May 2026

Best of

THE 405 405MAGAZINE.COM

1

Thank You For Voting Us Best Med Spa!

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M AY 2026

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3308 NW 135TH ST. STE. 100 OKLAHOMA CITY , OK 73120 | 405.807.6265 | WWW.RMAOK.COM 405MAGAZINE.COM

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VO LUME 12 ISSUE 0 5

BEST OF THE 405 WINNER THE JONES ASSEMBLY ON NEW YEAR'S EVE

F E AT U R E S

33

58

Best of the 405

Oral Healthcare Profiles

There’s so much to love about life in central Oklahoma—

Matters of the mouth require serious expertise and

starting with these outstanding businesses, people and

particular personalities; trust these dental professionals

attractions that readers voted as the metro’s best.

to be at the top of their field.

Volume 12 / Number 5, 405 Magazine (periodicals 21350) is published monthly, 12 times a year, by Hilltop Media Group, 4801 Gaillardia Pkwy, Ste. 200, Oklahoma City, OK 73142.

Periodicals postage paid at Oklahoma City, OK and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to 405 Magazine, P.O. Box 3065, Williamsport, PA 17701.

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Your

FAMILY

Playground awaits

OMNIPGAFRISCO.COM 405MAGAZINE.COM

3

D E PA R T M E N T S

VOLUME 1 2 I SSU E 5

Dining 70

GOOD TASTE Welcome Chef Black’s Dougla Kitchen

72

THE DRINK Floral cocktails for spring sips

Culture Trending 12

TRAVEL Wonders await in New York City

14

PERSON OF INTEREST Author and comedian Kelsey Humphreys

16

STYLE Be dressed in your best

18

SOCIAL HOUR People and events in the 405

76

ARTS Fresh public art to appreciate

78

IN CONVO WITH Primo gifts from Taylor Elliott Designs

82 LOOKING BACK The tale of Tucker Tower

8

20 HEALTH A warning for outdoor fun

Home 26 DESIGN Thoughtful design in a Norman abode 4

M AY 2026

FROM THE EDITOR

ON THE COVER

Rose Creek Country Club, winner of Best Golf Course.

Models Elaine Smith and Josh Sallee. Attire from Swing Eazy Golf & Vintage.

Photo by Jared Kinley.

405MAGAZINE.COM

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PUBLISHER

Kendall Morgan Hammack kendall.morgan@405magazine.com

DIRECTOR OF B U S I N E S S D E V E LO P M E N T

Drew Smith

drew.smith@405magazine.com

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Julie Partin

julie.partin@405magazine.com

AC C O U N T E X E C U T I V E

Alexis LaMons

alexis.lamons@405magazine.com

ART DIRECTOR

Jarred Schuetze

HOME SECTION EDITOR

jarred@405magazine.com

Evie Klopp Holzer

D I G I TA L D I R E C T O R

COPY EDITOR

Alexa Rodriguez

Steve Gill

alexa.rodriguez@405magazine.com

PHOTOGRAPHY

PRESIDENT

Jared Kinley Kimberly Martin Rachel Maucieri Charlie Neuenschwander Amy Rau Shevaun Williams

Jordan Regas

CONTRIBUTORS

P R O D U C T I O N M A N AG E R & A C C O U N T S R E C E I VA B L E

Lavinia Creswa Jake Durham Kristen Grace Bennett Hill Matt Kirouac Linda Miller

jordan@hilltopmediagroup.com VICE PRESIDENT

Kaley Regas

kaley@hilltopmediagroup.com

Lisa Munson

production@405magazine.com accounting@405magazine.com

D I G I TA L M E D I A C O O R D I N AT O R

Emma Rowland

READER SERVICES

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JOIN THE CONVERSATION Follow 405 Magazine on Facebook and @405Mag on Instagram Story Ideas and Letters to the Editor Your views and opinions are welcome. Include your full name, address and daytime phone number and email to editor@405magazine.com. Letters sent to 405 Magazine become the magazine’s property, and it owns all rights to their use. 405 Magazine reserves the right to edit letters for length and clarity.

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M AY 2026

405 Magazine Volume 12, Number 5, May 2026. 405 Magazine is published monthly by Hilltop Media Group at 1216 N Blackwelder Ave., Suite 13, Oklahoma City, OK 73106, 405.806.0672. ©Copyright 2026 Hilltop Media Group. All rights reserved. Reproduction of 405 Magazine content, in whole or part by any means, without the express written consent of the publisher is strictly prohibited. 405 Magazine is not responsible for the care of and/or return of unsolicited materials. 405 Magazine reserves the right to refuse advertising deemed detrimental to the community’s best interest or in questionable taste. Opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of ownership or management. Basic annual subscription rate is $14.95. U.S. single-copy price is $4.95. Back issues are $9.50 each

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F R O M

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Hitting the High Notes If you are a regular reader of this magazine and these letters, then you know: The Best of the 405 simultaneously strikes fear into and invigorates our team.

It is by far the biggest project on our calendar, and one that has taken on a life of its own.

Every year we have hundreds of thousands of participants and millions of pageviews on our website. It feels like the entire city is involved!

Congratulations to all of the individuals, businesses and organizations who were nominated! It is no small feat, and I want you to know—We. See. You. We see you dreaming up an idea, we see you putting your vision into action, we see you perfecting your craft, we see you working all hours of the night, we see you putting yourself out there, we see you pouring your heart and soul into your livelihood, we see you icing your back at the end of a long day, we see you overcoming obstacles and getting back up again, we see you taking a big swing, we see you hustling. And we hope, on some level, knowing that you have made a positive impact on someone’s life and our community makes it all worth it!

At its core, Oklahoma City is a place where good people work hard and make things happen. I hope by the time this

BEHIND THE SCENES

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M AY 2026

issue hits mailboxes and newsstands we are all preparing for another massive NBA Championship parade. I already know what I am doing in the summer of 2028, and I have the softball Olympic tickets to prove it.

I am so proud to live in a place where people take pride in their city and their work, and that we at 405 Magazine get to be a part of telling those glorious stories. Catch the 2026 Best of the 405 winners beginning on pg. 33.

For our cover shot, we highlight Best Golf Course winner, Rose Creek. It was a gorgeous spring evening at dusk and we squeezed in a shoot between rounds of tournament play. Jared Kinley effortlessly captured the vibes of models Elaine Smith and my brother Josh Sallee—semiprofessional golfer, Swing Eazy Golf & Vintage owner and sourcer of the shoot’s top-notch looks.

Also in this issue, you will meet a local comedian and first time Best of winner (pg.

14) and a colorful gem jewelry artist taking boutiques by storm (pg. 78).

We also have a serene design spread (pg. 26), a spread on exciting and innovative dining (pg. 70), a timely East Coast travel story (pg. 12) and more.

Thank you so much to all of our readers for your continued support. You are the real MVP!

Julie Partin EDITOR IN CHIEF

Coming Soon

One place for all your GI care.

Kathryn Ann Meinders Digestive Health Institute The new Digestive Health Institute (DHI) at Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City will advance digestive health care across the whole region.

Here, Mercy experts will use the latest technology and treatments available to care for patients with Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), celiac disease and more.

The state-of-the-art institute will feature: • Onsite GI procedural rooms • Private prep and recovery rooms • Access to clinical trials • AI-augmented colon cancer screening • Motility lab • General gastroenterology clinic • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) clinic • Hepatology clinic • Dedicated educational space • Nutritional counseling

Scan to learn more or visit mercy.net/OKDHI

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405MAGAZINE.COM

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THE SKY’S THE LIMIT CLOUD CAMP AT THE BROADMOOR

A Peak All-Inclusive Retreat Where Adventure Awaits High above Colorado Springs, The Broadmoor’s Cloud Camp offers an exclusive retreat surrounded by stunning vistas and fresh mountain air. Whether taking the time to reconnect with a partner or yourself, every moment allows the opportunity to slow down and savor nature’s peace. Experience an unrivaled, all-inclusive getaway that includes luxurious accommodations, seamless transportation, gourmet meals, unlimited beverages, exciting daily activities, and exclusive amenities—at one exceptional rate. Whenever you stay, time spent at Cloud Camp will inspire lasting memories that linger long after you return to the world below.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO BOOK YOUR WILDERNESS GETAWAY, VISIT BROADMOOR.COM OR CALL 888.965.6303.

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TRENDING T R AV E L 1 2

PERSON OF INTEREST 14

STYLE 16

SOCIAL HOUR 18

H E A LT H 2 0

Navigating New York City

PHOTO PROVIDED

Journeying through The Big Apple P. 12

405MAGAZINE.COM

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T R E N D I N G

OMNI BERKSHIRE PLACE LOBBY

Marvelous Manhattan Taking on the Big Apple

BY J U L I E PA R T I N

I

t has been dubbed by many as “the greatest city in the world.” New York City is not a hidden gem by any stretch of the imagination; it is America’s most diverse, prosperous and populous place and one of the wonders of the world. For that reason alone a trip there, especially with a family, can feel really overwhelming. To do every single noteworthy 12

M AY 2026

activity in Manhattan would take years. So for our purposes, this is a guide of what to do if you have just a few days but still want to get a taste of its renowned history, its modern cultural influence and an all-around Big Apple experience.

WHERE TO STAY When deciding where your NYC homebase will be, there is much to consider. In a condensed trip, a central location next to many destinations and public transportation will save tons of travel time. It is also important to find a place you can actually rest in the evenings after grueling days of walking. The “city that never sleeps” can live up to its reputation. With thin walls in historic buildings, streets that never stop bustling and global visitors keeping various round-the clock schedules, it is too easy to get a terrible night’s sleep when visiting NYC. Merging historic architecture with 2026 luxury, the Omni

Berkshire Place fits the bill perfectly with its chic but comfortable rooms and glamorous common areas. Built by renowned architects Whitney Warren and Charles Wetmor and nestled since 1926 in Midtown, the space—which has been inducted into Historic Hotels of America—has been restored and preserved to provide topnotch comfort and accommodations. Berk’s Bar and the 17th floor St. Patrick’s Terrace round out the experience.

WHERE TO PLAY Be sure to catch at least one or two Broadway shows and walk through famously chaotic Times Square afterward. Visitors are going to want to check out at least one of the city’s many incredible museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the American Museum of Natural History, MoMA or the Guggenheim. For a twist especially fun for kids and influencers, the Museum of Ice Cream has

T R AV E L

FAMOUS TIMES SQUARE THE MUSEUM OF ICE CREAM INTERACTIVE SPRINKLE POOL

sensory installations, colorful rooms straight out of a dream and a swimmable sprinkle pool.

It celebrates ice cream in all its forms, with each room containing offerings and samples for children and adults.

There are dozens of jaw-dropping lookout points to see Manhattan—the Empire State Building. Top of the Rock (Rockefeller Center) and One World Observatory, to name a few.

But the easiest and among the most enjoyable is to ride the Roosevelt Tram back and forth.

Technically public transportation and costing just a few dollars, the scenic, 3- to 4-minute aerial cable car ride connecting Manhattan (59th Street / 2nd Avenue) to Roosevelt Island over the East River lets riders get a view of nearly the entire island from an intimate point of view.

For those feeling particularly adventurous and willing to give up half a day, taking a ferry out to Liberty Island and taking the Pedestal & Crown tour of the Statue of Liberty is a once-in-alifetime experience. Reservations must be made months in advance for the tour, which includes nearly 400 steps to get to the statue’s very top.

Of course, a trip to Manhattan would not be complete without a stroll through the massive landmark that is Central Park.

WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK While in Central Park, make time for Tavern on the Green. For nearly a century, the iconic restaurant has been one of Manhattan’s crown jewels. The cocktails are classic and the food perfection. A cup of French onion soup will heal a weary spirit on a cold day and many of the dinner entrees hold their own against the steepest competition on the globe.

The restaurant also has its first-ever cookbook debuting this year so diners and fans can try their hands at recreating its famous dishes.

JOHN'S PIZZERIA OF TIMES SQUARE FIRST COURSES

Before a Broadway show, reservations must be made, and there is a mad dash to area eateries at 5 p.m. John’s Pizzeria of Times Square is centrally located among the many theaters and provides the desired history and satisfying flavors. Once an abandoned Gospel Tabernacle Church, the gourmet pizzeria from the Castellotti family has become an Italian food empire on the island. The 800-degree coalfired brick ovens have no thermostats and are operated by pizza men who have gone through months of extensive training. The entire meal, from drinks to salads to desserts, is exactly what visitors are craving when visiting NYC. Speaking of sweets, one stop that can’t be missed is Serendipity 3. Now with two whimsical locations, the famous Frrrozen Hot Chocolate has been on travelers’ hit lists since 1954 and lives up to the hype.

SERENDIPITY 3 FRRROZEN HOT CHOCOLATE

TAVERN ON THE GREEN ORGANIC SCOTTISH SALMON

405MAGAZINE.COM

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P E R S O N

O F

I N T E R E S T

Funny Business A chat with comedian and author Kelsey Humphreys

BY K R I S T E N G R AC E

K

elsey Humphreys likes to say that she has lived many lives. When you learn about her storied past—talk show and podcast host in Los Angeles, journalist for Career Magazine and Huffington Post, online influencer, emcee and speaker at women’s business conferences—you might be tempted to say that she’s done it all. And that’s before you learn that she has written 12 novels under three different pen names. Humphreys is a font of creative talent, and she is always busy.

Where do her drive and creative energy come from? She speaks a lot about birth order, both in describing herself and in the plot of her books. “I am a classic youngest child—a singer and performer. I don’t think little Kelsey would be surprised that she grew up to be a comedian.

