The Beauty of Every Chapter
The woman you were. The woman you are. The woman you’re becoming.
Each version deserves to feel confident, radiant, and cared for.
This Mother’s Day, honor your journey— exactly as it is.
Personalized treatments designed for real skin at every stage. Begin with a complimentary VISIA skin consultation.
Harmony Over Balance
With the arrival of May, spring is officially in full bloom. There is a palpable energy in the explosion of color, fragrance, and warmth. Our little patch of the universe is blessed with four distinct seasons, but spring in Rochester is pure bliss—a renewed sense of joy and a fresh beginning.
In the spirit of new beginnings, this issue marks the debut of a new feature where we bring you City Lifestyle national content from the Share the Lifestyle podcast. This month, Cella Jane Founder Becky Hilliard sits down to discuss the delicate dance of raising a family while building a style empire.
In a modern world that is increasingly complex and demanding, we wanted this "Women’s Issue" to spotlight those who navigate these challenges with grace. They don’t necessarily seek the elusive "work/life balance," but rather a sense of harmony
Our feature story focuses on several outstanding local female entrepreneurs doing just that—caring for their families while running successful businesses.
Photographer Kelly Kester’s cover image perfectly captured what I witnessed during the photoshoot at downtown’s beautiful Patron Saint restaurant. These women, many of whom were strangers, made an immediate connection. Perhaps it’s a shared understanding of what it takes to be the person everyone relies upon, both personally and professionally. I suspect it is also that innate openness women have—a genuine desire to learn about and support one another.
Inside, we celebrate that support through a variety of retreats designed to help women reset, ground, and recharge. You will also read about Nurses Honoring Nurses of Monroe County. This group has a powerful mission: honoring nurses who have passed on after dedicating their lives to the care of others. They say, "Once a nurse, always a nurse," and this group shines a beautiful light on that service, even long after their professional career has ended.
Finally, we want to send a heartfelt Happy Mother’s Day wish to all the moms in our community. Please, take in this special day that honors you. Enjoy every gesture from your children, or anyone you have mothered, and give yourself a well-deserved "atta girl."
Settle into your favorite outdoor space or a cozy nook at home and enjoy the May issue.
Warmly,
BETTY DOLCE, PUBLISHER @ROCCITYLIFESTYLE
May 2026
PUBLISHER
Betty Dolce | betty.dolce@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Laura Bennett | laura.bennett@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Katrina M. Randall | katrina.randall@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Marie Gillette
Sarah Keeler | sarahkeelerb@gmail.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Ashley Fosdick | amf00275@sjfc.edu
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Kelly Kester
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas Proverbs
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: At Velvet Belly, Ladies’ Night out means vibrant, handcrafted cocktails shaken up with serious flair. 2: To nights that become memories. Nothing pairs better with a celebratory clink than this atmosphere. 3: Fresh, vibrant, and almost too beautiful to eat. A masterclass in local culinary excellence. 4: Artistry in a glass. Experience world-class mixology in the heart of the Public Market. 5: Behind every masterpiece is a vision. Crafting bold, seasonal flavors with expert precision. 6: Good food, great style, excellent company. Capturing mid-laugh moments in the city’s chicest spot. 7: The perfect pour and your bestie. Elevating your week, one sophisticated sip at a time.
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business monthly
Swedish Hill Gets a Fresh Look
Swedish Hill Winery, a longtime staple on the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail, has rebranded as Swedish Hill Winery + Cider Co. The rebrand brings a refreshed identity, new canned hard ciders, and updated wine packaging, while keeping favorites like the Svenska line intact. The Romulus tasting room is currently being renovated and remains open during construction, with a temporary space available through the side entrance.
Il-LUMA-nate Rebrands as LUMAesthetics
After three years in business, Il-LUMA-nate, a medical spa specializing in Botox and fillers, as well as skincare treatments like micro-needling, chemical peels, and lasers, is marking the occasion with a rebrand. Now operating as LUMAesthetics, the new name reflects the brand's continued growth, evolution, and a renewed dedication to its mission. Clients and prospective customers are invited to explore the new website at LUMAesthetics.com or to stop in for a complimentary consultation.
