The Ladies Issue



I don’t know about you, but I love any opportunity to recognize the women in my life who just make the world a more rich and beautiful place.
And of course, with Mother’s Day this month, all eyes are on moms. But 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 family members, teachers, friends and neighbors doing awesome things in our communities, pouring into our lives — making themselves unforgettable and irreplaceable.
While it’s always important to shop local and support our area businesses, this month is the perfect time to patronize businesses owned by women in our communities. That’s one of my favorite parts of this role — connecting with and championing the best of the best when it comes to Medina County's women.
They are movers and shakers, builders and makers. They are both seen and unseen. Their silent service blesses those who are under their care. Their attention to detail shows us something about beauty that can’t be seen or understood any other way.
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.
Until next month,
EMILY SHEA, EDITOR @MEDINACOUNTYLIFESTYLEPUBLISHER
Joe Violi | joe.violi@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Emily Shea | emily.shea@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Martha Doyle | martha.doyle@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Erin Baka, Emily Shea
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
I.D.E.A. Boutique, Wallace Home Furnishings, 2PiFit
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore
DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer
ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson
WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen
Ethical and sustainable — those are the two words that Elizabeth McComsey, owner of I.D.E.A. Boutique – Inspired Designs by Elizabeth Anne, lives by. She opened I.D.E.A. Boutique in 2010 as a jewelry shop featuring natural and ethically-sourced gemstones. Since then, the shop's inventory has grown to include sustainably created handbags and backpacks, beeswax food wraps, vegan candles and her organic skincare line called IDEA Skincare.
In 2022, you may have noticed that I.D.E.A. was closed for an extended period of time for renovations — from April until October, to be exact. This seven-month period allowed Elizabeth and her team time to completely renovate the space and lean into the business's eco-forward mission and values.
Elizabeth says, "The renovations have really allowed us to lean into our eco-friendly values through the additions
of a beautiful moss wall and other natural design concepts. It really all started with renovating the back end of the space, but then we figured that we may as well renovate the rest of the space since we were already closed."
Elizabeth goes on to explain that bringing natural and eco-inspired design and decor to the forefront really places emphasis on her goals that have been there from the very beginning. She says, “My goal has always been to provide ethically-sourced, environmentally-friendly products. We have always worked towards this, and now our space truly reflects it.”
The store's inventory further reflects Elizabeth's values, as it has been specially curated to include products that don't have a large impact on the planet. Some of the most beloved products in I.D.E.A. include cork handbags, jewelry made from ancient Roman glass, water bottles made from bamboo and Lefrick products
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that have been made using recycled plastic water bottles. What's more, is that each of these products is ethical and sustainable in its own way.
For example, the cork bags are hand-harvested in Portugal and are considered carbon negative because of the unique harvesting process. Elizabeth explains, "The only tools used to harvest the cork are an axe and a ladder. When the bark is cut off the tree during the harvesting, a stimulation occurs that causes [the tree] to take in more carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere."
Another popular product in the boutique is IDEA Skincare. Every product featured in the line features ingredients that have been very carefully sourced and include no genetically modified ingredients. Additionally, all of the products have gone through extensive testing — including by Elizabeth and her mom.
"When I was early on in the testing phase for my IDEA Skincare products, my mom served as my guinea pig," says Elizabeth. "What's crazy is, after three months of using it she looked 10 years younger."
Some of the most popular products in the skincare line include the Brighten Pearls which contain a skin-brightening plankton extract, the Rose Face Lotion which is packed with seven collagen-enhancing peptides, the Azul Night Cream that combines the powerful trio of frankincense, turmeric and spirulina with deeply nourishing marine-derived ingredients and the Hemp Seed Facial Oil for its anti-inflammatory properties. In addition to being sold in-store, IDEA Skincare is sold online at IDEA-Skincare.com and in boutiques across the globe.
Visit I.D.E.A. on the Historic Medina Square, right between Medina Sports Cards and Hershey’s Barber Shop, at 108 W. Washington St. to see the revamped space and peruse Elizabeth's selection of ethical and sustainable products. You can also shop online and subscribe to the I.D.E.A. newsletter at IdeaOnlineCatalog.com .
