A New Season of Style in Troy
September always feels like a fresh start — a chance to step into something new while honoring where we’ve been. That’s why our Style & Fashion issue feels especially fitting for this moment in Troy.
Style, after all, isn’t just about what we wear. It’s how we express who we are — through our homes, our art, the way we gather with others and the little details that tell our story. It evolves as we do, reflecting our history while shaping our future.
This month, we’re celebrating that evolution with “Modern Queens,” a fun, fascinating photo shoot showcasing two remarkable Troy women — Canetha Amour-Porter, author, speaker and founder of Amour Women, and Dr. Bethany Baker, marriage and family therapist and wife of Troy Mayor Ethan Baker.
Their modern, glamorous presence set against the rich backdrop of the Troy Historic Village reminds us that style lives at the intersection of past and present —where tradition meets innovation.
Of course, style extends far beyond fashion. In this issue, you’ll find many of our advertising partners who bring style and substance to every corner of life — from interior designers transforming living spaces to financial planners helping families design their futures, to health care professionals elevating how we look and feel every day. They each play a part in shaping the vibrant, stylish community we’re proud to call home.
Whether you’re here for inspiration, discovery or simply to celebrate the artistry of great design, I hope this issue leaves you feeling empowered to make bold choices — on the page, in your wardrobe and in life.
My hope is that this issue sparks inspiration to embrace your own style — whatever that looks like.
TODD HAIGHT, PUBLISHER @TROYCITYLIFESTYLE
September 2025
PUBLISHER
Todd Haight | todd.haight@citylifestyle.com
CO-PUBLISHER
Margaret Meyer Haight margaret.haight@citylfiestyle.com
EDITOR
Lynne Konstantin | lynne.konstantin@citylifestyle.com
SALES SUPPORT COORDINATOR
Katie Bode | katie.bode@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGERS
Allison Sommerville allison.sommerville@citylifestyle.com
Julie Flores
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Tyler Amadeus, Jennifer Lovy
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Darrel Ellis, Adrien King, Alec Walworth
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
Learn
inside the issue
Modern Queens
Pioneers
Style Gets Schooled
Old-school
Creating Pathways
Baker College’s program transforms the non-traditional student’s undergrad degree from a four-year commitment into an attainable milestone.
Canetha AmourPorter, founder of Amour Women Work Community, models on location at Troy Historic Village. See “Modern Queens” in this issue.
Darrel Ellis
Nearly
The Troy Chamber of Commerce Young Professional’s Tri-Chamber Mixer with the YPs of Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce and Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce, at the Royal Oak Leprechaun’s field, June 25. 1: Amanda Koss, Rowan Therrien, Jenna Jackson. 2: Derek Oakland Macomb OBGYN’s annual Jimmy John’s Field Outing (including 180-employee team), June 27. Photography by Troy Chamber of Commerce
What’s missing from your
H e a l t h i n s u r a n c e w a s n ’ t d e s i g n e d t o c o v e r
e v e r y t h i n g T h a t ’ s w h y t h e r e ’ s A f l a c W e c a n
h e l p t a k e c a r e o f w h a t h e a l t h i n s u r a n c e
d o e s n ’ t c o v e r , s o y o u a n d y o u r e m p l o y e e s c a n
f o c u s o n c a r i n g f o r e v e r y t h i n g e l s e
C o n t a c t y o u r A f l a c b e n e f i t s a d v i s o r :
K I N G H E A L T H S O L U T I O N S
c a r o l k i n g @ u s a f l a c c o m 586.230.3617
I n d i v i d u a l c o v e r a g e i s u n d e r w r i t t e n b y A m e r i c a n F a m i l y L i f e A s s u r a n c e C o m p a n y o f C o l u m b u s | W W H Q | 1 93 2 W y n n t o n R o a d | C o l u m b u s , G A 3 1 9 9 9 | 8 0 0 9 9 2 3 5 2 2 | I n N e w Y o r k , c o v e r a g e i s u n d e r w r i t t e n b y A m e r i c a n F a m i l y L i f e A s s u r a n c e C o m p a n y o f N e w Y o r k | 2 2 C o r p o r a t e W o o
HOW TO REGAIN BLADDER CONTROL
The pelvic floor muscles function to control the urinary sphincters and prevent urinary incontinence post prostatectomy. A pelvic floor muscle (PFM) program prior to prostate surgery enhances post-surgical outcomes of pelvic floor muscle function and reduces post prostate incontinence thus improving quality of life.
