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Contributors Question What is something in your life that you are leaving behind, and what are you intentionally welcoming in 2026 to replace it? Issue 51 | In with the New Jan/Feb 2026 Publisher Editor Associate Publisher

Victoria Wise Lee Virden Geurkink Jennifer Kieta

Contributing Writers Cameron Cushman Tabetha Weeks

Photographer Emily Vasquez

Victoria

Tabetha

Cameron

A friend recently called me a perfectionist. I corrected her—I’m just an overachiever with an unhealthy relationship to productivity. Overachieving is not a lifelong sport, so I’m scaling back and dedicating myself only to what’s truly meaningful (and only mildly stressful).

As a recovering people pleaser, I'm no longer living for other people's approval, and I'm releasing everything that runs on guilt, obligation, or performance. I want to keep family first and not live for strangers.

I am leaving behind this feeling that I always have to be running at max capacity. I am going to slow down and make sure I am present as much as I can be. I’m leaving behind being busy for the sake of being busy for more presence in all things.

Emily

Lee

Trish

I'm determined to leave behind the idea that I have to do everything myself! Next year, I will be stepping into trusting others more and delegating tasks, so I can focus on the tasks I enjoy and that move our business forward!

I say this every year, but this may be the year it sticks: I am going to allow people to help me. I don’t have to do it all myself.

I will leave clutter behind and welcome organization. (Big dream)

Illustrator Trish Wise

Lead Design

Cover Design

Conor Dardis

Victoria Wise

Madeworthy Magazine is an extension of Tanglewood Moms, LLC., and serves to tell community stories for a family audience. For website and magazine advertising opportunities, please contact: Victoria@MadeworthyMedia.com Looking for more copies of Madeworthy Magazine? You can subscribe at TanglewoodMoms.com for free or pick up copies at Central Market in Fort Worth.

CHANGING THE SHAPE OF

THE FUTURE OF FORT WORTH by Lee Virden Geurkink Fort Worth might be the nation's revitalization capital. Our city is becoming known for the adaptive reuse of venerable buildings. Some shining examples include the Hotel Dryce, Montgomery Plaza, and the Fort Worth Public Market (see page 10). In reusing historic buildings instead of tearing them down, we're moving forward while honoring our past. Of course, the most impressive revitalization project of them all just might be the one that has tied our city together, unifying neighborhoods into a community. In the late 1960s, the Trinity River was not the beautiful watercourse we know and love. Levees built after the historic 1949 flood that turned the Trinity into a one-square-mile lake had reduced the river to a series of stagnant pools filled with trash and muck. Legend has it that civic leader and whirlwind Phyllis Tilley was driving over the Seventh Street Bridge when she bluntly labeled the Trinity River as “a ditch.” She used her community connections and her considerable powers of persuasion to convince the powers that be that the river was one of our city’s most valuable resources and needed saving. In 1969, Mrs. Tilley and her cohorts convinced the City to form a Streams and Valleys Committee to, in the words of an article in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram from 1970, “cleanse,

purify, preserve, conserve, develop, improve, beautify, restore, maintain, utilize and adapt for recreational and other uses” Fort Worth bodies of water. The Streams and Valleys Committee morphed into the nonprofit Streams & Valleys, Inc. If you've ever enjoyed a run along the Trinity Trails or celebrated Mayfest in Trinity Park, you owe Mrs. Tilley and Streams & Valleys your thanks. Mrs. Tilley’s work along the Trinity has continued into the 21st century. In November, local leaders joined Streams & Valleys and community members for the groundbreaking of Trinity Park Plaza, a gathering place with a butterfly garden, a wildflower meadow, and space for community gatherings. “Trinity Park was the first city park in Fort Worth,” Lauren Deen, Executive Director of Streams & Valleys, Inc., said when we talked. While the City of Fort Worth had set aside 31 acres of land on the west side of the Trinity for a city park, “there was no Parks Department in the late 19th century. The City had no money set aside for parks. People wanted green spaces, so the people of Fort Worth came together to raise the funds to transform the land into a park.” The new plaza is designed to connect the public with nature. “There will be native wildflowers and native grasses,” Deen said. “We want the plaza to be a cool space where families and kids can come out to see wildflowers without having to risk

going to the side of the highway.” In addition to the pollinator garden and the native plants, there will be a grove of 63 Texas redbuds, possumhaw hollies, and desert willows – one tree for each year of Phyllis Tilley's life. More cedar elms will be planted to provide summer shade and fall color. Deen said, "It was important to us to have color all year long in the plaza." The revitalization of the Trinity River is a testament to the power of public-private partnerships. Deen, who is the former director of Friends of the Katy Trail in Dallas, said, "Public-private partnerships are so instrumental in civic projects. It’s easy here in Fort Worth because we have so many civic-minded people and organizations who have a vision of what our city could be and are willing to work with our leaders to make Fort Worth better.” Construction of the new plaza will be finished before Mayfest, Deen said. And she apologized to everyone who uses the temporarily closed Phyllis Tilley Memorial Bridge. "We know it's frustrating. We're disrupting people's lives, but just hang with us. It will be worth it, I promise!" The new plaza project also includes wider trails through Trinity Park. “It’s great to take a park that’s already thriving and make it even better,” Deen said. “We hope the new plaza and Trinity Park will be a gathering place for family and friends to come together overlooking the Trinity for years to come. After all, we’re following in Phyllis Tilley’s footsteps. What we’re doing is changing the shape of the future of Fort Worth.”

new year

NEW OF

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Fort Worth Events - Jan/Feb 2026 Jan 1 New Year’s Day Yoga: Beehive Sadhana urbanyogafw.com

Jan 24 Make Your Own Artist Trading Cards fortworthtexas.libcal.com

Feb 13 Fantasia & Anthony Hamilton dickiesarena.com

Jan 1 A Lone Star Brunch Cooking Class centralmarket.com

Jan 24 NOT STOCK ft The Smithereens tulipsftw.com

Feb 13 TCU vs Vanderbilt Baseball Season Opener gofrogs.com

Jan 25 Sourdough Class with Icon Bread conundrumfarms.com

Feb 14 Valentine’s Day Crafternoon fortworthtexas.libcal.com

Jan 2 Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl armedforcesbowl.com Through Jan 3 Winter Zoo Camp fortworthzoo.org Jan 4 Drawing from the Collection for Children themodern.org Jan 8 Second Thursdays at the Carter: Conservation & Cocktails thecarter.org

Jan 27 Richard Thomas in Mark Twain Tonight! basshall.com Jan 27 through Feb 22 Aretha: The Queen of Soul casamanana.org Jan 28 Japanese Steakhouse Cooking Class centralmarket.com

for

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Jan 10 Chamber Music: Dvořák and Chausson cmsfw.org Jan 11 Family Festival/Fiesta de la Familia kimbellart.org Jan 11 Haus Concert with Josh & Kristi Grider winehausfw.com

