Here's to Exploring
Summer is the season of exploration.
Whether it's setting out on a road trip, discovering a hidden destination, trying something new, or pursuing a dream that's been years in the making, there is something invigorating about stepping beyond the familiar. In this month's Explore issue, we're celebrating the places, people, and experiences that inspire curiosity and adventure.
Our travels take us north to Backland Luxury Nature Resort, where you can experience a unique blend of comfort and wilderness beneath Arizona's star-filled skies. We also visit The Barefoot Trail, an immersive outdoor experience that encourages you to reconnect with nature one barefoot step at a time. Heading south, we feature a relaxing getaway at The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa in Tucson, a desert retreat that offers its own opportunities for discovery and renewal.
Plus, for those planning their own outdoor adventures, we've gathered a variety of camping essentials designed to help you make the most of your summer escapes.
Closer to home, we meet Chandler resident Delaney Hudson, who recently graduated from college and is now embarking on an exciting new journey as a dancer aboard Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas. Her story is a reminder that exploration isn't always about where we go—sometimes it's about having the courage to pursue where our dreams lead us.
We also spotlight Mindy Jones, founder of the Amy Jones Group, Community on Purpose, and On Purpose Strategies. Through her work, she continues to explore new ways to build connections, strengthen communities, and create meaningful impact throughout the Valley.
As you turn these pages, I hope you'll find inspiration to explore something new this season—whether that's a destination, a passion, a career path, or simply a different perspective.
Happy exploring,
MICHELLE GLICKSMAN, EDITOR
July 2026
PUBLISHER
Joyce Selk | joyce.selk@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Michelle Glicksman
michelle.glicksman@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANTS
Jessica Bush | jessica.bush@citylifestyle.com
Christina Larson | christina.larson@citylifestyle.com
Skye Wagner | skye.wagner@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Michelle Talsma Everson, Kylie Strawn-Badger, Michelle Glicksman, Georgann Yara
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Katie Levine Photography
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
•
BENEFITS OF OWNING A HOME:
•
•
•
When should I consider in-home care for myself or a loved one?
This quick checklist will help determine whether it’s time to have a conversation to see if in-home care or other care solutions are needed.
you are Aging. miss taking Medications.
Assistance needed by others to stay at home – help with transportation, errands, grocery, housecleaning, personal hygiene.
Desire to stay at home.
A spouse of someone you are caring for – in-home care as a respite for a loved one.
We
Women who are scared.
Women who feel like they don’t know anything about finance.
Women who don’t want to be taken advantage of.
Women who don’t want to be judged.
Women who just need someone to help.
I
who come in heavy and leave my office lighter.
That’s the NOWFinancial way.
city scene
1: Amada Senior Care proudly joined the Andy Biggs Drop Zone event, providing resources and services to veterans. 2: Chandler Police Department’s Volunteer Banquet celebrated their much-appreciated volunteers, who give their time so generously. 3-4: Some of the 240 women who enjoyed Chandler’s Annual Women’s Empowerment Luncheon. 5: The Chandler Chamber celebrates a ribbon-cutting for the newly opened The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill in Ocotillo. 6: Friends of the Chandler Center for the Arts at their Hawaiian-themed Volunteer Appreciation Dinner. 7: Golden Neighbors celebrated their fifth year bringing residents 55-plus together to build community.
8-13: The Men of Chandler enjoyed a happy hour hosted at the new Lucca Living Room in Downtown Chandler. 14: The 2026 Women of Chandler were honored with a luncheon by the Chandler Chamber of Commerce.
15-21: The 6th annual
Teeing Off For Cancer Golf Tournament, hosted by Darwin Wall Team at Springfield Golf Course.
business monthly
Chandler Ranked Among Top 100 Places to Live in the U.S.
Livability recently published its list of the Top 100 Best Places to Live in the U.S., with Chandler ranking 16th. The article highlights Chandler's reputation as a "Community of Innovation" and fast-growing tech hub in addition to the city's strong local economy, top-notch health care facilities, excellent schools, and great amenities. To curate its best places list, Livability assesses thousands of U.S. cities based on more than 100 data points in essential categories related to quality of life.
