A CALM, ORGANIZED HOME DONE
Utter Declutter offers premium, full-service home organization for Naples and Marco Island homeowners who value their time.
Reclaim your home—without the stress of managing it yourself.
We handle every phase of the process—full decluttering and junk removal, installation of custom storage solutions, and organizing everything back into a finished, functional system.
From garages, kitchens, and closets to whole homes, the result is a space that looks beautiful, functions effortlessly, and lasts.
No sorting marathons. No guesswork. Just a calm, intentional home—handled start to finish by our familyowned team. *Projects are scoped and priced by project.
Scan QR code Here, Call, or Email to Schedule a Private In-Home Consultation UTTERDECLUTTERSWFL.COM | 239-249-7700 | JHEN@UTTERDECLUTTERSWFL.COM
experience luxury for your locks
CUSTOMIZED
Highly trained and experienced stylists who are experts in various hair techniques offer thorough consultations with customized treatment plans to cater to your specific hair needs and desires, every visit.
COMPREHENSIVE COMFORTING
The “4P” approach to your hair’s wellness included In every lightening service, offers a comprehensive approach to Prepare, Prevent, Protect and Prolong your investment in your hair color and hair integrity. Access a wide range of services, including coloring, cuts, extensions and specialized treatments.
The upscale, upbeat and welcoming atmosphere includes attention to detail for optimum comfort. Sit back and relax during your visit with complimentary amenities. Sip a glass of champagne, wine or coffee and enjoy a snack, all while being soothed with chilled, hydrating under-eye masks, soothing jade stone masks and warm essential-oil infused hair wraps.
Our Ladies Issue
May arrives with a certain kind of confidence— longer days, warmer breezes, and a renewed sense of possibility. It of course is the month we also celebrate the special women in our lives, our mothers. So, it feels only fitting that this month, we turn our focus to the women who embody that same spirit of the month of May: strong, evolving, and endlessly inspiring.
Our “Ladies” issue is a celebration in every sense of the word. It’s about honoring the many roles women hold—leaders, creators, mothers, friends, visionaries—and recognizing the quiet and bold ways they shape our communities every single day. From entrepreneurs evolving and building, to advocates sharing stories that move us, to neighbors lifting each other up, this issue is filled with voices worth hearing and stories worth sharing. I thank Denise Brown and The Shelter, Katherine and Edwin Dean, and the Pace Center for sharing their deeply personal and inspiring accounts and missions.
What makes this theme so meaningful is its depth. There is no one way to define a woman’s journey. It’s layered, personal, and constantly unfolding. In these pages, you’ll meet women at different stages of life, each navigating their own path with resilience and grace. Some are just beginning, fueled by ambition and curiosity, and wanting a better future. Others are redefining themselves and helping to shift our society and communities, proving that reinvention is not only possible—it’s powerful. That reinvention, and achieving one's mission, doesn't come without resilience and perhaps "having to fight a battle more than once to win it" (as Margaret Thatcher once aptly stated). We thank our featured stories for fighting those battles—individually and collectively—so that we all are more empowered.
As you read through this issue, I hope you find aspects that resonate with you. Perhaps it’s a story that feels familiar, or one that inspires you to take a new step forward. Maybe it’s a reminder of your own strength, or an invitation to celebrate the women in your life.
Here’s to the ladies—past, present, and future—who continue to lead, nurture, challenge, and inspire. May we honor them not just this month, but every day.
JENNIFER WIDEBERG, PUBLISHER
@PARADISECOASTCITYLIFESTYLE
May 2026
PUBLISHER
Jennifer Wideberg | jenn.wideberg@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
KC Phaneuf | kc.phaneuf@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Jennifer Wideberg, PCCL Staff
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Eve Shakti Chen, Monica Alvarez, Helen Werner Photography
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford
LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
D0150, D0330, D0272, D0210, D1110. Offer cannot be applied toward account balances or dental services already delivered or in conjunction with other offers, discounts or reduced-fee plans. In accordance with applicable laws, offer is not valid with any federal health care programs, which include, but are not limited to, Medicaid, Tricare and Medicare Advantage plans. 091223 Cleaning, Exam & X-rays $99 (Reg. $760) Offer expires in 90 days. or
inside the issue
Transforming Your Outdoor Space with Lush, Green Turf.
