Highlands Ranch, CO May 2025

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As a local, family-owned company, we are especially thankful to our community for supporting us through the years. When you choose Applewood, you’re investing in our employees and their families, and in turn, our community.

Know that you can rely on our team of licensed professionals to take care of any home comfort issues you may have, as we’ve been doing for over 50 years.

Welcome Spring and All It Brings

Our annual Women’s Issue is dedicated to women, all they do, and who they are. May is usually very busy for most women: graduation parties, weddings, vacations, Memorial Day, end of school, and the change in routine it brings. And, of course, Mother’s Day. Whether you are a mother or not, we all know one and have one. To varying degrees, we all have within us the gifts mothering offers.

"Mothering" (verb) universally corresponds to nur turing and caring, cultivation and encouragement. It's no coincidence Mother’s Day accompanies spring when Mother Earth also nurtures and cultivates. My optimism springs eternal as I till the soil in my garden and plant seeds. I feel a sense of renewal and rejuvenation when I prepare meals with early spring vegetables like baby peas, asparagus, and leafy greens. The arrival of bird nests and baby bunnies give rise to my maternal instincts.

In these pages, we highlight women around town who are making their mark on our community. Entrepreneurs, like gardening, take something small and fragile and grow it into something majestic and nourishing. The women in this issue all have entrepreneurship in their hearts. They all took something small and fragile, an idea, a dream, a goal, an ambition, and turned it into something majestic.

So join me in celebrating Mothering, Entrepreneurship, and Spring.

May you experience the renewal, nurturing, cultivation, and optimism it offers.

May 2025

PUBLISHER

Jennifer Starbuck | jennifer.starbuck@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Sonja Nix | sonja.nix@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Angie Jehu | angie.jehu@citylifestyle.com

PHOTO EDITOR

Lisa Lord | lisa@photolilo.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kristen Gonzales, Angela Sasz, Lindsay Lineberry

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Lisa Lord, David Dillon

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

COO Matthew Perry

CRO Jamie Pentz

VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson

VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders

AD DESIGNER Josh Govero

LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1-4: In a remarkable display of community support, the Lone Tree Police, joined by city employees, residents, and members of the business community, participated in the annual Polar Plunge at the Aurora Reservoir on March 29. Together, they raised over $31,000 for Special Olympics athletes. Nearly 60 members of Lone Tree’s team braved the frigid waters, making a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities. Their fundraising efforts earned them first place out of 75 teams participating in this year’s Polar Plunge, surpassing the team’s fundraising efforts last year of $22,000, setting a record for the department. Thanks to the efforts of Lone Tree Police Department, 119 athletes will be provided with sports training and competitions, leadership opportunities, and health screenings for one year. 5-7: The Douglas County Economic Development Corp. represented the county’s flourishing aerospace industry at the 40th Space Symposium at the Broadmoor Resort in Colorado Springs on April 7-10. The DougCo EDC staff, including president and CEO Ellie Reynolds, were joined by local and global aerospace leaders Canopy Aerospace and Safran Aerospace.

JORDAN GETZ
JORDAN GETZ
JORDAN GETZ

8-14: South Metro Denver entrepreneur, business coach and digital content creator, Brooke Berndt, has launched Virtue Beauty Co., a nontoxic beauty brand to “empower women, glorify God through beauty and honor the strength of biblical womanhood in today’s world.” For her company photo shoot, Berndt selected local women walking in faith and purpose: Michelle Oddo, Paresa Noble, Jessica Wilber, Gina Schreck, Celeste Baldwin, Jess Lundstrom, Kim Gardner, Laura Muse, Kristine Relyea, Teegan Braun, Diana Bermudez, Marta Spirk, and Berndt herself. To learn more about Virtue Beauty Co, visit virtuebeautyco.com. Photography by Crystal Rojas

Gracefully. Intentionally.

Your Most Confident Chapter Is Yet to Come

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Laser Treatments · Microneedling · Facial Treatments

Wellness · IV Therapy · Medical Weight Loss Medication

At the LaVie Institute, we believe in embracing every chapter of life with grace and confidence. To us, surgery and aesthetic treatments are not about correcting imperfections, but about celebrating your evolution— enhancing what is already beautiful and allowing you to flourish at every age.

We offer a thoughtfully curated blend of surgical precision, advanced skin science, and refined non-surgical artistry—delivered in a state-of-the-art setting that reflects quiet luxury.

