Education

Love Where You Lead

Superintendent Michael Beresford Has Worked His Entire Career To Ensure Our Kids Become Good Humans Article by Andrea Kulsrud | Photography by Logan Clark (Thynk Creative) As the freshness of spring blooms, Carmel City Lifestyle  got to reflect with the outgoing superintendent of Carmel Clay Schools, Michael Beresford, Ed.D. — affectionately known as “Dr. B” by students. The changing season feels symbolic as he prepares to close one chapter and begin another: retirement at the end of this...

Home Services

Simplifying Spaces

For Three Generations, The Ross Family Has Been Building a Legacy With a Single Mission Article by Ally Straczek | Photography by Brianna Richardson Closet Concepts Inc., a three-generational company, prioritizes family values while creating storage solutions for central Indiana residents.  “For more than 30 years, our team has designed closets, pantries, garages and more,” says Michelle Ross, vice president of human resources and accounting.  Ross’s father-in-law, Bob, started Closet...

Home Services

Tackling the Honey-Do List

Don't Let Those Undone Projects Diminish the Value of Your Home Article by Amy Adams Let’s just admit it. We all have that list of repairs, maintenance and improvements we need to do around our homes. Whether it’s that we don’t have the time or don’t have the know-how, we seem to keep adding to the list without really checking anything off.  “My wife has a list,” says Chris Bennett, owner of Handyman Now. “There’s a hole there; that door sticks.” This is exactly what Bennett had in mind when...

Life + Culture

Fashion Forward

Prevail Aids Survivors of Crime and Abuse Article by Amy Adams | Photography by Lori Adams For nearly 40 years, Prevail has provided comprehensive advocacy and support to victims of crime and abuse throughout Hamilton County, having helped more than 3,100 victims last year alone. In its 13th year, Prevail’s Spring Fashion Show invites community members and local vendors to join them in their mission. Following browsing and social time, a delicious luncheon leads into the eagerly anticipated...

Arts + Culture

In Full Bloom

Cecily Fox Spreads Beauty One Bouquet at a Time Article by Amy Adams | Photography by Logan Clark (Thynk Creative) Flowers speak to people in so many ways — a vibrant array of colors representing love and  congratulations, soft petals and sweet perfume offering comfort and peace.  “I can’t look at a bunch of colors and the faces of flowers and not be happy,” says Cecily Fox, owner of Sweet Peas Flower Farm.  Fox grew up on her family’s farm in Hamilton County.  “The love of the outdoors...

Food + Beverage

The Sweeter Side Of Life

Beyond Iconic Confections, Cake Bake Founder Gwendolyn Rogers Creates Joy Article by Amy Adams | Photography by Logan Clark (Thynk Creative) It’s nearly impossible to live in the Carmel area and not know about The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers in Carmel City Center, or its sister location in Broad Ripple. From birthdays and anniversaries to brunch and afternoon tea, Cake Bake is the go-to spot for a celebratory atmosphere with a full tantalizing menu and a plethora of decadent desserts...

Health + Wellness

What Your Body Needs

Elizabeth Cain Shares What Has Helped Her Through a Difficult Diagnosis Article by Amy Adams | Photography by Brianna Richardson Photography In the spring of 2015, Elizabeth Cain lay hospitalized following the onset of a series of odd symptoms, mentally shocked and frightened at her recent diagnosis of muscular sclerosis (MS), a degenerative autoimmune disease for which there is no cure.  Cain says the words of Andy Dufresne, played by actor Tim Robbins in The Shawshank Redemption, kept...

Fitness

Getting to the Core

Strength, Stability and Mobility — It’s ELEMENTAL Article by Amy Adams | Photography by Brianna Richardson Photography What do you get when you combine the passions of a former competitive softball player certified in Pilates and the GYROTONIC Method with a former professional football player who has a degree in exercise science and years of experience as a strength and conditioning coach? You get ELEMENTAL — a specialty fitness and lifestyle practice started by Jessica Strom and Chris...

Finance + Legal Services

Enriching Lives

Caring For Clients, Colleagues and the Community Article by Amy Adams | Photography by Logan Clark (Thynk Creative) Every year, the United Way of Central Indiana bestows its Spirit United award on an organization that exemplifies a culture of giving back and making a positive impact on the community. In 2024, that award went to Goelzer Investment Management. For the past 11 years, the local investment firm has celebrated 100 percent of its team members contributing to the United Way, which...

Health + Wellness

Every Smile a Work of Art

Making the World a Better Place One Smile at a Time Article by Amy Adams | Photography by Logan Clark (Thynk Creative) Dr. Tasha Hall knows the importance of a smile. It can be the defining characteristic of a person’s appearance.  “Smiles are part of every photo,” she says. “It’s your first impression in an interview.” However, Hall understands firsthand that not everyone feels comfortable smiling.  For more than a decade, she served as Director of Craniofacial Orthodontics at Indiana...