$75 for $60 | $50 for $40 April 13 – May 10 Locally owned by a Cincinnati mom!
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Strength in Action
Over time, I have learned that strength is rarely a solo effort. It is shaped by the people who encourage us, challenge us and stand alongside us. That idea is at the heart of this year’s Ladies Issue and our theme, Share Your Strength.
In our Leading Ladies feature, three women offer a closer look at how strength takes shape in everyday life. From the classroom to the community and into the world of mental health care, Allison Keim, Dr. Fatemeh Hajihosseini and Jennifer Pierson are creating meaningful change in their own way. Their journeys reflect a shared commitment to growth, service and helping others move forward with confidence.
That same idea shows up in spaces designed for personal growth through community. At PLAYLIST Yoga, a focus on accessibility and encouragement helps individuals build strength, confidence and connection in a way that feels approachable and sustainable.
For Dr. Natalie Stewart, strength is demonstrated through commitment and endurance. Her Ironman journey reflects the discipline it takes to pursue ambitious goals while staying grounded in family, career and daily life.
These stories remind us that strength is not just what we achieve, but also how we choose to share it with others. As we celebrate the ladies in this issue, let’s also give a heartfelt thank-you to the moms (Happy Mother’s Day!) and women who have poured encouragement, patience and unwavering support into our lives.
MARK ANDREA, PUBLISHER @MASONANDDEERFIELDLIFESTYLE
May 2026
PUBLISHER
Mark Andrea | mark.andrea@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Amanda Stout | amanda.stout@citylifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
Karen Andrea
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Nina Weierman, Lisa Fletcher, Jonathan Stout, Amanda Stout
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Jenna Beers, Niki Wise, Maddie Peters
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
inside the issue
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Mason Deerfield Chamber celebrated their Annual Leadership Summit: She Builds at Great Wolf Lodge. 2: The summit was hosted in collaboration with the Women Business Leaders MADE Advisory Council. 3: MADE Chamber President and CEO, Sherry Taylor, addressed the crowd. 4: The summit featured roundtable discussions, networking opportunities, a keynote speaker and the She Builds Marketplace. 5: Elite Kids Therapy recently celebrated their 11th anniversary as well as their expansion. 6: Elite Kids Therapy is a pediatric provider offering speech and occupational therapy and intervention services. 7: These services are provided to children aged 3-18 with a focus on fostering lifelong skills.
JENNA BEERS–PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNA
JENNA BEERS–PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNA
JENNA BEERS–PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNA
JENNA BEERS–PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNA
MADE CHAMBER
MADE CHAMBER
MADE CHAMBER
8: The Cincinnati Regional Concert Band Festival took place on March 7. 9: Community members gathered to enjoy the festival at Mason High School. 10: The festival is a noncompetitive concert performance. 11: Bands from Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana performed at the festival. 12: The clinic-based event fosters excellence and growth in concert band education and performance. 13: Clinics from some of the best educators around the country were available to students. 14: Students performed for peers, family and friends.
Photography by Lauren Carson
business monthly
Look Out for the Cookouts at DLM Mason
Throughout the spring and summer, stay tuned to the Dorothy Lane Market events calendar for featured menu items for Saturday cookouts at the Mason store. Guests can expect delicious smoked meats, pulled pork and tri-tip, sustainably sourced salmon, locally raised grass-fed beef burgers, USDA Prime steaks and more. Weather permitting, Dorothy Lane Market Cookouts will happen most Saturdays, May-September. For additional event information, visit DorothyLane.com
Scan to read more
Countryside YMCA Spotlights Employee Story
After losing her dad to diabetic complications at 19, Erin Smith made it her mission to help others live healthier, stronger lives. At the Countryside YMCA Landen branch, she leads Group Fitness and Personal Training and helped launch KidFit to inspire healthy habits at every age. Known for her energy, encouragement and welcoming spirit, Erin loves helping members build confidence, stay active and discover that fitness can be both challenging and fun. CountrysideYMCA.org
goGLOW Now Open at The District
goGlow is excited to announce their new location in Mason-Deerfield! Locally owned by Jodi and Wayne Achterberg, goGlow offers a hand-sprayed, skin-first airbrush tan tailored to you for a naturally flawless look. goGlow’s expert technicians are not just skilled artisans; they’re your friends in the journey to your best self, ensuring every session is comfortable, direct and fulfilling. goGlow is on-trend and has become quite a movement on social media. Experience it for yourself: goGLOW.co
Photography by Dorothy Lane Market
Photography by Ricky Reinzan
Photography by Mark Andrea
Contact us today to start your transformation journey! www.brentthomasrenovations.com | 513-519-3906
Leading Ladies of Mason
ALLISON KEIM
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, THE CHRONICLE, MASON HIGH SCHOOL (MHS), MHSCHRONICLE.COM
For MHS senior Allison Keim, her leadership journey began with curiosity. Flipping through student-run newspaper The Chronicle as a freshman, Allison was fascinated by the stories and the faces behind them.
