Her Story
There is something profoundly meaningful about pausing to recognize the women who shape our lives in ways both seen and unseen.
Mothers, daughters, friends, and colleagues, each one a quiet force, adding depth, beauty and strength to the world around us.
With Mother’s Day upon us, we are reminded of the women who have guided us, lifted us and loved us through every season. Not only the mothers who gave us life, but the women who have shown up as mentors, teachers, neighbors and friends, offering wisdom, encouragement and unwavering support.
As a mother and nana, I often reflect on the legacy we leave behind. I can only hope it is one of love, of shared moments and of memories that continue to guide and uplift long after we are gone.
This month, we also celebrate the incredible women in our community who are building, creating and leading with purpose. Supporting women-owned businesses is more than a transaction, it is an investment in passion, resilience and the future of our cities.
Because every woman we celebrate this month is living her story—one of strength, love, resilience and impact.
Take a moment to reach out to the women who have made a difference in your life. A simple message, a call or a shared moment can mean more than you know.
Here’s to the women who inspire us, strengthen us and remind us of what truly matters.
Happy Mother’s Day.
KELLEY AND GORDON, PUBLISHER & CO-PUBLISHER @CLAYTONCITYLIFESTYLEMAG
Photography by Christina Schmidt
May 2026
PUBLISHER
Gordon Montgomery gordon.montgomery@citylifestyle.com
CO-PUBLISHER
Kelley Lamm | kelley.lamm@citylifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
Julie Brown Patton | julie.patton@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Casey Pierce | casey.pierce@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Julie Brown Patton, Kelley Lamm, Stacy Dixon, Kristi Sellers, Mel Boban, Kali Kasorzyk, Amy Tinnin
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Empowering Portraits, Jeff Huser, Images by Sandra, Amy Tinnin, Gordon Montgomery
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick Learn
Proverbs 3:5-6
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Authors gathered at Hearth & Soul for fireside chat celebrating the It’s About Time anthology. 2: Katie’s Pizza & Pasta Osteria celebrated its Crestwood grand opening with a ceremonial pasta-noodle cutting. 3: FAITH BERGER X THE ART RUG, Faith signed It’s About TIME books at Design-and-Detail. 4: The Des Peres Otto Orthodontics Crew celebrated St. Patrick’s Day in true green fashion. 5: Erin Joy’s Power-Hour brought women’s most influential business owners to network at St. Louis Club. 6: Cynthia Kirkpatrick, Erin Joy and Kelley Lamm networking and creating connections at St. Louis Club. 7: The Perrmanns attended A Mighty Night at celebrating 15 years of Mighty Oakes Heart Foundation.
KELLEY LAMM
KELLEY LAMM
TINA PERRMANN
FAITH BERGER
KATIE’S PIZZA & PASTA OSTERIA
8: Dalton Brown and Ally Nichols featured on Concordia Lutheran cover for Tebow Night to Shine. 9: The Bower family opened Little Diggers Des Peres, celebrating a successful opening day. 10: Des Peres newest play space, where kids gather to play, explore in the sandbox. 11-12: The Manchester Parks Adult Egg Hunt brought community members together for a fun, sponsor-supported event. 13: Mrs. Struckhoff’s class assembled Blessing Bags for the homeless as a Lenten service tradition. 14: Dr. Larkin was celebrated by his team with a playful balloon-filled birthday office surprise.
MANCHESTER (MO) PARKS AND RECREATION
MANCHESTER (MO) PARKS AND RECREATION
LISA NICHOLS
LITTLE DIGGERS DES PERES
FUN 4 STL KIDS
Two Florist Shops Deliver Elegance: Alex Waldbart Florist And Mary Tuttle’s Florals & Gifts
FLORALS THAT DESERVE ACCOLADES
ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON
The Delphinium was selected as 2026 national Flower of the Year, chosen for its elegant structure and calming blue-purple hues that symbolize optimism, growth and aspirations, and to embody the "elevation" theme for 2026, alongside the Money Tree as the 2026 Plant of the Year.
