Heber Valley Life

Author: Sheila Antillon

  • Ballerina Farm Store: A Taste of Farm Life

    Ballerina Farm Store: A Taste of Farm Life

    Nestled in the heart of Midway, a new kind of café has taken root—one that blends the charm of a small-town market with the grounded beauty of farm life. The Ballerina Farm Store, founded by Hannah and Daniel Neeleman, is more than just a place to grab lunch or local produce. It’s the newest branch of their ever-growing family venture.

    Building on their online presence, the Neelemans have developed Ballerina Farm into much more than a brand. It’s a reflection of a slower, more intentional way of living; one where food is made from scratch, family is central, and hard work is a daily rhythm.

    According to Lulu Shaffer, the PR and marketing Coordinator for Ballerina Farm, Hannah and Daniel always imagined creating a place where people could “experience a taste of farm life firsthand.” After years of sharing their family’s daily routine online—from early morning milking to homemade bread and butter—the couple wanted a physical space that captured the same intentional, wholesome spirit. Their inspiration also came from traveling abroad. “Hannah fell in love with small, niche grocery stores that carried only the best of every product. The Midway store and café really became the realization of both of those dreams.”

    With this vision in mind, Midway—with its scenic mountain backdrop and European feel—was a natural choice. “Hannah and Daniel always loved bringing the kids to Midway,” said Lulu. “It’s not too far from their farm in Kamas, and they loved the small, quaint charm of the town. It was a perfect place for their first store.”

    That atmosphere is something customers feel the moment they walk in. The Ballerina Farm Store glows with warm light and is filled with rustic shelves stocked with curated goods. The comforting scent of freshly baked focaccia wafts through the air, greeting all who enter. “The goal was to create a space that feels welcoming and thoughtful—like your favorite neighborhood grocery with a little bit of magic,” Lulu explained. “Every detail was chosen intentionally. Everything here is meant to be beautiful, useful, and a joy to bring home.”

    The menu showcases that same care. It’s seasonal, simple, and ingredient-focused—built on what’s grown and raised on the farm, sourced from nearby Utah producers, and complemented by small-batch goods from around the world. Focaccia sandwiches, crisp salads, and pastries crafted each morning reflect the café’s commitment to honest food and genuine connection. “The store mirrors Hannah and Daniel’s approach to life,” Lulu said. “It’s slow, intentional, and close. It’s curated, seasonal, and practical. They’re always learning and trying new things in their own life—nothing about it is static.”

    The heart of that creativity lives in the kitchen, led by Head Chef Avery Jensen. A graduate of Ireland’s Ballymaloe Cookery School—the same intensive program Hannah and Daniel completed. Avery brings the philosophy of ingredient-first cooking to life every day. Her mornings begin before the café opens; she preps, plans, and bakes everything from scratch alongside her kitchen team. “It’s been so fun,” Avery said with a smile. “The team is incredible. Our kitchen staff is all women—they’re the hardest workers. We get more and more tasks put on us, and they just kill it.”

    Her time at Ballymaloe influenced not only how she cooks, but how she nurtures and inspires her team. “I think it’s cool to come from Ballymaloe to here and bring that ingredient-forward, straight-from-the-farm perspective into a place like this,” she said. “We prioritize sourcing local and highlighting the farmers who make it possible. They put in so much hard work—it’s rewarding to bring their ingredients to life. Everything is made daily; we don’t want anything that’s been sitting around or overly preserved.”

    The kitchen’s collaborative spirit extends beyond Avery’s leadership. Hannah and Daniel remain closely involved in shaping the menu, often brainstorming alongside Avery and her team. The brand recently brought on a recipe developer to help expand offerings. The menu changes monthly, reflecting what’s in season and keeping regulars eager to see what’s next.

    Since opening its doors, the Midway store has been met with enthusiasm from locals and travelers alike. The town’s response, Lulu said, has been “overwhelmingly positive.” “People are so excited to have a place like this in town,” Lulu shared. “Like any new addition, it brings attention and some mixed feelings, but many local businesses have shared how foot traffic has increased, and how visitors often make a day of exploring the area.”

    Of course, the café’s success isn’t just local. Ballerina Farm’s massive online following has also played a part. Fans travel from across the country—sometimes internationally—to visit the store they’ve watched take shape online. “The brand’s online audience has become a real-world community,” says Lulu. “It’s been fun to meet them in person.”

