens Organic Farm

Elisa Beasley, Believe Despite

Benefits Of Investing In Land

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ALLISWELLSTJO.COM 9214 FM 677, Saint Jo, TX howard@stjocabins.com

DHS REALTY (940-368-6196 taylorreyesrealtor@gmail.com

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IN THIS ISSUE

Isaac Sloane

Happy February and welcome to our third issue of Discover North Texas Magazine, LLC! I hope you are enjoying our magazine so far, because I love creating it and introducing you to so many amazing people you may not know about. In this issue: Isaac Sloane & The Sound Brigade, a local band rising out of Denton. Dr. Kayla Richer, DC Owner of Healthy Gait Chiropractic in Pilot Point Kassady Vandagriff, Owner of Hair By Kassady Eat Your Greens Organic Farm Play Outdoors Texas Chandler Three Boutique And So Much More!

Dr. Kayla Richer, DC Healthy Gait

Kassady Vandagriff, Hair By Kassady

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WHAT IS DISCOVER NORTH TEXAS MAGAZINE? By: Laura Bradley

Like most of my ideas, they come out of nowhere, and are more often that not, crazy. Discover North Texas magazine was one of those crazy ideas that came to me out of sheer boredom and the burning desire to help others! One Saturday morning I was complaining to my husband Greg, about not being “busy enough” and begged him to help me come up with ideas on new business ventures (I am a serial entrepreneur by nature). While scrolling online, searching for “at home service industry businesses to start” an online magazine idea came to me! Not just any online magazine though, an online magazine that showcases local North Texas business owners and their inspiring stories. That is how Discover North Texas Magazine came about! Saturday I quickly went to work on a name and a logo, Sunday afternoon I started creating the content and by Monday afternoon... The first issue was 90% complete! Each month every issue will be full of EVERYTHING North Texas and will feature inspiring and hopefully thought provoking stories of our neighbors. I hope that these stories encourage you to reach out to them and their services and maybe even entice you to submit your own story or nomination for a future story. To be featured in our magazine, email us at discoverntmagazine.com or visit our website at DiscoverNorthTexasMagazine.com 8

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TAYLOR REYES PHOTOGRAPHY Taylor Reyes, Photographer Offering Family & Event Photography Cell: 940-368-6196

Hours of Operation Monday - Saturday 7:00 am - 11 pm Closed most major holidays.

Call (940)-239-8002 420 E. McKinney, Denton, 76209 Tx Zeracoffee.com

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ISAAC SLOANE

& T H E

S O U N D

B R I G A D E

A POWERHOUSE BAND SETTING THE MUSIC SCENE ON FIRE!

Written By: Laura Bradley Photography By: Mikayla Peterson

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Scrolling through Facebook one day, I stumbled across a video a friend had shared of a local band based out of Denton called Isaac Sloane & The Sound Brigade and I was instantly intrigued by their unique sound. From the smooth, sultry & bluesy vocals to the rhythm and blues of the saxophones and bass, I knew I had to learn more about these guys, and I became an instant “fan girl”! Isaac Sloane & The Sound Brigade is a 6piece psychedelic jazz infused blues /rock n' roll band out of Denton, Texas. Formed in October of 2021, the group has quickly become a local favorite in the music world with their unique blend of in-your-face, ground shaking rock n' roll, and soulful blues with elements of virtuosic jazz. The band is comprised of Michael Peterson and Donicio Trujillo on saxophone, Jake Kerley on organ, Anthony Peterson on drums and his brother Michael (yes there are two Michael Peterson’s) on bass, and band leader and guitarist/vocalist Isaac Sloane. The 11

powerhouse group writes their own songs that call back to the days of Chicago, Led Zeppelin, The Beatles and Jimmy Hendrix with a modern and unique twist to the classic hard-hitting sounds of the late 60s and early 70s.

Isaac Sloane & The Sound Brigade Is A Powerhouse of Creative Genius

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“I remember being barely able to walk and listening to the Beatles” Isaac Sloane Isaac Sloane

Isaac grew up in the small North Texas town of Tioga and his life was shaped and influenced by music from a very early age, specifically The Beatles. “I remember being barely able to walk and listening to The Beatles album Rubber Soul. The Beatles have always and will always be who influenced me musically” Isaac says. Dan and Janet Sloane, Isaac’s parents, raised Isaac to have a love and appreciation for all types of music. At ten years old Isaac played drums to Cream's song SWLABR in the local talent show and went on to perform locally with his father in their band Isaac Sloane & Tioga Dan until he formed Isaac Sloane & The Sound Brigade. Isaac received a baseball scholarship right out of high school to Oklahoma Wesleyan University in Bartlesville and played his freshmen year there before transferring to Grayson County Junior College for their Engineering program. To become an Engineer was Isaac’s goal at the time so after a year at Grayson, he transferred to the University of North Texas’s Engineering program. This is where he learned music was indeed his passion, not Engineering, so he decided to pursue that full-time instead. 12

Brothers Anthony and Michael Peterson grew up in a very musical family in Arcadia Indiana, and their father Craig is a professional saxophone player. Their love of music came from their father and many hours of playing guitar hero. Anthony started playing piano when he was very young, and in the sixth grade he started playing drums while Michael started playing bass. They then started playing music together and jokingly say “we are a package deal”.