WHAT IS MALE PELVIC THERAPY?
Pelvic health therapists have undergone specialized training to address bladder control in males post prostate surgery. They are also able to perform rehab addressing post-op erectile dysfunction. A home program of daily exercise and activities will be established.
According to several studies early pelvic floor muscle training reduces early quality of life impact for postprostatectomy erectile dysfunction, with faster return to continence, enabling earlier commencement of rehabilitation.
SOLUTIONS FOR RELIEF
If you are experiencing Prostate Cancer, it is highly recommended that referral to a pelvic therapist occurs pre-operatively for the best outcomes. Then follow up for pelvic floor rehab and sexual wellness rehabilitation post operatively.
On Canetha: White Satin Evening Dress featuring a corset bodice with adjustable backtie, detachable off-the-shoulder straps and pleated skirt details.
MO D E RN QUEENS
PIONEERS MAKE WAY FOR THE NEW FEMOCRACY, A BRAVE NEW WORLD OF STYLE.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DARREL ELLIS | PRODUCED AND STYLED BY MARGARET MEYER HAIGHT
THE DETAILS
Photographed on location at Troy Historic Village, where 11 preserved historic buildings offer a glimpse into 19th- and early-20th-century life in the heart of Troy. Thank you to villagers Alex Konieczny (blacksmith), Laura Boeberitz and Jolie Saul. Troyhistoricvillage.org; 248-524-3570.
Wardrobe courtesy of Valencia Younan, owner of Vines Boutique , Troy. 248-422-6156.
Hair and makeup by Sydney Wilson, Tricho Salon, the Somerset Collection, Troy. A fixture in Metro Detroit’s
luxury beauty landscape since 2003, Tricho Salon has grown from a single location to five salons in popular shopping districts throughout the region, including Troy, Royal Oak, Clinton Township, Novi and Ann Arbor. Building a team of more than 150 professionals working toward the goal of an elevated, customized experience for guests, each Tricho location blends trend-forward style with personalized care. Case in point: Tricho has earned a loyal local following for their full-service approach to beauty and wellness, from cuts and color to therapeutic facials and nail services. Trichosalonandspa.com; @trichosalonandspa.OUR
On Canetha: Black & White Off-the-Shoulder Midi Dress with ruched detailing and a white ruffle-trimmed neckline.
MODELS:
DR. BETHANY BAKER
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified EFT Therapist & Supervisor; Co-Founder & President of Michigan Community for Emotionally Focused Therapy (michiganeft.com)
“Autumn is my favorite season of the year,” says the First Lady of Troy (her husband is Troy Mayor Ethan Baker). “Ethan and I were married in the fall, so it adds to the natural romance of the season. I always feel so deeply nostalgic as the air crisps and the colors begin to appear.”
CONTINUED >
On Bethany: White Off-the-Shoulder Dress features elegant ruching and a body-hugging silhouette.
CANETHA AMOUR-PORTER Founder & CEO, Amour Women Work Community, a luxury coworking space where women create success and build true wealth through sisterhood, support and strategy amourwomen.com
“Autumn in Troy is magic,” AmourPorter says. “The crisp air, colorful trees and cozy coffee-shop moments make it the perfect time to reflect, refocus and dream bigger.”
Opposite Page, Top: On Canetha: Black & White Off-the-Shoulder Black & White Off-the-Shoulder Midi Dress features ruched detailing and a white ruffle-trimmed neckline.
Opposite Page, Bottom Right: On Bethany: Purple Lace Dress features structured corset boning and a draped sash detail.
- Clarissa Hulleza, CIO |
STYLE GETS SCHOOLED
ARTICLE BY LYNNE KONSTANTIN PHOTOGRAPHY BY DARREL ELLIS
On Mary: Prince Peter Bowie Cropped Tee; American Vintage Dumy Cardigan; JBD High-Rise Cropped Wide-Leg Jean; B Brave Medora Belt.