“I really like to be in the know about what is happening around me,” she says. That curiosity soon led her to join a newsroom with a long tradition of award-winning journalism. By sophomore year, she was writing for the publication, quickly learning the behind-thescenes work that goes into each edition.
“Walking into The Chronicle for the first time, I felt the pressure of the reputation of the paper and being surrounded by high-achieving students,” Allison explains.
She rose to the challenge. Now Editor-in-Chief, Allison was recently named Ohio Journalist of the Year by the Ohio Scholastic Media Association, the organization’s highest individual honor for high school reporters.
She credits several mentors who inspired her, including her sisters and journalism advisor Dale Conner.
Today, she pays that mentorship forward by introducing younger students to the fundamentals of journalism and media literacy.
ARTICLE BY NINA WEIERMAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNA BEERS–PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNA
Allison will take the leadership skills she gained at The Chronicle with her when attending Ohio State University in the fall to study public policy.
She advises, “Be confident in your ideas and always stay open to learning as you go.”
Allison Keim, Editor-in-Chief, The Chronicle, Mason High School.
DR. FATEMEH HAJIHOSSEINI
CHIEF OF OPERATIONS & DEVELOPMENT FOR WOMEN WALKING WEST (W3), WOMENWALKINGWEST.ORG
When Dr. Fatemeh Hajihosseini met Dr. George Sehi, founder of Women Walking West, in 2015, she had recently relocated to Cincinnati from Houston and was exploring teaching opportunities. Over coffee, Dr. Sehi shared his vision for a nonprofit supporting foreign-born women pursuing education.
“My answer was an enthusiastic yes,” she recalls. Dr. Hajihosseini joined W3 as a founding board member and currently serves in the role of Chief of Operations and Development, helping shape programs and expand the organization’s reach.
To Dr. Hajihosseini, the work is deeply personal.
“W3 gives me the privilege of being a teacher, a mentor and a friend to foreign-born women in my community,” she says. “It means stepping into someone else’s world, sharing in her dreams and encouraging her to pursue them boldly.”
Mentorship plays a central role in her leadership philosophy. She often begins by connecting with new mentors to understand their motivations and strengths before pairing them with mentees.
“Mentorship requires patience, active listening and the willingness to give someone the space and time to build trust,” she explains. “Those relationships often grow into friendships that last long after the formal program ends.”
Many mentors and role models shaped Dr. Hajihosseini’s leadership journey, but she credits her parents as her greatest influence.
“I believe we are a reflection of those who believed in us before we believed in ourselves,” she shares. “I am simply the sum of so many generous people who took the time to invest in me— and that is a responsibility I do not take lightly.”
Through her work, Dr. Hajihosseini has witnessed powerful transformations, including women completing advanced degrees, entering medical residencies or launching new careers through mentorship.
Yet the most meaningful impact often happens quietly.
“It is the moment a mentee realizes she is not alone,” she notes.
Looking ahead, Dr. Hajihosseini hopes to strengthen the organization’s foundation so it can serve women for generations while expanding opportunities in leadership training and professional development.
Her advice for women aspiring to leadership is simple but purposeful.
“Be patient with yourself. Leadership is not something you perfect. It’s something you practice every day.”
Dr. Fatemeh Hajihosseini, Chief of Operations & Development for Women Walking West.
Jennifer Pierson, Chief Brand and Advancement Officer at Lindner Center of Hope.
