For the Women Who Walk It Out, Every Day
“Perhaps you need a Godmother—someone to whisper a blessing and a word of courage over your life. Someone to help you close your gaps. A guide who sees your potential waiting to be recognized, your challenges in need of transformation, and your questions requiring honest answers.”
—Lisa Bevere, Godmothers
Isn’t it kind of mind-blowing that we’re here? Here—in this exact moment. In this exact city. Carving out our own version of life in the Queen City. Out of all the lives and lineages before us, somehow, we’re the ones still walking it out—navigating, building, becoming.
This issue is for the ones who came before us—who made a way, kept us safe, whispered prayers, and protected dreams they’d never live to see. And it’s for the women here and now, balancing businesses, babies, boardrooms, and big ideas.
Whether you’re in a season of building, recovering, redefining, or simply holding steady, I hope you find nourishment in these pages. Maybe that comes in the form of a wise word from a local woman, a new spot to support, or the gentle reminder that mental fitness is just as essential as physical.
One of the gifts of this role is connecting with so many incredible women right here in our city. Entrepreneurs, artists, nonprofit founders, volunteers. Women who are raising families, shaping culture, and quietly keeping things going.
This month, support women-owned business. Pause to thank the ones who make life lighter. Look around—our city is full of women who show up, build things, speak truth, and carry the load with grace.
So, send the text. Make the call. Write the note. Tell someone she’s unforgettable. Because she is.
DONNA KING, PUBLISHER @SPRINGFIELDCITYLIFESTYLE
May 2025
PUBLISHER
Donna King | donna.king@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Brian Walker | brian.walker@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Tina Lesniak | tina.lesniak@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Tina Lesniak, Patti Zielinski, Angela Brookerd, Megan Hoban
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Tiffany Enowski, Janie Jones
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad
LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
AIRBNB|VRBO|FARM|VENUE GREENHOUSE|WEDDINGS EVENTS
The Greenhouse is Full!
“I didn’t realize how much I needed it until I stepped away from the noise ” The air feels different out here clearer, calmer
You can hear the birds, maybe a rooster, and smell the jasmine, basil, and rosemary And yes you can take some home.
We’ve been hard at work nurturing your plant babies
JUST 6 MILES EAST OF HWY. 65 & SUNSHINE, SPRINGFIELD 2346 S FARM ROAD 237 ROGERSVILLE, MO AND NOW THEY’RE READY TO BE PART OF YOUR FAMILY. GROWN WITH CARE. ROOTED IN PASSION. TAKE A DEEP BREATH IT SMELLS LIKE LIFE OUT HERE. NOT MASS-PRODUCED. NOT SHIPPED ACROSS THE COUNTRY JUST GROWN RIGHT HERE WITH LOVE, COMPOST, AND A LITTLE MICHAEL BUBLÉ.
BETH WANTS YOU TO HAVE THE BEST PRODUCE GROWN FROM PASSION, NOT CHEMICALS THIS ISN’T JUST A STOP. IT’S AN EXPERIENCE.
business monthly
Inclusive Playground Coming to Life
Northeast Community Park in Springfield is building an inclusive playground where children of all abilities can play together. Featuring ADA-accessible ramps, sensory play panels, musical elements, and safe rubber surfacing, it fosters fun for everyone. The project costs $246,400, with fundraising efforts underway, including a $10,000 grant from the Community Foundation of the Ozarks.
Redefining Luxury Gifting
Perfect for rewarding top clients, guests or employees, Ponchairo is the patented, wearable blanket (nope, it’s not a poncho!) that can be conveniently stored on an outdoor chair and features high-performance Dintex fabric— waterproof, windproof and ultra-soft. With the option to personalize with a company logo, Ponchairo allows businesses to elevate their brand while delivering coziness in an unexpected way.
Convoy of Hope’s New Manufacturing Facility
Convoy has begun construction on a new 50,000 square foot manufacturing facility with automated lines that will package more than 1 billion meals a year when it’s fully operational. Those meals will be sent to their children’s feeding program around the world and to families in the United States. Built on Convoy’s Springfield campus, right behind its World Distribution Center, it should be operational in early 2026.
