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The Ladies Issue
I don’t know about you, but I love any opportunity to recognize the women in my life who make life beautiful. I think it’s important to acknowledge our peers and remind them how wonderful they are. We do not do this enough. I say it a lot. Words are important. Even the smallest comment could make someone’s day. As a woman, mother and business owner, I know firsthand how much I pour into my life, sometimes forgetting to pour into and recognize myself.
And of course, with Mother’s Day this month, all eyes are on moms. Every mom deserves to feel special every day, but this is a great time to make her feel extra special. Not having my mother here with me any longer, I’ve found much love and support from many wonderful women in my life. These women have been there through shed tears, fun adventures and long hard belly laughs. Proving that family is what we make it!
As I travel through my journey of life and meet many people, I’ve found friendships in places I never imagined. I’m connected to a circle of women that while we are all different, we also share so many similarities and there is comfort in knowing that while I can’t pick up the phone and call my mom, I can send a simple text or dial a number and there is support on the way. I’m also learning that asking for support is a very healing process. Because when you help someone else, you’re also helping yourself. It’s been an honor to help others when they need me too!
This issue you’ll learn about so many incredible women in our community. They’re pillars to the charities we give back to, networkers who move and shake around the community to make things happen and JUST AMAZING human beings. When you show love to people, show it boldly. That’s what I’m trying to do. If you want to connect with some of these amazing women, join us at our EmpowerUP 2025 event. If you don’t know about it, contact me for the details. It’s going to be a great day to show love to one another.
Cheers to you and all the wonderful women in your life!
Lux Content Co., Carlos Rodriguez, Masha Ray Photography
Corporate Team
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CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
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inside the issue
RED LIGHT THERAPY
the women of ourcommunity
MEET THE WOMEN WHO MAKE A HUGE IMPACT ON OUR SIDE OF TOWN.
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE NUMANN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LUX CONTENT CO.
Jen Verge
Whether through real estate, networking, or volunteering, Jen Verge makes it her mission to ensure people feel supported and valued. When hurricanes devastated our community, she posted a simple Facebook video asking for help, and the response was overwhelming. “Our community showed up like I have never seen before. People came to donate items, volunteer their time, and help their fellow community members, and it was so heartwarming to witness,” she recalls.
However, her commitment extends beyond disaster relief. As treasurer of Hub Life Charities Inc., advocate for
Hernando Hispanic Heritage, and Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce board member, Jenn leads with action, proving that strong communities thrive when people unite. She believes flourishing neighborhoods are not just about geography—they are about relationships, trust, and a collective commitment to improving life together.
“A thriving community is built on connection, inclusivity, and a shared purpose. It flourishes when people come together to support one another and create growth opportunities,” she says. And through her tireless efforts, Jen ensures that no one stands alone.
Yvette Behmer
Whether it is by faith or by service, Yvette Behmer is keen on fostering linkages as her goal. “It’s about collaboration, supporting each other, and building relationships. As a woman of faith, I believe in the power of love, kindness, and shared values, and I love sharing that with others,” she says.
From supporting veterans through the Lucas Macyszyn & Dyer Community Foundation to fundraising efforts with Lakewood Family Church and Rotary, it’s no secret that Yvette leads with her heart in our community. “Many years ago, our firm hosted a concert to honor active-duty military, veterans, and Gold Star families for their incredible service. As we moved through the crowd, asking people to share their stories, one thing became clear: they were so thankful that we, as a community, had not forgotten them. Their immense sacrifices and losses had been great, yet they were smiling and genuinely appreciative despite everything. It was clear that they felt seen and valued.”
She believes that community thrives when people connect with what drives them and their passions. “It’s about listening, watching people come together,
and knowing that no matter what each individual brings to the table, it’s all in God’s hands. He gives us our talents and has a plan for each of us.”
When it comes to service, she keeps it simple: listen, appear, and follow up. According to Yvette, genuine change is not always about being in every corner of the community but about being present where it is most needed—by organizing fundraisers, offering prayers to those in need, or helping local businesses through networking. She believes that faith will ensure that no one in her community ever feels alone.
Tina Gordon
For Tina Gordon, community represents a sense of belonging among those who live and work in a shared space.
