WOM EN OF NOR TH PEORIA
ARTS + CULTURE
COUNTRY STAR SHARI ROWE COMES HOME
FOOD + BEVERAGE WOMEN IN HOSPITALITY
May—Women of the West Valley
Mother’s Day. Nobody has a better mother than I do.
It’s true—and I’d bet many of you feel the same about your own. My mom is a force of nature: warm, unwavering, and always right there. She has an intuitive way of knowing what’s needed—a quiet hug, a warm meal, or a word of encouragement whispered at just the right time. She is a model of strength in a storm, and she raised me with that very grit and grace, teaching me that love isn’t always loud—it’s in the little things, the everyday moments that hold us together. Most importantly, she taught me to listen to that little voice inside—your intuition—because it’s our ultimate guide.
As we celebrate Mother’s Day this month, I find myself thinking about all the incredible women in our North Peoria community who mother in ways big and small. Whether you’re raising young children, nurturing grown ones, running your business, leading a classroom, mentoring someone quietly from behind the scenes, or showing up for your neighbors—your presence matters more than you know.
Mothers anchor us. They feed us—not just with food, but with wisdom, comfort, stability, and strength. They nourish our homes, our communities, and our hearts. You’ll see those stories reflected throughout this issue—from women cultivating small businesses and creating beauty in unexpected places to those who lift others simply by showing up, again and again.
So to every mom, stepmom, grandmother, mother figure, and nurturer: thank you. Your work often goes unseen, but its impact is everywhere. This month, we honor you for all that you do and all that you are.
JULIE LACROIX, PUBLISHER
@NORTHPEORIALIFESTYLE
May 2025
PUBLISHER
Julie LaCroix | julie.lacroix@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Susan Lanier-Graham
susan.lanier-graham@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Nichole Eckman | nichole.eckman@citylifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
Mimi Slawoff | mslawoff@gmail.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Nichole Eckman | nichole.eckman@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Jen David | jen.david@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Angela Broockerd, Angel Fuchs, Susan LanierGraham, Amy Salvagno, Sydnee Wilson
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Janie Jones, Amy Salvagno
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto
LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
ARTICLE BY SUSAN LANIER-GRAHAM
WOMEN IN HOSPITALITY
SOME OF THE INCREDIBLE WOMEN LEADING THE WEST VALLEY CULINARY SCENE
The food scene in the West Valley is rapidly changing, and some incredible women are leading that evolution, thriving in the demanding hospitality industry.
As Jennifer Garrett, General Manager of North Italia in Peoria, says, “It’s an industry that expects you to care deeply and give your all, whether a guest is celebrating a milestone or finding solace after a loss.”
Each of these six incredible women is answering that demand, bringing exceptional hospitality to North Peoria.
Postino Wine Cafe.
Photo by Jenn Duncan
“We offer many daily specials, so there’s always a reason to come and enjoy happy hour, fresh salads, bruschetta, and your custom pizza creation!”
Brooklyn-born Tommasina Mamola has lived in the Valley since 1987. Her parents, originally from Italy, owned a pizzeria in Brooklyn, so the restaurant industry is in her blood. She fell in love with the industry and, with the help of her cousin, Franco, has opened four restaurant concepts, including North Peoria’s CHAR Pizzeria Napoletana (CHARPizzeria.com).
“I am most proud of what I was able to do with CHAR in respect to my family heritage,” shares Mamola. “I would not have been able to do any of this without the support of my cousin and team.”
She explains that CHAR is a true Neapolitan pizzeria with a Vera Pizza Napoletana (VPN) certification. “The certification recognizes our woodfired brick oven, hand-stretched dough made with ‘00’ Caputo flour, fresh San Marzano tomato sauce, and a huge assortment of fresh ingredients.”
Mamola finds many benefits to being a woman in an often male-dominated industry. “I lead by example and have great compassion for my team,” she explains. “I especially love it when a guest wants to tell my boss what a great job I’m doing!”
“My biggest reward,” explains Mamola, “is a happy guest, especially when they tell me how much our pizza reminds them of their time in Italy!”
Tommasina Mamola
Photo by Nichole Eckman
“I’ve always been drawn to the energy of restaurants— the way they bring people together, create shared experiences, and turn simple moments into lasting memories.”
Lauren Bailey
Lauren Bailey moved to Arizona to attend Arizona State University and has never left. Today, she and her partner, Kevin, raise their 11-yearold son, Blake, in the Valley of the Sun.
She is CEO and Co-Founder of Upward Projects, the parent company behind Valley favorites Postino WineCafe (PostinoWineCafe.com), Joyride Taco House, Windsor, Churn, and Federal Pizza. The newest Postino is at The Park at 83 in Peoria.