Photography
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Living Well in All Your Roles
NAVIGATING FAMILY, CAREER, AND SELF-CARE
ARTICLE BY PATTI ZIELINSKI
Women, let’s face it: A lot is expected of us. We juggle professional responsibilities then toggle to our home obligations when the day is done. If caretaking for children or elderly parents are added to your day, these responsibilities can lead to burnout. However, successful women in our community are rising to the challenge and achieving the elusive work-life balance (as much as one can). We spoke to two of these women—Jennifer Johnmeyer, director of communications for Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas, and Jennifer Cotner-Jones, executive director of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra— to get their advice on how to walk this balance beam of home and work.
WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU FACE IN CREATING A WORK-LIFE BALANCE?
Johnmeyer: The old quote “Love what you do and you’ll never work a day in your life” is motivational but has also been a bit dangerous for me. I really love my job—my worst day here is better than my best day anywhere else—but it has often come at the expense of my family. As I’ve aged, I’ve begun learning healthy boundaries, which often means saying no to work in order to enjoy family time. I’ll be a first-time grandmother in May, and my stepsons will be juniors in high school in the fall, so time feels more precious than ever.
Cotner-Jones: When I first started in the non-profit world, I made myself accessible at all times to staff, board members, and volunteers. Over time, this became overwhelming and started to take a toll on my personal life. I realized I needed to take a step back and set clear boundaries to create a healthier balance and focus more on my family.
WHAT STRATEGIES DO YOU USE TO MAINTAIN BALANCE BETWEEN YOUR PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL LIVES?
Johnmeyer: I pay more attention to the clock—not really in a clock-watching way, but more as a general mindfulness of when I started work. I set my phone to a time when it enters work mode and ends work mode. I also try not to pick up my laptop in the evenings unless I’m writing for fun. If I catch myself tabbing over to something work-related, it’s laptop down and hands up! Also, if I work an excessive amount one day, I grant myself that time back at some point in the week.
Cotner-Jones: I have a separate personal and work cell phone to keep boundaries clear. I sometimes adjust my schedule by coming in later so I can complete work without extending my day to 10 to 12 hours. I try to do this when my daughter and husband have their activities, so it doesn’t interfere with family time. My voicemail greeting clearly states that if someone calls outside of normal business hours, on a weekend or a holiday, I will respond on the next business day. I encourage my staff to set similar boundaries.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER WOMEN?
Johnmeyer: When you’re factoring in everything in a day that needs attention, add yourself. You deserve all the love, care and the rest that you want for everyone in your circle.
Cotner-Jones: It’s okay to set boundaries. Make time for school events and family activities—those moments matter. Family should always be number one. Prioritize your health and make time for exercise to stay energized and focused. Remember to laugh and reflect on your day. Taking notes can help you stay organized and prepare for the next day. Do not
“When you’re factoring in everything in a day that needs attention, add yourself. You deserve all the love, care and the rest that you want for everyone in your circle.”
“It’s okay to set boundaries. Make time for school events and family activities—those moments matter. Family should always be number one. Prioritize your health and make time for exercise to stay energized and focused.”
add the work email app on your phone. It’s okay to let your to-do list roll over to the next day. Most important: Do not let your work define you or take over your life.
WHAT GREAT ADVICE HAVE YOU HEEDED?
Johnmeyer: Many of the things I do are born of what I don’t want to become, mainly from witnessing burnout or unhealthy boundaries in others. I read about someone who would frequently say aloud, “Good things are always happening to me!” Once I tried it, I really did notice far more good than bad.
Cotner-Jones: A previous executive director gave me great advice: Think carefully before answering a work call at the dinner table. That guidance has really helped me maintain a better balance.
Jennifer Cotner-Jones
Photo credit: Justice Glover
Jen Johnmeyer
The Date Lady’s Recipe for Success
ARTICLE BY TINA LESNIAK
PHOTOGRAPHY BY TIFFANY ENOWSKI
Passion, Family & Simple Ingredients
Colleen Sundlie, the founder of The Date Lady, is a passionate entrepreneur whose journey has been shaped by her love for simple ingredients, creative branding, and a desire to build a meaningful business. Born and raised in Springfield, Colleen’s story is one of innovation and an unwavering commitment to creating products that bring joy to people.