Brothers, Anthony & Michael Peterson

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Michael Peterson

Friends Michael Peterson, who plays tenor sax and Donicio Trujillo who plays saxophone moved to Denton from Wyoming just a few years ago. Donicio is in a relationship with Michael’s sister Mikayla who also is a saxophone player, and he plays with several different local artists when he is not teaching choir at a local intermediate school. Donicio started playing the saxophone when he was nine years old and joined his first band at the age of eleven. He graduated from the University of Wyoming with his music degree and started pursuing music as a career. Michael is a Dallas based saxophonist, composer, and educator who performs frequently throughout the region with his own ensemble, The Michael Peterson Group, and in multiple genres as a sideman. He began playing the saxophone at the age of 11; he was the first in his family to take up music and currently teaches privately in the North Texas area, as well as online.

Donicio Trujillo

Organist, Jake Kerley is from Fort Worth, and he began playing drums before he could even walk. At the age of thirteen, he discovered the piano and a talent and love for music that would eventually propel him into a career as a professional musician. Jake taught piano for almost five years at the Creative Soul Music School in Fort Worth and currently plays with several different local artists.

Jake Kerley

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Isaac Sloane & The Sound Brigade came about by Isaac placing an ad on Facebook asking if anyone would like to meet up and play some music together. The first to respond was Michael, who plays tenor saxophone and after playing he mentioned that his roommate Donicio also plays saxophone and asked if he could join them. They all three got together, played some songs and Michael invited a couple of his coworkers, (the other Michael and his brother Anthony) from the local music school he worked at, to join. They all hit it off and blended together so well that they knew they were on to something big. Their first official rehearsal was in October of 2021, and they played their first show as a band in December of 2021 and have not stopped since. They played forty shows in 2022, (their first year!) and fifty shows in 2023 and travel all over Texas, from Austin to Wichita Falls. With all the musical talent this band has, I had to know who their musical influences 14

were to bring them all together. I was shocked to learn their influences range from The Beatles to Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder to Chicago and Steely Dan. All of their musical influences come together and allow them to blend so nicely into the unique sound you hear from them today. Their resonating sound has landed them as nominees for The Best Blues Band in Dallas by the Dallas Entertainment Awards and has them featured on the television show Texas Music Café out of Waco Texas. Isaac Sloane & The Sound Brigade released their first album in the summer of 2022 and will

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be recording their first full length live album at Harvest House in Denton in March of 2024 and they invite you all to come join them! All of the group’s music can be found on their website, YouTube Channel and all music platforms along with local Denton radio stations and 91.7 out of Dallas. You can also see them on February 23rd at Andy’s in Denton. To catch their next show, follow their schedule on their website isaacsloaneandthesoundbrigade.com or the app Bands In Town.

Isaac & his father, Dan Sloane

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PilotPointKravmaga.com 8620 HWY 377 Pilot Point TX

940-305-3965 davismartialartstx@gmail.com

Real Estate, Probate, Estate Planning Elder Law, Corporate Law, Guardianship

DOSTER LAW GROUP Tel: 940-382-8200 525 S. Locust St, Ste 400, Denton Tx info@dosterlawgroup.com 16

Fontaine Doster Attorney & President

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By Dr. Kayla Richer, DC Photos Courtesy Of Dr. Kayla Richer

Hi, I am Dr. Kayla, owner of Healthy Gait Chiropractic. I opened my Chiropractic office in the beautiful lakeside town of Pilot Point in February of 2023 and the journey has been so fun and rewarding thus far! Before I dive too deep into my business and all it offers, let me give you a little background on me and how Healthy Gait came about. I grew up in southeast Wisconsin on a horse farm. I started riding at 3 years old, thanks to my mother who is a horsewoman herself and was teaching riding lessons at our farm. My love for horses continued to blossom as I grew up and I never grew out of it! Horses are originally what brought me to the North Texas region, which I will touch on later. When I was young, someone mentioned to me that Chiropractic would be a great profession for me as I had a love for helping people feel better. I decided to take that 14 into consideration, and when I dove deeper and realized I could also become a 17

Chiropractor for animals too, I was sold! I attended University of Wisconsin-River Falls (UWRF) and graduated in 2018 with my Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science with an Equine Management Emphasis. Throughout college, I was immersed in many different disciplines in the horse industry including horse training, breeding, and nutrition. At times, I was tempted to pursue other passions but decided to stick to my plan of becoming a Chiropractor and I am so glad I did! In 2016, I got certified in equine massage therapy through Therasage EMC. I used this as my opportunity to see if this type of work was something I would enjoy, and it was! Healthy Gait came to life the summer of 2016 as my equine massage therapy business and started growing right away!