Two St. Louis regional floral leaders share what's also sought-after locally, especially around Mother's Day each year.
MARY TUTTLE'S FLORALS & GIFTS
Angela Carter, owner of Mary Tuttle's Florals & Gifts in Chesterfield, says this family-owned florist team provides unique flowers and gifts that truly embody the essence of living beautifully.
Angela Carter owner at Mary Tuttle’s
She says they specialize in a large inventory of fresh flowers for any occasion, including weddings, sympathy/funerals flowers, birthdays, get well wishes, anniversaries; plants; European dish gardens; an extensive gift line; gourmet fruit baskets; gift baskets; and greeting cards. They also offer flower arrangements in modern, traditional, silk, dried or high styles.
"Roses are always popular for Mother's Day, but anemones and peonies are a beautiful option this time of year," Angela suggests.
She says the Mary Tuttle's designers always create beautiful bouquets, however, during this time of year, they also have gorgeous outdoor hanging baskets from Amish suppliers plus planters that are great options to enjoy all summerlong. "We also have a great selection of gifts and teas," she adds.
Angela shares that they have a fun new line of art pieces from Stephen Wilson Studio that uses upcycled luxury bags, boxes or silk scarfs that then get embroidery or appliques added to create unique one-of-a-kind pieces of art. All of this studio's artwork is made in the United States.
"We pride ourselves in providing great customer service and love being a one-stop shop for all gift-giving needs. Customers really appreciate they can come in and cross off multiple items on their to-do lists. Maybe that’s picking up a hostess gift, a baby shower or birthday gift, an anniversary gift, or even something for their home or themselves," she states.
636.728.0480 | MaryTuttlesFlowers.com
ALEX WALDBART FLORIST & FLORAL DELIVERY
Claire Waldbart, owner/president of Alex Waldbart Florist in Clayton, is the fourth-generation family owner of this floral shop founded in 1872 by her great-grandfather. She started working in the shop during 1986, making this her 40-year business anniversary, now serving as operator and lead designer who specializes in weddings and custom floral arrangements.
Alex Waldbart Florist team members offer flowers, plants and gift baskets from the shop at 7801 Clayton Road for every occasion, including weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, special events and funerals. Claire says its their design services, customer care and fresh flowers that set them apart.
"This year, peonies and ranunculus flowers in coral, blush, salmon, raspberry and pink are the most popular flowers requested, and tulips are always favored during the spring and summer," Claire reveals.
For Mother's Day, she recommends these three floral options from her shop:
• The Optimist Spring Arrangement (bright, graceful, full of life).
• Lavender Rose Garden (crisp, timeless).
• Bright Butterfly Garden (cheerful, colorful).
"Reserve your selection while you can, because we'll order supplies predominantly based on reservations. And once our supply of those type of flowers are gone, they're gone," Claire reminds.
314.644.3566 | AlexWaldbartFlorist.com
Claire Waldbart Kramer
Photo by Gordon Montgomery
Alex Waldbart Florist - Photo by Gordon Montgomery
WELLNESS WITHIN REACH
Small Daily Shifts To Move Out Of Survival Mode Into Sustainable Wellbeing
ARTICLE BY STACEY DIXSON
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF HUSER
In a culture that often rewards exhaustion, Lauren Pronger advances a different paradigm: wellness as a deliberate and sustainable practice. The founder of SUPERWELL and author of the international bestselling book SUPERWELL: Your Blueprint for Wellness & Wellbeing, published in September 2025, Lauren has developed a framework intended to help individuals cultivate health within the demands of modern life.
SUPERWELL:
International Best Selling
Author Lauren Pronger
Her approach is not constructed around trends or restrictive regimens. Rather, Lauren describes SUPERWELL as a “timeless blueprint," an adaptable system grounded in daily practices that support physical, emotional and neurological wellbeing.
