Northlake, TX May 2024

The Women's Issue

For Women, By Women

Welcome to our Women’s Issue! It’s one of my favorite spreads to put together because it celebrates the personal and professional successes of the amazing women in the Northlake area.

As the mother of a young daughter, I think of how she is my best friend, my main influencer, and the reason I strive to be the best version of myself. Women have the amazing ability to soften the world around you to make you feel loved, safe and nourished.

By empowering the women in our community, we make life more rich and beautiful. So often many women serve those around them without much thanks in return. Through the pages of this issue, we want to recognize the mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts, grandmothers and friends who are emboldened to be their authentic, true selves.

The accomplished ladies we highlighted this month are a testament to the hardworking movers and shakers within the Northlake area whom we are blessed to call friends and family. These are women who became experts in their respective industries and have poured their souls into their passions, adding a little more color and beauty to this world.

While it’s always important to shop local, May is the perfect time to embrace women-owned businesses. For example, the incredible women of Radiant Nutrition, who graced this month’s cover, are known for their sharp minds, kind nature and dedication to their clientele.

Whether you want to treat yourself to that rejuvenating facial at Luminous Glow Med Spa or start plans to remodel your kitchen to fit your dream aesthetic, supporting the brilliant women in our area is a chance to champion the best of the best in Northlake and beyond. I am grateful to call all the ladies in this issue neighbors and friends.

So take the time to tell the women in your life that you love them - this small gesture always goes a long way.

Happy reading!

CRYSTAL

HOBBS, PUBLISHER @NORTHLAKECITYLIFESTYLE

May 2024

PUBLISHER

Crystal Hobbs | crystal.hobbs@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Gabrielle Bailey | gabrielle.bailey@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Michele Witz | michele.witz@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Michelle W. Parnell, Gabrielle Bailey

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Christina Schmidt, Savanna Romano, Kindred Oak Photography

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.

Book Your Pups Summer Vacation Today!

Locally owned and operated since 2020. We are the areas premier Doggy Daycare, Boarding, and Grooming Facility. Every dog has different needs, experiences, and temperament. At The Wag Shack we believe in meeting every dog where they are at. We have designed our facility and all of our services to be flexible to your pups specific needs. Give us a call, come in, or visit our website to book your pups summer vacation today! • Playcare

Sleepovers • Spaw

DOG OF THE MONTH

Taking Control of Your Health

Behind the Pen

Remodeling Your Standards

Keeping Summer Skin Fresh

city scene

1: Metroport Chamber of Commerce welcoming Argyle Eye Care into the community. 2: Residents packing up snack bags for Jelly Bean nonprofit. 3: A group of Pecan Square residents enjoying breakfast in pajamas together. 4: Trophy Club Country Club holds a Women’s Conference honoring women in the area. 5: Two Brother’s Winery gave toy army soldiers as a reminder to pray for the troops. 6: Friends and family gather for a fun night of bowling. 7: Angie Hernandez picking up a treat from VanEllie’s Bake Shop in Northlake Commons.

Summer

Kickoff Event

Thursday, May 16th, 6:00pm - 8:00pm

( VI P MEMBERS EARLY ENTRY AT 5:30pm)

LOWEST PRICES OF THE YEAR

Introduction of New Products and Services (Cosmetic Injectables, Peels and more) • Food and Drinks • Meet the Vendor Representatives • Drawings for Great Prizes

CALL 972-345-8900 TO RSVP AND GET AN EXTRA RAFFLE TICKET

BRING A FRIEND FOR AN EXTRA CHANCE TO WIN

JENNIFER BUCK, LE, M.A., RDMS, PLT.

2652 FM 407, Suite 135, Bartonville, TX luminousglowmedspa.com

DON’T MISS OUT ON

Moms andMocktails

Friday, May 10th 3:00pm - 6:00pm

Mommy and Me Special Get a jelly mask for $45 each

The JoJo House

Want a quick retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life? The JoJo House offers a modern, vibrant and luxurious feel right in Saint Jo. Located close to the local wineries of North Texas and near the Red River, the JoJo House is the perfect spot for a girls' weekend or a romantic night away. Visit Airbnb.com/h/thejojohouse.com to book a much-needed getaway.

Angela LaBounty | Compass Realty

Moving to a new home is a huge undertaking, but it doesn't have to be stressful. Angela LaBounty, Principal Agent and Broker Associate with COMPASS, emphasizes that trust and knowledge are the keys to finding the perfect home. A lifelong Dallas-Fort Worth resident, Angela is broadly recognized as a top REALTOR, ensuring expertise in the area's home value trends. Call 817-475-2397 to schedule a meeting with Angela today.