CLIENT-CENTERED | RELATIONSHIP-DRIVEN | QUALITY-FOCUSED

Jan 13 Bergman’s “Winter Light” reelhousefoundation.org

Jan 29 TCU vs Kansas Women’s Basketball gofrogs.com Jan 29 through Feb 14 A Night with Janis Joplin circletheatre.com Jan 29 through Feb 15 Where We Stand stagewest.org Jan 30 Festive Fridays ft FW Opera Shots txwhiskey.com

Jan 15 Haute and Healthy Cooking Class centralmarket.com Jan 16 Neal McCoy Billybobstexas.com

Jan 16 through Feb 7 Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo fwssr.com Jan 20 TCU vs Oklahoma State Men’s Basketball gofrogs.com

Feb 4 and 7 Mrs. Warren’s Profession at the Modern ntlive.com Feb 6-22 Sense and Sensibility stolenshakespeareguild.org Feb 7 Learn to Make Kalevala Tapestries fortworthtexas.libcal.com

GET INSPIRED

Feb 14 and 15 Coppélia balletfrontier.org Feb 15 Mardi Gras Madness – Fort Worth runsignup.com Feb 15 TCU vs West Virginia Women’s Basketball gofrogs.com Feb 16 Harlem Globetrotters: The 100 Year Tour dickiesarena.com Feb 19 College Night at the Carter cartermuseum.org Feb 20 Tarrant County Go Red for Women® Experience ahafortworth.org

Feb 20 and 21 Birthday Refreshments and Gifts kimbellart.org Feb 21 Black History: Echoes of Yesterday, Voices of Today fortworthtexas.libcal.com Feb 21 Bellamy Brothers billybobstexas.com Feb 22 Mardi Gras Mambo tannahills.com Feb 22 The Queens! 4 Legends, 1 Stage dickiesarena.com

Jan 20 Crafternoon fortworthtexas.libcal.com

You don’t have to move to love your home.

Feb 14 4th Annual FWMBCC Sneaker Ball fwmbcc.org

Begins Feb 3 Youth Glass Club sinacastudios.org Feb 3 An Evening at Keith House stagewest.org

Jan 17 Frost Worth Festival facebook.com/ParksFW

Feb 14 The Princess Bride reelhousefoundation.org

Jan 21 Rodeo Pre-Party on Bulls’ Night Out cartermuseum.org

Feb 7 2nd Annual Mardi Gras Gala fairmountcommunitylibrary.org

Jan 22 The Prince Experience tannahills.com

Feb 10-15 Six basshall.com

Jan 23 through Feb 15 The Wizard of Oz casamanana.org

Feb 11 through Mar 1 Bull in a China Shop amphibianstage.com

Feb 28 Lady Gaga: The MAYHEM Ball dickiesarena.com Feb 28 Cory Branan at the Post thepostfw.com Feb 28 through Mar 8 Hairspray casamanana.org Feb 28 Leonkoro String Quartet cmsfw.org

Fresh Family Recipes Happy 2026! In honor of the new year, we're featuring two recipes from Madeworthy friend Chef Hao Tran and one recipe I created, all using fresh produce available at the grocery store and local farmers markets. They're healthy, fresh and are guaranteed to shake you out of your cooking rut. So refresh your menu this year!

Weeknight Vegetable !ai Red Curry

Easy Kimchi

Ingredients

Editor’s Note: We’ve gone somewhat kimchi-crazy in our house, so I was thrilled to see this recipe. It’s easy, delicious, and healthy. Try stirring it into scrambled eggs or adding it to sandwiches for a funky kick. Chef Tran suggests using the kimchi “juice” in sauces, soups, and marinades.

1 to 2 tablespoons red curry paste (Chef Tran prefers Maseri brand, available at Whole Foods) 1 tablespoon neutral oil like canola or grapeseed 1 small onion, sliced 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced (Editor's Note: I used the edge of a spoon to peel the ginger and grated it on a zester) 1 stalk lemongrass, smashed and cut into pieces 2 to 3 lime leaves (sometimes available at Central Market or Whole Foods, can substitute the zest of ½ a lime) 1 13.5-ounce can coconut milk 1 cup vegetable broth 2 to 3 cups mixed vegetables – carrots, potatoes, squash (winter or summer), peppers, cauliflower, or any seasonal vegetables you can find [Editor’s Note: I used a combination of carrots, potatoes, cauliflower, onions, and eggplant, and it was delicious!] 1 to 2 tablespoons of soy sauce or fish sauce (Editor's Note: I used 1 tablespoon of each) 1 teaspoon sugar (optional) Juice of 1/2 lime Fresh basil and/or cilantro for topping Cooked jasmine rice to serve

Directions Heat oil in a pot over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, ginger, and lemongrass. Cook for 1 minute or until fragrant. Add in the red curry paste and stir for 30 to 60 seconds to let it bloom in the oil. Once it is very fragrant, add the coconut milk and broth. Add the lime leaves or lime zest and stir until the curry paste dissolves. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the vegetables. Add the firmer vegetables first (carrots, cauliflower, etc.) as they will cook faster. Simmer for 5 minutes. Add the quicker-cooking vegetables next and simmer for another 5 to 7 minutes. Stir the soy or fish sauce into the curry. If you are using sugar, add this, too. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Remove the lemongrass pieces and the lime leaves, if used. Squeeze in the lime juice and top with fresh basil and/or cilantro. Serve warm over jasmine rice. This recipe makes enough for 4 to 6 people with leftovers.

Ingredients 1 (approximately 2 pounds) Chinese or Napa cabbage, chopped into squares 1/4 cup sea salt 1/3 cup fish sauce 1/3 cup gochujang chili paste (available at most grocery stores) 3 garlic cloves, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, chopped ((Editor’s Note: I use a spoon edge to peel the ginger and grated it on a zester) 11/2 tablespoon Korean red chili flakes (available at Central Market, Sprouts, or Whole Foods) 11/2 tablespoons cane sugar (Editor's Note: I used turbinado sugar, available in most grocery stores) 1 medium daikon radish, peeled and julienned (you can use radish, carrots, Asian pears, jicama, pineapple, green apples, cucumber, green papaya, or mango if you can't find daikon) 3 green onions, sliced into 1-inch strips

Directions Combine all ingredients in a very large bowl. Toss well to ensure all ingredients are incorporated. (Editor's Note: I massaged the vegetables well with the seasonings to start the process of breaking down the vegetables' fibers for fermentation. USE GLOVES!) Pack the mixture tightly into sterilized mason jars. Put on the lids. Tighten just to "finger tightness," and let the jars sit on the counter for 3 days. Once a day, you will have to "burp" the jars. To burp the jars, slowly unscrew the outer ring of the lid for just about a quarter turn while listening for a hiss. As soon as the hissing stops, immediately retighten the outer ring of the lid to finger-tight. This method allows the carbon dioxide from the fermentation process to escape while preventing oxygen, which can encourage mold growth, from entering. After 3 days, store the jars, unopened, in the refrigerator for another 2 days before eating. Kimchi can last in the fridge for 3 to 6 months, but understand that it will get funkier the longer it sits. And as with any fermented product, check for mold before consuming.