More Than Just Sod
High quality, reliability, manpower, and customer service are important concepts to keep in our mission statement, as they reflect our commitment to excellence and our dedication to meeting the needs of our clients with exceptional care and professionalism. We believe that by upholding these values, we not only deliver outstanding results but also build long-lasting relationships with our clients, based on trust and satisfaction.
Established in 1968, we are proud to provide our customers with a high-quality end product, consistently delivering excellence and satisfaction. Our premium sod is specially cultivated to provide a lush, vibrant, and resilient turf, perfect for enhancing your outdoor beauty and functionality. We assign a dedicated professional project manager to educate, estimate, manage, and oversee each project.
Call or Email Today to Schedule a FREE Consultation!
239.732.6131 | office@leosod.net
TWO CURATED TASTINGS PER MONTH with premium high end wines. Tastings can be done at Rebecca's on Bayshore, Logan Landings, or Estero.
COMPLIMENTARY ADMISSION
to wine experiences at Rebecca's on Bayshore. ($75 value per tasting and limited seating available)
10% OFF FOOD & NO CORKAGE FEE at Rebecca's (wine must be purchased at Three60 wine onsite)
GUEST
ACCESS TO TASTINGS
Share the experience — guests are welcome to join the tasting fun. Members may bring guests to bi-monthly tastings for $30 per guest
TWO GUEST PASSES to the Maddox (May 1-October 31) Monthly membership options
ONE PERSON MEMBERSHIP
one time initiation fee of $200. $50/month
TWO PERSON MEMBERSHIP one time initiation fee of $200. $100/month
HOW NEW NAPLES RESIDENT, DENISE BROWN, HAS TURNED TRAGEDY INTO ADVOCACY
A SISTER'S PROMISE
FROM THE EDITOR: A LEGACY OF COURAGE
In this month’s Ladies Issue, we turn our lens toward a neighbor whose name is etched in history, but whose heart is firmly planted in our future. Denise Brown has spent thirty years transforming a private tragedy into a public shield for others.
As she prepares to release her most personal work yet, For My Sister Nicole: Love Shouldn’t Hurt - What to Know About Domestic Violence , Denise sits down with us in Naples to discuss the hindsight that has taught her so much, and the mission that continues to save others. From her modeling days around the world throughout the late 1970s and 1980s to the quiet, vital work of local shelters nationwide, hers is a story of how grace, when tested, becomes an unbreakable force for change.
Denise Brown in Naples
We invite you to go behind the headlines with a woman who refused to stay silent, ensuring that for the next generation, love truly doesn't hurt.
DENISE BROWN’S THIRTY-YEAR WAR ON SILENCE
The nation remembers the infamous 1994 Bronco chase and the following "Trial of the Century," which included a haunting image of a woman cloaked in grief on the witness stand, testifying against a man people knew as a superstar, but whom she knew as a "master manipulator." Denise Brown remembers a sister, also her best friend, who skipped the fourth grade because she was so smart, and who would go on to become a wife and mother who wanted the idyllic, American white picket fence life.
For thirty years, Denise has lived in the shadow of a tragedy that redefined American culture. Yet, speaking to us under the Naples' sunlight, Denise isn’t interested in dwelling on the sensationalism of the past. She is focused on the
future—specifically, her upcoming book, For My Sister Nicole: Love Shouldn’t Hurt , set for release in October this year to coincide with Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
With her upcoming book, Denise is moving past the "Trial of the Century" labels to provide a clinical and deeply personal autopsy of domestic violence. Her goal is simple but monumental: to provide the education she and her family never had.
THE BUBBLE AND THE BURST
To understand Denise’s advocacy, one must understand the "bubble" she grew up in. Born in Germany and moved to California at ages six and four respectively, Denise and Nicole were sponges, quickly shedding their German mother tongue for the golden lingo of Southern California. Their father, an American pilot who flew in World War II and later co-founded the Stars and Stripes newspaper in Germany, was a man of quiet strength, and their mother was a German beauty and the ultimate homemaker.
