71101. Phone (318) 222-0409. Fax (318) 222-1725. CityLife, at the discretion of the publisher, reserves the right to accept or reject any advertising. No portion of the publication may be reproduced by any means without written permission. Distribution of this magazine does not constitute an endorsement of information, products and/or services.

Walton’s mother provides the catering at the location, and the décor is almost everything picked from my “home” Pinterest board. Walton has a great sense of interior design and style for the décor she and her mother pieced together for the event space.

My children are at school. My house is quiet. It’s me time, so I prop my feet up on the coffee table in the living room only to land my heel in something sticky and sweet smelling. My guess is maple syrup, but I can’t remember the last time we had pancakes.

I remember when I joined Pinterest – my friend and fellow Woodlawn (at the time) teacher Jenny Smith Albrecht told me about a new site with all these cool pictures and howto’s – who would have known that three years later it would be such a prevalent part of my life that it would be the subject of my monthly column.

Many women have had to look some of life’s mighty big storms straight in the eye and face them head on. Many a timid, down-trodden woman has had to make the decision that her circumstances were not going to defeat nor define her and that she was going to find a way to overcome them.

Katie Kilpatrick-Gata has almost a decade of experience in the beauty industry. She is a Shreveport native and has worked for Trish McEvoy and Laura Mercier. Katie owns a local studio space and is available for clients. Katie truly has a passion for empowering women to look and feel their very best at any stage in life – from soccer moms to CEOs.

After flipping through magazines, browsing on Pinterest and looking around our neighborhood for ideas, I settled on a dark navy blue for our front door. The front of our house is a light red brick with cream colored siding and trim. I thought a pop of blue would stand out against the existing colors of our home.

always loved before and after pictures in magazines like: Architectural Digest, Metropolitan Home, House Beautiful, etc. I am an absolute follower of the saying, “a picture is worth a 1,000 words.” In keeping with that quote, here are two of the more dramatic room makeovers I’ve worked on.

One thing I love about Louisiana is our ability to appreciate when something offers a little something extra. Providing that special touch is often what elevates our experience past the mundane. I find that at Café artspace, having the restaurant nestled on the mezzanine level overlooking a contemporary art gallery is definitely lagniappe.

K nox Goodman is a woman who personifies living beautifully in all that she embodies, whether working on never-ending community service projects throughout the city, serving in her church or keeping her mission statement promise to the customers of her upscale clothing boutique to always provide “very personal service.

Founded in 2001, the Red Bird Foundation aims to provide opportunities for those in need to find personal and spiritual growth as well as healing. A seminar benefitting the foundation will be held from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. May 1 at Broadmoor United Methodist Church in Shreveport.

With the talent and passion for making clothes and embroidery, they set out to sell their clothes and designs at farmers markets and local craft shows. Their new shop, located in the Red River District, was selected as the winner of the Downtown Development Authority’s Pop UP Shop project.

Q: In addition to painting, you also started teaching art to your children and their friends and even continue to do so. Why do you like to teach painting? What do you hope your students get out of it? Wray:.

These are the successful women of Shreveport-Bossier City who are truly making their dreams come true while setting great examples for future generations. From startups to companies that have been in business for years, this group is defining a legacy of powerful women in roles ranging from top doctors to leading executives in their field.

With years of experience, the physicians of Pierremont OB/GYN, demonstrate professionalism and expertise at every level.

Dr. April Patton of the Family Medical and Geriatric Center in Shreveport practices family medicine as well as geriatric care. Originally from Blanchard, Dr. Patton graduated summa cum laude from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge with a degree in biological sciences.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Dr. Jennifer Woerner has dedicated her work to changing lives and having a meaningful impact on her field of oral and maxillofacial surgery. Dr. Woerner is an assistant professor at LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport, a wife, also a mom, and an advocate for women in dentistry and medicine.

“The goal of WK Child Neurology is to combine the most up-to-date medical knowledge and technology with exceptional customer service to provide the best possible care while keeping the appointments stress-free for children and their parents,” she said.

Once upon a time, exercising meant suffering through the same monotonous, boring routine over and over again. Now, Shreveport- Bossier offers a myriad of fresh, fun ways to get in shape. Lauren LeBlanc, owner of Sleek Physique, offers just such a unique fitness experience.

RaSheeda Williams enjoys her relatively new position as the manager for the Libbey Glass Outlet Store in Shreveport. “I love my job! My favorite part of the job is the customers,” said Williams.

