Access April 2021

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from the EDITOR...

P

lease forgive my The Little Train That Could analogy, but as an outsider, I’ve always thought of this area as the little town that could. Admittedly, for a while there, I thought it wouldn’t. However, after enduring what seemed to be one of the heaviest years, I feel prouder than ever and can clearly see that we’re the little town that can and is — we’ve just taken our time. From West Mobile to Fairhope and the beach, we’re in a full-blown “all things home and real estate” boom. I mean, have you seen Fairhope lately? It’s had so many nips and tucks in the name of renovations that it needs its own reality show! All kidding aside, it was awe-inspiring to catch up with some of the Bay’s best and brightest talents in these businesses. Their commonality? It actually seems challenging for them to keep up with the demands. From realtors and interior designers to builders and renovators, the growth is staggering and it’s just plain exciting to witness. As architecturally inspired new homes and business dwellings appear, it seems life is simply beautiful again. Naturally, all this inspired living includes the mood-enhancing spring looks and home décor goods popping up in local boutiques — and oh, how vibrant our art scene is as well! Everything local is so on-point, why would you go anywhere else? Lastly, most agree, change is in the air and we’re all so ready to get out there. Imagine the places we’ll go! Feeling so optimistic is a relief for me and the entire ACCESS team. More than ready to host our exclusive events and parties again, stay tuned, as once we get the green light, the Pink Carpet is ready to roll! Thank you to all our readers and clients out there for your support… we can’t wait to see you again!

ACCESS had a ball at the Mobile Ballet! A group shot with dedicated students, Artistic Director Katia Garza, and Ballet Master Israel Rodriguez helped our prima ballerinas with the perfect poses for our en-pointe fashion shoot!

the

STAFF...

FOUNDER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/ PUBLISHER Hayley Hill

CONTRIBUTING WRITER/ COPY EDITOR Jessica Goolsby

CREATIVE DIRECTOR/ STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Stevye Murray

MARKET EDITOR Kristi Welford Hicks

ART DIRECTOR Mallory Godwin

DIRECTOR OF SALES Jennifer Parker AccessJenParker@gmail.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Rebecca Foose

FINANCIAL COORDINATOR Mary Frances DeLong

EDITOR Caroline Edmondson

4 ACCESS Magazine / April 2021

COLUMNISTS Charlotte Kilborn Carey Emily Zeiger

APRIL 2021 / VOLUME 72 NUMBER 63

CONTENTS

18 60

HOUSE HUNTERS

From world-class builders and contractors to hardworking real estate agents and masterful interior designers, the Bay Area is filled with an abundance of talented men and women turning clients’ home dreams into gorgeous realities.

ART

One of Mobile’s favorite artists, Amber Ivey Bostwick, shares on her success and recent expansion into home décor, clothing, and wall coverings! Plus, meet Terry Edeker — a man who has turned his passion for art into spectacular home illustrations for friends and clients alike.

68

FASHION

84

LOCAL CULTURE

96

COLUMN

Mobile Ballet’s stunning ballerinas donned their tutus and THE MIX’s newest spring fashions for this showstopping shoot (so en pointe), and Jeanie Hope took to The Festival of Flowers for a retro-inspired picnic in the park.

Meet Fairhope’s canine dietician whose mission is to make organic, healthy treats you can feel good about giving your fur baby; explore the inner workings of the company helping local jobseekers and business owners alike find their fit; and delve into the role of MCI’s onsite Oncology Pharmacist, Brittney Carden.

Pink Table Talk and Studio Chic

C O V E R C RE D I T S Photos Stevye Photography, StevyePhotography.com Makeup Courtney Matthews Makeup Artistry, youneedblush2020@gmail.com Shot on location at Atchison Home, 921 Dauphin St., Mobile, AL 36604 | 251.438.4800

Sara: Dress, $129; Dillard's, 251.471.1551.

Earrings, $52, Heels, $89; Rise Boutique, 251.341.7096.

Vanessa: Blouse, $169; The Holiday, 251.432.4911.

Jeans, $228, Earrings, $52; Rise Boutique, 251.341.7096.

Heels, $160; The Gallery Shoe Boutique, 251.344.4257.