Brite Smiles by Heather

A glowing, white smile is what all clients have after visiting Heather Walker at Brite Smiles by Heather. With three decades of experience in the dental industry, Heather has seen the evolution of teeth whitening firsthand. With her own whitening studio, she offers affordable teeth whitening options and takes HSA cards. Call 940-395-6273 to book an appointment.

INGCONTROL OF YOURHEAL

HTT AKHOW JANNA WEAVER OF RADIANT NUTRITION AIMS TO EMPOWER YOU

ARTICLE BY GABRIELLE BAILEY

PHOTOGRAPHY

Janna Weaver, owner and founder of Radiant Nutrition

BY KINDRED OAK PHOTOGRAPHY

“We want people to know, no matter what, we care.”

It’s no secret that discussing diet and weight is a sensitive topic for many people. Shame, guilt and feelings of failure are just a few of the negative emotions associated with dissecting food and lifestyle habits, leading many to avoid the subject altogether. For Janna Weaver, RDN, LD, the founder and owner of Radiant Nutrition, she understands these feelings all too well.

Weaver has been a registered dietitian for nearly 20 years. She struggled with her weight when she was a child, eventually losing over 75 pounds during her teenage years. However, she experienced disordered eating as a young adult, which prompted her to understand nutrition from both a scientific and human perspective.

She prides her team on having the medical knowledge to perceive not just what the human body needs to be healthy, but to embody a sense of holistic peace in her practice.

“I’ve been very open about my weightloss journey and what I’ve walked through,” Weaver said. “I am vulnerable with my clients, and so are my dietitians. We want people to know that, no matter what, we care. We’re here to encourage them and help them turn things around with their health.”

This serves as Radiant Nutrition’s personal mission: to connect with people on a deeper level so dietary habits can be transformed from within. There is a common misconception that dietitians only talk about what someone should put on their plate, but Weaver says personal ordeals factor into negative relationships with eating, which can be difficult for clients to face.

“Coming in here can be very emotional for a lot of people. They make that decision to pursue and change, and they may feel shame or feelings they shouldn’t about their eating habits,” Weaver explained. “We just want them to feel that they came to the right place and they have support.”

“Everything is very individualized ... We get to know our clients on a relationship basis.”

An initial meeting with a new client is blocked off for two hours so the dietitian can understand a person’s eating habits, lifestyle and feelings about food. Whether someone is trying to lose weight, understand why they feel lethargic throughout the day, or maintain a healthy relationship with food, Weaver and her team practice a detailed and personal approach when working with clients.

“Everything is very individualized in this kind of setting. We get to know our clients on a relationship basis,” she said. “We get to know their medical history or any challenges they’ve had, such as hormone imbalances or lab blood work or trauma, then we discuss any goals that they have.”

Radiant Nutrition doesn’t just focus on those who need a step-by-step guide to a healthier lifestyle. Weaver says many people already eat well and exercise regularly, but they want to fine tune their habits or they have a specific issue they want to address. More often than not, one method that was successful previously isn’t working anymore.

“Sometimes, you need somebody to sit there with you, offer support, and lay out a clear plan,” she said. “To be able to strategize with people and to give them that kind of peace of mind, even if they don't complete their goals, they can come back, meet with us, and we will keep going.”

Aside from Weaver, Radiant Nutrition has three registered dietitians on its staff:

Sophia Smith, RDN, LD; Ngocmy Nguyen, MS, RDN, LD; and Annie Cavalier, MS, RDN, LD. Weaver loves the dynamic her team shares and how they balance each other out with their different personalities.

“They are incredible. They’re passionate about helping people really make those changes so they can understand and connect the dots,” Weaver said. “I want them to be in an environment where they want to come into this office. They’re happy and they feel cared for, which is so important because they are caring for our clients.”

The team shares the ultimate goal for each client to feel good and empowered about their nutritional choices, leading them to a healthier and happier lifestyle. Weaver tries her best to keep her practice’s atmosphere light and encouraging, even when her patients aren’t feeling their best.

“Some of the clients I’ve been seeing for years now,” Weaver explained. “We check in and have that rapport. It’s part of their wellbeing. If anything like lab work or lifestyle have changed, we are able to support them on that level.”

Radiant Nutrition is located at 306 Hwy 377, Suite F, in Argyle and offers telehealth appointments, as well. Visit jannaweaver.com or call 940-464-9800 to learn more about Radiant Nutrition, its services, and to schedule an appointment.

Behind the Pen

GET TO KNOW GABRIELLE

BAILEY, NORTHLAKE CITY LIFESTYLE’S MANAGING EDITOR

As someone who loves to meet new people, hear their stories, and share those narratives with others, Gabrielle Bailey thrives in the role as editor coordinator for Northlake City Lifestyle. A native of Georgia and graduate of the University of Georgia (go Bulldawgs!), Bailey began her career in sports journalism.