Botanica of NY Comes to Rochester and the Finger Lakes
Botanica of NY brings luxury container garden design to Rochester and the Finger Lakes region. Founded by designer Krystol O'Rourke, Botanica offers fully managed seasonal installations, from spring through winter, across private residences, estates, and curated outdoor spaces. Each program is designed around the client's property, palette, and lifestyle, with dedicated care and a plant guarantee throughout the season. Visit botanicaofny.com for more information.
ARTICLE BY SARAH KEELER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY D.P. SOULE PHOTOGRAPHY; SUBMITTED
NURSES HONORING NURSES
MONROE COUNTY’S HONOR GUARD OFFERS FINAL TRIBUTES TO CAREGIVERS
When a nurse’s life and career come to an end, a small but meaningful ritual performed by a local nonprofit ensures their service is remembered. The Nurses Honor Guard (NHG) of Monroe County was founded in 2024 with a simple but powerful mission: “nurses honoring nurses.”
The volunteer group attends funerals and hospice bedsides to perform ceremonial tributes for nurses at the end of their lives. At the center of the effort is founder Aubrey Mann, a registered nurse and adjunct clinical instructor of nursing at Genesee Community College.
Aubrey Mann holds a Nightingale lamp
| Photo: D.P. Soule Photography
“We show up at funerals and the hospice bedside of nurses who have not yet passed away,” Mann says. “It’s a really meaningful way to honor a nurse at the end of their life's journey. We start with what’s called the Nightingale Tribute, and then we do a final call to duty.”
A Nightingale Tribute is a brief ceremony recognizing a nurse’s career and service. A member of the honor guard reads a summary of the honoree’s professional life, followed by words of gratitude and remembrance. To date, the Monroe County chapter has performed more than 72 tributes for Rochester-area nurses.
The ceremony concludes with symbolic gestures tied to nursing tradition. “We say the nurse's name three times, ring the ceremonial bell, and extinguish the Nightingale lamp,” Mann says. “Then we present the lamp to a family member, along with a white rose.”
Each element carries meaning within the profession. The bell represents a nurse’s final call to duty, acknowledging a career spent answering the needs of patients and colleagues. The Nightingale lamp references Florence Nightingale, the pioneering nurse known as the “Lady with the Lamp.” During the Crimean War in the 1850s, Nightingale walked hospital wards at night carrying a lamp while tending to wounded soldiers. In nursing tradition, the lamp symbolizes compassion, vigilance, and the light of knowledge guiding patient care.
The white rose represents compassion and the selfless service nurses provide throughout their careers. Although the rituals remain consistent, Mann says each tribute is designed to feel personal. “We try to include stories and memories shared by loved ones.”
Mann’s inspiration grew out of personal tragedy. Her sister is the widow of Daryl Pierson, a Rochester police officer who was lost in the line of duty in 2014. In the period following his death, Mann witnessed the many traditions honoring fallen officers and began to wonder whether similar practices existed for nurses. “Police officers are so deserving of these kinds of acknowledgments, and so are nurses,” she says. “I thought I’d love to find a way to bring that to the nursing career.”
While attending nursing school in Austin, Texas, Mann discovered that volunteer-run nurses honor guards already existed across the United States. Each operates independently, but they share a common goal: honoring nurses at the end of their lives and careers. “There’s no formal governing body,” Mann says. “What connects us is simply the idea of nurses honoring nurses.”
After returning home to Rochester, Mann decided Monroe County needed its own chapter. It is now one of 24 nurses honor guards operating across the state. Today, the Monroe County organization includes more than 50 volunteers, ranging from nursing students to retirees.
“In addition to tributes at funerals and hospice bedsides, we offer living tributes for retiring nurses and participate in pinning ceremonies for nursing school graduations,” Mann says. “We also speak at conferences and march in parades.”
Although the group focuses on Monroe County, it frequently collaborates with neighboring honor guard chapters across the region. For many families, the ceremonies offer a powerful moment of recognition and closure. “We honored a nurse at her funeral, and her husband came up to us afterward and said the tribute was the first moment he was able to let go and cry,” Mann says.