Spicy Stir-Fried Eggplant Ingredients

Directions

1 serrano pepper, or 2 jalapeños, chopped 4 to 5 garlic cloves, minced 1 1-inch knob of ginger, peeled and grated 4 green onions, chopped, whites and greens separated for different uses 2 tablespoons of a neutral oil 2 to 3 Japanese or Chinese eggplant, or 1 ½ to 2 pounds of any other variety of eggplant, diced 1/4 cup unseasoned rice vinegar Juice of 2 limes 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce 1 heaping tablespoon cornstarch 1 scant tablespoon sugar 1/2 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

Be sure to have all your ingredients ready before you start cooking. In a small bowl, combine the vinegar, lime juice, soy sauce, cornstarch, sugar, and Chinese five-spice powder. Set aside. Heat the oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over high heat until you can see heat ripples in the oil. You need to get the oil ripping hot for a good stir-fry. Add the chiles, garlic, and whites of the green onions and cook, flipping the vegetables or stirring almost constantly until you can smell the garlic and ginger. Add the eggplant and continue to flip or stir for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until the eggplant has softened. Give the vinegar mixture a quick stir (the cornstarch will have settled) and add it to the eggplant. Continuing to flip or stir, bring the mixture to a boil. Continue stirring or flipping until the sauce has thickened, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and add the green tops of the green onions and sesame oil, stirring or flipping to combine. Serve over rice or noodles as a side or as a main dish. Serves 4 as a side or 2 as a main.

By Lee Virden Geurkink Illustrations by Trish Wise

Turn Waste into Wonder! Explore recycled art, discover the impact of everyday choices, and get hands-on with reducing and reusing waste. Featuring Willie Cole’s iconic "A Tall Drink of Water.”

EXHIBIT OPENING FEBRUARY 14 WWW.FWMUSEUM.ORG | (817) 255-9300 WWW.FWMUSEUM.ORG | (817) 255-9300 1600 GENDY STREET, FORT WORTH, TEXAS 76107 1600 GENDY STREET, FORT WORTH, TEXAS 76107 @FWMSH | #FWMSH

SEE WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING AT THE MUSEUM

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My parents lived in Fort Worth before I was born. I grew up in that city on the other side of the Metroplex, but our family loved Fort Worth and visited often. When I moved to this fair city after years of living in the Southeast, my parents were thrilled. We quickly established a family tradition. My parents would brave I-30 to take in an exhibit at one of our city’s world-class museums, and we would all meet for lunch at The Original Mexican Eats Café, affectionately known to generations of Fort Worthians as The Original. As we sat at one of the round tables by the windows, my father would order the Roosevelt Special, my children would gorge themselves on chips and queso, and my mother and I would catch up.

For Erica Bracken, owner of Color Game Women’s Clothing & Accessories, locating her boutique on historic Camp Bowie was a happy accident, but the history of the building and the area were a plus. “I was still toying with whether or not to open a brick-and-mortar store when I met Lexi Eagle,” Bracken said. “She was getting ready to open her store Dos Femmes and told me about available space next to her in the former Original restaurant location. Being in a building that’s considered a Fort Worth institution brings a certain presence to our shops. Clients appreciate that sense of place and continuity, even as the space takes on a new life.”

A Renaissance on Camp Bowie by Lee Virden Geurkink

But, as Heraclitus so succinctly put it, the only constant in life is change. After a protracted legal battle, The Original moved to North Main, and the historic building on Camp Bowie has undergone a complete transformation. Now, after extensive renovation by property owner Derek Muzquiz, the 7,500-square-foot former restaurant is home to six businesses – Color Game Women’s Clothing & Accessories, Waring Tuxedos Fort Worth, Shannon Bower Home & Interiors, Dos Femmes, Honey Loves Boho, and Bowie & Byers Salon. Longtime customers of The Original won’t recognize the former restaurant. Renovating a restaurant into retail takes an enormous amount of work, but Muzquiz completely renovated the space. Floor studs were replaced. New plumbing and electrical systems were installed. Walls were rebuilt. You might

Photo courtesy of Camp Bowie District

remember seeing an enormous crane on Camp Bowie. That was to remove the restaurant’s massive vent hood. However, if you squint, you can see a little of the building’s original (no pun intended) elements – a skylight here, ceiling tiles there. The building’s metamorphosis from restaurant to retail won the 2025 Camp Bowie District Transformational Award. “It’s remarkable,” Muzquiz says. “People tell me it’s such a great transformation. They wanted more shops on Camp Bowie — somewhere to grab coffee, shop a little, maybe get lunch.” “Camp Bowie really is having a renaissance,” said Houstoun Waring, proprietor of Waring Tuxedos Fort Worth. “With landmark developments

such as Bowie House and the Crescent Hotel, I can only imagine what Camp Bowie will look like in a decade... From the Stockyards to Camp Bowie, Fort Worth's strength has always lain in its unique blend of 19th and early 20th century buildings, paired with the technical innovation and business growth of this century.” When asked why he chose to open “on the bricks,” Waring said, “Choosing to open Waring Tuxedos 'on the bricks' was a no-brainer, and truthfully, I didn't consider any other locations. Options such as University Park Village might have had some logic due to its higher foot traffic, but Camp Bowie's historic nature, attractive brick road, and central location in the heart of West Fort Worth made it the obvious choice.”

Fort Worth has a particular aptitude for honoring its past while embracing the future. The renaissance of Camp Bowie is proof of that. And while locals miss The Original, the continued renewal of historic areas is good for Fort Worth. (Don’t worry, you can still get the Roosevelt Special and Elbert’s Tacos at The Original Mexican Eats Café Del Norte on North Main.) “Being part of Camp Bowie’s renaissance feels incredibly special,” said Erica Bracken, owner of Color Game Women’s Clothing & Accessories. “There’s a renewed buzz on the bricks, and I love that Color Game contributes to that momentum.” And while our family no longer enjoys a leisurely lunch at The Original when my parents come to town, never fear. We just moved across the bricks to Lucile's. After all, Camp Bowie is a tradition not only for our family but for the whole city.

FORT WONDER SUMMER CAMPS Making Great Memories, Cultivating Character

LEARN MORE

fortwondercamps.org

MAY 26-JULY 31

New Year NEW YOU

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For our youngest readers

word boggle How many words can you make using the letters below?

