Kirkland, WA May 2025 by City Lifestyle

LIFESTYLE LETTER

The Women’s Issue

I love celebrating women who make our community more inspiring. That’s one of my favorite parts of this role as publisher- connecting with and championing the best of the best when it comes to Kirkland’s women. As the saying goes “Empowered women empower women.” To that end, this past year I had the honor of encouraging and mentoring as I passed one of my magazines (Bellevue Lifestyle) to a new female publisher, Taylor Robinson (pictured with her above). Taylor always dreamt of owning a magazine, and it was fulfilling to help her achieve her goal. She is a reminder to me that you never know who’s paying attention to what you’re doing –we all inspire each other more than we know!

And of course, with Mother’s Day this month, all eyes are on moms. And it’s not just the biological mothers, but the mother figures in our lives who have made an indelible impact on us. It’s the step-moms, family members, teachers, friends and neighbors doing awesome things in our communities, pouring into our lives. I myself have a daughter, step-son, and furry child (King Charles Cavalier) – I’m so grateful to be a mom to all of them!

I hope you’ll take a few minutes to send a text, make a phone call or get your kids on a video call with the women in your life who deserve recognition. It only takes a minute to brighten someone’s day and remind them how much you love them. CAITLIN

May 2025

PUBLISHER

Caitlin Agnew | caitlin.agnew@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Taylor Robinson | taylor.robinson@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Bree O’Brien

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Tim Lenz, Floor 13 Media, Rose and Salt Social

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

COO Matthew Perry

CRO Jamie Pentz

CTO Ajay Krishnan

VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson

VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders

AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall

LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick

Today's Real Estate market is complicated and competitive. It is now more crucial than ever to partner with a Real Estate expert.

My industry knowledge and experience, partnered with the power of Windermere, allows me to represent my clients with the strongest positioning possible.

Your lifelong real estate goals are my top priority.

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

Kirkland Urban Trailblazers & Trendsetters 1: All ages were able to take home their own seasonal bouquet from Flora Grand. 2: Walla Walla Clothing Co. set up a tempting macaroon tower by Lady Yum. 3: Guests created art out of pressed flowers by Flora Grand! 4: Guests posed in The Friday Co. photo booth at Kirkland Urban’s Trailblazers & Trendsetters event. 5: The Runway of Inspiration featured over a dozen trailblazing women sharing their personal stories. 6: Biscuit Babe Hat Bar allowed folks to self-design styles featuring symbols of strength and empowerment. 7: Dance performers brought the energy, dancing to DJ Mixxtress. Photography by VeroFoto.com

A Business Sold, A Vision Realized: The Future of Decorus

When Danyelle Nys acquired Decorus Home Staging, she didn’t just buy a business—she discovered a best-kept secret in luxury staging. Backed by a talented team, Decorus is redefining industry standards, crafting experiences rather than simply staging homes. Unlike others, they design in-house artwork tailored to your home and market. It’s not just about filling space—it’s about telling a story, creating an atmosphere, and making something real. Decorus sets the stage. Buyers make it home.

Celebrate Mother's Day! Handcrafted Ceramics Sale at Kirkland Arts Center

Join us May 10–11, 10 am to 5 pm, for the Kirkland Arts Center's annual Mother's Day weekend ceramics sale! Discover a variety of unique, handmade functional and sculptural pieces by our talented teachers and students. Explore our historic building, experience local creativity, and find the perfect gift. Free and open to all—bring your family and friends!

Kirkland Urban is A-buzz May 15th for Bee Day Splash

Join us for Bee Day Splash at Kirkland Urban on May 15th from 4:00 - 6:00 PM! Celebrate the grand opening of the Splash Pad with water toys, towel service, and family-friendly fun. Plus, check out a Bee Workshop hosted by Alveole, where you'll learn about the vital role bees play in our ecosystem. Enjoy bee-themed giveaways, bubbles, and lively music for an unforgettable day of fun!

Photography by Kirkland Urban

Futurecast Forum 2025

The Pacific Northwest remains a leading economic engine in the US, yet it remains to be seen if history will repeat itself in a modern day 'roaring twenties' .