A week into her role at NPR Main Street Inc., she walked into a meeting and was met with business owners advocating for changes in their town. “The lesson I learned about the importance of community will forever be stamped on my heart. I saw business owners working together to solve issues that benefited everyone rather than thinking of themselves,” she shared.
Tina has dedicated herself to our community—organizing events, supporting nonprofits, and ensuring everyone has a voice.
Angela
Mineo
For Angela Mineo, community is about connection—knowing that you’re not navigating life alone but surrounded by people who support and inspire you. It’s about having a space where people feel heard.
“I finally feel like someone is listening to me.” Those words from a client reminded Angela why she founded Cheval Wellness and why she leads the local Women Who Lead chapter of ABWA. “That moment reaffirmed why I do what I do—because women deserve to be heard, supported, and empowered,” she shared.
Through healthcare and everyday kindness, Angela is building a community where women thrive.
Lavonne Williams
Through Axe Hole NPR, Lavonne Williams has created more than just a business—she’s built a community where people find comfort. A space made for fun quickly became something she didn’t expect it to. “I was building a safe haven. A place where people could celebrate the joys of life and seek comfort during their worst days,” she emphasized.
As a Krewe de Forti and G2 Community Youth Foundation member, Lavonne leads by example, hosting fundraisers and providing support, a passion beyond her doors. “A thriving community lifts each other—without the need for recognition, just love.”
Nikki Burke
For Nikki Burke, community means sharing a sense of responsibility. Through her work in insurance, she ensures neighbors are protected, but her commitment doesn’t stop there. She volunteers in schools and supports organizations like Marjorie’s Hope.
Moving from South Florida, she felt the absence of connection. But in our area, she found something different. “It felt very isolated and that I didn’t belong. I moved to this area in 2013 and, here, the sense of community felt very natural,” she shared.
She believes strong communities thrive because of a deep sense of belonging.
Community is not just a location to Nikki Irwin. It’s people–a family of people taking care of one another. “To me, community means a sense of home, neighbors, and friends. We all come together for the greater good of each other and the space we all choose to call home,” she says.
She is a leader in Power Gal’s networking, a chapter that helps give to local organizations like PACE Center for Girls and Marjorie’s Hope. As an ambassador for Metropolitan Ministries, she continues to help those facing the struggles of being displaced find stability.
Nikki Irwin
Community is more than just a way to say you live in a closeknit area. For Angel Cook, to say she lives in a community means that the businesses and the residents actively support each other and provide various events and services that connect and grow together.
When the hurricanes hit, she witnessed neighbors become family in the face of devastation, and no act of kindness was too small. “From doing laundry for hurricane victims to delivering food to even answering the phones to get the
Angel Cook
information for those needing help, no one said ‘no, I can’t help.’ People were apologizing because they couldn’t do more. Our community showed that even helping one day, one hour, one time was enough when many people helped. It was just life-changing for me to witness and be a part of. I have never been prouder to live here after this experience.”
As a long-time advocate for connection, she has spent over twenty years organizing events, fostering collaboration, and ensuring that businesses and residents lift each other. She feels that a thriving community welcomes all voices, embraces change, and provides opportunities for new members to get involved.
She tries to bring new people into the community and invites them to join various groups and organizations that will help them grow their passion and interest.
“The value I have always tried to put first in the last several years is part of my Rotary test. ‘Is it fair to all concerned?’ I ask myself this whenever I do something that will affect my community. If I can answer yes, I know I am not thinking of myself but the community I am trying to help.”
Stephanie Woods
For Stephanie Woods, community means supporting each other, helping those in need, and cheering on those thriving within our community. It means being part of a large team. “Watching people lift and support one another is infectious,” she says. “It instills the importance of community in me.”
She helps with Trinity Chat Family Festival and contributes to local charities, including Huboween, which raised funds for parks and children in Pasco County. Her dedication proves that when we show up for each other, we don’t just build communities—we build hope.
Ann Gionta
Our community isn’t just where Ann Gionta lives—it’s who she is. Whether volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, supporting charities like Grace’s Food Pantry, or ensuring families have a joyful holiday through the Trinity Chat Toy Drive, giving back is what she believes makes all the difference. “We all have means to give, whether by volunteering through charities or helping a neighbor,” she emphasized.
