LIFE + CULTURE
SUPPORTING ADULTS, STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY
ONE MOTHER'S LIFESAVING MISSION
CARE THAT MEETS WOMEN WHERE THEY ARE FROM PASSION TO PURPOSE IN MOVEMENT
The Ladies' Issue— Women Who Inspire
This Ladies' issue of Harco City Lifestyle is a celebration of the women who are shaping our community in meaningful, lasting ways. From business owners to leaders and advocates, these stories highlight the many forms strength can take and the impact it has close to home.
In this issue, you’ll meet a local entrepreneur who has grown her business from the ground up, creating events that are thoughtful, well-run, and designed to bring people together in ways that feel both effortless and memorable. It’s a story of building something with intention while balancing the demands of work and family life.
We also feature a fitness leader whose journey has expanded into multiple studios and a growing team, offering a range of classes that meet people where they are and support movement through every stage of life.
You’ll read a powerful story centered on advocacy and awareness, where one woman has turned personal loss into a mission to educate, prepare, and help others respond in critical moments. It’s a reminder of how quickly life can change, and how meaningful action can grow from it.
And in a personal, hands-on way, we highlight a stylist who is using her work to support women during some of their most difficult seasons, offering practical tools and a sense of care that helps them feel like themselves again.
Finally, we’re also showcasing an entrepreneur of a Bel Air boutique and a female leader making important strides at a longtime Havre de Grace non-profit.
Together, these stories reflect the many ways women in our community are showing up, building something of their own, and making a difference for others along the way. Thank you for being part of Harford County and for continuing to support the people and stories that make it, and our publication, thrive.
DAVE BURRIS, PUBLISHER
May 2026
PUBLISHER
Dave Burris | Dave.Burris@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Jennifer Waldera | jennifer.waldera@citylifestyle.com
SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER
Kerry Paradis | kerry.paradis@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Margarita Scannell | margarita@genevapass.net
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Alisha Garlie
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Kerry Paradis Photography, Patrice Bullock, Melissa Chaney, Ujen Jonchhe, Jennifer Sawyer Hathaway, Beth Laverick, Michelle Ward, SV Images, Tim Montoya - Reale Shots Photography, Dave McIntosh Photographics, The Humane Society of Harford County, Lexington Homes Brands, SayThat Publishing, Uttermost Co.
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
Proverbs 3:5-6
Restoring Confidence Through
This Mother’s Day, skip the ordinary and shop at Armory Marketplace. Discover boutique studios filled with great reads, elegant art, gorgeous greenery, fashion with a purpose, and sweet treats, too! Find a gift as one-of-a-kind as she is while supporting Bel Air’s small businesses. BelAirMD.org/524/
Odd Bird Bookshop | The Gallery of Harford Artists | Twisted Roots | AfroKouture | Cozy Cookies
1: Harford County Chamber of Commerce 50th Anniversary Celebration. 2: Gather & Grow Networking Breakfast. 3: Chris Guida of Smoke Showing Cigar Company at K & B Bridals Bubbly Soiree. Photography by Kerry Paradis Photography
A New Literary Gem Opens in Downtown Bel Air
Odd Bird Bookshop is now open in downtown Bel Air! This cozy, woman-owned independent bookstore is a welcoming space for readers of all ages to discover thoughtfully curated books, unique literary gifts, and stories that spark connection. From beloved classics and children’s favorites to hidden gems and local authors, every shelf is chosen with care. Stop in to browse, find your next great read, and experience the magic of a neighborhood bookstore. OddBirdBookShop.com
Bel Air's Event Season Returns with Movies, Markets, and More
May kicks off Bel Air’s unofficial event season, which lasts through October! Join in on the fun at First Fridays (one of Harford County’s best block parties), cozy up for Summer Movie Nights at Shamrock Park, and visit the Belle Aire Market and the Bel Air Community Yard Sale and Flea Market for shopping, in addition to over 40 more events throughout the year. DowntownBelAir.com
Photography by Tim Montoya, Reale Shots Photography
Spring Along the Susquehanna at Broad Creek Manor
With warmer weather arriving, residents at Broad Creek Manor Assisted Living are looking forward to more outdoor gatherings, including porch socials, music afternoons, and relaxing time overlooking the Susquehanna River. This spring, the family-owned assisted living home is also introducing “Bingo on the Susquehanna,” a new outdoor activity where residents can enjoy a favorite game while taking in beautiful river views from the porch. BroadCreekManor.com
Photography by Melissa Chaney
The Great Hall The Great Hall
CREATING Opportunities FOR EVERY Ability
Serving adults across the community with programs based on skills, connection, and opportunity.
