LMS offers an authentic Montessori program from early childhood through high school, adhering to principles and scientific methods for your child’s development.
The elementary learning environment (grades 1-6) fosters independence and focus through individual or small group work, natural lighting, soft colors, and organized, accessible materials. New students quickly adapt to Montessori’s hands-on, interest-driven teaching. The classroom is a vibrant, happy community where students explore, create, and reflect, with teachers offering support and introducing new material as needed. Clear expectations are balanced with openended opportunities, promoting both comfort and inspiration for learning.
Our Secondary Montessori program serves 7th - 10th grade with expansion of grade levels each year.
We integrate rigorous academics with purposeful work, preparing students to become selfconfident, contributing adults. Our approach addresses adolescents’ physical, emotional, social, and cognitive growth, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and independence. Beyond challenging their intellect, compassion, diplomacy and collaboration are developed through personally experiencing human and nature interdependence. Students also learn business and entrepreneurship skills through hands-on participation in real economic activity provided by Laniakea’s micro-economy program.
We are accepting 3 new students to join our Secondary program. Students must have a strong work ethic with a positive behavior record.
E P O W E R B E H I N D T H E
eater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce, we believe a thriving local economy starts with the ity as the life-blood behind it From ribbon cuttings to grand openings, we stand beside our es at every step celebrating their milestones, championing their growth, and supporting that keep our community strong
ul network of women in our community helps propel our business landscape, each leading ge in their unique industries From tech to nonprofits, education to retail, these remarkable ot only drive the success of their organizations but also lift each other up, creating a support hat fosters growth, mentorship, and opportunity
Photos courtesy of Prost Photography
May – Cheers to the Women in our Lives!
May is Mother’s Day and a time to celebrate not just mothers, but women in general, and so our May issue is dedicated to celebrating the women in our lives and in our community. There’s something truly special about taking a moment to recognize these women who make the world more vibrant and beautiful. Whether it's our mothers, daughters, friends, or colleagues, these women are often the silent forces that shape our days and make life richer.
This month, as we celebrate these remarkable women, I also want to encourage you to support local businesses owned by women in our community, and those businesses who support women. From movers and shakers to makers and builders, they bring so much to the table, both seen and unseen. Their contributions, often behind the scenes, create beauty and impact that cannot be replicated.
Here’s to celebrating the women who make life so much more meaningful. Happy Mother’s Day and cheers to the ladies who inspire us every day! And thank you to all the women in my life – I wouldn’t be here without you!
Donna Cohen, Adrienne Fletcher Photography, Pinspiration Gainesville, Kathrine Osman, Jennifer Webb, Shakespeare Animal Fund, Chelsea Bowlin, Partnership for Strong Families, OsteoStrong Southwest Gainesville, David Fox, Schackow & Mercadante, Tristan Ford with Chasing Shadows, Becky Dee, Gainesville Dance Academy, Leza Mueller, Cabi Style with Leza, The Hippodrome Theater, Heartwood Soundstage, Tristan Ford Frower, Terri Bork, AbacusGal, Jason J. Rosenberg, MD, FACS, Tyler Laborde: Naps Happen Photography, Victoria Golden, Floating Lotus Therapeutic Spa & Health Center, Corey Amira Custom Homes, Corey Amira, Taylor Noe, Sweet Serendipity Photography, The Home Place, Michelle McElroy, Arashi Yama Sushi & Hibachi Lounge, Fannie Lin, Looking Good Suites & More, Michael Eaddy, Freddie Wehbe, Wehbe Marketing, Jamie Stevens, Sunkissed Properties of Florida, Crevasse's Florist, Evette Reed, Purely Pelvic, Dr. Laura W. McChesney Chiropractic Physician, Momentum Rehab and Chiropractic, Daisy Cottle, Marla Jacobsen, Raise Your Glass Wine Bar, Deborah Johnson, Aura Senior Solutions, Dawn Smith, MD, Absolute Wellness and Weightloss, Peter G. Maloney, CEO, Forest Meadows Funeral Home & Crematory Services, Christina Miller Owner/Head of School Millhopper Montessori School, Club Synergie.
