BEAUTY
BEAUTY WITH A DEEPER PURPOSE HOW A FATHER, DAUGHTER, AND NOW GRANDDAUGHTER ARE REDEFINING WHAT A SALON CAN BE
AUTO + MARINE
CLASSIC STYLE, BUILT TO LAST: NICK CONLEY’S PASSION FOR CARS, COMMUNITY, AND CRAFTSMANSHIP
HOME + DESIGN BENEATH IT ALL: 2025 AND BEYOND HOTTEST FLOORING TRENDS
Dear Readers,
I hope this letter finds you inspired and ready to celebrate the beauty of self-expression.
Style is such an extraordinary part of life, far more than the clothes we wear or the accessories we choose. It’s woven into every detail of our existence, from the spaces we live in to the hobbies we cherish, the art we collect, and the ways we move through the world. Style tells our stories, without saying a word.
In this Style issue, we explore how style connects us to our history, our community, and our dreams for the future. You’ll meet Nick Conley, whose passion for classic car restoration is as much about honoring craftsmanship as it is about keeping family tradition alive. You’ll also discover how Hair Technologies has built a legacy of beauty and confidence spanning generations. And for those looking to elevate their homes, our feature on Floor Coverings International will guide you through the flooring trends transforming interiors today and tomorrow.
Style, at its core, is personal. It evolves with us as we grow, reflect, and refine what matters most. Whether you’re inspired by timeless design, drawn to innovation, or curating something entirely your own, let this issue be a reminder: the most meaningful style is the one that speaks to who you truly are.
So go ahead, embrace your unique style. Let it be bold, quiet, nostalgic, or new, just make it yours.
Here’s to living with confidence, creativity, and the courage to be unapologetically yourself.
Cheers,
NICOLE CERTO, PUBLISHER @CANTONLIFESTYLE
PUBLISHER
Nicole Certo | nicole.certo@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Agnes Vale September 2025
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard
QUALITY
Carrying on a family tradition of beauty, confidence, and care.
ARTICLE BY AGNES VALE PHOTOGRAPHY BY RACHEL LUCIA PHOTOGRAPHY
The barbering and salon industry is steeped in tradition, and few families embody that legacy more authentically than the Phillips family. Now entering its fourth generation of stylists, the family’s journey began when John Phillips, founder of Hair Technologies & Co., started working alongside his father and uncles at just 15 years old.
John’s father was a prominent figure in the local barbers’ union and operated several barbershops across Summit County. Surrounded by talented mentors, John quickly earned recognition for his cutting and styling skills, winning awards that fueled a lifelong passion for hair artistry. Over the years, he operated several salons in the Akron area, but it was hair restoration that truly captured his heart. Helping clients regain their confidence through personalized hair solutions became his calling.
Now, that legacy is being passed to the next generation.
Today, John’s daughter Lesley Anderson carries on the family tradition. Alongside her father, she co-founded Hair Technologies & Co., a salon, spa, and hair restoration center that blends innovation, artistry, and heartfelt service. Their shared mission is simple yet powerful: to offer exceptional beauty and wellness experiences while building lasting relationships with clients, empowering each one to feel confident and celebrated.
The path to ownership wasn’t always straight for Lesley. With both of her parents having run successful salons, the pressure of continuing the family tradition weighed heavily on her. At one point, she stepped away from the beauty industry, earning a realtor’s license and working in special education. Though the work was fulfilling, Lesley couldn’t ignore the deep pull back to the salon world.
It wasn’t until she immersed herself fully in hair restoration that she rediscovered her passion and purpose. “Helping someone reclaim their confidence, especially after they’ve experienced hair loss, is one of the most powerful feelings in the world,” Lesley says.
She recalls working with a high school senior undergoing chemotherapy. After being fitted with a custom human hair wig, the young client’s transformation was profound. “The color returned to her face. There was light in her eyes again. Everything changed for her in that moment. It’s something I’ll never forget.”
