Health + Wellness

MENtal MATTERs: Wellness for Men

Empowering Black Men's Mental Health Through Supportive Communities, Innovative Programming, Education, Advocacy, and Partnerships Article by Ken Crawford | Photography by Courtesy of MENtal MATTERs MENtal MATTERs, a nonprofit founded in July 2023, is dedicated to promoting, protecting, and prioritizing the mental health and wellness of Black men. Born from the vision and personal experiences of founder and president Dwayne Ware, who recognized a critical lack of accessible resources, MENtal...

Health + Wellness

First Responder of the Month

Officer Brett Anderson Article by Angi Burns | Photography by Gracelyn Baggett: Sun Kissed Imagery This month, we’re proud to recognize Officer Brett Anderson as our First Responder of the Month—a dedicated public servant, loving husband and father, and true hometown hero. With over 18 years of service, Officer Anderson has earned the respect of his department and the community he proudly calls home. Whether he’s helping a stranded driver on the roadside or rushing into danger during critical...

Fitness

Hidden Gym: Allen’s Best-Kept (Not-So-Secret) Weapon

Where Elite Athletes and Everyday Grinders Train Hard, Level Up, and Never Miss a Workout Article by Marisa Bingham | Photography by Mike Lam: ML Studios Something is brewing in Allen, Texas—and it smells like sweat, success, and protein donuts. Tucked inside what used to be a rugby center, Hidden Gym is anything but ordinary. It’s anything but hidden. This 30,000-square-foot playground for the serious fitness crowd is where NFL players, CEOs, and high school athletes train side by side...

Entertainment

Local Experience

Discover local gems, create memories, and embrace authentic community experiences. Article by Deborah Dove Top Golf : Enjoy high-tech golf games in comfortable hitting bays with cooling fans, HDTVs in every bay, an on-site sports bar and restaurant, and a rooftop terrace with a fire pit for relaxing afterwards. 1500 Andrews Parkway, Allen, TX Boardroom Styling Lounge: This salon for men is not just about haircuts. It's about providing a complete grooming experience—from stylish haircuts...

Life + Culture

Veteran of the Month: Harry Icke

Service, Resilience, and the Quiet Leadership of Showing Up Article by Ken Crawford | Photography by Courtesy of Harry Icke Colonel (Ret.) Harry Icke has lived a life that spans continents, cultures, and callings. Born in San Antonio, he spent over 30 years in the US Air Force, flying missions in Vietnam, serving at NATO headquarters, and commanding air defense units in Europe and across the US. Each assignment added to a growing sense of perspective—and a deep respect for the ways people...

Sports + Recreation

Big Wins

Finding Camaraderie Through Adult Sports Leagues Article by Fatima Durrani | Photography by Courtesy of Mae Rachelle Photography As adults, we often long for the carefree days of our youth. Many of us enjoyed connecting with others through intramural sports in college and exploring new activities; others grew up playing team sports from a young age.  But as anyone who has tried to beat rush hour to get to the gym after work or squeeze in a run between kids’ homework and activities knows...

Professional Services

Celebrating Local Women Entrepreneurs

Meet the Women Behind the Businesses Making an Impact in the Community Article by Angi Burns Our Ladies Issue is a celebration of remarkable women who have not only built successful businesses but have also fostered strong, supportive networks that uplift and inspire others to achieve greatness. These women are challenging traditional norms and redefining what it truly means to be an entrepreneur in today’s world. Their stories are filled with resilience, determination, and creativity...

Professional Services

Capturing Precious Moments

Create Lasting Memories with Maternity and Newborn Photos Article and Photography by Karen Wood: Karen Laine Photography Newborns change at lightning speed. You’ll want to remember every sweet detail--lashes, toes, hair, wrinkles, rolls, and nose. You’ll want to capture who your new little person is, how he/she looks, and who he/she looks like! Newborn portraits capture all of this.  They also tell the story of new parents and building bonds--the wonder of a new family and new beginnings.  ...

Beauty

Make Mom Feel Beautiful

Expertise, Artistry, and Experience Await You at Haute Beauty Aesthetics Article by Fatima Durrani | Photography by Ty Harper Photography Mom’s the best, right? Then treat her accordingly on this Mother’s Day at Haute Beauty Aesthetics, a boutique luxury med spa located in Allen.  Haute Beauty Aesthetics isn’t your traditional salon or average spa. Aesthetics injectables are performed by an experienced, certified nurse practitioner, Jennifer Adams, while aesthetician Olivia Womack uses...

Style + Beauty

Taylor Davis

Celebrating Allen Resident Miss Dallas 2024 Article by Fatima Durrani | Photography by Grey Hernandez Sometimes the most impromptu, last-minute decisions we make are the ones that serve us the best. Taylor Davis’s eleventh-hour decision to run for Miss Howard University led to outcomes that still amaze her.  Her pageant journey began in 2021 as a budding college senior in Washington DC. Gaining confidence from her win on the East Coast, she decided to compete for Miss Dallas upon her return...