Issuu

Places That Stay With You

Welcome to the EXPLORE issue.

Travel has never really been about checking places off a list for me. It has always been tied to the places and memories that helped shape my life growing up.

Some of my best memories were summers spent in Grand Haven at my grandparents’ historic house on Stearns Bayou — Lake Michigan beach days, shopping and the kind of lake summers that never really leave you. Now, getting to bring my own kids there for summer trips and weekends in Grand Rapids, Saugatuck and Holland feels full circle in the best way.

When I was little, we would make the drive down to the Florida Keys, which somehow always felt bigger and farther than anywhere else, and it was. Every winter, we would wait for postcards and pictures of manatees from Grandpa Moose while he and my grandma lived there, and those little postcards made the Keys feel iconic before we even arrived.

Northern Michigan was another part of my childhood. Summers boating in Bellaire, spent at the Moose Lodge. Winters skiing at Shanty Creek and Schuss Mountain — all long before downtown Bellaire became what it is today.

At the same time, growing up in Oakland County meant I never felt like I was missing much. Between the lakes, shopping and restaurants, there was always something to do close to home.

As an adult, I still love cities with personality, energy, and history. Charleston, Austin and D.C. are some of my favorites. But the places I return to most are still the ones connected to family, tradition and familiarity.

That is really what this issue became about — exploring the places, people and experiences that stay with you long after the trip is over.

I hope you enjoy!

JORDAN SAKALIAN, PUBLISHER @ROCHESTERCITYLIFESTYLE

July 2026

PUBLISHER

Jordan Sakalian | jordan.sakalian@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Jennifer Lee | jennifer.lee@citylifestyle.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Jessica Snow | hello@jessica-snow.com

MARKET SUPPORT MANAGER

Kyrstyn Dean | KyrstynDeanMBA@KyrstynDean.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Mike Young, Jennifer Lee

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Jessica Snow, Luke Datema, Jessica Eunjoo Hill, Brian Craig

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas

Proverbs 3:5-6

U-Pick Evenings in the Fields

Private Events I Bloom Bar I DIY Bloom Buckets

Seasonal Flower Subscriptions

PROMO: CITYLIFESTYLE10

JOIN US FOR A SEASON IN BLOOM. Every stem is grown right here in Rochester, Michigan and thoughtfully curated to capture the beauty of the season.

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: Jordan Sakalian, Publisher & Kyrstyn Dean, Detroit Promotion tour Cosm. 2: Explore the Hudson Building Detroit - GM Entrance One

3: Construction tour of COSM, coming to Detroit. Paul Bee, Kyrstyn Dean, Jordan Sakalian, Sara Turnbull 4: 55th Annual Partnership Dinner with keynote speaker, Sean Astin and students. 5: Caleb Carroll performing at the 55th Annual Rochester Christian Partnership Dinner at Royal Park Hotel. 6-7: The 55th Annual Rochester Christian Partnership Dinner at Royal Park Hotel.

BRIAN CRAIG

DETROIT PROMOTIONS

business monthly

Vélla Studios College Student Special

Home for the summer? Move with us. Vélla Studios is offering a special for college students to stay consistent, de-stress, and feel your best all summer long. Strong body, clear mind — all summer. Follow us @Vellastudiosmi for more information!

Photography by Jessica Snow

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Paint Creek Celebrates 5 Years!

Paint Creek Dentistry is celebrating its 5th anniversary this year. Over the past five years, the practice has built a reputation for compassionate care, patient comfort, and a commitment to helping the community smile brighter. Congratulations to the team on this milestone and continued success ahead.

Wednesday Night Bike Rides at the Clever Fox Cyclery

Join the Clever Fox Cycle team for Wednesday night rides! The ride begins in the Clever Fox Cyclery parking lot (3341 Auburn Road), on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. This is a no-drop ride around 15-18 miles in distance at a conversational pace. Helmets required, lights encouraged. This is self-supported so bring your hydration, flat tire kit and smiles!!

