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Founded in 2014 by Amarilda Vucaj, Amareaux Interior Design has become a trusted partner for discerning homeowners, builders, and real estate professionals. Whether embarking on a new build, transforming a remodel, or furnishing a residence from the ground up, our studio brings vision, expertise, and seamless project management to every step of the journey.
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Whether you’re buying your first home, building your dream home, or refinancing, First Merchants Bank offers flexible options to meet your needs.
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Our May issue — our annual Women’s Issue — is one of our favorites of the year because we get to celebrate all the incredible women in our community.
On our cover this month, we are thrilled to feature actor, advocate, style icon and Michigannative Selma Blair, who made the bold decision to speak publicly — and inspire countless others — about her journey with MS. Read about all of her favorite hometown haunts, right here in Birmingham.
In that same inspirational spirit, we are proud to introduce six local women entrepreneurs and business owners who share their stories of overcoming the odds in male-dominated industries, the importance of perseverance and dedication to family and community.
This issue continues to spotlight women having a meaningful impact in our community and beyond. Olympic gold medalist Tatiana Gustu tells us about her journey from the Ukraine to Michigan, and the inspiration behind her work in mentorship, empowerment and community. And the vivacious energy of Rosalyn Yellin — one of the stars of Netflix’s Members Only: Palm Beach and mom to a Birmingham resident — spills across our pages.
At Birmingham City Lifestyle, we’re especially proud to be a women-owned publication. It’s an honor to tell the stories of our community’s remarkable women this month and every month. We hope this issue leaves you feeling as inspired as we were in putting it together, and grateful, as we are, to be part of a community that uplifts and empowers one another.
One of my favorite parts of being Editor of this magazine is connecting with and championing the incredible women here in Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills and beyond. In this issue, we celebrate women — the trail-blazers, the leaders, the visionaries and the everyday heroes who make our community stronger.
Have a Happy Mother’s Day — and here’s to celebrating the women who make life so much more meaningful.
LYNNE KONSTANTIN, EDITOR
May 2026
PUBLISHER
Ali Kramer | ali.kramer@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Lynne Konstantin | lynne.konstantin@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Lisa Gindi | lisa.gindi@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Patti Noble, Matthew Sousa, Susan Thwing
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Parker Burr, Aly Darin, Amy Harrity, Patti Noble, Lucas Noonan, Michael Simon
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
Over $875 Million in personal career sales (not team sales)
Over $70 Million personally sold in 2025 #1 Individual Agent at Max Broock/Real Estate One (over 2,100 agents statewide)
Selma Blair talks hometown roots, style and
Six Birmingham-area women share the stories, struggles and superpowers behind their success.
The Palm Beach philanthropist, Netflix reality star and proud grandmother finds her people in Birmingham.
Amy Harrity
Highline Trading, founded by Calvin Kashat and Brandon Murad, is a trusted destination for buying, selling, and trading luxury timepieces and designer handbags. We specialize in authentic watches from Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Omega, Cartier, and more — along with sought-after handbags from Chanel, Dior, Hermès, and Goyard.
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1: At the launch of Aya Restrepo Atelier collection “Silk Petal & Stone” — made-to-measure overcoats and jackets in luxe fabrics — Feb 12, at Glam Jail, Birmingham. 2-5: Guests mingle at the collection launch with designer Aya Restrepo, in pink skirt. 6: Samia Ruddy, Birmingham City Lifestyle Publisher Ali Kramer, Jennifer Thurswell, designer Aya Restrepo, Dana Labes, Regina Pipia and Bree Hefner. 7: Designer Aya Restrepo with family and friends.
1: Project2, mentoring women from underserved communities and organizations, held its fundraiser Manifesting Moments, March 4 at the Community House in Birmingham. Pictured: Co-Founder Allison Kuhn, Host Sandra Ali of CBS Detroit, Featured Speaker, healer and medium Lynn Darmon and Co-Founder Danielle Kovachevich. 2: Candice Rich, Ali Kramer, Minna Sharrak, Amy Vucaj and Rachel Leith. 3: Allison Kuhn, Marisa Kuhn, Ashley Sarnaik, Nicole Stassinopoulos Photography by Aly Darin
Known for its Detroit location and cult-favorite pop-ups, Street Beet has opened its Birmingham location at 233 N. Old Woodward. Founder Meghan Shaw offers loyal fans and newcomers a distinct mix of comfort, creativity, irreverent humor and high flavor in the form of cult-favorite vegan comfort food, diner nostalgia, fast-food classics and a walk-up window in the alley. Streetbeet.online
Now online! Fan-fave St. Roger Abbey Patisserie, which opened in Birmingham late last year, now offers online ordering. Founded in France, the Nuns of Fraternite Notre Dame run humanitarian missions around the world, including the Birmingham shop, where the nuns raise funds by selling their exquisite French pastries. The nostalgic space and its offerings are wholesome, homey and delicious: Nuns craft everything by hand, using premium organic ingredients in macarons, cookies, cakes, breads and jams. Birmingham.strogerabbey.org .
The long-awaited Rag & Bone has opened its first standalone store in Michigan at 110 S. Old Woodward Ave. Known for their delicious knits and stunningly perfect denim, with credos of “be a good human” and “pursue better,” the brand is rooted in New York style and British tailoring. Known almost as well for the marketing campaigns, the brand launched in 2012 with Kate Moss, followed by Michael Pitt, Winona Ryder, Emile Hirsch, John Turturro, Harvey Keitel and more. Rag-bone.com .
