Entrepreneurs

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Image: womenonthefence.com

Entrepreneurs arlingtontoday.com • June 2018 • ARLINGTON TODAY

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Great Skin Spa & Facial Club

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3851 S.W. Green Oaks Blvd. • 817-478-2114 • greatskin4you.com

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renda Cureton Smith, owner of Great Skin Spa & Skin Care, Great Skin Franchising Company and The Great Skin Care Co., LLC, began her career in the beauty business 12 years ago as the first U.S. franchisee of Canadian-based FACES Cosmetics.

From the multitude of experiences she gained from such, Brenda developed Great Skin Spa & Skin Care, headquartered in Arlington, eight years ago, where the company has continued to grow and gain notoriety as an exceptional day spa and skin care provider, and GS is known for clients getting excellent results.

Brenda’s original interest in beauty stemmed from her many years of being intrigued by learning how to take care of her skin – how to retain its youth, how to age gracefully and how to use makeup as an enhancement vs. having to rely on it and still feel great about your appearance after removing your makeup. She pondered how to make receiving professional spa services a part of personal care vs. a special occasional visit or gift due to affordability.

Additionally, she recognized the need for relaxation, and the connection between looking good and feeling good (you know, feeling like a star or someone “Rich and Famous,” so to speak), all while feeling celebrated as a client and having your needs met through someone knowledgeable who partners with you to meet your skin and body care needs.

Brenda’s original interest in bringing FACES Cosmetics to the U.S. was focused on being able to serve every skin tone of the world; to offer high-quality spa services to women, teens and men, affordably, in a spa atmosphere; and to see women as a whole experience enhancing their beauty and really looking forward to their beauty visits at her franchise location in the Parks Mall.

However, while it was an incredible brand and her store became the top store among the company’s 50 worldwide locations, the corporate challenges were outside of her ability to impact.

As she watched four women in different parts of the world have to close their franchise location of FACES, she found it necessary to have to start over from scratch, literally, at 50 years old, and worked diligently to develop a brand, concept and operating principals that embodied all of what she had learned and found to be important to clients with great consideration on what it takes to run a quality business so that it thrives and clients receive greatness and meet their beauty and skin care goals. Great Skin operates on principals of integrity, service, commitment and results! Clients rave about Great Skin, the results they get and the customer service and being a GS Facial Club member.

Great Skin is now a franchise company, and while Brenda is an operating Master Esthetician, she is also the CEO of the company. Great Skin is an award-winning Day Spa and skin care company, well known for highly respecting each client’s goals and working with them to achieve those goals by fully understanding and matching their needs to the perfect skin care treatment plan and home care system. A brief needs assessment is done with each client prior to developing a treatment plan that is fitted to

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Brenda Cureton Smith founded Great Skin Spa & Facial Club just over eight years ago.

their exact needs. Often, your Great Skin esthetician will ask you to take a picture of your skin and/or body prior to the treatment and throughout the treatment plan so you, too, can celebrate your success of achieving your goals. It’s about partnership at Great Skin! Great Skin’s slogan is “Relax, Rewind, Renew!

SERVICES OFFERED: Great Skin specializes in Anti Aging; Acne; hyperpigmentation skin treatments; Facials; Chemical Peels; LED; Microneedling; Microdermabrasion; Waxing; Slimming Body Treatment, including non-surgical Fat Cavitation; Cellulite Treatments (Endermologie); Foot Detoxing, Makeovers, Teeth Whitening and their award-winning Skin Care. Their signature product series is their Anti Aging Gold Tox System, a home care system that reduces wrinkles, dark spots, fine lines and increases collagen.

WHAT SETS THE COMPANY APART: Exceptional customer service, knowledgeable and educated skin and body care specialists, Affordable Pricing, Facial Club membership. Brenda is a resident of Arlington, originally from Wisconsin, and she holds a Bachelors Degree in Professional communication. She previously worked for AH Belo, the Dallas Morning News and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. She invites and welcomes readers to come in and experience Great Skin Spa & Facial Club and the myriad of services and products it offers, as well as those interested in owning a Great Skin franchise location(s)! The company is expanding its locations throughout Texas and offers a turnkey franchise program that includes everything needed to successfully own and operate your own Great Skin Spa & Facial Club!

