A Roof You Can Trust Built Tough.
Arizona Pristine Roofing has extensive knowledge about the weather patterns, monsoons, and summer heat in Arizona. We can give expert recommendations about what kind of materials you need for your new roof. With over 15-years of experience in the roofing industry, you can rest assure you are in good hands.
More Than Money: The Power of True Investment
When you hear the word invest, your mind probably jumps straight to money, right? But as we dive into this issue, it becomes clear that investing is about so much more than dollars and cents. Over the past six months, I’ve had the privilege of meeting some incredible people throughout our community who’ve shown me that investing time, energy, and passion is what truly keeps this area thriving and gives our corner of the world that special pep in our step.
One person in particular stands out. Jon Rodriguez, our April cover star, embodies the true meaning of investment. I met him this past winter at Cup of Joey, and very quickly into our conversation, it was clear that he doesn’t just care about running a business—he truly invests in his community. Jon is dedicated to protecting his clients through his State Farm agency, but beyond that, he invests in his children, his faith, his health, and the relationships he builds with his clients and neighbors. This kind of commitment is what investing is all about: giving your time, attention, and love to the things that matter most.
In this issue, we’re exploring how investing in the spaces that matter—whether it’s designing your sanctuary or strengthening connections with those around you—is about making choices that reflect what you value most.
As you read through this month’s issue, I hope you find inspiration to make investments in your own life that will bring you joy, fulfillment, and lasting impact.
Keep the peace,
MICHAELA HETHERINGTON, PUBLISHER @MESACITYLIFESTYLE
April 2025
PUBLISHER
Michaela Hetherington
michaela.hetherington@citylifestyle.com
SALES DIRECTOR
Adam Hetherington
adam.hetherington@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Ashleigh Underwood
ashleigh.underwood@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Sonja Stafford
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Molly Zahn & B Real Media
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Ashley Blake
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 Rachel Kolich
LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick
Perspire Partners with Branching Out Family Services
Perspire Sauna Studio, located in Cannon Beach, hosted an event partnering with Branching Out Family Services—an organization that supports families in meeting goals and connecting with other families. These mommas got to connect with other moms, get some self-care, and enjoy a night out.
William StevensWestPac Wealth Partners, Opens New Office
Congratulations to William (Bill) Stevens, Executive Vice President of Agency Distribution and Growth, on the opening of his new office in Scottsdale! After five successful years in the Valley, Bill is excited to continue serving the community’s investment needs from this expanded, convenient space off the 101 Raintree exit. To schedule a consultation, simply scan the QR code below or contact Bill directly at 480-787-2724. 9336 E. Raintree Drive, Suite 110 Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Relax in Your Very Own Spa!
Ready to unwind and enjoy the ultimate relaxation in your own backyard? Visit Best Spas Direct in Northeast Mesa! Veteran-owned and operated, we offer a wide range of high-quality products, including Tuff Spas, Cal Spas, Swim Spas, Cold Plunges, and Saunas. Whether you’re looking to soak, swim, or simply rejuvenate, we have the perfect spa for you. Come see why Best Spas Direct has been the trusted name in relaxation for over a decade!
Kitchen & Bath Helps Feed My Starving Children
Premier Kitchen & Bath took their team down to Feed My Starving Children to help pack meals for children worldwide. Feed My Starving Children utilizes donations and volunteers to pack nutritious meals that are specifically designed to prevent and reverse undernutrition. This is just one of the many ways that this team gives back to our community.
Left: Scott Goldsmith
Right: TJ Tillman
Inside Alchemy 48
INVEST in THE Community
For TJ Tillman and Scott Goldsmith revitalizing the downtown Mesa community is a personal mission. You might remember Macee Tillman and Christina Goldsmith from our February issue—Rebel Wine Lounge is still the place you want to go to for a night out in Downtown Mesa, and these two ladies are at the heart of Rebel. We got the chance to talk to their husbands. As you might remember, the four of them own a few places in Downtown Mesa, but they’ve also started up a venture capital company with the sole purpose of opening the door for those in the community to invest in the community.