Bailey believes hospitality was her destiny. “It didn’t take me long to figure out that it encapsulated everything I love—people, art, food, and making people happy.”
Bailey fell in love with the industry and sees the role of women in hospitality as a challenge. She believes in carving her own path and figuring things out rather than focusing on the difficulties.
“I’ve been fortunate to build Upward Projects with a culture that values inclusion, creativity, and leadership at every level—regardless of gender,” explains Bailey.
“Our restaurants are rooted in the idea of bringing people together over incredible food and drink, all in spaces that feel like a second home,” says Bailey. “Each of our brands is designed to be a gathering place where hospitality feels effortless and every detail, from the food to the music to the lighting, is intentional.”
Photo courtesy Upward Projects
“I've always enjoyed cooking and am a secret science nerd fascinated by the science of cooking. Food brings people together all over the world.”
Chrissy Cetwinski
Chrissy Cetwinski acknowledges that hospitality is a demanding industry. “Hospitality is not for the thin-skinned. It’s ever-changing, unforgiving on the mind and body, and you must be able to take opinions and criticism.”
At age 12, she got her first restaurant job in her native Chicago, bussing tables at a local Chinese restaurant. “I was in awe watching the process of taking a few ingredients and creating something beautiful and tasty,” remembers Cetwinski.
Although she stayed home to raise her two kids, Nathan, now 29, and Alexis, 24, she took on management positions as they grew older, learning the back-of-thehouse, bar, and office sides of the business.
When she and her late husband, Nick, moved to Vistancia in 2008, Cetwinski quickly embraced her new home in North Peoria. “Entertaining at my home for family and friends, throwing lavish parties just because, became a habit,” she explains. “Soon, people asked me to make menus and cook for their parties.”
Today, Cetwinski owns Gourmade By Chrissy (GourmadeByChrissy.com), where she curates the best events for her clients. “I love sharing people’s most memorable days and events with them,” she says. “I try to remove the worry of event planning so they can concentrate on their day.”
Photo courtesy
Photography by Chanda
“Hospitality is about creating experiences and connections. It's a place where passion, leadership, and human connection come together—an incredible thing to be a part of.”
Jennifer Garrett
Third-generation Arizona native Jennifer Garrett was initially drawn to the hospitality industry for the food. “But over time,” she explains, “I realized it was the people and the controlled chaos of a restaurant that truly stole my heart. That magical moment when passion, teamwork, and chaos collide is where I thrive—it’s what fuels my love for connection and hospitality.”
Garrett grew up surrounded by food. Her mother loved bringing people together, creating warmth and laughter around the table. Garrett started as a host with Fox Restaurant Concepts in 2016 and has worked her way through nearly every position and across brands. Now, as the General Manager of the new North Italia in Peoria (NorthItalia.com), she feels she has found her forever home in the industry. “I’ve been a General Manager [of various North Italia locations] for years now, and it’s been an amazing journey full of growth, challenges, and strong leadership,” she explains.
Garrett, who lives in the West Valley, is passing her love of restaurants on to her son. He was stretching pizza dough at age six, bussing tables at age seven, and is taking his first culinary arts elective as a seventh grader. According to Garrett, her son loves showing off his knife skills, which he claims he “got from his mama!”
Photo courtesy North Italia
Kristine Short
“Hospitality isn’t a job you clock in and out of—it’s a way of life. It thrives on precision, responsiveness, and the ability to create something memorable in real time.”
Kristine Short not only got her first hospitality job at age 15, but she also met her future husband and business partner that year. She embraced both and has never looked back.
“Martha Stewart inspired me,” Short says. “Not just for her creativity, but for how she transformed atmosphere, conviviality, and memory-making into a dynamic, multi-faceted business. I love the idea that hospitality isn’t just about food—it’s about the experience, the details, and how people feel in a space.”
Short is the powerhouse behind Atlasta Catering (AtlastaCatering.com), one of the brands that is part of Steve Short Culinary Team (SteveShortCulinaryTeam. com). Along with Atlasta, the Shorts are behind Cellar9 beverage catering, Casual Catering, Campus Provisions, which offers chef-centric on-location hospitality management, Short Hospitality, and Clear Stock Consulting, which advises hospitality clients.
Atlasta is a full-scale hospitality powerhouse. “We don’t just serve food,” explains Short. “We craft immersive experiences that foster connection, atmosphere, and lasting memories.” She explains that Atlasta operates like a restaurant, offering fresh, flavorful, chef-driven cuisine.
