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Let’s Hear It For The Girls!
There’s something truly special about taking a moment to recognize the women in our lives who make the world more vibrant and beautiful. Whether it’s our mothers, daughters, friends, or colleagues, these women are often the silent forces that shape our days and make life richer.
With Mother’s Day this month, our thoughts naturally turn to all those incredible women—biological mothers and mother figures alike—who have made an unforgettable impact on us. It’s the teachers, the friends, the neighbors, and the family members who offer their love, wisdom, and support in countless ways.
I’ve been lucky to have a number of incredible women in my life. From my own mother, my sisters, and incredible friends, I’ve been blessed with strong women dedicated to lifting up others. I do my best to live up to their example every day!
This month, as we celebrate these remarkable women, I also want to encourage you to support local businesses owned by women in our community. One of my favorite parts of this job is connecting with and championing the incredible women here in New Port Richey. From movers and shakers to makers and builders, these women bring so much to the table, both seen and unseen. Their contributions, often behind the scenes, create beauty and impact that cannot be replicated.
Take a moment this month to recognize the women in your life. Send a text, make a phone call, or arrange a video call with the women who have made a difference for you. It’s a simple but powerful way to brighten someone’s day and remind them how much they’re loved.
Here’s to celebrating the women who make life so much more meaningful. Happy Mother’s Day and cheers to the ladies who inspire us every day!
Happy May!
JOANN CHANG, MANAGING EDITOR @NEWPORTRICHEYCITYLIFESTYLE
May 2026
PUBLISHER
Amy Walters | amy.walters@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
JoAnn Chang | joann.chang@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Michelle Numann | michelle.numann@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Sunflower Socials | rose@sunflowersocials.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
JoAnn Chang, Amy Walters, Michelle Numann
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
JoAnn Chang, Magical Memories Photography, Lux Content Co., Tampa Surgical Arts, Dr. Steve Knobl
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford
LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
Reclaiming
When
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
WHEN YOUR REFLECTION NO LONGER FEELS LIKE YOURSELF.
RECLAIMING YOURSELF
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE NUMANN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MAGICAL MEMORIES PHOTOGRAPHY/TAMPA SURGICAL ARTS
“WHEN ABDOMINAL MUSCLES SEPARATE AFTER PREGNANCY, THAT’S SOMETHING THE GYM ALONE CANNOT CORRECT.”
There comes a point when the reflection in the mirror feels unfamiliar. A softened waistline, skin that has lost its firmness, or features that no longer reflect the energy someone feels inside can leave many people searching for answers beyond diet and exercise.
“Many patients feel they’ve reached the limit of what diet and exercise alone can change,” shared Dr. Manik Bedi, owner of Tampa Surgical Arts.
For some women, the challenge begins after pregnancy. Even with consistent workouts and healthy routines, the body does not always return to its previous shape.
“When abdominal muscles separate after pregnancy, that’s something the gym alone cannot correct,” explained Dr. Bedi. Known as rectus diastasis, the condition creates a gap in the abdominal wall that often requires surgical repair.
Because of these types of changes, combination procedures designed to restore balance to the body have become increasingly common. One of the most frequently discussed options is the mommy makeover, which typically combines a tummy procedure with breast surgery and sometimes fat transfer. Despite the name, the procedure is not limited to
These specialized compression garments from Tampa Surgical Arts are thoughtfully selected to support healing after procedures, helping promote optimal results.
“WE’RE SEEING A STRONG TREND TOWARD BALANCED, NATURAL RESULTS THAT MATCH A PATIENT’S BODY FRAME. THE GOAL IS FOR SOMEONE TO LOOK REFRESHED AND CONFIDENT WITHOUT IT BEING OBVIOUS WHAT PROCEDURE WAS PERFORMED.”
mothers. Patients who have experienced major weight loss or body changes over time may benefit from similar approaches.
Deciding whether plastic surgery is the right choice is rarely about age. Instead, physicians emphasize readiness and health. “There really isn’t an upper age limit. The most important factors are that a patient is healthy and mentally prepared for the procedure,” shared Dr. Bedi.