Moments like that reinforce the purpose behind the group’s work. “Nurses are in a unique position,” she says. “Everyone’s life has been touched by a nurse, whether it’s their own experience in the hospital, caring for a family member, or even seeing stories about nurses during the pandemic.”
“We walk alongside people from birth to death and everything in between,” she adds. “We kind of hold the hand of humanity. “
REQUEST A TRIBUTE OR GET INVOLVED
Families wishing to arrange a tribute can contact the Nurses Honor Guard through phone, email, or Facebook. Organizers gather information about the nurse’s life and career before planning the ceremony.
Anyone who has worked as a nurse (LPN, NP, RN, CNM, or CRNA) qualifies to receive a tribute. “We ask families to tell us about the nurse we’re honoring—whether the tribute will be at a funeral service or hospice bedside—and we plan from there,” Mann says.
The organization also accepts donations to help cover ceremonial materials, including the Nightingale lamps and white roses presented during each tribute. “One hundred percent of donations go to materials,” Mann says. “Right now, most supplies are paid for out of pocket by volunteers.”
Volunteers from across the nursing profession are always welcome. “There’s no minimum time commitment,” she says. “You just show up when you can. We accept nursing students all the way through retirees—anyone with a nursing background who wants to honor the profession and colleagues.”
For members of the honor guard, each ceremony offers a final expression of gratitude and reverence for a life spent devoted to the care of others—and a pledge to continue to hold humanity’s hand.
For more information about the Nurses Honor Guard of Monroe County, visit https://nysnurseshonorguard.org or on Facebook @Nurses Honor Guard of Monroe County NY
Forces of Nature
Building Something Bigger on Their Own Terms
ARTICLE BY KATRINA M. RANDALL PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLY KESTER PHOTOGRAPHY
“There is no limit to what we as women can accomplish,” Michelle Obama once said—and the women of Rochester are living proof. They aren’t just living up to that sentiment, they’re setting a new standard. These women are healing, building and rebuilding, renovating, designing, and creating. Our region is home to women who are thriving in male-dominated fields and leading the way.
From a record store veteran breathing new life into a beloved eatery, to a dentist who crossed borders to follow her calling, to two friends who turned pandemic downtime into a design business, the women featured here are proof that determination, savvy, grit, vision, and a willingness to take risks can build something extraordinary.
DR.
GABRIELA CARRANZA
OWNER OF VICTOR PROSTHODONTICS
Dr. Gabriela Carranza’s passion for dentistry began at just nine years old, when her brother took a fall and injured one of his baby teeth. Unsure how to help in that moment, she later asked the tooth fairy for a microscope so she could examine her own teeth. That childhood curiosity sparked a lifelong calling, one that would eventually lead her to leave Guatemala and pursue her passion for the field in the United States.
In dental school, she was always drawn to the most complex cases, naturally leading her to prosthodontics. Today, she has owned Victor Prosthodontics for eight years, having purchased the practice from Dr. James Soltys upon his retirement. Since taking over, she has relocated and renovated the space into a boutique-like environment where she wants her patients to feel special. “They’re the only ones that matter in the moment, not like a factory,” she says. The approach is clearly working. What was once a solo practice has grown, prompting Dr. Carranza to bring on an associate almost six years ago, with patients now traveling from hours away to see her.
Breaking into a male-dominated field was only part of the challenge. Dr. Carranza also had to navigate language barriers and repeat her boards and certifications in the U.S. For her, every obstacle was worth it. The reward is “giving a smile back to someone when there was no hope,” she says, whether that’s a child born without teeth or a patient living with unexplained mouth pain. “Aesthetics go hand in hand with function,” she adds.
Beyond her practice, Dr. Carranza teaches at the University of Rochester’s Eastman Institute for Oral Health and co-leads the Rochester Women’s Study Club for female dentists in the area. She credits her mother, who raised four children alone after losing her husband, for shaping her work ethic and leadership style.
“There are moments when I step into my office and can’t quite believe I’ve built a place where purpose, passion, and profession come together, allowing me to help others in a meaningful way. I’m truly grateful every day,” she says.
