As lifelong North Texans with decades of roofing experience, we know the challenges our weather brings us each spring and fall. At 423 Roofing and Construction, we pride ourselves on understanding each client’s needs and guiding them through the ever-changing insurance market. Our motto—Integrity, Efficiency, Durability—drives every project, ensuring honest guidance, timely service, and roofs built to last.
There is something powerful that happens when women gather—not just in the same room, but in the same spirit. Ideas expand. Courage multiplies. Stories, once quiet, begin to take flight.
This May, our Ladies Issue is a celebration of that energy across Denton. It is a reflection of the women who are building businesses, leading organizations, raising families, and quietly shaping this community in ways that deserve to be seen and honored.
In these pages, you’ll meet women who are redefining what leadership looks like. Some are entrepreneurs turning vision into reality. Others are serving behind the scenes, showing up day after day with consistency, compassion, and grit. Many are doing both. Womanhood is layered, complex, and remarkably strong.
What struck me most while putting this issue together was not just the level of success these women have achieved, but the intention behind it. There is a deep desire to create impact, to lift others, and to leave something better than they found it. Whether through business, nonprofit work, mentorship, or motherhood, their influence extends far beyond titles or accolades.
This issue is also personal. As a mother raising two young boys, I often think about the example we set and the stories we tell. The women featured here are the kinds of leaders I hope my sons will learn from. These are women of integrity, resilience, and heart.
To every woman reading this: whether you see yourself reflected in these pages or are still discovering your path, your story matters. Denton and the Lake Cities are stronger because of you.
And to our community, thank you for continuing to support and celebrate the women who make this city so vibrant.
With gratitude,
JESSICA CRANDALL LAWRENCE, EDITOR @DENTONCITYLIFESTYLE
May 2026
PUBLISHER
Michelle Tonkin | michelle.tonkin@citylifestyle.com
CO-PUBLISHER
Thomas Tonkin | Thomas.Tonkin@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Jessica Crandall Lawrence jessica.lawrence@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Katie Bode | katie.bode@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Savanna Romano | sr.icemedia@yahoo.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Jessica Crandall Lawrence, Blue Haven Ranch, Haley Williams, Kali Kasorzyk, Amy Salvagno
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Savanna Romano, Avery Ballmann, Kate Marie Portraiture, NDC Photography, Amber Dion, Blackall Photography, Shawn Smith, Conrad Allen, Brittanie Nicole Photography, Cassandra Castaneda, Amy Salvagno
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford
LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
Proverbs 3:5-6
1: The Tucker Shay Agency’s newly wrapped cookout trailer has arrived! 2: Breaking ground on the Hundley Road and Shady Shores Road Improvement Project 3: Shiloh Fitness in Corinth unveils their newly remodeled gym at the Global Spheres Center 4: Publisher Michelle Tonkin, Denton Chamber Ambassador Tanya Blixt, & Mayor Gerard Hudspeth at Wake Up Wednesday 5: Our March Issue displayed at Queenie’s Steakhouse 6: Filming a podcast with The Podcast Trailer and the new UNT head football coach 7: Lake Cities Chamber ambassador appreciation breakfast
ARTICLE BY JESSICA CRANDALL LAWRENCE PHOTOGRAPHY
BY
SAVANNA ROMANO
In the fast-paced entrepreneurial landscape of Denton and the Lake Cities, one financial firm is quietly transforming the way business owners understand their numbers. At the helm of Profit Matters is Ashley Ingle, CPA, founder & CEO, who leads a dynamic team committed to helping entrepreneurs turn financial clarity into confident growth.
From bookkeeping and tax preparation to fractional CFO advisory services, Profit Matters acts as the financial backbone for businesses navigating expansion and complexity. What truly sets the firm apart is its philosophy that financial guidance should feel empowering, not intimidating.
“We essentially become the financial department for growing businesses,” Ingle explains. “But we don’t just produce reports. We help our clients understand what their numbers mean and how to use them to grow their business.”
That people-first approach has helped Profit Matters build a loyal client base throughout North Texas and beyond.
The idea for Profit Matters was born out of Ingle’s entrepreneurial experience. After exiting a previous venture, she embarked on a journey to create something that would help business owners make better financial decisions.