Colleen’s professional path started in advertising, where she worked at an ad agency in Kansas City and later on the client side for a supplier of the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah. After moving back to Springfield, she opened a small boutique ad agency, which allowed her to collaborate with organizations like the Springfield Symphony Orchestra and Springfield Regional Arts Council. After marrying her husband and having her first child, his job led them to the Middle East. It was there, surrounded by the culture and traditions of the region, that Colleen discovered the incredible potential of date products.
When Colleen returned to Springfield, she turned her newfound passion for dates into The Date Lady, a company built on the principle of using simple, quality ingredients to create products that people could feel good about enjoying. She recalls how, in the early days, her business was organized around the schedules of her young children. “It was organized according to nap times and bed times,” she says. The business started small, focusing on a niche market, but as dates became increasingly popular, Colleen was able to slowly grow her team, allowing her company to scale sustainably.
Today, The Date Lady is experiencing explosive growth, a result of Colleen’s dedication to her business and the team her and her husband Ryan have built. “It’s really such a fun thing to launch them into the market and to see people enjoy them,” she says of her products. Her focus now is
Colleen Sundlie, founder
The Date Lady is experiencing explosive growth, a result of Colleen’s dedication to her business and the team her and her husband Ryan have built.
on expanding distribution and creating new products, many of which are currently in the planning stages. She’s also working on the expansion of her facility, a move that will enable The Date Lady to reach even more customers.
Outside of her business, Colleen is deeply rooted in family. She and her husband have five children, most of whom were raised in Springfield. Colleen spends a significant amount of time attending their sports games and cherishing the moments she has with them. She also enjoys traveling and has a particular love for old homes, with a 1906 farmhouse in Springfield and a late 1800s home in Idaho. “We love the character and workmanship people put into old houses; it’s what we spend a lot of our extra time on, but it’s worth it!” she says of her homes.
In the future, Colleen hopes to explore writing, something she’s dabbled in before. Above all, she’s committed to being the
best mom she can be. “I want to do the best I can with my kids,” she says, reflecting her core value of family.
ENERGY BALLS RECIPE
Ingredients
• 2 cup oats
• 1 cup nut butter
• 2/3 cup date syrup
• 1/2 cup ground flax seeds
• 1 cup shaved chocolate or mini chocolate chips
Directions
1. Combine all of the ingredients together until well mixed.
2. Chill for 20-40 minutes.
3. Roll into 1-in balls and keep in an airtight container until ready to eat.
BEAUTIFUL mornings ahead
ANGELA BURGESS LEAPS INTO HER SECOND ACT
ARTICLE BY TINA LESNIAK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TIFFANY ENOWSKI
When Angela Burgess retired from a fulfilling 25-year career in law enforcement, she didn’t slow down. Instead, she embraced a new chapter, one where her love for travel could blossom into something more. “I’ve always wanted to be in the travel business,” she says, reflecting on her journey. What followed was the creation of Beautiful Morning Travel, a company that reflects Angela’s passion for helping others discover the world.
As she neared the end of her career, she started thinking seriously about the next chapter. “What do I want to be when I grow up?” she mused. She knew her next step had to involve her passion for travel, something she’d always kept close to her heart.
In November 2021, she took the leap and started a home-based travel business. By May 2023, she had officially retired from her career in law enforcement and was looking to dive deeper into her new career. In January 2024, she began looking for a physical location for the business and, just two months later, opened the doors of her new office. “I need to take this leap of faith and just do it,” she reflects on her decision to commit to this next big step. Within two weeks, she had put everything together and hosted her first open house in March 2024.
CONTINUED >
She reached out to trusted people in her life, such as Roi G. Williamson Jr., who had experience in motorcoach tours and is now the manager of Beautiful Morning Travel, and Pam Gaunt, a childhood friend, who is now the executive administrator and tour director. “You always have to find the right people,” Angela says, and she certainly did.