The Futurecast Forum is a real estate industry think tank offering timely insights, expert perspectives, and interactive events to help you stay informed and activated within an ever-changing housing market landscape.

This month, we’re proud to share the release of our 2025 Market Report—a comprehensive look at the economic forces, housing trends, and policy shifts influencing real estate across our region. Designed to support confident decision-making, this resource empowers buyers, sellers, brokers, and investors alike.

Inside the report:

•2025 Housing Overview

•Mortgage & Inflation Trends

•House Bill 1110 Impact

•$90 Trillion Great Wealth Transfer

•Local Market Data Highlights

•New Development & Urban Demand

Explore the insights and discover what’s driving the market—and how it may impact your next move.

Dean Jones President and CEO

Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty

WOMEN OF Inspiration

INSPIRING STORIES OF WOMEN SHAPING OUR COMMUNITY

The women shaping our community inspire those around them every day. They share their creativity, build businesses, volunteer their time, and often while also raising their families. Their resilience and dedication strengthen our community’s foundation. These women bring fresh perspectives, and their commitment continues to pave the way for future generations, making our community a better place for everyone.

ARTICLE BY CAITLIN AGNEW

I’ve been writing songs since I was young, age 5, however I only started “pursuing music” at 24 years old and eventually came across the shocking realization that I could be paid money to sing songs. It rocked my world! My first paid gig was at The Cottage in Bothell and eventually, by 25 years old, I was able to book gigs at various wineries and breweries in the area and make enough money to earn a living. I remember my first time booking at a tasting room in Kirkland, making locals laugh and dance, and truly feeling like I’d *made it*.

When Covid happened, I lost the livelihood I knew and began the adventure of using my skill sets I’d adhered as a business owner to help others do the same: content creation, website management, and social media marketing. I loved it, but it wasn’t playing songs for people. In January 2024, I tried again. I got an apartment in Bellevue and a regular residency in Kirkland. Kirkland was SO good and loyal to me. The patrons built up my spirit and helped me remember why I loved giving people this art. Through the support of my community, my KRU, and my own personal development, my career transformed. I went from numerous gigs each week to booking private events to what I do now! I have the pleasure of facilitating interactive songwriting workshops, helping others bring their songs to life through production, and booking my own shows under my own name. My mission is to instill hope, encourage love through acceptance and improve mental fitness to elevate EQ.

I just released my first album, Multiple Choice (a) on my 32nd birthday, 12/2/2024. The album shows the range of my personality, including R&B, pop songs, some country twang, and ending with an acoustic performance about worth. I’m just so grateful to be a musician and songwriter and will forever appreciate the platform Kirkland and the Eastside has given me and other artists. I believe art, especially music, should be accessible to everyone and I’m grateful I get to contribute to making that a reality.

YouTube: youtube.com/kellierosemusic

Instagram: @kellierosemusic

Facebook: facebook.com/kellierosemusic

TikTok: @kellierose_music

Website: kellierose.com

KELLIE Rose

SINGER & SONGWRITER

Photo by Floor 13 Media

DR. SHIREEN MANSOORI, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS

OWNER OF SEATTLE SPORTS INSTITUTE & PHYSICAL THERAPY, PLLC FORMER DIRECTOR OF REHABILITATION MEDICINE, PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

I completed my undergraduate degree at UW, while also a walk-on athlete for the Division I Husky Women’s Basketball Team. I went on to complete my Doctorate in Physical Therapy at UW, followed by my Orthopaedic Residency at USC, and Division I Sports Fellowship at Duke University. While at Duke, I completed my Board Certification in Orthopaedics (OCS), and was also a part of the NCAA 2015 National Championship with Coach Michael Krzyzewski and Duke Men’s Basketball. Shortly after, I accepted a position with the Philadelphia Eagles, becoming the first female Director of Rehabilitation in the NFL. I loved seeing the world and meeting people that lived very different lives than I did. Being born and raised in Kirkland, however, my ultimate goal was to soak up as much knowledge as I could and build something extraordinary for our Kirkland community. I’m passionate about giving back to the city where I am from, while also helping athletes overcome medical adversity.