“I am the well, striving to be SUPERWELL,” she says, framing wellness not as perfection but as a continual commitment to becoming a healthier version of oneself.
Lauren’s philosophy emerged from a period of profound personal and familial challenge. Her husband, Chris Pronger— who captained the St. Louis Blues and played in the National Hockey League for two decades—underwent numerous surgeries and suffered multiple concussions before sustaining a career-ending injury in 2011. During those years, the family navigated relocations, the responsibilities of raising three young children, and concurrent health crises when Lauren’s father experienced a stroke and her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer.
The cumulative strain eventually manifested physiologically. Like many individuals experiencing chronic stress, Lauren relied heavily on caffeine to maintain daily functioning while struggling with disrupted sleep and inadequate nutrition. Over time, her health deteriorated to the point that her thyroid function showed significant decline due to burnout. Bloodwork confirmed what she already sensed: burnout had become a measurable biological reality.
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Determined to restore her health, Lauren began studying the mechanisms underlying human wellbeing, earning certifications in integrative nutrition, hormone health, gut-brain science, breathwork, contrast therapy, Pilates and sound therapy. What began as a personal recovery process gradually evolved into the SUPERWELL methodology.
At the center of her framework are eight pillars of wellbeing supported by what she calls “SUPERWELL stacks.” The pillars represent foundational domains of health, while the stacks are small, time-efficient habits that allow individuals to integrate those principles into daily life. Even brief engagement with each pillar throughout the day, Lauren explains, constitutes a SUPERWELL success.
Among these pillars, she identifies sleep as the most critical—and most frequently neglected—dimension of health. “We live in a society of constant cortisol drip,” Lauren observes. Without restorative sleep, many individuals become trapped in a cycle of fatigue sustained by caffeine and chronic overstimulation.
To counter this pattern, Lauren emphasizes circadian rhythm regulation through exposure to natural light in the morning and evening, which helps recalibrate the body’s internal clock and promote restorative sleep. Her own evening routine includes disengaging from technology and allowing the body time to transition into a restorative state through calming practices.
While the wellness industry often promotes sweeping lifestyle transformations, Lauren advocates incremental behavioral change supported by measurable habits. One
“You don’t wait for life to slow down; you build wellness within it, one habit at a time.”
such practice is 20 minutes of movement after meals. She describes muscle activity as a metabolic “glucose garbage disposal,” helping regulate circulating glucose levels and support metabolic stability. She also promotes an 80/20 lifestyle balance that allows flexibility while preserving overall health priorities.
Travel also has shaped her philoso phy of wellbeing. In 2018, she founded Well Inspired Travels, a company that curates journeys designed to restore physical and emotional health through cultural immersion.
The concept, she explains, was partly inspired by her husband’s demanding ath letic career. “Chris spent a lot of time in the penalty box,” she laughs. “I used to tell him, ‘You need to travel with me this summer and calm your central nervous system.’”
Today, her wellness journeys connect participants with global specialists and traditions, helping them integrate prac tices that support lasting health.
Ultimately, Lauren's work reframes wellness as both a practical discipline and a philosophical orientation. Health, she argues, is not something postponed until life becomes less demanding. Rather, it is cultivated, habit by habit, within the com plexity of everyday living.
Lauren Pronger with family and Chris Pronger, Hockey Hall of Fame 100 Greatest Players
SQWIRES: 25 YEARS OF HEART
PUBLISHERS’
DINING DESTINATION: WOMEN-OWNED GEM IN LAFAYETTE SQUARE
ARTICLE BY KELLEY LAMM
Tucked into the historic charm of Lafayette Square, SqWires Restaurant has been a beloved destination for 25 years. Brick-lined walls, warm fireplaces and a nostalgic city ambiance create an experience that feels both timeless and inviting.
Upon stepping inside, an immediate sense of comfort welcomed us, encouraging us to stay awhile. Before even taking our seats, we enjoyed a stroll through the market, a charming extension of the restaurant that reflects the same thoughtful curation found on the menu. This layered
experience—dining, shopping and gathering—has made SqWires a true cornerstone of the community.