VALENTINE’S e

Can you help Cupid find his bow?

by Tabetha Weeks

Saving

photos by Omorfia Imagery

What do a rockstar, a Fort Worth Top Chef, and a dilapidated historic building have in common?

a Marriage... saving a

Market

If you ask Micah and Jenna Kinard, they will say a need for renewal. Micah, the rockstar, described how his marriage to Jenna, the Fort Worth Top Chef, had once been falling apart, much like the long-neglected and decidedly dilapidated Fort Worth Public Market. Today, Jenna and Micah are rebuilding both the Public Market and their marriage. Their love story traverses winding roads from late-night tours and busy restaurant kitchens to a plywood cabin in Alaska to finally return home to Fort Worth, where they are breathing new life into a landmark. On their very first date, Jenna tried to impress Micah with food. “I cooked him this huge meal, and I tried to win him over with food,” she remembered. “That night we talked about how much we’d love to open up our own restaurant, but he was touring the world as a musician, and I was pursuing my own career as a chef.” For the next decade, that dream stayed on the back burner as their relationship and their careers grew. Micah played shows around the world as the lead singer of metal band Oh, Sleeper. Jenna climbed the culinary ladder at some of North Texas’ most notable properties, helping open concepts like The Westin in Southlake and 97 West Kitchen & Bar at Hotel Drover. Seen from the outside, they were thriving. On the inside, they were slowly drifting apart. “After building our careers and doing great [things], our marriage hit a real low point,” Micah said. “We hit a rockbottom place in our relationship. We had been chasing career highs, but we were moving in different directions.” He realized something had to change. “We decided that if we kept going down this path, there was not going to be any more us,” Micah recalled. So, he started looking for answers. “I started praying about it. Then the Alaska opportunity came up with all of these confirmations. So many that it was laughable. We were like, I think we’re supposed to move to Alaska, live in a ten-by-ten plywood cabin with bear mace on our hips, and figure this out.” They both laughed as they retold this part of their story, but at the time, it was a serious leap of faith. “We prayed about it, and it was just so obvious,” Micah said. “So, we said yes, and we quit our jobs.” They packed up and got on a plane to take seasonal jobs at a remote lodge in the Alaskan wilderness. Jenna ran the entire culinary program at the lodge. Micah worked as the maintenance man and sous chef. Then came another surprise. “We got pregnant,” Jenna said.

to say yes.

Another door closed.

In Alaska, Micah started dreaming and planning.

Three days after that, an even bigger door opened.

“I was crunching numbers while I was in Alaska,” he said. “I was like, all right, we’re going to go back and open our own restaurant. I think that I’ve crunched all the numbers, and fifteen hundred square feet is exactly what we need to crush it.” They emailed the Wilks team to let them know they were in.

They finally heard about a space that felt different — the historic Fort Worth Public Market.

At first, the project seemed straightforward.

Years later, in 2011, when Jenna was first moving to Fort Worth, Micah drove her past the same building. "He pointed it out and told me it was his favorite," Jenna remembered. “I said, ‘What if we did something with it?’”

"My earliest memory of Fort Worth is in the backseat of my parents' Suburban, leaving an event, just looking at the outside of it and wanting to go in," Micah said.

“They had one building,” Micah recalled. “We start talking to them about it, but a couple of months down the road they’re like, ‘Oh, turns out we promised that building to another group.’” “So, you talk about basically doing marriage counseling between the two of us in a plywood cabin in Alaska, doing the hardest jobs we’ve ever done.” “We were in Alaska, two hundred and fifty miles away from the closest road to take you anywhere. Our neighbors were bears,” Jenna emphasized. “We were working from five a.m. to ten p.m. every day. Zero days off for four months,” Jenna said. “It was the hardest thing we’ve ever done mentally, physically, emotionally. All the things. And we had breaking point after breaking point after breaking point, and all we had was each other.” In that tiny cabin, without the distractions of tours or restaurant openings, everything came to the surface, good and bad. “God knew we were going to be going through this right now, and he actually wanted us to,” Micah said. “We thought, ‘That means we can access him right now. So, let’s bring him into this and see where the breakthrough is.’ And it happened.” After three and a half months in Alaska, they finally felt their relationship start to turn. “That last month, we killed it,” Micah said. “We crushed it. It only took three months for us to figure out the groove, but we figured out our stuff; we let a lot of stuff go. It stretched us a lot. The Lord did a lot of healing.” As the season wrapped up, one big question remained. What happens when they go home? “We started thinking about what we would do when this job was up,” Micah said. “We were like, ‘All right, Lord, I don’t think we’re supposed to go back and just get separate jobs. That seems like it’s not the end of this story of us working together.’”

So the search continued.

Flash forward to today, and the couple

“”

“We want to honor this building by staying true to its roots,” Micah said. "!e old slogan was 'Everything for Everyone,' and we are trying to provide that." “They showed us another building that was twenty-seven hundred square feet,” Micah said. “I was like, ‘Oh, man, that’s a lot more than I was thinking.’”

has partnered with a team to reopen the historic Fort Worth Public Market.

They prayed again, felt peace about the bigger space, and moved forward. Then that option fell through, too. Next came a building just a mile from their house. “We thought, ‘Oh my gosh, this makes perfect sense,’” Jenna said. And Micah replied, “We were taking it seriously, so we were praying for this thing every day, and [the] talks stretched on." At first, they worried the square footage was too big. Then a sermon at church shifted Micah’s perspective. “I thought, 'Thirty-three hundred square feet is not a lot for God,’” he said. “If he’s doing it and we’re fully locked into his plan, laying down everything for him, it will work.” That season became a turning point.

So, they sought answers.

“It took way too long for us to realize that going our own routes and just trying to pursue our own dreams only led us away from each other,” Micah said. “It only led us away from him.”

“We start praying about it,” Micah said, “and we got an email.”

They laid down every fear and prayed a simple prayer.

It was from Wilks Development, a Fort Worth-based group behind several major local projects. Before Alaska, someone from that team had casually asked if the couple would ever be interested in opening a restaurant back home. Now, the question was back on the table.

“Lord, we want where you have us,” Micah remembers praying. “If this is it, great. If not, just shut the door.”

This time, Micah and Jenna were ready

At the time, it was just a passing comment. Now it felt like a promise coming full circle.

Three days later, they got their answer. “Three days after we prayed that prayer, oh man, we get an email,” he said. “‘So sorry, it’s not going to work out with you guys.’”

