The Mackey family has built their life in Lake Highlands around the things that matter most to them—time outside, good neighbors, and a whole lot of activity between school, work, and weekend adventures. Erica Mackey, owner of Silhouette Society, is mom to Sidney (11) and Simone (8), and together they share life with their two dogs, Xena (a 12.5-year-old black mixed breed) and Pablo (their energetic 2-year-old English cream golden retriever).

Erica originally grew up in Abilene and made her way to the DFW area when she was 17. After attending the University of North Texas, she eventually put down roots in Lake Highlands, where she’s lived for almost five years now—and where life has settled into a rhythm that feels just right.

If you know the Mackeys, you know they’re always on the move in some way. One of their favorite things to do is hop in their safari jeep and cruise around White Rock Lake. They’ll often loop through White Rock Valley to check out the peacocks and stop by the stables, then wrap it all up with dinner at Birdies Eastside. At Christmas, they also make a point to head to NorthPark Center to see the holiday displays and plays—something they look forward to every year.

Their day-to-day life is just as rooted in the neighborhood. Sidney stays busy as a Girl Scout Cadette and plays viola in the Lake Highlands Middle School orchestra, while Simone is all in on basketball through SVAA and Club Triumph. Erica keeps pace with it all, whether she’s at group fitness, spending time with neighbors in the front yard, or finding new corners of DFW to explore.

What stands out most when Erica talks about Lake Highlands is the sense of community right outside the front door. Between school involvement and volunteering at places like LHE and LHMS, she loves giving back to the teachers and staff who pour so much into local kids. But just as meaningful are the everyday moments—neighbors catching up outside, kids and dogs running from yard to yard, and front porches that turn into gathering spots without much planning at all.

When it comes to favorite spots around town, the list feels very “Lake Highlands”: Vector Brewing, Goldie’s, Shady’s Burgers & Brewhaha, Mijas Taqueria, plus plenty of time outdoors at White Rock Lake Dog Park and Flag Pole Hill.

At home, things stay simple—homemade tacos, busy weeknights, and a house full of pets and activity. When they can get away, they love heading to the beaches of Mexico or Washington state, and a quick day trip to McKinney is always an easy win.

Ask Erica what makes Lake Highlands feel like home, and she’ll tell you it’s the people. The neighbors who stop to talk, the kids who grow up together, and the way everyone just shows up for each other. It’s that everyday connection that’s made the Mackeys feel right where they’re meant to be.