Ear, Nos E , ThroaT
hE ad & N E ck s urg E ry
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Facial Plas T ic s urg E ry
Voic E Th E ra P y
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ARTICLE BY LYNNE KONSTANTIN
On the day of our conversation in March, sitting in her sunny L.A. home, Selma Blair is curious about the weather in Birmingham, where I tell her it had been snowing that morning. She chats easily, remembering a snow day she had in April in the 1980s. “Michigan weather,” she says. She’s eager to reminisce with another native about her Michigan childhood, growing up in Southfield and hanging out at Linda Dresner and Mark Keller — even if it’s about the weather. She asks me where I live, we play a bit of “did you know this person,” and she’s excited to learn we have friends in common.
To the world, Blair is known as an actor, a connoisseur of style and an activist. But to locals, we love to claim her as our own, a graduate of Hillel Day School in Farmington Hills, Kingswood-Cranbrook Schools in Bloomfield Hills, then the University of Michigan. With roles in iconic classics Cruel Intentions and Legally Blonde, John Waters’ A Dirty Shame and Guillermo del Toro’s Hellboy, she’s also appeared on stage, had a turn on Dancing With the Stars and authored a New York Times bestseller, Mean Baby: A Memoir of Growing up. Most recently, she’s made appearances in Ethan Almighty, S.W.A.T. Exiles and reprised her role in Hellboy II: The Golden Army.
In August 2018, at age 46, Blair was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Since then, she has balanced raising her 14-year-old son, Arthur, as a single mom, her health and a profound interest in advocacy. Here, Blair catches us up.
...I began to realize how many people were craving a connection, or craving someone they knew publicly to talk about just a tiny bit of their challenges.
BIRMINGHAM CITY LIFESTYLE: You’ve been so open about living with MS. What made you decide to go public with your diagnosis?
SELMA BLAIR: I wasn't planning some big public statement. I didn’t think it was the biggest tragedy, but it was something that was having an impact on my life. A few months after I was diagnosed in 2018, a stylist went out of her way to help me — I was so happy and appreciative that someone would help to dress me. I wasn't really ready to tell many people about it. But at that time, my abilities were changing and it was kind of obvious that there was something off with me. So I did come out with it, and it really got me out of myself because I began to realize how many people were craving a connection, or craving someone they knew publicly to talk about just a tiny bit of their challenges. I definitely developed a broader kind of connection with people.
Little things like that make a big difference. Like showing up on a red carpet in a lovely gown but with your walking stick. How much that might mean to people who use that, who might feel it makes them look geriatric, or too young, or out of the workforce — whatever people’s feelings are that might be slightly negative about using something like that. I think it was an opportunity to show a different perspective, that it just felt natural and easy. I had undiagnosed symptoms for years, so I was actually very grateful to be diagnosed. So I had a very different kind of reaction to my diagnosis than other people might. When I had a warm reception from so many people in similar situations, it really broadened the way I thought about relating to the public and putting myself out there. I have those exact people to thank, who noticed me in that time where I was really vulnerable and felt a commonality.
BCL: Your walking canes have become iconic in their own right.
SB: I had a vintage cane that a stylist friend turned into a patent-leather walking stick. My manicurist Tom Bachik put diamonds on the head of the cane, and it made it feel really gorgeous. That’s the sensibility I’d like to give to other people too — that not everything has to look medical. I mean, it’s fine if it does — that’s a choice, and who really cares. But it’s not all lost if you need to make a compromise with your balance or your gait. There are ways to do it that can make you happy.
BCL: How did your collaboration with Benny’s Eyewear — Selma Blair X Benny’s — come about?
SB: I found this pair of eyeglasses by this company, Benny’s, years ago. Every time I was on a Zoom, or reading, as I got older, I realized I needed readers. I had the Gianna’s — and every time I wore them, everyone loved them. After my MS diagnosis, my vision went kind of wonky and my prescription kept changing, and I kept losing pairs. I lost a pair on a plane and replaced them with generic drugstore ones, I was like, oh, there is no compromising. I cannot wear these. I cannot see because I cannot wear drugstore readers. So selfishly, I reached out to Susan Berryman, the founder of Benny’s — when I found out they were a Michigan company, that was it. I asked if we could collaborate on a collection. I was a fan of hers way before she was a fan of mine!
I wound up adoring her, we have a great relationship, so we did this collaboration of readers and sunnies, and they all have names that are special to me. The Arthur is my favorite reader, named after my son, Arthur Saint. They actually look great on him, too. The Saint is my favorite sunglass, named after his middle name, which was also my childhood nickname — probably facetiously by my mother. There’s a Molly after my mother, a Grace after Grace Kelly, and a Kelly after my friend from Cranbrook. So it’s personal. Also, a portion of their proceeds go to the American Brain Foundation. So I was so impressed that this company that I harangued into doing a collaboration with me. [Find Benny’s locally at Found Objects in Birmingham, and online at bennyseyewear.com.]
BCL: For your advocacy, you have been honored with Glamour’s Women of the Year award, the Equity in Entertainment Award by the Hollywood Reporter, the SAG-AFTRA Harold Russell Award, the Media Access Visionary Award and were named one of Time magazine’s People of the Year as a Silence Breaker. What other organizations do you work with?
SB: I am the global ambassador for the American Brain Foundation [americanbrainfoundation.org] — I realized how important it was to raise funding for research to find a cure for so many brain diseases. I’m the chief creative officer of Guide Beauty, which creates cosmetics for those with mobility challenges. And in May, I hosted a fundraiser in Michigan for Yoga Moves MS, founded by another Michigan woman, Mindy Eisenberg, and I was presented with a Key to the City of Southfield.
BCL: What are your favorite spots to hit when you return to Michigan?
SB: I had a great childhood in Michigan — climbing pine trees in Pierce Park, having lunch at Olga’s and discovering fashion — so I love revisiting some of those formative spots. I still have family here — in Birmingham and Royal Oak, and my mom lives in Plymouth. When I come back, I love going into the woods near my old house in Southfield. There are these incredible woods that a lot of people don’t know about, with the Rouge River running through. I love taking long walks there. I love the Townsend and the Daxton. And of course, the Franklin Cider Mill — that’s a real memory for me. I just love being back in Birmingham, visiting Cranbrook, all the things I loved when I was young.