When the Phillips family took over the former Connyx salon in The Shops of Green, they reimagined the space as Hair Technologies & Co. , a destination that reflects both their legacy and their forward-looking vision.
Lesley brought in a team of stylists who share a commitment to growth, education, and excellence in the beauty industry.
Soon after the transition, Lesley’s daughter Lauren Nagle became licensed, marking the fourth generation of Phillips stylists. Lauren now specializes in services that expand the spa’s offerings, including extensions, esthetics, and even delicate tiny tattoos.
To guide the business into a new era, Lesley also partnered with High Performance Salon Academy. The coaching and business strategies she gained through the program helped shape the salon’s culture and direction, equipping her with tools to thrive in a changing industry.
Lesley has expanded Hair Technologies & Co. beyond hair restoration to include a full-service salon and spa. This evolution was a natural next step. “We had already built trust with our clients through hair restoration,” Lesley explains. “So we wanted to offer a space where they could indulge in self-care, feel renewed, and be supported in every aspect of their beauty journey.”
Taking over a family business is both daunting and exhilarating. Lesley feels the weight of generations before her, each of whom built successful careers in this industry, but also sees her work as a chance to leave her own mark. “Being in this space, with this team, and with my daughter by my side, it means everything,” she says.
With unwavering determination and a deep love for the industry, Lesley continues to shape Hair Technologies & Co. into more than just a salon. It’s a place where legacy meets innovation, where confidence is restored, and where beauty is celebrated in every form.
ARTICLE BY TYLER AMADEUS PHOTOGRAPHY BY ADRIEN KING AND ALEC WALWORTH
INthis unexpected love affair, fashion and interiors are more than just a simple pairing—they are rooted in culture, creativity, and the human desire for self-expression.
As conscious consumers of the 21st century, participating in a retail landscape that is oversaturated and struggling to adapt to the ever-changing demands of the modern customer, our purchasing power should not only respond to a feeling of want but also prioritize items that reflect who we are and who we aspire to be. This is clearly visible through the representation of fashion and interiors.
Although we tend to consider cost-perwear primarily when it comes to clothing, this same principle applies to furniture and the function it brings to the home. Aesthetics and functionality both play a role in this pairing, painting a picture for
the rest of the world of who the wearer is and how they live in their space.
The woman who wears a blazer with sharp shoulders that makes her feel powerful in her everyday life—or the black dress that gives her a necessary boost of confidence—may naturally gravitate toward sleek, modern furniture that feels equally strong and elevates the space where the modern woman thrives.
In the same way, someone who prefers an effortless ensemble—like their favorite white T-shirt and comfortable denim jeans—may also look for home pieces that
are functional and make their guests feel at ease. Even a handmade rug, one that sparks conversation about where it was found and adds a focal point to a room, mirrors how we search our closets for a sweater tied to a cherished memory.
Just as we carefully choose outfits to express ourselves, it’s equally important to ensure that our living spaces are designed with the same intention. More than ever, modern buyers are making purchasing decisions based on personal morals and values, forming a new wave of consumers who seek products that are both high-quality and environmentally or socially conscious, whether for themselves or their homes.
The following imagery affirms that living a timeless lifestyle across all aspects of life is possible through the thoughtful styling of sustainable clothing and vintage furniture. As the modern retail landscape continues to evolve, it’s become increasingly vital to make conscious consumer choices—ones that allow us to express our truest selves through both our wardrobes and the places we call home.
ART DIRECTION
Amy Appleton
STYLING
Tyler Amadeus
MODEL
Amy Appleton
In a world that often celebrates the fast and disposable, Nick Conley prefers to keep things timeless. As the owner of Conley’s Towing and Service in Canton, Ohio, and the steward of a remarkable collection of restored classic cars, Conley has built his life around honoring what endures: precision, trust, and style that doesn’t fade with age.
Conley’s business is deeply rooted in tradition. A family operation that spans generations, Conley’s Towing and Service is a local staple, known as much for its mechanical know-how as for its unwavering sense of integrity. “My dad built this business by showing up early, working hard, and standing by his word,” Conley says. “We still do it that way. We don’t cut corners, and we treat every customer like they’re a neighbor, a lot of them are.”