PS: Even though FACES is no longer offered in the U.S., you can purchase its foundation & powders at Great Skin!

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We help each client navigate their journey to a meaningful retirement.

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Specializes in retirement income planning.

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Specializes in financial planning for professionals and business owners.

For a no-obligation visit with one of their friendly and knowledgeable financial advisors, contact Derrick Kinney & Associates at 817-419-6001 or online at DerrickKinney.com.

John Parker

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Parker & Richardson, P.C. • 500 E. Broad St., Mansfield • 817-226-6100 • parkercpas.com Texas Insurance Agency • 500 E. Broad St., Suite 150, Mansfield • 817-226-9988 • texasins.net

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ohn Parker is a principal at two local businesses: the CPA firm, Parker & Richardson, P.C.. and an insurance company, Texas Insurance Agency. Both have been in business in the Arlington/Mansfield area since the early 2000s, helping North Texas area clients meet their respective accounting and insurance needs. Here, he shares his thoughts on his companies and how they effectively serve their customers ...

ABOUT PARKER & RICHARDSON: I am fortunate to be involved in two distinct and separate businesses, the first being the CPA firm, Parker & Richardson, P.C. This firm was started in 2004, but its origination dates back to my solo CPA practice that started in 1995. Over the years, it has evolved into a boutique practice that specializes in catering to the distinct needs of our business owners. As both an entrepreneur and business owner, I can relate to and understand the issues associated with owning and operating a business. This experience, coupled with my tax expertise, allows me to be as tax-efficient as possible when assisting clients.

John Parker owns and operates two local companies: Parker & Richarson, P.C., and Texas Insurance Agency.

ABOUT TEXAS INSURANCE AGENCY: My other business venture is an insurance agency, Texas Insurance Agency, that has several locations in the north Texas area. The insurance agency started in 2001 and has grown steadily year after year.

SERVICES: The CPA firm provides tax planning and tax preparation, as well as accounting and consulting. We have several clients that have us handle all facets of their accounting needs. On the insurance side, we provide auto, homeowners, life and commercial insurance. We represent some of the best-known carriers, including: Allstate, Hartford, Progressive, Safeco and Travelers.

WHAT SETS THE COMPANIES APART: Both businesses work off of the same principles. We provide great service and do what is best for the client. These principles have been emphasized from day one and continue to be our focus on a daily basis. We truly care about our clients and their businesses. They see this and really come to trust and appreciate our services.

CONSULTATION INFORMATION: The best way for a prospective client to contact us is to call our CPA office at 817-226-6100 or the insurance office at 817-226-9988. I personally call back each prospective client to make sure that we can provide value to them. If it seems like we have the potential to help the client, we schedule them for a free initial consultation to discuss everything in more detail. My goal is to gain an understanding of the client so we can help him/her to succeed and accomplish their goals.

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Photo: Southern Flair Photography

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Audiology Experts 1261 W. Green Oaks Blvd., Suite 105 • 817-451-4818 • audiologyexperts.com

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udiology Experts is a privately-owned audiology and hearing aid practice located in North West Arlington that was founded in 2008 by Dr. Lisa B. Fell and Dr. Kristin Robbins. The Board Certified Audiologists – and longtime friends – have steadily grown the practice by providing patient-friendly service and by implementing state-of-the-industry technology to help patients successfully address hearing issues.

PRACTICE HISTORY: Colleagues and friends since the mid-1990s, Dr. Fell and Dr. Robbins have enjoyed complementing parallel careers. They earned their Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) degrees from Arizona School of Health Sciences Center and both also hold undergraduate and master’s degrees from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. Prior to opening Audiology Experts, they worked together at an ENT clinic in Arlington as clinical audiologists.

