Professional Services

Meet Derek Dickow

Power connecting with purpose. Article by Susan Thwing | Photography by Wilson Sarkis Derek Dickow is more than a master networker — he’s a power connector, strategic advisor and executive coach who’s helped raise tens of millions of dollars for political campaigns, charitable causes and game-changing projects. Through his signature conference series, Power Connections, he brings together influential leaders for more than just handshakes and business cards — he creates spaces where meaningful...

May 2025

Food + Beverage

Homegrown

Detroit City Distillery celebrates a decade of spirits, stories and strong community roots. Article by Susan Thwing | Photography by Ryan Klosowski Tucked in the heart of Eastern Market, Detroit City Distillery (DCD) has been raising a glass to the Motor City’s resilience and spirit for 10 years. This year marked a major milestone for the distillery founded by eight friends who decided to bring an old-world craft into a new era — one batch, one bottle, one bold idea at a time. DCD creates...

May 2025

Life + Culture

The Home Team

At home with Red Wings Defenseman and devoted dad Jeff Petry and his family. Article and Photography by One Detroit Red Wing. One entrepreneur. A podcast, a clothing line, a foundation. And four spirited boys under nine. Piece of cake. The Petry family is a study in high-energy, productive, community-involved love. Farmington Hills-raised dad Jeff Petry, 37, is a Red Wings defenseman (and second-generation pro athlete — his own dad is Dan Petry, former Detroit Tigers pitcher and World...

May 2025

Life + Culture

In The Bag

Entrepreneur, style architect and global traveler Hajj Flemings gives us a peek at his carry-on essentials. Article by Lynne Konstantin | Photography by Aly Darin Roots Large Banff Bag in Cervino Leather. The ultimate weekender bag, with brass feet to avoid scuffing and interior zippered passport pocket. Roots, Birmingham; roots.com. Quiver Pen Holder and Moleskine Classic Notebook . Crafted from best-grade full-grain leather and handstitched with marine-grade thread, these pen holders are...

May 2025

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...

April 2025

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...

April 2025

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...

April 2025

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...

April 2025

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...

March 2025

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...

March 2025