The Fort Worth Public Market was once a bustling hub with more than 140 vendors. Residents could pick up produce, file their taxes, and get a haircut in one stop. In 1941, the after-effects of the Great Depression and World War II forced its closure to vendors. Manufacturers used the facility until the early 2000s, and since then, this grand old building has mostly sat empty. Having seen God carry them through the hardest chapter of their marriage and knit them back together stronger than before, the Kinards felt confident He would lead them in restoring this historic space as a place of love for the community. When they first started dreaming about a restaurant, Jenna and Micah were looking for fifteen hundred square feet. Nine months later, they ended up with fifteen thousand. Micah and Jenna see that scope as proof of how God has been leading them and growing their trust. “His timing is unbelievable,” Micah said. "We went back again, we prayed about it, and talked to our business partner. We just had overwhelming joy about it and not an ounce of fear." With fifteen thousand square feet, they realized they could not open just one concept. They were about to bring several experiences to life. “We want to honor this building by staying true to its roots,” Micah said. "The old slogan was 'Everything for Everyone,' and we are trying to provide that."

Inside the renewed Public Market, three concepts will anchor the space. Madrone will be their Texas-inspired fine dining restaurant. The name carries its own meaning for Jenna. “I named the restaurant ‘Madrone’ because it’s a Texas evergreen tree, so it’s always in season,” Jenna explained. “That’s the idea behind our menus. I’ll print them probably every six weeks in-house. We're just looking at what we are working with right now. These relationships with our farmers and our vendors are very important to us. We want to be as close to the farm itself as we can be." Willow will be a cocktail lounge with a strong zero-proof program, so guests who do not drink alcohol can still enjoy thoughtful, crafted beverages. Public Market Cafe & Goods will be a daytime hub featuring baked goods, coffee, and local products, including hydroponic greens grown on-site, handmade items from local artisans, and everyday pantry staples. Jenna is passionate about filling the market with local foods and local makers, creating a space where small businesses and neighbors can thrive together. Through their interview, Micah and Jenna kept circling back to how different seasons in their lives prepared them for this one. The long hours in restaurants. The pressure of touring. The plywood cabin in Alaska. The breaking points and the healing that followed. Jenna said that while she has worked extremely hard in her career and in her marriage, she is excited to merge the two and let both become ways to reflect God's love. “We just kept coming back to ‘Everything for Everyone,’” she said. “To Micah and me, it hit one day. We were like, ‘Oh my gosh. Jesus is everything for everyone.’” From a broken marriage to a restored landmark, the Kinards' story is one of choosing to stay, choosing to rebuild, and choosing to trust God with each subsequent step. Their hope for every person who walks through the doors of the renewed Fort Worth Public Market is simple. Jenna said, “I hope everyone leaves feeling just a little more joyful than when they entered.”

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Out with the Old

Best Place to Thrift, Consign, and Donate by Madeworthy Editorial Team The first of the year is the perfect time to change habits. Not New Year's resolutions, necessarily. Just a change in attitude. In 2026, instead of trying to lose those pesky pounds, why not get off the fast fashion merry-go-round and start thrifting? Fast fashion relies heavily on exploitive labor practices and is very damaging to the environment. By thrifting, you're keeping pre-loved clothing out of the landfill while saving loads of money. Win-win! We asked the members of the Tanglewood Moms Facebook group for their favorite thrift shops and places to donate clothes. Unsurprisingly, they had the best answers!

Berry Good Buys If you ask the Tanglewood Moms where to donate gently used clothing and home goods, or you ask for great places to thrift, you will be overwhelmed with recommendations for Berry Good Buys. Since 1988, all profits from Berry Good Buys have gone to The Archway (formerly SafeHaven) to support their work offering victims of domestic abuse a safe and stable way forward. Whether you’re donating clothes your family no longer wears or looking for a great new look, Berry Good Buys is ready to help.

Fort Worth Community Collaborative/ Cowtown Closet Fort Worth Community Collaborative (FWCC) operates Cowtown Closet, a free community closet for anyone who needs it. No judgement. FWCC sorts and repairs or upcycles gently used clothing, either stocking their storefront and emergency clothing lockers for partner agencies or recycling what cannot be used. If you want to thrift, FWCC has Donation Mondays, where, for a $5 donation, you can find anything and everything your thrifty heart could desire.

The Resale Shop For more than 20 years, the Resale Shop has offered gently used clothing and home goods, with all proceeds supporting the Center for Transforming Lives in its mission to help single mothers and their children thrive. Additionally, participants in the Center's programs receive "Resale Bucks" to help clothe their families and make a home for them at no cost.

Clothes Mentor Clothes Mentor is committed to reducing fashion waste while providing women with trendy, stylish clothing. With sizes 0 to 26, Clothing Mentor ensures most women can find the perfect outfit at an affordable price. And when you sell your pre-loved clothing at Clothes Mentor, you get cash for a new outfit on the spot. It's all part of what Clothes Mentor calls "cyclical fashion” sustainable, fashion-forward, and affordable.

Prom Dreams Boutique How many little children dream of prom? But prom dresses are expensive, and not every family can afford one. Prom Dreams Boutique at University Christian Church allows students to find the prom, Homecoming, or formal dress of their dreams, complete with shoes and accessories. If you have pre-loved formal dresses and accessories, you can help a student’s dreams come true!

Thrift Giant Are you a hardcore thrifter? You NEED to check out Thrift Giant. A DFW chain, Thrift Giant boasts the most extensive thrift inventory in the Metroplex, daily sales, and a handy app to help you with your thrifting. They accept donations, and they use their profits to support local nonprofits. Big sales, an enormous inventory, and they support local nonprofits? See you there!

Union Gospel Mission of Tarrant County

Community Crossroads

When a person arrives at Union Gospel Mission (UGM), they usually only have the clothes on their back. By donating your family’s gently used clothing, you are providing more than a pair of jeans or shoes. You’re providing a child with a school uniform. You're providing a person with an outfit for a job interview. You're giving a person a bit of their humanity back.

Community Crossroads is First Presbyterian Church Fort Worth's outreach ministry located in the Near Southside. As well as offering free food and sack lunches, pet food, diapers, and formula, and a free dental clinic, Community Crossroads is proud to offer its Clothed in Love ministry that distributes clothing and blankets to those in need without judgment and with love.

Flipstone Vintage & Thrift

Uptown Cheapskate

Owners and Sisters Dancing and Lily are seasoned thrifters, and they wanted to use their expertise to create a thrift boutique that combines the best of thrift shops’ selections and prices with vintage boutiques’ curated offerings. And thus, Flipstone was born. The sisters also travel throughout North Texas, compiling a guide of thrift stores to help people shop sustainably. Flipstone is an indigenous- and woman-owned small business.