Photography courtesy City of Chandler
The Arizona City Attorneys Association awarded Chandler City Attorney Kelly Schwab with the Career Achievement Award, which reflects her distinguished career and a sustained commitment to strengthening municipal law and public service across Arizona communities. Schwab has led Chandler’s law department as city attorney and risk manager since 2016. Prior to that, she was the City of Mesa’s assistant city attorney and had a 25-year career in private practice serving as general legal counsel for several Arizona cities and towns.
Downtown Chandler Community Partnership Offers Channel Your ChillThemed Bingo Game
Downtown Chandler Community Partnership (DCCP) is hosting a Channel Your Chill-themed summer bingo game. Grab a bingo card at participating Downtown Chandler businesses or at DCCP’s office (178 W. Boston St.). Shop and dine at participating businesses to earn stamps—four in a row is a bingo. Then, turn in your card to receive a Downtown Chandler discount deck packed with deals from local favorites. There will also be a lucky draw for a grand prize visit to one of Downtown Chandler’s hotels. DowntownChandler.org
Scan to read more
Visit Chandler, the official destination marketing organization for the City of Chandler, launched the Choose Chandler Summer Pass, themed around summer nights. The free digital pass serves as an evening itinerary guide, inviting you to discover that a little Arizona warmth is no match for a great night out in Chandler. There are more than 20 businesses and activities, with more being added. Sign up at VisitChandler.com and check in to earn points and possible prizes.
supply chain, leased 32,045 square feet of industrial space at 400 N. 56th St. The new facility supports TOCALO’s continued expansion in the U.S. and strengthens its ability to serve semiconductor equipment manufacturers and other advanced semiconductor manufacturing customers. Chandler’s established innovation ecosystem, highly skilled workforce, and proximity to major transportation and technology corridors were key factors in the company’s site selection decision.
Photography courtesy City of Chandler
Angry Crab Shack Opens Chandler Location
Arizona-based seafood boil restaurant Angry Crab Shack opened a new location in Chandler in June at 3033 S. Gilbert Road. The location is owned and operated by local franchise partners and Chandler residents, the Appiah family. This new locale features Angry Crab Shack’s signature casual dining experience, known for its vibrant seafood boils, Asian-Cajun fusion flavors, and family-friendly atmosphere. Enjoy foods such as shrimp, crab, lobster, and crawfish served with bold seasonings and classic seafood boil accompaniments. AngryCrabShack.com
Photography courtesy Angry Crab Shack
Next Season
CHANDLER GRADUATE DELANEY HUDSON TURNS A LIFELONG PASSION FOR DANCE INTO A CAREER AT SEA
TAKING THE LEAP
By the time Delaney Hudson steps onto the stage aboard Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas cruise ship this summer, she will be carrying more than choreography. She will be carrying years of studio training, family support, hard-earned resilience, and the confidence that comes from choosing a dream even after it briefly seemed out of reach.
“My parents and mentors always told me the key to being successful is to stay humble, be kind, and work hard,” she says. “I still live by that today.”
— DELANEY HUDSON
For Hudson, a 2022 graduate of Perry High School and 2026 graduate of the University of Arizona, dance has long been the thread connecting each chapter of her life. What began at age 4 inside Tempe Dance Academy grew into a second home, a creative outlet, and eventually the foundation for a professional career.
Growing up in Chandler helped shape the confidence and work ethic that carried her there.
“Chandler gave me the kind of foundation that every young girl hopes for,” Hudson says. “It always felt like a place where people wanted to see each other succeed.”
During college, Hudson pursued both a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Marketing, balancing the artistry of performance with the discipline of business. That combination reflects both sides of the career ahead of her: the performer who loves the stage and the professional who understands the persistence required to build a life in the arts.
Her first major professional role is already underway. From now through May 2027, Hudson is performing as a lead dancer aboard Freedom of the Seas, appearing in large-scale production shows including Marquee and Once Upon a Time. The work blends jazz and musical theater, with a schedule that changes by itinerary and ports throughout the Caribbean, including the Bahamas and St. Thomas.
“It honestly feels surreal,” Hudson says. “There were so many moments throughout my training where I questioned myself or wondered if I was good enough, so receiving this offer feels like a reflection of years of hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance.”
The opportunity brings together two things Hudson values deeply: performance and experience. She says her teachers often reminded her that the best dancers are people first, and that living fully helps shape stronger artists.
“What excites me most is the opportunity to combine performing with travel and cultural experiences,” she says. “It’s amazing to think that dance is taking me around the world.”