New guests receive 10% off with City Lifestyle Promo!

Ruby & Clover, in the heart of Rochester, rooted in artistry, education, and intentional care. From custom color and precision cuts to luxury treatments, extensions, and our signature Japanese Head Spa experiences, every service is designed to help you feel confident, refreshed, and cared for. New guests who mention this ad will receive 10% off their first visit. We can’t wait to welcome you to Ruby & Clover!

Photography by Jessica Snow

ARTICLE BY ROCHESTER CITY LIFESTYLE TEAM

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RCL TEAM & DETROIT PROMOTIONS

THE SUMMER of Mahj

A CENTURIES-OLD TRADITION FINDS NEW LIFE THROUGH CURATED LUXURY EXPERIENCES

Mahjong is becoming one of the country’s fastest-growing social trends — inviting people to explore connection in an entirely new way.

Originating in 19th-century China, Mahjong has long been rooted in tradition, strategy and multigenerational gatherings centered around community and conversation.

Across the United States, Mahjong nights are popping up everywhere from boutique hotels to cafés and social clubs. What was once viewed as a traditional pastime has evolved into a modern lifestyle experience centered around conversation, community and creativity.

Locally, Deb Silver of The Silver Shamrocks & Forks & Fêtes is helping introduce more people to the movement through curated American Mah Jongg events at Forks & Fêtes.

Silver says, "One of my favorite things happening at Forks and Fêtes right now is the beautiful community growing around our Mah Jongg tables. What starts as a class quickly turns into laughter, new friendships, and a reason to gather again and again."

For more information about monthly events, visit TheSilverShamrocks.com

U NMATCH E D BE UT Y

If Switzerland is not on your bucket list, put it on there now! Switzerland is awash in beautiful mountains, hiking trails, the alps, villages and lakes. It truly captures the heart the second the plane lands. The train system is easy and affordable and a great way to see the countryside, so be sure to plan some day trips using their easy transportation systems. Don’t be afraid to visit with the locals to hear where they would go to base some of your day trips on their recommendations. They are generally spot on every time.

ARTICLE & PHOTOGRAPHY

BY JANIE JONES

WHERE TO EXPLORE:

• Appenzell and Lake Constance is surrounded by Switzerland, Austria and Germany. An easy and short train ride to Appenzell and a quick gondola ride up the mountain boasts a beautiful view of the lake and surrounding areas.

• Ticino is where the locals suggest to visit and holiday. It is known for its waterfront promenade, bridges, castles, historical buildings and stunning landscape.

• Take in the sights of Zurich and its magnificent lakeside views. This spectacular city boasts amazing views, food and locals.

• Take a short three hour train ride to Paris to explore the gorgeous city and delectable French food.

WHERE TO EAT:

• To indulge in the traditional treat that Switzerland is known for, visit Sprungli which serves the best chocolate in Switzerland.

• To treat yourself to a Michelin restaurant, head to Zurich and eat at Kronenhalle.

• Aperol spritz and local craft beer is readily served at almost every cafe to enjoy.

• When in doubt, ask the locals, as they are happy to suggest their favorite eateries.

SMALL CITY, BIG FASHION

OMONI BOUTIQUE BRINGS BIG-CITY STYLE

TO THE HEART OF BAY CITY

ARTICLE BY RCL TEAM I PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATIE NEYMEIYER, LAUR NASH

OMONI Boutique FASHION

Jessica Hill’s love for fashion began long before opening OMONI Boutique in 2016. Adopted from South Korea at age 5, Jessica says fashion once helped her fit in, but eventually became a way to embrace her individuality.

Over time, that desire evolved into a passion for personal style and self-expression. “My OMONI, or Mother in Korean, taught me to truly love myself,” she says. “She also taught me to invest in pieces that were worth it.”

That philosophy inspired both the name and vision behind the boutique. Jessica wanted to create an elevated shopping experience in Bay City without requiring customers to drive to Detroit or Chicago for unique, high-quality fashion.