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
Proverbs 3:5-6
BOTTOMLESS MIMOSAS AND BLODDY MARYS AVAILABLE
JOIN US FOR DINNER OPEN LATE!
business monthly
Live Beautifully in your Space from Donna Cohen Classic Design
Donna Cohen Classic Design follows 3 essential Interior Design Qualities--Taste, Mastery of the Process, and Psychological insight. After that comes the 3 F's--Floor Plan, Finishes, and the Fixtures. Designing a delightful and practical space on your budget is as easy as pie for this Design Firm--whether for a one hour consult or a complete turn key project--call us as 352-870-0321!
Create Something Together at Pinspiration Gainesville
Pinspiration Gainesville is a locally owned DIY studio where creativity becomes an experience. From birthdays and date nights to corporate events and the signature Splatter Room, every visit is hands-on and memorable. This summer, kids can join our popular Summer Crafternoons, and adults can connect through our Creative Crafting Club, launched this February. Whether celebrating something special or simply making time to create, Pinspiration makes it unforgettable.
Because Every Pet Deserves Care and Every Owner Deserves Hope
Today we met Kenneth and his dog Gordo while they were asking for help on a street corner. Kenneth shared that Gordo means everything to him and comes first, even if food is scarce. Gordo has a liver condition and needs care. Because of support like yours, we helped provide funds toward veterinary treatment. This is why Shakespeare Animal Fund exists: helping pets and the people who love them pay for emergency veterinary care.
Photography by Adrienne Fletcher
Photography by Katherine Osman
Photography by Jennifer Webb
National Foster Care Month
May is National Foster Care Month and a great time to learn more about foster care and adoption from foster care. Partnership for Strong Families is hosting virtual info sessions on May 11, 21 and 26. Please contact Chelsea Bowlin for more information on how to register, 352-318-7604 or Chelsea.bowlin@pfsf.org
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A New Approach to Bone Health Arrives in Gainesville
OsteoStrong has officially opened its doors in Southwest Gainesville, bringing an innovative approach to bone health to the community. Locally owned by managing partners David and Sonia Fox, the wellness center focuses on strengthening the skeletal system using patented osteogenic loading technology that can improve bone density, posture, balance, and strength in just minutes per week. The guided experience is safe, quick, and painless. Stop by OsteoStrong Southwest Gainesville to learn more.
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Gainesville Dance Academy: Local Irish Dancers Shine Across the State
Gainesville's Irish dancing school is Gainesville Dance Academy. Its dancers mounted many festive spring performances, including performing in the USA tour of The Celtic Angels in Ocala, as well as dancing in St. Augustine within the world's oldest-recorded St. Patrick's Day parade. May focuses on Irish dancing competitions, when the Academy sends preschoolers to pros to Boca Raton and Orlando. All are welcome to the Academy's free, public recital, 2:30pm May 30th: gvilledance.com
Photography by Chelsea Bowlin
Photography by David Fox
Photography by Gainesville Dance Academy
Style, Community, and Confidence — Meet Your Hometown cabi Stylist!
Hey Gainesville! I'm Leza — cabi stylist, GAWN Board member, Chamber Diplomat, Rotarian and your biggest style cheerleader! I bring the boutique experience right to you through fun, stress-free shopping parties. Plus, when you shop local, the love stays local! Ready to discover pieces you'll reach for season after season? Let's make it happen! 352-359-6023 cabionline.com?pws=elizabethmueller
Club Synergie's Facial Specialists Know Exactly What Your Skin Needs
Guessing what your skin needs is a waste of money. Instead, let Club Synergie’s Facial Specialist prescribe skincare that makes a real difference. And, if you’re not satisfied, returns are easy. Just bring it back for a full refund, or get started on a new product. You can learn more about the professional skin and body care they offer by visiting their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/clubsynergie
Empowering Advocacy: Attorney Marie Banks Leads with Strength and Compassion
Attorney Marie Banks of Schackow & Mercadante brings exceptional professionalism, clarity, and genuine care to every client she represents. Known for her steady guidance and thoughtful approach, she supports individuals through some of their most challenging moments with confidence and compassion. Marie’s dedication to justice, combined with her commitment to serving the community, reflects the power and impact of women in law. This May, we proudly celebrate her leadership, integrity, and inspiring presence.