BCL: What does your son think of Michigan?
SB: He loves it. He likes going downtown to Royal Oak, hitting the thrift stores in Birmingham and Southfield. We love finding cool vintage pieces together.
BCL: Who were your local fashion inspirations growing up?
SB: The late Linda Dresner was one of my biggest inspirations — absolutely an icon to me. Whether it was on Park Avenue, at Somerset or in Birmingham, that store shaped my sensibility. Linda was friendly with my mom, and she really embraced me growing up. I credit her with teaching me about bringing a Michigan sensibility of great style outward into the world. I also loved going to Mark Keller and It’s the Ritz in Birmingham.
BCL: What does style mean in your life now?
SB: Karl Lagerfeld made my wedding dresses and embraced me for years — those were tremendous compliments in my younger years. But you age and find new people who touch you with their kindness and incredible work, like Christian Siriano. And then you find amazing designers like Susan Berryman from Benny’s. Fashion has always meant something to me — in part, related to my mom.
BCL: How do you balance everything — work, health, activism, being a mom?
SB: I don't do it that well, but I do it. I’m fortunate that I’m in remission right now. And my son is now 14, so he’s pretty self-sufficient in a lot of ways. It’s a labor of love, building stamina after recovering, finding people who inspire you, people with passion like Susan — I find it so comforting to find people from where we hail from, that feels like you have a shared kind of experience. It really feels like home. But your social life suffers. Something’s going to suffer — your social life, maybe — because you might need to sleep more than the average bear when you have a chronic illness. But so far, so good.
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Six Birmingham-area women entrepreneurs share the stories, struggles and superpowers behind their success.
ARTICLE BY LYNNE KONSTANTIN
What does it take to build something from the ground up — while raising families, breaking barriers and staying true to yourself? The six Birmingham-area entrepreneurial women on these pages know firsthand. Their stories are different, but their drive is the same: to lead with purpose, create with passion and leave something lasting behind.
MARTINA CAMAJ
Creative Director, Events & Brand Experience
Tallulah Wine Bar & Bistro | ZANA — Birmingham
Describe what you do. My focus is shaping the creative vision behind our restaurant brands — developing experiences that go beyond the culinary, from events and collaborations to storytelling, media relations and the overall guest experience. Together with our team, including my husband, Mario, we aim to create spaces that feel warm, inspiring and memorable. More than restaurants, we’re building a lifestyle brand.
As a woman entrepreneur, do you feel you have to adopt a different leadership style than your male counterparts? I don’t believe it’s about leading differently than men — it’s about leading authentically as a woman. For me, that means intuition, attention to detail, warmth and thoughtfulness. In a historically male-dominated industry, I’m fortunate to have helped build a company rooted in creativity and diversity. My strength lies in design, storytelling and creating experiences that feel intentional and memorable.
What is the ‘why’ behind your business? It’s more than feeding people or serving great food. What truly drives me is knowing that the spaces we create become part of people’s lives — their celebrations, their conversations, their memories. There’s something incredibly meaningful about being part of those moments.
What does your work-life harmony look like? It comes down to organization and intention. I’ve structured my role to offer more flexibility than in my earlier years in the business, when I worked incredibly long hours while my children were young. Being able to pick them up from school and attend their activities now is something I truly value.
Photo by Aly Darin
Travel, design, reading and exploring new restaurants keep my creativity alive — and those experiences often find their way back into our work.
What advice would you give to your 25-year-old self? I vividly remember being 25 — a first-time mom, having just given birth to my son, while we simultaneously purchased our first restaurant, Tallulah, and I was still working full-time in HR. My twenties were busy, exhausting and relentless. But I wouldn’t change a thing. If I could tell my younger self anything, it would be: keep going — you’re building something so much bigger than you can see right now.
What inspired you to start off on your own? I left HR in 2020 and joined the business full-time just one month before COVID. It was one of the most intense and uncertain times to step in — especially with the industry’s survival in question. But it was a blessing in disguise. I immediately applied my HR background in ways that mattered: new processes, guiding our team through unemployment, fundraising for staff and pivoting overnight from fine dining to carryout and outdoor service. What felt chaotic became the foundation for how we grew and adapted.
What was your childhood dream job? I never had one specific dream job. What I always had was a vision for my life — rooted in style, travel, food and family. I was drawn to creating experiences, to beauty, to how things feel as much as how they look. I didn’t follow a traditional path — I curated my dream instead.
What do you love about living and working in the Birmingham area? While I don’t live directly in Birmingham, I joke that it’s truly our home. What I love most is the people. The way this community showed up during the pandemic — when our future was uncertain — is something I’ll never forget. So many of our guests have become lifelong friends.
What would people be surprised to learn about you? When people hear I’m in hospitality, they assume I’m in the dining room every evening. My role is actually more behind the scenes — focused on creative direction, partnerships, events and brand storytelling. It’s a different side of hospitality, but one that lets me shape the vision.
What is your superpower? I can walk into a space and immediately start envisioning how it should feel and how people will experience it. It’s the attention to detail — the small touches people may not always notice but always remember — that transforms something from ordinary to truly special.
What is the last photo you took on your phone? A mirror selfie at work, in the newly redecorated bathrooms at Tallulah.
CONTINUED >
It’s the attention to detail — the small touches people may not always notice but always remember — that transforms something from ordinary to truly special.
Be a little kinder to yourself and a lot more patient. Growth takes time, and not everything has to happen at once.
DR. MONA HARDAS
Cosmetic and Functional Gynecologist Mona Hardas MD PC — offices in
Birmingham, Flint Township and Troy
Describe your business. I’m a board-certified gynecologist specializing in both medical and cosmetic women’s health. I offer surgical and non-surgical treatments, hormone therapy and sexual wellness care — helping women feel like themselves again in a personalized, supportive environment.