Bangles, $98; Debra's, 251.343.7463.

Wayne: Sport Coat Provided By Dillard's

SUB SCRIBE TODAY! A C C E S S T H E B AY. C O M

Manuscripts, photos and art material will be considered, but will be recieved only with the understanding that the magazine or its employees shall not be responsible for loss or damage, unless otherwise agreed to in writing. All contents @Hayley Hill Style Access, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without permission is prohibited.

ACCESS mobile.baldwin is published 10 times per year. Subscription rate is $21.95 per year. All subscription inquiries should be mailed to P.O. Box 8586, Mobile, AL 36689-8586 or visit AccessTheBay.com. If the post office alerts us that your magazine is undeliverable, we have no further obligation unless we receive a corrected address within two years.

SPECIAL PROMOTION

SPR ING into Wellness Spring (complete with loads of pollen) is in the air, and with all this extra sunshine and Vitamin D boosting our moods, many of us are ready to get moving and drop those unhealthy habits lingering from the colder months/ quarantine. Ready to help you find your focus and improve your overall health, Patrick L. Murphy, Jr., M.D., a family practice physician with Alabama Medical Group, shares his professional opinions on what we need to concentrate on now that spring has sprung.

B

By Jessica Goolsby

e it an annual well-visit or an appointment centered on the management of chronic conditions like HTN, diabetes, or gout, each patient encounter for Alabama Medical Group’s Dr. Patrick L. Murphy, Jr. has the same end goal: to change their lives for the better. “I’ve been a part of the Alabama Medical Group healthcare team for three years treating patients ages 15 and up,” Dr. Murphy shares.

With spots offered daily for additional walk-in appointments, Dr. Murphy ensures he’s available to see patients any time they need care. “If there are questions or issues along the way, I’m just a quick phone call away if my patients need any help between visits,” he adds. And with the year we have all had, the mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing of his patients is something he is acutely aware of.

“One thing I have seen much more indirectly as a result of COVID-19 is the emotional and physical effects on people without any infection just from social distancing and quarantining for over a year now,” he shares. “It has taken a toll on our humanity as a whole.”

Dr. Murphy is now Thankfully, with a accepting new patients. vaccine actively being To make an appointment, dispersed and warmer call (251)414-5900 or weather on the visit alabamamedicalgroup.com Dr. Murphy horizon, Dr. Murphy suggests a triedfeels many of the and click the and-true method: latent side effects “online appointment” tab “Start low and of the pandemic can to schedule a time that slow,” he shares. be corrected, especialworks best for you.

“If you are overly as the more enjoyable weight or obese, it’s weather inspires folks to seek important to go even slower. practical advice on diet and exercise.

“Health and fitness are journeys, and Listen to your body, as it will tell you there’s never a stopping point along when enough is enough and when to those paths,” he shares. “Spring helps take a break. The last thing you want to open up more time outdoors, and is to get injured, especially just as hopefully that means more movement you’re starting to make a change.” At and exercise which can slack off a lot the same time, Dr. Murphy adds that going full steam ahead on a rigorous during winter.”

For those new to exercise (or those gym routine can cause burnout, which recovering from an illness or injury), ultimately can land you right back on

6 ACCESS Magazine / April 2021

the sofa. “You don’t want to start out full-blast and go to a gym every day for an hour right off the bat or run three to five miles every day,” he shares. “Instead, I encourage my patients to start with one day a week for 30 minutes — ideally something you enjoy (like a game of tennis, casual bike ride, etc.). Do that for a few weeks and then add another day for another few weeks, slowly building up to a goal of at least 150 minutes total spread out over the week.”

Naturally, a healthy diet is also essential to overall health (but is simultaneously the hardest part to losing

weight). “I struggle with it myself, especially on the weekends,” Dr. Murphy admits. “Fast food, sugary beverages, ice cream, etc. all have a lot of calories, and we can get them fast. The problem is, they don’t fill us up for very long, so we end up eating even more not long after. There is not any ‘preferred diet,’ and (for the most part) they all work; but the only way to make it work is to stick with it and be strict on yourself.”