Her clients quickly became more than just business transactions— they became family. Angela’s favorite part of the business is interacting with clients while traveling with them, whether on bus tours or international trips. “You get to interact with them and see what they’re experiencing. It’s all of their excitement and anticipation when you’re with them,” she says.
“If you asked me where I absolutely have to go back to, it would be the United Kingdom and Budapest.”
Her roots in travel trace back to childhood, though her family didn’t go on big vacations. “In high school, we didn’t do big family vacations. My parents only had one or two weeks of vacation a year, and we used it to visit grandparents in Montana and Nebraska,” she remembers. But her wanderlust was strong. “What can I do to get to these places?” she asked herself. That question led her to college and, eventually, to the police department, where she built a successful career before pursuing her true passion for travel.
— Angela Burgess
Her love for travel is obvious. Angela has explored some of the most beautiful and culturally rich places around the globe. “If you asked me where I absolutely have to go back to, it would be the United Kingdom and Budapest,” she shares. Angela’s travel experiences shape the recommendations she makes to her clients.
A beach girl at heart, she also has a soft spot for Turks and Caicos, and her anniversary trip to Serbia, Croatia, and Budapest was a highlight of her travels with her husband.
Today, Angela is not only building a growing business but is also making time for what matters most in life: family. She loves spending time with her grandson, a fellow roller coaster enthusiast, and hopes to take him to Rome and Greece one day. Her goals for the future include growing the business to the point where she’ll need to hire additional staff to help manage the demand.
It’s about more than just the cost of a trip; it’s about the value clients receive and the memories they make. “I’ve been very blessed to take different trips and go to different places,” she says. And through Beautiful Morning Travel, she’s helping others do the same.
capturing confidence
Photographing women-owned businesses nationwide
Tiffany Enowski’s passion for photography and videography began long before she realized it would become her career. “I started having an interest in making videos and taking pictures when I was in 5th or 6th grade,” she shares. Her journey started with a VHS recorder from her grandparents and her mom’s digital camera, capturing simple moments with friends and nature. By high school, she was already dreaming bigger. “Right when I graduated high school, I got a job, saved up for a camera, and started my business right away,” Tiffany recalls. Today, she shoots not just in Springfield, but across Missouri—and even nationwide. “I’d love to break into retreat photography and capture those cool destinations,” she shares. Past projects have taken her to New York City and Southern California. A lover of travel, Tiffany and her husband are on a mission to visit all 50 states. “I sometimes feel down if I don’t have a trip planned,” she admits. So far, she’s checked off 31. Back home, her creative energy is matched by a heart for animals. Tiffany cares for a small menagerie: a few ducks,
ARTICLE BY TINA LESNIAK
two geese, two parrots, and a rabbit. “I really love adopting over buying,” she says. “There’s so many animals in shelters and rescues that need good homes. We adopted our rabbit from a rescue. One of our geese I rescued from a local park because he had been dumped, and our cockatoo had a previous owner before we adopted her too.”
The heart behind her work, though, is about more than photography. “It’s always rewarding when a client who usually hates photos of herself loves the images I’ve captured,” she says. “To change that feeling is truly special.”
Tiffany Enowski
A TEACHER’S TOP READS
STORIES THAT CAPTIVATED CAREY SCHMITZ THIS YEAR
ARTICLE BY TINA LESNIAK
Carey Schmitz, a teacher of 21 years currently teaching third grade, is an avid reader. With her husband and three boys, she enjoys traveling, sports and health and wellness. She enjoys books “that have an amazing hook and can grab my attention quickly. I want a book that I don’t want to put down. I often tell my students to find a book you can get lost in.”
She extends this love of reading to her students. “I build a love of reading in my students by letting them see me read. I talk about books with them. I like to have a strong relationship with the librarian at my school so we can talk about books and exchange ideas on what is currently interesting to our students.”
Here are Carey’s top adult books from the last year.