But I do think that she would ask, ‘Why aren’t we also singing?’”

During 2020, when COVID shut everything down and a Facebook hacker erased all the videos and work that she had created, Humphreys and her husband returned to Oklahoma; she had begun living here in 6th grade and graduated from OU in 2006. Upon her return, she was in a bit of a slump.

“I like to call that period ‘the dark times.’

Creative people know what I am talking about.

I decided not to put anything else out; I turned 14

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P H OTO S BY K E L S I T H O M P S O N

to reading books for comfort. But reading fiction gave me so many ideas! I kept having ideas about four sisters, and they became the inspiration for my bestselling book series, The Heartlanders, which is set in Oklahoma.”

Humphreys was afraid to tell anyone about her latest creative endeavor, but she began writing upward of 16,000 words a day. Once the books were written, she researched how to sell and market them. She released the first two Heartlander books very close together to build momentum in the indie book world, advertising to BookTokers. The attention her work received was explosive.

Her most recent book, titled Happy Christmas, came out this past December and is based on a friend of the Heartlander family, launching the Juniper Falls series. Her upcoming book, Christmas in July, will be released— fittingly—this July.

“I started doing stand-up comedy with each book signing,” she said. “I thought, after the set, the audience could buy my books if they were interested.” People have been very interested, both in her books and in her stand-up comedy.

Humphreys calls herself a clean comedian.

“I am very much a girl’s girl. I write rom-com. I love talking about the differences between men and women. I love to make jokes about those of

us who binge-read romance novels. My husband and I have been together since we were 16 years old, and we have been through many seasons of our lives. There are themes in my comedy of growing up in the Bible Belt. We went from a family of three to a family of eight in under a year, so I have a lot of content about that.

“My husband and I wanted a big family and we were interested in adopting a big sibling group through foster care. We matched with a group of four kids in Georgia, and two days after matching, we found out we were pregnant. Our life ever since has been chaos,” she laughs.

“If anyone is wondering, ‘How does she possibly do stand-up comedy and write novels?’

I would like to say that the kids are in school all day, or I would not be able to function. Also, we have had help come in and clean. I cannot work and take care of babies, bond, parent and clean as well.

I am very busy, and I am very tired, but this family has been the biggest blessing in my life.”

Book Series: Heartlanders and Juniper Falls @thekelseyhumphreys on Instagram and YouTube, KelseyHumphreys.com, find her books at local bookstore Love Stories OKC.

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A Closet To Covet Be dressed in your best

2.

1.

BY B E N N E T T H I L L

For our annual “Best of the 405” issue we take a look at the standout businesses and experiences that make our state great. From art galleries and bridal shops to brunches, pediatricians and insurance agencies, we cover it all to bring you the very best. Now, turn our attention to style, highlighting the best pieces to have in your wardrobe! A button-down is a must-have, effortlessly flowing between polished and casual with the release of a few buttons.

A cream pump elevates any look and a unique cut can add a personal flair that begs attention and adds edge. For accessories, a gold chain is an ideal base for stacking and layering, taking a look from thrown-on to put-together. My personal favorite? A woven hat that's equally parts stylish and protective (because we know how that Oklahoma sun can get)! Finish it off with a classic handbag and you’re set to look and be your best.

1. David Yurman, Sculpted Cable Necklace: BC Clark 2. Mother, The Half-Pipe Ankle Cuff Fray: Edit & Co. 3. Rag & Bone, Connie Striped Poplin Shirt: Cayman’s 4. Gigi Burris Millinery, Ida Hat: Gigi Burris Millinery 5. Celine, Putty Box Bag: Rosegold 6. Anonymous, Phia 55 Pin Heel: Anoncph.com

3.

4.

5.

6.

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S O C I A L

H O U R

OKLAHOMA CITY BALLET

MASQUERADE BALL

P H OTO S BY M E L D R A K E P H OTO G R A P H Y

Inspired by Romeo and Juliet, the Ballet Ball blacktie masked gala was held at the Oklahoma City Convention Center. The sold-out event had over 650 attendees and featured candlelit tunnels, an unexpected swordfight à la Capulets and Montagues, a banquet-style seated dinner, live performance from the OKC ballerinas and a dance party led by Soft Hands band. The event raised over $600,000 in support of the Ballet’s performances and outreach across Oklahoma. Chairpersons were Hannah Hudson and Jake Yunker.

UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA

A RT S ! A RT S !

A RT S ! GA L A

P H OTO S BY J O N AT H A N K Y N C L

The University of Oklahoma Weitzenhoffer Family College of Fine Arts hosted its annual Arts!

Arts! Arts! Gala in March at the Skirvin Hilton Hotel, bringing together alumni, supporters and community members for an evening celebrating the arts. The event featured student and faculty performances and recognized alumni, artists and partners for their contributions to the arts and cultural life of Oklahoma; it included remarks from OU President Joseph Harroz Jr., College of Fine Arts Dean Mary Margaret Holt, Chickasaw Nation Gov. Bill Anoatubby and Max Weitzenhoffer.

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BEST STAYCATION

PROMOTION

Oklahoma’s New Favorite Staycation

This local hotspot proves you don’t need to leave town to feel like you’ve escaped

T

urns out, Oklahoma knows a good thing when they see it. Voted Best Staycation

in the Best of 405—and in our very first year, no less—we’re feeling pretty smug (in the best way). At OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark, we set out to build a place where families, friends, and neighbors could escape the ordinary, have a little adventure, and maybe even pretend they’re on vacation… without actually leaving town.

But here’s the best part: The fun doesn’t stop if you’re not checking in.

Everything’s open to locals—yes, everything. Grab a bite or a drink on the Boardwalk, challenge your friends in the arcade, or make a splash in the indoor waterpark.

Swing by for a few hours, a few games, or a full-on day of adventure—you don’t even need a key to the room.

Thank you., truly.

O K A N A R E S O R T . C O M • 5 7 2 . 2 2 8 . 4 0 0 1 • 6 3 9 F I R S T A M E R I C A N S B LV D , O K C , O K 7 3 1 2 9 405MAGAZINE.COM

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H E A LT H

Tick Talk Be aware when outdoors this season

BY L AV I N I A C R E S WA

M

ay is a perfect month to enjoy nature.

Whether you stay local at Bluff Creek or Martin Park Nature Center, or travel outside the city to the Wichita Mountains, Oklahoma is filled with trails to explore.

Outdoorsy people have a ritual when they return from trekking through high grass and wooded areas: Check yourself, as well as your hiking buddies, for ticks. These creepy, crawly, blood-sucking arthropods are most active during the warmer months and are often encountered in humid, shady areas seeking their next host.

Tick-borne illnesses are typically bacterial infections carried by a specific species of tick.

Lyme Disease—carried by the black-legged tick, often known as a deer tick—is the most wellknown, but fortunately it is rare in Oklahoma, with fewer than 50 cases being reported per year.

Around here, the most important tickborne disease is called Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF), transmitted by the American dog tick. Oklahoma and North Carolina together are responsible for more than a third of cases 20

M AY 2026

reported annually. Of these, two-thirds of cases occur in children 15 and under. Scientists believe that a tick cannot transmit the disease unless it has been attached and feeding for several hours, though if the tick has pre-fed on a dog, that transmission time may be significantly shortened. Symptoms of RMSF first appear within three to 14 days of being bitten and include sudden fever, chills, muscle aches and headaches. Neurological symptoms including sleeplessness, restlessness and delirium may also occur and in about 50% of patients, the characteristic spotty rash appears on the feet and hands. RMSF can be treated with antibiotics, usually with a full recovery.

Other tick-borne illnesses that are prominent in Oklahoma include Human Monocytic Ehrlichiosis (HME,) Heartland virus and Alpha-Gal Syndrome, all transmitted by the Lone Star tick. While a rash is rarely reported, symptoms of HME include fever, chills, headache, aches and pains in muscles and joints, loss of appetite, eye pain, nausea and vomiting.

Heartland virus was only identified in 2012 and has similar symptoms to HME as well as bruising easily and diarrhea. It is a viral infection and typically identified when patients do not have an improvement in symptoms after being on antibiotics for seven days. At this time, there is no specific anti-viral or vaccine treatment available for the Heartland virus.

Alpha-Gal syndrome causes an allergic reaction to red meat and dairy, and is difficult to diagnose as these reactions are broad and occur two to six hours after consumption. Animals have an alpha-gal compound whereas humans do not, so if the tick has previously fed on an animal, it may cause the human to develop Alpha-Gal syndrome. The allergic reactions may include hives, itchy skin or rashes, nausea or vomiting, heartburn, diarrhea, difficulty breathing or coughing, dizziness or severe stomach pains, among many others. Dietary avoidance and being prepared with an epi-pen are currently the only treatments available for Alpha-Gal syndrome.

Prevent tick bites by wearing light-colored clothing tucked into your socks, hiking in the center of the trail and using bug sprays that contain DEET or picaridin.

T I C K R E M O VA L To safely remove a tick, use fine-tipped tweezers and grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.

Be careful not to crush it—this may further inject pathogens. Using steady pressure, pull the tick straight out. Once you have removed it, thoroughly clean the area with alcohol or soap and water.

Save the tick in a sealed plastic bag for at least two weeks for experts to examine in case you begin to experience any symptoms of a tick-borne illness.

PROMOTION

It Isn’t Just What I Do… It’s Why I Do It F R O M PAT I E N T T O P U R P O S E

“FEELING LIKE YOU’VE RUN OUT OF ANSWERS IS ONE OF THE HARDEST PLACES TO BE, and I see it every single day,” Dr. Toni shares. “Just this week, a patient who had been struggling with neuropathy told me she was able to stand in the church choir and sing for the first time in years. That kind of independence matters.”

She continues, “Another patient who had given up on walking his dog because of back pain and sciatica is now back on the trail. And a woman who had seen specialist after specialist with no explanation for her unrelenting pain came to us simply hoping to get by until her next appointment. Now, her pain is nearly gone.”

For Dr. Toni, this work is deeply personal.

“My passion comes from having lived it,” she explains. “In my twenties, I dealt with constant upper back and neck pain that

caused numbness in my hands and frequent migraines. I wasn’t living the life I should have been at that age. I tried everything I was told to try, but nothing gave me real relief.”

“I FELT STUCK IN A BODY THAT WOULDN’T COOPERATE.” Then she discovered acupuncture, “…and that’s when I started getting my life back.

Things finally started to change for me,” she says. “And I knew I had to help other people experience that same kind of transformation.”

That experience is what shaped Be Well Acupuncture into what it is today; Resultsdriven care for difficult cases.

“By the time patients walk through our doors, they’ve usually exhausted every option.

They’ve been told nothing more can be done.

I never believed that about my own prognosis,

and I built this practice to offer real solutions and real hope.”

What sets her apart is simple: “I’ve felt that frustration. I know what it’s like to feel dismissed or out of options. That’s why it means so much when I can look someone in the eye and say, ‘Yes, we can help you.’”

If you’re ready for a different kind of care, Dr. Toni invites you to come in and explore what’s possible. Every consultation is focused on your goals, your story, and a plan designed specifically for you.

Be Well Acupuncture is located in Edmond.

BE WELL ACUPUNCTURE REAL RESULTS. REAL HOPE. CALL TODAY: 405-697-5121 FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT BEWELLOKC.COM

Thank you OKC for voting us Best Acupuncturist!

405MAGAZINE.COM

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E

ven though tax season has ended, many small business owners and private practitioners haven’t stopped thinking about their tax strategies. Some are thinking about what they can do differently moving forward, while others are still waiting to put 2025 behind them. According to Internal Revenue Service data, more than 30% of business partnerships file for an extension each year.

Relying on tax extensions or pushing filing into September or October can at times be necessary, but also can become a difficult habit to break, says Cliff Higgs, a commercial banker at Arvest Bank - Central Oklahoma. Looming deadlines and potential penalties can add unnecessary expense and stress to business owners, as well.

“This habit can make cash flow unpredictable,” Higgs explains. “It may also reduce financing opportunities from investors and lenders who require the most recent tax return.”

For many businesses, the fourth quarter represents the final window to impact the year’s bottom line, he says. It can be one of the busiest seasons, depending on the industry, and it’s ideal for strategic year-end actions such as upgrading

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equipment or replenishing inventory. Avoiding tax extension concerns provides greater peace of mind.

Higgs says that adopting a year-round approach to tax strategies can help business owners maintain the flexibility and focus needed to drive future growth. “Many of the financial headaches felt with tax filing can be minimized with consistent planning,” he adds.

Adopt a Pay-as-You-Go Mindset Extensions offer more time to file, not to pay. Penalties and interest begin accruing immediately when taxes aren’t paid by the April deadline. “Setting a goal to pay on time creates predictable financial habits and prevents a last-minute cash crunch,” Higgs says. “Some businesses have separate accounts that hold their estimated tax, adding to it as the taxable income is recognized.”

Forecast Tax Liabilities Early and Often Use your previous year’s tax bill as a baseline, Higgs says.

For most filers, that means 100%, or 110% if your adjusted

PROMOTION

The Value of Tax-Efficient Planning Why 30% of business partnerships are stuck in the tax extension cycle, and how the most successful ones use that time to act on strategic moves. gross income exceeded $150,000. Divide the total into manageable quarterly payments. Revisit your projections whenever revenues spike or expenses shift. “The earlier you update estimates, the smaller any year-end catch-up needs to be,” he adds.