Hudson is quick to credit the teachers, professors, and mentors who helped her grow, from her early years at Tempe Dance Academy to her training at the University of Arizona. Their guidance, she says, shaped her technique, strengthened her discipline, and helped her trust herself as an artist. Many also helped her understand that a dance career is built not only on talent but on openness, humility, and the ability to keep learning in every room.
That support mattered during the highs but also during the moments when the path felt uncertain. During her senior year of high school, Hudson initially auditioned for the University of Arizona dance program through video submissions during COVID and was rejected.
At the time, she was devastated and wondered whether the future she had imagined was slipping away. Still, she did not give up.
Just two days before college classes began in 2022, Hudson attended an in-person audition where professors finally saw her perform live and offered her a place in the program.
“That moment completely changed the trajectory of my life,” Hudson says. “It taught me that rejection isn’t always the end of the story.”
As she performs far from home, she says she carries Chandler with her. Her story is one of talent, yes, but also resilience, humility, and the willingness to keep showing up when the path changes.
Now, as she begins this next chapter, the same support system that helped her get here remains part of the story.
“My parents and mentors always told me the key to being successful is to stay humble, be kind, and work hard,” she says. “I still live by that today.”
NO
Shoes NECESSARY
With natural surfaces intentionally created to stimulate, recharge, and strengthen connections to nature, a trail in Flagstaff gives a fresh definition to what it means to go barefoot in the park.
THE TRAIL ACCOMMODATES BOTH EXPERIENCED AND INFREQUENT WALKERS, AS WELL AS GUESTS OF ALL AGES WITH DIFFERENT PHYSICAL ABILITIES. CONTINUED >
THE BAREFOOT TRAIL INVITES VISITORS TO COMFORTABLY CONNECT WITH THE EARTH WITHOUT BOUNDARIES
Set among the forest of the Colorado Plateau, The Barefoot Trail has quickly become a unique outdoor activity destination with visitors trekking the 1-mile path that winds through more than 35 activity stations, inspiring everyone to ditch their shoes to truly step back into nature.
“It’s a designated adventure park manicured for bare feet with reflexology and sensory stations,” says Leah Williams, founder of The Barefoot Trail. “You wouldn’t get that at a national park.”
Amid the lush environs, the trail’s amenities span balance beams, custom bridges, bamboo and sand labyrinths, obstacle courses, and wide shade tunnels that offer strollers a cool and comfortable space for meditation and reflection. On the path, a range of materials— rocks and pebbles of different sizes, pine shavings, and even wine corks—hit pressure points on your foot to offer a variety of therapies.
“The trail is designed to stimulate your feet and give you fresh air,” Williams says. “It’s a welcome change to the outdoors.”
Outdoor yoga on Thursdays and Sundays, and live music on Saturdays, round out the adventure.
Williams was living with her family in the Netherlands when her children’s school went on a field trip to a barefoot park in Belgium. After visiting the park herself, Williams fell in love with the concept.
“It was an all-inclusive, multigenerational experience that focused on health, wellness, and outdoor fun,” Williams recalls. “All of those elements together were a wonderful experience with a beautiful energy.”
Williams wanted to bring such a venue and atmosphere to the U.S. when she returned. That began to take shape in 2022, when Williams started The Barefoot Trail nonprofit. In 2024, the park opened and drew 6,200 guests purely on word of mouth. Last year, in its first full season, it attracted 23,000 visitors.
The trail accommodates both experienced and infrequent walkers, as well as guests of all ages with different physical abilities. While going barefoot is recommended, it's not required. Those who need to wear their shoes or want to bring them along in case they change their mind on the trail are free to do so.
“Our number one goal is to get people outdoors, to get them out among the trees and to move their bodies,” Williams says. “When your bare feet touch the earth, your senses come alive.”
GLAMPING UNDER THE STARS
Backland Luxury Nature Resort Is a Perfect Place to Relax, Unwind, and Enjoy Nature While Wrapped in Luxury
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE GLICKSMAN | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY BACKLAND LUXURY NATURE RESORT
Imagine waking up in the middle of the night, nestled into a king bed inside a luxury glamping tent, staring up at what feels like an endless canopy of stars framed by the skylight above. In the morning, you shower in your en-suite bathroom before heading off to a chef-crafted breakfast served in
a glass-walled restaurant, where you can look out at a nature resort that’s surrounded by pristine National Forest lands.