To help battle the bulge, Dr. Murphy suggests eliminating unnecessary calories found in beverages like sodas and other Southern staples to get started. “Sorry, no more sweet tea,” he jokes. “Again, start by cutting back slowly and get to just water and food (or at least those zero calorie drinks),” he shares. If you’re insistent on a diet, however, Dr. Murphy says it’s key to pick a diet that works for you.

“If you can’t live without bread or carbs, don’t go on the Keto diet,” he jokes. “You truly don’t have to pick a diet at all; instead, go for portion control. Even cutting back by 300 to 500 calories a day (especially when adding in exercise) can help kick-start your weight loss.”

Most importantly, Dr. Murphy says you can’t get discouraged. “You WILL get off track (we are all human), but that’s fine,” he assures.

“You may slip up and accidentally eat a dozen Krispy Kreme donuts after doing great for two weeks. Just wipe those crumbs off your face and get back to it. Perseverance is key.”

ALABAMA MEDICAL GROUP, P.C. 101 Memorial Hospital Drive Building 3 Mobile, AL 251.414.5900 AlabamaMedicalGroup.com

Our Family.

Caring for Yours.

A family medicine physician can be your greatest partner in your journey to better health. They are the person who knows and understands your history, your family and your health needs better than anyone, and can connect you directly to the right specialist for a comprehensive experience at Alabama Medical Group. Choose a physician who will listen, help and heal.

A Multi-Specialty Practice

Family Medicine | Mark C. Wiles, M.D., Patrick L. Murphy Jr., M.D. and Howard J. Rubenstein, M.D.

101 Memorial Hospital Dr. (Building 3) • Mobile, AL 36608 1084 Industrial Pkwy. • Saraland, AL 36571 • 251.414.5900

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STORE TO EXPLORE

COLLABORATIVE

BY DESIGN

You know the feeling. From the disappointment in seeing the same things everywhere to mourning your grandmother’s depression glass you didn’t save, we all crave more meaningful and unique surroundings that reflect our true selves and experiences. Enter Interwoven. “Collaborative by Design,” this new home, design, and gift boutique run by Managing Partner Angela Weil and her Boutique Manager and General Partner Sadie Solberg hosts a slew of exceptional items inspired by their travels, tried and true traditions, and the incredible women in their lives. Joking that their description as a “retail home and gift boutique” should be limited to filing for a tax ID or “some other mundane exercise,” Angela and Sadie agree: Interwoven is truly so much more.

By Jessica Goolsby Makeup Courtney Matthews Makeup Artistry, YouNeedBlush@gmail.com Hair Jason Chambers, Headdress Salon, 251.689.7427 Photography Stevye Photography, StevyePhotography.com

8 ACCESS Magazine / April 2021

The 2021 RSQ8 We thought 591HP in a full-sized suv sounded foolish too, until we drove it.

Audi Mobile 1445 East I65 Service road S. Mobile, Al 36606 251-301-001

S

triving to provide a finely curated collection of quality items that enhance one’s life both internally and externally, Interwoven was born of an idea to form a collective that would facilitate the exchange of ideas, products, and knowledge in the design and construction industry for everyone. After 25 years in the industry, Angela Weil (co-owner of Stone Interiors alongside husband Dustin Weil) desired to transcend the barriers of the status quo, believing growth and innovation are often a product of an exchange of different cultures, visions, and experiences that arise from spending time in diverse circles. “There are so many people with multi-dimensional life experiences living in our Bay Area, so it only seems natural to seek connection with them to exchange ideas to collectively enhance our lifestyles,” Angela shares. “Interwoven is so much more than your basic retail home and design boutique; we are truly a collaborative experience bringing together one-of-a-kind artists, designers, influencers, synergistic ideas, eclectic styles, and an intentionally curated collection of furnishings, antiques, art, and boutique gift items.”

As the idea emerged, Angela looked to Stone Interiors social media, PR, and marketing guru Sadie Solberg to help her vision take flight. “With a background in the hospitality industry, Sadie knows the value of impeccable presentation and customer service,” Angela shares. “She is a natural people person, has an uplifting and upbeat personality, and is a customer service fanatic.” With Angela’s business and entrepreneurial abilities paired with the duo’s shared passion for curation and design, Interwoven was born.