    While there’s plenty of excitement about what’s next, the team says they’re not in a rush to grow too fast. “We’d love to expand into a full restaurant concept and incorporate more food options in the future,” Lulu said. “But for now, we’re focused on doing a few things really well.” That dedication to quality and care is part of what makes the store feel so special—a reflection of the Ballerina Farm ethos itself.

    At its core, Ballerina Farm has always been about connection—between people, the land, and the food they share. “The ultimate goal,” Lulu said, “is to keep offering products and experiences that are grounded in quality and connection. Ballerina Farm is more than a business; it’s a family legacy. And that will always shape the path forward.”

    In an age of fast food and faster living, The Ballerina Farm Store feels like a breath of fresh mountain air. Every loaf of bread, every cone of ice cream, and every locally sourced ingredient carries a story—one of hard work, community, and the simple joy of slowing down. Whether it’s a traveler stopping by for lunch or a local grabbing groceries on their way home, the store invites everyone to experience a little slice of that farm life—thoughtful, genuine, and full of heart.

    More info:

    101 W Main, Midway
    ballerinafarm.com

  • Framing the Wild

    Framing the Wild

    For one Utah-based photographer, Johnny Adolphson, the path to capturing the wilderness was a natural evolution rooted in a lifelong relationship with the outdoors. Years spent working as a ski patroller, wildland firefighter, and mountain guide built the foundation not just for technical resilience, but also for an intuitive understanding of wild spaces. In 2011, Johnny’s casual hobby began to take shape as something more meaningful. By blending his rugged outdoor experience with a growing passion for photography, he carved out a distinct place for himself in the landscape art world.

    What started online—selling images through social media—has grown into a thriving business that now includes art shows, vendor markets, and partnerships with local businesses and breweries. It’s become a full-time career, not just for Johnny but for his wife Sherry Adolphson as well, who manages the business side of the operation. Together, the couple has built something deeply collaborative, grounded in years of working side by side across various industries.

    You may recognize Johnny’s work from past issues of this very magazine. His images—often showcasing Utah’s dramatic landscapes and seasonal beauty—have graced several covers over the years. Now, for the first time, the photographer behind those images takes center stage.

    Johnny’s camera lens is often turned toward Utah’s rugged beauty—an area he considers his specialty—but his travels have taken him from the Tetons to the Canadian wilderness. Local mountains like Timpanogos, blooming wildflower meadows, and stretches of open farmland remain some of his favorite subjects. Though he has trekked deep into remote wilderness and faced off with wildlife, some of the most challenging moments of his early photography career came not from nature, but from the chaos of shooting weddings. In contrast, nature’s unpredictability feels more fluid—storms may interrupt a plan, but often lead to unexpected beauty.

    Much of his process is guided by instinct. A planned shot may be completely abandoned in favor of something else that emerges in the moment—like a sudden burst of flowers, dramatic lighting, or an unexpected weather shift. Over the years, participating in art shows has given him insight into what resonates with viewers, yet his artistic choices are still driven by personal vision rather than trends. He acknowledges that while some of his more iconic Utah images perform well commercially, it’s often the less conventional ones that hold deeper meaning to him—images shaped by patience, light, and intuition.

    Johnny recalls a few of these moments, “Mesa Arch— the most popular arch in Utah— I pulled up and stood there with the masses and got my shot. Last summer, I was down in Moab for the Art Festival, and I drove out there again. The parking lot was full, but I’ve always gone to this spot called Buck Canyon, just down the road. I like to cook breakfast in my van and chill there after shooting the sunrise. I was the only person there, and I got this amazing image of a lone dead tree. The tree formed this symmetrical light pattern between itself and the canyon in front of me, with clouds rolling over the La Sal Mountains in the background. That shot’s actually been a nice perform— but to me it’s meant way more than the Mesa Arch shot.”

    The emotional response Johnny’s work evokes in others is what keeps him going. Whether his images hang in quiet homes or bustling office spaces, his goal is to bring serenity and wonder into people’s everyday environments. For him, landscape photography isn’t just visual—it’s a kind of emotional preservation.