THE DETAILS
Photographed on location at the One Room Schoolhouse at Troy Historic Village , offering a glimpse into 19th- and early-20th-century local life. Troyhistoricvillage.org.
Wardrobe courtesy of Guys N Gals , Bloomfield. Shopguysngals.com.
Hair by Lisa Volis; makeup by Josline Adam, Tricho Salon, Twelve Oaks Mall, Novi. Since 2003, Tricho Salon & Spa has grown to five salons across Metro Detroit, including Troy, Royal Oak, Clinton Township, Novi and Ann Arbor, earning a loyal following for their full-service approach, from cuts and color to therapeutic facials and nail services. Trichosalonandspa.com; @trichosalonandspa.
CONTINUED >
On Mary: Junk Food Detroit Lions Cropped Tee; Still Here Cool Shorts.
On Annabel: Junk Food Detroit Lions Cropped Sweatshirt; Amo Camryn Straight Fit Jeans; B Brave Leysa Belt.
On Mary: Soldout NYC Tank; Amo Sally Denim Jacket; Black Pants.
On Annabel: Perfect White Tee Tank; Pistola Jadyn Low Slung Palazzo Jeans; American Vintage Rose Bubble Cardigan.
On Annabel: Perfect White Tee Ziggy Sweatshirt and Rosanna Pant in Night.
BAKER COLLEGE’S PROGRAM TRANSFORMS THE NON-TRADITIONAL STUDENT’S UNDERGRAD DEGREE FROM A FOUR-YEAR COMMITMENT INTO AN ATTAINABLE MILESTONE.
Creating Pathways
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER LOVY
Adam Mayhew
LaTasha Ellis
Baker's Royal Oak campus' student center
Under
Baker’s program, students submit a portfolio documenting their skills and experience.”
Adam Mayhew, the executive dean at Baker College, didn’t follow the usual path to higher education. Instead of heading straight to college after high school, he joined the Army, gaining real-world experience and consequently earning 12 credits toward his undergraduate degree, which he completed in his 30s.
Mayhew, who is now working toward his PhD, understands what it’s like to be a non-traditional student and recognizes how turning relevant life experiences into college credit gives adult learners the momentum they need to earn a degree.
This concept, known as credits for prior learning (CPL), isn’t new. When Mayhew earned college credits for his military experience, the term “credit for prior learning” wasn’t used. But the concept — recognizing skills and knowledge acquired outside the classroom — allowed him to start college with a semester’s worth of credits.
Today, more and more schools are embracing CPL, using guidelines set by the American Council on Education and the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning. Notable among them is Baker College ( baker.edu ). Founded in 1922, Baker College is an independent, private, non-profit institution where students can earn associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees on campuses across Michigan and online.
“Why ask a 30-year-old to start college the same way an 18-year-old does,” says LaTasha Ellis, the undergraduate dean for the College of Business at Baker College. “They’ve already learned the things we would be teaching them if they came straight out of high school.”
CPL allows adult learners to earn college credits for military service, professional certifications and licensures, as well as work or volunteer experience, by evaluating whether those experiences reflect college-level learning. Ellis estimates that around half
of Baker College students, where the median student age is 28, could qualify for CPL.
Under Baker’s program, students submit a portfolio documenting their skills and experience. The materials are reviewed for college-level equivalency. Credits can come from formal certifications, such as police academy training or real-estate licensure, to less formalized but relevant work experience.
Adult learners make up a significant percentage of the college student population. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in the Fall of 2023, 6.2 million students aged 25 and older were enrolled in degree-granting postsecondary institutions.
Mayhew gives the example of a student in his 20s with experience managing a retail store. The assumption, he says, is that this individual has valuable experiences, such as hiring and firing employees and managing benefits packages. All of his experience could translate into a three-credit introductory course in human resources.
“If you’ve already met the learning objectives of an intro to human resources class, because you have five years of experience as a manager, taking that class may feel somewhat redundant,” Mayhew explains.