“We are not only audiologists but mothers who desired a balanced life – helping patients be Dr. Kristin Robbins and Dr. Lisa B. Fell successful and participating in the day-to-day while Photo: Southern Flair Photography our children were young,” Dr. Fell says. “Audiology Experts started small, but with big ideas of how to best hearing and communication possible for individuals with hearing loss who best serve people with hearing loss we’ve seen our practice flourish. Using our want to live full and busy lives: “We were founded on the belief that success expertise, we are able to educate the families of patients, as well. A decade of with hearing instruments depends on accurate diagnostic testing, excellent steady growth means the future is very bright.” service, experience and dedication to our patients.”

SERVICES: Audiology Experts is a provider-based practice for the hearingCOMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Audiology Experts supports the Kiwanis impaired and hearing aid consumers. Dr. Fell and Dr. Robbins have high Club of Arlington and Boys & Girls Clubs of Arlington via Cinderella Ball. Dr. standards of care for maximizing the consumer’s hearing, listening and Fell speaks to organizations that want to know more about hearing loss and communicative abilities so they can continue to be productive in their daily its effects. Dr. Robbins visits with local physicians and their staff members, professional and personal activities. In addition to hearing evaluations and hearing providing information about the importance of recognizing hearing loss and aid fitting, they offer tinnitus evaluation and management, custom solutions for where to refer those patients to the hearing care they need. hearing protection, assistive listening devices and hearing aid supplies.

PROFESSIONAL PHILOSOPHY: “Hearing healthcare is more than just fitting hearing aids!” Dr. Robbins says. “Hearing loss is being linked to many things people find important today, such as mental health matters, including depression. What we do works in relationship with physicians to give them a more complete picture about their patient’s health because hearing loss means more than saying ‘huh?’ We take time to look at the individual concerns and medical health – more studies are showing how health conditions like diabetes, dementia and heart disease are being linked to hearing loss.”

Dr. Fell says Audiology Experts wants the people of DFW to know that Arlington has a thriving, privately owned practice of audiologists who want the

WHAT MAKES THE PRACTICE SPECIAL: Audiology Experts takes the time to put patients at ease by guiding them through the maze of options and correcting all the clutter of misinformation that the hearing aid advertisements provide.

“Our goal is to build lasting relationships with each patient,” Dr. Fell says. “Trust and confidence are integral to a patient receiving the most rewarding and unique hearing care experience he or she deserves. Our recommendations for managing hearing is tailored toward optimizing comfort, communication, and happiness. Pursuing hearing aids with a caring provider at a conveniently located office with a friendly, well-trained staff makes the reward of better hearing and easier communication much more satisfying for all involved.” arlingtontoday.com • June 2018 • ARLINGTON TODAY

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John R. Lively Sr. and John R. Lively Jr.

Lively & Associates, PLLC 301 Commerce St., Suite 2900, Fort Worth 817-532-3110 • LivelyLLP.com

he law firm of Lively & Associates, PLLC, is a boutique business and litigation firm located in Fort Worth. Lively & Associates was founded in 2008 and is known for its keen focus on its clients, keeping them informed and involved throughout the legal process. PRACTICE HISTORY: Though the firm was founded in 2008, the attorneys representing the firm have served the community and surrounding areas since 1965. The firm’s attorneys – John R. Lively, John R. Lively Jr., Daniel Aguilar and David F. Farris – are licensed to practice in all courts in Texas at both the state and federal levels and the United States Supreme Court. A ‘CLIENT FIRST’ FOUNDATION: Legal strategies are developed to fit the client’s specific needs, goals, and objectives. The attorneys possess a broad knowledge of business that allows them to identify and seize upon critical issues specific to a wide range of business practices.

PROFESSIONAL PHILOSOPHY: Lively & Associates specializes in business law to protect clients who have family businesses both big and small. “Working together with my father has allowed us to truly understand the personal side as well as the daily operations of these businesses,” John R. Lively Jr. says.