Dr. Andrea Dean of Ark-La-Tex Ear Nose and Throat is a native of Cabot, Arkansas, who has lived in Shreveport since 2009. She holds a bachelor of arts degree in Speech and Hearing Communication Disorders and Sciences from Ouachita Baptist University..

As in all things truly southern, Mrs. McGregor’s Garden is saturated in family and tradition. Established in 2000, by Mrs. McGregor herself, Paulette Pennison, her credo has always been to live life beautifully and surround yourself with treasures which make your heart happy whether in the form of an exquisite crystal vase or a lace tea towel.

For Jennifer Roper, the family business comes naturally. Although officially she has been with Roper Electric since 1997, she worked for her father every summer since middle school. She says “I started off helping my father wire houses. In 1997, I began working in the office.

Hayli Cagle is one local businesswoman who knows how to help people find their dream house—and turn it into a forever home. A full time realtor with Century 21 Elite, she received her realtor’s license in January, 2011. Now, four years later, she can’t imagine doing anything differently with her life.

“Two people were formidable in my career. One of them is Dr. Raja Dhurander at Touro Hospital in New Orleans. His example of physical exam techniques helped to shape my abilities,” she said. “Dr. William Buffet was my first partner out of residency.

“My favorite thing about being a physician is when I am able to help a patient solve a problem that is interfering with their health or happiness,” she said. “I like to help my patients find solutions and make healthy changes.

Dr. Maurie Patterson of Internal Medicine Associates in Shreveport is originally from Carthage, Texas, but has been living in Shreveport since 1979. She is a graduate of the LSU School of Medicine in Shreveport, and completed her residency at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland.

Linda Biernacki, President of Fire Tech Systems, Inc. founded the company in 1990 with the main focus of providing excellent customer service. Soon to be celebrating 25 years in business, Linda has expanded our service area to include a new office in Monroe and obtained licenses in six states: LA, TX, AR, OK, MS and AL.

At Absolutely Abigail’s, there is something to bring out the beauty in everyone,” says Donna Phillips, founder and proprietress. She started the business 15 years ago, and it has since become a chic, neighborhood boutique with international attention..

Holly Witte may be one of the only women in Shreveport who get to combine work and play on a daily basis - as the manager and buyer for Learning Express, she gets to dabble in both. “It’s just so much fun. I get to go to markets and toy conventions to get all the hot new products,” she said.

Women’s Health Associates, located inside the Willis- Knighton Bossier Health Center, believe that the combination of science and human issues is the core of women’s healthcare. They provide well-women exams, routine obstetrics, high-risk pregnancy management and consultation, preconception counseling and planning.

Terry Jackson, owner of Christian Dance Center, found the inspiration for her business when she was very young. “ I opened Christian Dance Center because I always loved dance but didn’t have the opportunity to learn as a child.

Casey Boyett, co-owner of Aperio Salon and Day Spa in Shreveport, is able to combine business and family in the best way possible. She and her mother, Janet Boyett, own and operate Aperio Salon together, which Casey counts as a blessing in her life. “My mentor is my mom.

Dr. Mary Taylor of The Center for Women’s Health and Wellness in Shreveport is a board certifi ed OB/GYN who is lucky enough to enjoy what she does. “I like to have an informal relationship with my patients. From the time they walk into my office until the time they leave, I want them to feel totally comfortable,” she said.

Alternatively, the team has opened up a satellite location, also inside the Pierremont Mall with budget friendly gowns, all $499 and under. “Our new Suite 5 location, gives our brides with a more modest budget a place where they can find a great deal on a wedding gown, and not miss out on the experience.

Deb Cockrell, owner of The Enchanted Garden in Shreveport has spent a lifetime creating. “I started when I was six years old. I’d make things and go door to door to the neighbors and they would always buy whatever I had. Then I would have little boutique shows at my parents - and I did that all the way through school,” she said.

Argent Financial celebrates its 25th Anniversary in May 2015. The tradition of excellent service and the reputation of trust and integrity are still the cornerstones of the organization.

Rebecca Evans, owner of Chateau en Mae, has been blessed to find her calling early on in life. At only 26, Evans just passed the one year mark since opening her store - named for her grandmother. “I opened the store on April 25, 2014 as a tribute to my grandmother Mary Ann Evans who we affectionately call “Mae”.

Leigh Ann Miller, owner/instructor of Jazzercise Shreveport for the past seven years, knows how to make exercise a good time. “Jazzercise is a pulse-pounding, beat-pumping fitness program that gives fast results.