This is Backland Luxury Nature Resort, a secluded escape where stargazing, wilderness adventures, and elevated hospitality come together in Northern Arizona.
The Tents
This eco-luxury resort is surrounded on all sides by National Forest lands and located just 20 minutes outside of Williams. It sits on 160 acres at an elevation of 7,000 feet and has 10 luxury glamping tents, which are designed with expansive windows, patios, full en-suite bathrooms with a shower, and so much more. Various accommodations feature a soaring 16-foot skylight and, new for the 2026 season, select Nature Suites now include a private outdoor hot tub. Thoughtfully integrated into the Nature Suite design, the hot tub complements the skylight positioned above the king bed, allowing you to enjoy unobstructed views from both the comfort of your room and your private deck.
Every tent features a king bed, while one accommodation option was designed with families in mind and also includes a cozy bunk-bed fort.
Things to Do
While you may be tempted just to hang out in your tent unwinding and soaking in the stunning views, if you’re looking for more activity, Backland offers plenty of options.
Even at full build-out, 95% of the property will remain open space, giving you plenty of room to explore trails, spot local birdlife, and immerse yourself in the surrounding forest.
There’s also a pond with a beach, and kayaks and fishing poles are available for use. And, a nine-hole frisbee golf course winds through the forest and the meadow, offering a playful way to explore the grounds. Evenings can be spent around a fire pit making s’mores.
As the skies go dark, you can head to the observatory, a recent expansion of the resort’s existing nighttime stargazing programming that features heated seating and staff-led observations. Since Backland is located
deep in the forest, it is far removed from the light pollution of the city, and the starry views are stunning. Make sure to use the telescope to catch a view of the craters on the moon or even Saturn’s rings.
If you prefer to go off property, there’s also plenty to explore nearby. The Sycamore Falls trailhead is just five minutes away, Bearizona is 20 minutes away, Canyon Coaster Adventure Park (and its unique mountain coaster) is also only 20 minutes away, and if the Grand Canyon is on your list, Backland has a partnership with Grand Canyon Adventures that offers private guided tours that depart directly from the property.
Dining
A continental breakfast is included with every stay (as are the nightly s’mores),
while lunch, dinner, grab-and-go snacks, and various drinks are available for an extra cost. In keeping with the resort's nature-focused philosophy, chef-crafted dishes highlight seasonal and locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.
In addition to the glass-walled restaurant and to-go dining options, there are new clear private dining pods on the premises. These intimate dining spaces allow you to enjoy a secluded meal beneath Arizona's famed dark skies.
At Backland, you can meld nature and luxury for the ultimate in relaxation and peacefulness. Take in the breathtaking natural wonders or simply linger in the stillness of the wild.
TravelBackland.com
GEAR GUIDE
Going Camping? Here Are Products to Put on Your Radar
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE GLICKSMAN | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Looking to head out on a camping trip? We’ve got products to make your adventure even better—and safer. From tent options to a product that ensures you always have safe drinking water to games that are fun for the entire family, these finds will help elevate your next outdoor escape.