WE’RE SO EXCITED TO HAVE YOU AS PART OF OUR ANNUAL WOMEN’S ISSUE. FOR OUR READERS THAT AREN’T FAMILIAR WITH YOU YET, CAN YOU TELL THEM A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR BACKGROUND AS A REALTOR IN MEDINA COUNTY?
I grew up in Toledo and met my husband Nick in college who is from Strongsville. After graduating we moved to the Cleveland area, we got married and started our family. My husband knew about Medina’s small-town charm so when our family started growing, it was the perfect community to put down roots and raise our three children Jenna, Tommy and Michael. Shortly after, my parents moved to Medina. Helping them find a home sparked my real estate career. Becoming a realtor has given me the opportunity to share my passion for real estate and balance my family. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else!
WHAT MAKES YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT REAL ESTATE?
I feel so honored to share such a big moment in people's lives. Real estate can be an emotional roller coaster, so I feel my level-headedness lends some calm to what can be a stressful time.
WHAT MOTIVATES YOU?
Seeing the excitement of people and friends finding their perfect home.
HOW DO YOU ENJOY SPENDING YOUR FREE TIME AND WHAT ARE SOME HOBBIES THAT YOU HAVE?
I have been an avid cross-fitter at Root18 CrossFit since it opened in 2013. I even got my husband and many friends to join. I also enjoy the many friendships I’ve made in this special community.
WHAT ARE YOUR CORE VALUES? HOW DO YOU INCORPORATE THOSE VALUES INTO YOUR PROFESSIONAL LIFE?
To be honest and fair and to treat others how I would want to be treated. I will always give my honest opinion when my clients ask even if it doesn’t lead to a sale because I would want the same if I were buying or selling.
HOW WOULD YOUR CLIENTS DESCRIBE YOU?
They would let you know what a great communicator I am and how I always advocate on their behalf. I
think it says a lot that many of my clients are repeats and often refer family and friends.
WHAT FEMALE ROLE MODELS DO YOU LOOK UP TO?
My mom and sister. They are such warm-hearted women who go out of their way to make me and others feel special and important.
WHAT IS ONE OF YOUR BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENTS?
Starting my real estate career from scratch while raising three small children. My background was in business and out of college I worked in the insurance brokerage industry. When we had our first child I decided to stay home but by the time our youngest was in preschool, I decided to try real estate. I always had a passion for it but the timing for it wasn’t right until then. It allowed me to be with my kids during the day and work evenings and weekends when my husband was home. Little did I know how quickly my career in real estate would take off. I love it and wouldn’t look back!
IF YOU WOULD HAVE ANY OTHER CAREER, WHAT WOULD YOU DO?
I love looking at homes — everything from architecture to design. It would definitely be something along those lines.
WHAT MAKES MEDINA COUNTY SO SPECIAL?
The people. I’ve heard from so many folks who have lived here and moved away that there is no place quite like Medina. It has a sense of friendly community pride mixed with small-town charm.
YOU WON THE LOTTERY. WHAT ARE YOU DOING FIRST?
House hunting, of course. Well, maybe just a vacation first!
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR GOALS AS WE MOVE INTO THE LAST HALF OF 2023?
Real estate is competitive but my goals are fairly simple: to stay the course, stay true to my values and provide great service to my clients.
Learn more about Jennifer at MyMedinaAgent.com and contact her now at MyMedinaAgent@gmail.com
“Real estate is competitive but my goals are fairly simple: to stay the course, stay true to my values and provide great service to my clients. “
others achieve their own health goals, and she realized that her purpose in life was to help people improve their lives through fitness and lifestyle management.
Celena Koerber, the owner of 2PiFit located in Wadsworth, Ohio, has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past few years, transitioning from an industrial engineer in the corporate world to a successful entrepreneur.
After being diagnosed with a chronic illness in 2013 that left her practically bedridden, she decided to take control of her health and embarked on a transformative journey toward wellness. This health scare led her to functional medicine and the study of the human body's systems, which ultimately led her to a career in the fitness industry (and minimizing most of her ailments).