As a woman entrepreneur, what is the biggest barrier you’ve faced, and how did you overcome it? One of the biggest barriers has been being taken seriously in a space that is often misunderstood. Women’s intimate health, sexual wellness and aesthetic care are still stigmatized — minimized as ‘optional’ rather than recognized for their real impact on quality of life. I overcame that by staying grounded in evidence-based care and consistently educating patients, peers and critics. My outcomes and patient trust define my work. As for leadership, my ability to combine precision with empathy is an advantage — in women’s health, patients don’t just need expertise, they need to feel seen. That’s not a weakness. It’s a differentiator.
What is the “why” behind your business? I’ve seen how deeply these issues affect women — not just physically, but emotionally and in their relationships. My ‘why’ is creating a space where women don’t feel embarrassed or dismissed, and where they actually have solutions. When a woman tells me she feels like herself again — that’s what keeps me going.
What does your work-life harmony look like? It’s always a work in progress. I don’t believe in doing everything perfectly, but I do believe in being intentional. My work is demanding but deeply meaningful, so I protect time with family, maintain small daily rituals and prioritize workouts and quiet time. That’s what keeps me grounded.
What advice would you give to your 25-year-old self? Be a little kinder to yourself and a lot more patient. Growth takes time, and not everything has to happen at once. Trust your gut — there were moments I knew the right direction but hesitated. Learning to trust that inner voice has been the most important part of my journey. I’d also step into confidence sooner and take bold, calculated risks earlier.
What inspired you to start off on your own? Early in my career within a hospital-based model, I felt limited by administrative structures and the constraints of insurance-based care, which doesn’t recognize cosmetic and functional gynecology. I wanted to practice more holistically — combining medical, functional and aesthetic care without those limitations. Starting my own practice gave me the freedom to focus on personalized care and address concerns that are too often overlooked.
What was your childhood dream job? Interior decorator. I wanted to design beautiful homes.
What do you love about working in the Birmingham area? The energy — a unique blend of sophistication and community. People
here genuinely value wellness, high-quality care and aesthetics, which aligns beautifully with what I do. I love 220 Merrill, Hazel’s and Bell Bistro, and I enjoy exploring the local boutiques and spending time downtown.
What would people be surprised to learn about you? I’m very creative outside of medicine. I love painting — especially acrylics — which allows me to slow down and truly disconnect.
What is your superpower? Listening beyond what’s being said. Many women come to me with concerns they’ve never fully expressed before, or don’t even have words for. I’ve developed the ability to understand both the physical and emotional aspects of what they’re experiencing and translate that into a treatment plan that feels right for them.
What’ the last photo you took on your phone? The expression on my friend’s face when we surprised her with a milestone birthday party.
How do you give back to your community? Giving back is central to who I am. I’ve served on the boards of the Flint Institute of Arts, the Flint Community Foundation (particularly its women and girls fund) and Whaley Children’s Center, which supports abused children. I’ve also participated in various volunteer activities across Genesee County. For me, it’s about using my time and experience to create opportunities and make a meaningful impact where I live and work.
I love helping women feel confident and happy.
ERINN MOSS
Owner and Operator Drybar Birmingham | Drybar Ann Arbor | Pure Glow Birmingham
Describe your businesses. I’ve owned Drybar franchises for nearly eight years, specializing in making women feel happy and confident, one blowout at a time. This year I opened Pure Glow in Downtown Birmingham — delivering premium airbrush tans in a beautiful, spalike setting. Both businesses offer luxury service at an accessible price.
As a woman entrepreneur, what is the biggest barrier you’ve faced, and how did you overcome it? Franchising is big business, and operating multiple locations while growing into something larger comes with real challenges — I’ve had to work hard to earn my seat at many tables. I didn’t go to college; every part of my business education came from experience, grit and determination. Early on I felt insecure about that. Today, I’m fiercely proud of it.
What is the ‘why’ behind your business? At its core: I love helping women feel confident and happy. It’s remarkable how a great blowout or a beautiful tan can shift the way someone carries herself into a job interview, a first date or a major life moment. I’m equally passionate about building real careers for our teams — places where young women can earn steady income, grow professionally and see a future in an industry that hasn’t always offered that path. What does your work-life harmony look like? Less about perfect balance, more about being present wherever I am. Outside of work, most of my time goes to supporting my four boys through whatever season they’re in — my husband coaches, which makes me head cheerleader, Uber driver and snack captain. We’ve met incredible families through kids’ sports, so it never feels like a grind.
What advice would you give to your 25-year-old self? At 27, I decided to say yes to any opportunity that came my way — which led to me packing my bags for Brazil to film CBS’s Survivor. I arrived nervous and unsure of myself. I left the jungle finishing third and carrying a confidence that has shaped everything since. I wish my younger self had known that confidence was always there — I didn’t need to travel to a remote corner of the world to find it.
What inspired you to start off on your own? My husband had just retired from the NHL and started a job he hated. We were too young to retire, but working for someone else wasn’t the answer. We knew people who’d found success in franchising — we just needed to find the right fit.
What was your childhood dream job? When I was a kid, I knew I’d be famous. Apparently dreams do come true — Survivor is currently airing its 50th season, and my kids are finally starting to think I’m as cool as their dad.
What do you love about working in the Birmingham area? Too many things to list. We have the best neighbors, Beyond Juice and Brooklyn Pizza are staples, and The Good Day is just the greatest. The Paper Source has saved me more than once with a last-minute card or gift.
What is something people would be surprised to learn about you? I am a master procrastinator. I do my best work right up against a deadline.
What is your superpower? I don’t panic, overreact or raise my voice. My team will confirm this. My kids — I’m still working on it.