“I set out to build something new that could help entrepreneurs better understand their numbers,” Ingle says. “My original vision was actually to build an AI-driven CFO platform, and we started a firm as a way to work closely with real businesses while developing that idea.”
What began as a small operation quickly expanded through relationships and referrals. Today, the firm serves hundreds of businesses and continues to expand alongside the entrepreneurs it supports.
“I truly believe my purpose is to help other business owners succeed,” Ingle says. “Profit Matters is the vehicle that allows me to do that every day.”
For many entrepreneurs, financial management can quickly become overwhelming as their companies flourish. Profit Matters steps in to simplify the process and provide expert insight.
“Our ideal client is a growing business owner who wants better visibility into their finances and a trusted team to help guide them,” Ingle says.
Many of those clients come from healthcare and professional service industries, where rapid growth often leads to complex financial structures that are difficult to manage alone. While financial strategy and analytics are essential, relationships remain at the heart of the firm’s success.
Ingle believes that many entrepreneurs feel isolated when navigating financial challenges. Her team works to change that dynamic by building meaningful partnerships with clients.
“WE
TAKE THE STRESS OUT OF THE NUMBERS SO BUSINESSES CAN GROW SMARTER, AND THE PEOPLE BEHIND THEM CAN SPEND MORE TIME DOING WHAT THEY LOVE! WE VALUE OUR CLIENT RELATIONSHIPS, WANT THE BEST FOR OUR CLIENTS, AND SUPPORT THEM EVERY STEP OF THE WAY.”
“Business ownership can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also feel lonely and overwhelming at times,” she says. “I love helping entrepreneurs gain clarity and confidence in their numbers so they can make better decisions and build the life they want.”
That philosophy resonates strongly with clients.
Cameron Mistal, CEO and Founder of Happy Veg Inc, was one of Ingle’s first partnerships. She impressed him more than any other entrepreneur he has encountered in this financial space.
“Ashley and her team have done an incredible job taking care of the finances for my organization,” says Mistal. “It’s hard to find good people to support your business goals and dreams, but I have found the right finance partner.”
For sales manager Kayla Roddy, who jokingly calls herself the firm’s opportunity enthusiast, joining the company felt like finding the perfect fit.
“I’ve always had a thing for sales,” Roddy says. “I love connecting with people and solving their problems.”
Roddy’s background was primarily in the nonprofit world, but she was ready for a new challenge when she joined the firm.
“Honestly, I had zero experience in sales or accounting when I started, but the team took a chance on me and I haven’t looked back since,” she says. “This feels exactly where I’m supposed to be.”
That supportive culture extends to the way the team works with clients as well. She recalls many moments when clients arrive feeling overwhelmed by financial uncertainty.
“There have been so many times when a client comes to us stressed about their books or unsure
about the next step for their business,” Roddy says. “Then we help them gain clarity and confidence. Seeing their relief and excitement when they realize they can focus on growing their business instead of stressing over numbers is incredible.”
Denton and the Lake Cities provide the ideal backdrop for a firm like Profit Matters. The area’s entrepreneurial energy and community support have helped businesses flourish.
“It still has that close-knit community feel where people genuinely want to support each other, but it’s also growing rapidly with so many exciting businesses and opportunities.”
For Profit Matters, that growth represents an opportunity to serve even more entrepreneurs who want to build thriving companies.
“Understanding your finances doesn’t have to be intimidating,” she says. “When you have the right team behind you, your numbers become one of the most powerful tools in your business.”
Photos for this article were taken at Eternal Optimist Coffee.
ARTICLE BY JESSICA CRANDALL LAWRENCE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY AVERY BALLMANN, SAVANNA ROMANO
DENTON PHOTOGRAPHER SAVANNA ROMANO BLENDS FAITH, FAMILY, AND A PASSION FOR STORYTELLING
For Savanna Romano, photography began as a simple middle school elective. She signed up just for fun, but it didn’t take long before she realized it was something she truly loved. Around the same time, Savanna began bringing her camera along to car shows with her dad, documenting a world they both loved.
“Cars have always been a big part of my life,” she recalls. “My dad has been a huge car enthusiast his whole life thanks to my grandfather, so growing up we were always heading to car shows, meets, races, and NASCAR events together.”
Living near the Texas Motor Speedway meant there was always something happening in the
automotive community. With a camera in hand, Savanna found joy in preserving those moments.
