LIFESTYLE LETTER
Locals Leading the Way
We absolutely love assembling this LOVE LOCAL issue! This is a milestone for me as we close our first FULL calendar year publishing Preston Hollow City Lifestyle. I hope you and your families enjoy the local stories and businesses we are so fortunate to share with you our readers. We welcome new PHCL partners Diameco Jewelry and Elm Fork Beverage Company with featured stories this month introducing you to their new brands and innovative founders. It is because of our wonderful advertisers that we are able to create this local luxury publication and bring it to your coffee tables each month. Help us say thank you to all of them by supporting our impeccable roster of local businesses and services in Preston Hollow City Lifestyle.
BRET
MCKINNEY, PUBLISHER @PRESTONHOLLOWCITYLIFESTYLE
February 2025
PUBLISHER
Bret McKinney | bret.mckinney@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Melissa Mullen | melissa.mullen@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Stephen Reed, Nelson Taylor
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
Realtor
1: Selfie Shot with Co - Chairs 2: Tutu Chic Luncheon Co Chairs Katie Marie Grinold Sigfusson and Catalina Gonzalez-Jorba 3: Soloist Joamanuel Velazquez 4: Principal Dancer Alexandra F. Light 5: Soloist Samantha Pile 6: Studio Training Company Member Rose Grim 7: Retiring ballerina Alexandra F. Light
Diameco - Fine Jewelry for Rent
Introducing Diameco, a fine jewelry subscription service that allows you to wear beautiful jewelry and change your look each month. Choose from four tiers starting as low as $279 per month. Discover your pieces, browse the collection, keep jewelry pieces as long as you'd like or switch it up. Love a piece!? Buy it. Scan code or visit diameco.com and start adorning diamonds today!
The Standard Ranchwater
From the land of big skies, blazing days, cool nights, and slow pace, the STANDARD RANCH WATER is a far west texas legend. A smooth and delicious mix of 100% premium grade agave blanco tequila sourced from Jalisco, Mexico, refreshing sparkling water and fresh lime with an orange twist. This beverage is the standard by which all other ranch waters are based upon. RAISE YOUR STANDARD.
Rodman Steele Studio
At Rodman Steele Studio, our team proudly offers a dual experience, providing top-tier music education while also being your go-to destination for mesmerizing live performances. Our commitment to fostering the pure joy of music, preserving its artistry, offering personalized services, and delivering an unmatched experience under the guidance of industry-leading experts defines us. Register for your FIRST complimentary class today.
the CITY LIST
We have such amazing, innovative business leaders in our community who are proud to serve you, our residents, with class and quality. We’ve compiled some of our top company picks for the services that might be on your mind this month in an effort to make your lives a little easier.
Art Galleries
Samuel Lynne Galleries samuellynnegalleries.com | 214.965.9027
Christopher Martin Gallery christophermartingallery.com | 214.760.1775
The Markowicz Gallery www.markowiczfineart.com | 214.200.3288
Laura Rathe Fine Art www.laurarathe.com | 214.761.2000
Craighead Green Gallery http://www.craigheadgreen.com/ | 214.855.0779
Restaurants
Renny's https://www.rennysdallas.com/ | 972.818.0068
Anchor on Royal anchorsushi.com/ | 972.362.2150
Meso Maya Comida y Copas mesomaya.com/ | 469.726.4390
Want to suggest a monthly pick?
Wok Star Chinese http://wokstarchinese.com/ | 972.961.1168
Hudson House - Preston Forest hudsonhousehp.com/ | 214.347.9822
Chiropractic
+ Massage + Anti Aging + Hormone
Optimization
“I have been very happy with Dr. Farrell and her whole team. I’ve used them for years for regular Chiropractic care, and now for my neuropathy in my feet and having good luck with the process. I highly recommend them whether its weight loss, chiropractic, or any holistic approach for your health” – D. Russell - North Dallas
Mention
on Demand DIAMONDS
“Luxury isn’t owned....it’s shared”
Local Entrepreneur Katy Nguyen tells PHCL about her latest venture
ARTICLE BY BRET MCKINNEY
Diameco owner and founder Katy Nguyen began in 2018 with traditional retail stores, but her desire to democratize luxury jewelry for a broader audience drove her to develop Diameco.com , a fine jewelry rental and subscription service launched in September 2024. With a deep passion for
fine jewelry and several years of experience, Katy transformed her vision into a groundbreaking platform that merges fine jewelry with modern technology. Katy is a committed philanthropist, who actively supports community initiatives and mentors budding entrepreneurs, believing that giving back is essential to building a lasting legacy. Katy's work with Diameco reflects her dedication to social responsibility.