    That sense of responsibility extends beyond the frame. He’s contributed to environmental efforts by donating work to conservation groups and land trusts.
    Some of the fields and barns he’s captured no longer exist, lost to rapid development in the valley. He reminisces, “Recently, Sherry dropped me off at Guardsman’s Pass, and I hiked up to a photo spot from there, but just five years ago, I was driving up and parking right at the top. A lot of the fields and barns that I’ve photographed in the valley here… those scenes aren’t there anymore due to growth and houses.” Johnny’s photography, in a way, becomes both art and archive—evidence of what once was.

    There have been unforgettable encounters along the way—from standoffs with a mountain lion to surreal human moments deep in the backcountry. “There’s a place called Gooseberry Mesa,” Johnny shares, “Where one day I came across an encampment with some young adult males that were outcasts from a polygamous society who had set up their encampment where I do shoots. They were armed and had all sorts of signs quoting scriptures and warning people to stay away, even though they were on forest service lands. I just let them know that I was shooting there and went on my way.”

    These experiences are part of what has shaped Johnny’s grounded approach. Through it all, the advice he offers to others looking to pursue landscape photography is simple but essential: watch the light, and build everything else around it.

    With new projects on the horizon—including the opening of a gallery right here in Heber at the old fire station in mid-August—there’s a sense that the journey is still unfolding. Future travels may take him back to beloved regions like Washington’s Palouse or the Sierra, but it’s clear that Utah will always be at the heart of his work.

    Behind the scenes, Sherry plays a vital role in sustaining the momentum. Her background in landscaping and business management made her a natural fit for running operations—from inventory and customer tracking to financial planning. Together, they’ve built a lifestyle rooted in independence, passion, and shared purpose. It’s a life that requires grit and flexibility, but also offers deep rewards—like hearing from customers who cherish their artwork or watching their images find a place in someone else’s story.

    Sherry expresses her gratitude, “It’s incredibly rewarding. Everywhere we go now, we hear things like, ‘Hey Johnny, we have your art in our home.’ Or, ‘We gave one of your prints to our son for his birthday—he loved it.’ When young people, like college or high school students, come to our Art shows and spend their hard-earned money on a little paper print—and they’re excited about it—that’s really cool and very rewarding.”

    Even now, after years of honing his craft, Johnny considers himself a lifelong student of photography. The learning never ends, and neither does the desire to create. For him, this is more than a career—it’s a calling that continues to grow, frame by frame.

    You can see Johnny’s work on Instagram or Facebook and at johnnyadolphsonphotography.com

  • Set In Stone

    Set In Stone

    A new jewelry store in Heber is quietly reshaping the way people connect with custom, handcrafted pieces. Herlove Bespoke Jewelry, founded by Drew and Laura Smith—both military veterans turned entrepreneurs—brings together precision, artistry, and heart in every part of the customer experience.

    Before launching the store, Drew spent years working as a goldsmith for various established jewelers in Provo, Murray, and Springville, refining his craft and specializing in custom bridal designs, rare gemstones, and advanced repairs. He was instrumental in implementing in-house printing and casting capabilities at two of those shops, a skill he’s now brought into his own business.

    His journey into the jewelry world was an unexpected one. After serving in the military as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technician and deploying to Iraq during Operation New Dawn, Drew began exploring creative avenues in art and sculpture. This exploration led him to the Texas Institute of Jewelry Technology, where he earned an associate degree in Jewelry Technology and obtained certifications in stone setting, CAD design, repairs, and other related fields. These technical skills now fuel his ability to bring almost any vision to life, especially custom work, which is the cornerstone of the business.

    Laura, his wife and co-founder, shares a military background as a fellow EOD technician. Today, she leads the business operations and backend of the store, applying the same diligence and resilience that once defined her military career. With a previous background in cosmetology and a deep understanding of customer service, she plays a vital role in ensuring the store runs smoothly and maintains its personal, client-first approach.

    Their shared path—from bomb diffusion specialists to small business owners—infuses Herlove with a sense of purpose and authenticity. The couple’s decision to open their store in Heber was guided by both intuition and research. Drawn to the area’s rapid growth and familial roots—Drew’s ancestors were among Heber’s early settlers—they saw a unique opportunity to serve the community and contribute to its evolving identity.