By 2019, she began taking photography more seriously, expanding from automotive subjects into portrait photography. In 2021, she photographed her first wedding. It was a milestone that helped steer the direction of her career. Since then, Savanna has photographed a wide range of subjects, including weddings, engagements, proposals, families, seniors, headshots, editorial features, products, and more.
“My photography journey is very faith-based,” says Savanna. “I truly believe I wouldn’t be where I am today without God guiding my path and opening doors along the way.”
While her portfolio continues to expand across many types of photography, the automotive world still holds a special place in her heart. Photographing rare vehicles, sometimes ones only a handful of people will ever see, remains an experience that never loses its glamour.
Since early 2023, Savanna has been working with the City Lifestyle magazine franchise, photographing a wide variety of people and businesses throughout the community. From cow farms and equestrian facilities to restaurants, landscapers, firefighters, and nonprofits, the work has introduced her to the diverse stories that make North Texas unique. Donating photos
from nonprofit shoots for their outreach is something she finds especially profound.
“One of the most memorable moments in my career happened in 2025 when I had the honor of both officiating and photographing a couple’s wedding,” she explains. “I was definitely nervous, but it was such a meaningful experience. They wanted their day to be simple and intimate, and I was grateful that I could support them, marry them, and help preserve those memories for them.”
Looking ahead, Savanna hopes to continue growing her business across the Dallas–Fort Worth area, and to one day travel to photograph intimate weddings and elopements in national parks.
At its core, she says, photography is about capturing life’s most significant moments, and she’s grateful that a passion discovered in a middle school classroom has become a career built on storytelling.
Savanna Romano is a Texas-based photographer serving the Dallas–Fort Worth area. She specializes in capturing authentic moments through weddings, portraits, editorial work, and automotive photography, combining her love for storytelling, community, and the car world.
Everyone dreams of an organized and beautiful closet space, but it often comes last on the list of places that get our time and attention. Follow our nine tips for transforming and elevating your closet. How you organize your closet will of course differ based on the size of your space, the size of your wardrobe, and the kind of life you lead. But applying these guidelines will result in a much more organized and aesthetically pleasing space.
It may seem silly, but when dealing with a small space, little things count. Hanging all clothes the same direction is a no-brainer for continuity in your closet.
Reserve the front and middle of the closet for clothes worn most often. For someone who gets dressed for work each morning at 6 a.m., work clothes should be at the front of the closet. Store lesser-worn items like formal wear and out-of-season clothes toward the back and on the upper shelves. A large mirror and counter with chair provides the perfect spot to select jewelry and finalize finishing outfit touches. While every closet is different, the key here is everything has a home.
Hidden storage is a game changer in keeping a closet visually clean. Tuck folded clothes behind closed cabinet doors if the space is multipurpose. The floor-toceiling built-ins in Keri’s closet contain folded clothes, athleisure and other items she needs as she gets ready each day. Tuck away the least-used items: Use hidden storage and the very top of the closet for out-of-season items and stuff only worn a few times a year.
Using space efficiently is important, but keep in mind every good design includes some negative space. For instance, consider adding built-ins on the long wall of your closet but keep the short wall open with a mirror.
Group clothes by kind first and color second. This ensures quick location of that favorite shirt when it’s needed. Bonus - it’s easy on the eye. Group like with like: Gather belts, sweaters, long-sleeve shirts, work pants, dresses, button-down shirts, jeans, shorts, etc., and decide the best place to store each item as a group (e.g., hang pants in the closet, fold and stack sweaters in a bureau). Working with groupings will help you figure out how much space you need and the best way to store each type of item.
The simplest and fastest way to make a BIG difference in your closet organization is to get matching hangers that go beyond the traditional plastic or wire hangers. And for sure ditch any with paper from the dry cleaner!
Alternate the way shoes are facing. This ultimately helps fit more on each row and provide a visually appealing way to display those prized possessions.
Everyone understands the frustration of searching for that one clutch when rushing out for the evening. Bags benefit from a space all their own. Get clear container storage for small bags and purses so you can locate and access them easily.
Why use an armchair when you have room for a sofa? Slide up a stool and colorful area rug to complete the look. If you have excessive wall space, consider a mini gallery wall or a statement wall with wallpaper to polish things off.