If you’re a thrifter who loves finding a bargain on premium brands, check out Uptown Cheapskate. With a focus on designer brands, you can find amazing pieces at incredible prices, ensuring that you’re always on trend. Bring your clean, gentlyloved clothes in and get a new outfit before the store's buyers make you an offer. Uptown Cheapskate will donate items they didn't buy, so you don't have to bring them home. Continued on Page 14

Out with the Old

Best Places to Thrift and Donate in Fort Worth ...continued from Page 13

Love and Light Ministries Love and Light Ministries works with the unhoused in Fort Worth, helping them “from camp to a home.” As part of their outreach in the homeless community, Love and Light donates approximately 150 items of clothing each month. You can be sure that your donations are needed and will be appreciated by people in need.

Family Thrift Center Another thrifting supercenter, Family Thrift Center offers gently-used clothes, toys, books, and household essentials at incredibly reduced prices. With a user-friendly app and a loyalty rewards program that allows you to save even more, Family Thrift Center is your one-stop thrifting shop.

Chosen Ones Community Closet Families who foster and adopt are special, and they sometimes need special help. Chosen Ones is a ministry that supports fostering and adopting families, offering counseling, help navigating bureaucratic mazes or finding a pediatrician, or clothing and diapers when a placement occurs more quickly than anticipated. The Community Closet provides food, clothing, baby equipment, toys, and necessities like diapers and formula so that families can focus on what’s important – giving love and support to a child who needs it.

Second Glance Thrift Shop

baby goods, and more. Any donated items that are not used are sold in the Resale Shop, with proceeds going directly back to the program.

Seven Boutique Do you love designer goods but not designer prices? Seven Boutique, where you can consign items you wish to sell, offers pre-loved luxury items from top designers at bargain basement prices. Looking for a pair of Louboutins? They have them. A Louis Vuitton handbag? No problem. What color would you like? From Alexander McQueen to Zimmerman, Seven Boutique has you covered.

Kiss It Good Buy Furnishing a house is expensive, especially if you want something other than do-it-yourself, laminate-covered items from a big box store. Kiss It Good Buy, located in Grapevine’s historic downtown, offers an eclectic assortment of gently pre-loved and unique home furnishings, décor, and accessories. So rent a trailer and head up to Grapevine – you’ll be glad you did!

The Mercantile You can't have a list of places for thrifting without mentioning The Mercantile. Founded by Fort Worth businessman Holt Hickman, The Mercantile has over 200 carefully curated dealer booths offering everything from antiques to fashion. The best part? After you've found your treasures from multiple dealers, there's a central checkout process that streamlines your thrifting experience. Great deals, a curated selection of dealers, and an easy checkout? Score!

ReStore by Trinity Habitat for Humanity While it might not be your traditional thrift store, ReStore needs to be on your list, especially if you're a do-it-yourselfer. You can find building materials, furniture, and even appliances at the four locations of the Trinity Habitat ReStores. And if you have leftover building supplies, furniture/or appliances that need a new home, ReStore runs on donations. By shopping or donating, you're helping families come home.

Furniture Vintage Martini Consignment Gallery If you’re into vintage clothing, you need to What do you do when you have a beautiful sofa or antique armoire that you don’t have room for in your home? Or where do you go to find quality furniture at prices you can actually afford? Furniture Consignment Gallery, of course! Whether you need to furnish a room or you want to get rid of some beautiful pieces that you don't need anymore, Furniture Design Gallery is ready to help. As their website says, “We all love affordable luxury.”

If you're looking for a one-stop shop for middle- to high-end clothing, furniture, kitchen accessories and appliances, plus games, books, and other media, you don't need to take a second glance. Profits from Second Glance support CEC (Community Enrichment Center) and its ministry among the unhoused people of our community. They also accept clean preloved donations, and seniors and veterans always receive 10% off their total purchase each Tuesday.

make the drive to Dallas. Vintage Martini was founded by a costume designer who loved and collected vintage clothing. Need a dress from the 1920s? No problem. Want a Christian Dior dress from 1961? They’ve got it. And they carry contemporary pieces from design houses like Mandalay, Versace, and Fendi. They offer consignment services, too. Now if only they would move to the cool side of the Metroplex!

Clotheshorse Anonymous I have a confession. I grew up in Dallas. I know, I know. But I grew up hearing about Clotheshorse Anonymous, and believe it, it lives up to the hype. Since 1974, those in the know have found incredible buys on luxury brands. In fact. Clotheshorse Anonymous is Dallas’s oldest luxury consignment shop. As part of their services, they offer brand authentication; you know you’re getting the real deal.

Clothes Circuit Upsale Resale

Angels’ Attic Upscale Resale

Another Dallas classic, Clothes Circuit is a luxury resale shop that offers a drop-in-and-donate service for busy Dallasites, in addition to more traditional luxury consignment services. Their donations are your gains because you can find incredible deals on hundreds (yes, hundreds) of designer brands, and you can shop, knowing that each piece has been authenticated. Trust me, it's worth the drive!

What began as a series of garage sales to help the hurting and the hungry, Angels' Attic Upscale Resale is now a thriving resale shop filled with fabulous finds. Whether you're looking for gently used clothing, furniture, or accessories, Angels' Attic is the place to shop. An outreach ministry of White’s Chapel Methodist Church in Southlake, proceeds from Angels’ Attic go to support nonprofits and ministries around the world.

Christ’s Haven Resale Shop Christ's Haven for Children offers traumainformed, family-modeled care for displaced children and teens in a neighborhood of homes in north Fort Worth. The families who love and care for these children need clothing, furniture,

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PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZERS By Lee Virden Geurkink empty nester, I took a job quiz that led me to professional organizing for others.

develop your own?

Whitney Tevis: When Debbie [Horton, co-owner of The Organized Nest] started the company, there were only two or three other organizers in the Fort Worth area. She saw a need… and she started hiring employees within the first two years. MW: When you begin a project, what is your process? WT: It gets worse before it can get better. Let's say we are starting in a kitchen/pantry space — we take everything out of the cabinets and drawers. We group like items together and hopefully find items we can donate or pare down. In the pantry, we look for expired food, old spices, and items that might need containers so that they stay fresh longer… Once we know what’s staying, we come in with product to make the space function better. Kami Ford & Whitney Tevis Yes, it's that time of year. The time when we try to figure out where the gifts received will go in our homes. Instead of playing Closet Jenga, why not use this time in the quiet of a new year to start fresh and finally get organized? We spoke to two professional organizers to try to learn from the best. Whitney Tevis is co-owner of The Organized Nest, and Kami Ford owns deKlutter with Kami. Both generously shared some tips and tricks to help us all get started on conquering the clutter. Madeworthy: To begin, what made you decide to become a professional organizer? Kami Ford: I have always been an organized person. When I became an