Today, OMONI Boutique blends big-city style with approachable everyday wear through curated collections ranging from elevated basics to occasion pieces. Many styles are brought in as limited quantities, giving customers something distinctive and hard to find elsewhere.

The boutique has continued evolving alongside its customers with the addition of OMONI Youth Girls, a collection designed for tweens ages 8-14.

Jessica Hill

“Many girls wanted styles that reflected what their Moms were wearing,” Jessica says. “I wanted them to have a fun space where they could build confidence and express themselves.”

OMONI carries recognizable brands including SPANX, DL1961 and ASTR the Label alongside emerging international labels sourced from places like Germany and South Korea. The boutique also supports women-owned businesses, including Detroit-based brands VAJZE Jewelry and LETA-US. OMONI also designs custom DETROIT label clothing, created for Moms who want elevated style & comfort with buttery-soft fabric and cinchable bottoms.

Located in Uptown Bay City along the riverfront, the boutique has become part of the area’s growing shopping and dining scene. “You can bike along the riverwalk, catch concerts, go boating, and then stop in to shop,” she says. “It really has become such a fun area to spend time in.”

omoniboutique.com - free shipping over $100 uptownbaycity.com

Top left: OMONI DETROIT Tee Bottom left: Katie Neymeiyer, OMONI Youth

HOW ONE ROCHESTER COUPLE UNEXPECTEDLY ENTERED THE GLOBAL FLORAL INDUSTRY

FROM FLOWERS TO FARTHER PLACES

ARTICLE BY THE ROCHESTER CITY LIFESTYLE TEAM

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JASON & MARY BIGHAM

Jason & Mary Bigham

“FLOWERS BECAME THE UNEXPECTED CONNECTION BETWEEN CREATIVITY, EXPLORATION, RELATIONSHIPS AND ENTIRELY NEW OPPORTUNITIES.”

If you had told Jason and Mary several years ago that flowers would completely reshape their lives, they probably would not have believed you.

Mary spent more than a decade as an elementary educator, where she developed a love for creativity, thoughtful experiences and the small details that make people feel connected. Jason built his career in technology, entrepreneurship and business operations. Neither had experience in florals, luxury retail or global sourcing.

But after exiting a previous business in 2021, the Rochester couple found themselves searching for something different — something creative, meaningful and entirely new.

That curiosity led them to launch an unconventional floral vending concept across Metro Detroit. What initially felt like an innovative retail idea quickly became something much larger.

“We thought we were starting a vending machine company,” Jason says. “What we were really doing was entering the floral industry without realizing where it would eventually take us.”

As the business grew, Jason and Mary began traveling to better understand the floral world firsthand. Their journey eventually led

“WHAT STARTED AS TWO PEOPLE SEARCHING FOR A RESET UNEXPECTEDLY BECAME A JOURNEY THROUGH FLOWER FARMS, LUXURY RETAIL AND GLOBAL RELATIONSHIPS THAT COMPLETELY RESHAPED BOTH THEIR BUSINESS AND THE LIFE THEY IMAGINED FOR THEMSELVES.”

them through Ecuador and Colombia, where they toured flower farms, met growers and discovered the global network behind the flowers people see every day.

“Flowers became the unexpected connection between creativity, exploration, relationships and entirely new opportunities.”

Those travels gave Jason and Mary a behind-the-scenes look at an industry most people rarely think about.

“What many people do not realize is that most flowers sold in the United States are grown in Ecuador and Colombia,” Jason explains. “Once you experience the process firsthand, you gain an entirely different appreciation for the work behind every stem.”

For Mary, visiting flower farms transformed the way she viewed flowers entirely. What once felt decorative suddenly became deeply personal after seeing generations of growers, endless greenhouse rows and the artistry involved in cultivating every arrangement.

Along the way, the couple also formed relationships that would unexpectedly shape the future of Penny + Clover.