JENNIFER PIERSON
CHIEF BRAND AND ADVANCEMENT OFFICER AT LINDNER CENTER OF HOPE, LINDNERCENTEROFHOPE.ORG
In 2007, when a friend shared that a comprehensive mental health center was being built in Mason, Jennifer Pierson felt energized by the mission.
“I was immediately drawn to the idea of being part of something dedicated to offering hope and reducing stigma,” she says. “It felt like a rare opportunity to help build something meaningful from the very beginning.”
Jennifer joined the organization during its early stages and has helped it grow into a nationally recognized center for mental health care. Over time, her career evolved from communications and public relations into executive leadership. Today, she serves as Chief Brand and Advancement Officer.
She credits much of her professional growth to the network of colleagues and mentors who supported her along the way.
“I have been fortunate to be surrounded by hardworking, thoughtful people throughout my life and career,” Jennifer shares. “Each person I have worked with has taught me something valuable.”
That spirit of collaboration continues to shape her leadership style. Jennifer focuses on mentoring others, particularly women
developing their careers, by encouraging initiative and modeling a strong work ethic.
“One principle I hold firmly is that I would never ask someone to do something I have not been willing to do myself,” she explains.
Her work in the community was recognized in 2024 when she received the MADE Chamber Pink Diamond Gems of Excellence Award, an honor she describes as both surprising and deeply touching.
“I have always seen my role as championing the organizations I serve and highlighting the incredible work of others,” she says.
Jennifer hopes to continue serving as an ambassador for “Hope in Action,” which takes place every day at Lindner Center of Hope as the campus expands and new wellness initiatives grow.
“It’s exciting to think about the potential impact these efforts will have in shaping the future of mental health care and increasing access to support.”
Her message for future leaders is one she thinks every woman should hear.
“Believe in yourself,” she encourages. “You are capable, you are strong and you can accomplish far more than you may realize.”
“Believe in yourself. You are capable, you are strong and you can accomplish far more than you may realize.”
—Jennifer Pierson, Chief Brand and Advancement Officer at Lindner Center of Hope
All photos taken at Revelance private business club and events venue in Mason.
CAPABLE, SUPPORTED + CONNECTED
PLAYLIST Yoga empowers students to find their rhythm.
PLAYLIST Yoga studios in Mason and Montgomery offer musicdriven, intentionally sequenced yoga and Pilates. Locally co-owned by Leah Vasiliadis, their focus is powerful, connective classes that are not intimidating, helping students feel strong and capable.
The Intro to Power Yoga Series, beginning in June, is designed for anyone who has ever walked into a heated studio and thought, “I don’t know if I’m doing this right.” Whether you’re new to yoga or need to reset on fundamentals, the intro series slows down the pace to build understanding of the alignment, breath and transitions of power yoga. By the end of the experience, students move with purpose and confidence.
Enrollment includes a complimentary month of unlimited yoga to help students integrate what they’ve learned and build momentum. At PLAYLIST, they create an environment where people feel connected—to their bodies and each other.
ARTICLE BY AMANDA STOUT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MADDIE PETERS
The PLAYLIST Yoga Team.
Tommy has led the Intro to Power Series for nearly eight years, helping students fall in love with yoga at PLAYLIST. He simplifies complex concepts like alignment and breath coordination, breaking down movements layer by layer to unlock the mind-to-body connection. His classes are approachable yet never watered down, anchored by the rhythmic, energizing playlists for which PLAYLIST is known. The series also reflects PLAYLIST’s strong sense of community. This shared investment in each other’s growth is what keeps students coming back long after the series ends.
Student Robbie Bach affirms, “The series encouraged and inspired me to return to PLAYLIST to continue my path forward in the practice of yoga more times in the last two months than in the nine years my partner had gotten me to go.”
Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II): steady power. Wide, grounded feet, front knee bent, arms extended. Builds strength, hip mobility/stability + mental stamina.
Bird Dog (from Tabletop): subtle power. From hands and knees, opposite arm and leg extend long. Builds core strength, balance, coordination + low back health.
Low Plank (Chaturanga): controlled fire. From high plank, bend elbows close to ribs and lower body in one long line. Builds arm, shoulder + chest strength.