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The next summer, I was invited by my instructor from Therasage to attend the equine massage master class at the NRHA Derby in Oklahoma City. Here I learned how to use other modalities such as the TheraPlate, cryotherapy, Kinesio taping, and electromagnetic pulse machines on horses. Following my graduation from UWRF, I came down to Whitesboro, TX for a summer internship at an equine spa and rehabilitation center to further my knowledge in equine therapies. It was an excellent experience for me, and I learned an immense amount about rehabilitation and conditioning for horses. During that time, I also ended up meeting a man who would become my husband and he’s the reason I am still in Texas to this day! He is a farrier for western performance horses (if you are in need of his services, contact Gabriel at 940-372-4438).

I started Chiropractic school in the fall of 2018 at Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa, the birthplace of Chiropractic. I completed 2 trimesters at Palmer and decided to transfer to Parker University in Dallas to live with my husband and be back in Texas again. Chiropractic school was TOUGH, but I pushed through with a lot of determination and perseverance. While at Parker, I began my Animal Chiropractic education at ACES in Meridian, TX. I was able to complete my course by December 2021. In September 2022, I took and passed my AVCA certification exam, which is a national certification for Animal Chiropractors. I graduated from Parker with my Doctor of Chiropractic degree in December 2022. I was bound and determined to take Healthy Gait to the next level and opened my own office right away in February 2023. It was a scary step to take as I had no clue how it 18

DiscoverNorthTexasMagazine.com how it would take off, but I experienced consistent growth every single month! Many Chiropractors associate at established practices for a few years right out of school, but I knew I wanted to do my own thing and set my mind to it. Because I also need days off to do my mobile appointments for large animals, I knew it would never work, working for someone else. The main service I offer at Healthy Gait is Chiropractic adjustments. Adjustments are done to any joint in the body (not just the spine) to help allow for proper movement and nervous system function. I also use other therapies to complement the adjustment and help improve healing. I have a TheraPlate that can be used for people and animals. It is a vortex wave circulation therapy to help increase blood circulation which can decrease healing time, reduce joint pain, and so much more. I apply Kinesio tape to people and horses to help with a multitude of injuries and pain.I use a cold laser when needed to increase cell proliferation which speeds up healing. Lastly, I offer the Raindrop Technique with Young Living essential oils to detox, rejuvenate, and refresh the entire body. Along with these services, I also have products I sell in my office. These include Standard Process supplements and Chiroflow pillows. Standard Process is a whole food-based supplement company 16 of Wisconsin who provides high out 19

quality supplements for people and animals made with only healthy and safe ingredients. Chiroflow pillows are the #1 recommended Chiropractic pillow. These pillows have a bladder sewn in to fill with water. This allows the person to choose the appropriate firmness and comfort for them, while encouraging proper neck position while sleeping.

DiscoverNorthTexasMagazine.com “I must extend a giant “thank you” to our community for their continued support in helping my business flourish here!” Dr. Kayla Richer

Currently, I work in my office seeing dogs and people Mondays and Wednesdays through Fridays. Tuesdays are dedicated to being out on the road adjusting horses and livestock in the North TX area. I absolutely love what I do! I have been able to immerse myself in the community of Pilot Point by joining the Chamber of Commerce and am now a board member. During just this first year in business, I have enjoyed meeting new people, making new friends, and helping change the lives of people and animals for the better through my Chiropractic services! I must extend a giant “thank you” to our community for their continued support in helping my business flourish here! I look forward to another great year ahead for Healthy Gait. If you are interested in learning more about Healthy Gait, you can browse my website at healthygait.com. Scheduling is available anytime online at healthygait.janeapp.com. I am available to be reached by call or text at (940) 7035199.

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By: Laura Bradley

For twenty one year old Kassady Vandagriff, it seemed the odds were stacked against her from the very beginning, but as Kassady would say, it is all about perspective and choosing to persevere through all the challenges thrown her way. Starting a business at the age of nineteen is daunting enough but add in the unexpected challenges of Covid and the worldwide shutdown, and it’s enough to make the most seasoned business owner throw in the towel. Kassady’s love of hair came from growing up watching her biggest inspiration, her “Gran” (Grandma Reba Howard) do hair at her in home hair salon. Reba ran a hair salon out of her Pilot Point home for around thirty-five years before retiring, so when it came to Kassady choosing a profession, she knew she wanted to follow in her 22

grandma’s footsteps. When speaking about her grandma, her entire face lights up with pure joy, “She is my rock, my best friend and biggest inspiration.” Graduating high school in March of 2020 during the height of the COVID pandemic, she was not sure how she was going to be able to navigate Cosmetology school. Luckily, the school did not shut down and she was able to start in August of 2020 and graduate in August of 2021 and began her career in December of 2021. “I never thought I would be where I am at twenty one years old. If you would have told me two years ago that I would be here today,