For adult learners like this store manager, starting from scratch to earn the 120 credit hours required for a bachelor’s degree can be overwhelming in terms of both time and cost. That’s why a large number of older students start and stop their postsecondary education, according to Ellis. However, if they’re able to earn credits, Ellis says, obtaining a degree becomes more manageable for adults, which in turn increases both retention and graduation rates.
When institutions make degree completion more accessible, she says, they unlock the potential of countless working professionals who might otherwise never finish their education.
LIVING STYLE in
THE INTERSECTION OF FASHION AND HOME
ARTICLE BY TYLER AMADEUS PHOTOGRAPHY BY ADRIEN KING AND ALEC WALWORTH
INthis unexpected love affair, fashion and interiors are more than just a simple pairing—they are rooted in culture, creativity, and the human desire for self-expression.
As conscious consumers of the 21st century, participating in a retail landscape that is oversaturated and struggling to adapt to the ever-changing demands of the modern customer, our purchasing power should not only respond to a feeling of want but also prioritize items that reflect who we are and who we aspire to be. This is clearly visible through the representation of fashion and interiors.
Although we tend to consider cost-perwear primarily when it comes to clothing, this same principle applies to furniture and the function it brings to the home. Aesthetics and functionality both play a role in this pairing, painting a picture for
the rest of the world of who the wearer is and how they live in their space.
The woman who wears a blazer with sharp shoulders that makes her feel powerful in her everyday life—or the black dress that gives her a necessary boost of confidence—may naturally gravitate toward sleek, modern furniture that feels equally strong and elevates the space where the modern woman thrives.
In the same way, someone who prefers an effortless ensemble—like their favorite white T-shirt and comfortable denim jeans—may also look for home pieces that
are functional and make their guests feel at ease. Even a handmade rug, one that sparks conversation about where it was found and adds a focal point to a room, mirrors how we search our closets for a sweater tied to a cherished memory.
Just as we carefully choose outfits to express ourselves, it’s equally important to ensure that our living spaces are designed with the same intention. More than ever, modern buyers are making purchasing decisions based on personal morals and values, forming a new wave of consumers who seek products that are both high-quality and environmentally or socially conscious, whether for themselves or their homes.
The following imagery affirms that living a timeless lifestyle across all aspects of life is possible through the thoughtful styling of sustainable clothing and vintage furniture. As the modern retail landscape continues to evolve, it’s become increasingly vital to make conscious consumer choices—ones that allow us to express our truest selves through both our wardrobes and the places we call home.
Shoot Credits
ART DIRECTION
Amy Appleton
STYLING
Tyler Amadeus
MODEL
Amy Appleton
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A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
SEPTEMBER 9TH & 17TH
Vine & Vintage Wine
Dinner at Carrabba’s
Carrabba’s Italian Grill, 600 W. Big Beaver, Troy | 6:30 PM
The city of Paso Robles, Calif., is renowned for its expressive blends and masterful winemaking. Immerse yourself in the artistry of this celebrated region at Carrabba’s Vine & Vintage Wine Dinner – a four-course culinary experience crafted to delight your senses. Indulge in expertly paired wines that showcase the depth and passion behind every bottle. Visit Carrabbas.com/ offers/wine-dinner/experience or call (248) 269-0095 for details.
SEPTEMBER 13TH AND 27TH
The Magic Soirée Begins Its Most Magical Season Yet Embassy Suites, 850 Tower Drive, Troy | 5:30 PM
The Magic Soirée kicks off an exciting new season this September. Lady Sarah and Keith Fields bring unforgettable illusions and comedy to their new home at the Embassy Suites in Troy. And now there are two shows each day – at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 13 and Saturday, Sept. 27. Get your tickets now at TheMagicSoiree.com.
SEPTEMBER 25TH
Fire & Flannel Lumberjack Contest
Troy Historic Village | 4:00 PM
Don your finest flannel for Fire & Flannel, a lumberjack themed event presented by SunByrnes Properties & Construction, at the Troy Historic Village. The autumnal celebration includes live music entertainment, bourbon and/or whiskey tasting, blacksmithing, beverages, cornhole, LumberJack/Jill contest, networking and a food tent with local cuisine. $20 advance tickets; $30 day of. To register: troychamber.com.
Trion is a proud Troy Chamber member.