     

    The store itself is a reflection of that vision. Customers walking in are greeted by a welcoming space designed to inspire without overwhelming. A gemstone display lets clients see and try on various cuts and styles, while cases of one-of-a-kind, ready-to-wear pieces offer immediate options for those not pursuing custom work. Every aspect of the space is meant to feel approachable and pressure-free, with clients working directly with Drew, not a salesperson.

    While the store offers a wide range of styles, its specialty lies in fully custom, bespoke jewelry. A 3-D printer allows Drew to design pieces tailored exactly to a client’s vision, whether it’s an engagement ring, a piece of fashion jewelry, or a reimagined heirloom. Drew has a particular fondness for intricate, bold designs rich in detail and filigree, but emphasizes that the aesthetic is always led by the customer’s taste.

    Materials used in the shop are primarily precious metals, with diamonds and gemstones sourced through reputable vendors. However, many customers bring in their personal stones, including sentimental pieces passed down through generations. Reworking heirlooms is a regular part of Drew’s work, breathing new life into rings, pendants, and other pieces with both technical care and emotional sensitivity.

    Beyond the jewelry itself, the couple is dedicated to building meaningful connections within the local community. With long-term goals of expanding their staff and eventually moving into a larger, custom-designed space, they are also exploring creative projects, such as a one-of-a-kind holiday advent calendar featuring 25 unique jewelry pieces. Plans are in place to collaborate with local artists to display artwork in the shop, and in the future, offer one-on-one jewelry-making classes where clients can experience the full process of crafting a piece from start to finish.

    Herlove is more than a store—it’s a reflection of Drew and Laura’s journey, their devotion to craft, and their belief that jewelry should be as unique as the person who wears it. Each piece created here is built with intention, artistry, and care. Whether it’s a symbol of love, a cherished family legacy, or a bold fashion statement, Herlove strives to make sure the story behind it shines just as brightly as the finished product.

  • Fueling Health from Within

    Fueling Health from Within

    Kristen Fuller’s path to becoming a functional dietitian began with a personal transformation. After the birth of her first child, she found herself immersed in the complexities of postpartum recovery, unsure how best to nourish both her baby and her own changing body. Like many new mothers, she turned to the internet and social media for guidance—but was quickly overwhelmed by a flood of conflicting advice, extreme dieting trends, and unrealistic expectations around health and appearance.

    Rather than accept the confusion, she became determined to understand how nutrition actually works. This pursuit led her back to school and into the field of dietetics, where she combined academic training with lived experience to build a science-backed, compassionate approach to food and wellness. What began as a desire to feel like herself again became a professional calling to help others do the same.

    Today, Fuller serves as a functional dietitian at Wasatch Wellness, where she specializes in gut health, intuitive eating, weight management, and nutrigenomics—the study of how genetic variations influence nutrient processing and health outcomes. She focuses on helping people reconnect with their bodies through personalized care, practical strategies, and an approach that favors nourishment over restriction.

    Her academic journey started at Arizona State University, where she completed a degree in Dietetics and a minor in Business Marketing. Since then, she has continued to expand her knowledge through ongoing education, particularly in the areas of gut health and genetically based nutrition. Before joining the Wasatch Wellness team, Fuller ran a private practice called I Choose Healthy, where she held lectures, hosted workshops, and collaborated with schools and communities to deliver nutrition education that was both approachable and actionable.

    Throughout her work, Fuller maintains a clear philosophy: nutrition should be empowering, not overwhelming. She emphasizes whole, nutrient-dense foods while creating space for real-life preferences, emotional connections to food, and cultural eating patterns. Her approach encourages flexibility and sustainability, steering clients away from rigid food rules and toward more intuitive habits. Rather than promoting elimination diets or glorifying discipline, she helps clients find a rhythm that honors their bodies, goals, and lifestyles.

    A key part of her practice involves guiding people through the noise of health trends. While she acknowledges that some trends—like the rising awareness surrounding gut health—are rooted in important science, she is cautious about others. In her experience, methods like intermittent fasting can sometimes lead to under-eating, hormonal imbalance, and strained relationships with food, particularly for women. She encourages consistent, balanced eating as a more effective way to support metabolism, mood, and energy throughout the day. For her, food is not about control—it’s about care.

    Fuller also recognizes that nutrition is rarely just physical. Many of the individuals she works with could be navigating emotional and psychological relationships with food, often shaped by early conditioning, past trauma, or internalized guilt. Instead of just prescribing meal plans or calorie counts, she prioritizes getting to know the full person, understanding the emotional drivers that influence behavior, and helping clients explore the “why” behind their food choices. This kind of work, she believes, is where real transformation begins.