ARTICLE BY ERIN BAKAHer understanding of the interconnectivity of the human body and her experience in analyzing complex systems gave her a unique perspective on how exercise, nutrition and lifestyle management can impact overall health and well-being. Through her own journey to health and wellness, Celena found her passion in helping
It started as a side hustle in 2017, when Celena decided to pursue certifications that would allow her to become a professional in the field. She started with the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Certified Personal Trainer program, which gave her a strong foundation in exercise science and program design. She then went on to gain her Fitness Nutrition Specialization through NASM and Nutrition Coaching certification through Precision Nutrition, which allowed her to provide clients with personalized nutrition plans and the skills to build healthy habits that aligned with their fitness goals.
Celena also became a Corrective Exercise Specialist, which equipped her with the knowledge to become an expert in human movement to help clients reduce the risk of injuries by helping them move and feel better. Through her certifications, Celena gained the knowledge and skills necessary to help clients improve their physical fitness and overall well-being, and she now uses her expertise to help others achieve their health goals.
Celena’s approach is different than most fitness programs: “As a fitness and wellness professional, I believe in focusing on the whole person. This means that I take a holistic approach and work with clients to create smart goals, considering not just their physical health but also their mental, emotional and social well-being."
She continues, "I believe that everyone is unique and that a one-size-fits-all approach to health and fitness simply doesn't work. That's why I take the time to understand each client's individual goals, challenges and preferences before developing a personalized plan that addresses their specific needs. Whether it's through exercise, nutrition, stress management or other lifestyle factors, I work with clients to help them achieve optimal health and wellness in all areas of their lives. I believe that by treating the whole person, I can help clients achieve long-term, sustainable results and live their best lives.”
2PiFit (360 PI and the “whole” self-approach) officially an LLC in 2017, separates itself from the competition through corrective exercise by offering personalized exercise plans that address the root causes of physical limitations, helping clients achieve optimal physical performance, reduce the risk of injury and improve overall health and well-being.
Corrective exercise is a type of exercise that focuses on improving movement patterns and addressing muscular imbalances. It involves identifying any areas of the body that are not CONTINUED >
functioning optimally and developing a customized exercise plan to correct those issues. This approach to fitness and well-being can make all the difference because it can help individuals overcome pain, reduce the risk of injury and improve overall physical performance.
By addressing muscular imbalances and improving movement patterns, individuals can experience improved mobility, flexibility and strength. This can lead to better posture, reduced back pain and increased athletic performance. Corrective exercise can also hel individuals recover from injuries and prevent future injuries by strengthening the muscles that support the injured area. By improving movement patterns, individuals can reduce stress on their joints and
prevent wear and tear, leading to a better quality of life. They may also experience improved body awareness and confidence in their abilities.
“In my work as a Corrective Exercise Specialist, I have seen firsthand how this approach to fitness and well-being can transform lives," Celena says. "By addressing the root causes of physical limitations and developing a personalized exercise plan to address them, individuals can achieve significant improvements in their overall health and well-being. By focusing on the whole person and addressing any physical limitations, we can help individuals achieve their full potential and live their best lives.”
Ultimately, Celena's goal is to educate, inspire and empower the clients at 2PiFit to build healthy habits and achieve lasting results to feel and look their best. She strives to ensure that each of her clients is equipped with the necessary tools and resources to maintain a healthy and sustainable lifestyle going forward.
Call Celena for a custom private or semi-private program at 440-591-8668 or learn more online at 2PiFit.com .
“In my work as a Corrective Exercise Specialist, I have seen firsthand how this approach to fitness and wellbeing can transform lives,”
- Celena Koerber
Located in the heart of Medina, Ohio, Wallace Home Furnishings is a family-owned and operated business that has been devoted to providing exceptional home furniture and mattresses since its establishment in 2020. The company's unyielding dedication to quality is reflected in its core values, which remain steadfast, and there are no indications of slowing down anytime soon.