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER WALDERA
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KERRY PARADIS PHOTOGRAPHY
In 1961, Dr. and Mrs. Palmer launched the Harford Center in their living room after identifying a need for support of children with developmental disabilities. Over time, the organization grew, including location changes and an evolving population of participants in the program. As the school-aged children began attending public school, the Harford Center shifted its focus exclusively to serving adults with developmental disabilities, and since 1978, it has been housed at its current space in Havre de Grace.
Since 2023, one of the leaders of the organization, Chief Development Officer Laura Weinstein, has served in the crucial role of ensuring the Harford Center can continue to provide meaningful services for its participants via her work to secure grants and coordinate fundraising events, as well as other efforts. “We are partially funded through the [Maryland] Developmental Disabilities Administration,” Weinstein said, noting that changes at the state level this year, intended to balance Maryland’s budget, could significantly impact Harford Center’s funding. “But even in a good year, we need to fundraise to fill the gap.”
Harford Center leans into its mission to support adults with developmental disabilities in myriad ways, ensuring that participants have the opportunity to learn life skills, get out into the community in a volunteer capacity, and work toward gaining employment. More recently, it has also added behavioral health services. Plus, it offers transportation to every participant to and from the building. Weinstein said, “Funds go directly to these programs -- right to the gap that needs to be filled.”
Spooky Soiree at Harford Center.
Photo Credit: Kerry Paradis Photography
Two Harford Center participants with Laura Weinstein (pictured center). Photo Credit: Kerry Paradis Photography
For anyone who wants to get involved, Weinstein said there are a number of opportunities. While volunteers may not work directly with participants, due to training requirements, community members are welcome to help with services like beautification of the land and facilities. And, of course, donations and sponsorships are welcome.
Looking to the future, Weinstein said, “We want to continue to grow and serve as many people as we can that need us and continue to expand services based on what our community needs.”
Spooky Soiree at Harford Center.
Photo Credit: Kerry Paradis Photography
Laura Weinstein.
Photo Credit: Kerry Paradis Photography
Two participants at Harford Center.
Photo Credit: Kerry Paradis Photography
LUXURY LIVING REIMAGINED
CHRIS STREETT
410-967-9896(c)
410-879-7466(o)
chris@streetthopkins com
443-803-0779(c)
410-879-7466(o)
chelsea@streetthopkins com
Championing CPR awareness and heart screenings for student athletes and beyond
A MOTHER'S MISSION TO PROTECT
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER WALDERA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
In May 2021, Patrice Bullock’s world shifted when her 16-yearold son, Bailey, collapsed during a track event as a result of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). What followed has become both a personal journey and a powerful mission to protect others. Through Bailey’s Heart & Soul Foundation, Bullock is working to ensure that lives can be saved through awareness, education, and preparedness.
“The foundation was started in honor of my son. He collapsed on the track in 2021,” Bullock said. “The day that happened, CPR was significantly delayed.” The events of that day are what continue to drive her work today.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest is a leading cause of death among student-athletes. “Sometimes there’s no warning sign or a condition that wasn’t diagnosed,” she said. “Kids put in all they have on the field. It’s so important to make sure they are screened at least annually for signs.”
Through the foundation, Bullock has focused on increasing access to CPR training, AEDs, and heart screenings. These tools are critical in the moments that matter most, but just as important is making sure everyday people feel ready to step in and help.
"When children go into Sudden Cardiac Arrest, survival can come down to community members," she said. That message is already making an impact.
“Since the foundation began, there’s definitely a shift in the awareness and the preparedness, not just in Harford County but in communities in general,” Bullock said. “The foundation was really from a place of loss. But now the greater community benefit is protecting young hearts.”
Her advocacy has also led to meaningful policy change. The Bailey Bullock Act, signed into law, ensures that schools have clear cardiac emergency response plans in place, including knowing where AEDs are located and how to respond quickly in a crisis.
CPR training.
Photo courtesy of Patrice Bullock
Patrice Bullock. Photo Credit: Kerry Paradis Photography
Patrice Bullock accepting a Volunteer of the Year award. Photo courtesy of Patrice Bullock
“It’s vital that CPR, chest compressions, are started early, and this also resonates with the importance of community or bystander CPR,” she said. “That’s what’s going to save lives.”