Owner Bethany Budde’s original vision was ambitious: to create a destination where guests could enjoy great food, live music and a vibrant gathering space for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. Over time, that vision has evolved into something even more meaningful. Today, SqWires is not only a place people travel to, but a cozy neighborhood staple where familiar faces return again and again.
A strong commitment to supporting local has become a defining element of the restaurant’s identity. From sourcing ingredients from regional farmers and growers to featuring local artists, musicians and makers, Bethany has built a business rooted in community. The menu reflects this philosophy: an elevated take on Midwestern comfort food that welcomes all, with options ranging from vegan and vegetarian dishes to house-smoked meats and fresh seafood.
Our dining experience was nothing short of exceptional. Each dish was cooked to perfection, delivering both comfort and sophistication, food that feels familiar yet thoughtfully elevated. It’s the kind of meal that lingers with you, not just for the flavors, but for how it made you feel.
Over the past 25 years, Bethany has navigated both challenges and milestones with resilience and heart. Opening just one month after 9/11, she recalls the uncertainty of that time and the determination it took to move forward. Since then, the restaurant has grown alongside her family, her children were quite literally raised within its walls. Today, her daughter, AJ, serves as general manager, continuing the legacy with leadership and care.
What truly sets SqWires apart is its people. A dedicated staff that feels like family, a culture that supports work-life balance, and a deep connection to the neighborhood have created an environment where both employees and guests feel at home. Many local families have had generations work within its walls, a testament to the sense of belonging Bethany has cultivated.
As St. Louis’ culinary scene has evolved, SqWires has remained both grounded and innovative. Seasonal menus highlight homegrown herbs, vegetables and even flowers from their own garden, while longtime favorites continue to honor family traditions. From Gramma Budde’s Hot Milk Sponge Cake to family-style fried chicken and lively patio barbecues, every dish tells a story at 1415 S. 18th St.
As SqWires celebrates 25 years, Bethany reflects most proudly on her team, and the next generation stepping forward. With a refreshed patio, seasonal updates and exciting plans on the horizon, one thing is certain: SqWires will continue to evolve while staying true to its roots.
And that is exactly what keeps guests coming back year after year.
Owners AJ Miller and Bethany Budde
THE DOLLHOUSE PROJECT
After two decades in the nonprofit trenches, Tracie Hulbert is building something different to make a positive impact in the St. Louis community. She uprooted her own modern financial services firm that puts family protection, financial literacy and real results at the center of everything it does.
Tracie, founder of The Dollhouse Project, hit the ground running with her passion to help women. With experience running organizations that served women and children facing domestic abuse, homelessness and food insecurity across hundreds of miles throughout Missouri, Tracie says she saw exactly what the system gets wrong. Now, she’s channeling everything she learned into something built to last.
“Every single case I ever touched could've been made better by money,” she says, indicating that realization is what gave birth to The Dollhouse Project. Her modern financial services firm is built on three pillars: family protection, financial literacy and scalable leadership development.
A Community Movement Redefining Financial Safety, Power And Legacy For Women
ARTICLE BY MEL BOBAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMPOWERING PORTRAITS
AND PROVIDED
Tracey Hulbert
Photo by Empowering Portraits
Hot pink and red branding. A name that makes people ask questions. And behind it, a clear philosophy: impact over noise, results over hype.
The Dollhouse Project operates with the structure of a financial firm. At its core, it's insurance and retirement planning, but with a commitment wrapped around the business to power a volunteer-based ecosystem. This addresses every dimension of financial wellness, or "doors" that those in need can open for help. Her network spans therapists who discuss the mental impact of money stress, a dietician who teaches families how to stretch $25 into five meals, a tax strategist explaining how a W-4 may be filled out wrong, lenders, attorneys, victim’s advocates and even a veteran network.