This
www.truhuepainting.com
In Denton, influence doesn’t always come with a title. It shows up in the women who are building businesses, leading organizations, and quietly shaping the rhythm of our community. For this special piece, we gathered wisdom from some of our most respected female leaders. From the mayor’s office to higher education, their advice is hard-earned and refreshingly real. These influential women are offering insight not just on success, but on leading with purpose.
ARTICLE BY JESSICA CRANDALL LAWRENCE
The advice I’d give my younger self is to wear sunscreen every single day. It’s the one thing you’ll never regret.
I’ve learned along the way that honesty builds far more than a business, it builds trust that lasts. Being honest, genuine, and truly present with each patient makes all the difference in both their experience and their results. My priority has never been to do more, but to do what’s right. Clients appreciate transparency, realistic expectations and a provider who puts their well being first.
“I’ve learned along the way that honesty builds far more than a business, it builds trust that lasts.”
—Kristie Brooks
If I could give any advice to my younger self it would be that you don’t always have to have all of the answers to be a great leader. Listening more than you speak and surrounding yourself with the right people will allow you to be the best leader you can be and to experience a great deal of growth as a leader. I do believe I realized this very early in my career and have been extremely blessed to have had some of the most incredible people and coaches to work alongside me. I owe a great deal of credit to each of them for helping me become the leader and coach I am today.
I have learned more than I could have ever imagined I would in this journey of being a leader and a coach, but I think the most important thing I have learned along the way is to be unapologetic in who you are as a leader and in the culture you are building. I’ve learned that trying to be someone else or run a program the way someone else would only creates internal conflict and inconsistencies in myself as a leader. I know that communicating clearly who I am as a leader and what my standards and expectations are up front is the best way to create a culture that I can be proud of and that every person who is a part of our program can be proud of.
I placed my trust in Jesus as a young child, and I thought that my life would be an easy road. But my life has taken many turns, some joyful, some unexpected, with plenty of ups and downs along the way. When difficult times have come, I have reminded myself that if I can trust God in the good times, then I can trust Him even more in hard times. I would remind myself that in all my life, God is faithful, He is always at work and always writing my story.
Over the course of my life, I have learned the importance of relationships with others. Life is really about building those relationships and recognizing that the way we treat people truly matters. I believe strong relationships are built on honesty, integrity, and commitment. The relationships in my life give it deep meaning and have shaped who I am today, and I’ve learned that a life well lived should be marked by serving others.
I’d tell my younger self that it’s okay not to have everything figured out right away. Early in my career, I felt like I needed to say yes to every opportunity because I didn’t want to miss something that could help me grow. That curiosity served me well, but over time I realized that saying no is just as important as saying yes. It’s good to be hungry for opportunities, but if you take every one, you can miss the ones that are really meant for you because you’re stretched too thin to recognize them. I’d remind myself to trust my instincts more, be intentional with my time and energy, and know that the right opportunities have a way of aligning when you stay focused on what truly matters.
I’ve learned that relationships are everything. The people you meet—mentors, colleagues, and friends—shape your path in ways you often don’t fully appreciate until later. I’ve also learned that it’s okay to ask for help. In fact, some of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned came from seeking out people I respect and asking them to share their perspective or explain something I didn’t yet understand. Learning from others and modeling the qualities I admire in them helped me grow both personally and professionally. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a reminder that you don’t have to figure everything out on your own, and that growth happens when you’re willing to listen and learn from those around you.
ARTICLE BY KALI KASORZYK
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
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.
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
Blue Haven Ranch Helps Single, Pregnant Mothers Rebuild Their Lives
ARTICLE BY BLUE HAVEN RANCH PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF BLUE HAVEN RANCH
On a cold, windy February day in 2020, Blue Haven Ranch founder Aubrey Schlackman took a drive down a rural road that planted the seeds of a vision that would grow into Blue Haven Ranch. As she passed a vacant ranch for sale, the idea emerged of a live-in, faith-based community where single, pregnant mothers and their children could rebuild their lives with dignity, hope, and support.
Today, Blue Haven Ranch is the only Denton County organization that provides supportive community, gospel discipleship, and farm therapy for single, pregnant mothers with children. From the beginning, the heart behind Blue Haven Ranch has
been to walk alongside mother-led families during one of the most vulnerable seasons of their lives by providing housing and focusing on long-term restoration and self-sufficiency.