Photography by Adrienne Fletcher Photography
Photography by Club Synergie
Photography by Tristan Ford with Chasing Shadows
Finding My Voice: Becky Dee Inspires Mornings on 106.9
After more than three decades in hospitality management, Becky Dee followed her lifelong dream and stepped into radio as Morning Show Influencer of Boots & Breakfast with Becky Dee on 106.9 I Am Country. Known for her positive energy and strong community involvement, Becky connects listeners with local stories, businesses, and events across North Central Florida, while helping businesses and nonprofits grow through creative community partnerships. Tune in weekday mornings 6am-10am.
Photography by Becky Dee
Don't Skipthe Sunscreen!
With over 5 million cases diagnosed in the United States each year, skin cancer is America's most common cancer. Fortunately, skin cancer is also one of the most preventable forms of cancer. About 90 percent of nonmelanoma skin cancers and 85 percent of melanoma cases are associated with exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
Gainesville Dermatology experts recommend the daily use of a broadspectrum sunscreen, as this protects the skin against harmful UVA and UVB rays. With an SPF minimum rating of 35, you can protect against sunburn which reduces the risk of skin cancer, helps prevent photodamage and photoaging, or premature skin aging.
Prioritize the health, the longevity, and the appearance of your skin contact us today
CREATING BEAUTIFUL, JOY-FILLED CELEBRATIONS
There’s something special about childhood celebrations, the laughter, the little feet running barefoot through the yard, the memories you’ll hold onto long after the day is over. At Clover & Cloud, we offer luxury bounce houses and soft play designed to blend seamlessly into your event while creating a space for joy. With full-service delivery, setup, and styling, every detail is handled with care, so you can be present for what matters most.
Thoughtfully curated, fully insured, and sanitized for peace of mind. Reserve your date today and create a celebration your family will never forget.
CloverAndCloudBounce.com v @CloverAndCloudBounce
What Women Bring to Insurance
Some of the strongest leaders in insurance are the women paying attention to what really matters.
ARTICLE BY TAYLOR NOE PHOTOGRAPHY BY SWEET SERENDIPITY PHOTOGRAPHY
As co-owner of GreatFlorida Insurance of Gainesville, I am always looking for opportunities to connect with other successful women and learn from their experiences.
I met Kristy Moffat, owner of Brightway Insurance, The Moffat Agency, through the Gainesville Area Women’s Network. Over drinks, we talked about what it means to be a woman in insurance and to build an agency from the ground up. It did not take long for me to realize that Kristy stands out through her attention to detail and her passion for building community.
In our industry, when the phone rings, it is often a mom or wife calling to make sure her family is protected. Those conversations reflect something I see every day. Women are usually the ones planning ahead, asking thoughtful questions, and making sure nothing important is overlooked.
I have come to deeply appreciate the incredible women in Gainesville who are building strong businesses, leading with purpose, and supporting one another along the way. It is a spirit of connection and care that we are proud to reflect at GreatFlorida Insurance of Gainesville.
RIVERS EXPEDITIONS OCEANS
Vineyards, Gastronomy and Culture
Journey along the Rhône and the Rhine, through landscapes shaped by centuries of history, viticulture and art. Taste complex red wines and crisp whites grown on terraced vineyards rooted in the Roman Empire. Explore Avignon’s grand Palace of the Popes and Cologne ’s majestic cathedral, both UNESCO Sites. Savor Lyon’s rich culinary traditions and the Rhineland’s hearty flavors and admire the landscapes that inspired van Gogh in The Netherlands and Provence.