    In many cases, clients come to her after trying everything—following macros, counting calories, restricting carbs—without seeing lasting results. Fuller’s approach looks deeper, often uncovering chronic stress, digestive imbalance, or emotional eating patterns that have been left unaddressed. She frequently collaborates with therapists and trauma-informed providers to ensure that clients receive truly comprehensive care. Healing the body, she believes, must go hand in hand with healing the mind.

    At Wasatch Wellness, Fuller is part of an interdisciplinary team that shares this philosophy of integrated care. Nutrition is viewed as one vital piece in a broader system, and every patient receives a care plan designed to reflect their unique needs and goals. Whether someone is working on hormone balance, recovering from chronic illness, or simply trying to feel more energized, Fuller works in partnership with other wellness professionals to ensure a thoughtful, collaborative approach.

    Beyond one-on-one client work, she is deeply involved in community outreach. She will switch with the other providers at Wasatch Wellness monthly to share their expertise with free classes for those who want to learn, she partners with local organizations to provide nutrition education, and works with youth programs to promote healthy habits early in life. One of her current projects includes collaborating with a local dance studio to teach young performers how to fuel their bodies for strength, stamina, and recovery. Through these efforts, she brings her down-to-earth style and evidence-based insight to a wide audience, making the science of nutrition easier to access and apply.

    In her practice, Fuller offers clients simple, sustainable tools to navigate everyday choices. She teaches them how to shop smartly, avoid marketing gimmicks in grocery stores, and approach all foods—yes, even desserts and comfort meals—with neutrality. Instead of labeling foods as good or bad, she helps people learn how to pair them in a way that supports blood sugar stability, digestion, and overall satisfaction. This balanced approach allows for consistency without deprivation and helps dismantle the all-or-nothing thinking that often derails progress.

    While much of her work focuses on women’s health, Fuller’s expertise spans all demographics. She has worked with men, teenagers, athletes, and families, tailoring her care to their individual needs regardless of gender, age, or activity level. Her approach adapts to the person in front of her, not a predetermined standard.

    For those recovering from disordered eating or struggling to meet basic nutrition needs, Fuller focuses on rebuilding a healthy, peaceful relationship with food. She uses education and structure to remove the fear and confusion out of eating, while offering compassionate guidance along the way. Small, consistent steps—like introducing breakfast again or honoring hunger cues—often create the biggest breakthroughs.

    At the heart of her work is a commitment to shifting the narrative around health. Fuller views true wellness not as a destination defined by weight or appearance, but as an evolving process built on curiosity, respect, and trust in the body. She helps her clients move away from punishment and perfection, and toward self-awareness and resilience.

    Whether in the office, the classroom, or the community, Kristen Fuller continues to redefine what nutrition means in everyday life. Her work serves as a reminder that lasting change doesn’t come from restriction or control—it comes from reconnecting with what the body needs, making peace with food, and choosing care over chaos, one nourishing step at a time.

  • Wasatch Wellness

    Wasatch Wellness

    In the heart of Utah’s Heber Valley, Wasatch Wellness is redefining what healthcare can look and feel like for women. More than just a medical clinic, it’s a space intentionally designed to restore comfort, dignity, and empowerment to the healthcare experience—particularly in areas where traditional systems often fall short.

    Originally founded by a local family, Wasatch Wellness began as a general family practice; however, years later the practice was purchased by Camryn Smith. Over time—and after the arrival of co-owners, Crystal Miller, whose background is in pelvic and sexual health, and Kristen Fuller, a functional dietitian who specializes in personalized and science-backed nutrition care—the clinic evolved into a comprehensive hub for women’s wellness.  Together, they built upon the original vision, and introduced Wasatch Wellness featuring The Pink Remodel. This shift was born from a clear need: many women were seeking treatments that didn’t align neatly with conventional medicine or insurance models. Wasatch Wellness responded to that need, offering care that is as diverse and layered as the women it serves.

    Today, the clinic provides a wide spectrum of services tailored to women’s unique physical, emotional, and hormonal needs. These include hormone therapy, nutritional guidance, weight management, and aesthetic procedures like Botox, microneedling, and laser treatments. Routine care like cancer screenings, allergy management, and birth control are also available, ensuring that patients don’t have to choose between holistic and primary care—they can access both under one roof.

