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

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

Arts + Culture

Investing in the Arts

The Bellevue Arts Museum is fundraising to cover immediate operating expenses Photography by Courtesy of BAM The BAM, like most American museums, has been affected by revenue losses amid drops in attendance, fundraising, and retail sales since the end of the pandemic. Despite these uncertainties, the museum has a longstanding commitment to providing exceptional exhibitions, cross-cultural programming, and events, including the iconic Bellevue Arts Fair.   “I am heartened by the dedicated...

March 2024

Life + Culture

A Mission of Inclusivity

A local realtor's journey in autism awareness and advocacy Article by Bree O'Brien Britt Wibmer clearly remembers when her son Gabe was diagnosed with autism at the age of three, in 2011. At the time, she didn’t know much about autism and the diagnosis felt quite scary. A specialist handed her a huge book put out by Autism Speaks, and Wibmer didn’t receive much else in the way of resources. “I was asking myself, ‘How can I survive this?’ Gabe’s behaviors were challenging at the time, and no...

March 2024

Real Estate

2024 RE Market Insights

Our resident experts shed some light on what we can expect in the Bellevue housing market this year Photography by Panravee Photography and Jennie Pegouskie 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...

February 2024

Home Services

The Great Outdoors

These local companies can help you beautify your property Article and Photography by Florentino Quintana Landscaping and Construction Founded in 2003 with the goal of providing quality, affordable landscaping services to the community. Offering landscaping maintenance, fence and retaining wall installation, pressure washing, roof cleaning, and more. Florentinolandscaping.com Green Spaces Landscaping A turnkey design-build landscape company dedicated to serving the Seattle and Eastside...

February 2024

Real Estate

Enjoy the Process

Article by Bree O'Brien | Photography by Courtesy of Hoshide Wanzer Architects The Bellevue area has many beautiful homes, but sometimes you see something that is extra special. Founder Owen Roberts, President Zach Roberts, and Superintendent Matt Cantrell of Roberts Group - a family run company focusing on custom homes - sat down with Bellevue Lifestyle to talk about their recent Meydenbauer Project.  “Our client had acquired a really amazing piece of property, wooded and near a greenbelt,”...

February 2024

Home + Design

Persimmon Design: Inspired by Nature

Founder Anu Kurup shares her path and her passion Photography by Alexis Grosclaude Photography and Anu Kurup Tell us about your background, and what led you to start your business. I discovered my passion for architecture and design when I watched my dad design and build my childhood home in Kerala, India. Every evening was spent watching the home getting built, brick by brick. The construction site was my happy place. My mom is a brilliant homemaker with a keen eye for design and I was...

February 2024

Entertainment

The Madaraka Festival

A decade of celebrating African music and culture Article by Bree O'Brien | Photography by Assorted photographers as noted 2023 was the Madaraka Festival’s biggest year yet! Reaching over 25,000 attendees in events in New York, Atlanta, Dallas, Los Angeles, Washington DC, and Seattle at Benaroya Hall, Madaraka is the most consistent African festival in the US. This year looks to surpass 2023 with plans for 15 events in 13 cities with a total of 150,000 attendees and 50 million people...

January 2024