“You could come to The Dollhouse Project and maybe the only door you want to use is the A-plus program for your kids’ school,” Tracie says. “That door is there. But so is every other one.”
These pieces are all woven together because, as Tracie puts it, “the things people need already exist, they just don’t know about them.”
The leadership development pillar of The Dollhouse Project is what Tracie believes will make this firm last. She isn’t just building a business, she's building a team of people who understand the mission.
“I want everyone at the table; I don’t care how long it has to get," she says.
Tracie says the goal is a firm where anyone can find someone who speaks their language and leave with a plan. She assures that she wants to help people, and take as many good people with her as she can.
“What if somebody copies the Dollhouse Project?” she asks. “I hope to God they do.”
TheDollhouseProject.me
Live the New Town Life
Let Me Help You Call it Home. Where living is an adventure, not just a routine.
New Town St. Charles isn’t just a place to live — it’s an experience. Walkable streets, coastal-inspired architecture, unique neighborhoods, parks, waterfront views, and a true sense of community — it’s where neighbors become friends and everyday life feels intentional.
Whether you’re envisioning morning coffee on a tree-lined sidewalk, family dinners minutes from local shops, or finding a home with character and charm, New Town has something special for everyone. With a range of homes, villas, and townhomes, this neighborhood continues to be one of the most desirable places to live in St. Charles.
But finding the perfect home here isn’t always easy — the best ones move fast.
That’s Where I Come In.
I’m Gordon Montgomery — a St. Louis native and real estate professional with proven expertise in helping buyers navigate today’s competitive market. As a Buyer’s Agent, Relocation Specialist, and community insider, I bring trusted guidance, unmatched service, and strategic thinking to every client relationship.
Grounded, CommunityFirst Leader
Michelle Charbonnier Shapes Connection, Collaboration, Compassionate Outreach
In the St. Louis nonprofit community, there's a leader who simply shines and is widely respected for her dedication and steady vision: Michelle Charbonnier, executive director of MoNetwork. Known for her thoughtful leadership style and deep commitment to community outreach, Michelle has helped guide the organization through a period of growth while keeping its mission firmly rooted in compassion and connection.
MoNetwork serves individuals who use drugs and families facing difficult circumstances by providing resources, education and support services that emphasize dignity and respect.
Michelle says their services include peer support, recovery supportive activities and family support services. "We also link people to care, including substance use and mental health treatment, medical care, housing,
ARTICLE BY KRISTI SELLERS
employment resources and other essential services. For those who cannot reach us, we reach them through our street outreach team who takes our supplies and services to the areas with the most need, including encampments in downtown and north city.”
Many years ago, Michelle says her own path to recovery led her to helping others in the same space she was once in herself. Since stepping into her leadership role, she's focused on expanding the organization’s reach while strengthening partnerships with local agencies, health care providers, and community groups. Her approach centers on collaboration, believing that meaningful change happens when organizations work together rather than in isolation.
“We connect people to treatment and we're a vital part of the community. We're doing boots on the ground work, serving some of the city's most vulnerable members. There's no other organization in the state of Missouri doing the work we do, the way we do it. Yet, that's not what makes MoNetwork so special. It's the way we treat people which sets us apart. Everyone who walks through our door is met with radical love, deep compassion and unwavering hope," Michelle asserts.
This community leader is known for balancing the day-to-day needs of running a nonprofit with long-term planning that keeps the organization responsive to the community. Whether coordinating outreach efforts, organizing educational events or speaking with local leaders, she brings a calm, steady presence that has earned trust across a wide range of audiences.
Like a chameleon, one just might find Michelle around any corner. “Aside from my role at MoNetwork, I'm a therapist with Plan Your Recovery at Clayton Behavioral and I'm also building my own coaching and speaking business. I'm a member of Metro Community Church in Edwardsville, Illinois, where I host a bible study group and lead a discipleship group. I'm a member of Women Empowering Women, attending the West County and Lafayette Square meetings. I recently started participating in the Rooted Sisters community in Chesterfield,” she explains.