Complimentary Visia® Skin Analysis and Surgical Consultation with a Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Please call (702) 773-4408 to book your appointment and experience The LaVie Difference

Women's Soccer League Comes to Denver

The National Women’s Soccer League has announced that Denver is now home to the league’s 16th franchise, set to begin play in the 2026 season. The club is owned and operated by Rob Cohen, along with Mellody Hobson, siblings Jon-Erik Borgen and Kaia Borgen Moritz, Neelima Joshi and Dhiren Jhaveri, and Molly Coors. As of printing, 10,000 fans had placed deposits to become founding season ticket holders, an NWSL record. DenverNWSL.com

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman, Denver NWSL Rob Cohen, Denver NWSL Alternate Governor Mellody Hobson, Colorado Governor Jared Polis

Farm Box Foods Staff Member Named A Colorado Leader in Ag

Nick Brooks, operations support manager and trainer for Sedalia's FarmBox Foods, was named as one of the Denver Business Journal's Leaders in Ag for his dedication to teaching growers how to thrive with their container farm. From traveling to each site to train FarmBox customers to troubleshooting to helping oversee the showroom campus and growing operations, the Colorado State University graduate has a passion for providing the guide for success in hyperlocal farming.

Local Award-Winning Author and Breast Cancer Survivor Releases Sequel

In March, Diane M. Simard released her third book, "Unlikely Gifts Unwrapped: Unfiltered Reflections on Life After Breast Cancer,” which is the sequel to her award-winning book, "The Unlikely Gift of Breast Cancer.”  This book takes a personal look at Diane's battle with Stage III breast cancer and how it impacted her physical and mental health. Readers can gain invaluable insight on how to confront these issues, through her own experiences. To learn more, go to DianeMSimard.com

Photography by Diane Simard

Follow the Bride

VALOR HIGH SCHOOL GRADS BUILD THRIVING CONTENT CREATION BUSINESS THAT CAPTURES DAY-OF LUXURY WEDDINGS

ARTICLE BY KRISTEN GONZALES | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY FOLLOW THE BRIDE

Photography credit: Jamie Lynn Barba

When Brooke Wilson and Lexie Heil were bridesmaids at each other’s weddings, they realized the pressure of filming content for social media while tending to bridesmaids’ duties was too much to juggle.

“That’s when we realized there needed to be a dedicated vendor for this,” explains Brooke and Lexie. “And so, Follow the Bride was born.” The former Highlands Ranch Valor Christian High School graduates embarked on their dream job and never looked back.

“We proudly call ourselves the wedding vendor you didn’t know you needed,” they say.

Follow the Bride is a luxury wedding content creator business that performs weddings worldwide. By collaborating with wedding photographers and videographers, it creates shortform, engaging content tailored to Instagram and TikTok. With Brooke’s natural photography abilities and Lexie’s marketing genius, they forged a business masterpiece.

“Brooke is every bride’s best friend,” says Lexie, who now lives in Chicago. “She’s not only incredibly skilled behind the camera but also has a natural ability to make every bride feel like family.”

“I love to make people feel special, and what better way to do that than on their wedding day,” says Brooke, who still resides in the South Metro Denver area. “Lexie is the marketing mastermind. She has a knack for crafting viral content while maintaining a cohesive and elevated aesthetic across all our social platforms.”

“I always tell my brides that it’s the little and unexpected moments that matter most, and that’s what I am here to capture,” Lexie says.

Brooke and Lexie have performed several celebrity weddings, including singer Cole Swindell, professional players Derrick Rose and Courtland Sutton, dancer Kalani Hilliker, and influencer Bridget Bahl. While exciting, the women stay true to every client to help them create the wedding of their dreams.

“We treat all our clients with the same level of respect and attention to detail,” they explain. “Our approach remains consistent, ensuring every client receives the same meticulous pre-wedding preparation and care.”

202 5 WOMENMOVERS&SHAKERS

“A woman is the full circle. Within her is the power to create, nurture, and transform.” — Diane Mariechild, author

Highlands Ranch City Lifestyle proudly shares our 2025 Women Movers & Shakers. They are women sitting in the C-suite and women standing behind a chair, counter or broadcasting table. One hangs upside down, and another cracks skulls in order to heal.

You’ll find some common themes. The balance between work and family is elusive. Most had significant barriers in the journey. And none gave up. They innovated, created, nurtured, transformed, and succeeded.

THIS YEAR’S LIST OF INFLUENCERS INNOVATE, BREAK BARRIERS, AND INSPIRE IN WORK AND HOME

Dr. Angela Bohnen Neurosurgeon

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF.