Stay Organized Year-Round Automated accounting systems, digital receipt capture, mileage apps and integrated reporting tools make it easier to track expenses accurately. “Better records can lead to better decisions, especially when planning investments or adjusting budgets late in the year,” Higgs says.

Plan for Strategic Year-End Actions Now Don’t wait until December to think about reducing taxable income. Start evaluating potential retirement plan contributions, equipment purchases, or prepayments for rent and insurance now, Higgs suggests. For those using cash-basis accounting, consider how the timing of client invoicing late in the year might impact your overall liability.

Treat Your Tax Advisor as a Year-Round Strategic Partner As your projected tax liability changes, so can the timing of large purchases for your business. Plan accordingly and work with your tax advisor. Regular check-ins with your tax professional help ensure you’re optimizing deductions, complying with federal and state rules, and avoiding rushed filings that lead to extensions.

“Tax-efficient strategies don’t just help you avoid penalties, they build financial discipline that translates into faster refunds, greater liquidity and access to investment capital for future growth,” Higgs says. “While habitual extension filers may still be sorting through old paperwork, small business owners who prioritize year-round tax efficiency can spend their time finalizing budgets, making smart investments, and operating with confidence and clarity.”

Arvest and its associates do not provide tax or legal advice.

Arvest is an Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC.

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T W E N T Y- F I V E Y E A R S O F E X T R AO R D I N A R Y

New Construction Spaces Design Design-Build Remodeling Tailored Custom Cabinetry

405-285-1926 EdmondKitchen.com 24

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HOME DESIGN 26

Poised with Purpose

AMY RAU

Meaningful moments are prompted by this Norman home's thoughtful layout and design P. 26

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H O M E

Intentional Living With quality time top of mind, the Beckhams create a purposeful home

BY E V I E K LO P P H O L Z E R

P H OTO S BY A M Y R AU

FLOW WAS THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND THE KITCHEN, WHICH SEAMLESSLY CONNECTS TO THE REST OF THE HOME WHILE STILL STANDING ON ITS OWN AS A NATURAL GATHERING PLACE.

W

hen Heather and Mike Beckham were planning their new home in Norman, they didn’t have to look far for inspiration.

“We met with the architect, did the plans and then kind of scrapped them,” said Heather Beckham.

The Beckhams revised the new plans to match their previous home’s layout, which already accommodated their family so well.

Instead of putting the kids’ bedrooms upstairs, they preferred having bedrooms off a common living area—to encourage engagement instead of separation.

“We wanted to make lots of access points for us to gather as a family, and where everybody’s funneled to the same location,” 26

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Heather Beckham said. “We took this four-room idea of dining, kitchen, living and a screenedin patio, and made that the cornerstone—the heartbeat—of the house. Then, we put extra rooms on the side for different purposes.”

Though the layouts are similar, the new home is much lighter and brighter than the Beckhams’ previous home. The new design blends traditional styles with modern, minimalist touches. Masterfully crafted woodwork adds cohesion through repeating patterns on walls and doors, while soft colors and furniture make it an ideal place for gatherings and relaxation.

Mike and Heather credit the final result to their talented team: builder Curtis McCarty, interior designer Marissa Adler and close friend Zach Stevens, who works in real estate and

advised them throughout the process. The team worked well together, making the process as enjoyable as it was productive.

“They really helped us to design a house where it’s easier to live the way that we want to live,” said Mike Beckham. “Now it still takes intentionality on our part, but the design of the home just makes it easier to interact as a family the way that we want to.”

The Beckhams were thoughtful about where to place (and not place) technology throughout the home. There aren’t any screens in the kids’ bedrooms or craft room upstairs— and the craft room has become a favorite family meet-up.

“Almost a year into us being in the house, I realized that we were very rarely going upstairs,

D E S I G N

THE ARCHED BOOKSHELF AND DOORWAY FLANKING THE FIREPLACE IN THE LIVING ROOM ECHO ARCHITECTURAL DETAILS FOUND THROUGHOUT THE HOME, REINFORCING A COHESIVE RHYTHM.

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H O M E

AT THE HEART OF THE HOME, THE OUTDOOR SPACE WAS PLANNED AS A TRUE EXTENSION OF THE INTERIOR: VISIBLE FROM EVERY ROOM AND DESIGNED TO FEEL JUST AS COMFORTABLE.

THE CABANA FEATURES STAR AND CROSS FLOOR TILE – A PLAYFUL TWIST ON A CLASSIC ELEMENT – AND CHARMING, COLORFUL PILLOWS FROM LULIE WALLACE.

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D E S I G N

LEFT: THE ARTSY OKLAHOMAN CREATED A FUN CUSTOM MURAL FOR THE CRAFT ROOM, A SPACE MADE FOR MAKING MEMORIES TOGETHER.

BELOW: WRAPPED IN SCHUMACHER’S QUEEN OF SPAIN WALLPAPER WITH CUSTOM HEDGEHOG DRAPERY, THE POWDER BATH FEELS BOTH COLLECTED AND UNEXPECTED. PANTRY STORAGE WAS THOUGHTFULLY PLANNED TO ELIMINATE UNUSED SPACE AND MAKE ESSENTIALS EASILY ACCESSIBLE.

so one night I just said, ‘Hey, let’s go upstairs.

You guys can do your homework up there. I'll work on a puzzle.’ We just kind of got into the habit of going up there every night … and now they initiate us spending time up there,” Mike Beckham said.

Rooms were designed to prompt quality time with family and friends. Adler appreciates how the sun-filled cabana, just off the living room, is both accessible and multi-purpose.

“It provides such a cool setting—the materials, the floor, the patterns and the way the colors come together, the indoor-outdoor living of it. It facilitates all kinds of different types of gatherings, because they entertain in lots of different ways,” she said.

The interiors are also very peaceful, especially the living room and screened-in patio, which face east and provide gorgeous sunrise views.

“Every morning, I have to plan my time well, because I will just stop in our living room and sit there and look at the sunrise instead of getting my kids ready for school,” said Heather Beckham. “All of that light coming in in the morning creates a really special environment.”

In this home, special environments are commonplace. Memory-making is easier when you plan for it. The Beckhams embrace this concept. In their new family home, it shows.

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Thanks again Oklahoma City for voting us best Tile Company in the 405! We are beyond grateful for the opportunity to serve and be a part of the design and build community for 27 years. We truly appreciate your support of our locally owned business.

VOTED BEST TILE COMPANY 117 W. WILSHIRE BLVD

SURFACES | DESIGN | INSPIRATION

Young Life Chiropractic THANK YOU, 405, FOR CHOOSING YLC AS BEST OF 405 FOR THE FIFTH TIME! WE ARE SO GRATEFUL FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND HONORED TO CONTINUE SERVING FAMILIES THROUGH EVERY STAGE OF LIFE WITH NERVOUS SYSTEM-FOCUSED CHIROPRACTIC CARE.

SCAN THE QR CODE TO REQUEST YOUR NEW PATIENT APPOINTMENT. WE WOULD BE HONORED TO CARE FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. 30

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THANK TH T HA AN NK K YOU, YO Y OU U,, 4O5!

4O O5! !

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BRETT HEIDEBRECHT PHOTOGRAPHY

TRICIA BAILEY PHOTOGRAPHY

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KT MERRY PHOTOGRAPHY

ELY FAIR PHOTOGRAPHY

Best of the 2026 ANNUAL COMMUNITY CHOICE AWARDS

by EMMA ROWLAND

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Shopping &

ACCOUNTING FIRM

COMMERCIAL BANK

EYEWEAR

Hunter & Brooke Financial Group Committed to helping individuals and businesses thrive financially.

MidFirst Bank Your financial partner for every venture.

Innovative Eye Care Leading Edmond vision care since 2011.

ALTERATIONS

CONDO/APARTMENT COMMUNITY

FINANCIAL PLANNER

Kim’s Alterations The go-to tailor for men and women in the Norman area.

Lincoln at Central Park Modern OKC living with comfort and convenience.

Edward Jones A privately owned company focusing on relationships rather than shareholder returns.

ANTIQUE SHOP

CONSIGNMENT STORE

FLIGHT SCHOOL

3 Strands Vintage Antique Mall For those who love discovering hidden gems from yesteryears.

Bad Granny’s Bazaar You’re not just finding a new treasure, you’re supporting sustainability.

Sundance Flight Academy Learn to fly with confidence and freedom.

AUTO DEALERSHIP

FRAGRANCE COMPANY

Eskridge Lexus Relaxed sales environment for new, used and certified pre-owned versions of the luxury brand.

The Collective Oklahoma City’s original female coworking community.

Bath Sorbet Quality handmade products created for even the most sensitive skin.

AUTO SHOP

CREDIT UNION

FURNITURE STORE

Fowler Automotive Family-owned dealerships delivering trusted automotive excellence.

Tinker Federal Credit Union Achieve financial goals and realize your dreams.

Mathis Home Oklahoma’s choice for over 30 years.

BODY SHOP

CUSTOM CLOSETS/STORAGE SOLUTIONS

Bob Moore Collision Center Delivering high-quality repairs to restore your vehicle and make it feel like new.

California Closets Dedicated to custom storage solutions for the home, with an emphasis on closets and shelving.

BOOK STORE

DESIGNER CLOTHING

Full Circle Bookstore The largest independent bookstore in Oklahoma for over 30 years.

Balliets Where luxury meets contemporary fashion.

BOUTIQUE

DISPENSARY

The Burlap Buffalo Chic apparel and Southern charm.

Mango Cannabis Top-shelf, award-winning flower.

CHILDCARE

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

Recess OKC Early childhood learning and childcare for every event.

Dane Electric Reliable, union-trained experts for electrical, telecommunications and lighting projects.

CLEANING OR ORGANIZATION COMPANY Clean as a Mother Enhancing homes and workspaces across the OKC metro with expert cleaning services.

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COWORKING SPACE

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EMPLOYMENT SERVICE/ STAFFING AGENCY Express Employment Professionals Workforce solutions and helping you find the right fit.

Winner, Best Jewelry Store - BC Clark

Serviuces

GENERAL CONTRACTOR

LAW FIRM

McCann’s Roofing Projects built on experience.

Relationships built on trust.

Ball Morse Lowe Thoughtful legal counsel.

LOCAL NON-PROFIT

GIFT SHOP The Burlap Buffalo Chic apparel and Southern charm.

Homeless Alliance Rallying community collaboration to end homelessness.

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING COMPANY

MARKETING/ADVERTISING AGENCY

The Heat & Air Guy Providing HVAC solutions that are reliable, efficient and affordable since 1986.

High Five Media A different kind of agency, one that’s intentionally different.

MEN’S CLOTHING

HOME ARCHITECT

Blue Seven Vibrant neighborhood boutique carrying hip apparel, denim, footwear and accessories for men and women.

Brent Gibson Designing custom homes for over 35 years.

HOME BUILDER

MEN’S SHOES

Homes by Taber Oklahoma’s favorite builder since 2000.

Metro Shoe Warehouse Providing customers with an enormous selection of shoes, apparel and accessories.

HOME DECOR STORE 3 Strands Vintage Antique Mall For those who love discovering hidden gems from yesteryears.

MOVING SERVICES Winner, Best Landscaper - Heartland Landscape Group

HOME IMPROVEMENT Jolly Goat Top-tier garage door service, fast and friendly.

HOTEL Omni The perfect destination for your next getaway or staycation.

HUMAN RESOURCES/ PAYROLL PROVIDER Paycom Streamlining your workforce management.

INSURANCE AGENCY Trey Butler Insurance A dependable source for superior insurance services tailored to your needs.

INTERNET PROVIDER Cox Cox connects you to the things you do and love.

IRRIGATION COMPANY 405 Irrigation The water-efficient irrigation solutions you need to keep your lawn healthy and green.

JEWELRY STORE BC Clark Timelessly elegant jewelry—and our favorite holiday jingle.

LANDSCAPER Heartland Landscape Group Handling all of your landscaping needs, both commercial and residential.

Thunder Moving Professional, affordable, reliable.

MORTGAGE COMPANY Stride Mortgage Purchasing or refinancing your home has never been easier.

MUSIC STORE Edmond Music Part of a family of local music stores serving the Edmond, OKC and Norman area.

PEST CONTROL Arrow Pest Management Don’t let unwanted pests invade your home this season.

PLANT STORE TLC Garden Center Bringing people and plants together.

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VOTED BEST ACCOUNTING FIRM

Excellence is built on trust.

We are honored to be voted Best of the 405 and look forward to continuing to serve our clients, partners, friends, and community with proactive tax strategy and accounting services.

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hunterandbrooke.com

ROSE CREEK COUNTRY CLUB

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Best of the 405 SHOPPING & SERVICES PLUMBING SERVICES Herman’s Plumbing Family-owned and operated business that has been successfully passed on for three generations.

REAL ESTATE AGENCY/AGENT, COMMERCIAL Whitney Carpenter Oklahoma real estate with personalized service.

POOL BUILDER/MAINTENANCE

REAL ESTATE AGENCY/AGENT, RESIDENTIAL

Aquascape Pools Bringing your backyard dreams to life.

Mandy Renee Showing you how to sell fast and at top dollar.

POOL DESIGNER

ROOFING COMPANY

Aquascape Pools Bringing your backyard dreams to life.

Salazar Roofing Fix the roof. Solve the problems.

PRIVATE BANK MidFirst Bank Bespoke strategies designed to grow and protect your wealth.

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY Cherrywood Real Estate Helping you achieve your real estate dreams.

TECHNOLOGY COMPANY Norman Nerds Trusted tech gurus for today’s digital world.

THRIFT STORE Bad Granny’s You’re not just finding a new treasure, you’re supporting sustainability.