I started my vision for Seattle Sports Institute (SSI) on a sticky note, where I first wrote out my mission and values. The next week, I opened in a tiny storage closet inside of a CrossFit gym. I stayed there until the growing pains became so intense that it was inevitable that I needed more space, as most of my NFL offensive lineman barely even fit in my makeshift “physiotherapy closet”. Fast forward five years, and our new space in Kirkland waterfront has all the bells and whistles I can dream up, but my three values have never changed. Firstly, SSI provides individualized, sports specific rehab that executes advanced manual therapy, biomechanical training, and sports science into each of our treatment sessions. Secondly, SSI consults for various NBA and NFL teams, helping organizations find ways to reduce the rate of injury and re-injury for some of our most genetically gifted athletes in the world. Lastly, I want SSI’s Legacy to be remembered as a company that positively impacted the world, whether that is through sports or our philanthropic efforts.

Website: seattlesportsinstitute.com Instagram: @seattlesportsinstitute

I grew up here in Kirkland and I have so many fond memories of spending my summers on the downtown beaches and working at Newport Bay (now home of Kitchen & Market). I own two F45 studios on the Eastside (Bothell and Kingsgate). I opened the first one in 2020 and despite covid and business shutdowns, we were able to survive and come out of that with a thriving studio and supportive community.

I was inspired to open my studios after starting our family. While on maternity leave with my first child, I thought a lot about my next steps and what I wanted to do. I have always been a huge fitness enthusiast and have dabbled in many different fitness modalities. I heard about F45 from a friend in CA and when I took my first class at the studio in Kirkland back in 2019, I was sold! I knew immediately this was the type of studio I wanted to own and my passion for the brand has grown ever since.

F45 - F stands for Functional. We are all about functional movements and 45 the class time. You are in and out in 45 minutes and get the best HIIT workout in. F45 is about the holistic approach to health and fitness - incorporating fitness, nutrition, and recovery into one. You’ll also never get bored because there are no two workouts that are the same!

My key to success is passion - if you love what you do, it doesn’t become a job. I get to go to “work” every day, see people I love, connect with my community, get a killer workout in, and network in my community to spread the word about what F45 is all about.

Instagram: @wika_gibson

Facebook: F45_Training_Bothell, F45_Training_Kingsgate

COURTNEY WIKA Gibson

OWNER OF F45 STUDIOS

MONIQUE Hercules

OWNER OF THE REMONTANT

Hi, I’m Mo, the owner of “The Remontant,” an eco-conscious luxury fragrance business. We create custom phthalate and paraben free fragrances to be used in our signature product line of candles, body mists, and soap. Currently we are working on a store opening in downtown Kirkland this spring in May. We will be offering candle classes, a refill program, and bespoke fragrance creation. The word “Remontant” means a flower that blooms more than once in a single season. In our case it represents our brand story, I created “The Remontant” while being bed bound, it was an amazing way to take my mind off my troubles. I was battling a chronic illness called dysautonomia. I like to explain it as my nervous system is out of whack with my body. I still deal with it today but its far more manageable, allowing me to walk and talk normally as once before. Battling an invisible illness can be lonely and sad, but I wish to encourage other chronically ill women to take up the mantel and pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. When my illness was finally diagnosed, I thought that I would have no way of achieving all that I dreamed of. Funny enough I ended up achieving it all, just a bit differently. Your dreams do not have to die with your diagnosis, dream a new dream, reevaluate the current, and go on the journey of how you can still make it happen. Where there is a will there is a way and I have found that most women tend to find the most innovative ways. Be The Remontant and bloom more than once in a single season in your way.

Facebook: theremontant

Instagram: @theremontant

Youtube: theremontant

Tiktok: @theremontant

Maggie Smith DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT:

California

Casual Meets Pacific Northwest

ARTICLE BY CAITLIN AGNEW

LENZ

Organic, textured, minimal, functional. Just a few words Maggie Smith uses to describe her signature interior design style. From living in Los Angeles to now in Kirkland, Maggie’s hope is “to bring a little bit of my California casual style to the Pacific Northwest.” Kirkland Lifestyle had the opportunity to catch up with Maggie to learn more about her interior design journey.