Katy Nguyen is a visionary entrepreneur and industry disruptor with a deep passion for and years of experience, Katy created Diameco, a groundbreaking platform that allows people to rent fine jewelry without commitment—delivering diamonds on demand. This innovative service makes high-end pieces accessible to all for the very first time. Katy is also a dedicated philanthropist, actively supporting community initiatives and mentoring future entrepreneurs, believing that giving back is essential to leaving a lasting legacy. Through Diameco, she continues her commitment to social responsibility and reshaping the jewelry industry.”
Katy's journey into the world of fine jewelry began in 2018, when she first entered the traditional retail space. However, her desire to democratize luxury and make beautiful, high-quality jewelry available to a wider audience led her to create Diameco. By leveraging the power of technology and subscription-based models, Diameco offers customers access to exquisite jewelry collections on their terms, giving them the freedom to rent or rotate pieces that elevate their personal style for any occasion.
Through her work with Diameco, Katy aims to empower individuals by offering them not just beautiful jewelry, but a sense of confidence and self-expression. For her, jewelry is far more than an accessory—it is a powerful tool that allows people to feel their best, making bold statements and creating lasting memories. Katy’s commitment to social responsibility and her focus on sustainability further reflect her vision for a more inclusive and ethical luxury market.
LAKE FOREST LOCAL
ARTICLE BY BRET MCKINNEY
PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHEN REED
Realtor Laura Michelle features another stunning property in this prestigious neighborhood.
Preston Hollow is arguably the finest neighborhood in Dallas and it certainly boasts many of the city's finest homes. PHCL partner Laura Michelle consistently lists and sells the finest homes in Preston Hollow and beyond. This month we are excited to show you another fabulous listing from Laura in the prestigious gated Lake Forest neighborhood. We did a feature on this beautifully secluded and manicured private gem a few months back. Located at Forest Lane and Hillcrest, Lake Forest is conveniently located with easy access to Central Expressway, LBJ, The North Dallas Tollway, and Preston Road. Whether you are raising a family or looking for a new empty nest, there is something for everyone in this exclusive listing for February in one of the city's finest neighborhoods.
A top producing real estate professional with more than 25 years of experience, Laura Michelle epitomizes the meaning of exceptional customer service. She offers clients a sophisticated understanding of the ever-trending market and provides
counsel from a business manager’s point of view. She has consistently been honored as a Top Producer and Best Agent by multiple publications. The winning concept of connecting property, architecture, design and people is what has made Laura so successful in an unremittingly competitive industry. Her attention to detail with contract negotiations is invaluable in the navigation of a successful sale. Laura strives to provide unparalleled service, give realistic advice, and offer creative strategies to lessen the stress of a real estate transaction. She focuses on fostering and maintaining client relations and keeping current with the latest technology and marketing developments.
Take a first look at this beautifully updated and timeless Oscar Ponder home in the highly coveted guard-gated Lake Forest community. An elegant double door entry leads to a gracious foyer flanked by the formal dining room and library with fireplace and built-in shelving. The great room boasts a soaring wood-beamed ceiling highlighted by a wall of windows with views of the sparking pool and professionally landscaped outdoor entertaining area with grilling station. The kitchen is open to the great room and breakfast area and features white cabinetry, granite countertops, a gas cooktop, double ovens, Subzero refrigerator, and a butler’s pantry. The spacious primary suite is located on the first level and boasts a sitting area with fireplace, marble spa-like bath, and separate his and hers walk-in closets. Two additional ensuite bedrooms are located on the second level along with two bonus rooms that could be utilized as office space, a home gym, or game room. Lake Forest offers a lock and leave lifestyle and is well sited within close proximity to some of Dallas’ best shopping, dining, and private schools. It is comprised of 170 acres of park-like grounds with green spaces, lakes, and towering oaks. Residents enjoy walking trails, tennis and pickle ball courts, a community pool, and dog parks.