“There is so much that goes into a family business. We are here to help.” The firm’s primary areas of practice include Business Law, Business Litigation, Civil Appellate Law, Creditor Rights, Estate Planning and Probate, Oil and Gas, Real Estate, and Alternative Dispute Resolution. WHAT MAKES LIVELY & ASSOCIATES SPECIAL: “Rarely found in a firm of this size, the attorneys and support staff possess the technological capabilities and resources of a large law firm while retaining the personal attention of a small firm,” Lively says. “With over 80 years of experience in the courtrooms in Tarrant, Dallas and surrounding counties in both state and federal jurisdictions, we have a vast knowledge of the judicial process as well as Alternative Dispute Resolution.”

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Fontana’s Fine Cuisine 6407 S. Cooper St., Suite 101 • 682-323-5704 fontanasfinecuisine.com

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hough it has been open in Arlington only since January 2017, Fontana’s Fine Cuisine has been providing fine dining experiences for patrons for more than 40 years. Owner Reza Rajestari comes from a family of restaurateurs, who have devoted their careers to providing the best experience in cultural cuisine and fine service. ABOUT THE OWNER: Rajestari has a passion for offering fine dining experiences. “I came from a family in the business, and I’ve pretty much done this my entire life,” he says. “I remember when I was about 10 or 12 lending a hand at my family’s restaurant, doing whatever was needed.

It is kind of in my blood. It’s something I love to do.” HOW FONTANA’S CAME TO BE: Rajestari says he decided to open Fontana’s Fine Cuisine after taking a look at the local dining environment and deciding he could provide something that was missing. “I wanted to open something that was totally different than what was already out there,” he says. “We decided even before we opened that we would become the exception.” WHAT MAKES THE RESTAURANT EXCEPTIONAL: Rajestari says Fontana’s is special from A to Z. “Our service, our quality, our scratch kitchen – everything is made from scratch; nothing is pre-prepared – all these things are what sets us apart,” he says. “We don’t even have a walk-in cooler here. When we say it’s fresh, it’s fresh.” The restaurant also has an extensive wine menu – more than 100 selections. And Rajestari and the staff take special pride in the setting. “With experience in cultural cuisine and fine service, we are pleased to bring to the table an unforgettable night with love and joy.” THE RESTAURANT’S PHILOSOPHY: “We want people to be familiar with fine-dining style. At the same time, they don’t have to pay for finedining style,” Rajestari says. “Because of the love and passion we have for the business, we are able to provide the ideal dining experience, and our guests tell us over and over how much they appreciate that.”

The winning team at Prince Lebanese Grill

Photo: Southern Flair Photography

Prince Lebanese Grill, Inc. 502 W. Randol Mill Road • 817-469-1811 princelebanesegrill.com

you

are our most important asset

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he Original Prince Lebanese Grill opened its doors in March of 1989. The current location opened in 2007. Here Manager Aziz Kobty talks about how the restaurant has been doing business in Arlington for almost 30 years. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME AN ENTREPRENEUR? My family comes from a long line of entrepreneurs.

Most of my uncles, cousins and other family members own their own businesses. So you could say it is in my blood. However, my biggest inspiration is definitely my father. He came to this country over 40 years ago to start a new life. He did not start with much, his father passed when he was very young, and his mom was a seamstress.

He taught me how to work hard, and treat people the right way. He has an unbelievable work ethic and commitment to his craft. I try to model everything I do in our business and life after the example he has set. WHAT WAS IT ABOUT YOUR FIELD THAT DREW YOU IN THAT DIRECTION? I love sharing food and experiences with people. For my family we grew up really enjoying hosting people at our house. I really enjoy sharing culture and conversation. My family has always done this through hospitality. I love firing up the grill and creating an atmosphere where people can come enjoy delicious food and a pleasant experience. WHAT SERVICES DOES YOUR EATERY OFFER? Prince is a full-service restaurant. We offer dine in, take out, catering, and online delivery. We specialize in top-quality food. We use the freshest of ingredients and take pride in providing tasty healthy options. Our style of food is Lebanese/Mediterranean. But more than that we provide a dynamic environment where you can enjoy a great meal with your friends and family. WHAT IS YOUR PROFESSIONAL PHILOSOPHY? As entrepreneurs, it’s important to have a vision, and bring that vision to life through your business. Our vision at Prince is top-quality food, reasonable prices and a family environment.

