Life + Culture

Built on Movement

Turning a passion for fitness into a purposeful path Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Kerry Paradis Photography For Kelly Backert, the path to opening Kore Barre & Yoga didn’t begin with a business plan. It started with movement, connection, and a willingness to follow where life led. “I was in my early twenties and took group fitness classes, and I started to get into spin classes,” she said. What began as a personal interest quickly evolved. “In 2006, when my first son was born...

Life + Culture

Events with Heart and Purpose

A local entrepreneur shaping events with Intention and impact Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Contributing Photographers Beth Laverick has spent years building events that feel easy to walk into and hard to leave. From her Baltimore Seafood Festival and Wine Fest to the Susquehanna Wine & Seafood Fest, her events are where families settle in, kids stay entertained, and the day unfolds simply with friends and family. Her path into the industry started early and almost by accident...

Life + Culture

Creating Opportunities for Every Ability

Serving adults across the community with programs based on skills, connection, and opportunity. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Kerry Paradis Photography In 1961, Dr. and Mrs. Palmer launched the Harford Center in their living room after identifying a need for support of children with developmental disabilities. Over time, the organization grew, including location changes and an evolving population of participants in the program. As the school-aged children began attending public...

Life + Culture

Style, Confidence, and Community

Boutique owner Ashley Owings shares the summer wardrobe staples to reach for this season. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Contributing Photogaphers Please tell us a little about Bray & Em: Bray & Em Boutique was built in 2016 from a deep love of women, confidence, and community. It all started in my home and has grown into a brick-and-mortar and online [business] serving thousands of women locally and across the United States. I didn’t open the store just to sell clothing; I...

Life + Culture

A Mother's Mission to Protect

Championing CPR awareness and heart screenings for student athletes and beyond Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Contributing Photographers In May 2021, Patrice Bullock’s world shifted in an instant when her 16-year-old son, Bailey, collapsed during a track event as a result of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). What followed has become both a deeply personal journey and a powerful mission to protect others. Through Bailey’s Heart & Soul Foundation, Bullock is working to ensure that lives...

Home + Design

Your Curated Home

Rediscovering your happiness: a home that celebrates you. Article by Alisha Garlie | Photography by Contributing Photographers Picture your bedroom at sixteen. The walls weren’t chosen for resale value or trends -- they were yours. Maybe it was blush paint, butterflies, or band posters that made you feel alive. Whatever it was, walking into that room felt empowering. Somewhere between carpools, meetings, and building a beautiful life, many women have traded personal joy for “what’s...

Food + Beverage

A Bright Sip for Sunny Days

Mucho Gusto shares its refreshing MG Mojito, a citrusy, minty cocktail perfect for warm weather and easy entertaining. Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Contributing Photographers Mucho Gusto’s first location opened in Bel Air in 2020 and has since thrived with expansions to Towson and Gambrills. While the menu boasts classic Mexican flavors in its tacos, enchiladas, and more, all crafted with locally-sourced ingredients when possible, it also serves up Maryland-style flavors in...

Life + Culture

Restoring Confidence Through Care and Connection

Helping women navigate treatment with confidence and care Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Contributing Photographers For Michelle Ward, a longtime stylist at Hair Bliss in Bel Air, beauty has always been about more than appearances. It’s about helping women feel like themselves, especially during the moments when that feels hardest. “I think when I got into doing hair years and years ago, it was to make people feel good in my chair,” she said. “I want people going through chemo...

Life + Culture

Restore, Refresh, Renew

A roundup of local spots where you can invest in yourself this season Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Contributing Photographers LifeMed Institute LifeMed Institute offers a welcoming space for anyone ready to feel more energized, balanced, and in tune with their health. With personalized testing, hormone support, regenerative therapies, and tailored wellness plans, the focus is on understanding your body and creating meaningful, lasting improvements. Clients often come seeking...

Home + Design

Where Vision Meets Community

Investing in vibrancy, walkability, and community Article by Jennifer Waldera | Photography by Kerry Paradis Photography Sometimes the biggest ideas begin with something deeply personal. For Wayne Goddard, the vision behind The Standard on Bond started during a visit to Greenville, South Carolina, where his daughter was attending Clemson University. The city’s vibrant downtown, walkable lifestyle, and modern mixed-use buildings made an impression on both of them, and his daughter loved the...