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Screeeeech
I grew up as the annoying little brother.
A favorite pastime?
Dragging a kitchen chair across the floor, screeeech, just so I could reach my oldest sister’s hair.
Part stylist.
Part pest. Mostly a problem.
While I was busy being a nuisance, my sister Susie hung out in AOL chat rooms pretending to be a professional alligator wrestler just to make us laugh.
She was also my first life coach.
The one who would tell me to “go for a walk” when I was down, then actually sit and listen when I got back.
She still does.
And somehow, we’ve always just been on the same page.
Our house was loud. Full. Moving in ten directions at once.
My mom raised nine of us. I’ve never once seen her flinch.
Looking back, it wasn’t chaos. It was community.
That same superpower shows up at my house every day now.
Annie somehow manages four kids and the magazine while making dinner look like a casual hobby. Meanwhile, if I attempt a grilled cheese, the kitchen looks like it lost a cage match and we’re eating at 9:00 PM.
I’m still convinced she has a cape hidden in the laundry room next to the mismatched socks.
Somewhere between the chair dragging and the cage match dinners, I married into the same kind of strength I grew up around.
And in these pages, I kept seeing it again.
The women in this issue aren’t just running businesses. They’re building spaces where people don’t have to pretend. Where “I’m fine” isn’t required. Where someone actually put real thought into making you feel seen.
That’s a specific kind of strength.
I’ve been lucky to grow up around it.
And even luckier to be married to it.
I guess I’ve always been surrounded by women who just seem to know.
So if you get five quiet minutes while reading this… pull up a chair.
You’ve officially earned it.
TIM DORAN, PUBLISHER @MAPLEGROVECITYLIFESTYLE
May 2026
PUBLISHER
Tim Doran
tim.doran@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Annie Doran
annie.doran@citylifestyle.com
STAFF WRITER
Amanda Busby Codney amanda@amandabusbyinc.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Ryan Siemers Photography rps@ryansiemers.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Amy Gale Maloney, Kali Kasorzyk, Jennifer Fortner
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Chelsie Lopez, Ashton Skylar
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
Proverbs 3:5-6
Prioritizing
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1-3: The Closing Table Collective recently hosted its first gathering at Bisque Boutique, creating a welcoming, stylish space for connection. Designed to unite women in real estate, the event fostered meaningful relationships beyond business, with a warm, polished atmosphere that set the tone for future gatherings. 4-7: Sip and Sample brought the Maple Grove community together for an evening of local flavors, small business showcases, and easygoing connection. Guests enjoyed tastings, discovered new favorites, and met passionate local owners, all in a lively, welcoming setting that highlighted the spirit and creativity of the area.
KYLIE, ALL AMERICAN TITLE
KYLIE, ALL AMERICAN TITLE
@ www.maplegrovetherapyandwellness.com/meet-our-team We Hear You. We See You. You Belong. What we are about - Awareness. Differences. Non-judgement. What we believe - Nurturance. Science. Safety. Who we are to you - Connection. Support. Guidance. How we got here - Bravery. Passion. Authenticity. Commitment.
Individual Therapy
Child & Adolescent Therapy
Family & Couples Therapy
Telehealth
Individual Chemical Health Counseling & Assessments
Parenting Support
8-10: Fashion Fight Night, hosted by Amy Seeman and David Kisan of Sip N Bloom, brought high-energy creativity to the runway. Twin Cities designers went head-to-head in a boxing ring, crafting stunning looks live, blending fashion, flowers, and fierce competition.
PROFESHIE
“From start to finish, Justin went far beyond expectations What truly set him apart was his willingness to roll up his sleeves - literally He power washed our driveway, helped us prepare for showings, and even pitched in during the move
Thanks to his exceptional market knowledge and constant communication, we sold quickly and found buyers who fit our unique situation If you’re looking for an agent who treats you like family and goes the extra mile, he’s the one ” Grateful Clients & Friends
business monthly
Indulge & Bloom at Maple Grove Floral Cuts the Ribbon
Indulge & Bloom at Maple Grove Floral has officially opened with a beautiful ribbon cutting celebration. The day brought new connections, and meaningful moments shared among flowers and friends. Guests shopped, created, and experienced a space designed for creativity and connection. More than a floral shop, Indulge & Bloom brings beauty and community together. Stop in, explore, and experience the warmth that made this opening so special.