KF: My first goal is to connect with the client. I meet with the client and discuss what their goals are. I want the client to understand my process and how we can obtain it. I give the client homework… [There will be] a system in place at the end of the organizing process. MW: Do you have an "organizing philosophy?" KF: Everything belongs in its “home.” Return items to where you find them. WT: Our philosophy is that “everything has a home.” We tailor our approach based on each customer’s lifestyle and life stage. Our goal is always to maintain order, keep things functional while being aesthetically pleasing, and create a successful system that they can use after we are gone. MW: Do you follow a specific organizing theory/method, or did you

WT: We have developed our own method based on the many years we've been in business. This is a unique career in that it really takes onthe-job experience to know what works well and what doesn't. KF: Our method for any space we are organizing is: 1) pull everything out and sort with like items; 2) purge anything that needs to go away; 3) decide how we will organize the items back in the space; and 4) buy organizing products and label everything for that space. MW: I need help getting organized, but I'm REALLY embarrassed at how bad I've let my home get. How do you handle confidentiality? WT: We state in our contract that we do not discuss clients with anyone outside of the job. Not with our spouses, friends, or family. We are deeply honored to have gained the trust of our customers over the years. KF: My team signs an NDA. I take my client’s privacy very seriously. It takes a lot of courage to ask a professional organizer to come into one's home and see one's clutter. I affirm to my clients that we do not judge. My mission is to give my clients back the control and confidence to live a decluttered life. MW: Is there a room or space in your home that's still a “work in progress?" KF: My office is a constant “work in progress”. I look for new ways to declutter this area and make it more efficient. WT: Oh my goodness, YES! We are like the cobbler with no shoes. If you spend all day, every day organizing other people’s homes, the last thing you want to do is organize your own! I do keep most of our shared spaces very tidy and mostly organized.

There is a front closet in my own home that’s become the spot where ALL things land. I usually clean it out once a year over the Christmas holiday. MW: Do you have a favorite beforeand-after story? (Without violating client confidentiality, of course!) WT: We did a garage out in Weatherford several years ago that was a huge overhaul! What started as a dumping ground for holiday storage, extra furniture, and items that never quite had a home became a beautiful space with movable storage racks, easy-to-access holiday items, and [the client] could finally park a car inside! It was a complete transformation. KF: I have a client who lost her child several years ago. Five years ago, she called and was ready to go through her child's things and pick the pieces of her life back up. We went through schoolwork, pictures, cards that were written, and boxes of items that had not been seen for many years. We sat on her kitchen floor and wept together, as we went through her boxes of pain. Her home, which was on pause for several years, is now being lived in again. MW: And finally, what's your favorite organizing tip? KF: “One in, one out.” For example, if you buy a new pair of shoes, take one pair out! WT: Start small! Customers tend to start big projects and then become too overwhelmed to finish them. We always tell them to pick a small space (even just a few drawers!) so that you can start AND finish the project without it snowballing into something unattainable. Oh, and ALWAYS ALWAYS get matching hangers for your closet!

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Made in Fort Worth: Gather Goods by Madeworthy Editorial Team photos courtesy of Jill Johnson & Rye Clifton

The start of a new year is the perfect time to switch things up. Change your style. Add a little (or a lot of) pizzazz. Megan Clifton understands. The founder and designer of Gather Goods creates jewelry meant to dazzle, incorporating found materials with her love of ageless style and her love of making a statement, inherited from both grandmothers. Megan generously shared her story with Madeworthy. Madeworthy: When did you first realize that creating jewelry was more than a hobby – that it was a calling? Megan Cifton: It was right before Christmas about eight years ago, and friends were asking me for necklaces to give as gifts to family members and friends. I put about 50 necklaces out on my dining room table and sold every single one. MW: Was there a personal moment or a season of your life that influenced the launch of Gather Goods?

MC: My grandmother lived in Albuquerque most of her life, and when she died, I received some of her beautiful Native American pieces. I loved the turquoise and vibrant colors, but wanted [to create] a modern take on them. MW: Tell us about a piece you’ve made that tells a particularly powerful story. MC: This summer, after the horrible flooding in Central Texas, we made a green and white bird necklace. We donated 100% of the sales to the Kerr County Relief Fund. We sold out in the first five minutes and were able to give them more than $10,000. MW: How do you balance staying true to your creative vision while also growing a business? MC: HA! Great question! This can be tricky because I always loved creating one-ofa-kind pieces. As I grew, I knew I needed a new model that could grow with the business. I started working with a silversmith in Albuquerque who started making one-of-a-kind pendants, but in larger quantities, which has been a game-changer. I also love working with multiple African bead dealers who have grown with me!

MW: Have you had moments of doubt, and if so, what kept you grounded during them? MC: Absolutely. I think every creative and every business owner goes through periods of doubt. (If not, let me know your secrets.) I think what keeps me grounded and inspired is my ohso-loyal customers. They are always pushing me to do better, create more, and keep things fresh.

MC: Travel and time away. Sometimes it takes just a vacation or a few days out of the office to feel inspired again. We just had a very epic trip to Africa with my family of four, where I got to go to the source of most of my beads. It left me in awe of the craft and excited for what’s to come. I know trips to Africa aren’t always at our fingertips, so from a local perspective, I find going on a walk or run can completely reset my brain. Burnout be damned, I’m ready for 2026!

MW: What has surprised you the most since starting Gather Goods? MC: The people! The people I get to work with, the people who support me, the hustle of other small business owners who do this day in and day out.

MW: What advice would you give to someone looking to create but is afraid to start? MC: Just do it. Seriously. You won’t get everything right the first time, and you will learn as you go, and that's just fine. The juice is well worth the squeeze.

MW: What legacy do you hope Gather Goods will leave behind? MC: That's another tough question, as we're not dead yet, and we have no plans of going anywhere anytime soon! I hope people feel like no matter what, we always treat them with kindness. I hope people find our customer service to be the cream of the crop. And I hope our necklaces leave a tiny bit of brightness to their day. MW: In moments of burnout, what do you turn to for inspiration?

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A leadership change. A reorganization. Drastic budget cuts. Finally, a radical reduction in force. And after seven years, I was suddenly out of a job.

motors or exploring new ways to diagnose Alzheimer’s Disease. These are tough problems to solve, and if our community doesn’t know who these people are or what they are working on, we won’t know how to help them.

Mission canceled.

Sharing these stories is why the podcast came into being. Most of these innovators and entrepreneurs were in the early stages of developing their solutions and didn't receive the attention of traditional media. They were too busy innovating to tell their own stories. For many of them, this was the first opportunity to share their story.

The part of my career in which I helped innovators, entrepreneurs, and startups maximize their chances for success had come to an end. The podcast I hosted, which shared the stories of local innovators in Fort Worth, rode off into the sunset. And the programs, events, data, and research that I created to build the entrepreneurial community in Fort Worth now faced an uncertain future.