CONTINUED >
ALAYNA ALDERMAN
OWNER OF DON’S ORIGINAL
If there’s one thing Alayna Alderman knows, it’s what it’s like to make a heritage business thrive, from her 40-year stint as co-owner of the legendary Record Archive, to her latest endeavor as owner of another Rochester icon: Don’s Original.
While Record Archive is now in her rearview mirror, she looks back with pride on the four decades she poured her heart and soul into the business. Her swan song came last year when she was inducted into the Rochester Music Hall of Fame. Now at 60, when Don’s Original, a neighborhood staple since 1945, went up for sale across the street and developers came sniffing around, she and her husband stepped in to buy it (she holds the majority ownership), ensuring the beloved business would survive.
“There’s very few things that bring together people in this divisive world. One thing is music, and the other is food,” Alderman says. “I’m happy to continue on in a business that brings stuff together.”
Although Alderman comes from customer service rather than food service, the transition has proven natural. Since reopening Don’s Original last year, she has drawn on her experience with heritage businesses to honor tradition while moving forward. The once-seasonal spot is now a year-round destination, serving beer and wine, with a new patio, an opened sunroom, and a recurring music series called Don’s After Dark. “This is where my relationship with the local music community is really coming into play. They know what I did at Record Archive. A lot of them have said they want to play here for me.. There’s a limitation of space. It’s more intimate, but it’s still fun and well-attended. It’s a vibe.”
As she looks to the future, she hopes to expand the outdoor spaces and perhaps add a rooftop space overlooking the bay. “This next chapter is exciting, it’s unexpected. I’m looking forward to challenging myself and making it a wonderful destination like I have with other things in my past.”
One of the reasons Erin Eder and DeeDee DiMarco work so well together, Eder says with a laugh, is simple: “DeeDee often has crazy ideas, and I rarely say no.” Their partnership took root during the pandemic, when their two families formed a pod and spent much of their time together. Eder, a mother and educator with 20 years in the classroom, and DiMarco, a professional photographer and mother of six, found themselves at a crossroads, and the conversation turned to flipping houses.
It wasn’t entirely unfamiliar territory. DiMarco had helped her father flip houses, while Eder had tackled a full build and interior design with her ex-husband. But from the start, their approach set them apart. “Our realtor was adamant we weren’t flipping, we were transforming houses,” Eder says, noting how the two would walk through a property and envision the person who would one day call it home.
Over that time, they renovated 11 homes, building a loyal following through their eye for design, work ethic, and growing social media presence. Then came their break into full interior design, when a realtor called on behalf of clients who wanted Eder and DiMarco to design their basement in an “extreme makeover” experience where the homeowners wouldn’t see the finished space until it was complete. “It was cool because we had a ton of artistic freedom. We knew what they wanted, we knew what their style was, and they gave us free range to do that,” says Eder.
The partnership works because the two complement each other naturally. DiMarco brings bold ideas and an artistic eye, while Eder grounds the vision with spatial and analytical sensibility. “I think we both have a good amount of creativity, and we agree 99.9% of the time on just about everything,” DiMarco says.
“As DeeDee said, we have a super aligned vision,” Eder says. “We have fun. In stressful times we have each other’s back. We have talked about how hard this would be to do on our own because we support each other so much.”
ERIN EDER & DEEDEE DIMARCO
OWNERS OF CEDAR & DEED
NO FILTER: A CONVERSATION WITH ROCHESTER’S WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS
Running a business is one thing. Running it while raising a family, nurturing relationships, and carving out space for yourself? That’s an art form in its own right. When ROC City Lifestyle sat down with these dynamic women entrepreneurs, the conversation turned to hard-won wisdom, the kind that comes with time and persistence.
For Dr. Carranza, the lesson was efficiency. “I’m more efficient now,” she says with a laugh, crediting motherhood, of all things, with sharpening her sense of balance.
Alderman, with four decades of entrepreneurship behind her, finds that people are what’s most important. “Find good people to surround yourself with that you can look at as mentors,” she says. “You have to take time for your personal life,” she adds, noting how she’s married, has three kids, and was the caregiver for an older adult parent. “I think my girlfriends have been the best therapy. All my friends give me strength and power and support.”