At Wallace Home Furnishings, they understand the importance of having a comfortable and beautiful home that reflects your personality and style. That's why their products are carefully selected to cater to a variety of tastes and preferences. The team at Wallace Home Furnishings takes pride in providing exceptional customer service, building strong relationships with their customers and ensuring that everyone can achieve the home of their dreams. If you're looking for a reliable source of high-quality home furnishings, look no further.
Rick Wallace, the owner of Wallace Home Furnishings, knows quality is of the utmost importance. He says, “We have high-quality steel and wood frames and foam coils in our mattresses, sectionals and couches. Our commitment to using premium materials sets us apart from big box furniture stores that often use cheaper, lower-quality materials. By using top-of-the-line materials, Wallace Home Furnishings ensures that the pieces you buy are durable, long-lasting and comfortable. And what’s even more important, 90% of our large warehouse of inventory is made right here in the USA.”
Customers can trust that they are investing in furniture that will not only look great in their homes but also stand the test of time. Whether you're in the market for a new mattress or a cozy sectional, Wallace Home Furnishings has got you covered, making sure they stay ahead of the trends and always keeping inventory in stock.
And even better news, Rick wants to give back and is celebrating Mother's Day in a special way by offering a giveaway to honor all the amazing moms out there. As a family-owned business, Rick understands the importance of family and the love that moms provide. This gesture shows the level of appreciation and gratitude that the company has for mothers everywhere.
For the giveaway, no purchase is necessary to participate. Simply visit the store to enter for the chance to win one of four amazing prizes. The prizes include a $200 spa and gift basket, a $100 I.D.E.A. gift card, a $50 TRIV's restaurant gift card and a $300 voucher to go towards a purchase in the store. That's right, one lucky winner will receive a $300 voucher to use towards any purchase in the store, giving them the opportunity to transform their home with high-quality furniture and home decor. The other prizes are designed to pamper and spoil the special mom in your life. Don't miss out on this opportunity to show your appreciation for the amazing moms out there. Visit Wallace Home Furnishings at 883 N. Court St. today to enter for your chance to win.
Also, learn more about Wallace Home Furnishings' offerings at WallaceHomeFurnishings.com and follow them on Facebook at Facebook.com/WallaceHomeFurnishings
“By using top-of-the-line materials, Wallace Home Furnishings ensures that the pieces you buy are durable, long-lasting and comfortable.”
- Rick Wallace
Phoenix Health & Fitness is a private one-on-one personal training studio. As professional trainers, our passion is to guide the world towards a healthier lifestyle.
We specialize in personal training, private yoga, and nutrition counseling which are all held in a private room with your trainer.
We understand that everyone is unique with their own strengths and limitations. Our method is to build a custom plan based on your health, schedule and more importantly, your goals.
Welcome to Kauffman Lawn Furniture, located in the charming town of Berlin, Ohio, right in the heart of Amish Country. This family-owned business has been providing high-quality outdoor furniture and structures for over 26 years. From classic Adirondack chairs to rustic log cabins, they offer a wide variety of handcrafted products that are built to last. Whether you're looking to create a cozy backyard retreat or add a pergola to keep the sun out this summer, Kauffman Lawn Furniture will have the perfect piece for all your outdoor living needs.
At the helm of Kauffman Lawn Furniture are David and Dorothy Kauffman, a husband and wife team who founded the business in 1994. Together, they have built a reputation for exceptional craftsmanship and personalized service. Their commitment to excellence extends beyond their products and into the heart of their business — family. In fact, they employ all family members to run the day-to-day operations, ensuring that each customer receives the same level of care and attention that the Kauffmans have become known for.
Their oldest son, who has inherited his parent's passion for woodworking, builds pieces right next door.
Kauffman Lawn Furniture has come a long way since its humble beginnings of selling pumpkins and a few handcrafted wooden items on the side of the road in front of David and Dorothy's home in the 1990s. These early beginnings quickly led to the creation of more and more wooden outdoor furniture.