Winner, Best Tile Company - Classic Tile Stone & Marble

TILE COMPANY Classic Tile Stone & Marble Importer and supplier for 23 years.

TITLE COMPANY Chicago Title Oklahoma It really does make a difference where you close.

TRAVEL AGENT Lori Robertson- Vincent Vacations Creating one-of-a-kind journeys.

VENTURE CAPITAL GROUP Hall Capital Successes that rest on a foundation of family ownership and values forged across a century.

VINTAGE APPAREL Bad Granny’s Bazaar You’re not just finding a new treasure, you’re supporting sustainability.

VINTAGE FURNITURE STORE 3 Strands Vintage Antique Mall For those who love discovering hidden gems from yesteryears.

VINTAGE GOODS 3 Strands Vintage Antique Mall For those who love discovering hidden gems from yesteryears.

WEALTH MANAGEMENT GROUP Trust Company of Oklahoma Asset protection and wealth preservation strategies.

WOMEN’S CLOTHING The Burlap Buffalo Chic apparel and Southern charm.

WOMEN’S SHOES The Burlap Buffalo Chic apparel and Southern charm.

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THANK YOU We’re honored to be voted Best Credit Union

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Honored Every Year.

Grateful Every Day.

Being voted Best Residential Real Estate Agent four years in a row is something I will never take for granted.

This isn’t just an award to me, it represents the trust you’ve placed in me, the relationships we’ve built, and the moments we’ve shared through every home, every milestone, and every new beginning.

Helping you navigate such an important part of your life is a responsibility I carry with pride and care.

Thank you for believing in me, supporting me, and allowing me to do what I love every single day.

With gratitude,

Mandy Renée

MANDY RENÉE REALTO R, BROKER-ASSOCIATE ®

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|

@ M A N D Y R E N E E R E A LT O R

|

M A N D Y R E N E E . C O M

PHONE: 405.448.1875 3strandsvintagemall.com

4848 Northwest Expy, Oklahoma City, OK 73132

THank you for voting us best of the 405 Antique Shop • Vintage Furniture Store • Vintage Goods • Home Decor Store

Thank you OKC for voting us Best of the 405

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Food & Drink ASIAN (OTHER)

CHEF

COOKIE BAKER

Tamashii Ramen House Japanese noodle soups with a variety of ingredients offered in a cozy, contemporary space.

Chef Kevin Lee A renowned chef, Food Network champion and curator of culinary excellence.

OKC Sweets Fresh-baked cakes, cookies, cupcakes, macarons and more!

BAKERY

CHICKEN FRIED STEAK

Harvey Bakery & Kitchen Your everyday kind of place.

Cheever’s The classic for a reason (and jalapeno gravy).

BARBECUE Clark Crew BBQ For families who want competition-quality BBQ. BARTENDER Mercedes Blevins - Omni Hotel & Bar Serving craft cocktails at the Omni Oklahoma City Hotel.

BREAKFAST Neighborhood JAM Waffles to tacos, all done right.

BRUNCH

CHINESE Dot Wo Authentic Asian cuisine with passion and consistency.

COCKTAIL BAR The Jones Assembly Classic cocktails, craft beer, extensive wine list and inventive beverage program.

COFFEE SHOP Summer Moon An experience to be shared through coffee and atmospheres.

Neighborhood JAM Waffles to tacos, all done right.

BURGER The Garage Simple, delicious, affordable.

BUSINESS LUNCH Charleston’s It defined team service in OKC — and oh, those croissants!

CATFISH The Catch Fresh coastal seafood, made daily.

CENTRAL AMERICAN Cafe Kacao There’s a line around the block for a reason.

CHARCUTERIE La Baguette A taste of France in OKC.

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Winner, Best Central American - Cafe Kacao

CRAFT BREWERY Stonecloud Committed to quality, consistency and innovation above all else.

DESSERT Pie Junkie Oklahoma’s favorite slice.

DIVE BAR Edna’s Lunchboxes and festive crowds.

EUROPEAN (NON-ITALIAN) La Baguette Bistro The standard in French cuisine for 40 years.

FINE DINING Mahogany Prime Steakhouse Where great steak is the rule, not the exception.

FOOD TRUCK Big Truck Tacos Serving up deliciousness … on wheels.

FRENCH FRIES The Garage Simple, delicious, affordable.

HAPPY HOUR Pub W Where craft brews and culinary delights meet.

HEALTHY EATING Picasso Cafe Where art, community and delicious food come together.

INDIAN Sheesh Mahal Second to naan.

ITALIAN Gabriella’s Hearty, yummy, family-style meals.

Winner, Best Mexican - Ted's Cafe Escondido

MEDITERRANEAN Meddy’s Bold Mediterranean flavor, made simple.

SOUL/SOUTHERN

THAI

MEXICAN

Cajun Corner Eat good, live good.

Ted’s Cafe Escondido Serving better Mexican since 1991.

SOUTH/CENTRAL AMERICAN

Thai House Serving authentic Thai cuisine to OKC for 30 years.

PIZZA Hideaway Pizza Oklahoma’s original pizza spot.

SANDWICHES The Mule Creative combinations between the slices.

SEAFOOD Pearl’s Seafood excellence meets Southern hospitality.

VIETNAMESE

Cafe Kacao There’s a line around the block for a reason.

Pho Lien Hoa The mothership of pho in OKC.

STEAKHOUSE

WINE LIST

Mahogany Prime Steakhouse Where great steak is the rule, not the exception.

The Jones Assembly Oklahoma City’s destination for food, spirits and music.

SUSHI

WINERY / WINE MAKER

Sushi Neko Your gateway to Japanese cuisine.

Put a Cork In It Wine lovers’ Bricktown spot.

TACOS Big Truck Tacos Street food with a chef’s twist.

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OKLAHOMA CITY 3434 W. RENO AVE. www.mathishome.com

VOTED BEST OF THE 405 INSURANCE AGENCY THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS SUPPORTED US OVER THE YEARS!!

treybutlerinsurance.com

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MidFirst Bank is proud to be voted

Best of the 405!

Commercial Bank & Private Bank

Scan for more information

Cafekacao.com

Brunch.

Thank you readers

Best South American

Best Central American

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Wedding & Events BALLOONS

COVER BAND

FLORIST

J.Pop Balloon Bring your wildest balloon dreams to life and give your guests a celebration they’ll never forget!

My So Called Band One of OKC’s favorite party bands.

Curbside Flowers Beautiful bouquets with a cause.

EVENT PLANNER

MAKEUP ARTIST

BRIDAL SHOP

Chelsey Flint Events The party don’t start ’til she walks in …

Chelsey Ann Timeless makeup for every event.

Bella Rose Bridal and Formal Say yes to this dress!

CATERER Abbey Road Catering Savor every moment of your special occasion.

PARTY DJ

EVENT RENTALS

405 Productions High energy and top-level technology to keep the party hopping.

Marianne’s Rentals Providing a luxury experience for your next event.

PHOTO BOOTH Winner, Best Florist - Curbside Flowers

The SNL Booth A rad photo shoot booth.

VIDEOGRAPHER Haylee B Photo & Film Photo and video full of life and love that will live on for generations.

WEDDING CAKE/DESSERTS Amy Cakes Custom cake queen.

WEDDING INVITATIONS/ PAPER GOODS Paper + More Exquisite design blended with your unique vision.

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER Paige Crumly Photography Your story, beautifully told.

WEDDING PLANNER Aisle Be With You Planners who invest the time, so your day is authentically yours.

photo via Curbside Flowers website

WEDDING VENUE

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Aspen Ranch Enjoy 160 stunning acres in a picturesque setting.

Psychiatrist

Congratulations, Dr. Verma on being recognized for being an excellent example of our Mission through your exceptional care for our patients and community.

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US BEST OF THE 405

Geetika Verma, MD Medical Director, Behavioral Health SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital

@BARRE3OKC 1036 NW 68TH STREET OKC, OK 73116

©2026 SSM Health. All rights reserved. SAH-OK-26-2759968 3/26

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OTS - Express - 405 Magazine Ad 3-27-25 11000 v2 - FINAL.pdf 1 3/27/2025 11:21:32 AM

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“BEST OF

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STAFFING Our trusted team has years of experience helping thousands of companies across Oklahoma find the right fit when it comes to staffing.

LET US FIND YOURS.

Specialized Recruiting Group 405.272.9797 Oklahoma City North 405.720.1000 Oklahoma City South 405.634.6600 Edmond 405.478.3331 Norman 405.366.6060 Yukon 405.350.2550 Express Healthcare Oklahoma 405.717.8300

VO T E D B E S T HOME ARCHITECT

Thank you to all who voted for us best residential design firm this past year and for over 90 5-star reviews by satisfied clients!

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Visit BRENTGIBSON.COM or call 405-340-1980 to tour more beautiful homes.

415 W. 15TH ST. SUITE 1, EDMOND, OK BRENT GIBSON DESIGN F O L LOW U S O N

For over 35 years, Brent Gibson Classic Home Design has been the premier residential custom home designer for Edmond and Oklahoma City, Designing beautiful homes of elegant proportions throughout Oklahoma setting high standards of excellence in home design.

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Thank you for voting!

We’re proud to serve OKC for over 30 years.

23rdStreetBodyPiercing.com 50

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Arts & Culture ART GALLERY

Winner, Best Dance Studio - Oklahoma City Ballet

MUSEUM

Oklahoma City Museum of Art Home to world-class exhibitions, films and art education.

Science Museum Oklahoma Where wonder and scientific discovery intersect.

BEST DISTRICT

MUSIC VENUE

Paseo Arts District Oklahoma City’s unique arts destination.

The Zoo Amphitheatre Oklahoma City’s iconic outdoor venue, hosting live concerts under the stars all summer long.

CASINO

OKLAHOMA INFLUENCER

Riverwind Casino Your source for gambling and concert fun.

Tiffany Whitefield Sharing OKC’s best food, travel spots and lifestyle finds with thousands of local followers.

COMEDIAN Kelsey Humphreys Clean, laugh-out-loud standup, blending stories about motherhood, ambition and everyday life.

CULTURAL EVENT OKC Festival of the Arts A lovely springtime event with arts, entertainment and food.

DANCE STUDIO Oklahoma City Ballet Arabesques en pointe for the next gen’s prima ballerinas.

LOCAL CELEBRITY Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Superstar Thunder guard who’s become one of OKC’s biggest sports icons.

LOCAL MUSICIAN TOUCH GROOV Local artist creating groove-driven music and performing around Oklahoma City.

Winner, Best Golf Course - Rose Creek Country Club

PERFORMING ARTS VENUE Civic Center Music Hall Not a bad seat in the house for A-list shows.

PIERCING STUDIO 23rd Street Body Piercing Adornments with precision and style.

PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER Ashley McClintock Photography Customized for those who value the extraordinary.

DRONE PHOTOGRAPHY

RADIO DJ

High Five Media Ten years of high fives and intentionally different marketing.

Joey and Heather, 98.9 KISS FM Start your day with these funny and familiar (since 2001) morning show hosts.

FAMILY ATTRACTION Oklahoma City Zoo Baby elephants and red pandas— what more could you ask for?

GOLF COURSE Rose Creek Country Club Membership at Rose Creek Country Club opens the door to the very best of OKC and beyond.

INTERIOR DESIGNER

STAYCATION LOCATION OKANA Resort Resort-style fun close to home with water, food and activities.

TATTOO ARTIST Cassie Stover Tattoos A sought-after tattoo artist known for her detailed, expressive designs and loyal local following.

Kelsey Leigh Design Co. A million decisions simplified, beautified.

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Health & Beauty ACUPUNCTURIST

ESTHETICIAN

HAIR STYLIST

Be Well Acupuncture An acupuncture physician helping people transform their lives in a profound way.

Josie O’Bleness - Radiance Medical Aesthetics Lead medical aesthetician, passionate about makeup, skincare and all things aesthetics.

Bri Clymer - Willa.The Salon Expert stylists crafting beautiful hair.

EYE LASHES

Mercy Hospital Using the latest technologies and treatments.

BARBER SHOP

HOSPITAL

Midtown Barbers Crafting confidence, one cut at a time.

Lashes By BE Expert in lashes, brows and facials.

BROW ARTIST

EYE SURGERY

Savannah Johnson The Brow Star Precision, comfort and reliability.

Dean McGee Eye Institute Oklahoma’s premier vision experts since 1975.

Erica Dufour - Southwest Medical Center Trusted allies for breastfeeding families.

CARDIOLOGIST

GASTROENTEROLOGIST

MAKEUP ARTIST

Dr. Nicole Tran - Oklahoma Heart Hospital An interventional cardiologist to keep your heart on the beat.

Dr. Pooja Singhal - Oklahoma Gastro Health and Wellness Oklahoma’s digestive health specialists.

Rylee Makeup Artistry Licensed esthetician specializing in weddings, special events, commercial work and more.

CHIROPRACTOR

HAIR SALON

MASSAGE THERAPIST

Young Life Chiropractic Serving all stages of life.

Muse Beauty Bar Premier salon since 2017.

Himalayan Stone Massage Massage is not just a luxury, it’s a way to a happier, healthier life.

LACTATION CONSULTANT

COSMETIC SURGEON Dr. Tim Love & Dr. Kenny Quang H/K/B Cosmetic Surgery Expert in cosmetic surgery and hair restoration.

MED SPA Winner, Best Massage Therapist - Himalayan Stone Massage

Radiance Medical Aesthetics of Oklahoma Premier medical aesthetics in OKC.