    At its core, Wasatch Wellness embraces a holistic philosophy. Holistic has been a word thrown around a lot nowadays, with it having many different definitions the practitioners here at Wasatch Wellness define it as looking at the whole person. Diving deep into a patient’s overall wellbeing by examining lifestyle factors like sleep, stress, family dynamics, work demands, and health history. This approach goes beyond addressing symptoms; it seeks to understand root causes and create sustainable paths to wellness. Whether it’s managing menopause, balancing hormones, improving sexual health, or learning about gut health and intuitive eating, each care plan is tailored not just to medical needs but to individual comfort levels and preferences.

    One of the most distinctive aspects of the clinic is its environment. From the moment patients walk in, they are met with an atmosphere that feels more like a spa or boutique than a sterile office. Warm colors, fresh flowers, soft lighting, cozy couches, and heated robes all work together to transform the healthcare experience into something welcoming and calming. These small yet thoughtful details go a long way in easing the anxiety that can accompany medical visits—especially those involving vulnerable topics.

    This focus on comfort also extends to financial accessibility. Wasatch Wellness operates two clinic models simultaneously—one insurance-based and another geared toward cash-pay patients. They accept most major insurers, including Medicare and Medicaid, and offer payment plans and Health Savings Account (HSA) compatibility for those who need flexibility. The goal is to meet patients where they are, both in terms of care and cost.

    The clinic also prioritizes mental health as a crucial component of whole-body wellness. In-house therapy is available and sometimes recommended as part of a comprehensive care strategy, particularly in cases involving trauma or emotional stress. The belief is that true healing happens when both mind and body are supported—and this integrated model ensures that no part of a woman’s health is overlooked.

    Among its standout offerings is the Pink Remodel Project, a program dedicated to restoring pelvic and sexual health. By combining medical expertise with sensitivity and discretion, the project empowers women to address intimate issues that often go unspoken. It’s just one example of how Wasatch Wellness actively fosters a culture of openness and support.

    Education is another key pillar of the clinic’s mission. Monthly classes are held to help women better understand their bodies and options. Past topics have included sexual health, understanding testosterone, and weight loss, with upcoming sessions planned on managing menopause. These events not only inform but also create a sense of community—something many women are missing in their health journeys.

    Though the clinic has expanded significantly, including recent investments in cutting-edge sculpting equipment for muscle tone and fat reduction, the motivation behind it all remains deeply personal. Wasatch Wellness was built out of a desire to create something better—to give women access to informed, respectful, and comprehensive care in a setting where they feel truly seen and supported.

    Yet even with all its offerings, Camryn, Crystal, and Kristen, acknowledge that there’s more work to be done. Many services that could dramatically improve women’s quality of life are still considered “non-essential” or “aesthetic” by insurance providers, leaving gaps in coverage in care that could help women feel like themselves again. These systemic limitations only reinforce the need for clinics like Wasatch Wellness—places that advocate, adapt, and innovate in ways traditional healthcare systems often can’t.

    More than just a provider of services, Wasatch Wellness is a movement in itself. It’s a response to the longstanding need for a more inclusive, compassionate, and collaborative model of care. And it’s setting a new standard not just for how women are treated medically, but how they are treated as people—with curiosity, empathy, and respect.

    As more women seek care that aligns with their values and lives, Wasatch Wellness continues to lead by example—proving that when healthcare is centered around the whole person, the results are not only healthier, but more human.

    Located at 150 N Main Street, Suite 105 in Heber City, Wasatch Wellness offers flexible scheduling, including same-day appointments, to accommodate the busy lives of women.

    For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit wasatchwell.com or call 435-709-5201. Experience a healthcare environment where your wellness is the priority, and your care is as unique as you are.

  • Warehouse Walls to Mountain Views

    Warehouse Walls to Mountain Views

    Maybe you’ve driven down Highway 32 in Kamas and noticed a big black building with a fish painted on the side and the words: “Love is not a fish story.” You might have wondered what it means. Inside that renovated barn, with panoramic views of the Utah mountains, abstract artist, Kent Youngstrom, spends seven days a week doing what he loves—painting.