Bullock hopes more people understand just how urgent these moments can be. “It’s a medical condition that can happen to anyone, and when someone collapses, treat it as though it’s a medical emergency until EMS or medical team members can get on the scene,” she said. “With Sudden Cardiac Arrest, the brain only has a narrow window for bystanders to intervene.”
The foundation continues to grow, offering CPR training, heart screenings, and opportunities for the community to get involved. Events throughout the year help bring people together while supporting the mission, from Bingo for Bailey in January to a bull roast in May and a community 5K in September. “We can become community lifesavers,” Bullock said.
As the foundation approaches its five-year mark, Bullock remains focused on expanding its reach and strengthening its impact. Her goal is to ensure that more schools, families, and community members are prepared to respond when it matters most.
“We want to grow the foundation from a local movement to a movement that continues to grow across the community,” she said. “We want to continue with real change and continue to be a part of the mission to save lives.”
Bailey’s legacy continues to guide that work, creating a path forward that is rooted in awareness, action, and the hope that others will be ready when every second counts.
Learn more at BaileyHeartandSoul.org or read Patrice Bullock’s upcoming book, 8 min:45 seconds, A Child’s Heart, when it’s released in August 2026.
Bailey Bullock's last race. Photo courtesy of Patrice Bullock
Book cover for Patrice Bullock's book.
Photo courtesy of SayThat Publishing.
RESTORING CONFIDENCE Through Care and Connection
HELPING
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER WALDERA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Michelle Ward. Photo courtesy of Michelle Ward.
For Michelle Ward, a longtime stylist at Hair Bliss in Bel Air, beauty has always been about more than appearances. It’s about helping women feel like themselves, especially during the moments when that feels hardest.
“I think when I got into doing hair years and years ago, it was to make people feel good in my chair,” she said. “I want people going through chemo and radiation to feel just as beautiful, too.”
That purpose led her to create Be-YouTea-Time, a free class at the Kaufman Cancer Center in Bel Air, offered through Cancer LifeNet. There, women navigating treatment can learn practical skills, from makeup to tying scarves, while also finding something less tangible but just as important.
“I hope that they find comfort in not only finding answers, but also in other women who are taking the class too,” Ward said. “It helps them forget for two hours what they’re going through.”
For many, that impact lasts well beyond the class itself. “Michelle helped me feel beautiful again when I was going through chemo,” said Sabrina Martin, who reached out to Ward to help her shave her head when she was going through treatment. “Through her program, she taught me how to use makeup so I could feel confident and beautiful again.”
Ward has spent more than a decade teaching, driven by both personal experience and a strong sense of purpose. “I feel like acts of service are very important,” she said. “I was put on this earth to do hair, but I can also use [those skills] in other ways.”
Michelle Ward. Photo Credit: Kerry Paradis Photography
Sabrina Martin and Michelle Ward. Photo courtesy of Michelle Ward
Broad
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER WALDERA PHOTOGRAPHY BY KERRY PARADIS PHOTOGRAPHY
BUILT on MOVEMENT
Turning a passion for fitness into a purposeful path
For Kelly Backert, the path to opening Kore Barre & Yoga didn’t begin with a business plan. It started with movement, connection, and a willingness to follow where life led.
“I was in my early twenties and took group fitness classes, and I started to get into spin classes,” she said. What began as a personal interest quickly evolved. “In 2006, when my first son was born, I got my certification and started working at Quest gym in Abingdon and at the YMCA of Central MD, teaching cycle classes.”
Over time, her passion grew into something much bigger. After years of teaching, building programs, and working one-on-one with clients in the capacity of both fitness and nutrition, Backert leaped. “People started asking for training, so I ended up quitting the YMCA and started my own business,” she said. From rented spaces like church basements and community buildings to in-home training sessions, she built her personal training business.
Then, in 2017, she opened her first studio in a Bel Air incubator space. “It felt like it was my chance and I wanted to do it,” she said. She soon became the incubator’s first graduate and expanded into a larger location, eventually growing Kore Barre & Yoga into multiple studios across the region.
Today, her business includes more than 30 instructors and a wide range of class offerings, all designed to meet people where they are. “We offer such a variety of classes. Whatever you’re looking for, we have something for you,” Backert said. She also offers online classes, both live and on-demand.