CPR TRAINING

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

American Heart Association Trusted Oklahoma City CPR certification experts.

Calm Waters OKC’s grief center.

NAIL ARTIST

DAY SPA

Harry Hoang - Polished Nail Salon Bringing your wildest nail dreams to life.

DENTIST Dr. Hal Kessler - Kessler Dental Edmond dentist focused on healthy smiles.

DERMATOLOGIST Dr. Julie Lowe An MD practicing general dermatology, seeing patients of all ages.

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photo via Himalayan Stone Massage website

Purity Day Spa Taking a holistic approach to wellbeing.

NAIL SALON Polished Nail Salon Clean. Chic. Creative.

OBSTETRICIAN/ GYNECOLOGIST Dr. Darren Goff- Mercy Delivering care for life’s moments.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST Erin Lawson- TheraFUN Providing individualized, familycentered therapy in a playful environment.

OPTOMETRIST Dr. Julie Moore Parkside Eyecare Specialist in dry eye and cornea care.

ORTHODONTIST Orthodontic Associates Creating beautiful, straight smiles using Invisalign treatment or modern braces.

Winner, Best Yoga/Pilates/Barre Studio - Barre3 OKC

ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON

PET GROOMING

THERAPIST

James Bond, MD - Ortho Central Orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist.

Lucky Dog Lodge Loving care when you can’t be there.

Amber Tindell Trauma-informed integrative therapist guiding healing journeys.

PEDIATRIC DENTIST

PET BOARDING

UNIQUE FITNESS

Dewbre Pediatric Dentistry Nurturing healthy, happy smiles.

The Paw Spa Elite Stress-free grooming with expert hands.

True Grit Fitness Helping you get stronger, healthier and balanced.

PHARMACY

URGENT CARE

Clyde Pharmacy Friendly, local pharmacy you can trust.

Mercy-Go Health Urgent Care Quick care for peace of mind.

PEDIATRIC OCCUPATIONAL/ PHYSICAL THERAPY Wonderfully Made Therapy Services Holistic pediatric therapy for children and families.

PEDIATRICIAN

PSYCHIATRIST

VETERINARIAN

Dr. Geetika Verma - SSM Health Dedicated psychiatric care in the OKC community.

Britton Road Veterinary Clinic Providing pet wellness exams, vaccinations and more for dogs and cats since 1953.

PSYCHOLOGIST

WEIGHT LOSS CLINIC

Chelsea Sutton Helping you feel seen, heard and supported.

Metabolic Center of Oklahoma Weight loss, bone health and primary care services in Edmond.

SPORTS/ORTHOPEDIC REHAB

YOGA/PILATES/BARRE STUDIO

Cindi Shelby Styling you to feel your best.

McBride Orthopedic Hospital Reduce pain and help the body recover faster.

PERSONAL TRAINER

SPRAY TANNING

Barre3 OKC Where intention turns into action and real, sustainable transformation takes shape.

Chelsea Cooke Making a healthy lifestyle attainable for everyone.

Airbrush Tans by Hannah A flawless and natural-looking tan every time.

Dr. Kelly Stephens Helping families as a pediatric provider at Mercy Clinic Primary Care.

PERMANENT MAKEUP INKD Brow Studio Enhancing natural beauty.

PERSONAL STYLIST

405MAGAZINE.COM

53

15 years of helping Oklahomans navigate the things that matter most.

ballmorselowe.com

(405) 471-6134

Life Doesn’t Come With Instructions.

That’s What We’re Here For.

ballmorselowe.com

(405) 701-5355

Family Law | Estate Planning | Probate | Litigation 54

M AY 2026

Business Law | Oil, Gas, & Energy

PROMOTION

Half a Year In

Kyle Brownlee, CEO & Senior Wealth Advisor, Wymer Brownlee Wealth Strategies

2026 is halfway over. For most people managing meaningful assets, that’s enough of a reason to pause. Tax season has passed, markets have moved, and the second half of the year is where many important financial decisions take shape.

What Tax Season Told You A tax return is more than a filing obligation. It’s a data point. Mid-year is a good time to review realized gains and losses, verify cost-basis information, identify tax-loss harvesting opportunities, and confirm whether 2025’s carriedforward losses can offset gains this year.

If you’re considering selling assets before December, it’s worth having a conversation with your advisor and tax preparer to understand the capital gains implications.

Integrating Your Investments Markets shift. Life shifts. An investment strategy that made sense three years ago may look different today in terms of risk tolerance, timing, or your current financial situation. A concentrated position in a single stock carries both investment risk and tax implications. A shift in allocation can affect your estate. Having your investment strategy evaluated with these connections in mind can identify considerations a standalone portfolio review might miss.

Beyond the Contribution Limits For 2026, 401(k) limits sit at $24,500, with an $8,000 catch-up if you’re 50 or older, and $11,250 if you’re between 60 and 63 under SECURE 2.0. But contributions are just the beginning. How income gets structured and taxed, which accounts you draw from first, and how required minimum distributions factor in are all worth revisiting regularly. Longterm care is another consideration that often gets deferred, despite having real implications for your estate plan and retirement income strategy.

Re-Examining Your Estate Most estate plans are drafted once and rarely revisited. Consider this your sign to reassess yours: the way assets are titled, how beneficiaries are designated, and how a business is structured all have implications for your broader tax and financial strategy. For business owners in particular, succession planning, buy-sell agreements, and ownership structure add another level of complexity that benefits from having financial, tax, and legal considerations reviewed together.

Giving Generously in 2026 Generosity is a core part of how many Oklahomans approach their finances.

The annual gift tax exclusion for 2026 is $19,000 per recipient, or $38,000 for married couples electing gift-splitting, and the lifetime exemption has increased to $15 million for 2026. Whether you’re thinking about helping a child with a down payment, funding a grandchild’s education, or supporting a local organization you believe in, knowing those parameters can help you give more intentionally.

The View from Here Six months in, and the picture is a lot clearer than it was in January. Now is a good time to pause, take a step back, and make sure all the pieces of your financial picture are working toward the same goal.

For over 50 years, Wymer Brownlee Wealth Strategies has offered comprehensive wealth management, tax, and accounting services to Oklahomans with offices in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Enid, Bartlesville, and Fairview.

Registered Representative offering securities through Cetera Wealth Services LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC, a registered investment adviser. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity.

Wymer Brownlee Wealth Strategies 16328 Muirfield Place, Edmond, OK 73013 wymerbrownlee.com | 405.748.4000 405MAGAZINE.COM

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TO P D E N T I ST S 2026

INTRODUCTION This list is excerpted from the 2026 topDentists™ list, a database which includes listings for over 100 dentists and specialists in the Oklahoma City area. The 405 Magazine list is based on detailed evaluations of dentists and professionals by their peers.

The complete database is available at www.usatopdentists.com. For more information call 706-364-0853; write P.O. Box 970, Augusta, GA 30903 or visit www.usatopdentists.com.

SELECTION PROCESS (METHODOLOGY) "If you had a patient in need of a dentist, which dentist would you refer them to?"

This is the question we've asked thousands of dentists to help us determine who the topDentists should be. Dentists and specialists are asked to take into consideration years of experience, continuing education, manner with patients, use of new techniques and technologies and of course physical results.

The nomination pool of dentists consists of dentists listed online with the American Dental Association, as well as all dentists listed online with their local dental societies, thus allowing virtually every dentist the opportunity to participate. Dentists are also given the opportunity to nominate other dentists that they feel should be included in our list. Respondents are asked to put aside any personal bias or political motivations and to use only their knowledge of their peer's work when evaluating the other nominees.

Voters are asked to individually evaluate the practitioners on their ballot whose work they are familiar with. Once the balloting is completed, the scores are compiled and then averaged. The numerical average required for inclusion varies depending on the average for all the nominees within the specialty and the geographic area. Borderline cases are given a careful consideration by the editors. Voting characteristics and comments are taken into consideration while making decisions. Past awards a dentist has received as well as status in various dental academies can play a factor in our decision.

Once the decisions have been finalized, the included dentists are checked against state dental boards for disciplinary actions to make sure they have an active license and are in good standing with the board. Then letters of congratulations are sent to all the listed dentists.

Of course there are many fine dentists who are not included in this representative list. It is intended as a sampling of the great body of talent in the field of dentistry in the United States. A dentist’s inclusion on our list is based on the subjective judgments of his or her fellow dentists. While it is true that the lists may at times disproportionately reward visibility or popularity, we remain confident that our polling methodology largely corrects for any biases and that these lists continue to represent the most reliable, accurate, and useful list of dentists available anywhere.

DISCLAIMER This list is excerpted from the 2026 topDentists™ list, which includes listings for nearly 100 dentists and specialists in the Oklahoma City Area. For more information call 706-364-0853; write P.O. Box 970, Augusta, GA 30903; email help@usatopdentists.com or visit www.usatopdentists.com. topDentists has used its best efforts in assembling material for this list but does not warrant that the information contained herein is complete or accurate, and does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions herein whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause.

Copyright 2011-2026 by topDentists, LLC, Augusta, GA. All rights reserved. This list, or parts thereof, must not be reproduced in any form without permission. No commercial use of the information in this list may be made without permission of topDentists, LLC. No fees may be charged, directly or indirectly, for the use of the information in this list without permission.

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TO P D E N T I ST S ENDODONTICS

Victoria J. Ball

Contemporary Endodontics of Oklahoma 405-285-5042

David C. Bird OKC Endo 405-778-2525

Zane Dubberstein

Endodontic Associates 405-748-6000

Dayna S. Duke

Endodontic Associates 405-748-6000

Brent Haynes

Endodontic Associates 405-748-6000

Myron S. Hilton

Endodontic Associates 405-748-6000

Spencer Hinckley

Endodontic Practice Associates 405-329-7936

Germán Luezas

Advanced Endodontics 405-607-2993

Steven Brock Miller 405-307-8200

Brandon Rogers

Oklahoma Endodontics 405-843-9330

Jared Schellenberg

North Pointe Endodontics 405-242-2083

Brandon Schultz

Endodontic Associates 405-748-6000

David B. Shadid III

Oklahoma University Health 405-271-5714

Kim L. Wilkinson

North Pointe Endodontics 405-242-2083 GENERAL DENTISTRY

Jeff D. Baggett 405-341-8884

Jon A. Barnes

Buffalo Creek Dental 405-293-4735

Tamara S. Berg

Berg Family Dentistry 405-354-3763

Bobby J. Carmen 405-364-2200

Stephen R. Cash Stonebridge Dental 405-285-8600

Matthew E. Cohlmia

Greg Stewart

Michael J. Saumur

Thanh Dao-Vandenberg

V. Ralph Willcox

Scott W. Searcey

Lee A. Eliot

Vince Willcox

Kevin S. Smith

Cohlmia Family Dentistry 405-848-3783 Deer Creek Dental 405-722-7767 Parkside Dentistry 405-340-5110

Tracy A. Gasbarra

Espire Dental OKC 405-860-6426 Edmond Dental Associates 405-341-8804 Edmond Dental Associates 405-341-8804

Oral and Maxillofacial Associates 405-292-8900 Oral and Maxillofacial Associates 405-848-7994 Profiles Oral Facial Surgery Experts 405-271-4955

Allied Dental Associates of Choctaw 405-390-2000

Advances in Dentistry 405-751-6996

Angela Windsor

Steven M. Sullivan

Tanner Hays

ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY

Paul S. Tiwana

Parkside Dentistry 405-340-5110

Joe Isaacson

Seth R. Brooks

Profiles Oral Facial Surgery Experts 405-271-4955 Profiles Oral Facial Surgery Experts 405-271-4955

Iconic Dental Arts 405-943-8575

Oklahoma Dental Implants & Oral Surgery 405-329-3500

J. Drew Wendelken

Hal Kessler

Robert B. Bryan II

Craig A. Wooten

Mehreen Khan

Peter Carlson

ORTHODONTICS

Kessler Dental 405-562-5166 Smile Lounge of Edmond 405-562-6606

Michael Kirk

Grand Dental Studio 405-848-3719

Mitchell W. Kramer

Edmond Family Dental Designs 405-341-6134

Brett A. Leemaster Espire Dental Norman 405-364-7385

Grady L. Lembke 405-330-6020

Kevin T. Murray OKC Smiles 405-445-1853

Kirk Murray

Contemporary Family Dentistry 405-485-2020

Golnaz Naghdi Luxe Dental 405-544-0169

Alan Owen

405-721-1616

Marni Russell

Scissortail Dental 405-348-5100

Jeff Shadid

Oral Surgery Specialists of Oklahoma 405-755-4826 OKC-OMS 405-636-4230

Emily Frye

Lakeside Oral Surgery 405-751-3312

Jeremy C. Goodson

Oral Surgery Specialists of Oklahoma 405-755-4826

Jay A. Harlan

Harlan Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates 405-632-9726

Bryce Lamer OKC-OMS 405-337-0330

Lauren Lunday

Wisdom Tooth Center 405-261-1002

S. Ross Martin

Oral and Maxillofacial Associates 405-848-7994

Andrew M. McGarry OKC-OMS 405-585-2406

Tracy E. McIntire

Oral and Maxillofacial Associates 405-213-7419

Michael McKinney

405-722-7777

Sandstone Oral Surgeon 405-340-7263

Paul A. Shadid

Jacob W.B. Mendenhall

Shadid Dental Studio 405-631-1531

Jim D. Spurgeon

Espire Dental Norman 405-364-7385

OKC-OMS 405-463-0004

Alan Miyake

2026

Oral and Maxillofacial Associates 405-848-7994 Oral & Facial Surgery of Oklahoma 405-751-7600