DiscoverNorthTexasMagazine.com I would have looked at you and told you that you were crazy. I am so blessed and honored to have exceeded all my expectations and so much more.” Kassady credits her drive, determination and success to her close knit family consisting of her parents Trent and Robyn Vandagriff, siblings Kelsee and Kooper, her Pop and Gran Robert and Reba Howard and her boyfriend Kyler Patton. When she talks about each of these people, you can just feel the amount of love she has for them. “If it were not for my family, I would not be where I am today.” For Kassady, her business is built on and all about relationships. For her, it does not feel like a job but instead feels like she is hanging out with friends everyday because her clients become her friends.

Trent, Robyn, Kooper, Kassady & Kelsee

Kassady Vandagriff 940-600-9803 Coyote’s Salon 440 South Highway 377, Pilot Point

The Whole Family 23

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111 N Elm St, Denton, TX

940-387-7706

CHANCE KIRBY BROKER / OWNER 1255 S HWY 377 Pilot Point, TX 24

940-300-6900 PilotPoint.com

FLOWERS, TREES SHRUBS & SEEDS

12804 Pelzel Road, Pilot Point TX 972-954-8580 RootedIn.com

Places To Stay

By: Laura Bradley Information By: elmcreekmanor.com

WE ARE NOT JUST THE ACCOMMODATIONS; WE ARE YOUR DESTINATION

Elm Creek Manor Muenster, Texas

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Brad and Marcia Scarbrough always envisioned their award-winning Inn, Elm Creek Manor, to be a place that is unforgettable and where you would be surrounded by a beautiful and historic setting. As a Texas vacation destination, they are located just outside the charming German village of Muenster and in the North Texas wine region, which is famous for its warm hospitality. Tucked away in the rolling hills of the North Texas hill country, your romantic escape awaits you at the finest adult-only bed and breakfast. Enjoy quiet relaxation, romance, and of course fantastic food! The key to great overnight stays is the rarity and uniqueness of the estate, exceptional service, and of course fantastic food (we can't say that enough). The Inn fully embraces the farm-to-table concept, and they are the only Farm-to-table Inn located in the country with a Certified Master Chef. Originally, the fifteen-acre estate with spring fed creeks was created as a getaway for the owners. It soon evolved into something more. Marcia lived abroad for a large part of her life and brings a unique and worldly flair to the Inn. Marcia and Brad have traveled extensively and always loved the old medieval Inns, estates, and castles they encountered throughout Europe. As they traveled, they came upon historical and rare pieces they purchased to enhance the resort. Their creation here is the fruition of their dream to open an Inn based on these experiences.

Places To Stay

The idea of their culinary dream started 20 years ago when they opened the Inn with cattle and a garden and has become an evolution of expansion and innovation. They are inspired by an endless pursuit to accomplish dining perfection with wholesomely grown foods. As one of the most inclusive Farm to Table Inns in the country, producing their own food is their way of life. The "Elm Creek System" is a symbiotic relationship between animals, plants, and humans. Brad and Marcia raise dairy goats, chickens, rabbits, tilapia, pigs, and cattle. They have extensive gardens, greenhouses, and an onsite Aquaponic greenhouse, they handmake Artisan Cheeses from their milk and keep bees for fresh honey and utilize the wax for their cheeses. They raise the food for their guests and in turn, feed the raw vegetable and fruit scraps to the pigs, goats, and chickens. They are committed to having very little waste and love this relationship between humans and the animal and plant world around us. You may wish to enjoy more of the farm to table experience by joining Brad in milking the goat, gathering eggs, and picking veggies from the garden (which you will see in your next meal) or just kick back with a relaxing massage, 26

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enjoying a lazy day by the pool, or walk through the Manor and see 500-year-old doors from a Tuscan villa, 300-year-old stained glass windows from an English church, along with many unusual artifacts collected on their travels. They hope their attention to detail adds to your remarkable stay. Enjoy luxe accommodations with a variety of décor styles, including Traditional & European Medieval antiques, from castles and estates in Europe. All rooms have private baths, some include double whirlpool soaking tubs for two, private hot tubs or oversized spa showers. All the amenities of a luxury hotel while retaining the warmth and charm of a European Country Inn. All suites and cottages are separate, individual accommodations. For Booking Information, visit their website www.elmcreekmanor.com Phone: 940-902-3501 Email: info@elmcreekmanor.com

Food & Drink

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Written By: Sydney Evans Zero Gradi, Zero Regrets!