“Do good when no one else is looking or needing to be recognized; that’s the reward—being selfless. It comes back tenfold,” she says, proving that the community rises when people lift each other.
Andrea Mastracchio
For Andrea Mastracchio, community is about being there for each other. “By donating our time and helping others, we unite as one,” she shared.
The appreciation of our neighbors drives this passion. “A Gold Star father came up to thank me at a fundraiser. His son had made the ultimate sacrifice, and his gratitude left a lasting impact. I’ve also seen kids’ faces at the RAP house light up when they receive a hot meal and the joy in their eyes,” she emphasized.
Andrea believes a community is based on trust and service so everyone can succeed.
Take
Personalized
Estate
Building
Expertise
IT’S A family affair
STRONG WOMEN HELP LEAD FAULKNER ELECTRIC FOR OVER 50 YEARS.
ARTICLE BY JOANN CHANG | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LUX CONTENT CO.
Strong businesses aren’t created by chance. And they don’t last for more than 50 years without a lot of hard work. It takes dedication and commitment. Two things the powerhouse women of Faulkner Electric, Valerie and Abbie Faulkner, have in spades.
“I think I was the first lady electrician in Pasco County,” shared Valerie. She’s very modest about her role in the company, but her guiding force is clear. After her husband, Bill Faulkner, started the business, Valerie joined him, answering the phones. After a slow down when they had to let go of their workers, Valerie decided it was time to take on a more active role. While he was skeptical at first, she quickly proved herself and became an integral part of the team. “As the years went by and I’m helping him, I could think of myself almost like a nurse with a doctor. He was doing the surgical, and I was handing things to him. I knew exactly what he needed,” explained Valerie.
Together, they grew the company and provided an example that their son Billy wanted to follow as well. He joined the crews during the summers as early as age 13. He did trade school during high school, and when he graduated, he joined the team full time. In 1992, at the age of 19, he was running crews for large jobs.
Abbie joining the company was a much different story. Joining the family business was never something she expected growing up. With her grandmother ready to retire and no one available to fill the role, their eyes turned to Abbie. “We talked about it a lot, because integrating another family member into a business is not always easy. We had to come to a lot of agreements. And all fell into place,” said Abbie. She jumped in with zeal and brought new life to the company. “I always wanted to bring success to myself and my family. I love my job. I love being able to employ our guys and make sure that they have a happy environment to work in. And I like to talk to our customers and make sure that they’re happy. At the end of the day, sometimes you look at a light switch and that’s all you see. You don’t see what’s behind the walls, but we want to make sure that our product is perfectly straight lines and we are producing the best quality work you can,” explained Abbie.
of my gender. Right after the storm, he had three feet of flood water in his home. I came there to give a price and he told me to get off his property.” While those experiences may be memorable, it doesn’t deter Abbie from recommending it to others, “It’s a great option for women to get into a field like this. There’s so many little details. A lot of women have that touch. And you can make a decent paycheck doing it.”
“I always wanted to bring success to myself and my family. I love my job.”
— Abbie Faulkner
Being a woman in a male dominated industry isn’t easy. “Most men were not too ecstatic to see me show up on a job,” shared Valerie. Abbie agreed, “People have totally rejected me because
While Abbie never expected to join Faulkner Electric as the third generation, she hopes to keep the business within the family in the future. “I don’t have any children yet, but if I do, that would be a cool thing to continue.” With women like Valerie and Abbie behind them, they are sure to succeed for generations to come.
FAULKNER ELECTRIC, INC.
Faulkner Electric has served west Pasco and surrounding communities for over 50 years. They can provide all your residential electrical needs from whole home upgrades to installing a new boat lift or EV charger and much more. They are proud to be a multigenerational family business giving back to their community. Learn more at faulkner4electric.com
Spoiling Mom Head To Toe
Why not make Mother’s Day a day of beauty and me time for her? Start with beauty solutions for the skin to make it glow naturally. After a deep cleanse, these treatments will reveal her face as fresh and hydrated. Follow up with luxurious waxing services for silky-smooth skin.
A professional colorist can make her hair shine with dimensional highlights that give her a natural depth of color. If she feels adventurous, an expert stylist can easily blend hues to create a beautiful outlook for someone who loves vibrant colors.