One turning point happened during a flight home from Miami, when Jason found himself seated next to an executive from luxury fragrance brand Jo Malone London. During their conversation, she mentioned the challenge of creating consistent floral experiences across department stores nationwide.

Jason immediately recognized an opportunity.

Using the sourcing relationships and operational systems they had been building, Penny + Clover developed a floral activation model capable of supporting luxury retail experiences at scale.

What began as a small pilot quickly expanded into something far larger.

Today, Penny + Clover helps orchestrate floral activations and customer experiences inside hundreds of luxury retail stores nationwide for globally recognized fragrance and beauty brands.

Meanwhile, another connection introduced the couple to the preserved floral market through a distributor importing premium preserved bouquets from the Netherlands. That relationship eventually helped Penny + Clover expand into wholesale distribution, supplying preserved florals to boutiques, hotels, spas and retailers across the country.

Despite how different each side of the business may appear, Jason and Mary say both were built the same way: through curiosity, relationships and a willingness to explore unfamiliar territory together.

“What started as two people searching for a reset unexpectedly became a journey through flower farms, luxury retail and global relationships that completely reshaped both their business and the life they imagined for themselves.”

ESCAPE

BEAUTIFULLY

Northern Michigan getaways that feel like home.

ARTICLE

BY THE ROCHESTER CITY LIFESTYLE TEAM | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LUKE DATEMA, DATEMA MEDIA

Northern Michigan travel is becoming less about where you stay and more about how you experience it. Olivia Elias, alongside her husband Basel Elias and close friends Adam and Lindsey Cole, is creating thoughtfully designed retreats that invite guests to slow down, reconnect and explore some of Northern Michigan’s most charming destinations.

Farmhouse 1918:1658 Wildwood Heights Exterior

721 W. Division St.

HOSTING WITH PURPOSE

For Olivia and Basel Elias, alongside Adam and Lindsey Cole, hosting is about more than accommodations. Their homes are designed to create meaningful guest experiences while encouraging visitors to explore the charm, waterfront communities that continue to make Northern Michigan one of the Midwest’s favorite escape destinations.

ORA ESCAPES

What began with one vacation rental home quickly evolved into Boyne City Bliss, a growing collection of spacious getaway homes designed for families and groups. Located near Lake Charlevoix, guests can spend their days boating, skiing, dining and exploring Northern Michigan before gathering together in thoughtfully designed spaces built for connection.

Ora Escapes was inspired by a passion for thoughtful design, elevated hospitality and intentional travel experiences. Beginning with a full renovation project in downtown Boyne City set to open in Summer 2026, the brand focuses on curated stays that blend boutique aesthetics with relaxed Northern Michigan living.

boynecitybliss.com | stayoraescapes.com

BOYNE CITY BLISS

Bliss House: Living Area

Farmhouse 1918: Living Area

Delight:

Life On The Road With Comedian Mike Young

This is what happens when comedians write.

“Mike, at your core, what do you live, breathe, and think about every day?” Then it hit me: STAND-UP COMEDY. That’s it. That’s my world. That’s why I came to Los Angeles. That’s what makes me tick. That’s my passion. If it wasn’t for stand-up, I would never have met and opened for Bob Saget for thirteen years and had him introduce me to John Stamos, who starred in the first film I wrote and directed, My Man Is a Loser. Stand-up is what I am. It’s where I come from.

The Rock Comedy Tour was a twenty-five-city tour sponsored by our friends at Rocket Mortgage. Dan Gilbert, the founder of Rocket, is a comedy fan. Dan produced my last film, Stealing Jokes, a comedy about four comics who rob a comedy club and make off with the dough.

ARTICLE BY MIKE YOUNG | PHOTOGRAPHY

BY SARAH RICE PHOTOGRAPHY

“Mike, at your core, what do you live, breathe, and think about every day?” Then it hit me: STAND-UP COMEDY. That’s it. That’s my world. That’s why I came to Los Angeles. That’s what makes me tick. That’s my passion.