1. INFINITY X1 7000L DUAL POWER RECHARGEABLE FLASHLIGHT
This rugged, high-output flashlight delivers up to 7,000 lumens with rechargeable plus AA battery backup power, a twist-to-focus beam, and built-in USB-C power bank functionality for camping, road trips, and outdoor adventures. $39.99 (9 AA batteries included) at Costco warehouse locations or $49.99 (9 AA batteries included) online
This hiking stick by Rhino USA is an anodized aluminum trekking pole with an integrated survival kit built into the handle, including a fire starter, compass, fishing line and tackle, knife, screwdriver, and bottle opener. Adjustable for any height, grippy in wet conditions, and compact. $99 at RhinoUSAInc.com
The first and only patented, self-inflating bed wedge pillow that’s designed for travel—even camping. This pillow is perfect for those with acid reflux, GERD, sleep apnea, sinus issues, back issues, POTS, and more. $95.95 at TravelwedgePRO.com
2. TACTICAL HIKING STICK
3. TRAVELWEDGE PRO
WeatherPod pop-up pods are lightweight and easy to carry—they pop open in seconds. Enjoy shade from the sun and shelter from the rain. They fit in a handy backpack carry case and are waterproof, windproof, and offer UPF 50 maximum sun protection. $189.99 at ShopWeatherPod.com
A rugged five-watt two-way radio from Midland Radio, featuring built-in repeater capability, 142 privacy codes, group mode, a 16-hour battery life, and automatic microphone noise cancellation that keeps you connected even in areas of poor service. An IP67 water and dustproof rating makes this radio ideal for hikers and campers, even those who like to explore beyond the trails. $239.99 at MidlandUSA.com
Access by Vital Lyfe is a first-generation portable water purification and desalination system, designed to make clean water available anywhere to anyone using any naturally occurring sources of water. $749 at Vital-Lyfe.com
5. WEATHERPOD MYPOD XL
6. ACCESS
4. GXT67PRO
Built for families and extended road trips, the Yakima SkyPeak HD is a rugged hardshell rooftop tent designed for quick setup, all-season durability, and elevated comfort at camp. Plus, with the available HD Bars, you don’t lose the ability to attach a roofbox, bike racks, etc. Starting at $3,999 at Yakima.com
Helinox’s top packable table offers unbeatable stability and support. With its lightweight, folding tabletop, it’s easy to set up, clean, and store away, making it the perfect addition to any camping trip. It weighs just 2 lbs. when packed and can hold up to 110 lbs. when assembled. $149.95 at Helinox.com
For kids—or kids at heart!—the Helinox PLAY collection contains four games under $100: YutNori, a traditional Korean table game; StringTrees, the backcountry version of shuffleboard; HeliDrop, a game of throwing accuracy and skill; and HeliDisc, where well-aimed throws knock the opponent’s target off the tower. Each Helinox PLAY game packs into a carry bag, is crafted with bluesign-certified fabrics and premium alloy, and comes with Helinox’s standard five-year warranty. $39-$99 at Helinox.com
7. YAKIMA SKYPEAK HD ROOFTOP TENT
8. TABLE ONE HARD TOP
9. HELINOX PLAY OUTDOOR GAMES
A SOOTHING SONORAN ESCAPE
THE WESTIN LA PALOMA RESORT & SPA IN TUCSON IS AN UNFORGETTABLE GETAWAY
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE GLICKSMAN PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY THE WESTIN LA PALOMA RESORT & SPA
Ready to relax and rejuvenate? Head to The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa, a AAA Four-Diamond resort that offers a luxurious escape amid Tucson’s stunning Santa Catalina Mountains. Here, serenity meets high-end experiences, while also providing a welcoming place for the entire family.
The Resort
In 2023, The Westin La Paloma began a sweeping multimillion-dollar renovation that has already renovated or redesigned much of the property, including its 486 guest rooms and suites. The neutral color palette is earthy and soothing, inviting relaxation, and private balconies and large windows frame desert and mountain views. When you’re ready to truly unwind and pamper yourself, head to the
Casa
Amenities
Relax here at one of the five outdoor pools—including a main pool, children’s pool, and adult pool—while listening to the soothing sound of one of the many shimmering waterfalls. Kids and kids-at-heart can slide down the twisty water slide. When you’re ready to truly unwind and pamper yourself, head to the La Paloma Spa & Salon for one of its immersive sensory journeys, including the personalized Agave Nectar Massage and the iconic HydraFacial.
If golf is your preferred activity, take advantage of the Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. There’s also the indoor
Topgolf Swing Suite Experience, which adds a virtual golf option, as well as football, soccer, and baseball selections. Tennis courts and a state-of-the-art fitness center, as well as nearby hiking, provide additional ways to work up a sweat.
The variety of resort events, from live music to stargazing, provide plenty of fun options.
Food & Drink
This stunning resort offers food and beverage creations that are just as incredible. La Luz, the property’s signature restaurant, showcases thoughtfully designed creations that reflect the warmth and spirit of the desert.
The lobby’s centerpiece is Casa 71 Tequila Lounge, a place where tradition meets modern luxury. Choose from a selection of 71 high-end tequilas or mezcals, order a handcrafted cocktail, or even just grab a bite while relaxing and taking in the views from the expansive windows nearby. And every evening at 6 p.m., stop by for Sunset Spirits, which features a curated Whiskey Del Bac cocktail created with whiskey from the local distillery. Additional dining options include Contigo Latin Kitchen and Sabino’s Pool Bar & Grill.