“Talking to people and weaving their stories together is something I’ve always genuinely enjoyed,” she shared. “Hearing an athlete's story is what makes sports fascinating. The same thing is true for the small business owners in our community. They have worked hard to get their business to where it is now, and to be able to show the people behind those ventures is fun and exciting.”

Bailey enjoys tapping into the personal aspect of each story. It's how she found her way from Georgia to North Carolina, where she had a career writing about breaking sports news for national and international audiences. Bailey jumped headfirst into managing the website for NASCAR Cup Series giant Hendrick Motorsports before moving west with her husband to Texas.

Through Northlake City Lifestyle, Bailey focuses on working with local businesses, people and events to share with the community. One of the things she likes best about the publication is how it shines a spotlight on citizens and creates a network for other locals who could be looking for a specific service or recommendation.

ARTICLE BY MICHELLE W. PARNELL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRISTINA SCHMIDT

“This is a high-end magazine that caters to the local people of Northlake, Argyle and the surrounding areas,” she explained. “There is so much to offer here by people who are passionate about what they do. Small business owners are the heart and soul of this country, and we want to help elevate their companies and show the hard-working, smart people behind those businesses.”

Creating those networks centers on building relationships, which is something Bailey finds is a natural fit for the Northlake community. She has enjoyed getting to know people who call this Dallas-Fort Worth suburb home. Bailey says she feels the same excitement and pride Northlake locals do when discussing their hard work, accomplishments and dreams.

“There is such a small town feel here, almost like a Mayberry, and you don't find that a lot anymore,” she shared. “Everyone is so willing to help you out, and friendships are not just about work. People who do business together also go to church together, shop at the same grocery store, and have children in the same schools. The relationships are personal.”

In addition to meeting people and making new friends, Bailey enjoys baking, reading novels of all types, attending local festivals, and staying connected with sports by cheering on the Georgia Bulldawgs, Atlanta Braves, Dallas Stars and following everything related to college football. She and her husband, Clayton, enjoy hosting loved ones in their home, going to concerts and sporting events, and spending time with their 1-year-old daughter, Charlotte.

“Small business owners are the heart and soul of this country, and we want to help elevate their companies and show the hard-working, smart people behind those businesses.”

REMODELING YOUR STANDARDS

How Juline Smith, owner of Amira & Co, Remodel, is transforming the industry

ARTICLE BY MICHELLE W. PARNELL

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAVANNA ROMANO

Born and raised in Belize, Juline Smith grew up in a small community that emphasized helping and serving others. In high school, Smith began volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, building homes in her community. She also developed a passion for art and creating beautiful things.

Juline Smith, owner and founder of Amira & Co. Remodel

“What I really want is to change the way the design/construction world works by doing design and construction differently.”

When Smith first came to America in pursuit of a college education, she continued volunteering for Habitat for Humanity while working toward the goal of becoming a plastic surgeon to help burn victims. While in college, she learned about the world of interior design and decided to earn her degree in that field. On the surface, the two may seem unrelated, but Smith discovered they both have one important characteristic in common.

“I was working with a life coach and she pointed out that all the different things I’d loved for my whole life were about transformation,” Smith shared. “She said it was never just about construction, plastic surgery, or even interior design, but that every single connection in my life had been about transformation. It’s what I’m passionate about and why I find what I do to be so rewarding.”

Several years ago, merging her passion for transformation and her extensive experience in construction, Smith founded Amira and Co. Remodel, a full-service design and remodeling firm that specializes in kitchen, bathroom, and entire home remodels.

“I truly enjoy the excitement of working with people while transforming their spaces,” she said. “For me, it is about improving someone's life and having an impact on them.”

Smith begins the design method by having clients complete a questionnaire to get an idea of the scope of the project. This is followed by an in-person consultation to discuss more specific details. With this information, Smith develops a design plan with 3D renderings, which helps clients visualize how the different pieces of the plan will culminate in the end result. Once the design plan is

finalized, supplies are ordered, and a renovation schedule is set.

To ensure a seamless and time-efficient renovation, Smith and her team manage the construction work for each project and wait to begin demolition until all the supplies are delivered.

Throughout the entire process, Smith works with transparency and integrity, which provides an extra level of accountability for her team and reassurance for the client.

“When you work with many different companies and you see the back end of it, you start understanding why the industry has such a horrible reputation because there are so many things about the way people do construction and renovation that lends itself to a bad result,” she explained. “My whole concept is implementing systems that alleviate every single one of those pressure points.”

Keeping clients well informed, especially concerning the financial aspect of a project, is important to Smith. At the design presentation, she provides a spreadsheet that includes the cost associated with each line item related to the project, which helps clients understand exactly where and how the budget is allocated. Then, every Wednesday, she sends clients an updated budget, along with a disbursement sheet, that shows how much of the budget has been used as well as details of expenses and outstanding costs.

