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Women to the Front! A R T S + C U LTU R E

TH E GOVERN O R' S ART SHOW LI F E + C U LTU R E

WO M EN O F TH E FRO NT RANGE

M AY 2 022

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May 2022 PUBLISHER S

Jahna Eichel | jahna.eichel@citylifestyle.com Jason Eichel | jason.eichel@citylifestyle.com EDITOR IAL COOR DINATOR

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Tyler Weston | tyler@fortcollinscreativeagency.com

Women to the Front(range)

SOCIAL MEDIA COOR DINATOR

When it comes to women owned, Fort Collins truly stands out. Women’s impact on the economy is undeniable. Did you know that there are 231,020 women-owned businesses in Colorado, employing 177,332 workers and bringing in roughly $32.8 billion in revenue each year? The number of women-owned businesses in Colorado grew 11.4% in 2020 and is continuing to rise. Now that the stats are out of the way, as we reflect on the many women we are honored to know in this community I am thankful for each and everyone one of them and the impact they have made not only on Fort Collins but on entrepreneurship. Fort Collins is beaming with boss babes and we’re happy to share their stories. In this month’s issue we are bringing women to the front and giving some bragging rights to the women of Larimer County who have made their mark in our community. We’re also recognizing female entrepreneurs who are always giving back and consistently finding ways to leave us all feeling inspired by not only their personal success but their impact on the success of others. Take a journey with us through these pages and let them inspire you to follow your passion and purpose.

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Proverbs 3:5-6 Fort Collins Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Fort Collins area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Fort Collins Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the

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LET ’S FIND YOUR DREAM HOME! JILLIAN ANTINORA (970) 691- 4275 Jillian@Antin oraRealEstate.com

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M AY 2 0 2 2

inside the issue The Ladies’ Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

16 Women to the Front

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Local Limelight

Inspired By

Artist’s Palette

Celebrating women who are breaking barriers and impacting their communities.

24 Meet Your Neighbor

Introducing the Helpers and Doers Making Ours A Wonderful Place to Live

28 Women in the Arts

A look at three remarkable women in the 2022 Governor's Art Show

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Tyler Weston Sculptor and USA Today Woman of the Year: Jane DeDecker

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Where neighbors can see and be seen. 1

7 5

1-7: On April 2, 2022, the Realities For Children Awards Gala kicked off National Child Abuse Prevention Month by honoring leaders in our community and victorious youth who have triumphed over childhood abuse. For 25 years, our community has come together to proudly recognize the unsung heroes in Child Protection, Law Enforcement, Volunteers, Foster Parents, Realities For Children Business Members and all those who make a difference for the children we serve in Larimer County. Photos by Craig Vollmer.

CONTINUED >

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18th Annual Eye Center of Northern Colorado Masks Exhibition & Online Auction April 1 – May 6, 2022

8-14: The annual Masks exhibition is a crowd favorite that over the years has raised more than $1.8 million dollars to support the museum’s mission. During that time, Masks artists, most of whom live in Northern Colorado, have designed and donated more than 3,000 masks. Each year brings new perspectives as the unadorned ceramic forms leave the museum and return as a creative collection of unique masks. Professional artists, whose creativity is their economic mainstay, and recreational artists, who respond to their need to express their creativeness with ingenious styles and materials all create over 220 Masks to support the museum and its programming.

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The Northern Colorado Range Ring™

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The Academy of Arts & Knowledge, an arts integrated charter school in south Fort Collins, is currently preparing for their annual Art Gala on June 6, 2022. Multiple pieces of student art will be available for attendees to admire. Each grade will be creating a masterpiece to be auctioned off. All proceeds will continue to fund our outdoor classroom space.

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Women and Philanthropy partners with WomenGive on higher education issues. Fueled by a shared belief in the philanthropic power of our community, Colorado State University’s Women and Philanthropy is proud to support WomenGive's mission to make higher education more accessible to single parents. Our partnership is a tangible result of our mission to connect and empower our community to elevate women and philanthropy at CSU. Congratulations to all of this year's graduates. You drive our passion!

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W O M E N to the F R O N T Celebrating women who are breaking barriers and impacting their communities.

C H R IST I NA WA L STON C R I STIN A WAL STON AGE N CY

Christina has been in insurance since 2013 and is celebrating her 7th year in business as the Cristina Walston Agency. She’s passionate about educating her clients on what they are purchasing. Christina also enjoys helping new business owners understand their new insurance needs and helping families protect their assets. Insurance does not have to be complicated, just correct. Christina also enjoys traveling, backpacking and hiking with her dog in our beautiful state.