    His journey from a windowless warehouse in Charlotte, North Carolina, to a mountainside studio was anything but ordinary. It was shaped by unrelenting passion, a bit of serendipity, and a willingness to embrace imperfection.

    “I was just looking for someplace to hide and paint,” Youngstrom says. “And, I wanted some windows with a view.”

    He found that space in Kamas—a former barn in desperate need of repairs. With the help of his brother-in-law and support from local businesses, he transformed the dilapidated structure into a fully functional studio. Now, instead of four blank walls, he’s surrounded by an ever-changing landscape of mountains, sky, and sunsets.

    Five years ago, if you’d told him he’d be fixing up an old barn with a mountain view, he wouldn’t have believed you.

    From Hobby to Career

    Though art now consumes his life, it wasn’t always the plan. Initially, Youngstrom pursued a degree in interior design with a focus on commercial spaces, but something about it never quite fit.

    “I don’t care what color your curtains or couches are,” he recalls. “I worked in Chicago at design firms… it just didn’t do it for me.”

    Painting started as a hobby—a creative outlet that became a side hustle when friends and family offered to pay for his work. A neighborhood picnic unexpectedly changed everything when he met an art rep who connected him with gallery shows in Nashville. That first show was a turning point.

    From there, things escalated. His art found its way into the hands of high-profile clients, including Crate & Barrel, where he now produces anywhere from 300 to 1,500 original paintings a year. He’s collaborated with Joanna Gaines for Magnolia, worked with NOBULL designing artwork for shoes, and his pieces are available wholesale at retailers like Walmart and Wayfair.

    Despite his success, he still grapples with the idea of selling his work. “It’s so hard to sell yourself. Like, it’s so hard to stand up and say, ‘Buy my stuff,’” he confesses. “Any book that starts with imposter syndrome, I’ll read it.”

    The Process & The Struggle

    His artistic process is fluid and intuitive—he starts multiple paintings at once, leaving them unfinished until the moment feels right. Words play a significant role in his work, a habit that traces back to his school years when, instead of sketching, he found himself repeatedly writing out the alphabet.

    “When I started, I did words, and I started to listen to everybody who said, ‘He’s just doing words,’” he says. “When you start as an artist and have no idea what you’re doing, you listen to people. You’re like, ‘Oh, people don’t like the words.’ So, I listened to that and didn’t use words for almost two years, which was hard.”

    Then, all of a sudden, people started asking where they went. That’s when he realized they needed to come back. Those two years weren’t wasted, though. He refined his style, learned new techniques, and when he reintroduced words into his paintings, his work resonated with people in a way it never had before.

    His approach blends different materials—various types of paint, mixed media elements like concert tickets, love letters, and pages from books—anything that adds depth and storytelling to the piece.

    “Every good piece of art needs something in it that doesn’t belong,” Youngstrom says. “Mess it up. Tear it, glue something weird to it. That’s where the magic happens.”

    He embraces imperfection, often telling struggling artists to destroy their work and rebuild it. “Just keep playing around with it and try new things. Don’t worry about what you feel like when you mess it up.”

    But for all his artistic freedom, the business side of art takes its toll. When asked if he ever feels burnt out, he responds without hesitation: “Always.”

    Although he loves painting, fulfilling orders is different. “You know how they say, ‘If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life?’ That’s the worst thing in the world. They should teach, ‘Instead of choosing your passion, choose your struggle.’ You’re going to struggle no matter what you do—if you can choose what it is you struggle with, and if you’re okay with that, you win.”

    The reality of being an artist is full of ups and downs. “It’s hard to have 35 to 50 paintings in here that no one seems to want, but occasionally someone will come in, and one will speak to them. That’s hard on yourself. It’s hard to make things that don’t fly off the shelf or that people look at and go, ‘I could have made that.’”

    Connection & Community

    One of Youngstrom’s greatest joys is creating deeply personal commissions for clients. He enjoys sitting down with people, learning about their lives, and translating their stories onto canvas.

    “My ideal client is someone who comes to me and wants me to make them something that means something to them,” he says. “The best art, to me, tells a story. When they get it and love it, then it means something to them, and I’m the only person I know who could have made that for them. That’s a bucket nobody could ever fill.”