Additionally, Smith follows a payment system that does not require a large up-front deposit, but instead allows the homeowner to pay installments throughout the process.

With all her projects, Smith insists on using high-quality products and highly skilled, reliable contractors to complete the work.

“I truly enjoy the excitement of working with people while transforming their spaces. For me, it is about improving someone’s life and having an impact on them.”

“I know I'm not the cheapest option and I'm okay with that because I put my name on each project, so I will not sacrifice quality,” she shared. “I’ve been working with my team of contractors for years. They are reliable and talented in each of their particular trades and skills. They will show up when they say they are going to show up, they do the high-quality work I expect, and if something goes wrong, they fix it.”

In the end, Smith wants each client to have a positive experience and enjoy the process as well as the finished result in their home.

“I want our clients to leave feeling our company is different than every other company out there,” she said. “What I really want is to change the way the design/construction world works by doing design and construction differently. We want to walk with our clients through the whole process because it should be easy, fun and painless.”

For more information on how to begin the journey of home transformation, visit www.amiraandcoremodel.com or call 817808-0448. Also follow Amira and Co. Remodel on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest for ideas and to see completed projects.

TAX BILL?

KEEPING

SUMMER SKIN FRESH

Certified esthetician Jennifer Buck breaks down how to update your summer skincare routine

ARTICLE BY GABRIELLE BAILEY

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAVANNA ROMANO

There is something about summer that makes time slow down and life becomes a little more relaxed. While the days by the pool are long and lazy, skincare routines shouldn’t fall off the radar. If anything, products need to be switched up to accommodate the warmer weather.

Licensed aesthetician Jennifer Buck, owner of Luminous Glow Med Spa, says it’s pertinent that skincare routines are updated with each season to keep skin healthy and protected. Summer skincare changes should be implemented in late April or May as the sun’s rays start to intensify.

“Everyone should make sure that they're exfoliating in the summer, changing to a gentle cleanser from a hydrating cleanser, and then incorporating vitamin C into your routine. If skin cannot tolerate Vitamin C, you could try a product such as Vivid by Hydrinity," Jennifer said. “Continue to use that retinol, but make sure you’re only using retinol at night.

“Of course, wear SPF, and don't forget to reapply.”

Every morning routine should begin with exfoliation, then cleansing the face. Jennifer recommends medical-grade skin care, such as Renewing Eye Complex by Hydrinity or a specialized eye cream, then a product like Daily Power Defense by ZO that supports cellular repair and hydrates the skin. The last step is generously applying an SPF, such as Color Science Glow.

“So many people don't understand the layering of skincare and how important that is, and I think one of the easiest ways to remember is that it's thinnest to thickest,” she explained. “Thick products prevent absorption of the thinner products.”

Just as important, the nighttime routine helps the skin rejuvenate during sleep. Everyone should double cleanse with an oil-based cleanser like Precleanse by Dermalogica, then a gentle

cleanser to remove dirt, makeup and sweat that accumulated throughout the day.

The next step is layering night products from thinnest to thickest, just like in the morning. Adding a powerhouse product like Growth Factor Serum by ZO will enhance collagen production, and hyaluronic acid and will help prevent signs of aging.

“If we start doing these steps, it will help maintain your neurotoxins,” Jennifer said. “It takes 90 days for your body to regenerate collagen and fibroblasts to help tighten the skin and regain its elasticity to help with those deeper lines and wrinkles we see as we age. We want to keep that in mind when we start a routine or have a service like microneedling done.”

Aside from daily regimens, monthly facials are one of the best ways to maintain healthy skin in the summer. A facial creates a clean slate for the skin, allowing daily skincare products to absorb better.

Depending on age, skin type and other factors, Jennifer advises making an appointment with a licensed aesthetician to develop a personalized plan. She also owns and operates an Academy of Aesthetics and Laser in Argyle, sharing her knowledge with future aesthetician.

“I think it’s important to understand that we will customize your services and treatments based on your lifestyle and budget,” she said. “There are so many factors that go into a plan; it’s not just a one-size-fits-all.”

Luminous Glow Med Spa is having a Summer Open House on May 16 from 6-8 p.m. with the best procedure prices of the season. Can't make it? At any time, new clients are offered a free first-time consultation to create a personalized skincare plan. Visit luminousglowmedspa.com for more details.

Saying goodbye to a home you’ve cherished for years can be tough, but it might be time to embrace a smaller, more manageable space. Real estate journalist Sheri Koones reveals that despite initial fears, downsizers report newfound happiness and freedom.

Are you ready for a change? Downsizing opens doors to new possibilities and adventures, reinvigorating your life. Explore with me how to find a space where you can thrive comfortably without feeling restricted. Discover the three key factors to focus on: desired lifestyle, optimal design, and long-term accessibility.