From strength training and spin to yoga and slower-paced classes, the goal is to create a space where everyone feels comfortable showing up. “I offer everything. I’m willing to do whatever it takes,” she said.
Backert has also remained connected to the local community, hosting events, partnering with small businesses, and organizing fundraisers. “I try to do a lot of fundraisers and work with the local community, and I’m really proud of that,” she said.
Despite the growth, Backert remains grounded in her original vision. “It’s about facilitating people moving their bodies,” she said. “And my team is amazing, they are all unique and bring their own skill set.”
For women considering starting a business of their own, her advice is simple and honest: “Definitely trust your instincts. Whatever is unique and weird about you, do that! Be authentically you and make your business authentically you.”
“Definitely
instincts.
trust your
Whatever is unique and weird about you, do that! Be authentically you and make your business authentically you.”
Kore Barre & Yoga studio. Photo Credit: Kerry Paradis Photography
Your Curated Home
Rediscovering your happiness: a home that celebrates you.
Picture your bedroom at sixteen. The walls weren’t chosen for resale value or trends, they were yours. Maybe it was blush paint, butterflies, or band posters that made you feel alive. Whatever it was, walking into that room felt empowering.
Somewhere between carpools, meetings, and building a beautiful life, many women have traded personal joy for “what’s expected.” Rediscovering décor is the gentle shift back -- a way of designing a home that reflects the woman you are now, not what social media says you should love. These are a few ways to make it happen.
A GENTLE BOOST
Layer happiness intentionally.
• Start where life happens. Add patterned swivel chairs or colorful coffee table books in your living room.
• Elevate your bedroom. Try a velvet-upholstered headboard or bedding in a color you secretly love.
• Balance bold with timeless. We pair meaningful artwork with classic sofas, millwork, and neutral rugs so the room feels elevated.
COLOR THAT LIFTS AND GROUNDS
Color shapes your mood every single day.
• Warm up gathering spaces. A vibrant color inside a cabinet infuses energy into a room.
• Soften private spaces. Sage greens or gentle blues create a calming environment.
ARTICLE BY ALISHA GARLIE | PHOTOGRAPHY
BY CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
• Layer before committing. Add color in simple yet thoughtful ways through pillows, drapery, or a statement rug.
YOUR SIGNATURE HAPPINESS FORMULA
This is where you revive your spirit.
• Display what you’ve collected. For instance, frame your vintage scarves tucked in a drawer or creatively display photos from personal travel.
• Refine heirlooms. Try reupholstering your grandmother’s chair in a fresh fabric or repurposing sentimental pieces.
• Ignore the noise. The most beautiful homes we design aren’t trend-driven; they’re deeply personal.
This Mother’s Day, perhaps the most meaningful gift is creating a home that feels like you. Love your home again!
Vibrantly decorated space. Image courtesy of Uttermost Co.
EVENTS WITH HEART AND PURPOSE
A LOCAL ENTREPRENEUR SHAPING EVENTS WITH INTENTION AND IMPACT
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER WALDERA
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Beth Laverick has spent years building events that feel easy to walk into and hard to leave. From her Baltimore Seafood Festival and Wine Fest to the Susquehanna Wine & Seafood Fest, her events are where families settle in, kids stay entertained, and the day unfolds simply with friends and family.
Susquehanna Wine and Seafood Fest.
Photo Credit: Beth Laverick
Her path into the industry started early. “When I was a student at Towson University, I was a Mass Communication major, and when I graduated from there, I started interning at Infinity Radio,” she said. “They did Taste of Baltimore and a kid event, and I loved everything about events,” she said.
That early exposure turned into a steady climb through Baltimore’s event world, where she gained hands-on experience across marketing, catering, and large-scale productions. One of her first major projects set the tone for what would come next.
“The first that I built was the Baltimore Seafood Festival at Canton Waterfront Park,” she said. “We probably had close to 3,000 people … it was really exciting.”
Over time, a clear focus emerged for Laverick and her event-based mission. “Family-friendly is my niche, so that’s what I gravitate toward,” Laverick said.
It’s a niche she understands firsthand. As a mother of four, she knows how quickly costs add up and how important it is for events to feel both accessible and worthwhile. That perspective shows up in the details, from thoughtful pricing to layouts that make it easy for families to relax and stay awhile.
Like many in the events industry, Laverick faced a major turning point during the pandemic.“It’s hard to work for yourself; it’s 24/7, it’s really hard to juggle, and then Covid happened,” she said.