WHAT FIRST SPARKED YOUR PASSION FOR INTERIOR DESIGN?

I grew up with two very creative and resourceful parents. My dad built several of the homes that we grew up in on the East Coast, and my mom had reign over the interiors. I have no doubt that my appreciation for craftsmanship and design started with them. When I moved out to Los Angeles in my early twenties, I had to get very creative with arranging and designing my tiny apartment, and that’s when I really started to enjoy finding chic and tasteful ways to make the most of a small space.

HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR PERSONAL DESIGN INSTINCTS WITH A CLIENT’S PREFERENCES?

All of my projects have been a great balance of input from my clients as well as my own. It’s their space and I want it to feel like a reflection of them. I love when clients push me to use more color than I may normally lean towards, or to incorporate elements into designs that will accommodate their children, or even their little furry friends. Home has become such a sanctuary for people over the last few years and it’s important that it’s not only beautiful but functional for clients and their families.

WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS YOU’RE EXCITED ABOUT RIGHT NOW?

Vintage! I see a lot of people incorporating vintage pieces into their projects and I feel like it will never go out of style. I also love the concept of re-using pieces from the past. It’s not only environmentally friendly to do so, but often those pieces are well-made and hold their value over time.

ANY INTERIOR DESIGN TIPS?

Don’t underestimate how impactful and how much decorative lighting can change a space. This is another place where finding one-of-a-kind vintage light fixtures or vintage inspired light fixtures can really add personality to a space.

For more info, visit maggiesmithdesign.com

Transitional Design

Your home is in expert Hands! The perfect blend of old and new- Transitional design combines the best of traditional and contemporary elements to create a balanced timeless aesthetic. Blending the classic elegance of traditional furnishings and decor with the clean lines and simplicity of modern design.

Red efining the Art of S taging

For discerning sellers, top real estate agents, and developers who demand excellence, Decorus Home Staging is the secret to making properties stand out and sell faster.

Our Deluxe and Reserve Packages offer tailored staging solutions at different levels, allowing clients to choose the perfect balance of design, scale, and customization to suit their property’s unique needs.

Using our unique approach to in-house printing, stretching and framing we create art that not only sets us apart but also integrates seamlessly into a cohesive, captivating design throughout your entire home. Our expert touch ensures that every space tells a story- one of elegance, aspiration and success. decorushomestaging.com | 425.221.4471 | 11021

REFRESH. Renew. Reveal.

Experience cutting-edge aesthetics, rejuvenating treatments, and personalized care at Lake Washington Medical Aesthetics new location.

ARTICLE BY CAITLIN AGNEW

Owner of Lake Washington Medical Aesthetics

I have always been interested in health and wellness as a lifelong athlete and spending time in my mother’s dietician practice in my youth. After earning a business degree, I found massage therapy, nursing, and eventually became a nurse practitioner. Caring for the patient and doing what is right is the foundation of LWMA.

Lake Washington Medical Aesthetics has been operating in Kirkland for over two years and they are thrilled to open their new location on Market Street; a free-standing oasis with beautiful lighting and ambiance overlooking Lake Washington and Heritage Park. There will be recently renovated treatment rooms inspired by modern, natural textures, plants, and warm decor. “We are proud of our new space which better aligns with our treatments, and intend to provide the same personalized service,” says Owner Maisa Rouzer. A first-time client can expect to be welcomed into a tranquil space for a consultation to discuss and thoroughly understand goals and outcomes. “We specialize in combination therapy. Some treatments can be started right away, others take prep and consideration depending on downtime or not,” says Maisa. There is always something new in the skin care industry, and while LWMA appreciates being cutting edge, they ultimately value well researched and time proven treatments. Here are LWMA top five signature services:

1. SCARLET SRF MICRONEEDLING WITH SCULPTRA

Improves fine and deep lines, tightens skin, improves pigmentation, scars, texture and tone, while promoting collagen & elastin production. Sculptra is a biostimulator that helps the body produce more collagen & elastin.

2. FULL FACE REJUVENATION WITH CELLENIS DERMA

Cellenis Derma PRP uses the most concentrated PRP to create a filler with your blood. No artificial product. This is a biostimulator & revolumizer. Great candidates are those that want to rejuvenate naturally.