One day, we were watching TV at his house and a Rocket commercial came on with Tracy Morgan in it. The commercial was funny. I said to Dan, “You’re already in the comedy business, you know that, right? Why don’t you sponsor a tour?” And that was it — two light bulbs went off, and we were off and running.

The Rock Comedy Tour was amazing. I handpicked comics I loved and wanted to work with: Annie Lederman, Steve Treviño, Bret Ernst, Erik Griffin, Ha Ha Davis, etc. All killers.

Phoenix: opening night of the tour, and we’re nervous. It’s myself, Bret Ernst — the star of Cobra Kai on Netflix — and Brent Morin, a hilarious comic who’s been starring in sitcoms for years. Backstage, I’m pacing around nervously since I know the heads of Rocket’s marketing team are in the house. I’m shadowboxing over the fruit plate. I’m peeking out into the room from the green room to make sure the crowd is filing in and seems in good spirits. I’m going over my notes. I’m shuffling index cards around, thinking to myself, “Do I do the ‘Divorced men are lost’ bit, or maybe I open with the ‘Being single is exhausting’ bit?” I’ll feel it out.

I peek out into the room once again. The Rocket suits seem in great spirits. The place is packed. Sold out on night one of the tour.

Now it’s time to set the lineup. I figure I produced the tour, and even though I’m on it, let me open the tour, give the crowd a little briefing, and bring on Bret Ernst. Bret tells me, “Don’t forget to say I play Cousin Louie on Cobra Kai on Netflix.” Okay, I got it.

The crowd is antsy. I look over at Brent Morin. He’s chewing on carrot sticks to calm his nerves. I hear the music in the background, which tells me the show’s about to start.

“Alright, Mike, don’t forget to bring Bret up and say, ‘He plays Cousin Louie on Netflix.’”

The music drops. The voice of God says, “Please welcome to the stage the founder of the Rock Comedy Tour, Mike Young.”

I hit the stage, look out over the massive crowd, tell them a bit about the tour, and now it’s time for Bret’s intro.

“LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, PLEASE WELCOME TO THE STAGE — HE PLAYS ‘COUSIN VINNY’ ON COBRA KAI — BRET ERNST!”

Bret hit the stage, shook my hand, whispered in my ear, “You blew my intro,” and went on to crush.

From that moment on, the tour was a smash success, and I never went on first again.

Comedy is important.

ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE

The 10% Target Mindset

Jen Cohen ON THE PRACTICE OF ASKING FOR WHAT YOU WANT

Winnipeg in the winter, and a 17-year-old waits 45 minutes in the cold for Keanu Reeves. Her fingers are numb. She is not there for an autograph. She is there to ask him to appear in her audition tape for MuchMusic, Canada’s MTV. When he finally agrees, she writes her number on a gum wrapper with a borrowed lip liner.

He calls days later.

That 17-year-old was Jen Cohen — fitness expert, host of the Habits & Hustle podcast, and best-selling author. She has built a career on the premise her frostbitten afternoon proved. She calls the practice the 10% Target: 10 attempts at whatever you want most in life.

The premise is simple. Most people never make one attempt. Almost nobody makes two. The math works in favor of the person who keeps going.

The top-rated Habits & Hustle podcast has logged hundreds of conversations with high performers and the people who study what the body does to the mind. Her TEDx talk, The Secret to Getting Anything You Want in Life, has traveled widely inside Fortune 500 sales-training rooms. On the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Cohen sits down to share the working rules that are the foundation of her latest book, Bigger, Better, Bolder.

“You have to be the CEO of your own life.”

FEATURING JEN COHEN

Discover the full 10% Target Mindset framework.

1 2

MAKE TEN ATTEMPTS

The door opens, or another door does. The unmade attempt and the refused one leave you in the same place — except one of them teaches you something.

STACK THE DECK

Cohen frames her habits as a wager: How do I stack the deck so I win more than I lose? The workout happens first, and the food decisions follow. The email follow-up gets sent, and the answer arrives. The choices compound in a single direction.