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L IFE + CULTURE

JALYN COU RT E NAY WE BB

T R ACY EVA NGEL I STA

OW NER O F T H E ACA D E M Y BY D I VA BE E

P ROGRAM D IRE CTOR OF THE COMMU N ITY L E ARN IN G CENTER AT ACAD E MY OF ARTS AN D KN OW L E D GE

Jalyn is the owner of The Academy by Divabee, a performing arts academy for students ages 5 and up, and the Director of Sales and Marketing at the Candlelight Dinner Playhouse. She is well known for performances at nearly every dinner theater in Colorado and advocates for the arts by creating spaces for students to grow. Webb is driven to create excellence and integrity in arts and passionate about helping to develop kind, caring students.

Tracy is Program Director of The Community Learning Center at Academy of Arts and Knowledge, brings a strong background in community leadership and alternative learning experiences to leverage local resources that connect our after-school activities to her learners' passions and interests. Tracy collaborates with local partners and school stakeholders to provide no-cost theater, dance, music lessons, coding, and STEM activities to CLC students in order to foster healthy kids who positively contribute beyond their school. CONTINUED >

MAY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/FO RTC O L L I N S

NICHOL E S C H L AGE L P RINCIPA L O F ACA D E M Y O F A RTS A N D K N OWL E D G E

Nichole, the Principal of Academy of Arts and Knowledge, is continuing the mission of providing an arts integrated education for students K-5. Nichole empowers her staff to meet each student’s individual needs and to provide the opportunity for academic and emotional growth. Nichole has a strong foundation in building a positive climate and culture. Creating the space, time, and structure that encourages everyone’s personal best is her key to a highly successful school community.

EL ISE CA RV E R EX ECU T I V E D I R E C TO R O F H O PE L I V E S !

Elise is the Executive Director of Hope Lives! - The Lydia Dody Breast Cancer Support Center, a local non-profit improving quality of life for breast cancer patients by alleviating some of the physical, financial and emotional side effects of treatment. Their program is celebrating twenty impactful years of partnering in the healing of mind, body, and spirit. Elise has always been passionate about helping others and finds helping local women through difficult times very rewarding.

DANIE LLE (S C R IV E R ) NAT E R NO RT H ER N C O LO R A D O F E E D E R S S U PPLY

Danielle and her family own and operate Northern Colorado Feeders Supply. She is a second generation owner and the business boasts nearly 50 years in Fort Collins. They manufacture feeds and work with our local community to focus on self-sustainability by having backyard poultry flocks and participating in local 4-H groups. Agriculture is incredibly important, and they hope to encourage people to learn more about the industry to pave the way for future generations.

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L IFE + CULTURE

BEC KY A L L SU P INT ERIO R D E S I G N E R , N I C H E D E S I G N H O U S E

As an interior designer, creating unique commercial and residential spaces has been Becky’s passion! Her company, Niche Design House, offers homeowners a place to find one-of-a-kind pieces to make their home reflect their sense of style. Becky actively seeks opportunities to serve others - whether that is to contribute to a cause, make a meal, or simply take time to ask someone ‘how is your day.’ These simple interactions make a huge difference in our lives.

LISA H ATC H ID O OR IA N E X ECU T IV E DIRECTO R O F T H E M U S E U M O F A RT F O RT C OL L IN S

Lisa is the Executive Director of the Museum of Art Fort Collins. She has over 20 years experience in arts administration, curating exhibitions, grant writing and fundraising. She finds motivation in the differences that the arts can make in our lives and how artists see the world and translate that perception into art. With a passion for making art accessible, she believes having a great art museum is part of a strong and vibrant community.

JILLIA N A N T INOR A OWNER, ANTINORA REAL ESTATE AND THREE SUBWAY RESTAURANTS

Jillian has lived in Fort Collins with her husband and 6 kids for almost 15 years. She is owner of Antinora Real Estate, and owns three Subway restaurants with her husband. Prior to becoming a business owner Jillian worked professionally in musical theatre for 10 years and recently started recording and performing her own original music, which is her dream come true. She wants to encourage and support women in business and music. CONTINUED > MAY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/FO RTC O L L I N S

AMNA RAFIQ ESTH ET ICIA N A N D OWN E R O F T H E S K I N LO U N G E

Amna is an esthetician and owner of The Skin Lounge, specializing in results-driven skincare. Having taken an interest in skin care as a young girl in Pakistan, her business is the culmination of a lifetime’s dedication and passion that has grown and become the foundation of a fulfilling career. Rafiq offers cutting edge treatments and highquality products to take impeccable care of your skin and instill confidence in you through skincare education and empowered self-care!

ALL IS ON SE A BEC K EX E C U T I V E D I R E C TO R O F T H E WA REH OU S E BU S I N E S S AC C E L E R ATO R

Allison is the Executive Director of The Warehouse Business Accelerator in Loveland, Colorado. She has a passion for helping visionary leaders and growing organizations make greater and more positive impacts in the world. Allison previously served as President of Prosci, an international change management organization located in Fort Collins. As an executive leader and business adviser, Allison focuses on building alignment and clarity of purpose with leadership teams, particularly during times of growth and change.