Instead of stepping back, she shifted the direction of her company, B Scene. That pivot led to the growth of the business’s event staffing division, which now supports everything from festivals and fundraisers to corporate events across the region.
As she has built her business, and has moved into staffing in addition to events, her approach with clients follows the same philosophy of digging into the important details to produce the best results. “We need to be on the same page for what we’re going to create,” she said. “Talk through every aspect; when there’s any grey area, it can lead to confusion; I like to be transparent. We are able to deliver a high quality of service; we are amongst, if not the, top staffing agency in the area,” she said.
What continues to drive Laverick is simple. Events should feel good to be part of. They should give people a reason to stay, to connect, and to come back again next year. “They’re just an overall really great vibe and a great way to relax and unwind,” she said. “I look at families dancing, at the picnic tables, and people who come and stay the whole day, and that’s pretty neat.”
Looking ahead, Laverick is focused on thoughtful growth, expanding her team, building new signature events, and continuing to create experiences that feel rooted in the places they’re held.
Beth Laverick with three of her children. Photo Credit: Dave McIntosh Photographics.
Susquehanna Wine and Seafood Fest.
Photo Credit: Beth Laverick
Susquehanna Wine and Seafood Fest. Photo Credit: Beth Laverick
Boutique owner Ashley Owings shares the summer wardrobe staples to reach for this season.
On This Page: Ashley Owings modeling this year's fashion trends for women.
STYLE, CONFIDENCE , AND COMMUNITY
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER WALDERA `PHOTOGRAPHY
BY CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGAPHERS
Photo Credit: Jennifer Sawyer Hathaway Platform shoes.
Women's button down shirts.
PLEASE TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT BRAY & EM:
Bray & Em Boutique was built in 2016 from a deep love of women, confidence, and community. It all started in my home and has grown into a brick-and-mortar and online [business] serving thousands of women locally and across the United States. I didn’t open the store just to sell clothing; I opened it to create a space where women feel seen, styled, and supported. As a mom and entrepreneur, I understand how quickly women put themselves last. I wanted a boutique that makes getting dressed feel exciting again, not overwhelming.
What inspires me most is watching a woman walk out of the fitting room, standing taller than when she walked in. Fashion is powerful. When a woman feels good in what she’s wearing, it shifts her entire energy, and that’s what we get to be part of every single day.
WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST WOMEN’S FASHION TRENDS YOU’RE SEEING FOR SUMMER 2026?
Summer 2026 is all about relaxed polish. We’re seeing elevated basics, soft structure, and effortless silhouettes dominating.
Wide-leg trousers, breathable matching sets, and textured cotton pieces are trending heavily. Our customers are especially gravitating toward pieces that feel put together but not overdone. They want outfits that transition from school drop-off to lunch meetings to dinner on the patio without needing a full change.
Locally, the biggest hit has been coordinated sets and updated denim silhouettes, pieces that make styling simple.
ARE THERE PARTICULAR COLORS, FABRICS, OR SILHOUETTES THAT FEEL ESPECIALLY FRESH THIS SEASON?
Yes, and they’re beautiful.
We’re seeing a strong shift toward soft coastal tones: muted sage, butter yellow, sky blue, warm ivory, and washed coral. These shades feel fresh without being loud.
Fabric-wise, breathable natural blends are everything right now: cotton, linen blends, eco-rayon, and lightweight textured knits. Women are prioritizing comfort, especially in Maryland summers.
Silhouettes are looser but still flattering, relaxed wide-leg pants, flowy midi dresses, oversized button-downs, and soft-shoulder tops. It’s about movement and ease.
WHAT PIECES DO YOU CONSIDER SUMMER WARDROBE STAPLES THIS YEAR?
There are five pieces I tell every woman to own this summer:
1. A structured but relaxed wide-leg pant in a neutral.
2. A high-quality white or ivory elevated basic tee or tank.
3. A matching set that can be worn together or styled separately.
4. A lightweight denim jacket for cool evenings.
5. A versatile midi dress that works with sandals or sneakers.
These pieces create at least 15–20 outfits when styled intentionally. Investment doesn’t mean trendy, it means wearable.
THREE SIMPLE UPDATES THAT ASHLEY OWINGS SAYS MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE
1. Swap skinny jeans for a modern straight or wide-leg cut.
2. Update your shoe silhouette. Even changing to a fashion sneaker or platform sandal refreshes everything.
3. Add one statement accessory; a bold earring or structured bag changes an entire outfit.
ACCESSORIES CAN COMPLETELY CHANGE AN OUTFIT. WHAT SHOES, BAGS, OR JEWELRY TRENDS ARE YOU LOVING RIGHT NOW?