ALL THE COLORS OF THE DARK by Chris Whitaker
This powerful book includes humor, trauma, love, friendship, and thrills. The characters are complex and the message compelling. I also love an author who writes short chapters, especially in a book as lengthy as this.
ARCHER’S VOICE by Mia Sheridan
It’s a beautiful story with a message that everyone has a voice. It was a book about healing and how life experiences can shape you. It included all of the things I look for in a book: twists, turns, love, friction. It is an appealing story that almost anyone can relate to or connect with.
THINGS WE NEVER GOT OVER by Lucy Score
A charming romance novel mixed in with some rough and tough. You will fall in love with the quaint little town of Knockemout, Virginia and all of its characters. You can’t help but enjoy the banter between Knox, Waylay, and Naomi, the three main characters of the story.
“I want a book that when I am reading it, I don’t want to put it down.
—CAREY SCHMITZ
ELENOR OLIPHANT IS COMPLETELY FINE by Gail
Honeyman
This is one of the most unique books I’ve ever read. Elenor is a quirky character navigating her way through life. Throughout the book this socially awkward female completes a metamorphosis. This isn’t your average romance novel, it’s a book about self-discovery, grief, and friendship. It is a beautiful well written story that will leave a lasting impression on its readers.
ARTICLE BY MEGAN HOBAN
The Art of Collecting
As consumers, we are constantly being enticed to buy. Whether it’s the jewelry we can’t live without, concert tickets to a show we don’t want to miss, or that favorite pair of shoes calling our name, we buy what we love, and art should be no different.
If you are new to acquiring original art, you may find it daunting, but it shouldn’t be. It is a special purchase that forces you to dig deep and discover a bit more about yourself. At first, many people shy away from buying original art because of the commitment. It’s a big decision after all, and how do you really know when it’s the “perfect” piece? Because art is subjective, part of the process is learning what style of art is the best fit for you. Is it colorful and energetic abstracts, or soothing landscapes that catch your eye? Maybe you are drawn to local photography, or even figurative works. There is no wrong answer, and maybe it’s a mix of several styles that creates your unique collection. The best way to find out your “art personality” is to get out and visit your local galleries. Consider making it a tradition to visit galleries while traveling or buy a piece of art as a gift on special occasions. In the gallery setting you can explore various art styles, mediums, and even learn more about the talented artists who create those works.
With the purchase of original art comes other considerations. Often, we have clients who need direction figuring out what size of art they need and its placement in the design of their space. If you find a piece of art you love, you will always find a spot for it. Ask the gallery if they offer in-home art consultation services to see the piece in your setting. Great custom framing is key, and well-designed framing is the jewelry to a great piece of art. Quality archival framing protects your art from UV rays that can damage a piece over time. Original art should last generations.
I’m often asked, should I buy art for investment? There is a place for investment art, but I don’t believe in buying art with the pretense that it will go up in value. There is no guarantee it will and to me, good investment art brings different riches to your life. Art that brings you joy, adds personality to your space, and makes your home original is an investment in you. The best art investment should be the feeling you experience gazing into an oil painting that perfectly captures a warm sunset over the prairie, or the texture created by a palette knife on the abstract that seems to pop off the canvas. That is what makes investing in original art priceless.
Art that brings you joy, adds personality to your space, and makes your home original is an investment in you.
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
From Stem To Vase:
TRANSFORMING FLORALS INTO ART
Flowers have a rich history of symbolic meanings.
As far back as the 19th century, they were used to convey secret messages. Stories throughout history recount how flowers were used to send hidden messages between people. French publishers began producing flower dictionaries that cataloged the many floral codes that had been gathered over time. Some of these meanings were linked to the flower’s root name, often derived from mythology, while others were drawn from the flowers themselves. The colors, medicinal properties, and even the superstitions
associated with these flowers all contributed to the creation of this secret language.
In addition to their symbolic significance, flowers bring natural beauty to any interior, enhancing spaces with their color, texture, and mood-boosting qualities. Floral arrangements not only create a cozy atmosphere but also infuse a room with personality, elevating the overall ambiance. There are multiple ways to creatively integrate florals into your home, and whether using fresh or artificial flowers, creative displays can make quite the statement piece.