Over time, the demand for their unique designs grew and the couple found themselves struggling to keep up with production in the small space next to their home. Expanding next door only made sense, and in 1994 they officially opened Kauffman Lawn Furniture.
In 2022, they opened a new showroom and outdoor lot at 4574 US 62 on the same property, which is over twice the size of their original store. This move
allowed the family to showcase more of their handcrafted products and bring in new lines of outdoor furniture. David explains, “The expanded space provides ample room for customers to move around and explore the wide variety of products we offer. We will also set up and deliver every item you can’t carry out of our store; we’ve gone as far as Columbus and Pittsburgh. It’s important our customers are taken care of from beginning to end.”
With more and more people choosing to live and entertain outdoors, the range of products offered by Kauffman Lawn Furniture has continued to expand. From classic Adirondack chairs, outdoor dining sets, pergolas, outdoor fireplaces and decks, the store has something for every outdoor living need.
In recent years, the store has added a variety of outdoor structures that are designed
“It’s important our customers are taken care of from beginning to end.”
- David Kauffman
to extend the use of outdoor spaces. For example, their pergolas are crafted from high-quality aluminum, wood or vinyl, and can be customized to fit any backyard or garden area. These structures provide an elegant and functional space for outdoor dining, entertaining or relaxing in the shade.
In addition to pergolas, Kauffman Lawn Furniture offers a wide selection of log cabins and outbuildings. Customers can choose from a range of styles and sizes to fit their outdoor living needs.
And for those looking to create a beautiful and functional outdoor living space at home, the store offers a variety of deck options. The Kauffmans use polylumber, which is made from extremely durable and often maintenance-free recycled milk cartons.
Whether you're looking to create a cozy backyard retreat or a functional outdoor living space, Kauffman Lawn Furniture has the products and expertise to make your vision a reality. Find Kauffman Lawn Furniture at 4574 US Route 62, Millersburg, OH 44654. Learn more by calling 877-219-2741 or visit KauffmanLawnFurniture.com
NEW SERVICES ARE COMING TO ESSENTIAL ESCAPE SPA + YOGA
As the weather starts to warm up and spring arrives, many people turn to spas to rejuvenate and refresh after the long winter months.
ARTICLE BY ERIN BAKAEssential Escape Spa + Yoga, a spa that opened in December 2021 in Medina, offers clients an authentic spa experience to promote relaxation, detoxification, injury treatment and improvement of overall quality of life. Its focus on customer service builds meaningful relationships with clients that often turn into friendships. Essential Escape's welcoming environment, customer service model and unmatched spa services have contributed to its success at three locations in Medina, Strongsville and Avon.
In 2023, Essential Escape in Medina will introduce exciting new services, including a Vichy shower, a soaker tub and a nail room. The nail room will feature additional addons to enhance the manicure and pedicure experience, such as shoulder massages, to provide clients with an even more relaxing and rejuvenating spa experience.
Owner Deanna Fausnight explains how her new additions to the spa experience separate her from other spa locations in the area: “The Vichy shower can be used for a variety of spa treatments, such as body scrubs, body wraps and massages, and is known for its ability to promote relaxation and detoxification.”
Deanna is also excited about her nail room and soaker tub coming to the Medina this summer. “A soaker tub is a large, deep bathtub that is designed to allow the bather to immerse their entire body in water and it is designed to provide clients with a luxurious and relaxing spa experience. The tub can be customized with aromatherapy oils, bath salts or other treatments to enhance the experience further.”
In addition to their exceptional spa services, Essential Escape offers retreats for 10-12 people that engage local small businesses to highlight their unique products and services not offered at the salon on a regular basis. These exclusive events will provide a one-of-a-kind experience that combines relaxation with exploration and discovery. Due to high demand, spots for these retreats go fast, so interested clients are encouraged to check the Essential Escape website for availability. Visit EssentialEscape.com/Medina for more information or to schedule an appointment.
A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.