3800 E. Sunrise Drive, Tucson; LaPalomaResort.com
ARTICLE BY KYLIE STRAWN-BADGER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATIE LEVINE PHOTOGRAPHY
CONVERSATIONS THAT CHANGE EVERYTHING
There comes a point in nearly every entrepreneur’s journey where momentum alone stops being enough. On the surface, everything may still look successful. The business is running, the calendar is full, and from the outside, it appears like growth is happening. But internally, something begins to shift. Decisions feel heavier. Conversations feel more complex. And the path forward isn’t as clear as it once was.
MINDY
JONES SHARES HOW BETTER CONVERSATIONS CREATE MEANINGFUL GROWTH
For Mindy Jones, that moment wasn’t a setback. It was a signal. A signal to evolve. Today, as the founder of the Amy Jones Group, Community on Purpose, and On Purpose Strategies, she has built her work around helping people navigate exactly these kinds of moments. With a foundation rooted in real estate and expanded through coaching, she operates at the intersection of business strategy, communication, and human connection.
For Mindy, it all comes back to how we show up in conversations. “The most important skill isn’t knowing what to say,” she shares. “It’s knowing how to think about conversations differently.”
Her background in real estate gave her daily exposure to real, high-stakes conversations. Helping clients buy or sell a home isn’t just about transactions. It involves navigating finances, relationships, timing, and emotions, often all at once. Over time, she began to recognize that success wasn’t just tied to market knowledge or strategy. It was deeply connected to how conversations were handled along the way. The questions being asked. The assumptions being made. And sometimes, the things left unsaid.
That realization led her to dive deeper into communication, becoming an Exactly What to Say® Certified Guide and developing frameworks that now support entrepreneurs across industries.
What began as a way to better serve her clients evolved into a way to help people lead, connect, and grow with intention.
“Most people don’t need more information,” Mindy explains. “They need better questions.”
That belief shapes how she works with clients. Rather than jumping straight into tactics, she encourages people to slow down and look at what is really happening beneath the surface. Because more often than not, the challenge isn’t the business itself. It is how we are thinking about it.
A client may say they need more leads, but through conversation, it becomes clear the real issue is confidence, clarity in messaging, or discomfort in follow-up. These are communication gaps. And that is where real change begins.
For those in a season where growth feels unclear or harder than it used to, Mindy offers a grounded approach. It starts with clarity. “Before you add more,” she says, “ask yourself what actually matters right now.”
It is easy to stay busy because it feels productive, but clarity is what creates direction. Taking a closer look at the conversations happening daily can reveal more than expected. Are they moving things forward, or keeping things stuck?
Preparation, she notes, is often overlooked but powerful. “The last time to think about what you’re going to say is in the moment you’re saying it.” Thinking ahead about conversations can shift outcomes, creating more confidence and intention. When things feel stalled, many people instinctively push harder. But Mindy encourages a different approach. “Curiosity opens doors that pressure closes.” By replacing pressure with curiosity, conversations become more natural and effective. This mindset carries into how she views business as a whole. Relationships, not transactions, sustain long-term success. “When you build real relationships, opportunities follow,” she shares. That same sense of intention shows up in how she has built her own business. Her nonprofit, Community on Purpose, is not separate from her work, it is woven into it. Volunteer efforts, partnerships, and giving initiatives are part of how she and her team operate. “I never wanted business and impact to feel like two different things,” she says. “For me, they’re the same.”
At home, Mindy’s role as a mom reinforces everything she teaches. Instead of leading with correction, she leads with connection. “Connection before direction,” she shares. It is a simple shift that builds awareness and stronger relationships over time.
It is also a reminder that growth is not about perfection. It is about presence. About being willing to pause, ask better questions, and stay engaged in the process.
At the heart of Mindy’s work is a deeper invitation to rethink what growth really looks like. “There’s nothing wrong with wanting more,” she says. “But the real question is, more of what?”
In a world that often prioritizes speed and scale, her perspective feels refreshing. Growth does not always mean doing more. Sometimes, it means thinking more clearly, communicating more intentionally, and building stronger, more meaningful connections along the way.
“CURIOSITY OPENS DOORS THAT PRESSURE CLOSES.”