Incomparably Dope Venture Partners is “venture capital focused on unique and compelling concepts local to Arizona.” There is an executive leadership team at Incomparably Dope Venture Partners, but the Tillmans and Goldsmiths are the vice presidents of concept development, which means we have them to thank for some of the highlights of Downtown Mesa. In case you need a refresher, outside of Rebel Wine Lounge they also own Outcast Doughnuts, Level One Arcade Bar, and an underground speakeasy, Alchemy 48.
Unique investing opportunities that bring life to Downtown Mesa
ARTICLE BY ASHLEIGH UNDERWOOD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SONJA STAFFORD
Left to Right: Macee Tillman, TJ Tillman, Christina Goldsmith, Scott Goldsmith
“Downtown Mesa has no competition, it’s all family,” TJ and Scott share during our conversation. While Downtown Mesa hasn’t always been the “place to be” in Mesa. Thanks to the stability of long-standing businesses in the area and the influx of new businesses, it has become the place for outings and hang outs.
Putting together these four concepts has shown the Tillmans and the Goldsmiths that they have honed in on a skillset. They have a knack for creating unique concepts that become popular and are loved by the community. There is an opportunity to take these concepts and grow and expand them. This is where Incomparably Dope Venture Partners comes in, it was built to create an opportunity for local investors with a passion for Mesa to invest in the community. They can get involved with these concepts and help them grow and eventually expand. Investments through Incomparably Dope Venture Partners need to come from an accredited investor and require a minimum investment in order to move forward. It’s the only way to invest in these companies, similar to buying a stock on the stock market. Instead of investing in some huge corporation like Apple or Tesla, you are investing in the growth of your neighborhood and community.
At the core of everything they do, everybody is working within their skillset to bring goodness to the community. These are four best friends who are pursuing their passions and using every skill within their wheelhouse to create something amazing.
Inside Alchemy 48
INVEST I N IMAGE
FINDING THE PHOTOGRAPHER WHO WILL MAKE YOU LOOK YOUR BEST
ARTICLE BY ASHLEIGH UNDERWOOD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SONJA STAFFORD
“she is the expert you want in your corner to create the most beautiful images for you and your brand.”
It is very easy for us to believe that our phone cameras can capture all the photos we might ever need. Sure, our phones can take decent pictures for social media, maybe even photos to print and frame of our families. However, when it comes to our professional image, our business, or even an online presence, there are just some things that phone cameras cannot capture.
I have to admit, I was one of those people. I would find a pretty background or go out to a park to take whatever photos I might need. When I’m not the editor of Mesa City Lifestyle, I’m an author. When
I needed author headshots, website photos, or a social media refresh, I would find a friend to take photos of me at walls with pretty paintings or anywhere outside. The photos came out okay, good enough, maybe, but they weren’t photos that showed I was putting my best foot forward.
This year, I’m looking at publishing again. I needed updated photos for my website, my social media, and for the author page in my books. I wanted photos that would wow. Photos that would make me feel like an author. Photos I would want to showcase time and time again and feel
“Sonja puts her whole heart into all her clients—getting the perfect shot for them”
confident using. Thankfully, I knew exactly where to go to get exactly what I wanted.
Sonja Stafford is a local photographer with a studio in Downtown Mesa. While I’ve been able to work with her for this magazine (most of the gorgeous photos on these pages are her photos), I knew I wanted to work with her on my author photos. I knew she offered branding photography so I worked with her to create the perfect branding shoot for my author photos.
Working with Sonja is significantly more than just getting some pictures taken. Branding sessions with Sonja starts with consultations and inspiration photos. She asks specific questions about you, who you are, and what you are looking for in your photos. She took my inspiration photos of other photos I liked, combining everything to create the perfect set. Putting our working relationship aside, she asked personal questions to help learn more about me as a person. It helped Sonja create the perfect sets, the perfect lighting, and the perfect backdrop colors. I didn’t have to ask her to change anything because she knew what worked for me.
After the consultation conversation, the photoshoot is booked, which includes Sonja bringing in a hair and makeup artist. Sonja also gives you a helpful guide with instructions on outfit ideas, colors to wear, and how to handle jewelry. Props are also discussed so you know what to bring to your shoot.
The day of the shoot, I arrived with my outfits in a garment bag wearing a t-shirt and joggers. My nerves were all over the place but I was also excited. I knew I picked the right person to guide me in everything
I was about to experience. Sonja puts thought into everything, even having a letter board that welcomes you into the studio, making you feel comfortable and at home—even when you’ve never done something like this before.