Shop Local, Love Local, Live Local
The Home Place: Artisan Glass, Italian Soul
The Home Place / Tuscan artisans mouthblown cobalt tortoiseshell hibiscus vase / Starting at $74 / https:// www.facebook.com/thehomeplacegnv
Cabi Style with Leza: Cabi Spring 26
Cabi Style with Leza / Cabi Spring 26 / Shop local, dress fabulously, and keep Gainesville thriving — your stylist Leza makes all three effortlessly possible! / https://www.cabionline.com /pages/backoffice?pws=elizabethmueller / Call (352) 359-6023
Arashi Yama Sushi & Hibachi Lounge: Creative and Fresh Sushi
Arashi Yama Sushi & Hibachi Lounge / Try some of the best and most creative sushi with the freshest and finest ingredients! / www.arashiyamagainesville.com / Call (352) 505-6000
Looking Good Suits & More: Upgrade Your Style Game
Looking Good Suits & More / Discover The Latest Trends in Suits and Upgrade Your Style Game / https://lookinggoodgator.com/ / Call (352) 332-3186
The Hippodrome Theater: Flex Passes
The Hippodrome Theater / Gift unforgettable moments: Live theater or cinema with Hippodrome Theatre’s flex passes and gift cards / thehipp.org / Call (352) 375-4477
She’s the Community’s Realtor
Daurine Wehbe — Gainesville's trusted realtor. Passionate, dedicated, and committed to community first.
For over nine years, Daurine Wehbe has served Gainesville as a trusted realtor dedicated to her clients and deeply rooted in community. She was named the 2026 Inaugural Community Impact Award recipient at the Fierce Awards and honored by Girl Scouts of Gateway Council as a Woman Who Makes a Difference. Her impact inspires all.
ARTICLE BY FREDDIE WEHBE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY WEHBE MARKETING
Daurine Wehbe — Gainesville's trusted realtor.
Gift Of Health!
For Mother's Day and Everyday Give the Gift of Health to your loved ones and yourself!
Floating Lotus Therapeutic Spa & Health Center has been serving the community for over 30 years and has been awarded Best Day Spa in Florida for 2023, 2034, & 2025 as well as being nominated again for 2026. The mission of the Lotus is to provide excellent therapeutic services for Pain Relief, Anti-Aging, Athletic and Surgical Recovery. Leave the stress behind and bring back more Vitality and Health with regular treatments by a highly trained massage and aesthetic team!
Featuring many Anti- Aging Facials that keep your skin healthy and glowing to an array of Therapeutic Massages that can focus on overall body health to pain relief and de-stressing.
We aim to be on the preventative health side with our Migraine Relief Therapies to Lymphatic Massage to assist in quicker healing. Enjoy the Far Infrared Himalayan Salt Sauna or a gliding Himalayan or Basalt hot stone massage that melts away those tension areas. With State of the Art technology and highly skilled therapists, you are always in good hands.
From the moment you enter in and are greeted by our friendly staff, given Alkaline Mineral water in our beautifully appointed
waiting and treatment rooms. You feel like you have entered another world, a staycation and a respite where you can leave your cares behind.
Our goal is to help you obtain optimal health to avoid medical intervention.
Come let us take care of you and your loved ones from head to toes!
ARTICLE BY VICTORIA GOLDEN
www.armourasphalt.com |
| amoursealcoating2@gmail.com
TERRI’S
Why Profit Must Be Part of Every Woman’s Business Strategy
CENTS TWO
ARTICLE BY TERRI BORK ABACUS GAL, LLC
Ladies, can we have an honest conversation?
Not about hustle. Not about followers. Not about how busy we are.
About profit.
As women business owners, we care deeply. We want to serve well, deliver excellence, and build something meaningful. We say yes because we see potential. We go the extra mile because it feels right.
But here is my two cents: profit deserves a seat at the table, too.
Revenue tells you that you are working. Profit tells you that your work is sustainable. Profit allows you to breathe. It gives you margin in your calendar and confidence in your decisions. It creates space to invest, grow, and rest. Without it, even a business you love can start to feel heavy.
Prioritizing profit does not make you less generous. Raising your rates does not make you less kind. Setting boundaries does not make you difficult. It makes your business stable enough to keep serving.
When you understand your numbers, something shifts. You move from guessing to guiding. From reacting to leading. From hoping it works to building with intention.
Let profit support the vision you work so hard to create.