Baseball Camp
Grades 3-5: June 15-17
Grades 6-8: June 22-24
Incoming 9: June 1-2
Basketball Camp Grades 2-3: June 15-18
Grades 4-6: June 1-4
Grades 6-8: June 8-11
MOELLER CAMPS Over25
Ice Hockey Camp
Grades 1-4: July 31-Aug. 2
Grades 5-8: July 31-Aug. 2
Lacrosse Camp Grades 3-8: June 29-July 2
Soccer Camp Grades K-8: June 15-18
3D Maker Camp Grades 5-8: July 13-16
Animation Movie Production (AMP) Camp Grades 5-8: July 20-23
Art Camp Grades 3-5: June 8-11
High School Placement
Test Prep Camp
Grade 8: July 27-31 & Aug. 3-7
Lego Stop Motion Animation
Movie Production (LAMP) Camp Grades 5-8: July 20-23
Maker Grand Prix Camp
ARTICLE BY LISA FLETCHER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY NIKI WISE PHOTOGRAPHY
CHASING
the Finish LINE
“BEING AN IRONMAN ATHLETE MEANS CHOOSING PERSEVERANCE OVER COMFORT, DEDICATION OVER COMPLACENCY AND GRIT OVER QUIT, EVEN WHEN NO ONE IS WATCHING AND THE WORK FEELS HARDEST.”
Long before the first patients arrive or the day begins to take shape, Dr. Natalie Stewart, DMD has already put in work most people will never see. By sunrise, she’s in the pool, on the bike or logging miles on the treadmill, training for one of the most demanding endurance events in the world: an Ironman triathlon.
An Ironman is a one-day race that includes a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride and a full 26.2-mile marathon, all completed within 17 hours. It’s widely considered one of the toughest tests of physical and mental endurance.
MASON DENTIST BALANCES FAMILY, CAREER AND IRONMAN TRAINING WITH HER SIGHTS SET ON LAKE PLACID.
Natalie, owner of Mason Elite Dentistry and a Deerfield Township resident, has completed three Ironmans, including the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii. A lifelong athlete, she grew up playing basketball, soccer and softball. After the birth of her second child, she completed a marathon and began looking for what was next.
“Because we were already biking and running, a triathlon seemed like a great challenge,” Natalie explains. “The full Ironman seemed daunting, but after finishing our first 70.3 race [half-Ironman], we knew we could make it happen.”
That challenge quickly became a shared pursuit with her husband AJ, a Mason native. They built a routine around early mornings, long workouts and a commitment to pushing their limits, all while raising two young children and managing busy careers.
Training now takes 12 to 15 hours each week, often beginning before 5 a.m. with strength sessions during lunch breaks. It’s a schedule that requires discipline and purpose.
Natalie’s first full Ironman in Texas tested more than endurance. Battling fear in the open water, she pushed through a tough swim before regaining confidence on the bike and run. Months later, at Ironman Chattanooga, she faced another setback when the swim was canceled due to severe weather after weeks of training.
Still, she adapted and qualified for Kona.
“I remember running down the red carpet. It’s a magical moment,” Natalie reflects. “But being an Ironman athlete means choosing perseverance over comfort, dedication over complacency and grit over quit, even when no one is watching, and the work feels hardest.”
Now, she’s setting her sights on Ironman Lake Placid this July, one of the most difficult courses in North America. It will also mark the first time she and her husband compete in a full Ironman together, with their children there to watch.
Her goals are ambitious: a 10:30 finish time, a podium spot in her age group and the chance to earn a professional triathlon card.
“I’ve always wanted to be the best dentist, wife and mom,” Natalie shares. “Now I would love the opportunity to race against the best women in the world.”
Weekly
Meals are Whole 30 approved.
No prep work involved, just reheat.
Other dietary accommodations can be made.
We offer homemade soups and salads in addition to meals. All
meat is from a local partner who buys local, hormone and antibiotic free.
“FIND A CHALLENGE, SIGN UP, COMMIT AND MAKE A PLAN TO ACHIEVE IT.”
A DRIVE TO THRIVE
Her drive is rooted in something deeper. When Natalie was 10, her father passed away suddenly from heart complications at 41, an experience that shaped her outlook.
“I vowed that I would do everything in my power to prevent the same fate.”
Today, that promise fuels her every early morning, mile logged and finish line crossed.