For DiMarco and Eder, who stepped into business ownership later in their careers, the education has been an ongoing and collaborative experience. “We learn something every project, every day,” Eder reflects, noting that surrounding yourself with good people is also a vital sentiment. Of course, prioritizing family while maintaining a balance of creativity, hard work, and fun is the graceful juggling act these woman do—and the quiet superpower behind everything they build.
Follow us at @ROC City Lifestyle on Facebook and Instagram to catch highlights from the interview and photoshoot.
WOMEN TO WATCH
Rochester’s Next Chapter Is Being Written by Women
ARTICLE BY STAFF
PHOTOGRAPHY SUBMITTED
CHRISTINA SHIPLEY, MAISON & BOUQUET
Christina Shipley brings a well-traveled aesthetic to Schoen Place in Pittsford, where she recently opened up Maison & Bouquet. She describes her “European-style” boutique as a “love letter to the ‘collected life’—a jewel box of a space.”
She was raised in Los Angeles and spent her childhood absorbing the art of living well. Shipley says: “A home should look just like it was picked up along the way, piece by piece, as you go through life.”
SHEILA HERBERT, CONSPIRACY PRODUCT CO. & UNDERSTORY WORKS
Sheila Herbert founded Conspiracy Product Co. to help leaders build with clarity and purpose. She’s also co-founder and CTO of UnderStory Works, a complementary company focused on building teams that can bring that strategy to life.
Her ties to Rochester’s tech community go back to her early days helping scale PAETEC from startup into a multibillion-dollar telecommunications company. Herbert says: “No great product has ever been built by a team that was simply executing instructions.”
DANIELE DYMINSKI, LUNAR MOON H₂O
Lunar Moon H₂O is a wellness lifestyle brand created to “elevate everyday hydration into a mindful ritual rooted in intention and presence,” or what Dyminski calls “conscious hydration.” The purified water is crafted in small batches in rhythm with the lunar cycle and charged during full and new moon phases.
Dyminski says: “From intention to ritual to reality, every sip is an opportunity to elevate your soul and reconnect with your truest energy.”
“From intention to ritual to reality, every sip is an opportunity to elevate your soul and reconnect with your truest energy.”
ARTICLE BY MARIE GILLETTE
PHOTOGRAPHY SUBMITTED
SPACE to BREATHE
The Rise of Women’s Retreats Across the Region
Deep in the woods, alongside lakes, in a subterranean greenhouse, along wooded trails winding through the seasons, women gather. They arrive carrying accumulated exhaustion from holding it all together, the quiet ache of roles that leave little room for their own voices, a longing they can’t quite put into words. Somewhere in the circle, around the fire, on the earth, they begin to set it down.
Women’s retreats are having a moment, not because the concept is new, but because the need feels increasingly urgent. Therapists, coaches, and wisdom keepers create spaces where women can do something radical: stop performing, stop producing, and simply be.
The Weight Women Carry
Ask any retreat facilitator why women seek retreats today, and the answers echo: Women are exhausted and disconnected from themselves.
Lindsay Cray, a licensed mental health counselor and naturebased therapist who co-leads the Wild Woman Retreat at Easton Mountain in upstate New York, sees the pattern often. “In our current culture, women are rewarded for pushing through, holding everything together, caring for others, staying productive. Rest, voice, and seeking our wild feminine connection is not only deprioritized but stigmatized.” Over time, she says, this disconnection results in “exhaustion, loneliness, disembodiment, anxiety, emotional numbness, creative shutdown, or even a vague sense of longing.”
Melinda Johnston, founder of the Buddhi Institute on North Winton Road, frames it in terms of the nervous system,
saying, “Women are carrying more than their nervous systems were designed to hold. The pace of modern life, the constant demand to be available, and the quiet pressure to hold everything together have created a level of internal strain that is simply unsustainable.”