In many ways, the family values that shape the business mirror those found in Conley’s personal passion: collecting and restoring classic cars. His garage, filled with vintage beauties from decades past, isn’t just a showcase of steel and chrome, it’s a tribute to craftsmanship, nostalgia, and the quiet power of transformation.
Conley’s love for vintage vehicles began in the garage, watching and working alongside his father. “It started with my dad. We’d spend weekends working on old cars together,” he recalls. The first car he ever bought, a Ford Mustang, still sits proudly in his collection, lovingly restored more than once. “I didn’t fully appreciate it when I was younger,” he admits. “Now I know that cars like that will never be made again. I treat them with a bit more care and respect than the younger, wilder version of myself did.”
For Conley, each car holds memories beyond the mechanics, memories of shared effort, hard-won patience, and stories layered into every curve of the metal. “They are less about the cars themselves, and more about the stories behind them. There are great memories attached to each one.”
This connection to story, quality, and time-tested design is what makes Conley’s collection resonate so strongly with this issue’s focus on style. His cars aren’t just cool, they’re carefully curated reflections of eras when design was bold, honest, and built to endure. “When you’ve spent hours aligning a trim or perfecting a paint job, you start to notice everything,” he says. “We bring that same attention to detail to every car we work on. Whether it’s a tow, a tire change, or a major repair. We treat every vehicle like it’s one of our own.”
Running a busy service and towing company while maintaining a classic car collection is no small feat. “It’s a juggling act for sure,” Conley says with a smile. “The shop is my day job, and the cars are my therapy.” Whether he’s elbow-deep in a restoration project or just spending an hour polishing chrome, time spent in the garage gives him space to recharge and reconnect with what he loves most.
He doesn’t restore for attention or competition, he restores because it keeps him grounded. “Even just a few hours in the garage helps me reset. It reminds me of where I came from and why I do what I do.”
Nick Conley’s commitment to style and service extends beyond the garage and into the Canton community. Under his leadership, Conley’s Towing and Service has become an active supporter of local causes, from the Aultman Women’s Group to the Police K-9 Association and the city’s Fourth of July celebrations.
One especially meaningful project was the creation of a large mural on the side of his building, a visual tribute to both the family business and the city it serves. Inspired by Michelangelo’s “Creation of Adam,” the mural depicts Nick’s father, Nick Sr., handing him a wrench. “Auto service businesses aren’t usually known for being attractive,” he says. “But this was a way to tell our story creatively and give something permanent back to the community.”
While he dreams of expanding the collection, Conley is realistic about priorities. “Keeping the current cars in working order is a job itself,” he laughs. “There are cars we already have that aren’t complete, so those will take priority over anything new.” But that doesn’t mean his passion is slowing down. “We’ll definitely keep finding ways to give back to the community, that’s not changing.”
In both his business and his personal life, Nick Conley is a steward of more than cars. He’s preserving a set of values that, like a well-built engine or a hand-stitched interior, are getting harder to find in today’s fast-moving world.
“RESTORING CLASSIC CARS TAUGHT ME NOT TO RUSH. EVERY DETAIL MATTERS.”
A DESIGNER’S GUIDE TO WHAT’S NEXT IN FLOORING
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
“Today’s homeowners want flooring that matches the rhythm of real, everyday life.”
As interior design continues to blend style with lifestyle, flooring remains a fundamental element in the way a space feels, functions, and flows. For 2025 and beyond, the conversation around flooring is expanding, embracing softness, texture, performance, and warmth. According to design consultants from Floor Coverings International , one of the nation’s leading shop-at-home flooring providers, today’s homeowners are not only seeking beauty underfoot, but surfaces that align with their personal rhythms and routines.
Here’s a closer look at the top flooring trends shaping the year ahead, all grounded in real-world preferences and materials available through Floor Coverings International.