6975 Lebanon Rd #307, Frisco Hours of Operation: Tuesday - Thursday 8:00 am - 8 pm Friday - Saturday 11:00 am - 9 pm Closed on Sundays Call (972) 292-9539 Zerogradi.com

Imagine the smell of freshly brewed Lavazza coffee, house-made buttery pastries, and authentic handchurned Italian Gelato. Look no further…these guilty pleasures can be found at Zero Gradi, where sweet dreams come true! After seeing great success with Zero Sweets and Coffees in the Bishop Arts District, the need for expansion came. Serving as the second and outermost location for North Texas residents to enjoy authentic Italian flavors, the quaint and welcoming dessert bar opened right off Dallas North Tollway in Frisco, at 6975 Lebanon Road. Inspired by his travels to Italy, founder and celebrity chef Johnny DiFrancesco sought to capture the authentic flavors of the Amalfi Coast. Sourcing the freshest and highest quality ingredients, he set forth to create and share his findings with the world, thus the Gradi Group was born. DiFrancesco is credited with creating the “world’s best” Neapolitan Pizza. Oddly enough, he did so from Australia. Since opening his doors in Melbourne in 2008, Johnny DiFrancesco A.K.A the World Pizza Champion has continued to grow the Gradi Group. Expanding to include 400 Gradi: La Vera Pizza Napoletana and Zero Gradi: Gelateria and Dessert Bar. With much success and accreditation, DiFrancesco said, ‘arrivederci’ to the land down under and set his heart on Dallas as his mainland destination. “We chose Dallas because of its multi-cultural food scene and the people. You can’t find the same Southern hospitality that you get in Dallas, anywhere else in the States.” Paying homage to authentic Italian flavors and traditions, DiFrancesco has shared his love of food and the Amalfi Coast across Victoria, Adelaide, Kuwait, New Zealand, Texas, and global cruise liners.

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Pilot Point Coffee House 110 W Main St Pilot Point TX 940-553-0075 pilotpointcoffeehouse.com

200 S. Washington St., Pilot Point TX M-F 4pm-12am | Sat 11am-1am | Sun 11am-12am 28

940-200-1439 lowbrows.texas@gmail.com

104 W Main St., Pilot Point TX 940-367-8120 shop-notoriouslyyours.myshopify.com

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NORTH TEXAS EVENTS HAPPENING IN FEBRUARY

Downtown Denton’s Non Alcohol Fest Sunday February 4th @ 3PM Miss Angeline’s 125 East Oak St, Denton

Events

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NORTH TEXAS EVENTS HAPPENING IN FEBRUARY PGA Frisco 4341 PGA Pkwy, Frisco

Events

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NORTH TEXAS EVENTS HAPPENING IN FEBRUARY

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Helping families achieve their goal of home ownership.

MARTIN GENERAL STORE 101 S JEFFERSON ST PILOT POINT TX 940-324-6068

311 W Broad St, Pilot Point TX 940-324-6567

Sharkarosazoo.com

11670 Massey Rd Pilot Point, TX 940-686-4600

Travel & Outdoors

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Historic Church Gets One-of-a-kind Playground Play Outdoors Texas Story & Photos By: Ida Cisneros

St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Lindsay, TX is a beloved part of its community. Its steeple is a visible comfort seen from almost any part of this small town, with an audible reminder of its presence from the bell tower which rings on the hour throughout the day. A designated Texas Historical Site, this church has a significant history in the town of Lindsay. It was originally built by German settlers in 1892. Now on its third building, St. Peter’s current Catholic church building was built over 100 years ago after it was destroyed by a tornado in 1917. In recent years, the church underwent a restoration process to restore the original religious artwork found in its sanctuary.

This past year, after a generous donation from Paul and Gary Hess Trucking Inc, St. Peters decided to replace its playground which had fallen into disrepair. Groundskeeper Brett Wells says, “Our church is a work of art. It’s in north Texas and it’s a historic work of art. My vision for this playground was to match what we have on the property.” Wells and his committee from St. Peters did not want a typical metal playground or anything with a commercial look. They were in search of something as unique as their beloved church. After much research, Wells found the playground company, Play Outdoors Texas located just south of Aubrey on US Hwy 377.

Travel & Outdoors

New to North Texas, but not to playgrounds, Play Outdoors Texas is originally out of Lubbock, Texas. “We were excited to expand into North Texas after our partnership with Backyard Adventures Playsets opened an opportunity to take over the sales territory almost two years ago.” says owner Randy Cisneros. “We’ve done playgrounds from the DFW area to West Texas and Eastern New Mexico, but we knew this playground was going to be different than any of the others we’d done before.” “I saw they could do custom work and the layout of the roofs reminded me exactly of our church,” says Wells. Cisneros came out to do a site visit and together, along with the help of Father Martin, began to design a playset that would benefit the children of Lindsay and correspond with the one-of-a-kind design of the St. Peter’s Catholic Church.” After approval by the playground committee, Play Outdoors Texas began working on this playground in late October. “Because this was an entire playground overhaul, we had our work cut-out for us. Our crew drove the hour twice daily for weeks to make sure this project would be completed in December, 34 including the custom work,” says Cisneros.