Like the other female hospitality superstars in this issue, Short describes the industry as constantly evolving. “It demands adaptability and foresight,” says Short. Their priorities are workforce development, sustainability, economic fluctuations, and supply chain unpredictability—all without compromising the guest experience.
Photo courtesy Atlasta Catering
Emily Ganem
“Restaurants are built on people, from the frontof-house team, which creates a welcoming atmosphere, to the back-of-house team, which ensures every plate is perfect.”
Arizona native Emily Ganem co-owns Sky Restaurant Concepts with her husband, Parker. “It has been a team effort,” explains Ganem, “combining our strengths to create restaurants that bring people together.”
She explains that each concept— North Peoria-based Squid Ink Sushi Bar (SquidInkSushi.com), Urban Agave (Urban-Agave.com), and the soon-toopen Sparrow, along with Phoenix-based Highball Cocktail Bar—is more than just food. “It’s about the experience, the community, and creating spaces where people love to gather,” says Ganem.
She points to “an incredible team of powerhouse women” who help drive Sky Restaurant Concepts’ success. Libby Estes is Director of Operations for the West Valley concepts, Libby Lingua is the partner and operator at Highball, and Cynthia Ganem is the accounting lead. Emily Ganem and Estes agree that while one of the biggest challenges is maintaining consistency while adapting to an ever-changing industry, it’s worth it. “The biggest reward is seeing a restaurant thrive,” explains Estes. “When the energy is high, service is seamless, and guests have an incredible experience.”
Ganem agrees. “It’s about those moments when everything clicks, from a bartender crafting the perfect cocktail to a guest becoming a regular because they feel at home in our space,” she says. “The relationships we build—both with our team and our guests—make this industry so rewarding.”
Photo courtesy Ganem Companies
ARTICLE BY SYDNEE WILSON PHOTOGRAPHY
BY
SHARI ROWE
The Country Music Artist Returns Home to Arizona and Embraces the West Valley
Shari Rowe's
Homecoming
Southwestern songstress Shari Rowe has always been drawn to wide open spaces and the feeling of freedom in her life and music. The Arizona native has traveled the world with her magnetic melodies and vibrant storytelling, but the Wild West always ropes her back in, no matter how far she's gone. Rowe recently traded the wild nights and city lights in Nashville, Tennessee, for some space to breathe and create in Peoria, Arizona.
“I feel very inspired being out here in the West,” says Rowe. “As a writer, I draw a lot of inspiration from nature, and Arizona is so unique. Because it's the Wild West, it feels free and open, and I feel most like myself here.”
WHAT MAKES THE WEST VALLEY SPECIAL
Rowe has found her home in the desert, and her return means more visits to one of her favorite local spots, Caramba Mexican Food, a West Valley-founded gem.
“I absolutely love Mexican food, and I swear that’s one of the best things about Arizona,” Rowe explains. “A shredded beef enchilada with green sauce, like whenever I’m out of town, I try to find anything that comes close.”
Besides the proximity to good Mexican food, she says she loves having the balance that Peoria offers with access to city life and nature.
While Rowe loves what the city offers, especially great shopping and restaurants, she appreciates the open spaces in the West Valley. “I love that I can just go up the street and hiking up a mountain to get a different perspective. So many desert areas are nearby, and it's all so convenient.”
THE EARLY YEARS IN ARIZONA
This balance of wilderness and city life is nothing new to Rowe. Growing up, she was a city girl during the week and a country girl on weekends, traveling to her relatives’ homes to ride horses along the riverbed or canal banks.
“I just felt so free and so much like myself on those weekends, and I literally would write music by myself to the rhythm of the horse's hooves,” Rowe reminisces. “It was just this magical time. I felt like it was truly an escape for me.”
The singer-songwriter says these childhood moments were the foundation of her musical journey, even though she couldn’t fully recognize it then. As she grew and deepened her understanding of music and the industry, that early inspiration became clearer. She had always loved to sing and was belting out tunes with her sisters and attempting to sing before she could even talk.
CONTINUED
“I FEEL VERY INSPIRED BEING OUT HERE IN THE WEST. AS A WRITER, I DRAW A LOT OF INSPIRATION FROM NATURE, AND ARIZONA IS SO UNIQUE. BECAUSE IT'S THE WILD WEST, IT FEELS FREE AND OPEN, AND I FEEL MOST LIKE MYSELF HERE.”
Her passion took shape when she joined the choir, and a teacher singled her out for one of her first solo performances, giving her the confidence to keep going. Around 19 or 20, while singing with her sisters, she started learning more about the industry and began working with a producer who helped her discover her songwriting abilities. That’s when she truly began honing her craft.