THE WOMEN OF XANADU MED SPA From the power of healing touch to the transformational result of improving the appearance of somebody to influence their own feeling of self, these women make it their mission every day to positively impact every person they touch. The power of helping people feel better when they wake up or simply look in the mirror. Not to mention their impact on our community through the support of organizations like Hope Lives! and Realities for Children.

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L IFE + CULTURE

JOR DA N CA N NON

JA H NA EICH EL

L E M O N S & L AC E

P UBL IS HE R, FORT COL L IN S CITY L IFE STY LE

Jordan is a Fort Collins native, wife, and mother to two. Her business, Lemons & Lace is a contemporary women’s boutique specializing in clothing, shoes, accessories, and gifts. Jordan strives for Lemons to be a one-stop-shop for the woman looking at a variety of fashion options or gifts! One of her favorite parts about owning a boutique is connecting with the community, building new relationships, and helping women feel confident, beautiful, and excited through clothing.

Meet your Publisher! As a business owner, Jahna is passionate about helping businesses succeed in local, national and international marketplaces. She is creating a haven for creative industry workers through this publication and her digital marketing firm The Creative Agency. Their first Colorado business, Higher Ground Rehearsal Studio, the only public rehearsal space in the region was built when Jahna and her husband, Jason, moved here from New York City in 2013 with their two kids Julia & Jacob.

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ARTICLE BY LILY CONTESTABLE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CRYSTAL SMITH

INTRODUCING THE HELPERS AND DOERS MAKING OURS A WONDERFUL PLACE TO LIVE

I NSP IR E D BY | L IFE + CULTURE

Meet Your Neighbor

The booming housing market in Fort Collins would be nothing without the stellar real estate agents holding the keys to your very own kingdom. Andrea Tuell has been finding the residents of Fort Collins their dream homes for the last 17 years, real estate runs in her family and she has never wanted to do anything else, no matter how difficult it got. When it comes to business, there’s never a perfect list that ensures success, but if there are three must haves for Tuell’s success in business, they would be “hard work, amazing communication, and consistency.” Her biggest motivation everyday is her family. “They are my why,” she says, “Why I work hard, they are why I do what I do so that we can have a fabulous life and just not be super stressed about all other things.” Behind every successful person is some form of inspiration. Growing up in a real estate family plays a major role in Tuell’s passion and success in the profession. A few personal figures who inspire her every day are her brother and father. “My family definitely inspires me. My brother is such a hard worker and he’s just a great role model and example in how to do real estate right. Our dad has just been an incredible leader of our family and yeah, it’s a privilege.” For all the young women who want to find success in their work, Tuell says that you can do anything you believe you can do! “If you know that’s what you want and you can do it, then get up, work hard, and don’t stop working. I think that you can make as much as you want as hard as you work.” If there is one thing she would tell her younger self, she would say, “that it doesn’t matter what other people think because you become an incredible human and that you’re going to do great things.” Persistence, education, and believing in yourself are just a few important qualities every realtor needs. Tuell’s passion for her success in real estate comes from her love of people, making it enjoyable for her to help them through one of the biggest investments that they will make in their lives. If there’s one thing we can learn from Tuell, it’s that with hard work, believing in yourself, and the support of a loving family, you can achieve anything!

MAY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/FO RTC O L L I N S

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Women in the Arts

A LOOK AT THREE REMARKABLE WOMEN IN THE 2022 GOVERNOR'S ART SHOW ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY TYLER WESTON

The value of art is not something Coloradoans have historically struggled to understand. Vibrant communities span the entire state, supporting a diverse array of artists and building their work into their very identities. As a celebration of the talent and diversity that resides here, the Governor’s Art Show selects artists from all over the state to participate in the show each year. Hosted at the Loveland Museum, the show doubles as a fundraiser for Thompson Education Foundation, working to provide education consistency and support for students and families experiencing homelessness. For this month’s women’s issue we wanted to highlight three incredibly talented local artists participating in this year’s show. Jane DeDecker, Crystal Despain and Margueritte Meier’s art will be on display in the Loveland Museum through May 21st and opportunities to meet these and many of the other incredible artists can be found at governorsartshow.org

From an early highschool graduation to working as a paramedic in Nicaragua, then teaching college courses before eventually earning her own degree, Margueritte Meier’s path has never been conventional. It was only when she realized she might not be able to dedicate herself fully to careers in medicine and art simultaneously that she decided to focus on just one, later managing to blend her passions for creative and healing arts. “I don’t know how I could not paint,” Meier says of her lifelong pursuit. She remembers being scolded for painting on walls and promptly having paper and paint set in front of her in order to spare the plaster. “It’s in my blood.”

A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | ARTS + CULTURE

Margueritte Meier

“Maybe we should be kinder and we can learn more about how to help nature together.”