Terri Bork Abacus Gal, LLC
PHOTOGRAPHY BY TRISTAN FORD FROWER
Terri Bork, Abacus Gal, LLC
Energy GainesvilleEfficient Custom Homes
COREY AMIRA CUSTOM HOMES DELIVERS ENERGY-FOCUSED
HOMES
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY
BY COREY AMIRA
At Corey Amira Custom Homes, energy efficiency begins behind the walls. We install extra insulation in exterior walls and attic spaces to reduce heat transfer and help indoor temperatures remain stable throughout Gainesville’s changing seasons. High-performance windows are carefully selected to minimize air leakage, improve comfort, and reduce strain on mechanical systems. We also pair every home with high-efficiency air conditioning equipment designed to cool effectively while using less energy. By combining advanced materials with smart construction practices, we create custom homes that deliver lower utility costs, stronger indoor comfort, and lasting long-term value for homeowners.
HONORING HER LEGACY
Honoring the women before us while lifting the women beside us.
As a woman and owner of a woman-owned real estate brokerage, I never forget whose shoulders I stand on. There were tables our grandmothers weren’t invited to sit at, rooms where their voices were dismissed or never heard at all. Today, many of us not only sit at those tables, we lead them. That didn’t happen by accident. It happened because strong women before us pushed forward anyway. The most powerful women in any room aren’t the loudest,
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY
they’re the ones reminding other women that they belong there too. Real leadership isn’t competition; it’s collaboration. It’s mentorship. It’s choosing encouragement over comparison. When women support other women, businesses grow, communities strengthen, and confidence multiplies. We honor the past by how we show up now, and we shape the future by who we choose to lift as we rise. https://sunkissedpropertiesfl.com/
JAMIE STEVENS, REALTOR/BROKER/OWNER
CREVASSE’S FLORIST
ARTICLE BY LEZA MUELLER PHOTOGRAPHY BY CREVASSE'S FLORIST
Mother’s Day is the perfect time to celebrate the women who mean the most to you. Stop by and choose from our stunning floral arrangements, beautiful blooms to honor every extraordinary mom in your life. https://www.crevassesflorist.com/
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Restoring Your Shape After Weight Loss
HOW ABDOMINOPLASTY HELPS
WOMEN REGAIN STRENGTH, CONTOUR, AND CONFIDENCE
ARTICLE BY JASON J. ROSENBERG, MD, FACS
Pregnancy and significant weight loss are transformative experiences. They often bring tremendous pride and accomplishment, but they can also leave lasting changes to the body, particularly in the abdomen.
Many women find that despite healthy habits, regular exercise, and returning to their ideal weight, the abdomen does not fully recover. Loose skin, stretched abdominal muscles, and a persistent bulge can remain long after pregnancy or weight loss. These changes are common and are often impossible to correct through diet and exercise alone.
Abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, is designed to restore the abdominal contour by addressing these structural changes. The procedure removes excess skin, tightens the abdominal muscles, and creates a smoother, firmer appearance to the midsection.
For women after pregnancy, a tummy tuck can repair separation of the abdominal muscles, known as rectus diastasis, which contributes to core weakness and abdominal fullness. For patients who have lost significant weight, the procedure can remove loose skin that remains after their weight-loss journey.
The goal is not to create an artificial look, but to restore natural proportions and help the abdomen reflect the healthy lifestyle many women already maintain.
The best candidates are individuals who are close to their goal weight and have completed childbearing. For many women, abdominoplasty represents the final step in reclaiming their body after pregnancy or major weight loss.
Jason J. Rosenberg, MD, FACS
Board-Certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon Rosenberg Plastic Surgery
PHOTOGRAPHY BY TYLER LABORDE: NAPS HAPPEN PHOTOGRAPHY
DeborahJohnson,
Understanding THE AGING CONTINUUM
ARTICLE BY DEBORAH JOHNSON
For many families, conversations about aging begin after a crisis such as a fall, a diagnosis, or a sudden change that can’t be ignored. Yet aging is not a single event. It is a continuum, and understanding that continuum empowers families to make thoughtful decisions before urgency takes over.