Nicole, my hair and makeup artist, immediately got to work, applying creams to my face while talking with Sonja about the photos, what the photos were for and the type of images we were hoping to create out of this photoshoot. As someone who had never had her hair or makeup professionally done before, I was afraid the whole situation would be awkward. Nicole and I quickly bonded over our kiddos and all the fun parts of motherhood. By the time I was done in Nicole’s chair I felt gorgeous and completely confident to get in front of Sonja’s camera, which is a new feeling for me. I usually get nervous when cameras come out.
Sonja had put my outfits together from the pieces I brought in my garment bag. Sonja also has clothing racks full of clothes for her photoshoots, allowing her clients multiple changes or tweaks to ramp up an outfit.
Sonja guided me throughout the whole process, telling me how to pose, how to smile, when to laugh, when to look serious, the whole range of emotions. At one point, she pulled out her adorable vintage fan that made me feel like I was on America’s Top Model once it was turned on me.
Sonja puts her whole heart into all her clients, ensuring that she is getting the perfect shot for them. She cared about these photos as much as I did, determined to get the shots I desired and make them look amazing.
The sneak peak photos I got made me so excited to see the full gallery of proofs, almost making me count down the days until I could see them all. Sonja is not only an expert photographer, she is the expert you want in your corner to create the most beautiful images for you and your brand. The whole experience was seamless from start to finish and one that is completely worth the investment.
Sonja Stafford Photography
Specializing in branding, maternity, glamour photoshoots, Sonja is going to create photos you are guaranteed to love. Sonja also does senior photos.
Sonja is also working on a 40 over 40 project, where she is looking for inspiring women over the age of 40 to capture and tell their story.
Sonja Stafford is a luxury, full-service photographer—she is a one stop shop and has the experience and studio to make your dream photos happen.
Sonja has been published in Vigour Magazine, Shutter Magazine, Alaska Bride & Groom. She has received a bronze merit from The Portrait Masters Image Awards in 2024.
You can find Sonja online at her website sonjastafford.com or on Instagram: @sonjastaffordphotographer
One of the most common questions we get asked at Amada Senior Care is...
AM - 10:30 AM
This is for Veterans and their families to learn about the custodial benefits that may be available through the VA Administration to pay for caregivers and/or assisted
We are commited to enriching lives by providing nurturing, compassionate care, and guiding seniors and families with many care funding options available. RSVP today to attend one or more of the educational sessions in the East Valley.
Chandler
INSURANCE— WORRY FREE
INSURANCE IS THE INVESTMENT THAT GIVES YOU PEACE OF MIND
ARTICLE BY ASHLEIGH UNDERWOOD
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SONJA STAFFORD
Insurance is a complex subject. It’s tough to discuss and even more to learn about. Despite the abilities of technology and the internet, your insurance policy shouldn’t be something you just “add to cart” like you would a pair of shoes. Insurance needs a personal touch. You need someone who understands insurance and understands what you need covered. Consider insurance your weapon against Murphy’s Law. In life, it never is a matter of if something can go wrong, it is usually a matter of when
Jon Rodriguez is our local State Farm insurance agent and he is the guy you want in your corner when Murphy’s law rears its ugly head. The thing about insurance that we all forget (or possibly never knew) is that the relationship you have with your agent matters just as much as your coverage. Insurance feels like a minefield to navigate, especially when something goes wrong—you want to be working with someone you trust to guide you through the mess.
Jon has lived in the Mesa area for ten years. Originally from a small town in Nebraska this man values family above all else. Bringing his family into his professional life—his oldest daughter (Alexandra) and son-in-law (Diego) work with him at his agency. Jon credits them for maintaining the culture of excellence he strives for. As an agency, they are on a mission to make their clients feel cared for like family.
After talking with one of their clients, Sean and Carrie Card, owners of East Valley Golf Carts, it is clear that they are succeeding in that mission. “Anytime I have a question I just have to reach out…he’s fantastic,” says Carrie when talking about working with Diego. Their insurance policy covers multiple facets of their personal lives. With Jon’s help, they increased their coverage and save money.
Jon can help evaluate your needs to insure the basics like cars and homes, but there are other coverage options— like pet insurance, golf cart insurance (and other recreational vehicles), business insurance, personal property, and life insurance.