I grew up on a farm in Eastern Kentucky. I studied at Northwestern University and the Mayo Clinic and am a dual fellow trained in complex spine surgery and neuro-oncology surgery. The growing market in Denver prompted the transition westward. I joined the NeurosurgeryOne team in 2019, which covers many of the AdventHealth hospitals.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF?

Invest in Bitcoin, wear more sunscreen, and maybe don’t cut your own bangs.

WHO IS YOUR MUSE?

My muse is the human body — the ultimate superhero — full of mystery, power, and surprises! Every patient teaches me something new about how it heals, adapts, and bounces back. It’s like solving the coolest puzzle, which keeps me excited to learn and inspires me to constantly level up my skills to give the best care possible.

WHAT TRANSFORMATIVE CHALLENGES HAVE YOU FACED?

Stepping into a field with very few women. Neurosurgery is demanding — physically, mentally, and emotionally – but I’ve learned that true resilience comes from recognizing my own strengths and trusting in my ability to heal, not just with my hands, but with my heart and mind as well.

bohnen-neurosurgery.com

Shawn McArthur

IT executive, Amaze Beauty Studio franchise owner

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF.

I’m an entrepreneur, devoted wife, and woman of faith. Originally from Pennsylvania, I moved to Denver as a teenager in the ‘80s. With a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and a Master’s in Computer Information Systems, I’ve built a career at the intersection of technology, business, and service.

As the president and CEO of McArthur Group LLC, I co-own multiple businesses with my husband, Dan, including Front Range IT Services LLC DBA TeamLogicIT Denver, a managed IT and cybersecurity services provider; BCM Global Technologies Consultants Inc., an IT consulting firm specializing in software development and staff augmentation; and Amaze Beauty Studios, a rebranded expansion of Amazing Lash Studio Highlands Ranch and other locations, offering high-quality lash and skincare services. I thrive on empowering others through innovation, service, and leadership.

WHAT IS YOUR MUSE?

My faith is the foundation of everything I do. Integrity, resilience, and service are key to both personal and professional success. My husband and I work side by side, building businesses that provide solutions and create opportunities.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU GIVE TO OTHER WOMEN?

Own your space, trust your abilities, and never be afraid to lead. Success is not just about growth; it’s about impact. Stay grounded in your values, and success will follow.

amazebeautystudio.com

Nikita Jhaveri Entrepreneur, Blush Now Owner

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF:

Originally from Highlands Ranch, I’ve never strayed far from Colorado. I studied architecture at CU Boulder, where I met my husband, and now we have two young boys. Four years ago, I founded Blush Now, an on-demand beauty platform bringing glam services directly into homes. With over 100 beauty pros, we are the official hair and makeup sponsors of the Denver Broncos Cheerleaders and Miss Colorado Pageant. We’ve expanded into Texas and Arizona.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT OUR COMMUNITY?

Growing up here and raising kids here, the local events are unmatched. There is a sense of belonging, and the support for local businesses is incredible. I have long-time local friends and have made new connections through the South Metro Denver Chamber. I love running into familiar faces at stores; it’s a tight-knit feel in everyday life.

WHAT TRANSFORMATIVE CHALLENGES HAVE YOU FACED?

Cultural pressure to follow a traditional collegiate path. As a teen, I worked at a salon and loved the environment, but I didn’t see it as a viable career. After graduating with a degree in architecture, I shifted my focus back to the beauty industry. Now, I help others follow their passion and determine their own career path. I’ve found fulfillment in supporting others while creating a positive impact.

blush-now.com

Angela Fuller Ninja

Warrior, Adult Gymnast, Inspirational Speaker

TELL OUR READERS ABOUT YOURSELF:

I was born and raised in Littleton and graduated from Colorado State University in marketing. I’m married and have two amazing boys. Today, I am also an ACEcertified group fitness instructor, competitive gymnast, American Ninja Warrior, and motivational speaker.

WHAT TRANSFORMATIVE CHALLENGES HAVE YOU FACED?

I grew up a competitive gymnast and cheerleader, even cheering at Colorado State University. After college, a car accident left me with a broken back, leading to years of inactivity and weight gain. My second pregnancy brought more complications: herniated discs, chronic pain, and postpartum depression.

Everything changed when my best friend was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer. Her fight reignited my own. I deepened my faith, healed my back, and dedicated my career to teaching group fitness to help women find self-love.

I missed the thrill of flipping and flying. I became the oldest female competitor from Colorado on American Ninja Warrior, and I also represented the USA at the Masters Gymnastics World Cup. Today, I still compete in all-around events.