As with any great business, the concept of Interwoven is ever evolving. The boutique features a few main collections: art, antiques, home furnishings/ accessories, tabletop, barware, linens, and unique gift and lifestyle items.

Additionally, the boutique is developing partnerships with various influencers and industry professionals to continue to develop their collections to help the Interwoven customer create his or her ideal living space without breaking the bank. Looking to showcase some one-of-a-kind pieces by both emerging and established artists and craftsmen as well as custom and eclectic furnishings, Angela says she and Sadie are equally excited about the gift lines they’ve

10 ACCESS Magazine / April 2021

sourced, believing each piece (great or small) should be meaningful, generate interesting conversations, or represent parts of our lives that we love to reflect upon.

Although the store has quality rugs, upholstery, and larger furniture pieces, they also try to keep a selection of intriguing cocktail tables, lamps, and decorative accessories, updating regularly. Additionally, the pair say they have enjoyed

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selecting some adorable loungewear and personal care accessories (including a fabulous fragrance line) and are still curating more lines for the upcoming seasons. “Seasonal selections are always fun, but keeping it tasteful and streamlined is a tenant of the boutique,” Angela shares. “Interwoven tests each product and we have to love it before we sell it.” Speaking of things they love, Sadie shares one of her favorite pieces is the glass and gold coffee table which brings both the feeling of luxury and community to a space, reminiscent of her days growing up on Central Park West.

Angela loves the Vintage Oushak Rug and the porcelain and gold orchid sculpture which adds an architectural and natural element to a living room. Having grown up steeped in New Orleans history and culture, Angela loves pieces that tell a story. Her style usually involves blending carefully selected antique pieces with transitional and contemporary pieces to add pop to a room. Either way, you’ve not seen this locally before.

Wanting to serve a broad demographic across the Bay Area, Angela and Sadie opted to heavily involve/collaborate with their family members. This rare, hilarious group of ladies represents almost every generation and each has her own unique taste and style. For instance, Sara Nielsen (a.k.a. “Mammie”) knows and loves a good cocktail (as well as the proper way to serve one). Her favorite pieces are the fun and festive margarita glasses and the wine coasters because “a proper wine service should always have a linen coaster.”

Cris Solberg, Sadie’s mom, has just returned from living abroad in Guam, thus brandishing a worldly and sophisticated taste. Cris’s favorites are the handmade flatweave neutral pattern rug and the horn sculptures, each of which add an exotic element to a traditionally furnished space. On the other hand, Denise Blanda (Angela’s mom) enjoys a clean, efficient, and practical style. She adores the hammered metal collection of serving pieces because they add a touch of elegance to the home and and involve no maintenance or upkeep, suiting Denise with 12 ACCESS Magazine / April 2021

FEBRUARY 26 — JUNE 27, 2021 With over 100 ancient artifacts, including mummies, painted sarcophagi, funeral trousseau, and votive objects, this exhibition evokes the mythical, mysterious landscape of the tombs and pyramids of Ancient Egypt.

ONLY AT THE

111 S. ROYAL STREET MOBILE, AL 36602 HISTORYMUSEUMOFMOBILE.COM This exhibition was organized by Contemporanea Progetti, Florence, Italy in collaboration with the National Archaeological Museum of Florence.

Grace: Dress $89, Bangle, $172. Hemline, 251.287.6875.

Earrings, $48; The Holiday, 251.432.4911. Angela: Dress, $148; Dillard’s, 251.471.1551. Earrings, $39; The Holiday, 251.432.4911.

form and function. Both Cris and Denise regularly help out in the store as well, further ensuring that on any given day you can pop in, sip champs, shop, laugh, collaborate, and leave with new friends.

Grace, Angela’s daughter and a budding artist, is also part of the collaboration.

Having beautifully rendered the already iconic portrait of the store’s mascot, Little Veuve (an aptly named puppy who adores greeting store visitors), Grace also boasts an equestrian-inspired collection entitled “Beauty in Motion” that’s perfect for any Point Clear home, thus explaining her love for the shop’s Triple Crown-inspired hair and wrist scarves. Speaking of Veuve, they plan to unveil a new “Doggie Couture” line in the near future in honor of the bubbly pup named after the champagne.

