Professional Services

Finding a Good Night’s Sleep

A mother-daughter duo succeeds in the male-dominated world of mattresses. Article by Linda Ditch When Mattresses & Beyond (new.mattressesandbeyond.com) opened in Royal Oak in 2007, it became Michigan’s first women-owned, mother-daughter mattress store.  Daughter Robin Zurla was searching for a career that was both interesting and fulfilling. After testing a few jobs that didn’t hit the mark, she and her mom, Mary Jo Dinha, teamed up. “We decided to do some research and try to figure out what...

Professional Services

Meet Christina McKenna

The voice whispering in the ear of America’s leaders. Article by Susan Thwing | Photography by Aly Darin In the high-stakes world of corporate leadership, where every word can influence markets, policies and reputations, Christina McKenna stands as an indispensable guide. As the founder and president of Bluestone Executive Communications, McKenna has built a career helping America’s top corporate and community leaders master the art of impactful communication. Her journey to this niche was...

Local Services

2025 Women of Birmingham

We asked who inspires you — and you answered in droves. Article by Lynne Konstantin We asked who inspires you — and you answered in droves. We wish we could include every nominated woman because all of you inspire us. Here, Birmingham City Lifestyle shines a spotlight on some of the women from our community who lift each other up in their everyday lives — who lead, inspire and transform Birmingham and Bloomfield with their brilliance and heart. And thank you to everyone who participated — we...

Home + Design

Southern Charm

A Southern transplant with power tools is creating a home-content empire from Birmingham — while inspiring women to transform their houses into homes. Article by Lynne Konstantin | Photography by Gail Disner Gail Disner has a knack for making everything she touches turn to gold. She’s like a Disney princess — with power tools. A Mississippi transplant, she moved to Birmingham with her husband, Groves High School graduate Mike Disner — now chief operating officer for the Detroit Lions — and...

Home + Design

An Urban Lifestyle Sanctuary

Detroit’s stunning Residences Water Square sets a new standard for what it means to live well in the heart of Detroit. Article by Susan Thwing Perched along the Detroit River, where the city meets the water, The Residences Water Square redefines urban living with a commitment to wellness, convenience and a vibrant community experience. Located on the historic site of the former Joe Louis Arena, this striking all-glass residential development is setting a new standard for what it means to live...

Shopping

Novelty Knits

Make the most of lightweight sweater weather this Spring with pieces dappled with juicy colors and charming details — embroidery, appliques, bold patterns and more. Article by Lynne Konstantin J. Crew Collection Embellished Johnny-Sweater in Champagne Black is  knit in a retro checkerboard pattern and embellished by hand with circular, dual-tone paillettes. J. Crew, Somerset Collection, Troy; jcrew.com. Boden’s Lydia Cashmere Jumper in delicious Pink Cherry Argyle. Us.boden.com   Boden ...

Wellness

The Mommy Makeover

A local plastic surgeon empowers mothers to feel confident in their skin. Article by Susan Thwing Motherhood is a beautiful journey but can leave lasting physical changes that many women struggle to embrace.  The Mommy Makeover has become an increasingly popular solution for women looking to restore their pre-pregnancy bodies. Dr. Julio Sosa, a board-certified plastic surgeon at Bloomfield Plastic Surgery (bloomfieldplasticsurgery.com) in West Bloomfield, specializes in this transformative...

Real Estate

Brothers in Arms

Birmingham City Lifestyle catches up with Zachary Kepes and Devon Kennard, can-do right-now entrepreneurial visionaries in real-estate investment. Article by Lynne Konstantin | Photography by Barret Elengold Authentic, whip-smart and larger-than-life.  The electricity emanating from this pair — friends, colleagues, do-gooders — can bowl you over. Over the last year, Zachary Kepes and Devon Kennard have become brothers of sorts, from their first meeting at a MasterMinds networking event to...

Real Estate

Expert Insights 2025

Whether buying or selling, make an informed investment: We asked the top local professionals their takes on clients’ most-requested real-estate trends. Article by Lynne Konstantin MEREDITH COLBURN Associate Broker and Leader, Meredith Colburn Real Estate at The Agency Birmingham Since beginning her career in 1993, Meredith Colburn has become a leading expert in the local-real estate market, consistently ranked among the industry’s top realtors. She values collaboration, partnership and...

Home + Design

Tips From the Pros

Two local home-design experts give three easy tips to achieve their styles. Article by Lynne Konstantin | Photography by Shelby Dubin We asked two of our favorite Birmingham design pros to give their Top 3 Tips on how to refresh for spring by incorporating elements of their own styles into your home. Read on for advice from Bri Thiede, owner and principal designer of Cozy Haus Designs, and Mary Grace Dickson, president of Mariella Custom Drapery, both in Birmingham. BRI THIEDE Owner and...