The greatest blessing has been discovering the power of perseverance, self-love, and community. True strength is not about muscles or accomplishments, but the determination to keep going through tough times. Dreams don’t expire, and age is never a barrier.

angela-fuller.square.site

Deborah Takahara

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF.

I grew up as an Air Force “brat” and traveled all over the world. I went to high school and college in Southern California. I thought I wanted to be a detective, but my career took me into journalism, which was odd because I was incredibly camera-shy growing up. My TV news career took me to several states, including Arkansas, California, Texas, and finally Colorado. I spent 28 years as a reporter and anchor before deciding to use my storytelling skills to showcase the fantastic work of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF?

Life passes by faster than you can imagine—don’t blink. One moment, you’re dreaming about the future; the next, you’re wondering where time went. Don’t wait for the “perfect moment”—take chances, make memories, and appreciate little things.

HOW DO YOU PRACTICE SELF-CARE?

I like to run (flat and downhill). I have completed four marathons, including the Boston Marathon, and countless 5k, 10k, and half-marathon races. It helps clear my head and stay in shape.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT OUR COMMUNITY?

The strong sense of public safety and how people look out for each other. I also appreciate Sheriff Darren Weekly’s no-nonsense crime-fighting approach. Criminals know they don’t stand a chance in Douglas County!

dcsheriff.net

Natalie Tysdal  Teacher, podcaster

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF.

I grew up in Nebraska and attended the University of Nebraska, earning a Bachelor’s degree in journalism with minors in political science, history, and sociology. My family and I moved to Denver 22 years ago for my career in broadcast journalism. Over the years, I’ve built a deep connection with the South Metro Denver community, and I love raising my family here. I’m married and have three incredible kids who keep life exciting. Today, I run the Natalie Tysdal Podcast, a platform for expert-driven insights on health. I coach women on cutting through health misinformation and creating sustainable wellness habits. Additionally, I teach multimedia journalism and podcasting at Valor Christian High School.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF?

Trust the process, and don’t let fear hold you back. Early in my career, I was a perfectionist, always worrying about getting everything just right.  Over time, I’ve learned that taking risks is what leads to true growth.

WHAT TRANSFORMATIVE CHALLENGES HAVE YOU FACED?

Stepping away from my long career in TV news. It was my identity for so long, and making the transition to entrepreneurship, podcasting, and consulting was both exciting and scary. But through that challenge, I discovered new passions, deeper purpose, and a better work-life balance.

NatalieTysdal.com

Floyd’s 99 Barbershop

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF?

Mary: Don’t sweat the small stuff. Stay true to yourself.

Karen: It’s OK not to know what you want to do. Find something you are interested in, get curious about it, learn about it, pursue it and go from there. Stay curious, give everything you have through the struggles, then make your decision to stick with it or get curious about something else.

WHO IS YOUR MUSE, OR INSPIRES YOU PROFESSIONALLY?

Mary: Entrepreneurs. I’m inspired by their ability to think big and realize their dreams.

Karen: My muses are my children. Both of my kids are going through the same things I go through in my role leading our company. We are all learning from each other and as a professional who is a parent, I can’t think of anything more inspiring.

Amy: I spent a brief time living in L.A. where I had the privilege of meeting an incredible group of women from diverse backgrounds, professions, and life experiences. Over the years, I’ve learned so much from them and continue to lean on their wisdom for both my personal and professional life.

WHAT CHALLENGES HAVE YOU FACED THAT YOU CONSIDER TRANSFORMATIVE?

Mary: Balancing motherhood and a challenging career. Feeling comfortable that I am happy on both sides and confident that I have served both sides well.

HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR FREE TIME?

Amy: My husband and I enjoy biking, brunching on weekends, and traveling. CONTINUED >

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT HIGHLANDS RANCH & LONE TREE?

Karen: I love the open spaces and the ability to take a walk in the beautiful place we live.

THREE WOMEN SIT IN YOUR C-SUITE. WHAT DOES FLOYD’S GAIN AS A RESULT?

Amy: Leadership isn’t just about making big decisions; it’s about building a culture where people feel valued, heard, and empowered. A diverse team brings different life experiences and leadership styles. We want employees—barbers, stylists, shop managers—to feel represented at the highest levels, because when your team feels supported, they perform better, stay longer, and contribute to a successful workplace.

Mary: And it isn’t just about representation, but also results. When we challenge each other with alternate perspectives, we innovate in ways that might not happen in a more homogenous leadership team. In marketing, leadership that reflects our diverse clientele strengthens our ability to connect with a broad audience.