Brian D. Amy

Orthodontic Associates 405-947-1526

John Archer

Orthodontic Associates 405-947-1526

David Birdwell Orthodontic Arts 405-604-3745

Jeffrey T. Cohlmia

Cohlmia Orthodontics 405-751-0300

Robi L. Craig

Craig & Streight Orthodontics 405-321-1926

Jeremy Dewbre

Farrow & Dewbre Orthodontics 405-400-8069

Melissa L. Farrow

Farrow & Dewbre Orthodontics 405-400-8069

V. Matthew Heim Heim Orthodontics 405-755-8151

Heather Kierl

Scissortail Orthodontics 405-583-7840

J. Peter Kierl

Kierl Orthodontics 405-341-5020

Jessie Kierl

Kierl Orthodontics 405-341-5020

OKC-OMS 405-577-7744

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2026 TO P D E N T I ST S Michael J. Kierl

Andrew C. Guthrie

Philip Kierl

Somer R. Heim

Shannon M. Lewis

R. Brian Molloy

Marlo A. Miller

Brent W. Moody

Munisha Nanda

Adam Richardson

Ruchi Nanda

Lana Richardson

P. Justin Power

Heath Whitfield

Mark James Revels

PERIODONTICS

Michael Kierl Orthodontics 405-787-2001 Scissortail Orthodontics 405-583-7840 Lewis Orthodontics 405-330-5095

Marlo A. Miller, DDS, MS Orthodontics 405-577-6453 Nanda Orthodontics 405-330-9911 Nanda Orthodontics 405-330-9911 Orthodontic Associates 405-947-1526 Orthodontics Exclusively 405-321-2735

Andrea Rios

Gentle Dental 405-689-0974

Timothy M. Shannon Orthodontics Exclusively 405-321-2735

Geoffrey D. Sparks

Orthodontic Associates 405-947-1526

Ryan A. Streight

Craig & Streight Orthodontics 405-321-1926

Ryan Theobald

Orthodontic Associates 405-947-1526

Brian M. Wilson Orthodontic Arts 405-604-3745

PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

Jarred Dewbre

Pediatric Dental Specialists 405-755-8020 Smile Galaxy Pediatric Dentistry 405-692-1222 Pediatric Dental Specialists 405-755-8020 Aurora Pediatric Dentistry 405-562-5700 Aurora Pediatric Dentistry 405-562-5700 Edmond Pediatric & Teen Dentistry 405-513-8811

Blaire A. Bowers

Periodontal Implant Center North 405-509-8932

Lauren Bowers-Klaus

Periodontal Implant Center North 405-509-8932

Hayden Fuller

Oral Surgery Specialists of Oklahoma 405-755-4826

Jacob D. Hager

Periodontal Implant Center 405-636-1411

Chris A. Poore

Oklahoma Center for Implants & Periodontics 405-947-0486

Scott Renfrow

Norman Periodontics & Dental 405-329-6106

Gregory S. Shanbour

Periodontal Implant Associates 405-634-2239

Dewbre Pediatric Dentistry 405-341-3030

PROSTHODONTICS

Thai-An Doan 405-752-5437

Implant & Prosthodontic Associates 405-755-7777

Dirk Eckroat

Paul M. Mullasseril

Martha L. Garzon

Roberta Wright

Edmond Pediatric & Teen Dentistry 405-513-8811 405-348-5757

Stephen Gray

Pediatric Dental OKC 405-495-5600 58

Small World Pediatric Dentistry 405-946-0686

M AY 2026

Lars O. Bouma

Oklahoma University Health 405-271-6400 Implant & Prosthodontic Associates 405-755-7777

2026 Oral Healthcare Profiles

ORAL HEALTHCARE PROFILES

PROMOTION

OKC-OMS

Precision Meets Compassion - A Patient First Approach to Oral Surgery in Oklahoma

IN A FIELD WHERE PRECISION AND TRUST MATTER MOST, OKC-OMS has built its reputation on both. Serving communities across the state, the team’s strong presence and consistent quality of care create a sense of reliability that resonates with patients and referring providers alike. This ongoing commitment to serving the local community fosters confidence and pride among those they serve.

Led by highly trained surgeons including Dr. Andrew McGarry, Dr. Peter Carlson, Dr. Alan Miyake, Dr. Jacob Mendenhall and Dr. Bryce Lamer, the practice reflects extensive experience and a shared commitment to patient care. Their combined backgrounds allow the team to approach each case with confidence and perspective.

From dental implants to complex reconstructive procedures, every case is handled with both technical precision and careful guidance. Dr. Lamer incorporates advanced tools such as virtual surgical planning and 3D-printed guides, demonstrating a commitment to innovative care. Dr. Mendenhall has performed highly specialized procedures

that restore function even in the most challenging cases. The team continues to adopt evolving techniques and technology that support strong, consistent outcomes, reinforcing their expertise and reliability.

Equally important is the experience in the chair. Dr. Carlson is known for helping patients feel informed and at ease, fostering trust, while Dr. McGarry focuses on making sure concerns are heard and addressed. Dr. Miyake’s approachable style further reinforces an environment where patients feel understood and confident in their care.

That balance of expertise and connection has led to lasting relationships and strong word-of-mouth across Oklahoma. Many patients have shared positive experiences about their care and recovery, reinforcing their reputation. By combining innovation with a genuine commitment to patient care, OKC-OMS continues to set a high standard in the field.

NORTH OKC OFFICE

SOUTH OKC OFFICE

EDMOND OFFICE

YUKON OFFICE

SHAWNEE OFFICE

Oklahoma City, OK 73120

Oklahoma City, OK 73139

Suite 100, Edmond, OK 73034

Yukon, OK 73099

Shawnee, OK 74804

10900 Hefner Pointe Dr. Ste 204,

8301 S. Walker Ave. Ste. 101,

3125 North Sooner Road,

404 S. Mustang Rd.

3306 N Kickapoo, Ste 110, 405MAGAZINE.COM

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ORAL HEALTHCARE PROFILES

PROMOTION

Dr. Victoria Ball IF A ROOT CANAL SOUNDS LIKE your worst nightmare, you don’t know Dr. Victoria Ball.

At Contemporary Endodontics of Oklahoma, Dr. Ball specializes in caring for the inside of the tooth when it becomes inflamed or infected. She diagnoses and treats complex causes of tooth pain caused by decay, cracks, fractures, inflammation or infection.

In the past, root canal procedures had become synonymous with pain and dread.

But modern methods have made patient anguish over root canals a thing of the past.

“A lot of patients who need a root canal are in pain and fear seeking treatment,” says Dr. Victoria Ball, an Endodontist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of cracked or fractured teeth, inflamed or infected nerves, abscess, initial root canal treatment as well as retreatments of failed prior root canals.

“Thanks to modern technology, a root canal procedure takes less time and has a higher success rate than ever before. The majority of patients leave feeling better than when they came in.”

Patients appreciate the attention they receive from Dr. Ball and her staff, especially since anxiety can be high when it comes to root canal procedures. “I had a wonderful experience with Dr. Ball and her staff for my root canal,” said one patient.

“They have a way of ensuring that you are comfortable, that everything is explained to you – and are very empathetic, which shows that they truly do care about you as a person, not just another patient. I highly recommend their practice.”

Finally, while she said the anatomy of each tooth presents a unique challenge as all teeth are different, Dr. Ball said her goal is singular: to provide the highest level of endodontic care and achieve the best results for her patients.

“Unfortunately, some teeth are past the point of saving, and in those situations, 60

M AY 2026

we use 3-D imaging, microscope examination and experience to make the proper diagnosis,” she says. “That said, I believe that no tooth should ever be pulled if it can be saved! There’s nothing more satisfying to me than taking a patient’s pain away and helping them to save their natural teeth.”

CONTEMPORARY ENDODONTICS OF OKLAHOMA

2916 Astoria Way #100, Edmond, OK 73034 405.285.5042 ceoklahoma.com

ORAL HEALTHCARE PROFILES

PROMOTION

Luxe Dental OKC AT LUXE DENTAL OKC, YOU won’t find hurried appointments or impersonal care; instead, every patient is embraced as part of a close-knit family. Led by Dr. Golnaz Naghdi, a 2007 D.D.S. graduate from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry, every visit is thoughtfully tailored to put you at ease, especially if anxiety has made past dental experiences daunting.

Dr. Naghdi’s advanced training includes prestigious work at the Misch Implant Institute, and she continues to bring the latest technology, including 3D imaging and digital scanning, into the practice with one goal: to treat each patient personally, without the constraints of corporate influence.

Her transition from her undergrad degree in Wood Industrial Engineering to dentistry speaks to her commitment to precision, compassion, and individualized care.

At Luxe Dental OKC, patients of all ages find a full spectrum of services, from preventive cleanings and cosmetic treatments to implant-supported restorations and emergency care, all provided in a calm, modern and welcoming atmosphere. The practice warmly supports VA community members and offers professional courtesy to healthcare workers, underscoring a strong dedication to service.

Above all, Luxe Dental OKC is built on trusted relationships that feel like family. It is a place where patients are part of something personal, modern, and caring. Each smile is unique, and care is always tailored to meet individual needs.

LUXE DENTAL OKC

13509 N Meridian Ave STE 1, Oklahoma City, OK 73120 405.755.4099 | luxedentalokc.com 405MAGAZINE.COM

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ORAL HEALTHCARE PROFILES

PROMOTION

Dental Boutique AT DENTAL BOUTIQUE, oral health is seen as an essential part of overall wellness. A healthy mouth supports more than a beautiful smile; it affects comfort, confidence, nutrition, sleep and daily quality of life. When pain, inflammation, worn teeth or bite problems are left untreated, the effects can extend beyond the mouth and influence long-term health and function.

Led by Dr. Kami, Dental Boutique offers a boutique style experience built on a modern, comprehensive philosophy of care. The practice emphasizes prevention, early diagnosis and long term function, with treatment designed to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible while delivering aesthetic, lasting results.

Patients appreciate that this approach is thoughtful and personalized. Dental Boutique is strong in both general and cosmetic dentistry, caring for everything from routine needs to more complex restorative and smile enhancing cases.

A holistic perspective guides every recommendation, with attention to teeth, gums, bite, habits, airway and overall lifestyle.

The practice also offers advanced technology, including the Solea dental laser for precise, minimally invasive treatment and same day crowns for convenient restoration. Small gaps between the front teeth, chipped teeth and worn edges can often be improved with conservative cosmetic treatment.

Dental Boutique also provides exceptional implant placement and restorative planning for missing teeth.

What sets Dental Boutique apart is the way clinical excellence and patient experience come together, helping patients achieve healthier smiles, greater confidence and overall wellbeing.

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DENTAL BOUTIQUE

3621 NW 63rd, Oklahoma City, OK 405.848.8838 | DentalBoutiqueOKC.com

ORAL HEALTHCARE PROFILES

PROMOTION

Mehreen Khan, DDS AT SMILE LOUNGE OF EDMOND, dentistry is more than a routine visit. It is an experience built on trust, comfort and a genuine connection with every patient who walks through the door.

Dr. Mehreen Khan has created a space where patients feel welcomed, informed, and at ease, transforming what can often feel clinical into something far more personal. Her commitment to safety, quality, and patient satisfaction ensures you can trust Smile Lounge with your dental health.

Trained at King’s College London and the University of California, San Francisco, Dr. Khan brings a wellrounded and refined approach to modern dental care. Her practice offers a complete range of services, including cleanings, fillings, crowns, implants, orthodontic treatment, whitening, and full-arch restorations, all designed to meet patients where they are and to support long-term oral health. She also provides detailed information about each procedure to help you feel confident and informed about your choices.

What truly sets Smile Lounge of Edmond apart is the way care is delivered. Dr. Khan is known for her warm and personable chair-side manner, taking the time to walk patients through their options. Every treatment plan is tailored to one’s individual needs, timelines, and budget, ensuring patient concerns and lifestyle are prioritized so they can move forward with confidence.

Patients often describe their visits as comfortable and reassuring, noting the attention to detail and the sense that they are being treated like family.

That level of care has built lasting relationships and a steady stream of referrals from friends and loved ones.

For those seeking a dental home where expertise meets compassion, Smile Lounge of Edmond and Dr. Khan offer a

refreshing approach. It is dentistry that prioritizes understanding, respects each patient’s pace and delivers results that support both health and confidence for years to come.

SMILE LOUNGE OF EDMOND

981 N Santa Fe Ave, Edmond, OK 73003 405.562.6606 edmondsmilelounge.com

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ORAL HEALTHCARE PROFILES

PROMOTION

Orthodontic Arts

ORTHODONTIC ARTS is the premier Orthodontic Practice in Oklahoma City. Located in Midtown OKC, Dr. Brian Wilson and Dr. David Birdwell focus on providing exceptional care for patients of all ages, and their team is committed to helping patients achieve optimal health and function in addition to achieving a beautiful smile!

At Orthodontic Arts, each patient is provided with a unique individualized plan to match their specific goals and needs. It is not a one-size-fits-all approach, with treatment options ranging from limited clear aligner treatment to full comprehensive treatment that may involve corrective jaw surgery or complex restorative treatment. In addition, our doctors proudly specialize in early treatment for children that centers around a strong emphasis on airway and proper development of the face and jaws. Our practice utilizes the latest technology (including CBCT, digital intra-oral scanners that replace traditional impressions, and 3D printers) to ensure that we are providing patients with a pleasant experience throughout their orthodontic journey!