"We didn’t know 'bad' people," Denise reflects. "It was a happy-go-lucky life. My mom was so relaxed and welcoming, a great cook; her house was the place where all the kids wanted to be." This blissful upbringing in Garden Grove and later Laguna Beach created a sense of security that, in hindsight, perhaps acted as a veil.
While Denise pursued a modeling career at 18 that took her from shoots in Paris and Tokyo to the strobe lights of Studio 54, Nicole met O.J. Simpson two years later at just 18 herself. At the time, Denise too saw the charm and the celebrity glow. She visited her sister and O.J. at his home in Buffalo and took a
Brown Family CONTINUED >
memorable trip to Niagara Falls with them. What she didn’t see, or didn't have the understanding to name then, was the slow, methodical chipping away of a woman’s soul.
THE ANATOMY OF AN ABUSER
"Abusers don’t walk up to your door and punch you in the face on the first date," Denise says. "They are charming. They bring flowers to your parents and befriend them. They promise to have your daughter home on time and give her a good life."
Through the lens of 2026, Denise identifies the Cycle of Violence that she witnessed but failed to recognize during her sister's relationship with her abuser. The cycle of violence is a pattern of behaviors which keeps survivors locked in the abusive relationship. Understanding the cycle of violence is crucial in stopping relationship violence as well as in answering the most common questions regarding battering.
There are essentially three stages to the cycle of violence:
1. First is the tension building phase. In this phase, the abuser gets edgy and tension begins to build up. This is where the abused person may feel like they are walking on eggshells.
2. Second is the actual explosion phase where the actual abuse occurs.
3. Third is the honeymoon phase. The perpetrator may express sorrow or act like nothing happened; but is still interested in making up and may even promise never to do it again. However, the tension almost always starts to build again, thus continuing the cycle.
A survivor of domestic abuse does not need to experience physical abuse to be abused. Often, psychological abuse can leave someone feeling fearful, helpless and powerless to act on their own behalf. People affected by domestic violence are rich, poor, married, divorced or single, from all ethnic backgrounds and economic levels.
Denise recounts chilling anecdotes of Simpson’s control: derogatory comments about Nicole's fashion choices, such as her favorite green skirt; shaming her weight gain during pregnancy.
She recalls taking photos of Nicole’s bruised face in 1989, not realizing that these were not isolated incidents, but milestones in a terminal timeline. "Nicole was trying to protect her friends and her family," Denise explains. "Abusers go after the family. They threaten. They manipulate." One of the most heartbreaking revelations Denise shares is how Simpson allegedly often tried to manipulate their mother, calling her to rant about Nicole being "out of hand" or "acting crazy," successfully playing the role of the concerned partner while the victim remained silent.
A Sisterly Bond: Nicole (L) and Denise (R)
The Shelter Options Shoppe, Where Proceeds
"EDUCATION IS THE ONLY WEAPON WE HAVE. I CAN'T BRING NICOLE BACK, BUT IF I CAN HELP SAVE ONE PERSON'S LIFE, LEARNING FROM HERS, I FEEL I HAVE PURPOSE."
THE VERDICT THAT LAUNCHED A MISSION
The acquittal of O.J. Simpson in 1995 remains a pivot point in American history, but for Denise, it was a call to arms. She recalls a phone call from a shelter in Texas shortly after the verdict. The director told her that almost every woman in the 90-room facility had packed their bags to leave. Their logic was devastating: If a man with that much evidence against him can walk free, what hope do I have?
"That’s when I realized: this is not about me and my grief anymore. It now has to be about saving lives," Denise says.
She threw herself into the work, traveling for three years straight alongside her friend Shakti. Despite her self-professed hatred for public speaking, Denise found her voice. She realized that the "Trial of the Century" had finally put domestic violence on the map, but the map was still missing vital coordinates.
Sisters Having Fun: Denise (L) and Nicole (R)
Denise Brown (R) Pictured with Linda Oberhaus, CEO of The Shelter for Abused Women & Children, at This Year's Record-Breaking Mending Hearts Luncheon Fundraiser
One major victory was legislative, and based on Nicole's diaries Denise and family found after her death, hidden underneath her kitchen sink. "Before Nicole’s death, diaries were not admissible in court—they were considered hearsay," Denise explains. "After her death, people ran to their legislators. Now, those voices—the truth—can be heard."