For more information about this listing or other real estate opportunities available in Preston Hollow and the rest of Dallas. Contact Laura Michelle and work with the BEST. laura@daveperrymiller.com 214-228-3854
A Higher Standard
ORS PACKAGED PREMIUM REAL
Dallas is home to a multitude of visionaries and creative entrepreneurs. From Dell computers to Fritos and breast implants, and of course, the first frozen margarita. These three Dallasites have come up with a new premium ready made version of the increasingly popular Ranch Water. Local innovators Jack Pettijohn, Ted Herrod, and David Galvin have created the freshest thing in a can, right here in our own back yard. Elm Fork Beverage company launched the original and grapefruit flavors last year. You may have seen the iconic converted horse trailer on the Boulevard at SMU home games passing out this premium product.
ARTICLE BY MELISSA MULLEN
They are big fans of REAL ranch water and saw an opportunity to bring the good stuff to consumers that felt the same way. They started by making an epic journey to Far West Texas where this legendary drink was born. They learned about the right authentic ingredients and landed on a taste that Elm Fork founders loved.
They landed on a delicious mix of premium-grade 100% agave Blanco Tequila and all-natural ingredients. No shortcuts, no malt beverages, no agave sweeteners, no artificial flavors. This is the way REAL ranch water is meant to be made.
Available at Total Wine stores and thestandardranchwater.com
Co- Founders Ted Herrod, Jack Pettijohn, and David Galvin
BECAUSE.
CHOCOLATE.
ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS
When my kids were little, we would address valentines to classmates, deliver flowers to neighbors and decorate the house with hearts and snowflakes (cut from white coffee filters). For dinner, I would make their favorite meal: dessert! Why not? I'd melt chocolate (the good stuff) and let them line up their dippers. They thought dessert for dinner was magical. Of course, I'd fed them a protein-packed after-school snack and served "dinner" early so they could get their sugar wiggles out before bed. Delightful! Happy Valentine's Day!
The Spiked Jones
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup whole coffee beans
• 2 ounces semisweet chocolate (61% Valrhona), chopped
• 2 tablespoons Kahlua
• 1 teaspoon confectioner's sugar
• 1 tablespoon dark chocolatecovered coffee beans, chopped
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine milk, 1/2 cup cream, and whole coffee beans. Bring to a simmer, turn off heat, cover, and steep beans for 1 hour. Strain liquid and return to saucepan; discard beans. Bring the milk-and-cream mixture back to a simmer, add chocolate, and whisk until incorporated. Remove from heat; whisk in Kahlua. Whip remaining 1/2 cup cream and the confectioners' sugar until soft peaks form. Divide the hot chocolate between 2 cups and garnish each portion with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkling of chopped chocolate-covered coffee beans.
FEBRUARY 12TH
41st Annual St. Valentine’s Day Luncheon and Style Show
Meyerson Symphony Center | 10:00 AM
Benefitting The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Tickets start at $300, Tables start at $3000. email caitlyn.willamson@lls.org
FEBRUARY 15TH
Dallas Symphony Orchestra League 39th Annual Presentation Ball
Meyerson Symphony Center | 6:30 PM
Benefitting Education and Community outreach programs of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. This year’s chair is Ginger Sager and president is Dixey Arterburn. For more information email deborah@nigelbrown.com
FEBRUARY 24TH
Symphony of Chefs
Astoria Event Venue | 6:30 PM
Benefitting KidLinks. Sponsorships start at $3500. For more information contact paul@kidlinks.org Symphony of Chefs will be held at the Astoria Event Venue in Irving at 3216 Royalty Row
FINE JEWELRY RENTAL
Join our club and elevate your style with luxury jewelry rentals.
Fully-insured, delivered monthly, and curated just for you by a proud local Dallas business.
Stop wishing and start wearing.