ROWE'S LOVE OF MUSIC BECOMES HER CAREER
This dedication led to the release of her own music, including the “Night Like This” EP and singles like “Long Hugs” and “Last Time.” Her persistence and hard work paved the way for formative opportunities, such as opening for legendary artists like Diamond Rio, Jimmie Allen, and Wynonna Judd.
She still remembers a pivotal moment when Judd pulled her aside after a show.
“She pulled me close to her and whispered in my ear ‘Us girls gotta stick together, don't give up and don't let anyone ever steal your joy,’” recalls Rowe.
Rowe took this advice to heart and says she’s been intentional about remembering Judd's words. She works hard to hold onto the simple joy of being able to create music. Her uplifting sounds reflect her dedication to faith, family, and charity.
ADVICE FROM A COUNTRY MUSIC ARTIST
Now a seasoned artist, the Southwesterner shares her wisdom with young women trying to break into the music industry.
“If you have a strong idea of who you are and who you want to be and you can begin to authentically express that in your music, I think that's something to guard,” Rowe says.
Despite the ups and downs, Rowe has remained steadfast in her journey and is now recording her debut album, which will be released by the end of summer 2025.
This project leans more into an Americana folk sound and blends traditional country with her love for a “good hook that gets stuck in your head.”
Local fans can experience the troubadour’s talent and charming stage presence at Foley Ranch in Desert Ridge Marketplace on Friday, June 27, at 7 p.m. For updates on her upcoming shows, visit Rowe's website at sharirowe.com.
Lux, Smart SUV
2025 NISSAN MURANO PLATINUM AWD IS A SLEEK RIDE IDEAL FOR EVERY WEST VALLEY GAL
Nissan has given the 2025 Murano a sharp new design that stands out. It is sleek, edgy, and modern, with a luxurious aesthetic and plenty of bells and whistles.
SLEEK STYLING
This mid-size SUV blends comfort, performance, and advanced technology into one stylish package. As the top-tier offering in the Murano lineup, the Platinum AWD has premium features such as quilted leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, and an intuitive infotainment system, all designed to enhance the driving experience. The intelligent all-wheel-drive system ensures confidence on various terrains.
The Murano Platinum is a stunner and performs just as beautifully as it looks. The interior cabin is spacious and feels more like a full-size SUV. The dash features a 12" touch display for easy,
at-a-glance navigation. My tween daughter's favorite features were the BOSE premium audio system and customizable 64-color ambient lighting, which gave our rides a cool vibe.
The 2025 Murano is packed with safety features, including the HD Enhanced Intelligent Around Views with Invisible Hood View and Front Wide View, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Intervention, and more.
UNDER THE HOOD
The 2025 Nissan Murano has a 2.0L DOHC 16-valve turbocharged engine with 241 HP, 260 lb-ft torque, and a 9-speed automatic transmission.
MSRP: $55,030 | 21 MPG City, 27 MPG Highway
ARTICLE BY ANGEL FUCHS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY NISSAN MOTOR CORPORATION
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
From Stem To Vase:
TRANSFORMING FLORALS INTO ART
Flowers have a rich history of symbolic meanings. As far back as the 19th century, they were used to convey secret messages. Stories throughout history recount how flowers were used to send hidden messages between people. French publishers began producing flower dictionaries that cataloged the many floral codes that had been gathered over time. Some of these meanings were linked to the flower’s root name, often derived from mythology, while others were drawn from the flowers themselves. The colors, medicinal properties, and even the
Florals and Fruit
Add a burst of color and texture to your floral arrangement by layering fruit around the edges of your vase. To achieve this, place a smaller vase inside a larger one, ensuring the flowers stay contained in the inner vase. Fill the surrounding space with water, then arrange sliced fruit along the vase’s outer sides. For a fresh touch, add ice cubes to keep the fruit looking vibrant longer and to hold them in place. Not only will the flowers’ fragrance fill the air, but the citrus notes from the fruit will add a refreshing scent.
superstitions associated with these flowers all contributed to the creation of this secret language.
In addition to their symbolic significance, flowers bring natural beauty to any interior, enhancing spaces with their color, texture, and mood-boosting qualities. Floral arrangements not only create a cozy atmosphere but also infuse a room with personality, elevating the overall ambiance. There are multiple ways to creatively integrate florals into your home, and whether using fresh or artificial flowers, creative displays can make quite the statement piece.
Hanging Florals
For a dramatic effect, try creating a hanging floral display. Floral cones are available for this style, or you can craft your own for a more personalized, organic look. The contrast between long-stemmed white flowers and a dark wall creates a striking visual impact.