What is the last photo you took on your phone? Lunch at RH. How do you give back to your community? My husband, Dave, and I serve on the board of Hockey Has Heart, a nonprofit supporting Michigan hockey families facing life-altering challenges — providing emergency financial assistance for medical expenses and lost wages.
CONTINUED >
I don’t think it’s about leading differently than men — it’s about leading in a way that’s true to who you are.
PATTI ZAKOOR
Owner o44 Movement (Pilates Studio) — Bloomfield Hills
Describe your business. I own o44 Movement, a Pilates studio in Bloomfield Hills offering dynamic programming focused on strength, mobility and functional movement. I discovered the o44 approach as a client years ago and immediately fell in love. The workouts are effective, empowering and accessible across fitness levels.
As a woman entrepreneur, what is the biggest barrier you’ve faced? Much of my career has been in traditionally male-dominated industries, but I’ve always felt supported. I don’t think it’s about leading differently than men — it’s about leading in a way that’s true to who you are. I spent 25 years at a startup that grew into a global organization of 900-plus employees, and that experience taught me resilience and the importance of strong teams. Those lessons carry directly into how I run o44.
What is the ‘why’ behind your business? The impact movement can have on people’s lives. The o44 programming completely changed how I felt in my own body — stronger, more balanced, more energized. I wanted to create a warm, welcoming space where others could experience that same transformation. Watching clients grow stronger and more confident, and seeing our teachers build genuine community, is what makes this work so rewarding.
What does your work-life harmony look like? I live in Windsor and the studio is in Bloomfield Hills, so I regularly cross the border to manage the business. Having a strong team of teachers allows me to step away when needed, knowing the studio is in great hands. I try to be fully present wherever I am — when I’m at work, I’m focused there; when I’m home, I make a conscious effort to soak in that time with my family.
What advice would you give to your 25-year-old self? Trust the journey and don’t be afraid of uncertainty. When I started my career, we were a small startup and none of us knew where the road would lead. With perseverance,
teamwork and the right mindset, we built something to be truly proud of. Sometimes the underdog really does come out on top. As for doing anything differently — my journey made me who I am. I wouldn’t change it.
What inspired you to start off on your own? It was a passion project. After many years in the corporate world, I wanted to pursue something that combined business with something I genuinely loved. When I discovered o44, it clicked. I often tell my boys, ‘Wherever you go, go with all your heart.’ Opening the studio was my way of living that philosophy.
What was your childhood dream job? I was always drawn to numbers and people. I remember going to the bank with my mom as a young girl, fascinated by the tellers — I wanted to work with money and help people. As a CFO and studio owner, I feel like I’ve come full circle.
What do you love about working in the Birmingham area? The Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills area has such a vibrant, supportive community — a real appreciation for wellness and local businesses. I love grabbing coffee from Hudson’s Place and visiting Toast for breakfast.
What would people be surprised to learn about you? Most people are surprised to learn I live in Canada and commute across the border to run the studio. It’s only about 40 minutes, but it makes for a pretty unique entrepreneurial story.
What is your superpower? Perseverance — and loyalty. Having helped grow a startup into a global company over 25 years, I’ve learned that success rarely happens overnight. Consistency, resilience and strong relationships make all the difference.
What is the last photo you took on your phone? My two dogs — they’re the light of our family and make up a good portion of my camera roll.
How do you give back to your community? Giving back is deeply important to me. One meaningful example: We partnered with Care House of Oakland County to support a family during the holidays. I truly believe that kindness put into the world always returns in significant ways. CONTINUED >
You don’t need to have everything figured out to start — just trust yourself and take action sooner
LAURA GONZALES
Founder Synergy EMS — Birmingham
Describe your business. Synergy EMS is a concierge-style personal training practice using Electrical Muscle Stimulation. Clients wear a specialized suit that activates multiple muscle groups simultaneously during guided exercises, making workouts more efficient and effective. Twenty minutes of EMS equals approximately 90 minutes of traditional exercise.
As a woman entrepreneur, what is the biggest barrier you’ve faced? Balancing entrepreneurship with motherhood while working full-time as an engineer for a major automotive manufacturer — and showing up as a credible leader in both the fitness and tech spaces. Like my male counterparts, I approach business like an engineer: leaning into structure and data. Where I differ is leading with empathy alongside results.
What is the ‘why’ behind your business? Helping people feel strong and capable in their own bodies — especially during seasons of life when that can feel out of reach, like postpartum recovery. Seeing someone regain their confidence, strength and quality of life is what keeps me going, even when building a business gets hard.
What does your work-life harmony look like? Intentional structure over perfect balance. I protect small daily rituals — reading, a chapter of the Bible, a workout (even just 20 minutes) — and prioritize quality time with my family. Those habits help me show up as a better entrepreneur, mom and person.
What advice would you give to your 25-year-old self? You don’t need to have everything figured out to start — just trust yourself and take action sooner. I spent too much time trying to feel ‘ready,’ when the real growth came from doing, adjusting and staying consistent. I’d also have leaned into the intersection of my strengths earlier: engineering, strength training and building something of my own is what truly sets me apart. And I would have
protected my peace more — sustainability, not burnout, is what builds long-term success.
What inspired you to start off on your own? I saw a gap in the fitness space, especially for women navigating strength, postpartum recovery and real life. I didn’t want to replicate what was already out there — I wanted to build something more intentional, more evidence-based and more sustainable. Synergy EMS gave me the opportunity to combine everything I’ve learned and create something that reflects how I truly believe health and strength should be approached.
What was your childhood dream job? Ever since I was a young girl, I dreamed of being a mother. I’m currently living that dream.
What do you love about living and working in the Birmingham area? There’s a strong culture around healthy living here — you see it everywhere, from people biking and running to the abundance of parks and courts. It’s walkable, with great shops and restaurants nearby. A few personal favorites: Jaus for feminine wear and Casa Pernoi for a great meal.