13708 83rd Way N, Maple Grove
Budget Blinds Cuts the Ribbon
Budget Blinds has officially opened with a ribbon cutting celebration, bringing stylish, custom window treatments to the community. Known for their wide selection of blinds, shades, shutters, and smart home solutions, they offer in-home consultations tailored to each space and lifestyle. The new location is ready to help homeowners elevate comfort, privacy, and design. Stop in or schedule a consultation to explore options and meet the local team.
14165 James Rd, Rogers
Celebrating 20 Years of Epic Jose at Buca di Beppo
Known as “Epic Jose” for good reason, Jose Montoya has spent 20 years turning meals into celebrations at Buca di Beppo. From sous chef in Minneapolis to standout server in Maple Grove, he’s built loyal fans, including Cargill regulars. With humor, energy, and unforgettable service, Jose makes every table feel like a party. Recently honored for two decades of dedication, he continues to bring joy, laughter, and a big personality to every shift.
Photography by Abby Ciesynski
- I-94 West Chamber
Photography by Abby Ciesynski - I-94 West Chamber
Photography Provided
ARTICLE
WHERE CONFIDENCE BEGINS
BY ANNIE DORAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHELSIE LOPEZ & ASHTON SKYLAR
FOLLOWING A PASSION INTO A TRUSTED, PATIENT-CENTERED AESTHETICS PRACTICE
THE ONE SHE DIDN’T WANT TO LEAVE
Some people choose their career. Others keep getting pulled back to the same place until they finally listen.
For Kristina Thissen, that pull became clear during her plastic surgery rotation in PA school. Out of 13 rotations, it was the one she never wanted to end. What drew her in wasn’t just the procedures themselves, but the connection she felt with patients.
“I loved nothing more than connecting with my patients,” she says. “Whether someone was going through surgery after a cancer diagnosis or choosing an aesthetic procedure, my goal was always to help them feel comfortable, cared for, and at ease.”
That experience stayed with her. Long before Remedy Medical Aesthetics & Wellness became a welcoming space in Maple Grove, it began with that instinct to care and a dream slowly taking shape.
Although her first job was in family practice, she knew her heart was still in plastic surgery. It was a great place to start, but it never quite felt like home. She kept watching for an opening, and when the opportunity finally came, she took it, despite having no prior experience in the specialty. Over the next eight years, she cared for patients navigating everything from reconstructive procedures after cancer to elective aesthetic treatments. Along the way, she also worked closely with a medical aesthetics clinic within the practice, where her passion for aesthetics and wellness continued to grow.
A SANCTUARY, NOT JUST A CLINIC
As that passion deepened, so did the vision for something of her own. She did not want to build just another med spa. She wanted to create a place that felt personal, welcoming, and thoughtful from the moment someone walked through the door.
Kristina Thissen, Owner
“I wanted every patient to feel as if they stepped into a sanctuary, not just another clinic,” she says. That vision shapes every part of Remedy. Clients are warmly greeted, offered a beverage at the coffee bar, and welcomed into peaceful treatment rooms designed to help them relax. Soft lighting and warm details make the space feel inviting.
She often says she wants patients to feel like they’re catching up with a friend, not simply arriving for an appointment. That warmth is a big part of what makes Remedy feel different.
EXPERTISE WITH HEART
What sets Remedy apart is the way it pairs that inviting atmosphere with expertise.
Kristina is quick to remind clients that aesthetics is medicine, not just beauty. Every treatment begins with a diagnosis, and every provider must combine an artistic eye with a deep understanding of anatomy.
As a national trainer for Galderma, she brings that commitment to learning into the care each client receives. She and her highly-trained team have also created a safe, non-judgmental environment where patients feel comfortable talking openly about insecurities, aging, and wellness. That trust matters just as much as the treatment itself.
A Natural Approach to Beauty and Wellness
For years, aesthetic treatments were often associated with noticeable change. Today, clients are asking for something different. More and more, they want refreshed, natural results that help them look like themselves, only more rested and confident.
Many are also drawn to regenerative treatments that stimulate the body’s own collagen production and restore a healthy glow in subtle ways.
In her words, “Gone are the days of looking like a pillow face.”
Her philosophy is simple: enhance what is already there and help each client look like the best version of themselves. The goal is never to erase individuality, but to support confidence in a way that feels authentic.
Beyond Botox, fillers, lasers, and facials, the practice also offers bioidentical hormone therapy and peptide therapy, reflecting a broader view of self-care.
“We want our patients to feel as good on the inside as they do on the outside,” she says.
RESTORING CONFIDENCE
For Kristina, the most meaningful part of the work is not simply the visible result of a treatment.