Patients typically begin with a consultation, sharing their goals, concerns, and medical history, before meeting directly with the surgeon to discuss realistic expectations and treatment options. The goal is not transformation for the sake of appearance, but thoughtful improvements that align with each individual’s body and lifestyle.
Selecting the right surgeon is one of the most important decisions in the process. Board certification, hospital privileges, and accreditation of the surgical facility are key factors patients should evaluate when researching providers. Feeling comfortable with the surgeon and their team is equally important. “Ensure the surgeon is board-certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery or the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and the surgeon has hospital privileges and a transfer
agreement. When you look online, in person, or through social media, confirm you’re seeing results you like,” said Dr. Bedi.
At the same time, experts advise patients to trust their instincts when making decisions. If a consultation feels rushed, a clinic pressures patients into procedures, or surgeons are constantly changing, those may be signs that a practice may not have the patient’s best interests in mind.
Recovery is another important part of the conversation. For many procedures, patients can expect approximately two to three weeks of social downtime while the body heals. Light walking is encouraged immediately after surgery to promote circulation, while more strenuous activity is typically avoided for several weeks. “If you’re going back to work, you can do some really light activity at work, no real heavy lifting for about six weeks. That’s nothing greater than 10 pounds,” advised Dr. Bedi.
While the initial recovery takes a few weeks, final results develop gradually. Swelling decreases over several months, and scars typically fade as the body heals.
Real Patient. Photo Credit: Tampa Surgical Arts
The philosophy behind cosmetic surgery has also evolved in recent years. Rather than pursuing dramatic changes, patients today are increasingly interested in natural-looking results that complement their body proportions.
“We’re seeing a strong trend toward balanced, natural results that match a patient’s body frame. The goal is for someone to look refreshed and confident without it being obvious what procedure was performed,” shared Dr. Bedi.
Ultimately, the motivation behind these procedures often goes deeper than appearance. Many patients describe the experience as regaining a sense of confidence they had lost over time.
The most meaningful moments often come during follow-up visits, when patients begin to see the results of their decisions “When patients tell us they feel confident in their own skin again, that’s the most rewarding outcome. We recently saw a mom of two, about two months after surgery, who shared that she finally felt confident enough to wear a two-piece bikini again. That’s the proof in the pudding,” shared Dr. Bedi.
Plastic surgery is not about stopping the aging process. Aging itself is a natural and meaningful part of life. Instead, the goal for many patients is simply to restore harmony between how they feel and what they see in the mirror.
Tampa Surgical Arts
Tampa Surgical Arts brings together two board-certified cosmetic surgeons whose specialties complement one another, offering patients a wide range of advanced procedures tailored to their goals.
Dr. Manik Bedi specializes in advanced body contouring techniques, including high-definition liposculpture, liposuction contouring, and fat transfer to the buttock area, commonly known as a Brazilian Butt Lift. He also performs waist rib remodeling, a specialized technique used to contour and refine the waistline.
Dr. Tolomeo focuses on complex breast procedures, including breast reconstruction and revision surgery, as well as abdominoplasty procedures such as tummy tucks designed to repair abdominal muscle separation and restore abdominal contour.
To learn more about available procedures or schedule a consultation, visit www.tampasurgicalarts.com.
Power to the People
EMPOWER UP IS LIFTING UP WOMEN IN OUR COMMUNITY.
ARTICLE BY AMY WALTERS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY LUX CONTENT CO.
Each May, a powerful energy fills Spartan Manor in New Port Richey. The place where women from across Tampa Bay gather for a day centered around connection, encouragement, and community impact. The annual EmpowerUP Event has quickly grown into a meaningful celebration of the women who work every day to shape our communities, support their families, and create positive change.
The event was founded by Amy Walters, publisher of New Port Richey City Lifestyle, with a simple idea: women deserve one day to celebrate themselves together. In many ways, women spend much of their time supporting others and building businesses, raising families, volunteering, and helping strengthen the
“I WANTED TO GIVE WOMEN THE CHANCE TO COME TOGETHER AND REMEMBER THE GIFT THEY ARE TO THEIR FAMILY AND THEIR COMMUNITY.”
communities around them. EmpowerUP was created to pause for a moment and recognize the value of those contributions.