Hanging Florals
Florals and Fruit
Add an extra burst of color and texture to your floral arrangement by layering fruit around the edges of your vase. To achieve this, place a smaller vase inside a larger one, ensuring the flowers stay contained in the inner vase to preserve their shape. Fill the surrounding space with water and then arrange sliced fruit along the vase’s outer sides. For a fresh touch, add ice cubes to keep the fruit looking vibrant longer and to hold them in place. Not only will the flowers’ fragrance fill the air, but the citrus notes from the fruit will add a refreshing scent.
For a dramatic effect, try creating a hanging floral display. Floral cones are available for this style, or you can craft your own for a more personalized, organic look. The contrast between long-stemmed white flowers and a dark wall creates a striking visual impact.
No matter how you choose to display them, flowers are a wonderful addition to any room. They boost mood, improve air quality, spark creativity, and bring a decorative charm to any space.
Flower Frogs
Using a frog to display flowers creates a minimalist yet elegant look that highlights the individuality of each bloom. It helps the stems stay in place. To set it up, place the frog on your chosen display base, whether it’s a vase, bowl, platter, or any container you prefer. Then, simply insert the flower stems by gently pressing them into the prongs. Tip: Flowers with sturdy stems and a lighter top work best in a frog, as delicate blooms tend to lose their shape more quickly.
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
MAY 2ND
First Friday Art Walk
Downtown Springfield | 4:30 PM
The Art Walk is a program of the Springfield Regional Arts Council. Established over 20 years ago, the Art Walk is a free and self-guided program that allows the community to get an insider look at local art, businesses, and galleries showcasing the art, food, and fun of Downtown Springfield.
MAY 16TH
Silver
Springs
- A Fleetwood Mac Experience
Gillioz Theatre, 325 Park Central E., Springfield | 7:30 PM
Silver Springs, a Fleetwood Mac Experience, showcases the greatest hits of Fleetwood Mac. The skilled artists embody each member with precision and passion bringing the audience into the music. From the mesmerizing harmonies to the soul-stirring instrumental prowess, it recreates the magic of the timeless classics.
MAY 16TH – 17TH
Nixa SuckerDays: Arts, Crafts, and Music Festival
Downtown Nixa, 105 S Main St, Nixa | 5:00 PM
This annual festival has taken place in downtown Nixa for 67 years, showcasing the community’s deep rooted traditions and provides fun for all ages. This free event has over 100 vendors, including sucker fish tastings, kids rides, live entertainment, a beer garden, and a parade.
MAY 17TH
Springfield Symphony Orchestra’s 15th Annual Gala: The Music Vault
University Plaza Hotel & Convention Center, 333 S John Q Hammons Pkwy., Springfield | 6:00 PM
The Music Vault is a spectacular celebration of both 90 years of timeless music and the symphony’s 90th anniversary. This event honors the rich history of the Symphony and how it has shaped the community, from iconic tunes and groundbreaking performances to educational opportunities and spectacular programs.
MAY 17TH – 18TH
CASA Pickleball Tournament For Kids in a Pickle
Republic Parks & Recreation, 711 E. Miller, Republic
All brackets will be round robin and some will have additional playoff bracket depending on registration. Cost is $50 for as many events you want to play. Final registration deadline is May 11 at 8:00am. Events will be Saturday Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles, Senior Scrambles and Sunday Mixed Doubles, Coed Senior Scramble, Coed Juniors scramble (ages 8-12).
MAY 30TH – JUNE 1ST
Tremendicon 3-Day Non Profit Convention Benefiting Ozarks Food Harvest
Oasis Hotel and Convention Center, 2546 N Glenstone Ave., Springfield, Tremendicon is a three-day Multi-Media Creators Convention, a place to create and collaborate, put on by creators for creators and the people that love enjoying those creations. It highlights a variety of creative communities with a track-based convention setup. This allows attendees to focus on their specific areas of interest with the ability to branch out and discover new ones.
SPA-LIKE ATMOSPHERE
TRUSTED RESULTS