CARPET: COMFORT WITH A CONTEMPORARY TWIST
Carpet is experiencing a quiet resurgence. While hard surfaces have dominated for years, many homeowners are returning to the warmth and coziness that carpet uniquely offers. Especially in bedrooms, media rooms, and lower-level living spaces, carpet adds a layer of comfort and acoustic softness that hard flooring can’t replicate.
Today’s styles lean toward:
• Patterned textures that combine cut and loop piles for subtle dimension.
• Textured carpets encompassing a broader range of styles and constructions
• Performance-driven fibers that resist stains, wear, and fading.
• Calming color palettes like warm beige, greige, and dusty taupe.
Unlike past iterations, modern carpets offer enhanced durability and cleaner finishes, making them suitable for both relaxed family homes and polished interiors. Designers are also increasingly layering rugs over hard flooring in open-plan spaces,
proving that carpet, in all its forms, is a versatile tool in the designer’s kit once again.
Still reigning as one of the most practical and popular choices, luxury vinyl plank continues to dominate across styles and home types. Its waterproof qualities, scratch resistance, and approachable price point make it a go-to for families, pet owners, and those seeking an effortless look that lasts.
Homeowners are gravitating toward:
• Extra-wide plank widths that mimic the feel of upscale hardwood.
• Natural wood grain textures, including handscraped and wire-brushed finishes.
• Warm neutral tones, ranging from honey blonde to mid-toned walnut.
Floor Coverings International offers a wide array of LVP styles that work seamlessly in kitchens, mudrooms, living areas, and more, allowing homeowners to achieve the wood look they love without sacrificing performance.
Laminate flooring continues to evolve, offering high-end looks with practical durability. Known for its resistance to scratches, fading, and everyday wear, laminate remains a popular option for active households seeking design without the premium price tag found with hardwood.
Trending now among home owners:
• Water-resistant laminate options suitable for kitchens and bathrooms.
• Authentic wood visuals with embossed textures and beveled edges.
• Light and airy tones like ash, driftwood, and bleached oak.
“Performance and beauty no longer compete. Modern flooring delivers both, without compromise.”
Hardwood flooring continues to evolve in subtle but significant ways. While its timeless appeal is unwavering, current preferences lean toward finishes and formats that reflect more organic and relaxed interiors.
Expect to see:
• Matte or low-sheen finishes that soften the appearance and feel of the floor.
• Character-grade wood selections featuring knots, grain variation, and subtle imperfections that lend authenticity.
• Wider planks and longer lengths that create a more seamless, expansive visual effect.
Hardwood remains a premium option and is often chosen for main living areas, primary suites, and high-visibility zones where aesthetics take center stage. Engineered hardwood options provide increased stability and flexibility in installation, especially in Northeast Ohio’s climate with seasonal humidity swings.
While ceramic and porcelain tile have long been mainstays in kitchens and bathrooms, 2025 is seeing tile make its way into unexpected areas of the home. From dramatic entryways to laundry rooms and accent walls, tile is becoming a medium for artistic expression.
Current design directions include:
• Large-format tiles for minimal grout lines and a modern finish.
• Stone-look porcelain that mimics the veining of marble or the earthy tones of travertine.
• Patterned and geometric tile, often used sparingly for a high-impact focal point.
Floor Coverings International offers a variety of tile styles that pair well with both traditional and contemporary interiors, bringing durable beauty into the spaces that need it most.
Beyond fixed flooring, area rugs continue to play a major role in defining space, especially in open-concept homes. Designers are layering rugs over hardwood, vinyl, and tile to add softness, pattern, and an extra layer of visual interest.
Rug trends are leaning toward:
• Subtle geometric patterns that complement rather than dominate.
• Neutral, textured blends like wool and jute for natural appeal.
• Generously sized rugs that unify furniture groupings and ground a room’s layout.
Whether custom-cut from broadloom carpet or selected off the rack, area rugs remain an essential element in both comfort and design.