The journey may include aging safely at home, assisted living, memory care, or skilled nursing. Needs often evolve gradually. Subtle signs such as missed medications, increased isolation, memory lapses, or difficulty managing daily tasks can signal it’s time to begin a conversation.
Exploring options does not mean giving up independence. When the right level of support is introduced at the right time, seniors often experience greater safety, improved well-being, and renewed social connection. Thoughtful care preserves dignity and enhances quality of life.
Planning ahead allows families to remain in control and to align decisions with a loved one’s values, care needs, and budget. Working with a local senior placement advisor provides personalized guidance, clarity, and peace of mind at no cost to families.
Aging is inevitable. With the right guidance, families can make one of life’s hardest decisions with confidence and peace of mind.
Aura Senior Placement Solutions
Aura Senior PlacementSolutions
Strength From Within
Purely Pelvic helps women restore pelvic health, comfort, and confidence at every life stage.
May is a time to celebrate the strength, resilience, and accomplishments of women in our community. It is also an opportunity to highlight an often overlooked, yet essential, part of a women’s well-being: pelvic health. Throughout life, a woman’s body experiences remarkable transitions—from adolescence and pregnancy to postpartum recovery, perimenopause, and beyond. During these phases, many women notice symptoms such as urinary leakage, pelvic pain, painful intimacy, constipation, or a sensation of pelvic heaviness. These issues are frequently brushed aside or labeled as “normal.” While they may be common, they are not something women simply have to live with. Pelvic health physical therapy offers a proactive and empowering approach to care. This specialized form of physical therapy focuses on the muscles, connective tissue, breathing patterns, posture, and movement patterns that support the pelvis and core. With individualized treatment, women can experience reduced pain, improved
bladder and bowel function, enhanced stability and strength, and a more comfortable return to activities such as exercise, daily movement, and intimacy. The goal is not just symptom relief, but restoring confidence and overall quality of life. Here in our community, practices like Purely Pelvic provide dedicated pelvic health physical therapy services. Led by Evette D’Avy Reed, PT, CHC, the practice emphasizes personalized, one-on-one care, education, and a supportive environment where patients feel safe discussing concerns that are often difficult to share. When women feel strong and supported in their bodies, the benefits extend far beyond physical health. Confidence grows, relationships improve, and women are better able to participate fully in work, family life, and their communities. This May, Women’s Month, continuing the conversation about pelvic health matters. Prioritizing this aspect of care isn’t a luxury—it’s foundational to helping women move, live, and thrive with confidence and vitality. https://purelypelvic.com/
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY DR.LAURA W. MCCHESNEY CHIROPRACTIC PHYSICIAN
LONGEVITY BEGINS WITH HOW You Move
BRAIN-BASED MOVEMENT TRAINING BUILDS CONFIDENCE, STRENGTH, AND LASTING INDEPENDENCE.
True longevity is more than strength; it’s the powerful connection between the brain, balance, movement and the spine. That’s the mission of Dr. Laura McChesney and her team at Momentum Rehab and Chiropractic— to help people reclaim an active, independent life, naturally. With neurocognitive training, awareness sharpens. Improved balance restores confidence. Regaining movement rebuilds resilience. And chiropractic restores proper function. This helps build a community that moves better, lives stronger, and remains independent longer.
Dr. McChesney has grown Momentum into two clinics in Gainesville where the team witnesses quiet victories every day; Standing without fear of falling, moving without hesitation, and returning to activities that once felt out of reach. Whether recovering from an injury, keeping up with children, or preserving the freedom to enjoy favorite hobbies like golf or pickleball, Team Momentum walks beside each person. Comprehensive care of adjustments, neurocognitive, balance, mobility, function and shockwave create our signature Momentum Movement Method, redefining perceptions of chiropractic and achieving longevity. Get moving. Stay moving. For life. rehabandchiropractic.com
Whether recovering from an injury, keeping up with children, or preserving the freedom to enjoy favorite hobbies like golf or pickleball, Team Momentum walks beside each person.
Dr.Laura W. McChesney Chiropractic Physician
RAISE YOUR Glass: Where WINE MEETS Community
Women-owned & veteran-owned wine bar earns awards while balancing family, personal trials, and community impact.
