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As Dolly Parton once said, "If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, then you are an excellent leader."
You are capable of achieving anything you put your mind to. Whether you are striving to be a great mom, stepmom, daughter, sister, sister-in-law, grandmother, mother-in-law, aunt, wife, or BFF… Pursuing a career, continuing your education, starting a family, opening a new business, creating a non-profit… Or even if you are learning to simply love yourself and are working toward finding genuine happiness… You have the power to make it all happen! The world needs more women like you.
This month, our hats are off to all of you beautiful ladies of Cedar Park and beyond that inspire us on a daily basis with your overwhelming awesomeness! May you continue to stay strong, keep shining, be blessed, and have it all.
And with so many a-may-zing holidays right around the corner, get out and celebrate with your loved ones! We wish you a happy Cinco de Mayo, Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, and congratulations to the Graduating Class of 2023.
PUBLISHER
Pam Dugdale | pam.dugdale@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Megan Marshall | megan.marshall@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Emily Schoolcraft
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
James Avery Artisan Jewelry, Ciara Lindley
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
James Avery Artisan Jewelry, Kayla Raphail Photography, Life N Light
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore
DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer
ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson
WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain
PAM DUGDALE, PUBLISHER | MEGAN MARSHALL, EDITOR
@CEDARPARK_CITYLIFESTYLE
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news from local businesses.
Now open at 5001 183A Frontage Road, Suite L-300 in The Parke retail center, Waxing the City offers a range of body and facial hair waxing to Cedar Park and Leander area residents. The estheticians behind Waxing the City are highly-trained waxing experts who specialize in providing a comfortable experience. Owners Dharmesh Patel and Perry Patel look forward to helping you achieve true self-care. Book your service now for any day of the week. waxingthecity.com
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/CedarParkTX
With fresh seafood flown in daily, the new Sweetwater Oyster Bar is more than a restaurant—it is an experience. Enjoy scallop agua chile, chorizo mussels, Spanish octopus, and chef selections of oysters from the cold bar. You can even purchase a seafood tower complete with poached lobster, alongside an array of cocktails and wine. Reservations are available for Tuesday through Sunday, with brunch available from 11 AM to 3 PM over the weekend. sweetwateroysterbar.com
Girl Flock Party is a boutique women’s network based in the Austin area. It was created by local mixed-media artist Melanie Allison as an extension of her online gallery. She was recently nominated for the Austin Business Woman of the Year Awards 2023. Through Girl Flock Party, Melanie celebrates female friendship and creativity while supporting women in their journey to build brand awareness. Look out for their social events, or become a sponsor! melanieallisongallery.com
It was a winding road for Allison Miller to receive her degree in atmospheric science, aka meteorology. But before becoming a two-time Emmy Awardwinning member of the CBS Austin This Morning family, she set out to follow her passion for science and her desire to become a pilot.
“My dad, a retired Air Force colonel, would take me flying as a kid. I even went to flight school in high school,” says Miller. “This all led me to pursue aerospace engineering in college. During that time, I ended up taking a meteorology class and loved it. It reminded me of how much I loved learning about the weather in flight school.”
Although Miller decided to switch her major, it wasn’t until interning with a TV station meteorologist that her fate was sealed. She could combine her love of science, weather, and performing. Now a morning news anchor, Miller can still be found filling in on the weather wall, while getting to learn about and experience all things local.
“Throughout the 11-plus years I’ve been at CBS Austin, I’ve learned so much about this amazing community and have met some incredible people,” says Miller. “One memory that sticks out is scaling down the side of a skyscraper as part of a Make-A-Wish Central and South Texas fundraiser. That was terrifying, but also exhilarating!”
When she isn’t showcasing the latest Central Texas happenings, Miller is staying true to her roots as both a meteorologist and a performer with her Dance Forecasts on social media. Many of her videos consist of freestyle dancing, and she is able to knock them out in one or two takes.
“I love sharing behind-the-scenes moments, things you don’t get to see on TV. I think I just enjoy sharing my true self,” says Miller. “By sharing content that is useful and positive, I hope to contribute to a more uplifting and empowering online community.”
“My alarm goes off in the middle of the night, at 2 AM. I sneak out of the house, trying my best not to wake my sleeping family!”
“I meet with producers, and write and edit scripts. Then, I do my own hair and makeup, usually while listening to a podcast, audiobook, or music—early 2000s hip-hop is my go-to.”
“Finally, it's time to mic up. Our CBS Austin This Morning show is on from 4:30 AM to 7:00 AM, Monday through Friday.”