Today’s flooring trends don’t exist in a vacuum they’re deeply connected to broader shifts in interior color palettes. As homeowners and designers move toward creating cozier, more personalized environments, the hues underfoot are increasingly influenced by the tones on the walls, upholstery, and cabinetry.
• Warm neutrals—such as sand, clay, and oatmeal—are replacing cooler grays and stark whites. These earthy hues complement the rising popularity of beige-toned carpet and natural oak luxury vinyl plank.
• Desaturated greens and soft terracottas are making their way into home accents, adding depth and serenity to rooms that benefit from medium-toned wood or warm luxury vinyl tile finishes.
• Dusty blues and muted navy continue to be a favorite for bedrooms and studies, pairing beautifully with light-washed hardwood or luxury vinyl plank.
Designers are also noting a return to tone-on-tone layering, where floors, walls, and textiles share subtle variations of a color family to
create a cohesive, calming effect. This trend has only strengthened the appeal of flooring choices that offer texture and warmth over high-gloss perfection.
A common thread running through every trend this year and beyond is functionality. Whether it’s LVP for waterproof durability, stain-resistant carpet, or easy-clean tile, today’s homeowners are unwilling to sacrifice performance for beauty, and they don’t have to.
Floor Coverings International meets this demand with a broad product range designed for real life: children, pets, parties, snow boots, and all. From product recommendations to proper installation techniques, their team works with each homeowner to tailor choices that match lifestyle needs as well as personal taste.
Perhaps the biggest trend of all isn’t a material, it’s a method. Floor Coverings International’s mobile showroom model puts the design experience directly into clients’ homes. This allows for more accurate decisions in lighting, color pairing, and flow from room to room.
During a consultation, homeowners can:
• Compare real samples in their own space and lighting.
• Get tailored advice from a flooring design specialist.
• Receive a clear project estimate on-site.
It’s this personalized service that continues to set Floor Coverings International apart and aligns beautifully with the trend toward design that feels both curated and practical.
As styles evolve, Floor Coverings International remains grounded in one essential truth: the best flooring is the one that feels right for you . And thanks to in-home consultations and a comprehensive selection of modern materials, achieving that perfect fit is easier than ever.
Ready to transform your space from the floor up? Schedule your free in-home design consultation by visiting fcifloors.com or call 330-826-1373 to get started. Let Floor Coverings International bring the showroom and expert guidance right to your door.
“The best flooring choice isn’t just stylish, it’s personal, practical, and built to last.” “ ”
Celebrity Cruises is known for its upscale atmosphere at a really reasonable fare. It's a fabulous choice for couples looking to enjoy a sophisticated and quiet ambiance. Their ships offer elegant surroundings and some of the best dining experiences at sea, making it perfect for a romantic getaway. From the serene beauty of the Mediterranean to the lush landscapes of the Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises provides an unforgettable journey. The ships themselves are a sight to behold, with modern and abstract art collections that add a touch of avant-garde elegance. So, if you and your partner appreciate a quiet, stylish setting with delicious dining options and breathtaking destinations, Celebrity Cruises might just be the perfect choice for you! If you need more detailed information, feel free to call me.
Investing in Your Wardrobe Without Compromising Your Style
ARTICLE BY LISA WOLF
IT’S POSSIBLE TO SHOW YOUR UNIQUE STYLE WITH NICE CLOTHES WHILE ALSO STRETCHING YOUR DOLLAR
One’s wardrobe says a lot about a person and it is important to dress to the occasion whether it be work or play while still expressing yourself. Building a wardrobe can be a costly expense but it’s possible to show your unique style with nice clothes while also stretching your dollar.
A FUN, SUSTAINABLE WAY TO BUILD A HIGH-QUALITY AND STYLISH WARDROBE
Second-hand and vintage-style clothes are a fun, sustainable way to build a high-quality and stylish wardrobe without breaking the bank. Buying hand-made and second-hand also reduces the demand for new clothing production, which helps reduce waste and the environmental impact of the fashion industry.