ARTICLE BY DAISY COTTLE PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARLA JACOBSEN
On any given evening at Raise Your Glass Wine Bar, laughter spills across the bar, glasses clink during tastings, and neighbors who arrived as strangers leave as friends. Since opening in July 2025, Raise Your Glass Wine Bar, owned by Daisy Cottle and her partner, Jace Tyler, has quickly become one of Gainesville’s most talked-about gathering spots. This women-owned, veteran-owned, community-driven wine bar isn’t just about pouring great wine— it’s about connection, discovery, and unforgettable evenings.
From themed tasting parties and “Puppies on the Patio” social hours to networking events and Humane Society fundraisers, something is always happening that brings locals together.
Even as Daisy celebrated the bar’s early success, life presented an unexpected challenge: a month-long NICU stay with her premature baby. Balancing new parenthood with launching a business would stop many entrepreneurs, but Daisy and Jace persevered, continuing to build a space that feels warm, inclusive, and full of life.
Their dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed. Raise Your Glass was honored as Best New Business of 2025 by the Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce and named a finalist in the Best Veteran Business category.
Every detail, from the curated wine selection to interactive tasting events, is designed to educate, delight, and bring the community together. Guests leave with more than a glass in hand; they leave with friendships, shared stories, and memories.
Daisy and Jace extend heartfelt thanks to Josh, Maddy, and Bradley, whose love and support make it worthwhile. Learn more at www.RYGWinebar.com
Curious About Water Cremation?
An Innovative and Natural Extension of Forest Meadows Funeral Home & Crematory Services
Forest Meadows Funeral Homes and Crematory is proud to offer Water Cremation, providing families in our community with a thoughtful and environmentally friendly choice. While we also operate a brand-new, state-of-the-art fire cremation retort, we believe families should have options that reflect their personal values and priorities.
Water Cremation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis, uses warm water and natural chemistry rather than flame. This process gently mirrors the way the body returns to the earth in nature while providing families with the same cherished return of ashes.
ARTICLE AND
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Recognized as the greenest form of cremation available today, Water Cremation has the lowest carbon footprint and minimal environmental impact, offering a respectful and sustainable alternative for families seeking a cleaner, greener farewell.
As a local, family-owned funeral home with deep roots in the community, we understand that families value meaningful options—choices that reflect their beliefs, priorities, and values. As part of our Green Initiative, Forest Meadows remains committed to providing exceptional care that is thoughtful in every detail. Please contact us for pricing and additional information.
BY PETER G. MALONEY, CEO
2341 NW 41 Street, Ste C st
Gainesville, Florida 32606
Momentum South:
5206 SW 34h Street
Gainesville, Florida 32608
Momentum North: (352) 642-7246 (352) 375-3668
Vestibular
Golf Mobility
Shockwave
MOTHER’S DAY IS ALMOST HERE!
Surprise Mom with fresh, beautiful flowers to brighten her day.
352-376-2514 | 2441 NW 43rd St, Gainesville, FL 32606 Woman Owned Business | B Crevasses V crevassesflorist
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.
Becky in Splendid x @CellaJaneBlog Spring 2026 Collection
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
Muscle is more than strength or appearance. It supports metabolism, bone health, energy, and longevity, making it a powerful investment in women’s health.
STRONG MUSCLES, STRONGER WOMEN, STRONGER FUTURES
For years, the conversation around women’s health has often centered on the scale, calories, and weight loss. Today, that conversation is beginning to shift as we better understand that muscle is one of the most important predictors of long-term health.
Healthy muscle supports metabolism, stabilizes blood sugar, strengthens bones, improves balance, and helps sustain energy and independence as we age. Beginning in our thirties, women naturally start to lose muscle, and that gradual change can quietly influence weight, resilience, and overall vitality.
The encouraging news is that muscle is highly responsive to the signals we send our bodies. Strength training, adequate protein, proper hydration, quality recovery, and growing research on naturally occurring peptides that support muscle signaling can all help maintain and build muscle.