DISCIPLINE IS A PRACTICED SKILL, NOT AN INHERITANCE

No one is born with it. The people who look disciplined are running a routine they have rehearsed long enough that it no longer feels like effort. The reps are the skill. Miss them, and the skill fades, the same as any other.

SELF-TALK ONLY WORKS WHEN THE BODY BACKS IT UP

Confidence does not arrive by repeating the word. It arrives after the body has done the thing — the workout finished, the cold walk endured, the email sent. The mind takes its cues from what the body proves it can do. Talk follows action, not the other way around.

NEVER MISS A MONDAY

The first decision sets the slope of the rest. Skip the Monday workout, and the rest of the week tends to follow. Hold the line on Monday, and the slope tilts the other way.

Available Homes

1051 E Avon Road, Rochester Hills

1055 E Avon Road, Rochester Hills

Model homes & lots available by appointment. Schedule today to bring your dreams to life.

JULY 2026

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

JULY 3RD, 10TH, 17TH & 24TH Wet & Wild Wednesdays

Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm | 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Enjoy family entertainment from 12-1 followed by a giant slip and slide and foam machine from 1-2. A fire truck helps keep everyone cool on a hot summer day. For more information call 248-656-4662.

JULY 9TH, 16TH, 23RD, 30TH Bites & Beats by the Paint Creek

Lions Park Ampitheatre: 400 Water St, Rochester, MI 48307 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

July 9th - Sinjon Smith

July 16th - The Loose Screws, July 23rd - Sonic Freeway

July 30th - The Half Nelson Band. Join us for our FREE music series Bites & Beats by the Paint Creek series with the high-energy sounds of cover bands, bringing feel-good tunes to the Lions Park Amphitheater! rararecreation.org/events/music_ in_ the_park_.php

JULY 16TH - 18TH

Downtown Rochester Sidewalk Sales

Downtown Rochester 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Shop great deals at Downtown Rochester's 71st annual sidewalk sales presented by Chief Financial Credit Union. A variety of fun, kid-friendly activities available each day.

JULY 17TH

Movies in the Park

Oak Arbor Church: 495 Oak Arbor Cir W, Rochester, MI 48306 | 7:30 PM - 10:30 PM (Movie starts at dusk)

Movie: Elio. Grab your blankets, lawn chairs, and your favorite movie crew — it’s time for Movies in the Park! Join us for an unforgettable summer evening under the stars as we transform different parks into a giant outdoor theater. rararecreation.org/events/movies_in_ the_park_.php

JULY 18TH

Recreation Tons of Trucks

Borden Park | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Join us for this FREE event where spectators have a chance to check out all of our service vehicles and meet our great staff who operate these vehicles! Enjoy food trucks, sponsor vendors, lawn games, bounce houses and more for the kids to burn off their energy! rararecreation.org/events/tons_ of_trucks.php

JULY 25TH

Design and Donuts with Endress & Lulu's Flower Bar

Endress Acres | 10:00 AM

Spend the morning at Endress Acres for u-pick flowers followed by a design tutorial by Lesley of Lulu's Flower Bar. Tickets: $85 per person, flowers included. Reserve today at endressacres.com

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vacation VIBES

THIS EXOTIC COCKTAIL WILL TRANSPORT YOU TO PARADISE

Vacation time is just around the corner. We are dreaming of sitting on a secluded beach, sipping exotic cocktails with umbrellas in them. But why wait till vacation to enjoy a fun cocktail? This easy and refreshing classic will instantly transport you to paradise.

Piña Colada

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 1/2 oz cream of coconut

• 2 oz light rum

• 3 oz pineapple juice

• Juice of ½ lime

• 1/2 cup frozen pineapple

• 1/2 cup ice

• Pineapple wedge for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS:

Blend frozen pineapple and ice for a couple of seconds. Add in the liquid ingredients and blend until smooth. (To make thicker, add ice. Add pineapple juice if too thick.) Garnish with a pineapple wedge.