COLLIER COUNTY AND A NEW FRONTIER
Now a proud Naples resident and Board Trustee for The Shelter for Abused Women & Children , Denise Brown is shedding light on domestic violence as a challenge that touches every corner of our community. In our beautiful coastal neighborhoods, Denise works to ensure that every person regardless of their address
has the support and resources they need to live a life of safety and dignity.
By addressing these issues together, we strengthen the places where we live, work, and worship. Our community’s proactive approach to safety not only protects individuals but fosters a healthier, more vibrant Collier County for everyone.
INVESTING IN OUR FUTURE
To better serve our neighbors, The Shelter collaborated with local leaders, law enforcement, and healthcare officials to understand the full scope of our community’s needs. While the financial impact of domestic violence is significant and serves as a powerful roadmap for where our collective support can make the biggest difference.
Nicole Brown Simpson, Beloved Daughter, Sister, Mother & Friend
By investing in advocacy and prevention we are building a safer public life for every resident. "This is a community-wide mission," Denise notes, highlighting that by recognizing the signs of financial and emotional control, we can empower survivors from all walks of life to find their way home.
THE SHELTER FOR ABUSED WOMEN & CHILDREN: A LIFELINE IN COLLIER
In her adopted home of Naples, Denise has found a partner in The Shelter for Abused Women & Children . This organization serves as a national model for how a community can wrap its arms around survivors. The Shelter’s impact in the most recent reporting cycle (2024-2025) highlights the depth of the need in Collier County:
• Nights of Shelter : Over 49,000 nights of safe housing provided.
• Crisis Calls : 1,098 calls to the local crisis line, a lifeline for those in immediate danger.
• Safety Planning : Over 12,000 tailored safety plans were created for survivors, a 50% increase from previous years.
• Youth Impact : More than 60% of those served in emergency shelters are children, highlighting the generational cycle Denise is desperate to break. Denise is also championing the Safe Haven Society, a group of dedicated donors whose multi-year pledges fund the Shelter's capital projects and endowment.
THE LEGACY OF FUTURE GENERATIONS
When looking back at her family’s journey, Denise’s focus remains steadfastly on the well-being of the next generation. Her family’s story is one of incredible resilience—always putting the children first and surrounding them with love and privacy.
TIMELINE: THREE DECADES OF ADVOCACY
1977: The Beginning - Nicole meets O.J. Simpson.
1994: The Tragedy - Deaths of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman.
1994: Legislative Action - Denise testifies for the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).
1995: The Trial - Denise gives pivotal testimony.
2005: A Decade of Work - Denise expands her mission, visiting shelters in all 50 states.
2024: 30th Anniversary - Denise refocuses on strangulation and financial abuse education.
2025: A Move to Florida - Denise relocates to Naples and begins her work with The Shelter, serving on its Board of Trustees and more.
2026: The Book - Official release (scheduled for October) 'For My Sister Nicole: Love Shouldn't Hurt'.
The Shelter Transitional Cottages
This commitment to protecting the vulnerable is what drives Denise’s advocacy today. By working closely with local police and judicial systems, she is helping to ensure that our community’s "safety net" is stronger than ever for the children of today and tomorrow.
FOR MY SISTER NICOLE: A VISION FOR HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS
This October, Denise shares a message of empowerment with the release of For My Sister Nicole . Rather than just a memoir, this book serves as a helpful guide for the community to recognize and foster healthy relationships.
Using Nicole’s own voice and journals, Denise provides tactical insights to help friends, family, and neighbors look out for one another. The book highlights:
• Understanding the Signs : Recognizing isolation tactics early on.
• Advocacy & Awareness : Learning the critical red flags that can save a life.
• Breaking the Cycle : Understanding how learned behaviors impact home life and how to choose a different path.
"The courage I see in the women and children at the shelters is what inspires me every day," Denise says. "They are my greatest teachers, and together, we are making 'Love Shouldn't Hurt' a reality for our community."