“The most rewarding thing about my career is giving people confidence back,” she says.
Helping someone rediscover their sparkle is what makes the work so fulfilling. That care extends beyond the walls of the clinic. As a mother of four, Kristina is passionate about supporting youth sports, schools, and extracurricular activities, and the team regularly partners with local organizations and community efforts.
What began as a calling to care for others has grown into a place where beauty, wellness, and compassion come together. At Remedy Medical Aesthetics & Wellness, clients find more than expert care. They find a place built with intention, where confidence is restored and people are reminded of who they already are.
www.remedywellnessclinic.com | 612.568.5845 | 7767 Elm Creek Blvd N
Highly-Trained Team
Women Moving Forward, Together in Maple Grove
ARTICLE BY AMY GALE MALONEY PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Local organizations helping women connect, lead, and grow through community, service, and meaningful conversation.
In Maple Grove, women are building community in ways that matter, through leadership, service, and real connection. These organizations aren’t about surface-level networking. They create opportunities to grow, give back, and connect with other women who are doing the same — moving forward, together.
LEAD & SERVE
Maple Grove Women of Today
A long-standing organization rooted in leadership and community impact, Maple Grove Women of Today brings women together to give back while building real friendships. Through volunteer initiatives, social events, and leadership opportunities, members gain confidence, expand their network, and play an active role in shaping the local community. It’s a place to step in, get involved, and grow—personally and collectively.
Website: mgwt.org
MEANINGFUL CONVERSATIONS
Twila Johnson, Conversations That Count Through Conversations That Count, Twila Johnson creates
space for women to engage in honest, thoughtful dialogue that goes beyond small talk. These gatherings are designed to spark connection, fresh perspective, and real conversation about the things that matter most. It’s less about networking and more about engaging—walking away with new ideas, deeper connections, and a sense that the conversation actually mattered. Website: twilatheconnector.com
BUILDING GENERATIONS OF GIVERS
National Charity League Northwoods Chapter
National Charity League’s Northwoods Chapter brings mothers and daughters together through service, leadership development, and community involvement. The experience is about more than volunteering—it’s about building values, strengthening relationships, and showing young women what it looks like to lead and give back. It’s a shared commitment to community that creates a lasting impact across generations.
Website: nationalcharityleague.org/chapter/northwoods/
National Charity League Northwoods Chapter
Maple Grove Women of Today
Twila Johnson
Advanced Care for Health & Beauty
Remedy Medical Aesthetics & Wellness™ is a premier clinic specializing in medical aesthetics, anti-aging, and restorative care.
We enhance the health and wellness experience for both women and men, focusing on the treatments and lifestyle solutions that support vibrant, healthy living—restoring beauty from the inside out.
CARE THROUGH AUTHENTICITY
Maple Grove Therapy & Wellness creates a safe, human space for healing, growth, and understanding.
ARTICLE BY ANNIE DORAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY RYAN SIEMERS PHOTOGRAPHY
A PLACE TO BE YOURSELF
Most of us spend a lot of time trying to seem fine. We smooth things over. We keep moving. We say “busy” when we mean overwhelmed, and “tired” when the truth is harder to name. So when you find a place that feels calm, welcoming, and safe, it
MGTW's Team
“When you show up authentic, you create the space for others to do the same.”
gets your attention. That is exactly the kind of feeling Maple Grove Therapy & Wellness was built to create.
That did not happen by accident. It grew out of Kelly Wesner’s own story and the kind of practice she longed to build. Growing up in a small town, she often felt different and misunderstood, which gave her an early sensitivity to how deeply people need to feel seen. Later, while serving in a leadership role, she missed the intimate, relational side of clinical care. In 2015, she founded the practice, and by January 2020 that vision had expanded into the group practice known today as MGTW.
WHAT SETS MGTW APART
MGTW stands out not because of one single feature, but because of the way its culture, clinical care, and environment work together. Kelly says the team works to “practice what we preach,” living out values like self-awareness, nurturance, and growth within the practice itself. That mindset shapes the care clients receive.
As Kelly puts it, “When people feel comfortable being who they are, relationships are built more quickly, and deeper work can be accomplished.”
The team places a high value on finding the right therapist-client fit because connection matters. Their approach does not center only on symptom reduction. It also emphasizes helping clients understand the patterns behind what they are experiencing. Rather than focusing only on what is wrong, Kelly and her team help clients recognize strengths, make sense of their stories, and move forward with greater clarity. In that kind of environment, therapy becomes less about fixing weaknesses and more about acceptance and forward movement.