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“We asked Randy to create a steeple that would mirror the steeple on our church,” Wells says.“There is no other playground that looks like ours.” After loads of materials, hours of groundwork and construction, the playground was complete. The playground was reopened to the children of Lindsay in mid-December after a small ceremony honoring the donation in memory of Shirley Reiter Hess and Leslie Don Hess. “Lindsay is a great community,” Cisneros says, “It’s been a privilege getting to know members of the town that made their way out to check on the progress of the playground as we worked. The Police Chief kept a close eye on things as we progressed. We even had city council member, Glenn “Tic” Block, and local resident, Dennis Lutkenhaus, donate their time, equipment and expertise to ensure that the project stayed on track. Their entire community was invested and enthusiastic about this project.” Play Outdoors Texas takes pride in their work and dedication to family and community. “We love what we do. Playgrounds bring joy, memories, and togetherness to families and communities. We were blessed to be a part of this

Travel & Outdoors project and to be a part of the Lindsay community for those few weeks,” says Cisneros. St. Peter’s Catholic church is open to visitors daily from 8:30-5pm, but respectfully do not tour or photograph the church during their Mass Services or on Thursdays during Adoration times. Group tours can be scheduled by contacting the Parish Office at (940) 668-7609.

Play Outdoors Texas is a family-owned and operated business located at 4290 US Hwy 377 S in Aubrey, TX. They can be contacted at 945-468-2100. You can find their Cedar and Vinyl residential and commercial playground products at www.playoutdoorstexas.com. They are an authorized dealer for Backyard Adventures, Swing Kingdom, SpringFree Trampolines, Lelands Barns & Sheds and Metal Structures, Star Buildings and Carports, and Lone Star Windmills.

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Specializing in metal buildings & custom homes

DOUBLE B BUILDERS Brandon Beaty 940-395-6441 Gage Beaty 940-391-0701 600 HWY 377 Pilot Point TX brandon@doubleb-builders.com gage@doubleb-builders.com

UNCLE BETOS 36

940-686-0143 108 HWY 377, Pilot Point TX

NICK’S ITALIAN 940-686-2520 1340 HWY 377, Pilot Point TX

Shopping

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Camryn Chandler Reed

all Photos Courtesy Of Chandler three boutique

Chandler Three Boutique is a passion project started by three sisters, Camryn, Cennady, and Castle. Camryn Reed, the oldest sister is a creative and fashionforward individual who loves experimenting with different outfits and creating perfect looks. Camryn graduated from Texas Christian University in 2022 and then started working at Chandler Cabinets alongside her father, where she loves continuing on the family business. At Chandler Three Boutique she plays a crucial role in packing orders and helping run the business behind the scenes. Camryn and her husband Austin reside in Pilot Point, Texas, with their five adorable weenie dogs, making their home a haven of love and wagging tails. Additionally, Camryn's dedication and hard work shine through as she contributes to the success of Chandler Three Boutique.

Cennady Chandler, the middle sister, is currently pursuing a business degree at Texas Christian University. When she's not hitting the books, you can find her cheerleading for TCU. With a passion for creating captivating social media content, Cennady takes charge of our marketing and social media platforms. She's also the face behind the camera, and often seen modeling our clothes. In Pilot Point, Texas, Cennady resides with her adorable dog, Dove and her boyfriend Avery Smith. Her vibrant personality and dedication to her studies, cheerleading, and social media make her a huge part of the Chandler Three Boutique team. Castle Chandler, the youngest sister, is a senior at Pilot Point High School. She's excited to attend Dallas Baptist University, where she'll pursue a business degree.

Castle will also be part of the DBU cheer and stunt team. On top of that, she enjoys modeling and assisting Cennady with the social media for Chandler Three Boutique. One of her favorite parts of owning a boutique is opening all of the packages with new items. With her keen eye for style, she also assists on pop-up shops, helping others discover their perfect looks. Castle is a true fashion enthusiast, and her dedication and creativity shine through in everything she does. Camryn, Cennady, and Castle had always shared a deep love for fashion and a desire to bring their unique styles to the world. That's why they decided to come together and open Chandler Three Boutique, an online boutique that would showcase their individual tastes and offer a diverse range of clothing options. The three sisters believed that by combining their fashion expertise, they could create a shopping experience that would resonate with people from all walks of life. Chandler Three Boutique became a platform for them to express their creativity, 37