What would people be surprised to learn about you? I’m fully bilingual — I speak, read and write in both Spanish and English. What is your superpower? Believing that I already have it all. Life is about perspective. We get so caught up chasing the next milestone, thinking happiness is waiting on the other side. But you can experience joy throughout the process — and that’s what makes the journey meaningful.
What is the last photo you took on your phone? My baby, of course.
How do you give back to your community? My family and I are actively involved in Community Christian Church, whose outreach extends well beyond Michigan. Through Synergy EMS, we partner with local charitable organizations by offering classes and experiences as part of fundraising efforts — supporting meaningful causes while staying connected to the community.
CONTINUED >
MARYGRACE DICKSON
President & Owner Mariella Custom Drapery (MCD & Associates) — Birmingham
Describe your business. Mariella Custom Drapery is an award-winning, family-owned atelier with more than 44 years of experience in custom window treatments and soft furnishings. We specialize in bespoke drapery, pillows and modern blind systems, offering full service from measure to installation for both residential and commercial applications. At our core, we are a true workroom — where craftsmanship, detail and artistry come together to create pieces meant to last for generations.
As a woman entrepreneur, what is the biggest barrier you’ve faced? Stepping into the role of second-generation owner came with big shoes to fill. My mother built this business with incredible strength, discipline and talent, and I felt a deep responsibility to carry that forward while growing it in my own way. Balancing family and business was another challenge — I made the conscious decision early on that family would always come first. I’ve never tried to lead like anyone else. I lead the
by
way I was taught: through hard work, focus, attention to detail and respect for the craft. Consistency builds trust, and over time I earned my place by staying committed and grounded in what we do best.
What is the ‘why’ behind your business? Legacy. I grew up in my mother’s workroom, spending afternoons after school surrounded by fabrics, trims and sewing machines — making Barbie clothes and scrunchies while she worked. What felt like play became the foundation of everything I do today. With a degree in interior architecture and art history from Wayne State, I especially love working in historic spaces where history itself becomes part of the design. This work isn’t just about beautiful interiors — it’s about people, memory and creating something that lives on long after the project is complete.
What does your work-life harmony look like? My peace is my home. After full days in beautiful, creative spaces, my favorite place to be is my kitchen — cooking, laughing and being with my husband and children. I plan my schedule a few weeks out to protect family time. Work never fully shuts off, but I’m intentional about being fully present when I’m home. Travel also inspires me deeply, especially visiting my family’s hometown in Sicily, where everything feels grounded and alive in a different way.
What advice would you give to your 25-year-old self? Don’t rush the process. Every stage has purpose, even the slow ones. Stay open and trust that everything is unfolding the way it should. And say ‘no’ more often — early on I tried to do too much at once. A mentor once told me, ‘Do what you love and do it well.’ That advice changed everything. Custom drapery is a true craft, almost a disappearing art, and staying committed to that focus has allowed us to build something meaningful and enduring.
What inspired you to start off on your own? My mother. She started this business with courage, creativity and an incredible work ethic. She taught me to believe in myself, respect the craft and never be afraid of hard work. She’s still very much involved today — and yes, I’m still a little scared of her when it comes to quality control. That’s exactly why our standards are so high.
What was your childhood dream job? In many ways, I was already living it. I was always creating — painting, making anything I could from fabric scraps in the workroom. I’ve always loved textiles, and I never really left that world.
What do you love about living and working in the Birmingham area?
Everything — the walkability, the community, the charm. In summer, we walk downtown, listen to music in the park and see familiar faces everywhere. In fall, the tree-lined streets and architecture make every walk feel inspiring. Every home here feels like it has a story. Cranbrook House & Grounds is incredible, and I love the cultural life of Detroit too — especially the DIA, where we were married, along with the Whitney and the DSO.
What would people be surprised to learn about you? I speak fluent Italian — mostly with my mother. And there is always jazz playing in
my home. My son already knows to say, ‘Alexa, play smooth jazz.’ I grew up going to the jazz festival with my father nearly every year, so playing it keeps him close to me.
What is your superpower? I have a natural ability to feel and combine fabrics, patterns and textures instinctively. But more importantly, I listen. I can sense what someone is trying to express and translate that into a space that feels personal and true to them.
What is the last photo you took on your phone? A recent project, or my children. Rarely myself.
How do you give back to your community? We support several charities each year. I’m part of many women’s entrepreneur groups in the area — I love hearing how people started and grew, and sharing their work whenever I can. Community has always been at the heart of what we do, and I am endlessly humbled by the design firms and families we get to work with.
What is the most important thing people should know about you? Everything I do comes from passion. This business is about more than fabric — it’s about the story it tells over time. The lives we’ve touched, the homes we’ve been part of and the legacy we continue to build. The cloth we have woven together carries the stories of every home, every family and every person we’ve had the privilege to work with. For that, I am endlessly grateful.
The Palm Beach philanthropist, Netflix reality star and proud grandmother finds her people in Birmingham.
BIRMINGHAM CITY LIFESTYLE: You raised your family in Bucks County, Pa. How did you end up in Palm Beach?
ROSALYN YELLIN: My husband and I raised our five children — three daughters and twin boys — in Bucks County, where I taught a popular fitness class. We always dreamed of moving to Florida once we became empty nesters. When our twins — our youngest — headed off to college, we started looking for a home in South Florida and closed on our place in Highland Beach in January 2020, just before COVID. The timing was something.
BCL: How different is this chapter of your life from your Pennsylvania days?
RY: Very different. Every single day, my calendar is packed — charity events, parties, appearances. It’s not unusual for me to be dressed up in a beautiful gown, sometimes a hat. It’s a lot of fun, but you need real energy and stamina to fulfill all of your commitments. The season runs through mid-May and it never really slows down.
BCL: How did you land on Members Only: Palm Beach?