With both Dr. Wilson and Dr. Birdwell being Board-Certified by the American Board of Orthodontics, patients can trust that they will receive the highest quality care and results!

ORTHODONTIC ARTS

421 NW 10th St, Ste 201-E, Oklahoma City, OK 73103 405.604.3745 | orthodonticarts.com

Dewbre Pediatric Dentistry LED BY DR. JARRED DEWBRE, a board-certified pediatric dentist with advanced expertise in lip and tongue tie treatment, Dewbre Pediatric Dentistry is centered on one core belief: children first, always. Dr. Dewbre is committed to delivering exceptional care while creating an experience that feels positive, comfortable, and even fun for every child.

Known for his genuine, down-to-earth approach, Dr. Dewbre combines clinical precision with a warm, compassionate style that helps patients feel at ease from the moment they walk in. His goal is not only to treat, but to build trust with both children and parents.

The practice offers a full range of pediatric dental services—from preventive care and restorative treatment to specialized procedures like laser frenectomies—each tailored to the unique needs of growing patients. Dr. Dewbre also collaborates with other healthcare providers to support overall development, including feeding and airway health.

At Dewbre Pediatric Dentistry, every detail is designed to create a safe, welcoming environment where kids feel valued and cared for.

DEWBRE PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

169 E 33rd St, Edmond, OK 73013 | 533 S 30th St. Clinton, OK 73601 405.341.3030 | dewbrepediatricdentistry.com 64

M AY 2026

Dr. Brian Wilson and Dr. David Birdwell

ORAL HEALTHCARE PROFILES

PROMOTION

Dr. Martha Garzon “AN APPLE A DAY” MAY BE A FAMILIAR PHRASE, but for pediatric dentist Dr. Martha Garzon, it captures her commitment to prevention and to caring for children’s oral health from the very beginning. She believes that prevention is the foundation of lifelong, confident, and healthy smiles. With decades of experience caring for children, she has built her practice around helping families stay ahead of problems rather than react to them.

Dr. Garzon and her team partner with families to build simple, lasting habits that support healthy smiles. Her calm, approachable style helps children feel at ease, and the team tailors time to each child’s strengths and preferences so every experience feels comfortable and reassuring.

The result is a practice centered on education, comfort, and consistency. By emphasizing prevention and positive experiences, Dr. Garzon helps children develop a lifelong understanding of the value of caring for their oral health—laying the groundwork for strong, healthy habits well into adulthood.

MARTHA GARZON, DMD, MS, PLLC

870 South Kelly Ave., Edmond 73003 405.348.5757 | marthagarzondmd.com

Lewis Orthodontics

AT LEWIS ORTHODONTICS, creating a great smile is only part of the experience. Dr. Shannon Lewis has built a practice where patients feel truly valued, comfortable, known, and genuinely cared for from the moment they walk in. It is an environment where visits feel less clinical and more personal, something families quickly come to appreciate.

A board-certified orthodontist, Dr. Lewis focuses on more than straightening teeth. Her work addresses growth, airway concerns, jaw alignment, and bite function, helping patients achieve results that support both health and confidence. She offers braces and clear aligners, combining proven techniques with modern digital technology, including in-house 3D printed aligners, to ensure precise and reliable care.

Dr. Lewis believes that when patients enjoy the process, they are more engaged and more confident in their outcomes, leading to smiles that last a lifetime. This friendly atmosphere helps patients feel relaxed and eager to return.

LEWIS ORTHODONTICS

2900 N Kelly Ave, Edmond, OK 73003 405.330.5095 | lewisbraces.com

MIDWEST OFFICE

8811 E. Reno Ave Midwest City, OK 73110

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ORAL HEALTHCARE PROFILES

Hal Kessler, DDS

DR. HAL KESSLER, DDS, IS A PROUD EDMOND native and Deer Creek High School graduate who has built his career around serving the community he calls home. A University of Oklahoma alum, he returned to Edmond with the goal of providing comprehensive, patient first dental care at Kessler Dental.

With more than a decade of experience in dentistry, Dr. Kessler provides a full scope of services through a family focused practice that welcomes patients of all ages. He believes great dental care starts with clear communication and patient education. His approach emphasizes transparency, comfort, and long term oral health. Patients appreciate the time he takes to explain treatment options and help them make confident decisions about their care.

His philosophy guides every recommendation he makes: maintain what you have, save what you can, and replace what you must.

Outside the office, Dr. Kessler enjoys life with his wife, Tori, and their three children. He can often be found cheering on OU football or spending time exploring and supporting the Edmond community he is proud to serve.

KESSLER DENTAL

3217 N Sooner Rd, Edmond, OK 73034 405.562.5166 | kesslerdental.com

Michael Kirk, DDS

DR. MICHAEL KIRK, the founder of Grand Dental Studio in Oklahoma City, has dedicated over 30 years to dentistry, focusing on refining what he proudly calls “Oklahoma’s Best Dental Experience™.”

At Grand Dental Studio, the goal is to offer general, cosmetic, and implant dentistry in a way that fundamentally changes how patients view dental care for the better. Whether it’s routine preventive care, urgent emergency treatment or a complete cosmetic smile transformation, the priority is to ensure the most comfortable experience possible. This guiding principle has influenced every decision since the practice began—from the sophisticated, calming office design to the personalized way patients are welcomed and cared for. It’s a focus that goes beyond just dental health to encompass how every patient feels—like a member of the family—from the moment they arrive.

Dr. Kirk graduated from the OU College of Dentistry, then completed a specialized post-graduate program in Dental Implantology at the University of Texas. “My approach to patient care is based on clear, simple principles. First and foremost, I believe in treating every person with respect and offering a variety of treatment options when appropriate. I also deeply value people’s time. We work hard to ensure a consistently excellent experience at every appointment, which includes beginning on schedule. Furthermore, I believe a commitment to continuous learning is essential. It’s an exciting time for dentistry. The many technological advances in recent years have dramatically improved the quality of patient care,” Dr. Kirk noted. “At Grand Dental Studio, we are always dedicated to evolving and seeking out new ways to better serve our patients.”

GRAND DENTAL STUDIO

1057 NW Grand Boulevard, Oklahoma City, OK 73118 66 405.848.3719 M A Y 2 0 2|6 dentistokc.com

PROMOTION

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ORAL HEALTHCARE PROFILES

Aurora Pediatric Dentistry

AT AURORA PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY, Drs. Lana and Adam Richardson treat patients from infancy through adolescence, including patients with special health care needs. They offer a wide variety of treatment options including minimally invasive treatment of cavities, sedation, and general anesthesia.

“We are passionate about prevention and education,” said Dr. Lana Richardson. “We hope to equip all of our patients and their families with the tools to maintain a healthy mouth for a lifetime.”

Both doctors are diplomates of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. They attended the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry and completed residency training in Columbus, Ohio at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Ohio State University.

“Aurora Pediatric Dentistry truly stands out for their attention to detail, personalized care, and genuine investment in their patients’ well-being,” said one patient. “We couldn’t be happier with their service and highly recommend them to any family looking for compassionate dental care.”

AURORA PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

3008 W Hefner Rd, Oklahoma City, OK 73120 405.562.5700 | aurorakids.dental

Laura B. Ousley, DDS

FOR PATIENTS STRUGGLING WITH snoring, fatigue, or disrupted sleep, lasting relief begins with a compassionate understanding of the whole person. Dr. Laura B. Ousley has spent more than three decades building a practice centered on comprehensive care, combining advanced dental expertise with a focus on overall wellness.

As a Diplomate in Dental Sleep Medicine, Dr. Ousley offers tailored solutions for patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea. Her use of mandibular advancement devices provides a comfortable alternative to traditional CPAP therapy, helping patients feel supported and hopeful for better sleep.

Beyond device therapy, her practice addresses contributing factors such as tongue positioning and oral muscle function through myofunctional therapy and laser treatment. By integrating these services, Dr. Ousley delivers a thoughtful, patient-centered approach that improves not only sleep quality but also long-term health and daily energy, offering a complete solution for sleep health concerns.

LAURA B. OUSLEY, DDS

11205 N May Ave Ste. A, Oklahoma City, OK 73120 405.755.4450 | laurabousleydds.com 405MAGAZINE.COM

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Birth of a Legacy

RACHEL MAUCIERI

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Chef Andrew Black Mixes It Up Dougla Kitchen brings the cuisine of the Caribbean to OKC

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eave it to the most acclaimed chef in Oklahoma to perfect the piña colada.

After winning a James Beard Award for his tasting menus at Grey Sweater, chef Andrew Black is returning to his roots with Dougla Kitchen, his first restaurant fully dedicated to his Caribbean heritage.

His career, though, has always led to this. Since he arrived in Oklahoma City in 2007, the Jamaica native has paid homage to his home country, from a butter-poached scallop dish at Grey Sweater that was inspired by a Jamaican fish stew to a dish of broiled butter beans with grilled Caribbean roti at Perle Mesta. But Dougla Kitchen marks his fullest culinary homecoming yet.

In Dougla Kitchen, in his former Black Walnut space in Deep Deuce, reggae music gently reverberates through a dining room awash in color.

Plants dangle behind the bar, where a sugarcane juicer shares space with perhaps the deepest rum collection in the state, and on one door, a giant clock replaces numbers with Caribbean flags. It’s all an intentional part of the story, as Black pulls from his past to honor his present.

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Black said, recalling a moment two years ago when he wrote a note to his grandmother, Elysabeth Bandoo. It thanked her for the inspiration she instilled in him as a cook, a chef and a world traveler. That note was the inspiration for Dougla Kitchen, a love letter to his grandmother, and an ode to his history.

“Because my father’s side is Indo-Caribbean, and my mom’s side was African, I was trying to find what word bound both culturally,” he said. “I researched the word ‘Dougla,’ and found out it was once a derogatory word meaning ‘mixed,’ but it’s a word we celebrate now.” Just as his family is a melting pot of Asian, white, Black, German and Indo-Caribbean people, the customers who come to Dougla Kitchen exhibit that same diversity Black is aiming to celebrate. Pointing to the Caribbean clock, he talked about how Caribbean customers have begun asking him when they’ll get a flag from their own country. “It gives me goosebumps, because customers are taking ownership already,” he said, touched by the cultural connection he’s fostering.

It’s not just the decor celebrating that diversity, though. Black describes the menu as Caribbean cuisine with Indo flavor, meaning the foods passed on from Caribbean immigrants descendant from the Indian

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LEFT TO RIGHT: CARIBBEAN-INDO PLATES AT DOUGLA KITCHEN, PIÑA COLADA, THE BAR, AND SUYA-GRILLED LAMB SKEWERS

subcontinent. From smoked octopus coconut ceviche to pimento- and tamarind-glazed goat ribs with Indian cucumber and mint chutney, recipes plumb the depths of flavor across the Caribbean, be it a classic, empanada-like Jamaican beef patty or grilled lamb skewers glazed with rum and spiced with suya, a nutty African dry rub.

Describing the dining experience as a “journey,” he hits on dishes both familiar—like the most beautiful, glistening jerk chicken you’ve ever seen—and novel, like a lush green papaya salad with passion fruit dressing and an earthy Caribbean herb called chadon beni, and meltingly tender curried goat with fluffy plantain and potato gnocchi. Even a side dish of plantains, fried and glazed in molasses butter, is as visually striking as a bowl of gold doubloons.

The drinks, too, are elevated but authentic. Such as the Suck Suck, a cocktail served in a bag with a straw, much like they sip in the Caribbean, and the creamy piña colada, flecked with toasted coconut. “We knew we had to do a piña colada,” Black said, citing the vast collection of esoteric rums lining the bar, and the sugarcane machine for making fresh juice.

“But it had to be the best piña colada in the world.”

A casual offshoot, Dougla Lounge, is in the works next door, focusing on cocktails and small bites, and he’s planning a slew of festive events, including Dougla Rum Week in August, monthly reggae brunches and rum and cigar dinners on the patio. It’s all part of the deeper story Black is trying to share.

Dougla Kitchen is, in the chef’s words, the most “dressed down” of all his restaurants. The music, the vibe and the atmosphere are all distinctly different, especially from his tasting menu concept next door. But it’s an opportunity for the chef to reconnect with—and honor—his roots in a fuller way.

“At the end of the day, are there other restaurants that have some of this food? Absolutely,” Black mused. “But we’re in charge of telling the story, and we have to do a good job of telling the story.” As he looks around the dining room, recalling the note he wrote to his grandmother, he swells with pride. “I had no idea we’d be selling so much goat,” he chuckled. “To stand in the corner and see people drinking Suck Suck, eating goat and oxtail, it’s so rewarding. People are claiming it, and that’s what I love about it.”

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Garden Meets Glass Think spring with floral cocktails

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LEFT TO RIGHT: GIMLET AT STITCH CAFE AND FLORAL COCKTAILS AT JIMMY B'S CULINARY + KRAFTED

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he onset of spring in OKC means patio season, Thunder roaring on the basketball court (and in the sky) and wind sweeping down the plains (e.g., Scissortail Park). It also means, as we bid adieu to scarves and mulled wine, it’s time for lighter, fresher cocktails. As April showers beget May flavors, it’s prime time for floral cocktails in OKC. All year round, the city’s best cocktail bars feature floral ingredients both as infusions and garnishes, lending luster to drinks that typically skew fruitier and cleaner. But these verdant libations really bloom in the spring, when everything from marigold amaro to basil eau de vie adds some seasonal shine to OKC’s brightest beverages. Here’s where to find the best floral cocktails in OKC.