For curly hair, specialized techniques like scrunching can enhance her natural texture and deliver beautifully defined curls, or the curly girl method, which focuses more on moisturizing and the health of her hair.
Take her to the salon and make it a day as beautiful and individual as she is.
5
Top Left: Get your wax on by booking with Tegan. Bottom Left: Hydrate your skin by scheduling with Brielle. Middle: If you’re looking for bold, vibrant colors, schedule with Brian. Top Right: Book with Trinity for luscious curls. Bottom Right: For dimensional highlights, book with Sheehan.
Ways to Spoil Mom at Cabelo Salon. ARTICLE
Designs- Tailor your playset to suit your space, style, and children’s imagination.
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Building Empires and Packing Lunches: These Women Do It All.
Working It
The morning rush is a familiar dance—packing lunches and double-checking backpacks before the day begins. Beyond the school drop-offs and bedtime stories, these mothers also lay the foundations for their businesses. Balancing both worlds is no easy feat. It’s a challenge embraced with heart.
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE NUMANN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY LUX CONTENT CO./CARLOS RODRIGUEZ
Krystle Digiovanna
For Krystle, owner of 30 Minute Hit Odessa, motherhood and entrepreneurship are intertwined—both require resilience. She isn’t just building a business; she’s setting an example for her children.
“Being a mom has pushed me outside of my comfort zone in ways I never expected,” she shared. “I want to show my kids that you can seize new opportunities without fear.”
She remains focused on what’s most important to her through every sacrifice. “I want my children to see that hard work and perseverance pay off. If you believe in something, commit to it wholeheartedly and show up for yourself.”
Rose Purvee
For Rose Purvee, founder of Sunflower Socials, a lesson learned is setting boundaries and being intentional with time. “I give my clients set hours, and when I’m with my kids, I’m fully with them,” she shared. “I don’t answer calls or scroll through my phone. That way, I don’t feel guilty—I know I’m showing up for my family and business.”
Her morning starts with affirmations with her boys on the way to school before diving into a packed schedule with content creation and client meetings. It’s not about doing it all but being present for what matters most.
Jennifer Ott
For Jennifer Ott, founder of the First Lady of Realty, balancing motherhood and business is about defining priorities. After serving in the military and working in the hospitality industry, she transitioned into real estate because of its flexibility. This allowed her to be fully present for her family while still pursuing a fulfilling career.
She also homeschools her son, shifting from carpool lines to lesson plans. She’s learned the power of setting boundaries and asking for help. “You can’t do everything alone, and you don’t have to,” she says. “Speak up, delegate, and protect the time that matters most.”
ARTICLE BY JOANN CHANG | PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMY WALTERS/MASHA RAY PHOTOGRAPHY
HELPING New Port Richey SHINE
AMY WALTERS, PUBLISHER OF NEW PORT RICHEY CITY LIFESTYLE, SHINES A SPOTLIGHT ON NEW PORT RICHEY AND TRINITY.
For anyone who’s had the pleasure of meeting Amy Walters, Publisher of New Port Richey City Lifestyle, it’s clear New Port Richey is a special place for her. It’s a place she found new hope for her and her children. She found solace in her community and after years of heartache, she looked for a way to shed the past and bring new energy, not just to herself, but to those in the community that inspired her.
Amy is always looking for ways to lift up those around her and share her mission to shine a light on the people and businesses in this place she calls home. Here, Amy shares more about herself and why New Port Richey City Lifestyle is so important to her.
“There’re so many great things going on in this community and such a great resurgence happening. I wanted to be a part of that.”
The Voluntary Prekindergarten Program (VPK) is a free program for all
What have you learned about our community in your journey with New Port Richey City Lifestyle?
There are so many inspirational people around every corner. I’ve met people giving back to RAP House because of the help they received as a teenager. So many worthy organizations lifting up those around us, like Metropolitan Ministries, PACE Center for Girls and so many more. I love meeting all the entrepreneurs investing in our community - putting everything they have into businesses to help grow our community. It’s truly inspiring!
How can the community get involved?
I love to hear from our readers! If you have a story to tell, I want to hear it. Anyone can reach out to me directly at amy.walters@citylifestyle.com and visit citylifestyle.com/newportrichey to learn more about the magazine and how they can get involved.