“After that, I work on finding local stories for the next newscast or people doing good in our community for ‘Making a Difference,’ my weekly segment.”
@allisonmillertv on InstagramHere at Cedar Park City Lifestyle, we are incredibly grateful to partner with outstanding women-owned businesses, including ladies that have overcome obstacles, set standards, raised the bar, and are making a difference in their fields. Learn about three of our female community leaders and what they are doing for our city.
Clean Cut Windows & Doors
Cedar Park Premier Dentistry
Hang Ups Picture Framing
Josselyn Stevens has spent most of her life in the Greater Austin area, including her home base of Leander, where she is Partner in Business Development at Clean Cut Windows & Doors. Stevens helps create new business development strategies and manages social media, all while focusing on recovery throughout the week. She brings breast cancer awareness advocacy into Clean Cut, as seen through their recent door giveaway campaigns to survivors in October. On the weekends, Stevens values spending time on the water and with her family.
Every day is genuine fun at Cedar Park Premier Dentistry for Dr. Tiffany Kondoff. She feels that both her team and patients are family. Because she recognizes that many people are scared of the dentist, Dr. Kondoff treats each patient with compassion and empathy while providing great dental care. She looks forward to continuing to grow and deliver that fine care to the Cedar Park, Leander, and Liberty Hill communities from their new office building, which is coming soon.
Originally from Germany, Ursula Overdiek went from moving to the United States as a programmer to utilizing her years of experience with art interpretation to open Hang Ups Picture Framing. She now works with a variety of materials to preserve the memories of her customers. Whether it be historic or modern works of art, Overdiek provides a way to keep them fresh and alive. With continuous education for herself and her team, she provides high-quality custom framing and takes each piece seriously. cleancutwindows.com cedarparkdental.com
Laura and James Ritchie started their journey to give back in their hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina. Their jumping-off point came from a day of bringing snacks and water to the homeless with a friend from their church. Come 2018, when in Austin, the Ritchies were inspired to shift gears from bringing those in need McDonald’s biscuits, to cooking hot, nourishing meals.
“We shared our idea with our friend and founding member, Debbie Booher, who had been bringing food to the homeless for over 20 years. She and I would collaborate to come up with menus and prepare the food. We would box up between 50 to 100 meals,” says Laura. “Deb and I would be in one car with the food, and James would be in another with hygiene supplies, drinks, and clothing.”
But one interaction with their homeless friend, Will, made them realize that so much more was needed. Like so many others, Will didn’t have a place to shower or wash his clothes—such seemingly basic things that are essential to our physical and mental health. The Ritchies set out to offer these services around the city through their fleet of Lighter Loads ATX trailers.
“The opportunity to start their day with a shower and clean clothes provides hope and allows them to live with their heads held high,” says Laura. “They felt loved and we felt like we were extending the love and concern we felt inside of us to them.”
Lighter Loads ATX has grown into the ultimate organization for providing a sense of dignity and community to those experiencing homelessness. They have achieved this through their block parties. The goals of these parties include being a one-stop shop for as many goods and services as possible and offering a space for fun.
“Hands-down, my favorite moments are when I see a guest dancing,” says Laura. “From the beginning, I told my husband, if I see someone dancing then I will know that person’s load has truly been lightened. It’s a precious moment. When we make someone’s day better, we make someone’s life better.”
To partner or volunteer with Lighter Loads ATX and support 3,000 people in need, visit lighterloadsatx.org.
Hobbies can come to us when we need them most. This was the experience of Monique Parker, a woman who had worked in the tech sector for her entire professional career. Upon the passing of her brother in 2020, she turned to candlemaking to stay focused and use her hands, and it grew into her side gig.
“The way I live life post my brother’s death is YOLO,” says Parker. “We are so lucky to be living, and I wanted to do the things that make me happy and just go for it.”
In September 2022, Blow Candle Co. evolved into Parker’s full-fledged business. She reimagined her new warehouse suite into the ultimate spot for workshops fit for bridal showers, birthdays, and surprise dates. At Blow, you can expect to learn all of the different parts of candlemaking while creating your own custom scent.
“While the candles cure, we have everyone paint on a canvas. We’re putting them up on the wall, so it’s like our community mural,” says Parker. “It’s so crazy how, when people start painting, it really comes from somewhere.”