Carolina Torchetti sees the same pattern among women attending the Keuka Lake Soulful Art Retreat. “More than ever, women are navigating incredibly full lives, balancing careers, relationships, caregiving roles, and constant digital stimulation,” she says. “Retreats offer something that has become surprisingly rare in modern life: space.”
Heather Daly, a former toxicologist who left a corporate career that left her burned out and misaligned with her inner self before founding Rooted Wisdom, believes many women are becoming more aware of cultural pressures that suppress intuition and authentic expression. “Women today want to free themselves from the shackles of the past and step into their own personal power,” she says.
What Women Seek
Women attend retreats for more than yoga classes or spa weekends—they seek connection with other women and with themselves. Women arrive with “a deep desire for authentic connection with other women, to be supported by and to empower each other,” Daly says.
Johnston hears similar intentions. Women want to “set down the burden basket, slow their pace, and return to an inner calm that feels ignited with true purpose… [They want to] listen
Painting by the water at the Keuka Lake Soulful Art Retreat
Making fire at the Wild Woman Retreat
Sunrise at the Buddhi Institute retreat
Buddhi Institue founder Melinda Johnston of Buddhi Institute Melinda Johnston
Heather Daly, founder of Rooted Wisdom
By the fire at the Wild Woman Retreat
Keuka Lake Soulful Art Retreat
inwardly and remember the parts of themselves that get lost in the noise of daily life.”
According to Torchetti, most women arrive seeking some combination of rest, clarity, and connection. They long to slow down and regulate their nervous systems after extended periods of stress or overcommitment. “Others come looking for inspiration or creative expression, especially if they’ve been feeling disconnected from their inner voice.”
Cray sees something deeper beneath those intentions. Drawing on her clinical training as a trauma therapist and her work with nature-based practices, she believes many women arrive carrying a quiet grief and a sense that something essential has gone silent.
“Somewhere beneath all of that,” she says, “there is a deep knowing that whispers: There is more than this. I am more than this.”
What Retreats Offer
Each facilitator offers something distinct, yet they share a conviction about what retreats make possible that daily life rarely does: uninterrupted space to reconnect.
Cray designed the Wild Woman Retreat to be “earthy and unintimidating,” grounded in nature, ancient wisdom, and what she describes as wild skill-building (fire making, plant relationships, barefoot exploration, storytelling), woven together with movement, music, and shared reflection.
Rooted Wisdom takes a different but equally grounded approach, rooted in seasonal rhythms. Monthly fire circles in a subterranean greenhouse offer a confidential space for women to connect, reflect, and empower one another. Seasonal nature journeys take women outdoors across Rochester to walk, talk, and build tools to carry into daily lives. Daly sees women “craving deeper connection, slower spaces, honest conversations, room to breathe” and finding it with a community of women empowered to trust their inner authority.
Buddhi Institute retreats, held in a thoughtfully crafted spiritual setting, are intentionally fluid, blending sacred wisdom teachings, guided meditation, and gentle yoga, all with an eye toward helping women experience what Johnston calls “coming home” to Self.
At Keuka Lake Soulful Art Retreat, Torchetti says workshops and group activities balance with time for rest, nature, and organic connection. “Real transformation doesn’t happen through constant activity. It happens through integration,” she says.
The Power of Nature
Many retreats incorporate nature for a reason. Being outdoors quiets the noise of everyday life and helps women reconnect with themselves.
“Nature helps regulate what society suppresses,” Daly says, while Johnston describes retreats as “spaces where women can connect deeply while savoring the simplicity of just being.”
“Being on the land slows things down in a way nothing else really does. When you’re walking among trees, sitting on the earth, listening to fire crackle, your nervous system settles.
There’s less performing, less explaining, less pushing. Women soften,” Cray adds. “They listen differently—to each other and to themselves. Instinct comes back online really quickly out there. Away from constant noise and structure, women remember how to trust what they feel.”
Torchetti sees similar shifts along Keuka Lake, saying, “Nature has a way of gently bringing people back into presence.”
Daly points to the natural world as a teacher, saying, “A river does not shrink itself. A tree does not apologize for taking up space.” When women gather outdoors, she says “something recalibrates. We remember what clean power feels like.”