Primarily working in water-color she blends media and techniques to create touchably real natural scenes, playing with light and color to create immersively detailed imagery. She describes her approach as ‘contemplative’ blending practices of mindfulness and meditation with creative techniques. Her art and preferred media has gone through its seasons of course, a return to watercolor is just the latest. “It’s just the phase I’m in, I just love it,” Meier says of her dynamic and shifting style over the years. Meier often paints Plein Air, having coordinated groups and taught classes in the practice over the years. Currently she instructs contemplative art courses sharing the benefits she’s found in pursuing art in that fashion. When she’s not returning to her favorite natural places to work on a piece she’s working in her Fort Collins studio, surrounded by works in progress, she often finds herself switching from one to the next to avoid exhausting herself on a piece. “Right now I’m really focused on the earth and all of the elements that are on earth and need protection and stewardship,” Meier says of her recent collections, much of which has been inspired by the Poudre River. She hopes her work can inspire that connection with nature and encourage people to consider their relationship with the natural world. “Maybe we should be kinder and we can learn more about how to help nature together.” CONTINUED >

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Crystal Despain Art has always been an important part of Crystal Despains’ life and was always in her career trajectory, whether playing the oboe through college or striving to capture authentic snapshots of life in oil paints. After having not painted regularly for some years, feeling the pressures of motherhood and beginning her family, it was becoming increasingly clear to Despain that art was missing from her life. Encouraged by her husband she decided to embark on a project called 52 Weeks of Free Art, which is precisely what it sounds like. Every week for a full year Despain would create and give away an original painting. People submitted requests and inspiration from all over the world and through this process of committing effort to creativity Despain was able to regain her artistic voice and settle questions of self confidence that had troubled her after taking those years away from painting regularly. “That was transformative for me,” Despain says of the project and how it helped her to rebuild her confidence and connect with people all over the world to find a deeper value in her work.

“I think that’s what art is, you’ve gotta love the journey more than the destination.”

A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | ARTS + CULTURE

Now Despain has successfully found her way back into painting, and is open with her blog readers about how working towards her career goals while also raising 5 boys can be a struggle. Working from source materials she creates in photoshoots, or taking the opportunity to study life directly, she dedicates her time in her Windsor studio space to practicing her craft, bringing beautiful moments from reality into a dreamworld filled with all of the right details beneath an ethereal filter, capturing the intangibles and connections that give them life.

“When I’m painting figures, there’s a moment when you start seeing not just the shapes being correct, you start to feel a glimpse of that person,” Despain says of her process, “that’s the thing that I chase, I love that.” This will be Despain’s second year at the Governor’s Art Show and she’s looking forward to seeing both familiar and new faces celebrating Colorado art together. While she’s already quite accomplished, Despain says she has a powerful drive to learn more and improve her technique which keeps her moving from one painting to the next. “I think that’s what art is, you’ve gotta love the journey more than the destination.”

CONTINUED >

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Jane DeDecker Jane DeDecker had initially thought she would be an art teacher, but through college and after an apprenticeship with a local sculptor it became evident that she was destined to create. Now, 35 years in, her extensive body of work includes nearly two-hundred sculptures in 35 states, revealing her passion for commemorating important times, movements, moments, and people in history. DeDecker works with her clients to design a sculpture that reveals the essence of her subjects and conveys not only their stories, but the sometimes complicated emotions that are involved in them. Working with clay warmed by the sun in her Loveland studio, she reveals remarkable likeness of historical figures from all walks of life, most recently focusing on some of history’s most groundbreaking women, from suffragettes and millworkers to early doctors who sacrificed everything to do what they knew in their hearts was right. Every detail is considered, down to the authenticity of the textures, patterns and buttons in their clothes with news clippings, photos, small scale clay models and clothing samples for her subjects readily available.

“Life is an expression and you have your unique voice.”

A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | ARTS + CULTURE

Her most recent passion project, spearheading an effort to create a women’s suffrage monument in Washington D.C., earned her a spot on USA Today’s list of women of the year. The project recently reached an important milestone with a bipartisan bill to create the monument being signed into law. “It’s a big big project,” DeDecker says of the monument, “It’s gonna take a team.” While they are still some months away from beginning to build, she’s ready to collaborate with other artists to celebrate women on a national scale. “It’s so exciting to think about!”

In addition to her life-like public works DeDecker also creates stunning abstract pieces, often still centered on the human form but working to convey a feeling as opposed to representing a specific person or movement. She calls this process, “creative house cleaning,” a sort of emotional purge, allowing her to freely participate in potentially art’s most important function, self expression and exploring her own emotions. Keeping up with her family and community, DeDecker hopes her work can inspire people to find their voices and be heard. “Life is an expression and you have your unique voice.”

MAY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/FO RTC O L L I N S

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