“I wanted to give women the chance to come together and remember the gift they are to their family and their community,” said Walters.
This year the day will begin with shopping from more than 25 vendors from across Tampa Bay. The vendor marketplace highlights small businesses and entrepreneurs, creating an opportunity for guests to support local brands while discovering new products and ideas.
Among the vendors participating this year is Wearable Words Company, founded by registered nurse Jodi Olsen. Her bracelets feature empowering words meant to inspire and uplift the people who wear them. The inspiration behind the brand comes from Olsen’s aunt Marilyn, who spent her life helping others through her work in the mental health field. Each bracelet carries a message designed to remind people of their strength and resilience.
One of the highlights of the day will be the keynote address from Julie Johnson Winetraub, co-owner of The Gold and Diamond Source and founder of the nonprofit organization Hands Across the Bay. Known for her leadership and dedication to helping others, Winetraub will share a message centered on giving back to the universe and choosing to be a positive influence in the lives of those around us.
The event also supports several charitable organizations, with a portion of the proceeds being donated to three nonprofits doing important work in the community. Hands Across the Bay was founded to assist and mentor hardworking families in need, advocate for change, support other organizations, and spread love through acts of kindness.
Warrior 321 will also receive a portion of the proceeds. The organization focuses on fighting human trafficking through education, training, and advocacy. Their volunteers work to raise awareness and provide communities with tools to help protect vulnerable individuals.
CONTINUED >
EMPOWERUP 2026
The 2026 EmpowerUp event is ready to lift up local women and empower them to take on the challenges facing them in the upcoming year! This pivotal event will be held on May 15th at Spartan Manor in New Port Richey. The event is still looking for local businesses to sponsor to help three great non-profit organizations: Hands Across the Bay, Warrior 321, and The Rope Center. If you or someone you know is interested in sponsoring, becoming a vendor, or attending, please visit empowerupflorida.com or reach out directly to Amy.walters@citylifetstyle. com . We look forward to seeing you there!
The third organization receiving support is The Rope Center, which provides food, clothing, and shelter to individuals experiencing homelessness. Through outreach and daily support services, the organization helps restore dignity and hope to people facing difficult circumstances.
This year will also mark the first recognition of four Women of Influence. These women will be honored during the event on May 15th in front of the audience, though their identities will remain a surprise until the day of the event.
EmpowerUP would not be possible without the many volunteers and sponsors who support the mission behind the event. The presenting sponsor for EmpowerUP 2026 is Cheval Wellness. Dr. Angela Mineo has dedicated her work to helping women better understand hormone balance and weight loss. During the event, she will share a message of encouragement and hope.
At its heart, EmpowerUP is about women coming together to celebrate one another. Guests are encouraged to bring a friend, make new connections, and spend the day sharing in what it truly means to empower each other.
work of the heart
The importance of early childhood educators can’t be overstated.
Our children are our greatest treasure. They light up our lives and bring hope for the future. When it comes to their education, especially in the important formative years, the importance of the providers and teachers surrounding them is paramount. May 8th is National Provider Appreciation Day and the perfect time to celebrate the caregivers we entrust our children to all year long.
The team at Early Learning Coalition of Pasco & Hernando (ELCPH) understands just how valuable our providers and early childhood educators are to the community. “We want to make a point of honoring our preschool teachers for all they do for children and families throughout the year,” explained Dr. Steve Knobl, Executive Director of Early Learning Coalition of Pasco & Hernando.
ELCPH was established to create a supportive community for children to be successful in school and life. ELCPH supports children and early education providers through their management of the Florida Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program, a free educational program funded by the state to prepare 4-year-olds for kindergarten. ELC oversees more than 325 provider programs, ensuring they have the skills and resources to prepare children for school
and focus on early literacy, executive function, and social and emotional skills. “We serve roughly 6000 kids in the two counties for VPK. Roughly 90% of the child’s brain develops by the time they enter the kindergarten doors. There’s a lot of work to be done, and the first five years are critical for a child’s school readiness,” shared Dr. Knobl.