To those considering their own starting line, Natalie advises: “Find a challenge, sign up, commit and make a plan to achieve it.” And then begin.
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 3RD
Lindner Center of Hope Community Education Day
Manor House | 11:00 AM
Lindner Center of Hope will host their biannual Community Education Day on May 3 in honor of Mental Health Month. The half-day workshop features a keynote presentation by Ross Ellenhorn, LICSW, PhD, multiple breakout sessions led by clinicians and a community resource center. LindnerCenterOfHope.org
MAY 9TH
2026 Jyan Waespe Memorial Car Show
Lindner Family Tennis Center | 12:00 PM
The 2026 Jyan Waespe Memorial Car Show will be held at the Lindner Family Tennis Center on May 9. They will host 700–1,000 vehicles inside the facility with additional vehicle areas around the center. A wide range of vehicles will be featured with awards in categories such as luxury, custom, classic and motorcycle, along with expanded space for car clubs, vendor booths and partner displays. JyansCarandBikeShow.com
MAY 11TH
AAPI Community Windows & Mirrors Experiences
Mason Intermediate School | 6:00 PM
Mason City Schools Diversity Council is celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month as part of the CommUNITY Mirrors and Windows series. This event will include a showcase of building activities, music, food sampling, a picture book tasting, a craft and more! Find more information at MasonOhioSchools.com
MAY 13TH
Mason
Kiwanis
43rd Annual Golf Classic
The Grizzly Golf Course | 11:00 AM
The Kiwanis Club of Mason celebrates their 43rd Annual Golf Classic on May 13 at The Grizzly Golf Course. The annual fundraiser supports scholarships for local high school graduates and programs that improve the lives of children in our community through health and nutrition, education and literacy and youth leadership development. For more details and to register, visit MasonKiwanis.org
MAY 16TH
USS Cincinnati Cold War Memorial Peace Pavilion Opening
Voice of America Park | 12:00 PM
The USS Cincinnati Memorial Peace Pavilion, located in West Chester’s Voice of America Park, will open to the public on May 16. As visitors enter the pavilion, they will be able to experience the vastness of the 360-foot nuclear-powered submarine whose history will be detailed on several educational, 3-sided signs throughout the area. For more information, visit SubCincy.org
MAY 23RD
Lobstermania Makes Its First Splash at DLM Mason
Dorothy Lane Market | 9:00 AM
Lobstermania debuts at DLM Mason on the Saturday before Memorial Day, May 23. During Lobstermania, you can procure fresh, live lobster caught in the brisk waters off the Maine coast for DLM. Precooked lobsters will also be available. Maine lobster is prized for its flavor and fished for sustainability. The sale begins at 9 a.m., and once they're gone, they're gone! DorothyLane.com
DAY
Well-kept 1st-floor ranch condo in desirable Greenbrier Lakes—no steps! This 2-bed, 2-bath home features newer carpet, an updated kitchen with hardwood floors, quartz counters, and stainless steel appliances, plus spacious rooms and a walkout to a covered patio. Includes a 1-car garage and low-maintenance living with HOA covering landscaping and snow removal. Enjoy a pool, walking trails, and a prime location near VOA, Deerfield Towne Center, Downtown Mason, and I-75/I-71.
Like-new Maxwell Coastal Cottage by Fischer Homes in desirable Providence! Offering a full unfinished basement and cul-de-sac setting with no rear neighbors. Features include LVP flooring, neutral decor, a mudroom with built-ins, and a gourmet kitchen with gas range opening to a spacious great room. Enjoy a covered deck overlooking green space, a flexible 1st-floor study/3rd bedroom, and a relaxing primary suite. Basement includes egress window and full bath rough-in. HOA covers landscaping, snow removal, and pool—minutes to Maineville Kroger.
ALLEN-ZEUCH
“Tiffany is very efficient and effective! She clearly communicated the ‘current market ‘ conditions. She set the expectations for both parties. Understood our needs and acted accordingly! Appreciate
“We highly recommend Tiffany Allen-Zeuch! She was extremely knowledgeable about the market and relocation policies, and helped us price our home just right. Her professionalism, responsiveness, and friendly nature made the process smooth and stress-free. She’s also a skilled negotiator who truly had our best interests in mind. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience!”
~ Eusebia M.
— Bhavani K.