— MINDY JONES
ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE
The 10% Target Mindset
Jen Cohen ON THE PRACTICE OF ASKING FOR WHAT YOU WANT
Winnipeg in the winter, and a 17-year-old waits 45 minutes in the cold for Keanu Reeves. Her fingers are numb. She is not there for an autograph. She is there to ask him to appear in her audition tape for MuchMusic, Canada’s MTV. When he finally agrees, she writes her number on a gum wrapper with a borrowed lip liner.
He calls days later.
That 17-year-old was Jen Cohen — fitness expert, host of the Habits & Hustle podcast, and best-selling author. She has built a career on the premise her frostbitten afternoon proved. She calls the practice the 10% Target: 10 attempts at whatever you want most in life.
The premise is simple. Most people never make one attempt. Almost nobody makes two. The math works in favor of the person who keeps going.
The top-rated Habits & Hustle podcast has logged hundreds of conversations with high performers and the people who study what the body does to the mind. Her TEDx talk, The Secret to Getting Anything You Want in Life, has traveled widely inside Fortune 500 sales-training rooms. On the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Cohen sits down to share the working rules that are the foundation of her latest book, Bigger, Better, Bolder.
“You have to be the CEO of your own life.”
FEATURING JEN COHEN
Discover the full 10% Target Mindset framework.
1 2
MAKE TEN ATTEMPTS
The door opens, or another door does. The unmade attempt and the refused one leave you in the same place — except one of them teaches you something.
STACK THE DECK
Cohen frames her habits as a wager: How do I stack the deck so I win more than I lose? The workout happens first, and the food decisions follow. The email follow-up gets sent, and the answer arrives. The choices compound in a single direction.
3
DISCIPLINE IS A PRACTICED SKILL, NOT AN INHERITANCE
No one is born with it. The people who look disciplined are running a routine they have rehearsed long enough that it no longer feels like effort. The reps are the skill. Miss them, and the skill fades, the same as any other.
4
SELF-TALK ONLY WORKS WHEN THE BODY BACKS IT UP
Confidence does not arrive by repeating the word. It arrives after the body has done the thing — the workout finished, the cold walk endured, the email sent. The mind takes its cues from what the body proves it can do. Talk follows action, not the other way around.
5
NEVER MISS A MONDAY
The first decision sets the slope of the rest. Skip the Monday workout, and the rest of the week tends to follow. Hold the line on Monday, and the slope tilts the other way.
JULY 2026
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
JULY 1ST THROUGH AUGUST 15TH
Unlovable
Vision Gallery
Bats, rats, gnats, oh my! From the creepy to the crawly, this open call exhibition invited Arizona-based artists to submit works of animals that are often deemed unlovable by the general public. Artists were encouraged to reimagine these creatures through unique perspectives, whether by emphasizing their beauty, strangeness, resilience, or symbolic power. VisionGallery.org
JULY 4TH
Chandler’s
All-American Bash
Dr. A.J. Chandler Park: Stage Plaza | 7:00 PM
Celebrate Independence Day in Downtown Chandler with a pyrotechnics show, live music, yard games, local food vendors, and more. The Pickup Lines, an Arizona band that seamlessly blends country, rock, and R&B into their performances, will perform and a fireworks show will begin at 8:15 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to claim a spot to sit and enjoy. ChandlerAZ.gov
JULY 7TH
Popsicles for America
Chandler Community Center | 11:00 AM
Swing by the Chandler Community Center and grab a patriotic popsicle to celebrate 250 years of America with a sweet treat. Popsicles will be handed out beginning at 11 a.m. until supplies run out. While you're there, check out what programs are available at the Community Center. ChandlerAZ.gov
JULY 17TH
Summer Sips + Dips –Adult-only Pool Party
Crowne Plaza Phoenix Chandler Golf Resort | 6:00 PM
Enjoy a 21-and-over-only night of mu sic and fun at the pool at Crowne Plaza San Marcos Resort. There will be live entertainment from Arizona’s DJ Enter tainment, tasty cocktails and dips from Crowne Plaza’s kitchen, and chill pool side vibes. Tickets are $5 per person (or $10 day of), or rent a cabana for $75 for up to five guests. Loungers are available on a first-come, first-served basis. SummerPoolParty.eventbrite.com
JULY 17TH
Friday Fun Day Events
Chandler and Mesa ICAN Sites
Amy Jones Group and Community on Purpose are partnering with ICAN for summer volunteer opportunities sup porting local youth through Friday Fun Day events. From noon to 3 p.m., volun teers can assist with activities, including the End of Summer Bash & ICAN Awards.