Parker also provides low and no-cost space to other female creatives, hosting them in their mediums. This ranges from leather-making to houseplants to metalworking. Through her collaborations, Parker has been able to develop initiatives for other women in business, which has become her overarching goal.
“I have two girls. I love that they get to see their mom doing her own thing, and I love using whatever platform I have to support other women,” says Parker. “We started with candles and now we have become this empowerment community when it comes to women and revenue."
blowcandleco.com
Inspired by a
Celebrate the special bond you share with a meaningful gift from James Avery
James Avery Artisan Jewelry is Texas through and through. The well-respected jewelry brand—which calls the Hill Country home—is known for crafting unique jewelry with a focus on beauty, meaning and connection. The latest Mother’s Day designs are no exception, featuring sweet scripts, colorful enameling and whimsical reminders of your love for Mom, in sterling silver or 14K gold. From charms, bracelets and anklets to necklaces, earrings and more, there are hundreds of ways to tell her story.
Start shopping Mother’s Day gifts today at JamesAvery.com .
Enjoy
HAKU LYCHEE MARTINI
ingredients:
• 2 oz. HAKU® Japanese Craft Vodka
• 1 oz. house made lychee simple syrup
directions:
1. Combine ingredients
2. Shake vigorously over ice
3. Strain and serve up in a chilled martini glass
4. Garnish with a lychee
At 12 years old, Rada Sam wanted to create something with her own hands. She had found that baking was a way to make people happy, which she was motivated to do. After baking her first cake, Sam’s fire was lit.
“I was born and partially raised in Germany, but my roots are deep in Bosnia,” says Sam. “Before moving to the States, I ran a bakery in Bosnia that was known for its delicious ice cream, custards, and cakes made from scratch. To this day, that bakery, Poslasticarnica Rimini, is very popular.”
Two years ago, thanks to her degree and hands-on experience with pastry, Sam became the owner of Sugar Shaker Bakery. Her team has since added multiple business partners, including wedding venues and party planning professionals. They have supplied nearly 200 weddings with both their wedding cakes and dessert table sweets.
“Every single cake we make is custom. We have definitely lost count of how many birthday cakes we make in a year,” says Sam. “I could not tell you how many times I have told myself how lucky I was to be able to be at the right place at the right time to acquire this business.”
With Mother’s Day around the corner, Sam believes that it’s important to show how much we appreciate all that our moms do. You can accomplish this with a special Mother’s Day dessert in her favorite flavors and colors—a completely personalized experience from Sugar Shaker Bakery.
“I cannot remember that we ever made the same cake for two different customers,” says Sam. “That is the beauty of my business. Every week, we have new challenges, and we love it.”
Sort “like” items into general groups that make sense to you. A few options are by similarities, color, size, user, or alphabetically. Every item needs a home, so designate a practical space for your categorized belongings that fits the lifestyle of you and your family.
Eliminate expired, unused, broken, unwanted, and duplicate items by donating, recycling, or discarding them routinely. With less clutter and more visibility, over-purchasing is prevented, maintaining systems is easier, and additional space is created for what you really love!
Sorted Spaces & Design is a professional organizing business based in Cedar Park. Its team is driven by a passion for creating maintainable systems and more motivated mindsets. Whether you have a lack of time or are just feeling overwhelmed, the ladies behind Sorted Spaces & Design have your home covered. Hire Audra Buxton, Victoria Benningfield, and owner Ciara Lindley to tackle your physical clutter so that you can achieve less mind clutter. Connect with the team at sorted-spaces.com .
Recruit another pair of eyes for a fresh perspective on furniture placement, interior design, and implementation of the strategic flow of systems. You can brainstorm, bounce ideas off each other, and discover different, unique, and improved solutions for a more aesthetic and functional space.
Ciara Lindley is a Jesus and nature-loving wife and mom of two littles, born and raised in Austin, TX, with a passion for serving others through organization and design.
When Moriah Eberhart became President of the Rotary Club of Cedar Park - Leander in 2021, she wanted to make a difference as the club’s first Latina woman President, bringing diversity and inclusion. Eberhart is an embodiment of their motto, “Service Above Self.”
“I like doing physical work for non-profits,” says Eberhart. “One example that brought such joy is Hope House, which is housing for mentally and physically disabled children and adults. We provided supplies, worked the grounds, and helped paint things to maintain their properties. It’s a pleasure to spend time with residents and see their smiling faces.”
Eberhart took her passion for networking and volunteerism to found her company, Community Exposure. She uses her Chamber Ambassador connections to help others achieve community awareness, and has earned the title of community hugger.