In her few moments of free time, Michelle can be found exploring a new outdoor trail, reading the next bestseller, traveling to a new spot and spending time with those she loves.
BERRY BRUSCHETTA
A RECIPE FROM A CUP FULL OF SASS
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMY TINNIN
This Berry Bruschetta is a delightful twist on the classic bruschetta that we all love. This version uses fruit, bringing a sweet element to the traditionally savory dish. With the use of fresh berries, cream cheese, delicious fruit spread, crumbled cheese, and fresh rosemary, it is the perfect addition to your next spring event. This simple, yet beautiful appetizer could be enjoyed at your next brunch, shower or Mother’s Day celebration. But let’s be honest—you don’t need an excuse to enjoy this delectable dish!
INGREDIENTS:
• 12 baguette slices
• Extra virgin olive oil (for brushing)
• 4 oz cream cheese
• 1/4 cup Fruit and Honey Triple Berry Spread (or any fruit spread of your choice)
• 1/3 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
• 1/3 cup fresh blueberries
• 2 oz fruit cheese (such as Wensleydale with Autumn Fruit), crumbled
• Fresh rosemary for garnish
DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Lightly brush the front and back of the baguette slices with Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
3. Toast baguette slices in the oven for 3-5 minutes or until lightly toasted.
4. Once the baguette slices are cool, spread a generous layer of cream cheese over each slice.
5. Add the fruit spread on top of the cream cheese.
6. Add sliced strawberries and a few blueberries, allowing the vibrant colors to pop. (A great place to find fresh fruit is our local staple, Crystal & Rich’s Produce.)
7. Crumble the fruit cheese over the top for an added layer of richness and depth.
8. Garnish with fresh Rosemary if desired.
9. Serve and enjoy!
WOMEN WILD At Heart
There’s a bold confidence emerging in fashion and interiors, and it’s unapologetically wild.
Animal print, long considered a timeless classic, is stepping into 2026 with a refined edge, reimagined for the modern woman who embraces her individuality and leads with quiet confidence. This season, it’s not about following trends, but about expressing who you are with intention and style.
From the iconic allure of leopard to the graphic strength of zebra and the understated elegance of snake and cheetah, these prints are no longer accents, they are statements. Even softer, unexpected interpretations like delicate deer motifs are making their way into the mix, offering a more feminine, elevated take on a once-predictable pattern.
What makes this resurgence so compelling is its versatility. Animal print moves effortlessly across fashion and home, appearing in everything from statement handbags and eyewear
to bikinis, pillows, and lampshades. A Santorini balconette bikini by Boux Avenue becomes more than swimwear, it’s confidence by the water’s edge. A pair of Saint Laurent tortoiseshell sunglasses or a Givenchy leopard-print mini bag transforms a look with effortless sophistication and edge.
But this is about more than style.
It’s about self-expression.
It’s about showing up as you are, bold, evolving and unapologetically yourself. True self-care is found in the way we choose to present ourselves to the world, honoring what feels authentic rather than expected.
Animal print, in all its forms, becomes a reflection of that mindset, a reminder that confidence has no age, no rules and no limits.
This curated collection celebrates pieces that embody strength, individuality and refined style, designed for women who trust their voice, embrace their presence and aren’t afraid to show their wild side.
For Women Who Embrace Their Power, Style And The Confidence To Stand Out
ARTICLE BY KELLEY LAMM
SANTORINI BIKINI
Santorini Balconette Bikini Top £38.00 Sizes 30C 38G And Santorini Bikini Brief
£20.00 Sizes 6 18
In Black Mix
Credit: Boux Avenue
Credit: Fashion Clinic
As a storyteller, I’ve always believed what we wear, and how we style our spaces, reflects who we are becoming. This sea son’s return to animal print isn’t just about trend; it’s about confidence, individuality and embracing one’s bold side. Whether it’s a subtle accent or a statement piece, these prints remind us to step into strength and express ourselves without hesitation. Style, much like life, is meant to be lived fully, and sometimes, a little wildly.