SOME PIECES ARE SIMPLY BETTER WHEN THEY ARE SECOND-HAND
Some pieces are simply better when they are second-hand like worn denim and lived-in boots or leather that’s softened over time. Get creative and add touches to your old favorites with patches, embroidery, and even natural flower colors transferred to fabric. Grab your old t-shirts, family vintage fabrics, or lace, and pull it all together into something new and memorable.
My sister, Haley, used an 1800s petticoat and blouse, salvaged Edwardian style Christening gowns and a tablecloth, and other fabrics to create the most amazing vintage-style wedding dress. It was so perfectly her and absolutely gorgeous. IT WAS SO PERFECTLY HER AND ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS
SIMPLE, WILD, CLASSIC, COLORFUL; DON’T BE AFRAID TO SHOW YOUR STYLE
The best way to keep your wardrobe fresh is to look for either trendy or classic new pieces and match them with your favorite vintage or second-hand pieces, like a new dress with your grandma’s old leather jacket or a recently purchased foundation piece with a skirt made from vintage fabrics. Simple, wild, classic, colorful; don’t be afraid to show your style and your financial fashion savvy at the same time.
“Grab your old t-shirts, family vintage fabrics, or lace, and pull it all together into something new and memorable.”
SEPTEMBER 5TH
S. Flynn Home 4786 E Main St., Millersburg, OH 44654 | 9:30 AM
Join us September 5th and 6th from 9:30 AM–4:00 PM during Berlin’s Harvest Fest! Stop by S. Flynn Home to create your own charm bracelet or necklace. All the supplies are provided. A perfect fun, hands-on, creative experience.
SEPTEMBER 13TH
Cyrus Art Gallery 2645 Cleveland Avenue Northwest, Canton | 4:00 PM
Join us for a unique evening celebrating the Stark County Bar Association’s anniversary with an art and talent exhibit featuring local lawyers and artists. Discover how members of the legal community express their creativity beyond the courtroom. Come experience the inspiring intersection of law and art in Stark County! Free to the public and running through October 3rd.
SEPTEMBER 27TH
Downtown Canton | 12:00 PM
Following an incredibly successful first year, Mural Fest Canton returns to brighten downtown Canton with vibrant new artwork. This year, artists will bring eight additional mural locations to life across the heart of the city throughout September. The event will conclude with a community-wide celebration on Saturday, September 27th, featuring live music, food vendors, and activities for all ages.
SEPTEMBER 27TH
First Christian Church, Heritage Hall 6900 Market Ave. N, Canton | 8:00 AM
Explore the connection between nature and well-being at this daylong event featuring expert speakers, workshops, vendors, and giveaways. Topics include mindfulness, birdwatching, sensory gardens, and more. Cost is $55, includes breakfast and lunch. Registration closes September 15. Register online at go.osu.edu/BOTANICA2025 or call Cathy at 330-704-9556.
City Lifestyle isn’t just a publication — it’s a pulse. A rhythm of voices, neighbors, and stories woven together by someone who believes in the power of connection. As we expand, we’re looking for people ready to turn care into community. Are you ready to be that spark?
SEPTEMBER 27TH
New Berlin Festival
Main Street in North Canton | 12:00 PM
Enjoy a taste of history at the New Berlin Festival in North Canton! On Saturday, September 27th. Main Street transforms into a vibrant German-style celebration from 12–7 PM. Enjoy local craft & food vendors, biergarten with fall-flavored brews, live Polka music by the Chardon Polka Band, fun contests, and family activities. Prost to our heritage!
S.Flynn Home is turning two!
S. Flynn Home 4786 E Main St., Millersburg, OH 44654 | 10:00 AM
Join us October 3rd and 4th for our annual Anniversary Event & Sale at our showroom in the heart of Amish Country. We’ll be celebrating with complimentary refreshments and snacks both days, and offering one of our biggest sales of the year! Follow along on Instagram and Facebook for event updates, sneak peeks, and more details as the weekend approaches!