No matter how you choose to display them, flowers are a wonderful addition to any room. They boost mood, improve air quality, spark creativity, and bring a decorative charm to any space.
Flower Frogs
Using a frog to display flowers creates a minimalist yet elegant look that highlights the individuality of each bloom. It helps the stems stay in place. To set it up, place the frog on your chosen display base, whether it’s a vase, bowl, platter, or any container you prefer. Then, simply insert the flower stems by gently pressing them into the prongs. Tip: Flowers with sturdy stems and a lighter top work best in a frog, as delicate blooms tend to lose their shape more quickly.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMY SALVAGNO
Elevated Cocktails for Brunch Beyond &
3 Fun Spirits To Spoil Mom With This Mother’s Day
Whether Mom prefers to dine reclining pillow-side in pajamas or beside a beautifully dressed table, she’ll appreciate an elegant, elevated cocktail to make her brunch menu extra special. So while she’s indulging in a few extra pieces of bacon, savoring bites of flaky quiche and luxuriating over berry and whipped creamtopped pancakes, impress her with one of these three morning-friendly mixes.
Gin Jam &
A simple ingredient drink unites the botanical complexity of gin with the rich sweetness of your favorite jam.
Ingredients:
• 2 ounces gin
• 1 ounce lemon juice
• 1/2 ounce simple syrup
• 1 teaspoon raspberry (or your favorite) jam
• Spoonful of jam for garnish
Instructions:
1. Add the gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and jam to your mixing glass.
2. Add ice and shake for 10 seconds.
3. Strain into a double old-fashioned glass over crushed ice.
4. Top with a spoonful of jam and stir it in while you sip.
Ingredients:
• 2 cups orange juice
• 1/2 cup tequila
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• Lime wedge, for rimming glasses
• Coarse salt, for rimming glasses
• 1 bottle champagne or Prosecco
• Orange and lime slices for serving
Instructions:
1. In a pitcher, combine orange juice, tequila and lime juice and stir to combine.
2. Line glass rims with lime and dip in salt. Pour in orange juice mixture and top off with champagne.
3. Add sliced oranges and limes to glasses and serve.
Margarita Mimosas
Sweet and tart combined with classic champagne bubbles make for the perfect brunch accompaniment.
Instructions:
1. Infuse vodka: Tear five basil leaves into small pieces and place into a small glass jar with vodka. Seal tightly and shake, refrigerate, then infuse for at least six hours, shaking the jar occasionally.
2. Make basil sugar: In a small food processor, combine sugar and remaining basil. Pulse until basil is chopped into small, uniform pieces and sugar is pale green.
3. Strain vodka into a glass measuring cup, squeezing basil leaves to release any remaining liquid.
4. Rim glasses: Pour basil sugar onto a small, shallow plate. Fill another shallow plate with water until a quarter-inch deep. Dip the rim of each glass first in water, then in basil sugar.
5. Assemble cocktail: Divide basil vodka between glasses, then add half-cup lemonade to each. Fill glasses with ice cubes and top with seltzer. Garnish with lemon slices.
Ingredients:
• 9 large basil leaves, divided
• 4 ounces vodka
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup lemonade
• Ice
• Seltzer
• Lemon slices, for garnish
Spiked Lemonade
This refreshing twist on a springtime favorite is enhanced with the sweetness of basil and turns the spirit a vibrant green.
MAY 1ST THROUGH 4TH
Disney on Ice
Peoria Sports Complex | 7:00 PM
Disney On Ice presents Into the Magic and invites you to witness beloved Disney stories come to life on ice. Join Belle, Moana, Miguel, Anna, and Rapunzel as they embark on magical adventures. With various show times available, you can choose your perfect experience. Celebrate the power of dreams, love, and courage. Grab tickets at DesertDiamondArena.com.
MAY 4TH
Fairytale Finds Market
Peoria Sports Complex | 9:00 AM
Discover fantastical treasures at the Fairytale Finds Market on May 4th, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Peoria Sports Complex. With 150+ vendors, food trucks, and four themed areas—Pooh's Hideaway, Dreamland, Wonderland, and Galaxy Land—there's something for every fan. Meet Cinderella, Leia, Spider-Man, and more! Magical memories await! Buy tickets at FairytaleFindsCo.Shop
MAY 9TH THROUGH 25TH
Disney Moana Jr.
Peoria Center for the Performing Arts | 7:00 PM
Moana's adventure sails onto the TheaterWorks stage this month! Disney's Moana Jr. presents a vibrant, 60-minute musical with beloved songs and a heartwarming story. Buy tickets at TheaterWorks.org.