“I believe hugs are very healing. I’m the first to say I need them the most,” says Eberhart. “I feel like it helps bring our community closer with a loving and caring heart. Our world needs healing. What better way than through giving one hug at a time?”
rotarycedarparkleander.org
Jane Ko has been running her blog, A Taste of Koko, since 2010. She was inspired by other women who were blogging at the time, who were simultaneously vulnerable and confident in writing their own opinions. It was the combination of storytelling and freedom of speech that drew Ko in to starting what has become Austin’s top food and travel blog.
“I grew up in South Texas along the coast—Port Lavaca, Texas. I didn’t grow up eating out, having nice things, celebrating occasions, or even hanging out with friends,” says Ko. “Thanks to A Taste of Koko, I dine out five to six times a week, travel two to three times a month, and have worked on over 500 projects since 2015. It’s been a whirlwind!”
One of the most memorable times in Ko’s experience as a content creator is when she was the face of Miami tourism with The New York Times. She was flown out to Miami for one week to film a commercial with several agencies. Having never done anything like that before, Ko found that the project gave her the confidence that she can achieve anything. And that included writing a book!
“Koko’s Guide To Austin was my love letter to Austin. I actually only spent four weeks working on this book,” says Ko. “I basically locked myself in my office and pulled several all-nighters. It was a brain dump of a decade of knowledge on all the things to do and the best restaurants in Austin.”
Since her book’s publication, Ko has had many weekend road trips out to Fredericksburg. She fell so in love with the town that she and a few friends launched Sunday Haus Estate, their first hospitality project featuring three renovated and curated rental properties. Ko also wrote Koko’s Guide To Fredericksburg to share the best restaurants, wineries, and things to do. Between Texas Hill Country and Texas Wine Country, she has seen it all.
“My favorite parts about Central Texas are the hospitality industry, the restaurants, the people in the restaurants, and the local business owners,” says Ko. “I never thought I’d stay in Texas, but after launching my brand while I was at UT Austin, I found my community here.”
“I grew up as a small-town gal, and I think that has kept me humble. I always remember where I come from,” says Ko.
Acelli Crippen-Kok
As a bilingual elementary school teacher, Acelli CrippenKok noticed that the biggest challenges faced by her students weren’t academics, but home life, communication, and emotional dysregulation. This drove her to grad school for psychology. She later opened her practice, Solid Ground Counseling & Wellness.
“The name is a tribute to my abuelita who spent 36 years homeless, literally ‘walking on solid ground’ before we were reunited,” says Crippen-Kok. “She’s the strongest woman I’ve ever known. When my mom suggested it, I knew that my practice needed to be an unwavering structure for people.”
Crippen-Kok’s goal is to help clients feel comfortable and confident. For her, therapy is about the mind, body, and spirit connection and learning how those pieces can work together in harmony.
“Empowering women through counseling is about breaking barriers,” says Crippen-Kok. “It’s about finding and using our voice, learning who we are as individuals, setting boundaries and enforcing them, and nurturing the relationship we have with ourselves first.”
society6.com/abstractresi
Resi Murray never dreamed that she would enjoy painting and selling her art so much. But just over a decade after her start at the age of 58, she has truly leaned into her passion.
“I love doing markets, love talking to people, love their reactions and what they see in the paintings,” says Murray. “It’s always an honor when someone chooses my art for their home, no matter how small or large the painting.”
Although she started with the palette knife and brushwork, Murray moved into fluid paintings four years ago. When starting pieces, she works with colors inspired by people she meets at shows and markets.
to put your child's still planning
Let's work you figure out today to get
College or retirement?
Save for both.
College or retirement?
College or retirement?
College or retirement?
Save for both.
College or retirement?
Save for both.
Save for both.
Save for both.
Yes, it is possible to put money aside for your child's education while still planning for retirement. Let's work together to help you figure out a plan. Call me today to get started.
Yes, it is possible to put money aside for your child's education while still planning for retirement. Let's work together to help you figure out a plan. Call me today to get started.
Yes, it is possible to put money aside for your child's education while still planning for retirement. Let's work together to help you figure out a plan. Call me today to get
Yes, it is possible to put money aside for your child's education while still planning for retirement. Let's work together to help you figure out a plan. Call me today to get started.
Yes, it is possible to put money aside for your child's education while still planning for retirement. Let's work together to help you figure out a plan. Call me today to get started.
Celia Malkemus was selling Mary Kay when she fell into the floral industry’s lap. Her director was helping in a local flower shop for the holidays, and they happened to need new bodies.