Once these stories became public, we saw amazing things happen. By telling their own stories, these innovators and entrepreneurs found a missing puzzle piece – a co-founder, an investor, a mentor, or someone with a solution unique to the problem they were solving. An appearance on the podcast allowed them to tap into the broad resources that are available in our community.

I wanted to see if I could keep this work going because I know that my city needs more entrepreneurs and innovators doing what they do best – inventing the new, creating jobs, and building wealth for our community. So, I did what I saw so many of the entrepreneurs I had worked with do. I started my own company.

HELPING THE DREAMERS by Cameron Cushman photo by Devan Peplow

Up until last spring, I hosted 150 episodes of a podcast featuring local innovators, researchers, entrepreneurs, and startups who were trying to use their time, talents, and treasure to make our world a better place. These are our neighbors, our friends, our colleagues, and yet we don't know the stories of the important work they do. Some of our guests were trying to improve simple things at home, and some were taking on grand challenges that all of humanity faces. Some were producing higher efficiency electric

But, like all good things, that podcast ended in April. A few weeks later, Texas A&M-Fort Worth called, expressing interest in continuing the podcast through the Fort Worth–Tarrant County Innovation Partnership, an entity formed to build an “innovation district” around the Texas A&M Law School in the southeast quadrant of downtown Fort Worth. They saw the value in telling the stories of local innovators and asked whether I would be interested in restarting the

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podcast under the maroon-and-white flag. I called my former producer, Kendel Rogers, and asked if she was interested in getting the band back together. She agreed, and the “Fort Worth Innovates” podcast was born. Mission resumed. We started in September with Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker, who is one of the best champions of innovation and entrepreneurship in the country. We have since featured innovators who are creating "Gatorade for dogs" and an app that uses swipe technology to make consumer surveys more fun. We’ve also featured innovative institutions like Cook Children’s Hospital and Texas A&M’s aerospace program. And we’re just getting started. We have big plans for 2026. Taylor Sheridan and his work to put Fort Worth on the map for film and moviemaking is a great story to tell. Our city is becoming a hub for video game developers, and the animators and visualization students required to design these games are starting to take off here. We hope to tell some behind-the-scenes stories of local companies like HTeaO that are growing and thriving from their home base in Fort Worth. We invite you to join our community and learn the stories of the innovators solving real-world problems in Fort Worth. Tune in to the “Fort Worth Innovates” podcast and find out how you can help these dreamers, doers, risk-takers, and visionaries make our world a better place.

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REFRESHING YOUR WARDROBE

with Paige Walker by Madeworthy Editorial Team

It’s the new year, and you’re ready for a change. You've cleaned out your closets (see page 16) and donated the clothes your family no longer wears (see pages 13 and 14). Now you'd like to refresh your wardrobe as part of your overall selfrenewal plan. To this end, Madeworthy talked with Paige Walker, a Fort Worth-based photographer, content creator, and founder of Ivy Society, an online shop dedicated to sorority, fraternity, and team swag. Madeworthy: January often feels like a natural reset. Why is the start of a new year such a powerful time to refresh your wardrobe instead of completely reinventing it?

that feminine, flirty feeling. The preppy look continues into 2026 with v-neck sweaters, rugby shirts, blazers, and loafers. And I’m talking actual preppy, not the new age, rebranded preppy that the tweens have taken over. Add some beaded jewelry, polka dots, fringe, wedge sneakers, and brut denim for easy wardrobe updates. Color-wise, anything goes! I’m seeing bold colors, pastels, and neutrals so stick to what makes you feel good.

Paige’s Favorites • •

Paige Walker: That January energy really does hit differently. Last year, in an attempt to become the queen of positive affirmations, I taped a note to my mirror that said, "I am Paige, and only good things happen for me."

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When it comes to your wardrobe, the new year is the perfect time for a simple refresh - no need to reinvent yourself. Just start by removing those jeans that hurt your feelings and take inventory of the pieces you wear on repeat that actually fit your real life.

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MW: What key silhouettes, colors, or fabrics feel “new” and fresh for this year without feeling trendy or overdone? PW: We are seeing a throwback to 1980s office wear, but in a less traumatic way. Strong, padded shoulders with cinched waists are back. You may be winging it, but this powerful silhouette says, "I know what I'm doing." Elongated lines are everywhere – wide-leg trousers, longer coats, and anything that makes you feel tall and put together. Lingerie as outerwear is back. Go for satin slip skirts, lace-trimmed camis, and corset-style tops for

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Favorite local boutique: Esther Penn Go-to tote bag for schlepping: I’ve been loyal to my Louis Vuitton Neverfull for a decade Charcuterie supplies for a last-minute gathering: Trader Joe’s Cosmetic must-have: Saie Glowy Super Gel™ in Sunglow Local jewelry designer nailing 2026 vibes: Glitter & Gold Next book I’m reading: Building a Story Brand Next trip I’m planning: New York City with my high school senior daughter Running around shoes: Birkenstock clogs and Jordan 1 Highs On my splurge wish list: Silver Gucci shoulder bag and a neck lift

MW: What are some go-to pieces that work beautifully for church but can also transition to brunch or errands afterward? PW: Blend modest and trendy with flowy midi dresses, wide leg trousers, tailored blazerand-shorts sets, and skirts with sweaters. Layer with a camel trench coat, cardigan, or leather jacket. MW: What are your favorite chicbut-functional outfit ideas for moms on the sidelines? PW: Sideline outfits need to survive weather, snacks, folding chairs, and emotional highs and lows. I stick to comfortable pants like baggy jeans, wide-leg sweatpants, or flare leggings, layers, and sneakers. A simple tee with a loose hoodie always works. MW: What are three date-night essentials every woman should keep in her closet in 2026? PW: On a date, I want to feel hot, but also like I

for everyone.

can eat and not have to hold my breath all night. A great top is a must. Something that flirts a little, you know the type. A great pair of jeans that will never betray you, and a little black dress you can dress up or down is essential

MW: What’s your formula for looking polished on long travel days without sacrificing comfort? PW: If I can’t sit crisscross applesauce, eat snacks, and take a nap in an outfit, it’s an immediate no. Soft activewear, layers, comfy shoes, and your everyday jewelry are best. MW: As a photographer, what common mistakes do people make when choosing outfits for family photos? PW: Try to coordinate instead of match. When everyone shows up in the same color, the result can feel like a staff photo. Start with Mom's outfit and work off that to pick the rest of the family's clothes. I also do not like toddlers in puffer vests. The corners of the collar will inevitably move to cover the kid's face at the cutest moment. Try on the clothes first and make sure they fit. I’ve had so many clients get to the shoot saying they just tried on the clothes right before, only to find that Mom’s dress won’t zip and the little boy’s pants are enormous. MW: If you could give women one simple “style reset” rule to follow in 2026, what would it be? PW: Nothing looks better than confidence, so wear what makes you feel your best.

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