BASE, FRINGED PORTRAIT
FEATHER CUSHION
Credit: we love cushions
KELLEY LAMM
MINDTHEGAP LIGHTING
SAINT LAURENT HAVANA BROWN AND GREY TORTOISESHELL CASSANDRE SUNGLASSES
THE SAVANNAH ANXIETY RELIEF NECKLACE
Credit: ChaLuMu
4-PIECE THE TORTOISE AND THE HARE CUTLERY SET
Credit: Casa by JJ
GIVENCHY LEOPARD PRINT MINI
PINCH BAG IN PONY EFFECT LEATHER
Credit: Fashion Clinic
THE BARBARA LEOPARD PRINT FRINGED LAMPSHADE
Credit: Tinker & Tallulah
ARTICLE BY KALI KASORZYK
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
BECKY HILLYARD
From Side Hustle to Style Empire
The power of taste, trust, and the courage to “just start.”
She didn’t have a business plan, a media budget, or even a name anyone could pronounce. What Becky Hillyard had was taste, a young family, and the instinct to just start. Today, her lifestyle brand Cella Jane commands an audience the size of Vogue’s , she’s nine collections strong with Splendid, and she’s built it all while raising three kids — refusing to sacrifice one for the other. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Becky shares what it really takes to build a brand, a career, and a life you love. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full conversation.
Q: WHEN DID YOU KNOW CELLA JANE WAS MORE THAN A HOBBY?
A: Two moments. Women started emailing me saying they bought something I recommended and felt amazing — asking me to help them find a dress for a wedding. That felt incredible. Then I looked at my affiliate numbers for one month and realized I could cover our mortgage. I thought, I can actually do this. I never set out to build a business. I started it because I genuinely loved it.
Q: WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST RISK YOU EVER TOOK WITH THE BRAND?
A: Designing my own collection. It’s easy to point at items on a website and say I love these. But to create something from scratch, put your name on it, and wait to see if people connect with it — that’s terrifying. I had an incredible partner in Splendid, and women loved the pieces. It was the biggest risk and the biggest accomplishment.
Q: HOW HAS INFLUENCER MARKETING CHANGED SINCE YOU STARTED?
A: When I started, brands didn’t know whether to take it seriously. Now it’s a legitimate line item in their marketing budgets — sometimes bigger than TV. Because what we’ve built is trust. People trust a real recommendation from someone they follow far more than a commercial. There’s no question about it now.
Q: YOU’RE A MOM OF THREE RUNNING A FULL BRAND. WHAT DOES YOUR DAY ACTUALLY LOOK LIKE?
A: I try to get up at five and not hit snooze — that first hour before the house wakes up is the most productive, most peaceful hour of my day. Then it’s all hands on deck with the kids and school drop-off. After that I work — planning content, connecting with my team, editing. After pickup, the day shifts completely and it’s all about them. I’ve learned to protect both halves fiercely, because both matter.
Q: WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO BUILD SOMETHING OF THEIR OWN BUT KEEPS WAITING?
A: Don’t wait. Don’t wait for the perfect camera, the right strategy, or enough followers. We find every excuse to stay comfortable. Just start, be consistent, and be authentically yourself. The right people will find you — and they’ll stay.
This conversation is just the beginning. Becky goes deeper on the risks that almost stopped her, the design process behind her latest Splendid collection, and what she’d tell her 2012 self today. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle podcast.
“Trust is the only metric that actually compounds.”
— Becky Hillyard
MAY 1ST
Neighborhood Block Party: Ward I
DeMun Park | 5:00 PM
Theme: Spring Fiesta. Celebrate the season with a vibrant spring-themed celebration. The park will come alive with upbeat music, colorful décor, themed games and activities for all ages, and delicious food and drink options. Face painting and playful touches will add extra energy to the evening, making it a joyful way to connect with neighbors and welcome warmer days together.