Joyce E. Feagin, MD is a native of Mobile, Ala., and a resident of Bossier City. She is a graduate of John L. LeFlore High School where she was named class valedictorian.

Donna Poimboeuf, owner of Doctor’s Lab, was always interested in science. “I went into the health field because it always came naturally to me, it was interesting, and there was security in it,” she said.”I was originally pre-med, but decided though I liked the idea of being in the medical field, I wanted to stay more behind the scenes.

Doctors Josephine Futrell and Sarah Glorioso of Ark-La-Tex Dermatology in Shreveport-Bossier City bring both extensive experience in their field as well as offer a full range of treatment and preventative services for their clients.

Jennifer Meeks is one local woman with a heart for children—and a sensitivity for parents needing some back-up! Meeks, Business Owner for Bello Nanny Agency, is a Shreveport native, who was first introduced to the nanny industry while living in Houston.

Dr. Lauren Runnels is part of one of the busiest OB/ GYN practices at Willis-Knighton South & the Center for Women’s Health. As a partner with Women’s Health Clinic, she doesn’t simply provide medical care but strives to develop relationships with her patients.

Dr. Catherine Speights is one of the doctors treating a diverse group of patients.“At the Quick Care clinics we are able to treat a diverse group of people from young to old,” Speights said. “The challenge faced daily as physicians in an urgent care setting is that we are not restricted to one discipline but to many.

Beth Woods is a professional educator with 30 years of experience in the field of education. As a native of Shreveport, La., Woods received her bachelor’s degree in education from Texas Christian University in 1986 and later earned her Master of Education from Louisiana State University in Shreveport.

Terri Schaffner, a Licensed Addiction Counselor, spent much of her life developing those “life lessons” that she draws from in her teaching and counseling style. After she made the decision to live a healthier lifestyle, she began to work towards turning her situation around, eventually developing Active Recovery, LLC, in 2012.

Katrina Thomas, the first African-American female State Farm Insurance agent in the history of Northwest Louisiana, has had quite a year.

Sewell, of Red River Internal Medicine, is board certified and a member of the American College of Physicians, American Medical Association, Louisiana State Medical Society and Bossier Parish Medical Society.

What started out as a simple, small massage therapy business is now one of the largest day spa and salons in the Ark-La-Tex. Kristi Tift, owner of Destiny Day Spa in Bossier City (and licensed massage therapist) and her dedicated therapists and technicians have built a sanctuary that not only offers services, they offer experiences.

Kimberly and Alexandra Harris are the stylish mother/daughter duo behind the fashion boutique LBD By Design. These women have been recognized for their fearless take on fashion and community involvement..

Pasta is one of the oldest and most revered foods, eaten as early as 5,000 B.C. In Italy, it is said a man’s character can be measured by how he eats his pasta.

In a large sauté pan, over medium heat, cook the pancetta until crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels. Pour off all of the oil except for 3 tablespoons.

OPEN HOUSE AND AIR SHOW, featuring the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. Free admission and parking. Gate open at 9 a.m. Show begins at 11 a.m. Barksdale Air force Base, Bossier City. www. barksdaleafbairshow.com..

FUN FOR THE FAMILY MAY 1: PRE-MOTHER’S DAY GOSPEL FEST, featuring legendary Gospel recording artist, Bishop Rance Allen with area guest artists: Johnny Shepherd, Don Pope, Ron Lynn & TCS, and Soulfruit. Hosted by Joseph Lindsey and Bruce Johnson. 7 p.m. 520 Olive St.

Charisse Gibson of KSLA was chosen by the judges as the winner of the first “Dancing for the Cure” on April 4 at Horseshoe’s Riverdome. She was among six broadcast personalities in the contest competing to win the Pink Mirror Ball trophy. Contestants were judged on skill, appearance and audience participation.

The Red River Revel hosted its annual fundraiser CORK Wine Festival, which celebrated 10 years March 28 at Festival Plaza in downtown Shreveport. The sold out crowd of 1,600 sampled an extraordinary selection of wines from all over the country.

The historic Shreveport Municipal Memorial Auditorium held the 67th anniversary Holiday In Dixie Cotillion on April 10. This year’s theme was The Golden Twenties, which had a classic Art Deco look and feel. His Royal Majesty Rex LXVII was Dr. David John Clemons and Regina LXVII was Mae Allen Hargrove.

I learned about this takeaway from a Seth Godin speech that Bryan heard. ‘When was the last time you did something for the first time?’ he asked, which told her to use some open-heart surgery to cut pride, judgment and self-righteousness out of her heart.