CONCLUSION: A SENTINEL’S VOW
Denise Brown may have started as a model, but she has become a sentinel. She is the living proof that grief can be transformed into a blueprint for survival. Her message for the future is clear: Don't alienate the victims. Don't ask "Why didn't she leave?" Instead, ask "How can I help her stay safe until she’s ready?"
"I realize I can't bring Nicole back," Denise says. "But if I can work myself out of a job—if we can get to a point where we don't need shelters, where lives are saved—then perhaps I’ve helped to accomplish what I was put here to do."
ADVENTURE IS CALLING
EXCLUSIVE TRIPS
We’ll take you places you never knew existed and offer experiences you won’t find anywhere else.
EFFORTLESS PLANNING
Tell us when you’d like to travel & we’ll take care of the rest – and exceed your expectations every step of the way.
PRICELESS MEMORIES
There’s nothing more valuable than focused time away with the people you love most.
FROM MIMOSAS TO MODERN MEDICINE
The Rejuvenating Vision of NAWI (Naples Aesthetics and Wellness Institute)
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER WIDEBERG
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MONICA ALVAREZ
In the high-stakes world of Emergency Medicine, Dr. Edwin (Ed) Dean spent decades reacting to life’s crucial moments. As a board-certified ER physician, his career was defined by the clock. "I used to do CPR on young people and think, didn't anyone see this coming? " he recalls. Today, alongside
The NAWI Team
"Natural aging is your car falling apart and doing nothing to repair it. This is a chance to stay youthful at the cellular level." — Dr. Dean
his wife and business partner, Katherine Dean—the former first female Vice President for Hyundai Motor America—they are answering that question before the crisis ever begins.
Their Naples-based clinic, NAWI (Naples Aesthetics and Wellness Institute), is far more than a "straight med spa." It is a sanctuary for what they call the "totality of the person." While many aesthetic clinics focus on the surface, the Deans are obsessed with the cellular, the hormonal, and the preventative.
A PARTNERSHIP BUILT ON ADRENALINE
The couple’s origin story is as vibrant and cinematic as their clinic’s philosophy. They met at the Naples Beach Club in 2016, a chance encounter involving jet skis and a healthy dose of skepticism. Katherine, protective of her friends, essentially "interviewed" Ed for 45 minutes at the bar before letting him and his friend take her visiting girlfriends for a ride on his jet skis. After the "interview" they soon discovered they were
both double black diamond skiers and adrenaline junkies who shared a passion for high-performance living.
That shared energy eventually led them to a medical conference that changed their professional trajectory. "In the ER, it’s all doom and gloom," Ed says. "We went to this wellness conference and they were serving mimosas at 9:00 AM. Everyone was smiling. I told Katherine, ‘I want to be part of this group!’"
THE SCIENCE OF "INSIDE-OUT" BEAUTY
At NAWI, the "Inside-Out" philosophy is literal. Before reaching for Botox, the team often starts with the VISIA Skin Analysis , a sophisticated imaging system that compares a patient’s skin against a global database based on age and ethnicity. It measures everything from UV damage to pore size. "I call it the ‘grass-growing phenomena,’" Ed explains. "You don’t notice yourself changing in the mirror because you look seven times a day. But VISIA shows the empirical proof of your improvement."
Ed is a leading expert in Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Dean
However, the true heart of the clinic lies in regenerative health. Ed is a leading expert in Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), specifically bio-identical pellets. He notes that while patches and creams can help with hot flashes, they rarely reach the "optimal" levels required for long-term brain, heart, and bone health.
"Every cell in your body has receptors for testosterone and estrogen," Ed says, noting that roughly 30% of their female patients also struggle with Hashimoto’s or thyroid imbalances. By combining HRT with supplements like DIM , a molecule found in cruciferous vegetables that ensures hormones follow healthy metabolic pathways, and modern weight-loss innovations like GLP-1s, they help patients reclaim the vitality they often lose in their late 30s.
A PERSONAL MISSION: NAVIGATING "TURBO CANCER"
The clinic’s mission turned deeply personal recently when Katherine was diagnosed with a rare, aggressive form of bilateral breast cancer. "My mammogram was normal six months prior," Katherine warns, stressing the importance of self-exams and looking beyond standard imaging for those with dense fibrous tissue.