The Schlackman’s farm in Krum actively serves families now, while Blue Haven Ranch as an organization works towards its own fully functioning residential community in the future. Mothers are housed in nearby apartments as they enter a nurturing environment surrounded by people committed to living life alongside them. Through intentional relationships and discipleship rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ, women and their children experience healing and meaningful transformation.
The program integrates practical life skills with spiritual formation. Mothers learn financial literacy, parenting strategies, and vocational development while participating in farm life. They plant gardens and care for animals, activities that build responsibility, confidence, and a sense of purpose. Farm therapy provides tangible ways for mothers to reconnect with themselves, their children, and God. These rhythms of work are paired with individual and group counseling that addresses trauma and fosters healthy relationships.
Each mother represents a family being strengthened, a child growing up in stability, and a generational legacy beginning to change. This month’s Ladies’ Issue of Denton City Lifestyle showcases Blue Haven Ranch’s commitment to honoring women as image-bearers of God, worthy of compassion, investment, and genuine relationships. By supporting mothers during this pivotal season of life, the organization helps create stronger families and healthier communities for the future.
Looking ahead, Blue Haven Ranch continues to invite Denton County and neighboring communities into their work. Financial partners provide essential support for daily operations and future expansion. Volunteers contribute practical skills such as mentoring mothers and providing meals. Churches and organizations partner through prayer support, donation drives, and community awareness. Simply sharing the mission helps connect more families with the resources they need.
To learn more about Blue Haven Ranch and its mission, visit bluehavenranch.org. Community members can get involved by making a financial donation; volunteering on the farm alongside the moms, babies, and children; partnering as a church or organization; or sharing the mission with others. Help Blue Haven Ranch create a community where pregnant mothers and their children find support, stability, and a new beginning.
“Each mother represents a family being strengthened, a child growing up in stability, and a generational legacy beginning to change.”
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMY SALVAGNO
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.
A simple ingredient drink unites the botanical complexity of gin with the rich sweetness of your favorite jam.
• 2 ounces gin
• 1 ounce lemon juice
• 1/2 ounce simple syrup
• 1 teaspoon raspberry (or your favorite) jam
• Spoonful of jam for garnish
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.
MAY 1ST
Commons at Agora, Corinth | 6:00 PM
Experience the thrill of live music mixed with summer fun and unforgettable performances at the Agora Music Fest Concert Series. On May 1, come listen to the Animals - Maroon 5 Tribute Band. Then again on May 29, The Eighty Eights- Dueling Pianos will take the stage. The park opens at 6 p.m. and performances begin at 7 p.m.
MAY 2ND
317 W Mulberry St, Denton | 9:00 AM
Come shop at the Denton Community Market each Saturday from March to December. The market is open from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Local artists, craftspeople, farmers, and food producers all come together to share their talents with visitors.
MAY 2ND
Denton Taco Fest
Lucky Lou’s | 2:00 PM
Join a gathering of local food vendors in the parking lot behind Lucky Lou’s for the 8th Annual Denton Taco Fest. A portion of the proceeds will be raised for the Denton Public School Foundation. It’s a chance to catch local taco, hot sauce, spices, salsa, and makers all in one spot. There will also be a silent auction.
MAY 6TH
Denton County Brewing Co. | 8:00 AM
The Denton Chamber of Commerce is hosting its monthly Wake Up Wednesday networking event. This is a great way to meet other like-minded business professionals and to stay informed on what’s happening in the community. Register for the event at denton-chamber.org.
MAY 7TH
Denton County Courthouse Lawn | 6:30 PM
Twilight Tunes returns for the summer season. This is a free concert series and takes place on Thursday evenings in May & June from 6:308:00pm, and again on Thursday evenings in October at Wolff’s Park.
MAY 15TH
Movies in the Park - The Lorax
Quakertown Civic Center | 6:00 PM
Denton’s popular Movies in the Park series offers an unforgettable experience for families and film enthusiasts alike. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and loved ones to enjoy a diverse selection of movies under the night sky on the lawn outside the Quakertown Civic Center. Each event will feature games, trivia, food trucks, and refreshments. Preshow activities begin at 6 p.m.