    He’s no stranger to storytelling—both in his art and in the community that surrounds him. Out here, in a place where the land itself is a canvas of shifting colors and seasons, stories are told as they’ve always been—over coffee, in the studio, or by a fire under the stars. And like any outdoor community, some of those stories get stretched just a little.

    The fish someone caught gets a little bigger each time the tale is told. The trail they hiked becomes steeper, the adventure wilder. It’s part of the rhythm of life out here.

    But love? Love is different. Love isn’t a fish story—something to be exaggerated or made up for the sake of a better narrative. It’s in the details—the way someone looks at a painting and sees a piece of themselves in it, the way an artist pours something real onto a canvas, knowing not everyone will understand.

    Kent Youngstrom doesn’t paint illusions. He paints truth—sometimes messy, sometimes raw, but always real.

    Despite his deep connection to his work, there’s always a vulnerability that comes with putting it out into the world. “My biggest struggle is to be as honest and vulnerable as I want to be,” he says.

    Art is personal. Each time he puts something out there, it’s like exposing a little piece of himself. The worry of how he is perceived, especially by those closest to him, is an inner battle he fights each time he releases something that could be labeled controversial. But he’s learned to lean into it, embrace the nuances of life, and translate them into something meaningful.

    Youngstrom takes the little things in life seriously, constantly looking at what most might see as meaningless and making it meaningful. To him, there’s beauty in the details—in the things people often overlook.

    And if you ever find yourself in a conversation with him, be careful what you say—because if he likes it, he just might paint it.

  • Two Sides of the Same Coin

    Two Sides of the Same Coin

    In a healthcare landscape often divided between Western medicine and alternative therapies, Dr. Ron Dummar is pioneering an integrative approach. A licensed chiropractic physician with a master’s degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, he combines precise chiropractic adjustments with the holistic wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), reshaping patient care.

    A Unique Path to Medicine

    Dr. Dummar’s journey into integrative medicine was unconventional. Initially set on becoming a lawyer, his perspective shifted after two pivotal experiences. His toddler suffered a severe hip injury and found immediate relief after a chiropractic adjustment. Later, his wife’s pregnancy-related nausea significantly improved with acupuncture. These experiences sparked his passion for alternative medicine.

    Merging Two Worlds: Science and Art

    Chiropractic care focuses on the nervous and musculoskeletal systems, using adjustments to restore mobility and relieve pain. Acupuncture, based on the concept of qi—the body’s vital energy—stimulates specific points to promote healing. By integrating these disciplines, Dr. Dummar effectively treats migraines, sciatica, anxiety, and digestive disorders.

    Pursuing a master’s degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine deepened his understanding of the body’s energy systems, allowing him to address the root causes of ailments rather than just symptoms.

    There’s an herb for that. Check out CHW’s in-house pharmacy stocked with plant-based treatments.

    Treating the Whole Person

    Both Chiropractic care and TCM view the body as an interconnected system. Rather than isolating symptoms, Dr. Dummar considers lifestyle, diet, emotional health, and environmental factors in treatment. “Bad health is rarely just a structural issue,” he explains. “It’s often tied to inflammation, stress, infections, or even hydration.”

    His boutique clinic tailors treatment plans to each patient’s needs, complementing conventional medicine or serving as an alternative approach. His comprehensive, patient-centered care has led to remarkable success stories, with many finding relief where conventional treatments had failed.

    The Power of Herbal Medicine

    Dr. Dummar is passionate about herbal remedies, maintaining an in-house pharmacy stocked with plant-based treatments for conditions like endometriosis, heart health, and immune support. “There’s an herb for that,” he often says, emphasizing a natural approach to wellness.

    The Rise of Integrative Medicine

    Dr. Dummar’s work reflects a broader shift toward integrative medicine, blending Western and Eastern healing traditions. As more patients seek natural alternatives, institutions are increasingly incorporating acupuncture, Chiropractic care, and complementary therapies into mainstream healthcare.

    He acknowledges the critical role of Western medicine, likening it to a fire department: “If a fire is small, we can handle it. But if the whole house is burning, that’s where Western medicine steps in. After stabilization, we help rebuild and rebalance.”

    A Vision for the Future

    Dr. Dummar offers community acupuncture at accessible rates and shares health insights through his podcast, Be Well Now. He continues to educate and inspire, helping patients take charge of their health.

    To learn more 435-657-3696
    www.chwheber.com.

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