A SPACE THAT FEELS HUMAN
That philosophy carries into the physical space. In the early days, Kelly was surprised by how strongly people responded to the homey atmosphere. She wanted an environment where both therapists and clients could feel safe and real. Warm décor,
Kelly Wesner, Owner & Therapist
abundant plants, and small touches in the entryway help the office feel personal instead of sterile.
Kelly says they want clients to “feel free to show up as your true self.” They also aim to create a space that feels “calm, genuine, and, above all else, human.” Even arriving feels gentler, with a discreet setup that avoids checking in at a front desk or waiting in a crowded room.
MEETING REAL NEEDS
Behind the warmth is a practical commitment to access. One of Kelly’s biggest early challenges was securing insurance contracts. A private-pay model would have been easier, but it would have excluded too many people. Staying in-network with as many providers as possible became part of the mission because affordability mattered too much to ignore. MGTW also has a clinician dedicated solely to telehealth mental health services, allowing people who need to get in quickly to access short-term, solution-focused support.
That same mindset continues to shape the practice today. One thing people may not realize is that much of the team has personal insight into neurodivergence, including ADHD. That lived experience brings added empathy, flexibility, and understanding, especially for clients who have spent years feeling unseen, misunderstood, or out of place. As more families seek accessible support, MGTW is launching an ADHD parenting and life hacks group this summer, along with a social skills group for youth. As Kelly says, “It is especially meaningful when supporting clients who may have struggled to feel seen or as though they don’t belong.”
In a world that often asks people to mask, rush, or power through, Maple Grove Therapy & Wellness offers something steadier: a place where people can feel safe, understood, and supported as they move forward.
www.maplegrovetherapyandwellness.com | 763.200.1466
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER FORTNER PHOTOGRAPHY BY RYAN SIEMERS PHOTOGRAPHY
The Gift of Wellness
Prioritizing yourself isn’t indulgent, it’s essential, and Spavia makes it easier than ever.
I’ve been receiving gifts on Mother’s Day for the past twenty-four years. I’ve gotten darling handmade cards from my children. Coupons for chores that somehow never get redeemed. Scarves. Potted plants. Candles. So many bad candles. But this year I found THE gift. My family needs to do no laborious research. Actually, I’ve found a perfect gift anyone would appreciate.
A TRIP TO SPAVIA.
Spavia Maple Grove is a day spa owned by Cristina and Josh Nolte. The Maple Grove location is celebrating their seven year anniversary this May and has promotions and special events planned for the month. Open seven years and still thriving is no small feat given the timing of its inception.
Opening just a year before the pandemic struck posed some real challenges, but real good grew out of it. Cristina said her team met every day to troubleshoot, share ideas and get through it together. “Coming in from the corporate world into something new like this…everybody helps each other out. We all do better as a brand when we all do better.”
Cristina also notes, “The pandemic taught us a lot and showed us the importance of making sure you take care of yourself before you can take care of others.”
The Noltes weren’t always in the spa business but Cristina was definitely a lifelong spa enthusiast. Her background in corporate IT sent her traveling the world and in her down time she often found herself enjoying the offerings of a local spa. When she was ready to make a career change, owning a spa naturally piqued her interest.
Spavia is a franchise model and it was appealing to Cristina from the start. “What drew me in initially to this in particular was their membership model which is very straightforward. And the price point is quite accessible.” While the Noltes have both a Maple Grove and Minnetonka location, the playbook from the founders provides some nice structure. Services are standardized so guests know exactly what to expect in terms of their experience.
Spavia offers memberships allowing guests to use and share monthly packages. Treatments can be different each month and all at a generously discounted price. Membership saves spa goers money but more importantly, holds fast the promise of at least an hour of bliss each month.
I speak from experience. The customization process was fun. I chose my preferences for music, scent, pressure, each piece tailored to my exact liking. I enjoyed a luxurious hour long massage
“More than a spa, it’s a place where self-care becomes routine and community support is part of the experience.”
to a soothing coastal playlist. Then I experienced their Halo IR sauna complete with salt halotherapy. A true treat on a cool day, it’s like being cloaked in wellness. I wrapped up my morning with a Signature Classic facial. I have never had multiple treatments at one stretch and I have to admit, it has been a big mistake to wait this long to try it. More than half of Spavia’s guests are repeaters and I understand why.