JULY 18TH
Water You Doing Pop-Up
Arrowhead Pool | 12:00 PM
Participate in fun water safety activities and a public swim, view CPR demonstrations, and learn about swim lessons available this summer with Chandler Aquatics. Save the date for the other Water You Doing Pop-Up event this summer, which will be held on Aug. 15, from noon to 2 p.m. at Desert Oasis Aquatic Center. ChandlerAZ.gov
Want to be featured?
GET IN TOUCH AT CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/ CHANDLER
ARTICLE BY ALYSSA LAVY, MS, RD, CDN
Summer Seafood Gazpacho
This summer seafood gazpacho screams summer and is the perfect, refreshing meal, snack or appetizer to beat the heat - whether you’re entertaining or enjoying a quiet meal with family. It’s packed with some of the season’s most flavorful produce and provides satisfying fiber and protein to help keep you feeling full, while still being light enough to enjoy on the hottest of summer days. Plus, there is no need to turn on the oven or the stove, keeping your kitchen (and you) cool as a cucumber! You can enjoy this chilled soup as is, or add toppings like chopped jalapeños, cilantro, or creme fraiche and scoop it up with tortilla chips!
Alyssa Lavy, MS, RD, CDN, CPT is a registered dietitian, personal trainer and mom of 2. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from The George Washington University and her Master of Science in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology from Teachers College Columbia University, where she also completed her dietetic internship. She has been an ACSM certified personal trainer for over a decade. Alyssa is the owner of Alyssa Lavy Nutrition & Wellness, a wellness brand offering nutrition communications, program development and consulting services for individuals and corporations.
Website: alyssalavy.com Instagram: @alyssalavyrd
Ingredients: (yields ~8 C gazpacho)
• 8 large tomatoes
• 1 large cucumber
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 small sweet onion
• 1 jalapeño pepper
• ½ tsp hot sauce
• 3 Tbsp lemon juice
• 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 ¼ tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• 2 Tbsp parsley (fresh or dried)
• 8 oz lump crab meat
• 8 oz cooked shrimp, chilled (about 8-12 large shrimp)
*Optional suggested toppings include: cilantro, tortilla chips, chopped jalapeños, creme fraiche, or additional parsley.
Directions:
1. Cut tomatoes into large chunks, approximately 6-8 pieces each. Set aside.
2. Slice cucumber into thick slices. Set aside.
3. Mince garlic. Set aside.
4. Chop onion into medium sized pieces. Set aside.
5. Slice jalapeño pepper in half, lengthwise. Remove seeds if you prefer less heat. Chop jalapeño pepper and set aside.
6. Add tomatoes to large food processor. You may need to add about half of the tomatoes, pulse for a few seconds and then add the remaining tomatoes depending on the size of your food processor. Pulse tomatoes until chunky and slightly pureed. You will continue to puree the tomatoes once the additional ingredients are added, so do not pulse until completely smooth.
7. Add remaining vegetables (cucumber, garlic, onion, jalapeño pepper) to food processor with the tomatoes. Add hot sauce, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper and parsley. Replace the lid and pulse to desired consistency – the gazpacho should be pureed, but still somewhat chunky and not completely smooth.
8. Store in an airtight container and chill in the fridge for at least one hour before serving. If not serving right away, this gazpacho can be made in advance and stored in the fridge overnight or for a few days until ready to serve. If making this gazpacho in advance, purchase fresh seafood or thaw frozen within 1 day of serving to keep seafood fresh and store seafood separately, only adding when ready to serve. When ready to serve, chop the shrimp and add approximately 1-2 oz chopped shrimp and ~1 oz crab meat to each bowl. You can add optional toppings, such as chopped cilantro, chopped jalapeños, tortilla chips, creme fraiche and an additional sprinkle of parsley, if preferred. Enjoy!
Note: This gazpacho can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up for 4 days, without the seafood. Store seafood separately and add when ready to consume.
A REFRESHING, CHILLED, SUMMER FORWARD SOUP THAT PACKS IN PROTEIN AND FIBER!