Karen: In operations, success is about efficiency, execution, and adapting quickly. The women on our team bring a unique mix of problem-solving, collaboration, and emotional intelligence to leadership. We foster a culture where communication is clear, and decision-making is balanced.

floydsbarbershop.com

Celebrate life’s milestones with the people who matter most. Whether it’s a big birthday, anniversary, or retirement, we’ll craft a personalized vacation that turns your special moment into an unforgettable journey!

BOTOX | XEOMIN | MICRONEEDLING | VERSA BELOTERO | JUVEDERM COLLECTION

KYBELLA | COOLSCULPTING | RADIESSE LATISSE | VI PEEL | UPNEEQ | COOLTONE MORPHEUS8 | LUMECCA IPL SKINMEDIA AND OBAGI SKINCARE

VERSATILE MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH RECIPE FROM HIGHLANDS RANCH CHEFS AND CATERERS

Simply Savor’s Pistachio Pesto

ARTICLE BY ANGELA SASZ AND LINDSAY LINEBERRY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID DILLON

Pistachio Pesto is one of our most requested items and is incredibly versatile, complementing dishes from breakfast to dinner. For Mother’s Day, we’re featuring it with our Heirloom Tomato, Burrata & Basted Egg Open Faced Sandwich, a perfect combination!

Driven by a lifelong passion for food and exceptional service, Angela Sasz and Lindsay Lineberry continue to infuse freshness and creativity into Denver’s catering and meal delivery scene.

Simply Savor is a woman-owned small business dedicated to providing full-service catering, exquisite charcuterie, and convenient weekly meal deliveries.  simplysavormeals.com

Pistachio Pesto Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 Cups Fresh Basil Leaves

• 1/2 Cup Shelled Pistachios

• 2 Cloves Fresh Garlic

• 2 Ounces Fresh Grated Parmesan

• 1/2 Cup Olive Oil

• 1 Teaspoon Salt

• 1 Pinch Pepper

Directions:

1. Combine Basil, Pistachios, Garlic, Parmesan, Salt & Pepper in a food processor and start to blend

2. Drizzle in Olive Oil to combine ingredients into a paste like consistency

3. Enjoy on your favorite breakfast, pasta, sandwich, or as a dipping sauce!

Colorado Eye Consultants is committed to delivering compassionate and quality care in a safe and nurturing environment. Using the latest technologies and innovative practices, our doctors dedicate themselves to excellent outcomes…every time. For more than 40 years, the Colorado Eye Consultants team has been caring for patients and changing lives. To learn more, or to schedule a consultation, please contact us at (303) 730-0404

COLORADO EYE CONSULTANTS

1501 West Mineral Avenue Suite 100 | Littleton, CO 80120 ColoradoEyeConsultants.com

MICHELLE CUTTER DESIGNS

Remodeling & Design

MAY 3RD

City of Lone Tree's 30 Year Celebration

Lone Tree Arts Center | 7:30 AM

The City of Lone Tree is turning 30 and hosting a free community pancake breakfast and Day of Service from 7:30 a.m.-noon on May 3. Breakfast will be served at the Lone Tree Arts Center from 7:30-10:30 a.m.  Please RSVP: go.cityoflonetree.com/dayofservice

MAY 4TH

DougCo Libraries Hosts Kendra Scott Fundraiser Event

Kendra Scott Park Meadows | 2:00 PM

Douglas County Libraries and the DCL Foundation are partnering again with Kendra Scott Park Meadows for an exclusive Shop for Good giveback event. Shop Kendra Scott jewelry in-store on from 2-4 p.m. May 4 and 20 percent of your purchase will benefit the DCL Foundation. For those who can't make it in-store, shop online May 4-5 at kendrascott.com using code GIVEBACK-ILUVJ at checkout. Online code valid May 4-5 only. Learn more about the DCL Foundation at DCL.org/foundation.

MAY 10TH

Artworks at SouthGlenn Celebrates 3 Years

Streets of SouthGlenn | 11:00 AM

Artworks, located in SouthGlenn, is celebrating 3 years of local art!  Join their celebration on Saturday, May 10th from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.  They are located at 242 E. Commons Avenue in Centennial.  Activities will include: Creating Mothers Day cards, collaborating on a community painting, a scavenger hunt to win a free gift bag and free jewelry repairs. Artworkssouthglenn.com

MAY 13TH

Mountain Vista's Music In The Park

Civic Green Park, 9370 S Ridgeline Blvd, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129

6:00 PM

Presented by Mountain Vista Performing Arts: Gather your family and friends for a spring concert at Civic Green Park. Come ready for a night of rhythmic marches, engaging movie scores and popular orchestral pieces that the entire family can enjoy. This event is free to the public.