Spavia has no target demographic per se, but Cristina has seen a trend toward younger guests devoted to wellness and self-care. While many of the guests are women, there are services that appeal to men and serene lounge spaces provided for everyone.
Speaking of appealing to everyone, the crew at Spavia is deeply invested in their local community. Cristina is thrilled to be part of
it. “Maple Grove has a thriving business community and I’ve enjoyed connecting with other business owners to help improve the community for everyone.” They are involved in Maria’s Voice, Anthony Barr’s Raise the Barr, Hope Chest for Breast Cancer and even sponsored a local girls flag football league.
Cristina says her favorite part of each day is walking in and seeing her team. She says, “I don’t have kids but I feel like I have fifty kids now. One of the fun things I’ve witnessed is seeing them bond. We have gone through all the life changes as a team, supporting each other.”
Some call May “Maycember” as it mimics the chaotic energy of the holiday season. It doesn’t need to be. Visit Spavia at their Maple Grove or Minnetonka location. Take care of others. Take care of yourself. Who couldn’t use an hour or two of tranquility? Better yet, three.
Halo IR Sauna
Relaxing Facial
Cristina Nolte, Owner
STYLED STEMSNot Just Flowers
IF THERE'S A FLOWER IN IT, WE MAKE IT MEANINGFUL.
ARTICLE BY AMANDA BUSBY CODNEY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY RYAN SIEMERS
Leah Schmidt & Alex Lehr, Co-owners
There is something really special about connecting with a business where you can feel the heart behind the work before you even step foot inside. This is exactly how it felt before I even interviewed Styled Stems.
At the center of it all are Leah and Alex, two friends who met over twenty years ago in a flower shop. What started as shared experience grew into something much deeper. They moved through different sides of the industry, from wholesale to retail, to studio florists while continuing to design for friends, family and clients along the way. Even then, they were building something without fully realizing it.
Their friendship carried them through every stage of life. Wine nights, designing each other’s wedding flowers, and a natural rhythm of supporting one another creatively. At one point, a simple question shifted everything. When are you going to start your own shop? That question stayed with them.
What followed was not a perfectly mapped out plan, but a series of aligned steps. They came together as partners and stepped into ownership, building Styled Stems side by side. Even their space feels like part of the story. They were close to signing another location when this one appeared at the last minute, the kind of timing that feels meant to be.
Part of what makes their partnership so strong is how different they are. Their personal tastes and design styles are completely opposite, yet somehow it works. They describe it as two sides of a coin, a balance that allows them to create something more dynamic together than they ever could alone.
That same energy flows into their team. There is a genuine sense of care and respect that starts with leadership and extends through everyone involved. It is not just about creating beautiful work, it is about how they show up for each other and for their clients.
Styled Stems produces over one hundred weddings each year while also working closely with funeral homes, often designing for multiple services each week. In any given week, they may move from prom to a wedding to a funeral, stepping into nearly every emotional milestone a person can experience.
work. They are part of celebrations, grief, love, and everything in between. There is intention, training, and care behind every piece, even if it appears effortless.
At the core of it, they are incredibly skilled. Working in every aspect of the floral industry with over 20 years of hands-on experience, allows them to see a vision and bring it to life in a way that feels both elevated and personal.
“There is a reason people order flowers & flower shops still exist. We get to make people feel something!”
They do not take that lightly. They spoke about how important it is to remember that sometimes this may be the only time someone receives flowers. That even a single stem matters. Especially in moments of loss, they approach each arrangement as if it were for their own loved one.
There is also a misconception that flowers are simply a last minute gift or something decorative. In reality, what they do is deeply emotional
Their goal is simple. They want people to feel taken care of. To feel seen. To feel like someone put real thought into creating something just for them.
That intention shows up in the way they build relationships. Clients return again and again, not just for the work, but for the experience. Over time, those relationships often grow into something more personal, rooted in trust and familiarity.
While weddings and funerals will always be at the center of what they do, they also truly enjoy the everyday moments. Corporate gifting, client appreciation, events, restaurants, and seasonal offerings. Their approach remains the same. If there is a flower in it, they will find a way to make it meaningful.
Because at the end of the day, flowers are not just flowers.
They are a way of making people feel something.
GIRLFRIEND
Getaways Elevated
ARTICLE BY AMY GALE MALONEY PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Seven escapes designed for connection, indulgence, and unforgettable shared moments
Some of the best memories are made when we step away from our routines and into time together. These girlfriend getaways are thoughtfully curated to inspire connection, shared experiences, and the kind of moments that remind us how good life can feel when we’re fully present with the people who matter most.