For many women, deeper healing happens in the circle itself. Torchetti says women have “a deep and ancestral need to gather in supportive circles,” where shared stories create reflection and connection.
Cray calls this dynamic “ancient,” explaining, “Sitting together around a fire, sharing stories, witnessing without judgment is deeply healing. It reminds women that they’re not broken and they’re not alone.” At retreats, she says instead of “fixing” anyone, “We’re holding space. We’re nourishing what’s been underfed—rest, intuition, emotion, creativity, reverence.”
What Women Bring Home
While retreats can be transformative, facilitators emphasize that the real work continues afterward. Johnston encourages women to stay connected with supportive communities and maintain awareness practices to reinforce insight and clarity.
You don’t need a retreat to walk in the woods or sit on the earth, Cray notes, suggesting that we notice everyday moments when intuition speaks—when exhaustion is ignored, when discomfort is pushed aside, or when something feels wrong but goes unspoken. Small moments of listening inward, she believes, can restore trust in oneself.
Modern culture has long worked to displace women’s intuition with purely rational frameworks, Daly acknowledges, and she sees reclaiming that inner reflection as critical. “When we can go inside ourselves and stand on that place of power, we have the strongest, most secure foundation to tackle anything in life.”
Retreats Help Women Return Home
Retreats are not about becoming someone new; they are about remembering. As Cray says, "Women don't need to become something new. We need to recover what's already there. Instinct, intuition, creativity, emotional truth, and wisdom aren't learned skills; they're innate capacities that often get buried under expectation and survival."
For women across the Rochester and Finger Lakes region, that remembering is close to home. Whether gathered around a fire circle in Rochester, walking a quiet trail through the season’s first frost, exploring creativity beside the lake, or retreating into the hills of upstate New York learning to read the land and listen inward again, these moments are within reach. You don't have to travel far to reconnect with yourself.
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
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMY SALVAGNO
Elevated Cocktail for Brunch Beyond &
A Fun Cocktail That Is Sure To Impress
Whether you prefer to dine reclining pillow-side in pajamas or beside a beautifully dressed table, you’ll appreciate an elegant, elevated cocktail to make your brunch menu extra special. So while you’re indulging in a few extra pieces of bacon, savoring bites of flaky quiche and luxuriating over berry and whipped cream-topped pancakes, you’ll be sure to impress with this morning-friendly mix.
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.
APRIL SHOWERS BRING MAY FLOWERS
Decorate Your Space With a DIY Floral Design
Spring: the days grow longer, weather turns warmer, and the earth’s greenery starts to make its reappearance. During this time, flowers shoot up from the ground in a ballet of colors and movement. Walking outside becomes a cherished moment to breathe the fresh air and immerse yourself in lush surroundings. Being inside your home turns dreary and dull, everything that thrives is now outside, but this can easily be remedied. Why not bring some life inside? Make a spring floral bouquet to lighten up your space. Flowers add color and character to any room that needs a little lift, and our step-by-step guide will inspire you to create something grand.
Supplies:
• Flowers of your choice
• Scissors
• Twine or floral tape
• Ribbon (optional)
• Decorative paper (optional)
• Bouquet sleeve (optional)
ARTICLE BY SARAH KNIEFF
Directions:
Step 1: When creating a beautiful floral arrangement, the first thing to do is decide on a color scheme and prepare the flowers. Have fun deciding what colors you want to play with. Perhaps go pastel for spring or match the hues to other decor items in your house. Once you have picked your flowers, you need to do a little prep work. First, remove extra leaves and damaged petals from the stems. Then make a fresh diagonal cut to the bottom of all the flowers. This allows each bloom to soak up as much water as they need.
Step 2: Now it’s arranging time — think focal and filler. The best way to start the arranging process is by choosing your most interesting or favorite flowers — this will be your focal point. Hold the focal flower(s) upright and add your supporting blooms around it. Make sure to turn the bouquet as you build so that the design is as desired. Once this is complete, add your filler flowers to finalize the look. Filler options include baby’s breath, ivy, fern, eucalyptus and more.