3. LWMA NONSURGICAL LOWER FACELIFT

RF microneedling volume reduction, skin tightening, wrinkle reduction of the lower face & neck with Agnes & Scarlet RF. Great candidates are those with excess volume and/or laxity of the neck or lower face.

4. AGNES ACNE TREATMENTS

Targets the sebaceous gland with Agnes RF microneedling. A true Acne cure.

5. SCALP & HAIR HEALTH REJUVENATION

Improves scalp health and decreases inflammation (a main cause of hair loss). Treatment is a 6-month pain free protocol in office and with home treatment.

For more info visit lakewashingtonskin.com

Maisa Rouzer

WORDS FOR YOUNG READERS

The author’s newest novel, released April 2025

She’s written over 60 children’s books, sparking imagination and a love of reading

ARTICLE BY BREE O’BRIEN PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF DORI HILLESTAD BUTLER

While Dori Hillestad Butler always knew she wanted to be a writer, it wasn’t until a serendipitous encounter in her freshman year creative writing class that she considered writing for kids. Hillestad Butler was struggling to complete a short story assignment, when a classmate majoring in Elementary Education apologetically announced that she’d written a children’s story. Hillestad Butler was inspired to do the same and thus began a prolific career connecting with young readers.

An avid reader in childhood, Hillestad Butler cites Judy Blume, the Betsy-Tacy series (set in Minnesota where Hillestad Butler grew up), and the Boxcar Children series as favorites. As an adult, she’s ghostwritten Boxcar Children books, and says “If I could whisper in 8-year-old Dori’s ear ‘one day you’ll grow up and write books for this series,’ I think I would’ve blown her mind!”

She primarily writes in her home office, but when Hillestad Butler needs a change of scenery she sits at Marsh Park and watches the water. “Sometimes it’s nice to get away from my desk, it helps me get unstuck,” she says. She visits the downtown Kirkland library (she’s a former board member) several times a week.

Where does Hillestad Butler get her best ideas? From her dogs: First Mouse, now Bear!

Mouse, an inspiration for many books

Among this local author’s books are the two-time Geisel Honor award winning King & Kayla series and the Edgar Award winning Buddy Files series. She’s also a hiker, therapy dog partner, classical mandolinist, and mentor to young writers. And she loves a good game of Scrabble!

ARTICLE BY CAITLIN AGNEW

Girlfriend Getaway

Get your girls trip out of your group chat and book a close to home getaway. Less stress, less packing, and more time to play. Here’s what we did (and recommend!) for our Seattle staycation.

Stay: Palladian Hotel

Voted ‘Best Hotel in Downtown Seattle’, the Palladian Hotel is within walking distance of landmarks like Pike Place Market, popular restaurants, live music, cafés, and boutiques. The edgy design elements and contemporary furnishings reflect Belltown’s hip heritage. palladianhotel.com

Brunch: Shaker & Spear

With fresh pressed juices and “Mimosa Tower of Five” on their menu, Shaker & Spear has your girls brunch handled. Their menu is classic with a PNW twist. All within a visually striking setting that is cozy and inviting. shakerandspear.com

Relax: Banya 5

Banya 5, deemed the “urban spa experience”, provides a unique blend of hydrotherapy, body treatments and old-world wellness rituals. A small, yet social environment, makes it the perfect place to catch up and relax with your bestie. banya5.com

Dinner: Butcher’s Table

For a unique chef-driven steakhouse experience, look no further than The Butcher’s Table. They also offer one of the best Seafood programs in Seattle, known for its smoked king salmon, sea scallops, Bigeye tuna tostada, and carefully curated raw bar. thebutcherstable.com

Must See: Pike Place Market

My tried-and-true favorite spots to hit up every time I’m at the market: DeLaurenti Food & Wine, Rachel’s Ginger Beer, Storyville Coffee, and, of course, don’t leave without a fresh bouquet of flowers.

Caitlin Agnew and Lana Thomas in Belltown during their staycation.

Palladian Hotel Lobby photo credit: Rose and Salt Social

photo credit: The Butchers Table

photo credit: Rose and Salt Social