RY: Netflix was holding interviews and auditions throughout Palm Beach County. At the end of each session, they’d ask candidates if they could recommend anyone else — and two women who didn’t
even know each other both recommended me. When they reached out, I couldn’t believe it. I’ve always loved the Real Housewives franchise, which is similar — it was my guilty pleasure when my kids were little and I was doing laundry or giving bottles. When this opportunity came, I loved every single minute of it. It was a dream come true.
BCL: What do you think made you the right fit?
RY: I live a very aspirational lifestyle — and I’m grateful for that. But I also came from a middle-class family. My mother was a schoolteacher, my father was in construction. This is not the life I ever imagined for myself. When we moved to Palm Beach, I started attending charity events, then joined committees, then chaired galas. At its heart, Palm Beach is a very charitable city, and you get to know a community through that kind of work. I think my story — where I started and where I am now — is something women can relate to and maybe even aspire to.
BCL: What are some of your favorite organizations to work with?
RY: I love The Gray Team, a 501(c)3 dedicated to veteran mental health, that provides free therapy and counseling to those who have served. Place of Hope, recognized as the number-one children’s charity in the country, supports trafficked youth and aged-out foster children — young people who, at 18, are often released from the
system with nowhere to go. And the Cancer Alliance of Help & Hope of Palm Beach is deeply personal to me — I lost my mom to ovarian cancer. The organization steps in during treatment to cover what insurance doesn’t — rent, mortgage, groceries — so patients can focus on surviving without losing their homes. Nobody should have to fight for their life and worry about keeping the lights on at the same time. I get so much more out of these organizations than what I give. Helping people is our greatest purpose.
BCL: How would you describe your style?
RY: Palm Beach has its own elegance — more conservative than Boca or Miami, but you can still feel beautiful and feminine. You truly cannot go wrong with florals. My favorite brand is Hermès — the clothing, shoes, bags, jewelry. I love the craftsmanship and the idea that you’re investing in something that will last a lifetime and can be passed down to your daughters. For evenings, I love sparkly Valentino bags and long, flouncy dresses — Zimmermann is a favorite.
BCL: You’re a grandmother now, with your daughter, her husband, and their two grandchildren living in Birmingham. What do you love about visiting?
RY: I have four grandbabies — and two of them live in Birmingham. I love Birmingham. It’s so lovely and quaint, and the people are wonderful. We walk from my daughter Madeline’s house right into downtown, go to all the restaurants and I take the babies to Starbucks for cake pops. Those are my favorite moments.
BCL: Madeline, how did you find your way to Birmingham?
MADELINE LYNCH: I went to high school in Philadelphia. I knew I wanted to study engineering, and my parents made me apply to a lot of schools! I was so excited when I was accepted to University of Michigan, which is where I met my husband, Jack, who is from here. We didn’t start dating until we both lived in Chicago after graduating — when we got married and had kids, we moved back to Michigan so that Jack could work in his family business.
I feel really lucky that we can live in Downtown Birmingham — it’s the best place to raise a family, and I’ve lived in a lot of cities. We love going to the park, then Brooklyn Pizza for a slice of pizza and ice cream. And we love going to the Detroit Zoo. And of course the shopping — when my mom visits, we hit all the boutiques downtown and Somerset.
BCL: What do you think of your mom’s new career?
ML: My mom is energetic and magnetic and really true to herself, which I’ve always admired. I am the oldest of five children, and when we were growing up she was a stay-at-home mom — she was always there for us. And she was very strict. Seeing her now, living in Palm Beach and being with her grandchildren, she’s more carefree, she’s really happy. She’s just living her best life and she deserves that.
BCL: What has the journey to becoming a public figure been like?
RY: I truly feel like it’s always been in me. And I love this journey. I love when people come up to me, ask for pictures and tell me they loved me on the show — it’s just the best feeling. I make appearances
all the time, get invited to very special events, and I’ve had the opportunity to meet some incredible people. I was recently invited to Laura Geller’s beauty event, which I was so excited about because I’ve used her makeup for years. And when celebrities reach out to me on Instagram — I absolutely love it. The recognition is wonderful, but what I love most is the connection.
BCL: For those who haven’t watched yet — what can they expect from you on the show?
RY: I’m always out, always at events, always getting dressed up. On the show, a newer member of our social circle, Romina, asked me to help her navigate Palm Beach, which is fun — it’s something I’d do for anyone. My message has always been kindness and inclusivity, and I never lose sight of that.
BCL: Tell us about your supplement line.
RY: I call it my secret weapon. It’s called Yuvetica — my own wellness supplement line. It’s packed with biotin, hyaluronic acid, resveratrol, PQQ, NAD+ and a patent-pending ingredient called Yuth. It’s designed for cellular turnover, longevity and vitality — targeting energy, brain health, and hair, skin and nails. It gives me the energy to accomplish everything I do and keeps me looking and feeling great. [Available at yuvetica.co.]
BCL: What’s the most important thing you want people to know about you?
RY: That kindness matters more than anything. And that being a mother was always my most important job. I tell young women: You don’t need money to give back — you can volunteer your time, walk dogs at a shelter, deliver meals. Start early. My daughter Madeline has started doing charity work in Birmingham. She sent me a photo and said, ‘Mommy, I’m following in your footsteps,’ I was so proud I could cry. That’s the legacy that matters most to me.
Olympic gymnast Tatiana Gutsu is just getting started.
ARTICLE BY SUSAN THWING
For Tatiana Gutsu, greatness was never just about standing on a podium. Long before she became an Olympic champion, she was a young girl in Odesa, Ukraine, navigating poverty and uncertainty. Her early years were sometimes without electricity, water or food. Yet she was drawn to something larger than her circumstances.
“Success is not about perfection. It’s about persistence. The real gold medal in life is resilience.”