These biological messengers help regulate how the body builds, repairs, and preserves muscle over time. For women in every season of life, building strength supports energy, resilience, independence, and the ability to continue doing the things that matter most. https://www.facebook.com/absoultewellnessandweightloss/
APRIL 24TH THROUGH MAY 24TH
The Greatest Jam Session in History Is Coming to Gainesville
25 SE 2nd Pl, Gainesville, FL, United States, 32601
December 4th, 1956. Four young men accidentally made history — Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins. Together just once, in the same room, at the same time. MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET brings that legendary night to life on the Hippodrome stage, with electrifying performances of the music that changed the world forever. Tickets at thehipp.org
Mark your calendars! You're invited to Club Synergie & Cabi Style with Leza, a spring brunch of sips, treats, self-care, and the gorgeous cabi Spring 2026 Collection! Jennifer has created something truly special and you do NOT want to miss it! Contact Jennifer at 352-2140094 for details. Come shop new arrivals with me, fresh styles and so much to love! Event starts at 10 am and goes to 2 pm
MAY 30TH
Free Irish Dance Recital at Gainesville Dance Academy
Gainesville Dance Academy presents its annual Irish Dance Recital on Saturday, May 30th at 2:30pm. Open to the public and free to attend, the performance features dancers from preschool to North American Championship level — beginner to professional, all ages. Under an hour, perfect for young families. 3501 SW 2nd Ave, Suite G. Director: Sarah Ingley.
Motherhood
The bond between a mother and child is constantly changing as the child develops into an independent person. This May, we look beyond the affection of breakfast-in-bed to the nitty-gritty, reality of modern motherhood.
From the first breath, a mother is a child’s North Star. In the early years, the relationship is a physical contact of latenight rocking and constant vigilance. However, as the child grows through the years, the role evolves and grows. A mother becomes her child’s primary advocate, particularly when setting examples and navigating education.
Choosing the right school is a powerful act of parenting. When researching, look beyond test scores. Consider the learning environment and the uniqueness of your child’s learning style—does your child thrive in a structured setting or a creative, Montessori-style space? Are they visual, hands-on, or auditory learners?
Prioritizing teacher quality and a supportive community ensures your child is seen and valued. For guidance,
resources like the Florida Council of Independent Schools, have a list of their accredited schools in Florida. Accreditation insures a level of school quality, stability and integrity. Observe the schools in Gainesville and ask about their educational philosophies.
This transition from being a child’s entire world to allowing them to bloom into independence is life’s most complex maneuver. It requires a delicate balance of holding on and letting go. What makes this bond unique is its resilience such as surviving the rebellion of adolescence. Often, it is only when children become adults that they truly appreciate the woman behind the “Mother” title: her sacrifices, her private dreams, and her unwavering strength.
Motherhood isn’t just about raising a child or navigating the details like selecting a school; it’s about the person a woman becomes in the process. It is a journey of unconditional love and quiet endurance, proving that while children grow up, the influence of a mother remains steady.
https://www.millhopper.com/
At Pavlov Media, we’re proud to support the women who keep Gainesville moving forward, including leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, students, and caregivers. Whether managing careers, running households, or building the future, today’s women depend on fast, reliable Internet connectivity to stay productive, connected, and in control of their day.
Why Gainesville Choose Pavlov:
• Reliable for Real Life: Built to support busy households, remote work, streaming, and smart homes
• Community Focused: Proud supporters of local events, schools, and organizations
• Simple & Transparent: No contracts, no hidden fees—just fast fiber Internet
Up to 400 Mbps $4999 /month
Up to 1 Gbps $5999 /month
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Spring, Always
This season unveils a remarkable assortment of natural, untreated colored gemstones, sourced from the earth’s most extraordinary places. Each stone carries its own story, chosen for exceptional quality, rarity, and enduring brilliance. From Brazil, Colombia, Zambia, and Sri Lanka, these treasures arrive in Gatorville this spring for you! In 2026, colored gemstones are IN—and our finest collection yet is ready to be hand selected and crafted into exquisite jewelry.
Come and visit our showroom today, we'd love to meet you!