MAY 1ST
Wine & Whiskey Walk
Brentwood Park | 6:00 PM
Enjoy an evening of tastings, music and great company until 8 p.m. This 21-plus event invites guests to stroll along the park’s scenic trail while sampling wine, whiskey and beer from local wineries, breweries and distilleries. Ticket includes unlimited tastings and souvenir sampling glass to take home. Live music by Gordon & Whitlow. Food and dessert trucks will be on-site.
MAY 2ND
Chinese Culture Days
Missouri Botanical Garden | 9:00 AM
Immerse into awe-inspiring Chinese cultural performances, music, art and history while enjoying authentic cuisine. This annual celebration features a grand parade with 70-foot dancing dragon, authentic regional cuisine, t’ai chi and martial arts. Special tours in the Grigg Nanjing Friendship Garden (the Chinese Garden) focus on the symbolism of many plant species and architectural details. Event concludes at 5 p.m.
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Why You’re Feeling Older Than You Should
And What to Do About It
By: Dr. Beth Templin
We’ve been led to believe that getting older means slowing down, becoming weaker, and losing your independence. As an aging specialist, I can confidently tell you that’s just not true
In fact, “normal ” aging by itself does not lead to a major decline in health or independence. With typical aging, you might experience small, gradual changes about 3% per year Yes, those changes can add up over time, but they are not big enough to drastically impact your ability to live an active, fulfilling life.
So what actually causes people to feel like they’re “aging faster ” than they should? I call it the Triple Whammy of Aging: inactivity, illness, and injury These are the real drivers behind poor strength, worsening balance, and loss of independence not age alone.
And here’s the good news… All three are within your control Over the past 22 years, I’ve had the privilege of working with hundreds of clients experiencing what I call “accelerated aging. ” Many of them came to us feeling frustrated, discouraged, and unsure if things could improve.
Sadly, the importance of physical activity in aging is
still widely misunderstood. Many people assume the stiffness, weakness, and fatigue they’re experiencing are simply part of getting older when in reality, they are often the result of inactivity, illness, or past injury.
It’s exactly why we offer a Free In-Home Consultation. This is your opportunity to sit down with an aging specialist and get clear answers about what’s really going on, and more importantly, what you can do about it. During your consultation, we’ll help you understand what’s really driving your s ymptoms and create a clear, personalized plan to move better, feel stronger, and stay active and independent You don’t have to guess your way through this or accept decline as inevitable
If you’re ready to take control of your health and feel more confident in your body again, call our office at (314) 939-1377 or visit housefitstl.com to schedule your Free Consultation
MAY 9TH
2nd Annual A Seat At
The Table Gala
Forest Park Golf Course Champions Room | 6:00 PM
Join food, music, phenomenal inspiring stories and a message of hope. The keynote speaker will be Midwest BankCentre CEO Orvin Kimbrough, whose upbringing and story of resilience embody that of residents at A Seat at the Table. Individual tickets are $125 each; sponsorships are available. The event lasts through 11 p.m.
MAY 10TH
Mother's Day Brunch
The Whittemore House | 9:30 AM
This Mother's Day brunch offers two seatings at 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. The buffet's cold station will have salads and fruits. The breakfast station will supply bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs and Belgian waffles. The main station will provide green beans, roasted baby potatoes with pesto, Tuscan creamy shrimp and seared chicken thigh. Dessert station and full bar also available.
MAY 10TH
Mother's Day Jazz Brunch,
Featuring Anita Jackson
Harold & Dorothy Steward Center, Grand Center | 11:30 AM
The event features a live performance by St. Louis soulful vocalist Anita Jackson alongside a chef-inspired, buffet-style brunch, offering a unique, experience-driven way to celebrate mom. Tickets are $100 and include both brunch and the performance. Music begins at 12:30 p.m. Cash bar available.
Want