MAY 14TH

Park Meadows Aesthetics

Patient

Appreciation Day

7430 Park Meadows Drive, Suite 200, Lone Tree | 9:00 AM

Join Park Meadows Aesthetics for a Patient Appreciation Day from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on May 14. Enjoy exclusive savings on all products and treatments, discounts on Obagi, and lowest pricing of the year on all skin treatments. Don't miss out on these incredible offers to enhance your beauty at great prices. To learn more, to check out www. ParkMeadowsAesthetics.com!

MAY 19TH

The Big ParTee Golf Tournament for Kids' Cancer Tournament

Meridian Golf Club in Englewood 9:00 AM

The Big ParTee is THE golf tournament you'll want to be a part of this spring.  Join Denver's prominent players for one of the first standout tournaments of the '25 season and take a big swing against childhood cancer!  The tournament begins on Monday, May 19th with a shotgun start at 9:00 AM.  Go to this link to learn more and register: morgan adamsfoundation.org/big-partee/

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the full-body burn of our signature barre routine and become a part of our empowering studio community! Our musically-driven group classes focus on low-impact, small movements that strengthen and tone your entire body in 50 minutes or less.

Behind the Scenes

A Glimpse at the Movers and Shakers Here at HRCL

Jennifer Starbuck is the publisher of Highlands Ranch City Lifestyle, having purchased this monthly editorial publication in March 2020. Yes, that means I bought a business at the very beginning of a worldwide pandemic — and it’s still thriving, thanks to this community. I’m a former newspaper journalist and freelance writer, and for as long as I can remember, I’ve been asking questions (Who, What, When, Where, Why and How, of course).

I’m proud of what we do here at Highlands Ranch City Lifestyle: Tell good-news stories of influencers, change-makers, places, trends and businesses that make Highlands Ranch and Lone Tree so special.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF?

I’m sorry to break the news to you, but you will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer six weeks before you turn 50. You will be terrified at first. How will you continue to run a business, a family, a busy life, when faced with disease? Get humble. Rely on your faith and the boundless love and support from family and friends. And learn to focus on gratitude over fear.

A Colorado semi-native (if you know, you know) and Colorado State University alumna, Sonja, like many poli-sci graduates, spent the first decade-plus of her professional life as a commercial interior project manager. The next decade was spent serving the most demanding bosses on the planet as a stay-at-home mom. Now, she uses her intrinsic storytelling gifts to deliver the great news in our community directly to your homes every month.

WHO IS YOUR MUSE?

Terry Gross, Host of Fresh Air. I hear her voice in my head whenever I interview someone. Her interview style is conversational, as if she is sitting down with a cup of coffee and catching up with an old friend. She is inquisitive and curious, and her voice conveys genuine empathy,

With deep Texas roots and a business degree from Texas A&M, Angie began her career working with well-known corporations in the Dallas area. After starting a family, the next two decades included moves across the country and globe. Landing in Colorado in 2009, she launched a video production company and now creates travel content for her YouTube Channel. She manages social media and assists with editorial content for the magazine. Angie believes everyone can make a difference in their community by being a good neighbor and shining a light on others. Find her at couturevideos.com.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF?

Expect the unexpected and never doubt God's plan; it will take you places you never imagined.  In my high school yearbook (way back in the 80s), I mentioned wanting to visit Australia.  I never imagined we would actually live there in our mid-30s and raise our daughter.  Seeing the world and experiencing different cultures is truly transformative.

Lisa is a Denver-based branding photographer and brand strategist who creates strategic, high-impact visuals that make businesses more visible, valuable, and totally irresistible. She helps busy entrepreneurs stop hiding behind outdated images and start confidently showing up with visuals that actually grow their businesses. Through personalized brand coaching, Lisa helps business owners clear away confusion, giving them the clarity and confidence to market themselves consistently, attract dream clients, and finally love their brand. Find her at lilophotography.com.

WHAT TRANSFORMATIVE CHALLENGES HAVE YOU FACED?

I am a chronic overthinker. I have really had to retrain my brain to overcome some of the limiting beliefs and challenges that have held me back in the past. I have so much more work to do, but the last few years I have really focused on learning, growing and changing my mindset.

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