Prince Lebanese Grill’s philosophy is to take care of others. From the customers to the Staff we strive to treat everyone like family. We try to bring this passion into everything that we do here, and I think people can taste it in the food.

Linda Magazzine Michael Cunningham 817-980-8733 817-654-8445 lindamagazzine@ebby.com michaelcunningham@ebby.com Kathy Rogers 817-988-1975 kathyrogers@ebby.com

Susan Daniels 817-797-5076 susandaniels@ebby.com

Linda Broadus 817-929-0082 lindabroadus@ebby.com

arlingtontoday.com • June 2018 • ARLINGTON TODAY

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Dr. Kenyon Godwin founded Active Family Wellness Center in 2008.

Active Family Wellness Center 4927 S. Collins St., Suite 105 (817) 532-3110 • txwellnessdoc.com

ho Needs Chiropractic & Wellness?

Less than 10% of the population visits a chiropractor; why choose the narrow path? Americans have been conditioned that the doctor-insurance companies are responsible for their health, pills and quick fixes are real solutions, and that holistic methods are risky. This mentality has us spending the most with the worst health of all major countries. My favorite health quote is, “You can’t medicate your way out of a problem you behaved your way into!” A healthy lifestyle is the answer: a healthy spine, eating, moving, thinking and sleeping better. This is why I chose to be your chiropractor, wellness expert, speaker, and health advocate.

We have the resources, programs and results to drive Arlington to the healthiest city in Texas (Currently #8). To do this, it will require us to expand our influence; therefore we are looking to open a second office in North Arlington this fall!

Our office has two new premium programs. The first is our “8 Weeks to Wellness,” guaranteed to change your life in eight weeks. Recently, a participant lost 21 pounds and seven inches off of their waist! We are proud to be one of three offices in the state of Texas to offer it and the only one in Arlington! The program is aimed at preventing and reversing Inflammation and Metabolic Syndrome, the culprits to chronic diseases. Save your spot at our next FREE, no-obligation orientation.

Imagine aging without feeling or looking old? We have a premium health and wellness curriculum designed for our community at all levels. We want to help the women in our community to be that SuperWife and SuperMom. While helping the men be the SuperMan and SuperDad without fatigue and limitations. This new approach will dramatically change households, communities and the Greater Arlington Area. Follow us online at facebook/ ActiveFamilyWellness for our weekly videos to reveal more info soon and helpful videos.

Learn how to get your FREE health report when you sign up for our education process. Call our office, check out our website, testimonials and reviews for real results!

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Stephanie Foster Gilbert

Stephanie Foster Gilbert 4214 Little Road, Suite 1000 817-277-2805 • stephaniefosterlawyer.com 46

ARLINGTON TODAY • June 2018 • arlingtontoday.com

tephanie Foster Gilbert started her legal firm, The Law Offices of Stephanie A. Foster, P.C., in 1992, and for more than two and a half decades she has been devoted to the practice of family law. WHY SHE BECAME A LAWYER: “I always wanted to be an attorney,” she says. “My father, John Foster, is an attorney. When I was a child, I would beg him to take me to work with him at his law firm every summer.” Her father always sparked a lively dinner conversation by challenging his three young daughters to solve legal dilemmas.

All three became lawyers. THE LEGAL TEAM: The firm has produced a formidable team that also features Associate Attorney Michael Muñoz (2 years), Legal Assistant Ashleigh Bell (20 years), Paralegal Sandra Patino (15 years), Legal Assistant Stephanie Bryce (1 year) and Administrative Assistant Kathryn Spencer (1 year). Together they concentrate on family legal issues, including divorce, modifications, custody, child support, spousal support, visitation, enforcement of custody/support, paternity and step-parent adoption.