Shopping

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curate fashionable pieces, and connect with customers who shared their passion for style. With their combined efforts and the convenience of online shopping, Camryn, Cennady, and Castle were able to turn their dream of running a boutique into a reality, bringing their unique vision to fashion enthusiasts everywhere. Chandler Three Boutique started its journey as an online boutique in July of 2023. As a brand new business, they decided to kick things off with one collection and have been expanding ever since. Currently, they proudly offer six amazing collections, each with its own unique style. The first collection, Rush Crush, caters to those seeking preppy looks perfect for sorority rush or any special event. To stay in the loop and never miss a beat with Chandler The game day collection follows, featuring a variety of Three Boutique, following their Instagram and Facebook styles to help customers show off their school spirit. Then accounts is a must! Their social media platforms are the comes the back-to-school collection, presenting go-to places for all things fashion-related. From comfortable and stylish looks for students. The Graphics showcasing their latest styles to announcing upcoming collection, consisting of two-part t-shirts and sweatshirts, events, they keep their followers engaged and informed. was a huge hit, selling out within a week. Next up is Whether you're looking for outfit inspiration or want to Falling for Me, a fall collection showcasing cozy sweaters be the first to know about their newest collections, their and jackets for those autumn vibes. Winter Blues, their Instagram and Facebook pages have got you covered. So most recent collection, offers a selection of jackets and a hit that follow button and see what all Chandler Three touch of western style. And get ready, because Chandler Boutique has to offer! Three Boutique has a new collection dropping soon called Bows and Bouquets, which promises all things pink, bows, and girly. Chandler Three Boutique has experienced incredible success with their pop-ups and events, garnering a loyal following of fashion enthusiasts. With their sights set on future growth, they are excited about the possibility of adding a physical store front to their repertoire. This new venture would provide them with a permanent location to showcase their latest styles and connect with customers on a more personal level. By having a store front, Chandler Three Boutique can create an immersive shopping experience that truly brings their fashion vision to life. It's an exciting next step for them to further expand their reach and continue making waves in the fashion industry.

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Licensed Texas barber Se Habala Espanol

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Health & Wellness

Eat Your Greens Organic Farm Local Farm Harvested Microgreens BY LAURA BRADLEY PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF EAT YOUR GREENS ORGANIC FARM

April & Christa Zuniga

The Zuniga Family

For Christa and April Zuniga, their journey with Microgreens came about in early 2017 when April became very ill with an autoimmune disorder. For over two years, they researched endlessly, tried many different healing methods, and began eating healthier. This new lifestyle led them to start growing their own foods to ensure their family was getting the best possible nutrients, grown with the most trustworthy methods. They started with a small garden in their backyard then learned about Microgreens and decided to start growing those as well. They learned that if you are putting a lot of vitamins and nutrients into your body, your body will absorb those to try and heal itself. They noticed a huge difference in April’s body after introducing Microgreens, so they decided to start offering them to others as well. “When we learned of Microgreens and their nutrient density and we saw how they were helping April, it was a no-brainer. We had to start growing them for ourselves, our friends, family, and anyone else we could share them with.” Christa says.

Health & Wellness Microgreens are baby vegetables that studies have shown to offer forty times more nutrients than the adult version of the same vegetable. High in naturally occurring antioxidants, sulforaphane, chlorophyll, vitamins and minerals, you can enjoy them in and on almost anything! I personally enjoy them in my morning smoothies. Since their beginning in 2017, The Zuniga’s have expanded and now offer numerous ways to Eat Your Greens. Along with their freshly harvested raw microgreens, they now have microgreens powders and capsules along with versatile seasoning and microgreens infused oil. Everything is grown, produced, packaged and labeled at their sustainable farm in Krugerville. If you would like to try and grow your own microgreens, they also offer microgreens starter kits that allow you to grow your own microgreens in ten to twelve days from seed to harvest! Christa is a Certified Nutrition Coach, says you can eat your microgreens anytime of the day but they are full of energy, so she suggests eating them first thing in the morning. You can put the greens, powders, and seasoning mix in smoothies, on tacos, burgers, and salads etc. because they go with everything. If you cannot eat them right away, you can freeze them. Microgreens contain sulforaphane and freezing them enhances the benefits. “We want to help others, also on healing journeys, looking for what their body needs to perform its natural purpose, to thrive” Christa says. All of their products are available for pickup at their local farm or delivery within a twenty mile radius of Aubrey.

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WHERE TO FIND THEM LOCALLY: denton community market Every Saturday From 9-1 March December

krugerville farmers market Every 2nd & 4th Sunday

robson ranch Every Friday Year Round

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FAITH & FAMILY

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Believe... Despite...

November 2015. The day a miracle happened as a beautiful baby girl was put into my arms through the matchless gift of adoption. September 2013. The day a miracle happened as my daughter took her last breath in my arms. Both of these days radiate in my heart and soul as absolute miracles. Why?