Accessories are where personality shines. For summer 2026, we’re loving:
• Textured raffia and woven handbags.
• Statement earrings in organic shapes.
• Chunky gold hoops layered with delicate chains.
• Neutral platform sandals and fashion sneakers.
• Crossbody bags. These continue to dominate because women need hands-free function, but in elevated materials that don’t feel overly casual.
• Jewelry that leans bold but minimal; impactful pieces that don’t overpower.
ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE READERS TO KNOW:
Bray & Em isn’t just a boutique, it’s a community. We believe women deserve to feel confident in every season of life, whether they’re running a business, raising babies, or doing both.
We carry sizes for real women, style for real schedules, and we genuinely care about the experience from the moment someone walks through our doors or shops online. We have monthly events to help the community to come together to make fashion fun and support other local businesses by collaborating as much as we can!
Summer is about feeling light, confident, and comfortable, and we’re here to help women step into that fully.
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER WALDERA PHOTOGRAPHY BY CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
A BRIGHT SIP FOR SUNNY DAYS
Mucho Gusto shares its refreshing MG Mojito, a citrusy, minty cocktail perfect for warm weather and easy entertaining.
Mucho Gusto’s first location opened in Bel Air in 2020 and has since thrived with expansions to Towson and Gambrills. While the menu boasts classic Mexican flavors in its tacos, enchiladas, and more, all crafted with locally-sourced ingredients when possible, it also serves up Marylandstyle flavors in dishes like crab enchiladas and Maryland/ Mexican mini crab cakes.
With a nod towards spring and summer, owner Nelson Ruiz shared the recipe for the MG Mojito, the perfect sipper for warm afternoons or for pairing with Mexican meals. While it’s easy to pop into any location, you can now also make the cocktail at home. Bonus: It’s also an easy one to scale up to a big batch for guests at cookouts or a Cinco de Mayo party -- just add the Sprite right before serving.
INGREDIENTS
• Mint
• Lime Wedge
• .5 oz Agave
• 2 oz Don Q Rum
• 1 oz Lime Juice
• Sprite
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Muddle the mint and a lime wedge
2. Add agave, rum, and lime juice to a cocktail shaker.
3. Shake vigorously before pouring into a Collins glass.
4. Add the mint and lime wedge for garnish.
5. Top with a splash of Sprite.
• Mucho Gusto Bel Air, 1209A Belair Rd, Bel Air, MD 21014
• Mucho Gusto Towson, 842 Kenilworth Dr, Towson, MD 21204
• Mucho Gusto Gambrills, 991 Waugh Chapel Way #100, Gambrills, MD 21054
MG Mojito. Photo Credit: SV Images
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
events
MAY 6TH
Grand Opening/Ribbon-Cutting: Demo2Finish
2005 E. Churchville Rd., Suite 100, Bel Air, MD 21015 | 12:00 PM
Demo2Finish, a full-Service remodeling, storm repair, and custom cabinetry company, will celebrate its grand opening on May 6. All are welcome to join in on the ribbon-cutting and press event. Demo2Finish.com
MAY 9TH
The 13th Annual Amanda Hichkad CCA Celebration Walk
The John Carroll School, 703 East Churchville Road in Bel Air | 9:00 AM
Organized by the UM Upper Chesapeake Health Foundation and Chesapeake Cancer Alliance, the walk is held to celebrate, honor, and remember those who have received a cancer diagnosis. This year's goal is to raise $125,000 to support Cancer LifeNet at the Kaufman Cancer Center at the University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Medical Center. To sign up, donate and learn more, visit UMMSFoundation.org.
MAY 16TH
Bailey's Heart and Soul Annual Bull Roast
Havre de Grace Community Center, 100 Lagaret Lane, Havre de Grace, MD 21078 | 7:00 PM
Join community members for a night of food and fun at this annual fundraiser. Proceeds from the event benefit Bailey’s Heart and Soul Foundation, an organization that honors the legacy of student-athlete Bailey Bullock, who passed away at 16 years old from Sudden Cardiac Arrest. The organization uses funds to provide the lifesaving work of screening student athletes and build awareness. BaileysHeartandSoul.org
PHOTO: EAST & LANE