PHILOSOPHY: From day one, Stephanie Foster Gilbert has focused on family law at her practice. “My professional philosophy is divorce with dignity,” she says. “I was one of the first attorneys trained in collaborative law, in 2008. Collaborative Law is a way to divorce with dignity with no courts and no war.” She believes the collaborative law process is a powerful way to generate creative solutions in family law disputes while minimizing financial and emotional damage to the couple and their children, all the while promoting post-divorce psychological and financial health of the restructured family. FAMILY: Married 22 years to Richard Gilbert, with two children, two stepchildren and a step-grandaughter, Stephanie Foster Gilbert believes her parenting roles as a mother, stepmother and grandmother have given her insight and sensitivity to understand her clients. She is especially happy to be able to continue a family tradition started by her father in Arlington. “I take great care and pride in serving families in the community where I grew up,” she says, adding that her best service isn’t marked by a victory in the courtroom. “My proudest professional moment is when I am able to work my magic and reconcile a marriage instead of terminating it.”

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Photo: Southern Flair Photography

Helen Burnell, Kathy Hart and Cami Green

The Pilates Effect, LLC Shoppes at Brownstone Village 2410 W. Abram St., Suite 112 • 214-558-0996 thepilateseffect.com

he Pilates Effect, which opened in April 2017, is a fully equipped Pilates Studio dedicated to the overall well being of its clients. Studio Owner/ Instructor Cami Green says she has long wanted to teach and help people accomplish their health and fitness goals by means of Pilates.

HOW THE COMPANY CAME TO BE: There was not a studio to teach out of in Arlington, so I opened one! I am from Fort Worth and graduated from UTA in 1990, I moved back to Arlington in 2013 and saw an opportunity for a Pilates boutique type studio, tailored to its clients, their fitness goals and fitness issues.

I am STOTT certified. ABOUT THE PILATES EFFECT: The Pilates training that I have is geared toward the individual, their needs and specifications to their body type, fitness level and or any issues keeping them from their goals.

We are trained to deal with these different body types and needs and on how to correct them. Our studio and type of Pilates training isn’t a one-size-fits-all, its specific to the individual. COMPANY SPECIFICS: We are a fully equipped Pilates studio, offering classes for every fitness level and private sessions for more individualized private Pilates training. We offer Mat with Props, Reformer, Stability Chair, Barre and Core class, and we now are teaching the specialized Facia training class, The MELT Method. There are three instructors, Cami Green (owner), Helen Burnell and Kathy Hart, all three are STOTT trained and certified instructors, Kathy is certified in The MELT Method. PROFESSIONAL PHILOSOPHY: I always tell my clients, while we are serious about the body and applying the most effective training for your needs and goals, this isn’t the military ... its about having fun and feeling at ease and being comfortable with yourself and comfortable at the studio. First and foremost, the studio is for the CLIENTS, what’s best for them, what they need and want. WORTH NOTING: We are offering a new client special, $75 for one private and two group classes.

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C&W Antiques 2100 N. Hwy 360, Suite 705-706, Grand Prairie 817-637-7637 • candwantiques.com

or the past two decades, C & W Antiques has offered unique, rare and interesting furniture and accessories not found at most stores stateside.

From their flagship showroom in Grand Prairie, Co-proprietors Jim Carpenter and Patrick Walsh create an inviting ambiance with fragrant Market candles, music and vignettes of old-world rooms that stimulate the senses.

PROFESSIONAL PHILOSOPHY: “C & W Antiques’ philosophy is to make each customer feel welcome,” Walsh says. “With our passion for antiques, we welcome each customer and provide a friendly atmosphere for their unique shopping experience. We treat each customer like family.” UNIQUE PRODUCTS: C & W Antiques specializes in 17th, 18th and 19th century English and French furniture. It also has an exquisite collection of original fine art by Italian, French, Russian, English and US artists, and its Faberge Collection is the largest in the state of Texas and perhaps the world.