This harrowing experience led them to bring the RGCC (Research Genetic Cancer Centre) Test to Naples. It is a sophisticated liquid biopsy that looks for circulating cancer stem cells. Previously, Southwest Florida residents had to travel to Sarasota or Boca Raton for such advanced screening.
"The old thinking was that once a tumor is cut out or radiated, you’re free," Ed explains. "But these ‘zombie’ stem cells can float around. If your immune system drops, they take off. That’s why you hear about brain metastases five years later." The RGCC test identifies what specific chemotherapeutic or natural agents—like curcumin (the active, bright yellow pigment found in turmeric) or green tea—those specific cells are sensitive to, allowing for a personalized "guardrail" against recurrence.
REDEFINING THE STANDARD OF CARE
Whether they are utilizing BBL (BroadBand Light) to "wake up" sleeping fibroblasts and return gene expression to a youthful state, helping a patient reverse osteoporosis through hormone optimization , or implementing another of Dr. Dean's favorite tests, CIMT (Carotid IntimaMedia Thickness) to determine artery health , the Deans view NAWI as a labor of love. They aren’t interested in the "cookbook" medicine often found in large hospital systems; they prefer a bespoke, investigative approach.
Katherine’s corporate background brings a unique marketing and leadership edge to the practice. Previously in her career, she named the "Hyundai
Dr. Edwin & Katherine
They are 1 of only 3 locations in all of South FL to conduct the RGCC Test which looks for circulating cancer stem cells
"We have learned so much through this journey, and we want to share that knowledge to help others navigate the overwhelming ‘analysis paralysis’ of a diagnosis."
— Katherine Dean
Advantage" and launched "America’s Best Warranty," applying that same standard of excellence to the patient experience at NAWI.
"We’re at the stage where we could retire," Katherine says, "but we love to research and bring the best to market. We want people to look and feel well, inside and out." The Deans are looking to offer something deeper to their patients: a way to live life at a "double black diamond" level, well into the sunset years. By treating the patient as a whole—balancing hormones, clearing the skin, and monitoring for the "zombie cells" of the future—they are ensuring that for their patients, the best years are still ahead.
Other services include BBL Heroic skin treatment, as well as other face and skin treatments, and...
...personal wellness therapies such as CIMT arterial age testing, weight loss / body sculpting, and more.
Naples Premier Estate Planning Attorney
FINDING THE GREAT in Every Girl
ABOUT PACE CENTER FOR GIRLS
ARTICLE BY PCCL STAFF | PHOTOGRAPHY BY HELEN WERNER PHOTOGRAPHY
Pat Barton was a Founding Board President of Pace Immokalee; in recognition of her monumental service and her life, a scholarship fund now exists in her name.
In Collier County, one organization has spent decades quietly transforming the lives of young women who might otherwise fall through the cracks. Pace Center for Girls Collier at Immokalee provides education, counseling, and life-skills training for girls facing serious challenges, offering them a safe environment and a second chance at success.
Founded in 1985 in Jacksonville by educator and advocate Vicki Burke, Pace began with just 10 girls and a simple but powerful idea: that girls entering the juvenile justice system often needed support and understanding rather than punishment. The organization was built on the belief that many girls struggling in school or at home have experienced trauma, instability, or difficult circumstances, and that targeted intervention can change the course of their lives. Over the past four decades, the program has grown into a nationally recognized model serving more than 3,000 girls annually in communities across the Southeast.
In Collier County, Pace operates programs serving both middle and high school girls who may be at risk of dropping out, becoming involved in the juvenile justice system, or facing other barriers to success. The Immokalee program first opened in 1998 to provide year-round services designed to prevent delinquency, substance abuse, and other challenges that can derail a young person’s future.
Unlike traditional schools or disciplinary programs, Pace uses a holistic, girl-centered approach that addresses both academic and emotional needs. Girls enrolled in the program participate in a full academic school day combined with counseling, life-skills education, and personal development programs. The goal is not only to help students catch up academically, but also to build confidence, resilience, and healthy relationships.