01/ Sip, Savor, Slow Down
Long lunches, bold reds, and conversations that linger. Napa Valley sets the tone for Auberge du Soleil.
02/ Sun, Salt, Reset
Barefoot mornings and turquoise water in every direction. Turks and Caicos invites full exhale at Grace Bay Club.
03/ Dress Up, Go Out
Reservations, rooftop cocktails, and nowhere to rush. New York delivers effortless energy at The Whitby Hotel.
04/ Move, Breathe, Reconnect
Hiking, spa time, and space to think clearly again. Sedona blends adventure and calm at Enchantment Resort.
05/ Glam, Glow, Go Late
Heels, sparkle, and nights that don’t end early. Las Vegas brings bold energy at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.
06/ Warm Air, Quiet Luxury
Sun-drenched days and understated elegance. Scottsdale offers refined ease at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain.
07/ A Luxe Staycation
No flights, no stress—just time well spent. Minneapolis surprises with elevated calm at Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis.
Amy Gale Maloney is a luxury travel advisor and founder of Belightfull Company, where she redefines modern luxury through connection, culture, and care. With a background in storytelling and over two decades in communications, she designs travel experiences that feel personal, seamless, and deeply memorable. Her philosophy is simple: travel should feel like living beautifully—anywhere in the world. Host Agency: LuxRally Travel
Traveling with Belightfull Company
Courtesy of Auberge du Soleil
Courtesy of Grace Bay Club
Courtesy of Enchantment Resort
Courtesy of The Cosmopolitan, Las Vegas
Courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis
Courtesy of The Whitby Hotel, NYC
Courtesy of the Sanctuary Camelback Mountain
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
In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook the importance of mental well-being. But taking care of your mind is just as vital as caring for your body. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or simply need someone to talk to, remember that help is available. Reach out to a mental health professional, join a support group, or engage in activities that bring you joy. You deserve to feel your best, and taking the first step towards mental wellness is a sign of strength. Let’s break the stigma and support each other on this journey to better mental health.
Individual Therapy // Family Therapy // Couples Counseling Substance Use Disorder Counseling and Assessments We Offer Services Both In Person and Online Serving Ages 6+
MONTH OF MAY
What is Happening at Mama's Happy
Mama's Happy, 7804 Main St N, Maple Grove
5/3 - momboss5k & market
5/6 Ladies night out with Stay Golden permanent jewelry, Remedy Botox & Dysport, Brittani's Piercings, and El&Grey Vintage Jewelry
5/19 Annie Sloan 101 Paint Class For more info, visit www.mamashappymg.com
MONTH OF MAY
Fun Events at Freshly Leaf
Freshly Leaf, 11627 Fountains Dr, Maple Grove
5/10 - A delightful pop-up from Bangkok Sweetheart featuring their signature cinnamon rolls, each topped with a variety of creative and indulgent flavors that made every bite feel special.
5/30 - A themed cup sleeves event inspired by Alien Stage inviting guests to enjoy a fun, immersive experience from 12 to 5 pm.
MAY 3RD
Covey’s momboss5k
Plymouth Community Center, 14800 34th Ave N | 8:30 AM
More than a run. This is a gathering to empower, encourage and cheer on the women in our lives. Whether you are a mom, hope to be, nurture others through mentorship, this event is to celebrate you! Join other women in our community on May 3rd for a 5k walk/run, swag, coffee, mimosas, music, shopping and more! www.momboss5k.com | 8:30-noon
MAY 9TH
Spring Fest Parking Lot Party
The Lookout Bar & Grill, 8672 Pineview Ln N, Maple Grove | 12:00 PM
Spring Fest at The Lookout Bar & Grill is an all-day celebration packed with live music, food, and fun. School of Rock kicks things off at 2pm, followed by Kat Perkins Country Roads Band at 4pm, Good For Gary at 7pm, and Stuck in The Middle inside at 9pm. Enjoy food trucks, beer tents, and free entry all day.
MAY 19TH
I-94 First Responder Luncheon
Clam Corporation Headquarters, 12135 Brockton Ln N, Rogers | 11:00 AM
The I-94 West Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual First Responders Appreciation Luncheon, bringing together community leaders and public safety professionals to honor local heroes. The event recognized acts of bravery across the northwest Twin Cities, featured emcee Joe Schmit, and supported meaningful causes benefiting fallen firefighters, law enforcement, and veterans through community-driven fundraising efforts. business.i94westchamber.org/events