SPECIAL TOUCHES: During the holidays and other important occasions, the show room is filled with attractive floral arrangements and decorations by Mark Roberts. Carpenter and Walsh often host small events and gatherings at C&W Antiques and take special pride in adorning the show room appropriately.

“This serves as an excellent backdrop for these events, which have become commonplace at C & W,” Walsh says, noting that patrons can book a “Sip and Shop” event by calling 817-637-7637. OTHER SERVICES: In addition to in-store service, C&W Antiques offers consultations at a customer’s home by appointment. Carpenter and Walsh post updates on items of interest and special occasions on the company’s Facebook page, facebook.com/C-WAntiques-1056529407749350. HOURS OF OPERATION: The show room is open Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Monday through Friday by appointment. arlingtontoday.com • June 2018 • ARLINGTON TODAY

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Julie Short is a new City Council member in Mansfield.

Julie Short 682-552-4384 facebook.com/julie.short.54540

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ansfield City Council has a few new faces after this most recent election. Julie Short is your new City Council Member, Place 5, winning the majority of the vote on May 5 and is currently the only woman on council. Julie says her love of the city is what motivated her to run. She and husband, Stoney Short, have been involved with many charities, boards and commissions throughout the city over the past 15 years, including; Mansfield Cares, The Caring Place, MISD Education Foundation, Mansfield Churches For the City, Feed the Kids and many others.

Both Julie and Stoney run their own businesses, a successful real estate team with Coldwell Banker and Mansfield Custom Homes, respectively, and Julie believes that as with any successful endeavor you do not do it alone.

She attributes the success of this campaign to her family and friends who encouraged her and spent so much time and effort in support of her run for office, and to the citizens of Mansfield that believe she will continue its positive growth moving forward.

Communication was a big focus for Short, and she plans to update citizens after each council meeting with her “SHORT TAKES” on what happened in each meeting in case citizens weren’t able to attend or watch online. Like her Facebook page for updates, Julie Short, Mansfield City Council Place 5.

Photo courtesy of Julie Short

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Mary Davis with her husband Doug

Mary Davis 2504 W. Park Row Drive, Suite A • 817- 542-0862 anythinggoesgiftshop.com 48

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nything Goes has become a favorite “Go To” place in Pantego/Arlington for all your gift buying needs from infants to adults. Fun and unique products line the shelves and are hand selected by Mary Davis, whose keen eye brings the fun into shopping from visit to visit. HOW THE COMPANY CAME TO BE: Anything Goes started out as a dream and has far exceeded Mary’s expectations. Beginning with 1,200 square feet, Anything Goes has gone through two expansions and now occupies over 3,600 square feet of showroom space.

The growth has been exciting and is attracting customers from all over the Metroplex. A “CUSTOMER FIRST” PHILOSOPHY: Ten- to 12-hour days are not unusual, and though Anything Goes is closed on Sunday and Monday, you may still be able to shop if the lights are on. Although Mary’s responsibilities include the overall operations of the store, her main philosophy is to keep the customer first and ensure that each person that comes to Anything Goes has a great shopping experience. WHAT SETS ANYTHING GOES APART: Mary’s fun and caring personality shows when trying to find that special gift for a friend or loved one. Mary also encourages customers to provide input on what gift lines they would like to see Anything Goes carry in the store. Mary believes that communicating with her customers is the key to building long-term relationships and enhances business success. Mary also is committed to partnering with the community, non-profits and local schools. WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU SHOP AT ANYTHING GOES: Many customers who come into Anything Goes say its like shopping with family. That’s largely because Anything Goes is a family business. Mary’s husband Doug, the Mayor of Pantego, is often in the store, helping her entertain customers. “Our goal,” Mary says, “is to provide you with a one-stop unique gift shop with selection opportunities for a wide variety of occasions.”