“Our team also manages the School Readiness (SR) program, which serves more than 3400 children each day across our communities. The subsidy program offers families that qualify a reduced cost for childcare. We serve children from birth to age 12 for both full-time and part-time services. We encourage families to always apply and let our team determine if they qualify,” added Dr. Knobl.
The providers and early childhood educators responsible for that task take their jobs seriously. “We have children who enroll at age one or two, and they’ll stay with us till the end of the VPK
ARTICLE BY JOANN CHANG | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOANN CHANG/DR. STEVE KNOBL
school year. We get attached to them. By the time that child is four or five, Learn & Play Preschool’s been with that child for two-thirds of their life. The impact we’ve made is very large,” shared Haris Horozovic, owner and operator of Learn & Play Preschool and Provider Representative on the ELCPH Board of Directors.
At Learn & Play, they focus on showing their commitment and appreciation to their teachers in a number of ways. “We do lunch for the teachers, and everyone feels appreciated,” shared Horozovic. These are hearty comfort
foods made by his mother, enjoyed by everyone. But Learn & Play also helps teachers grow in their careers as well, directing them towards programs that help them secure their CDA and associate degree through the TEACH Early Childhood® Scholarship Program. “If you want to work in this field, and if you want to advance yourself, there is a path to doing it,” added Horozovic.
Many wonder how best to show their appreciation to their child’s teacher. For Haris, that answer is simple. “Kindness. Just having a good relationship with your child’s teacher is how we feel appreciated the most.” There are many ways to show support. You can donate to organizations like ELCPH to help fund programs that support local opportunities or volunteer to read in a classroom. Whatever way you choose to honor early childhood teachers, it will be appreciated. For them, it’s not just a job–it’s work of the heart.
FRESH FLAVORS: Vino and Vibes
The perfect place to enjoy a crisp white or robust red.
ARTICLE BY AMY WALTERS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MAGICAL MEMORIES PHOTOGRAPHY
Just off Adams Street, in the heart of downtown New Port Richey, there is a new gem for the city to enjoy. Vino and Vibes opened its doors, and the owners, Carla Smith and Nancy Hegr, could not be prouder to share this new space with the community.
Carla knew in her early twenties that she someday wanted to own a restaurant. Her path took her to owning a hair salon for many years, and one day, while talking with long-term client turned friend, Nacy Hegr, she expressed a desire to open a wine bar, and Nancy said she do too! That day, the concept of Vino and Vibes was born.
Patrons will enjoy a very well thought menu that has small scrumptious bites like Panko Crusted Deviled Eggs and traditional charcuterie to full entrees including Roasted Rosemary Chicken and Lobster Mac & Cheese. “I have to give a lot of our credit to our chef. He has a twist on everything that we couldn’t even imagine. We didn’t want to be just a charcuterie place,” shared Smith.
Carla and Nancy knew they wanted to be downtown and part of the growth that is taking place. As soon as Carla saw the space inside the old arcade downtown, she knew this was where Vino and Vibes was meant to be. The clean lines and beautiful bar are the perfect place to enjoy a crisp white wine or robust red. The space was designed to have a relaxed atmosphere that pairs with exceptional service.
Open Tuesday through Sunday, there is plenty of time to enjoy the live music, ranging from a live violinist to acoustic jazz to set the mood. Vino and Vibes is also ready to host your next meaningful event. Bring your friends to celebrate. Their motto is ‘Come, bring your family, and become part of theirs’!
LAKESIDE RELAXATION
MOUNT DORA AND THE LAKESIDE INN OFFER ULTIMATE LAKESIDE RELAXATION.
Some days the demands of the world are just too much. Too many meetings. Endless calls and emails. You just need to get away to a place where you can unwind and relax. A place that feels immune to all the technology and demands hounding you daily. The Lakeside Inn, in the charming town of Mount Dora, could be just the escape you need!