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Jimmy B’s Culinary + Krafted 1225 N. Broadway Ave. From coconut shrimp maki to French dip au jus, all the menus at Jimmy B’s Culinary + Krafted are colorful and eclectic, including the cocktail selection. Customers can expect to find floral-forward drinks like the Butterfly Effect, a pretty-in-purple medley of gin, sparkling peach sake and lavender foam, while the Oklahoma Rose adds potable roses to a blend of Cocchi Americano, yuzu sake and an Italian aperitivo called Rosen Bitter, made with herbs and berries. Be sure to try the Eternal Sunshine, a juicy spritz-like drink made with lychee liqueur, honey, lemon, Prosecco, Topo Chico and dried hibiscus flowers.

Palo Santo 1203 SW 2nd St. Flush with plants and boasting an airy atmosphere that conjures a sense of SoCal, Palo Santo feels like the perfect place to sip some flowers. One of OKC’s most inventive cocktail spots, its deep drink list balances both perennial favorites—like the banana-infused Tokyo Old Fashioned made with Japanese whisky and smoked black tea Demerara—and seasonal novelties, like the Krampus cocktail made with pumpernickel rye. Year-round, floral flavors take many forms, including the Secret Handshake, made with mezcal, pamplemousse liqueur, lemon and marigold-scented Mari Gold amaro.

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Good For A Few 1705 NW 16th St. As the Plaza District’s dexterous Good For A Few racks up accolades, including being named one of the best bars in the country by USA Today, the quasi-speakeasy continues to dazzle with some of the most exciting drinks in town—many of which include floral infusions. Drinks rotate throughout the year, but examples include Octopus’s Garden, made with lemongrass-distilled mezcal, basil eau de vie, lemon, turmeric-lemongrass syrup and cucumber bitters. Very Sherry Cherry Cobbler, meanwhile, blends tart notes of cherry juice with Armagnac, sherry, tarragon syrup and Alpeggio Hay Liqueur, an Italian spirit wafting with notes of chamomile, green tea and, yes, hay.

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Stitch Cafe 835 W. Sheridan Ave. Along with mimosas and lattes, Stitch Cafe slings some of the most creative brunch cocktails in OKC. And considering the fact that the West Village breakfast spot shares space with a plant shop, it’s not surprising that some of those cocktails include florals. Along with a Prickly Pear Mojito, one standout is the Elderflower Gimlet, a refreshing gin drink with a big punch of lime and notes of citrus and honey from elderflower.

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Flamingo TIKI 605 NW 28th St. For those who prefer to look at their flowers instead of drink them, Flamingo TIKI adorns its tropical drinks with enough florals to fill a flower bed. Most drinks come with some sort of tropical flower garnish, from the boozy Cobra’s Fang, soaked in Demerara rum, herbsaint, falernum, passion fruit, lime, orange and angostura bitters, to the frozen Missionary’s Downfall, a beachy blend of light rum, peach liqueur, honey, fresh pineapple and mint. My favorite is the Baron Samedi, a martini-like mix of aged Martinique rum, lime, cinnamon syrup, falernum and, of course, a flower that looks like it was plucked off a lei.

Good Times 1234 N. Western Ave. Even late-night dives like Good Times offer a bouquet of flavor. Try the Elderflower Collins, made with gin, St-Germain elderflower liqueur, lemon and club soda, or the Verditarita, a spicy blend of tequila, Ancho Reyes Verde Chili Liqueur and—inspired by herbal Mexican chasers typically served with tequila—a pineapple-cilantro verdita.

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Haylee B Photo & Film is a bright and joyful photo & video duo, capturing true to color photo and video that will live on for generations.

We are so thankful to everyone who voted us Best Videographer of the 405 and cannot wait to continue serving this community with joyful imagery for years to come.

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Sky-High Vibes

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"Cloud Embrace" is among a wave of fresh public art around OKC P. 76

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Public Art Update Sights to see in OKC

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“Cloud Embrace” Dedicated March 2026.

Created by Joseph O’Connell and Creative Machines

“Cloud Embrace” is Bricktown’s newest large-scale interactive sculpture, crafted from perforated steel with a durable painted finish.

Visitors are able to step inside the sculpture for an incredible photo opportunity, different each moment under the color-changing LED lights. The piece is meant to reflect Oklahoma’s ever-changing skies, and is a metaphor for how our city continues to evolve and grow. “Cloud Embrace” is a gift to Oklahoma City from Visit OKC and the Inasmuch Foundation. Located in United Way Plaza in Bricktown “Bolt Tower” Dedicated January 2026.

Created by Jenny Sabin Studio

The Oklahoma City Fairgrounds hosts hundreds of events every year, including the legendary Oklahoma State Fair each September. To honor the 118-year history of OKC Fair Park and celebrate the construction of the new OG&E Coliseum, Jenny Sabin Studio was selected to create “Bolt Tower” as part of Oklahoma City’s 1% for Art program.

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The 72-foot sculpture includes a 3-D printed time capsule holding photos and memories from the State Fair over the years. It serves as a stunning backdrop for pictures as well as a great meeting point for those attending events at the fairgrounds. At night, the tower is illuminated with colorful shifting lights, a welcoming beacon for all who visit. Located between the Bennett Event Center and OG&E Coliseum at OKC Fair Park

Golf Course clubhouse. This 10-foot x 4-foot oil painting depicts a dramatic Oklahoma sky over the golf course, using shadows to create depth among the rich, vibrant colors.

Holland is currently working on two additional paintings to accompany “The Making of a Champion,” the first of which will be unveiled this summer. Located inside the Earlywine Golf Course Clubhouse

“We Have Arrived” Dedicated April 2025.

The Clara Luper Sit-In Plaza, Dedicated November 2025. Created by Studio EIS featuring

Created by artists Denise Duong and Gabriel

bronze sculptures by Oklahoma artist LaQuincey

Friedman

Reed, design architecture by BAU_Butzer Architects

Between 1975 and 1992, nearly two million Vietnamese refugees fled the oppression in their homeland in a massive sea exodus. As a way to honor these Vietnamese immigrants, local artists Duong and Friedman created a lifesize, interactive boat sculpture entitled “We Have Arrived” which was unveiled last April in commemoration of the 50-year anniversary of the Vietnam War ending. This sculpture represents the Vietnamese community, and its ongoing contributions to Oklahoma City.

Located in Military Park

and Urbanism

“The Making of a Champion” Dedicated June 2024. By artist David Holland Cloudscape artist David Holland was commissioned by Oklahoma City’s 1% for Art program to create a large painting to greet visitors to the newly remodeled Earlywine

Clara Luper is an Oklahoma icon, known as a heroine of the Civil Rights Movement who led a monumental sit-in with 13 of her students from the NAACP youth council at the Katz Drugstore lunch counter. Located on the original site of that same drugstore is an entire plaza dedicated to this act of bravery, featuring a life-sized bronze replica of the 1958 event.

Visitors are able to sit on an empty bronze stool alongside the 13 children participating in the sit-in, with Luper watching over the entire scene. Located Downtown at Robinson Avenue and Main Street

PHOTOS PROVIDED

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pring has sprung and Oklahoma City is headed back outside to enjoy warm weather and sunshine. This is also a perfect opportunity to view some of the incredible new public art that has been added to our city. Here are five sensational pieces we think you should visit.

Voted Best Mortgage Company

Being named the Best Mortgage Company in the 405 is an honor we proudly share with the community that made it possible. To our clients, realtor and builder partners, title teams, families, and dedicated staff, thank you for trusting Stride Mortgage to be part of your story. We are grateful for the relationships we’ve built and the opportunity to help open doors across the 405 for years to come.

Your Key to Homeownership Conventional | FHA | VA | USDA | Non-QM | Jumbo | Construction | Rural Development | Land & Lot 405.900.5433 | StrideMortgage.com | NMLS 466690 | 4747 Gaillardia Pkwy, Ste 200 Oklahoma City, OK 73142 405MAGAZINE.COM

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Happy Giving A look inside Taylor Elliott’s colorful, gift-friendly designs

BY E V I E K LO P P H O L Z E R

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some flowers in a flower bed, and the colors just jump out to me, and I’m like, ‘I need to put that on a notebook.’ When I’m designing products, I often think about how this item is going to be gifted … I also think about how this product is going to sit on the shelf. A lot of our items are packaged where they’re gift-ready.”

Do you like giving gifts?

“My love language is giving and receiving gifts, so I feel like I have come to this job by no coincidence … I personally love finding the perfect gift for someone, something that would make them feel loved and spoiled, something that would truly make them feel seen. When my customer opens their box, my goal is that the quality exceeds their expectation, that the colors are even more vibrant in person and that they’re just excited to use the product.”

What is your best seller?

“Our bracelets have been incredibly popular. We have these really great sparkly, colorful, stretchy bracelets … You can be as subtle with them—or as sparkly and statement—as you want. You just add more. You can wear one, or you can wear five.”

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rendspotters may be talking about seeing more color in the marketplace, but this doesn’t affect Taylor Elliott and the jewelry, stationery and gift goods she creates for Taylor Elliott Designs. “In my world, color is always in style,” she explained. “My specialty is things that are really brightly colored and happy—things that bring joy to people.”

In 2010, Elliott graduated with a visual communications degree from the University of Oklahoma, hoping to work in design. When she couldn’t align that first job with a creative company, she started her own. Today, you can find Taylor Elliott Designs products at Paper + More in Oklahoma City, The Gift Shop in Edmond and taylorelliottdesigns.com. Her designs feature a rainbow of quotes, glitter, hearts and flowers—among other cheerful

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themes. We recently met up with Elliott to discuss her work and passion for giving.

Tell us about the early days of Taylor Elliott Designs.

“I opened up an Etsy store. I was selling customized stationery, and one of the guest bedrooms in my house was my little studio and shipping station. I had a plan to grow the wholesale side of the business … I would coldcall stores every day, and I had an email, a PDF catalog … for every 20 ‘nos’ I got like one ‘maybe’ or ‘yes,’ and that one ‘yes’ gave me the motivation to get to the next one.”

How do you come up with designs?

“A lot of it is my gut feeling and my intuition … I might be on a walk with my kids, and I see

Your desk items often include motivational quotes. Do you have a favorite quote?

“My favorite is actually a faith-based quote: ‘God wouldn’t have put a dream in your heart if he hadn’t already given you everything you need to fulfill it.’ I truly believe that if God puts a dream on your heart, he’s equipped you with what you need to fulfill it.”

What do you think it takes for a small business owner to succeed?

“The secret ingredient is not giving up.

Like, when things get hard, you just have to power through … If you truly believe in your business and you see that there’s a demand for it, you just got to power through it.”

To learn more about Taylor Elliott Design's goods, follow the brand on social media or visit taylorelliottdesigns.com.

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Towering Achievement A p i e c e o f h i s t o r y l o o m s o v e r L a ke M u r r a y

BY L I N DA M I L L E R

P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F O K L A H O M A H I S TO R I C A L S O C I E T Y

TUCKER TOWER SITS HIGH ON A CLIFF AT LAKE MURRAY STATE PARK.

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ucker Tower, a castle-like structure perched high on a cliff overlooking Lake Murray, seems both out of place and yet exactly where it’s supposed to be.

Curiosity has added to its appeal for more than nine decades. Early on, people wondered about the purpose of the stone building that doesn’t look like other structures in the area.

The difference was intentional.

As part of President Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal, construction began in 1934 with local lumber and hand-quarried limestone excavated nearby. Work was done primarily by the Works Progress Administration with contributions from the Civilian Conservation Corps.

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The building was to be a summer retreat for Oklahoma governors, beginning with Gov. William H. “Alfalfa Bill” Murray for his efforts to get the lake and state park developed in southern Oklahoma. The tower was never used for that purpose.

Work ceased in 1935, reportedly because of prohibitive costs and slow construction, leaving the building without doors, windows, floors and ceilings. Still, it continued to fascinate all who saw it, especially since it was visible from most parts of the lake.

It would take 20 more years, but finally Tucker Tower would open to visitors, many of whom had seen the structure in various forms

of completion while camping, swimming and boating at Lake Murray State Park, which was Oklahoma’s first state park. Standing about 65 feet tall and perched on a cliff nearly as high, the tower is impossible to miss.

It opened as a geological museum to display the Lake Murray meteorite, considered one of the largest in the world. It was found near the lake in the 1930s; in 1952 scientists cut it in half to analyze its core.

The tower shifted from a geological museum to a nature center in the 1970s. In September 2013, a new Lake Murray Nature Center opened. A portion of the meteorite is on display there, along with bones, animal skulls, turtle shells, volcanic rocks, selenite crystals, rose rocks, local flora and history about the lake.

The nature center is the starting point for all visitors, who can then follow a short uphill path to the tower. What waits at the top is worth the climb.

The tower is named for Oklahoma Sen. Fred Tucker, who was in office when the manmade lake was built. He had taken photos of a castle while in Europe and wanted to create something just as eye-catching and memorable closer to home.

Tucker Tower delivers that and more, with craftsmanship visible inside and out. Massive stone fireplaces and an arched ceiling with wooden beams greet all who enter the main floor. Short videos highlight the tower’s history, along with exhibits of tools used in construction and other artifacts.

Soon after the tower’s opening in 1954, a narrow, spiral staircase was installed inside that leads to the observation deck. Because of modifications made in the mid-1990s to allow for structural changes and new flooring, only a small top portion of the spiral staircase remains in place today.

But those up for the climb are rewarded: An outdoor walkway around the top floor offers a spectacular and sweeping view of the lake’s blue water.

And though no governor has ever spent the night in the tower, some probably wanted to.

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