Arts + Culture

A Beautiful Journey

Article by Caitlin Agnew | Photography by Life N Light Chandni Maloo moved here from India in 2018 and unexpectedly built a large social media following amid building a new life in America.   Although she has always been inclined towards creativity and design, she never would’ve planned that her journey would lead her to sharing beauty tips with hundreds of thousands of social media followers.  Bellevue Lifestyle asked Chandni to share some details of her journey.   How do you think living in...

April 2024

Life + Culture

Remarkable Women

These Kirklanders are doing amazing things, in the local community and beyond. Article by Bree O'Brien Have you ever thought about leading a nonprofit organization? Or running a marathon (or FIFTY)? How about writing a book? Read on to hear from phenomenal local women who have done these very things. You may be in awe of their accomplishments, or you may be inspired to take on your next big thing!   Patricia Charles-Heathers, Ph.D., MPA   Chief Operating Officer - Friends of Youth Born...

April 2024

Life + Culture

A Spotlight on the Kirkland Chamber's Latest Addition

The Kirkland Chamber of Commerce leadership team grows with Jessica Hoover, their new Executive Director. Article by Caitlin Agnew What led you to become Executive Director of the Kirkland Chamber?   In my previous role, I was a Vice President for a regional chamber of commerce and saw the impact a chamber could make on a community. When I was applying to this role, I was looking for an organization that had a strong balance of advocacy for businesses and opportunities for small businesses...

April 2024

Arts + Culture

Pursuing Your Passion

An artist's advice on self-discovery, overcoming creative blocks, and going for it. Article by Caitlin Agnew Evgeniya Plotnikova is a sculptor and stone carver whose works have exhibited internationally and locally.  What started as a simple interest grew into a passion that led to setting up a home studio here in the PNW to “play and clay”. Bellevue Lifestyle asked Evgeniya to share how she discovered and pursed her passion in the arts.    How did you discover your passion for art?   ...

March 2024

Finance + Legal Services

Navigating the Uncertainty of 2024

Article by Carleton McHenry, CFP® - McHenry Capital | Photography by Courtesy of Carleton McHenry We live in a very uncertain time right now with lots of unknowns, whether geopolitical, economic, technological, or environmental. These issues seemingly knock on our door on a regular basis. In fact this is probably what you are currently reading about in the news and is at the forefront of your everyday life. It is in times like this you may wonder, what should I do with my money?  Or, isn’t...

March 2024

Real Estate

From Hotel to Long-Term Housing

Sage Investment Group is leading the way Article by Bree O'Brien | Photography by Courtesy of Sage Investment Group Kirkland-based entrepreneur Emily Hubbard has leveraged her experience in the real estate industry to invest in local communities with an innovative housing model that provides some of the “missing middle” work-force housing many metropolitan areas need. She and her husband own Sage Investment Group, a real estate private equity firm which buys two-star hotels and converts them...

March 2024

Education

Angels Among Us

What does it take to be among these investors? Article by Bree O'Brien | Photography by Courtesy of interviewees Have you ever considered angel investing? The US Securities and Exchange Commission defines angels as “generally high-net-worth individuals who invest their own money directly in emerging businesses.” (sec.gov) They’re primarily accredited investors with a sole annual income over $200K, or income with a spouse of over $300K, or $1 million+ in net worth, excluding primary...

March 2024

Wellness

Books to Help You Grow

Well researched and written, these books connect deeply with readers Article by Christopher J. Jarmick, BookTree Owner/Manager The Psychology of Money,  Morgan Housel One of the best books on managing personal finances - I wish I had this before I was 40! With a focus on behavior, it uses stories to teach lessons about money. Atomic Habits,  James Clear It's important to recognize good and bad habits and develop the good. Short chapters full of practical advice you can implement and...

March 2024

Health + Wellness

Closer to a Cure

Article by Bree O'Brien Kirkland local Berea Schaffer is VP of Connected Experiences at Workday, a wife, mother, and relentless advocate and fundraiser for Rett Syndrome and those affected by it; including her seven-year-old daughter, Bryer. After a year of tests and evaluations, Bryer was diagnosed at age two following a concerning developmental plateau.  Characterized as a “rare” disease, about 350,000 people worldwide have Rett Syndrome, primarily girls. It’s a neurological disorder caused...

March 2024

Real Estate

2024 Luxury Real Estate Insights

Our resident experts shed some light on what we can expect in the Kirkland housing market this year Photography by Courtesy of the interviewees With interest rates fluctuating, an ongoing shortage of housing on the market, and area-wide high home prices, it’s challenging for would-be buyers and sellers to gauge the right time to enter the market. What key things should you do to prepare to sell your house? How do you manage your expectations to maximize your likelihood of closing on a home...

February 2024