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY
BY JOANN CHANG
The history of Mount Dora and Lakeside Inn has been intertwined for over 140 years. “The hotel opened in 1883, and at the time, it was the only hotel around,” shared Dylan Leigh Gamez, Marketing & Public Relations Manager
for Lakeside Inn. Built during the height of the Victorian Era, it’s the oldest continuously operated hotel in the State of Florida. At the time, the central lake region of Florida was a very attractive destination for those in northern cities needing an escape from the cold. Locals advertised it as the ‘mountains of Florida’ as a way to entice travelers – and it worked well. Many took the weeklong trip aboard a lake steamer from New York, through the chain of lakes to Lake Dora to enjoy time spent at the hotel now known as Lakeside Inn.
Eventually, Henry Flagler’s train system made the area more accessible, with the station a short walk from the hotel doors. “Over the years, different buildings were added. There’s been so many changes and so many interesting guests,” shared Gamez. One of the most touted guests is President Calvin Coolidge and his wife, Grace. “They stayed for a month. They had a little area where they overlooked the lake, and they came here just to decompress,” added Gamez.
The features that attracted the earliest visitors are still some of the hotel’s greatest features. “It’s the only place where you’re going to get a view like this of both the sunset and the lake. When you check-in, it feels like you’re taking a step back in time. When you see people come here, they just take a breath the moment they walk in the front door. You can just pull up one of the rockers with your coffee and a book, or a cocktail at night. You could go out on the
dock, watch the world go by and not deal with all the daily stress. There’s not really any better, more relaxing place,” shared Gamez.
When you’re ready for a bit of distraction, the town of Mount Dora has plenty to offer. Whether you’re spending time with a special someone, relaxing with family, or getting away with the girls, you’ll find fun activities for everyone. From Segway tours, museums, boat tours along Dora Canal, electric carriage rides and historical ghost tours to one of the many festivals and themed weekends, there’s always something to do in Mount Dora. “Whether you just want to relax or whether you’re more the adventurous type, you can really kind of find your niche here, whatever it is you’re looking to do,” added Gamez. Mount Dora and Lakeside Inn are an especially great option for a girl’s weekend. You can relax poolside, walk to the historic district to shop, and enjoy a fun pub crawl to top off the night. Mount Dora is considered a great shopping destination, featuring
“It’s the only place where you’re going to get a view like this of both the sunset and the lake. When you check-in, it feels like you’re taking a step back in time.”
eclectic artisan shops and many antique stores among the fun boutiques and traditional tourist offerings.
For food lovers, there are a wealth of options to explore. Lakeside offers southern classics in its main dining room at The Beauclaire, its pub Tremain’s Tavern, outside at The Verandah, or even poolside at the Waterside Bar. “We have an award-winning chicken pot pie. We are also known for one of our historic signature recipes, our tomato pie. It’s very old South,” shared Gamez. Just a few steps away in historic Mount Dora, you’ll find foodie favorites like 1921, Goblin Market, Pisces Rising, and the Mount Dora Marketplace.
But what makes Lakeside Inn really stand out is the people. From the friendly faces at check-in to the kind wait staff, their primary goal is to make sure you have a wonderful stay. The moment you walk in, you feel like you’re visiting friends and family at a vacation home, not a boutique inn. No request is overlooked. They go out of their way to offer recommendations or craft an experience to fit your needs. “It is unlike anywhere you’ve probably stayed before. The floors will creak. It is a historic hotel. But it is so incredibly charming. The people who work here, the owners, take such pride in it. And that love that goes into it from both the owners and the staff is really what makes it such a unique place.”
When the demands of the day get too much, head north to Mount Dora and Lakeside Inn to find a cure. It offers the southern hospitality and lakeside relaxation that can soothe even the most tired soul.
ABOUT LAKESIDE INN
Stepping into Lakeside Inn is like stepping back in time. This historic boutique hotel offers 90 guest rooms and suites full of antiques and charm in the heart of Mount Dora, about 100 miles and a 2-hour drive from New Port Richey.
Lakeside offers southern classics in its main dining room at The Beauclaire, its pub Tremain’s Tavern, outside at The Verandah, and poolside at the Waterside Bar.
To learn more about the hotel, special offers available, or to make a reservation, call 1-800-556-5016 or visit lakeside-inn.com.
Lakeside Inn
100 North Alexander Street Mount Dora, FL 32757