Small class sizes and individualized learning plans allow educators to meet each student where she is academically. At the same time, licensed counselors work with students to address trauma, mental health challenges, and family issues that often contribute to academic struggles. Through mentoring, leadership development, and career exploration, Pace helps girls discover their strengths and envision a positive future.
The impact of this approach has been significant. Studies of the Pace model show strong outcomes in both education
Pace graduates
Empowerment Luncheon attendees contribution generously to Pace's worthy cause
and public safety. A large majority of participants improve academically while enrolled, and many avoid further involvement in the justice system after completing the program. In fact, research has shown that roughly 95 percent of girls remain crime-free one year after finishing Pace programming.
Beyond academics and counseling, Pace also emphasizes leadership and community engagement. Students participate in service projects, career readiness training, and opportunities to develop their voice as young leaders. These experiences help them transition successfully back into traditional schools, higher education, or the workforce.
The organization’s impact extends beyond individual students to the broader community. By keeping girls in school and providing early intervention, Pace helps reduce juvenile justice involvement, improve graduation rates, and strengthen families. National organizations and public agencies have recognized Pace as one of the country’s most effective gender-responsive programs for at-risk youth.
businesses, philanthropic organizations, and volunteers regularly partner with Pace through mentoring programs and fundraising events. This year's 'Believe in Girls' Empowerment Luncheon held at Ritz Tiburon in February raised nearly $200k to expand educational and counseling services for local girls.
“Pace opens doors for young women who may not always see the possibilities ahead of them. Combining education with mentorship and emotional support gives girls the tools to change the trajectory of their lives.”
In Collier County, community support has played a key role in sustaining the program. Local
Get $20 Off Your First Facial
When you want accessible luxury skincare, you come to us! And to sweeten the deal, we want to make your first visit even better. Book with promo code “PARADISECOAST” to save on any of our popular, cutting-edge facials.
Ultimately, the mission of Pace Center for Girls is simple but powerful: to create a world where every girl is safe, has economic opportunity, and can shape her own future. Through education, counseling, and unwavering support, the organization helps young women discover their potential and build lives defined by confidence, independence, and hope.
For many girls in Collier, and throughout Southwest Florida, Pace is more than a program—it is a turning point that changes the trajectory of their lives.
Visit https://www.pacecenter.org/locations/ florida/collier-at-immokalee to support their initiatives today, such as giving to the Pat Barton Scholarship Fund; and attending future fundrais ers, such as Crazy Pants fashion show in November
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
FEATURING BECKY HILLYARD
Emily James Gallery
Emily
Known
MARCO ISLAND YACHT CLUB
THE PERFECT WATERFRONT VENUE FOR EVERY OCCASION
The Marco Island Yacht Club offers one of the most stunning waterfront settings on Marco Island, making it an exceptional choice for weddings, corporate gatherings, birthday celebrations, and special events of all kinds. With its sweeping marina views, elegant coastal ambiance, and renowned hospitality, the Club transforms every occasion into an unforgettable experience. Couples love the Yacht Club for Its romantic sunset ceremonies and beautifully appointed reception spaces, all designed to highlight the natural beauty of the water. Businesses appreciate the Club’s sophisticated meeting areas and inviting terraces that encourage both productivity and connection. For birthdays, anniversaries, and milestone moments, guests enjoy gourmet cuisine, attentive service, and the relaxed luxury that defines the Club. Whether you’re planning an intimate celebration or a grand event, the Marco Island Yacht Club delivers unmatched scenery, exceptional service, and a setting that captures the true charm of Marco Island.
Enquire today - membership not required to book events.
A JOURNEY TO YOUR BEAUTIFUL SELF
Nourish your mind and body at Spa by JW. Florida residents are invited to indulge in a rejuvenating escape, available Monday through Wednesday, featuring a 50-minute Marco Island massage or facial starting at $175*. Guests can also enjoy full day access to the entire spa facility, spa retail boutique, complimentary self-parking, and wellness classes.
*Offers are valid for Florida residents only from Monday – Wednesday, until May ��, ���6 for select services. Gratuity and tax are not included. Florida identification is required. Services are subject to availability and must be booked in advance.
BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT
Scan the code or call the front desk at 239-642-2686.