Step 3: Let’s get ready to tie. Once you’ve arranged your bouquet, tie all the stems together using twine or floral tape. If using twine, we recommend securing it in a small bow in case you would like to rearrange at any given time. Floral tape is easy to move on and off for this purpose as well.
Step 4: Add the finishing touches. At this point, you are almost done with your bouquet and all that’s left is embellishments. There are so many ways to further adorn your creation: one way we love is to wrap it in fun decorative paper or put it in a special sleeve made just for flowers. If this idea isn’t for you, we recommend going to Pinterest for inspiration. Just remember, whatever way you choose to decorate your bouquet, you will end with a personalized piece made with love and care.
Welcome to L i lac Grove
Now Renting!
Lilac Grove is a new rental community for adults ages 62 and older. Designed with comfort, convenience and community in mind, this 90-unit apartment complex opens in May 2026.
Lilac Grove is here to meet your needs and enhance your lifestyle. As part of the Jewish Home campus, you’ll have access to a variety of amenities, engaging programs and a full spectrum of supportive services.
Let’s talk about making your move to Lilac Grove for a convenient, carefree community to call home.
Call (585) 341-2306 or visit
realty report
MAY 1ST-2ND
Roc Jazz Escape Makes Its Mark in Rochester
The Duke on Main, 232 East Main St. | 6:00 PM
Roc Jazz Escape, an upscale contemporary jazz concert series and getaway experience held in downtown Rochester, is getting ready for its next installment: the Niagara Falls Excursion, a two-day jazz getaway. The full package includes a signature Niagara Falls day excursion, a soiree dinner, cocktail hour, and a Sunday jazz brunch. More info: rocjazzescape.com and rocjazzweekend.com
MAY 1ST-10TH
Historical Treasures: Honoring Mother’s Day at The Gem Lab
The Gem Lab, 4098 West Henrietta Rd, Rochester | 10:00 AM
The Gem Lab is offering an in-store museum experience this Mother’s Day season, showcasing estate pieces from various eras with historical descriptions. The special display offers visitors an opportunity to explore the artistry and history behind fine jewelry up close. In celebration of Mother’s Day, The Gem Lab is also offering 10% off all finished, in-stock jewelry during the event.
MAY 2ND
Celebrating 20 Years of Rochester Clean Sweep
Innovation Field, One Morrie Silver Way | 8:00 PM
Clean Sweep Saturday returns this spring at Innovative Field, bringing together volunteers for a citywide cleanup effort. Participants will kick off with a light breakfast, collect their free Clean Sweep T-shirt, and receive project site assignments before heading out into Rochester's city neighborhoods. Volunteers will receive a free ticket to that day's Rochester Red Wings baseball game. More info: https:// www.cityofrochester.gov/clean-sweep
MAY 3RD
Tea At Two Fashion Show Fundraiser
Casa Larga, 12287 Turk Hill Raod, Fairport | 12:30 PM
Embrace Your Sisters (EYS) presents its 19th Annual Tea At Two Fashion Show Fundraiser at Casa Larga Vineyards. The event celebrates breast cancer survivors alongside their families, friends, and community members, bringing together fashion, food, and fun for a meaningful cause. Models in the show include both survivors and supporters alike. More info: embraceyoursisters.org
MAY 9TH
Shop Handmade This Mother's Day
ROC Dome Arena, 2695 East Henrietta Rd, Henrietta | 10:00 AM
The Mayday! Underground Crafts & Art Show returns to Minett Hall at the Dome Arena on May 9, from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. The one-day market features more than 70 artists selling handmade artisans. Admission is free, parking is plentiful, and the venue is wheelchair accessible. Swag bags will be distributed to the first 40 shoppers starting at 9 a.m.
MAY 16TH-17TH
City Chic and Country Charm Spring Elegant Barn Sale
7948 Main Street Fishers, Victor | 8:00 AM
City Chic & Country Charm will transform a 100-year-old barn into a two-day market featuring refurbished furniture, home decor, artistic creations, and handcrafted goods from local artists in May. Explore outdoor garden accessories, support a local animal rescue, and stay for lunch and coffee in the spring air. Saturday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. More info: citychicandcountrycharm.com