“Gymnastics was not just a sport for me,” she says. “It was my language, my escape and ultimately my purpose.”
That purpose carried her to the world stage at the 1992 Summer Olympics, where she captured gold and helped raise the Ukrainian flag for the first time in Olympic history. But as defining as that moment was, Gutsu is quick to point out that the real story lies in the years behind it. The years that took discipline, sacrifice and resilience shaped her long before the spotlight.
Today, that same mindset fuels her work in Michigan, where she has built a life centered on mentorship, empowerment and community.
She arrived in the United States in 1994 at just 17 years old when she was initially invited to help open a gymnastics academy in New Orleans alongside her longtime coaches. Gutsu spent years traveling across the country, leading camps, seminars and clinics. It was a period of exploration, both professionally and personally.
“I thought, this is my life now. I need to create a new direction,” she says.
That search ultimately led her to Michigan, where she found something unexpectedly familiar.
“What stood out most was the value of family,” she says. “It resonated with how I grew up. The hospitality, the community. It felt like home.”
Now based in the Birmingham/Farmington Hills area, Gutsu has planted deep roots through the Tatiana Gutsu Gymnastics Academy (tatianagutsugymnasticsacademy.com), where her mission extends far beyond athletic training.
“I didn’t open the academy just to teach gymnastics,” she explains. “Gymnastics is the tool, but character is the goal.”
Inside the gym, her coaching philosophy reflects both her Olympic experience and the lessons she learned as a young athlete inspired by her own coaches. Each day, she focuses on building confidence,
self-esteem and resilience. These are qualities she believes are just as critical as physical skill.
“I want every child to love the sport first,” she says. “But also to understand how to set goals, and how to keep going even when things don’t work out.”
That perspective is especially meaningful for young girls navigating pressure, expectations and self-doubt.
“As a woman who has competed at the highest level, I understand the challenges,” Gutsu says. “My responsibility now is to create a healthier, more supportive environment where young athletes feel confident, heard and strong, not just physically, but emotionally.”
Her role as a coach is only one part of that mission.
Through the Tatiana Gutsu Foundation (tatianagutsufoundation.com), Gutsu extends her impact far beyond the gym. The foundation supports orphanages and underserved communities, organizing donations of toys, clothing, school supplies and hygiene products. The gifts are often collected through her academy families.
At the heart of it is a simple but powerful idea: giving something a “second life.”
“Children grow out of toys, but those toys can bring joy to someone else,” she says. “We’re not just sending items, we’re sending hope, care and love.”
Her students play a direct role in that effort, learning early on the importance of compassion and community. It’s a lesson Gutsu considers just as important as any routine or skill.
“It’s a powerful movement,” she says.
In addition to coaching and philanthropy, Gutsu is also a motivational speaker and advocate for personal growth, sharing her story with audiences across the country. Her message, shaped by both triumph and hardship, is grounded in one central belief:
“Success is not about perfection. It’s about persistence. The real gold medal in life is resilience.”
That philosophy continues to guide her work as a woman entrepreneur and leader, both roles she embraces with intention and purpose.
Looking ahead, Gutsu hopes to expand both her academy and her empowerment initiatives, particularly for young women seeking to find their voice and confidence.
Because for her, the most meaningful legacy isn’t measured in medals, she says.
“It’s the ability to inspire others to rise.”
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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
THROUGH MAY 17TH
Fisher Theatre, 3011 West Grand Boulevard, Detroit
Based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography and set to a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and Broadway, Hamilton — featuring book, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda — has had a profound impact on culture, politics and education. In addition to its 11 Tony Awards, it has won Grammy®, Olivier Awards, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and an unprecedented special citation from the Kennedy Center Honors. Broadwayindetroit.com.
Birmingham Farmers Market, 660 N Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham
Join Downtown Birmingham to officially kick off the Birmingham Farmers Market season with the 24th Annual Opening Day Celebration. The Market features more than 50 local vendors offering Michigan-grown produce, meat and dairy, floral arrangements, plants, artisan goods, and more. Enjoy live music, food trucks, kids’ crafts, and other festive activities. Free reusable tote bags will be distributed to attendees while supplies last. Downtownbirmingham.com.
MAY 9TH-10TH
Shain Park at Martin Street & Henrietta Street, Birmingham
Organized by the Guild of Artists and Artisans, Art Birmingham, originally known as the Birmingham Fine Art
“Expect more with Max Broock Realtors... Exceptional service is just the beginning.”
CONTINUED
Festival, is now in its 45th year. Showcasing juried artists, the fair attracts approximately 80,000 fair-goers each year. Produced in association with the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center (BBAC), it benefits the “Art for All” vision of the BBAC. Theguild.org
MAY 15TH-17TH
Vibe Credit Union Showplace, Novi Michigan’s largest pop culture convention returns with a star-studded guest list including The Boys cast Karl Urban, Laz Alonso, Tomer Capone and Shawn Ashmore. Many more stars, including John Boyega, Simon Pegg, Tyler Hoechlin and the Dallas trio, are also scheduled to appear. Tickets at MotorCityComicCon.com
Shain Park, Birmingham
For more than 40 years, the Celebrate Birmingham Hometown Parade has marched through town, offering friends and neighbors a chance to visit along the parade route. Featuring public safety vehicles, unicyclists, the Baldwin Public Library, dance teams, local businesses and more, the parade is followed by a Party in Shain Park with free activities including face painting, mini-train rides, bounce houses, crafts and entertainment. Bhamgov.org.
MAY 28TH-31ST
Shain Park at Martin Street & Henrietta Street, Birmingham
The 61st Annual Village Fair returns to Shain Park and the surrounding streets for four days of community fun, local flavor and festive energy, featuring carnival rides, games and food while benefiting local nonprofits. Wristbands are $30 at the fair for unlimited rides can be purchased at the park. Downtownbirmingham.com