“I didn’t know how to make arrangements, but I could read tickets,” says Malkemus. “The owner of the shop ended up saying, ‘Let me teach you how to make a simple arrangement.’ I was not the type of person who was going to try to do something that I wasn’t good at, but as she trained me, I started working even when it wasn’t holiday time.”
By 2014, Malkemus and a coworker grew interested in doing more weddings. They decided to take their work outside of the shop, making arrangements from their homes. And thus, Bloom and Leaf was born, which Malkemus now runs with her husband.
“I love the whole process of weddings. I love interacting with the brides on the phone or in person or both. I love getting to understand what their dream is and helping them bring that vision to life,”
says Malkemus. “A lot of brides have dreamt since they were young children about what their wedding day would be like.”
Through the years, Malkemus has gotten involved with weddings beyond the florist level. She started doing wedding management when a friend’s granddaughter needed a coordinator. Since then, Malkemus has come to pride herself on being able to take just about any blank canvas and turn it into a beautiful wedding.
“To be able to expand my knowledge is a lot of fun,” says Malkemus. “I’ve done ten or so Jewish weddings and a vow renewal since my first one. Just because it’s not something I’ve done before doesn’t mean I won’t figure out how to do it.”
Malkemus also enjoys showcasing the artistry of Bloom and Leaf during events by Heroes Night Out and for International Women’s Day. Her momand-pop business has grown into something that truly makes a positive impact on anyone needing a smile.
Bloom and Leaf
Bloom and Leaf is a full-service floral studio based in Leander, TX. Owner Celia Malkemus is also the official florist of Cedar Park Regional Medical Center, and member of the Texas State Floral Association. bloomandleaf.com
A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.
Northside Plant Market hosted at The Good Lot
2500 W NEW HOPE DR, CEDAR PARK, TX 78613 | 11:00 AM
Are you a plant enthusiast? Then the pop-up Northside Plant Market is a necessary addition to your weekend plans! Head to The Good Lot to check out the local growers and artisan makers offering a wide selection of plants and handmade goods. Kick back and stay awhile around the fire pits after you have collected your succulents and tropicals. thegoodlotcp.com
Pecan Street Festival in Austin’s Sixth Street Historic District
501 OLD PECAN ST, AUSTIN, TX 78701
There will be a diverse range of hundreds of artisans at this year’s Pecan Street Festival. As you purchase metal, clay, and glass handcrafted creations, you will get to listen to nearly 50 of Austin’s top musical acts. Kids can even take part in interactive workshops and go on rides! Festival proceeds go toward several non-profits and municipal-aid organizations. pecanstreetfestival.org
Mother's Day R&B Jam at the H-E-B Center
2100 AVE OF THE STARS, CEDAR PARK, TX 78613 | 7:00 PM
If the maternal figure in your life is a fan of R&B, take them to spend Mother's Day with singer-songwriter Keith Sweat. With his record-breaking career, a performance by Sweat is one to remember. The R&B Jam will also showcase SWV, Bobby V., Case, Keke Wyatt, and Day26. Buy tickets for an evening of funky, soulful rhythm. hebcenter.com
1501 E NEW HOPE DR, LEANDER, TX 78641 | 7:00 PM
Throwbacks aren't just for Thursdays. Dive back into the early 21st century on Saturday night at the Pop 2000 Tour. It will be hosted by none other than Chris Kirkpatrick, who is best known for his work as a founding member of *NSYNC. Featured performances include platinum-selling artists O-Town, Ryan Cabrera, and LFO. Get your tickets now! hautespot.live
2100 AVE OF THE STARS, CEDAR PARK, TX 78613 | 7:30 PM
All ages are welcome to attend Azteca Records' celebration of the norteña-sax music genre. Listen to artists like La Maquinaria Norteña, Conjunto Amanecer, Los Cazadores Del Cerro, and more. You are sure to have a great time with the sounds of alto saxophones and accordions. Consider even getting the At Home Loge Seat Package to enhance your experience. hebcenter.com
111 VIA FRANCESCO, FLORENCE, TX 76527 | 11:00 AM
Enjoy a change of pace as you head north to The Vineyard at Florence for its 5K event. Inspired by Tuscany, this vineyard offers a beautiful destination of authentic Italian pastoral culture. It is the perfect place to get your body moving, whether you plan to walk or run. Registration comes with a t-shirt, wine glass, and finisher medal. runsignup.com