In September, when my daughter was born, I finally became a mother here on Earth after 15 years of infertility, 10 pregnancies and 9 miscarriages. I watched my baby girl, Crea, hold my finger in her tiny hand before they wheeled her out of one operating room into the next. Crea. Her name means BELIEVE in Spanish. The next day I held her, in a room full of machines, and watched as they disconnected her from each one and I thanked her for making me a mom as she took her last breath on Earth and her first in Eternity. After she passed, I closed my eyes and prayed, “God, your Word says if we have the smallest amount of Faith like a mustard seed we can speak to the mountain, and it will move. I believe you can bring her back and make her whole.” I opened my eyes, and she was still gone. I felt a small still voice remind me of Isaiah 55:8 that says, “My ways are not your ways, and My

thoughts are not your thoughts.” Things didn’t turn out the way I had planned when I was wheeled out of that hospital with my arms empty yet again. But He did what He said He would do and that day, I became a mother. Many would argue and say what happened on September 6 was not good. I would argue it was because there was a promise made and a promise kept despite what I felt it should look like. Believe Despite. This has been the mantra of my life for twenty plus years. I don’t often get to choose when it comes to situations in this life, but I DO get to choose to BELIEVE the good DESPITE what it may look like.

FAITH & FAMILY

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job, a miracle, a restored relationship, a broken heart…whatever it is…. I challenge you to make 2024 a year where you Believe Despite!

I never imagined adoption + me would = love. Yet here I am loving every single moment of it! It was scary. It was raw. It was hard. But I chose to believe the good in all of it despite what it looked like in moments. When my daughter (who is now a bubbly and opinionated 8 year old) came into my life I wasn’t 100% sure that journey was for me. But through the journey of grief and choosing faith over fear, the amazing unfolded within me and for me!

Friends, I hope if you are reading this, you don’t discard it and say, “well, that’s all great for you, but that doesn’t ever happen for me.” I hope if you read these words, you will know that choosing to Believe Despite is for YOU. Yes, you reading this! And it is for you right now! Regardless if it is for a child, a spouse, a

Elisa became an accidental artist after her Crea passed away. She started painting to process her grief and while she prayed, cried, and painted, canvasses became encouragement messages for her. When her first painting sold to a perfect stranger, she realized the messages she thought were for her she had to share with others. Her art can be found hung in homes and offices throughout the United States, Canada and the European Union and she speaks at conferences and with groups sharing the Believe Despite message. You can find more about her work on Facebook if you search Elisa B.

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940-312-7132 1280 US Hwy 377, Pilot Point, cornercafepp.com 45

Financial Talk

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Considering land as a retirement investment: How can we outpace inflation and plan for retirement when our investments are not making much money? What exactly are tangible investments? My dad would say classic cars, but tangible investments can include real estate, businesses, commodities and natural resources like oil, precious metals, minerals or agricultural commodities including livestock. Other tangible investments can be jewelry, firearms, fine art, cars and antiques. Diversification is key when investing, so let’s decide to invest in tangibles that we can enjoy before retirement! Life is about psychological fulfillment and honestly transferring money to an investment account depresses me when my return is at 8% and inflation is at 22%. Those percentages are probably not exact, but they sure seem that way. Tangible investments

“

THE BENEFITS OF INVESTING IN LAND

LAND PRICES ARE ONLY GOING TO GO UP By: Amber Sanders

can come with more opportunities to make money. Here’s an example, buying property and leasing it out for hunting, livestock, horse pasture leases, RV parks or camping can bring in revenue. There are more creative ways to make money depending on the type of land and location. Every month I read the land values of north Texas. Properties are listed by county, price per acre and number of acres that were sold. The land prices are increasing every month for every county. This made me think about investing in my future for retirement. Being self-employed, I must create my own retirement. I can invest in several types of investment accounts to handle money with the goal to retire, but “What if?” What if I used that same amount of money per month and

Financial Talk

invested in land. I could also use that land to make some revenue to offset the costs of purchasing. When I Google investments, there are many companies that will invest in the typical money market investment accounts that everyone thinks about when we see the term investment. We are completely missing the idea of investing in land that will never depreciate. In today’s world, we should try to think of ways to outproduce inflation. It can be done with careful planning and strategic tangible investments. Land can be financed for 15 years and at that point in time, it will be worth multiple times of the purchase price. Personally, I have friends that have purchased small pieces of land ranging around 10-20 acres in Oklahoma and the land values have already tripled in several years. They use the land for family camping trips on the weekends and enjoy it before retirement. The goal for land investing is to buy low and sell high. Over time, that naturally occurs as land values increase. Other considerations are the need for land to continue agricultural operations. There will continue to be a need for agriculture in our future as our population grows.

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Any person interested in the farming industry can utilize one of the USDA’s Farm Service Loans. There are several agricultural programs to help with loans used to buy land intended for farming and other operational costs. The U.S.D.A. has farm loan programs to assist in buying land. The Farm Ownership loan with joint financing is currently at 3.875%. There is also assistance in loans for a down payment on farmland that is at 1.875%. Land prices will only go up from here on out and into our future. Land is a great investment that can be used to make income. Create personal long-term goals to include land ownership, even small pieces of land now. Land investments will continue to hedge inflation, which is exactly what we need to retire someday.

Disclaimer: This article is an opinion piece for educational purposes only and is not intended for investment advice. The author is not a professional financial advisor.

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Discover North Texas Magazine | February 2024 | Issue 2