Jon’s favorite part of his job is helping people navigate these stressful and complex situations. Insurance should give you peace of mind. Carrie is proof that peace is possible, “I don’t worry about it. If anything happens, I know I’m covered.”
“Insurance shouldn’t be something you just ‘add to cart’ like a pair of shoes.”
A SAMPLE OF RECENTLY SOLD PROPERTIES AROUND MESA
This data is a sampling of sold properties from January 2025. Source: IRES MLS system.
INVEST IN A BEAUTIFUL HOME
ARTICLE BY ASHLEIGH UNDERWOOD
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SONJA STAFFORD
Premier Kitchen and Bath is the company you want to call when you are considering a remodel in your home. From your bathrooms, to your kitchen, to any room in your home, Premier Kitchen and Bath is there to make the process easy. Founded on the idea of bringing “seamless simplicity” to the remodeling process, Premier Kitchen and Bath has long surpassed that idea— creating beautiful spaces you want to stay and enjoy in your home.
“Home should be your sanctuary,” Stephanie tells me, more than once, throughout multiple conversations I got to have with her. This is a belief she carries to her core. Stephanie believes that your home should be exactly what you want it to be and is determined to bring your dreams for your home to reality.
Stephanie Olesen-Miller is the interior designer for the Mesa valley at Premier Kitchen and Bath. She comes from a wealth of experience, over twenty-five years alone in the construction industry, getting her start in design with a fabric and
wallpaper company. She has lived in many places throughout the United States but has made her home in the East Valley. She might not be a native but she knows interior design in the Valley. Listening to her speak about the differences in style between different neighborhoods throughout the East Valley is like taking an intro level design course. Even better, talking with Stephanie is like hanging out with a friend and you want to keep her talking, soaking up any and all information she is willing to share with you.
“I’m here to make sure our clients don’t make mistakes,” Stephanie tells me. Her design process is beautiful and simple, it revolves around you. It’s your home and you are the one that gets to live in it. Your home should be everything you want it to be. “What inspires them? What do they like? What pictures can they show me of what they love?” These are the questions that Stephanie tells me when asked about the design process and where it starts. Even something as obscure as “what shows are you watching and love?” can help Stephanie figure out your style and how to make your remodel amazing. Even if you only know what you don’t like, Stephanie can work with that, eventually finding out what you do like.
Stephanie’s superpower is being able to walk into a space and see it with nothing inside. Those things we tend to pick up and dislike immediately, like paint color, is something Stephanie can ignore as she goes through the space. She sees the potential, the possibility. Small things like paint color doesn’t deter her. She sees what could be from the start and it is what helps her get through to the end. Creating a beautiful home for her clients gets her to the finish line.
Premier Kitchen and Bath is a client centric company, everything revolves around you and what you want. Stephanie doesn’t design on trends because trends change. Stephanie aims for classic, timeless, and the type of comfort that will last for decades. Regardless of whether or not you have found your forever home, Stephanie and the whole team at Premier Kitchen and Bath will make sure that you’re covered for your home remodel because they do it all. They’re a one stop shop that ensures you are covered for your remodel.
APRIL 2025
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
APRIL 5TH
CycloMesa
| 9:00 AM
CycloMesa is an annual all-ages free event held in downtown Mesa. Join us for a fun-filled day full of all things cycling and encouraging an active lifestyle on Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 9 AM to 2 PM. More information about line up, activities, and vendors can be found at cyclomesa.mesa11.com
APRIL 5TH
Boardwalk
Saturday Market
4503 S Power Rd Mesa, Arizona | 9:00 AM
There are over twenty vendors that participate in Boardwalk Saturday Market and there are giveaway opportunities. You can find more information on Instagram @boardwalk market. Boardwalk Saturday Market is open from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM every Saturday in April.
APRIL 26TH
Scottsdale Jazz Festival
7380 East Second Street Scottsdale, AZ 85251 | 3:00 PM
Scottsdale Jazz Festival returns for its 14th year, alining with UNESCO’s International Jazz Day, and paying special tribute to Quincy Jones. Lawn tickets start at $65. Chair tickets start at $85. VIP tickets start at $245. Tickets can be purchased at scottsdaleperformingarts.org. Food and drink vendors will be on-site.