MAY 2ND
Author Visit: Joshilyn Jackson
BRUNSWICK MIDDLE SCHOOL
AUDITORIUM, 1483 PEARL RD., BRUNSWICK | 6:00 PM
Bestselling author Joshilyn Jackson writes page-turning suspense novels and Southern fiction with a mystery lurking inside. Her books revolve around timely women's issues including justice, motherhood, career, class and redemption, and her most recent release is called, "With My Little Eye." This author event will include a book sale and signing.
MAY 6TH
All-State OhioBrass Symposium and Concert
ASHLAND HIGH SCHOOL, 1440 KING RD., ASHLAND | 10:00 AM
Ohio Regional Music Arts and Cultural Outreach and the Ashland High School Music Department invite brass students from around the state to work with OhioBrass, the faculty brass quintet in residency at Ohio University. Students will enjoy masterclasses and rehearsals with OhioBrass followed by a final performance for all to see at 4 p.m. Visit Ormaco.org for more information.
MAY 7TH
The Baker’s Basement:
WADSWORTH PUBLIC LIBRARY, 132 BROAD, WADSWORTH | 2:00 PM
ORMACO and the Wadsworth Public Library continue their Sunday Live at the Library concerts with a program about the emotional,
"The Anatomy of Concert Performance, Laughter and Space"
sonic and spatial anatomy of a performance at a given time and place. The program is free to attend. Reserve your seat at Ormaco.org or by calling 419.853.6016.
MAY 13TH
Plant Faire
WEYMOUTH PRESERVATION
SOCIETY, 3314 MYERS RD., MEDINA | 10:00 AM
Join the Weymouth Preservation Society for its annual plant sale featuring perennials, herbs, hanging baskets, heirloom tomatoes, garden books and other gifts. While you're there, view the society's exhibit of over 175 pieces of women's fashion, sewing, jewelry, desktop and dressing table accessories from the 1790-1960s.
MAY 19TH
Highland Book Sale
HIGHLAND LIBRARY, 4160
RIDGE RD., MEDINA | 10:00 AM
Join the Medina County District Library for its spring book sale event. The sale is free to attend and no registration is required.
MAY 26TH
NEO5 Brass Quintet
JOHN STREETER GARDEN
AMPHITHEATER, 2122
WILLIAMS RD., WOOSTER | 6:30 PM
ORMACO and the Friends of the Secrest Arboretum open their third season of Music at the Arboretum with a program called "Lights, Camera, Music" by the NEO5 Brass Quintet. The performance will feature popular themes and songs from a wide range of Broadway and movie musicals as well as iconic films. The program is free to attend.
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/medinacounty
Our team is here t o help from design to fabrication and installation.
Our belief is to offer quality craftsmanship along with excellent service.
Each year, thousands of people make up their minds to quit smoking. It is a goal that is always on the front of their minds. Unfortunately, within a few weeks or months, most of those resolutions are gone. The side effects of changing our lives are stressful, unmanageable and can become overwhelming. The end result, we give up.
Luciana McCartney, clinical director of AcuLaser Treatment Center, has been helping thousands of people change their lives for the better once and for all.
By replacing traditional acupuncture needles with advanced laser technology, AcuLaser Treatment Center, located in Brecksville, is helping clients stop their
addictions to nicotine and actually put that resolution to work.
AcuLaser’s method, which is safe, painless, effective and approved by the FDA, relies on low level laser therapy that is applied to certain pressure points of the body. This comprehensive program, coupled with lifestyle counseling and step by step detoxification guide, are the important keys to the program’s success.
“We can truly relate to the frustration people feel when their attempt to quit smoking falls through,” says Luciana. “Our method, which is based on the ancient art of acupuncture but without the needles, has proven very successful for hundreds of our clients that walk through our doors every day.”
The benefits of low level laser therapy are well documented throughout the world. For the smoker, it eliminates the physical connection the brain and body have to nicotine which then lessens the cravings. Stress and relaxation points are stimulated to help avoid the withdrawal symptoms that you would normally experience if you tried to quit on your own.
“It’s never too late to embark on a journey to a healthy, happier lifestyle and AcuLaser is here to help,” says Luciana.
Learn more about AcuLaser and schedule an appointment at TheyQuit.com or by calling 440-740-1020.