So, just how far does one have to go for “affordable luxury?” “We adore and support our vibrant downtown Fairhope, but with the shift in population toward highway 181 and our access to onsite warehousing, we decided this location was more ideal for our growth plan as we expand our product and service lines,” Angela says. Simultaneously in the developmental stages of a trade program that will offer services and incentives to those in the industry such as interior designers and stagers, Angela adds, “We are in a unique position to develop professional and corporate programs such as sourcing, staging, warehousing, private branding, and marketing services at competitive rates.”

Adding further convenience, Interwoven also boasts a complete online marketplace where Angela and Sadie plan to frequently offer promotions and surprises via social media. “In-store

14 ACCESS Magazine / April 2021

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Grace: Jumpsuit, $129; Dillard’s, 251.471.1551. Bracelet, $26, Earrings, $20; Hemline, 251.287.6875. Angela: Orange Top $295; The Holiday, 251.432.4911. Pants, $99, Earrings, $89; Rise Boutique, 251.341.7096. Heels, $170, Bracelet, $144; Debra’s, 251.343.7463. Sadie: Dress, $98; Dillard’s, 251.471.1551. Bracelet, $198; Debra’s,

Grace Weil, Angela Weil, Sadie Solberg, and Sara “Mammie” Nielsen

events will be a large part of our culture,” Angela shares. “People are our business, and Interwoven plans on hosting several social and educational events throughout the year. Stay tuned to see what surprises are in store!” Despite all their irons in the fire, for Sadie, it’s pretty simple. “We absolutely love what we do,” Sadie says.

“Meeting incredible people and hearing their fascinating stories that, in turn, help us curate meaningful design and products… it’s all Interwoven — truly ‘Collaborative by Design.’”

Interwoven 18880 Hwy. 181 Suite 1A Fairhope, AL 251.709.0534 InterwovenCollaborative.com

16 ACCESS Magazine / April 2021

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Building They had us at “daily.” That’s right: Geoffrey and Jared Cochran are not only brothers; they’re high-end home builders who pride themselves on client satisfaction.

And for this duo, that means communicating and being on-site every single day with their top-notch experts that range from architects to mill workers. A rare quality for sure, we caught up with the fourth-generation team responsible for reshaping the Bay one dream home at a time.

By Hayley Hill Photos Justin Cordova Photography

Geoffrey and Jared Cochran Photo Stevye Photography, StevyePhotography.com 18 ACCESS Magazine / April 2021

EXCELLENCE

A recent build in Mobile's Spring Hill neighborhood of Ridgelawn

M

ost women know what a dream book is.

It’s the book stuffed with inspiration in the form of carefully torn out home magazine pages, Pinterest picks, sketches, paint and fabric swatches, and more that will hopefully one day turn into their forever home. Geoffrey Cochran (who goes by Jeff) and his brother Jared know all too well how overwhelming it can be when it’s time for a family or individual to pull the “let’s build a custom home” trigger.

Born and raised around the construction business, it’s hard for these Mobilians to recall a time they weren’t around a job site. For Jeff, it’s where he feels most at home. “Being on site and spending time with the people who not only work for us, but who have become an extended family, is one of the best parts of the job,” Jeff shares. Agreeing, Jared says his favorite part of the job starts at the very beginning. “Bringing someone’s dream home to life and watching their eyes light up every time something new is completed is beyond rewarding,” he shares.

It’s safe to say that coming from a place of gratitude has served the brothers well. “When someone trusts you to build their home, it means they’ve done their homework,” Jared says. “They’ve asked around, they’ve researched you and your work, and they have decided in good faith that you’re the builders for them. It means your previous customers thought enough about you to recommend you.” Word of mouth in the building business is everything, Jared adds, and to keep that good reputation, you have to perform on the highest level.

20 ACCESS Magazine / April 2021

“It really makes you want to do your job well,” Jared says.

Paired with a “never quit” motto, Jeff and Jared started their business together in 2005 and have been highly revered for renovating existing homes and building upscale custom homes in the area ever since. An added bonus?

Clients get two builders instead of one. “Having two of us sets us apart,” Jared shares. “If one of us can’t make it to the job, there’s always the other to keep things going. That should give the customer an added feeling of security!”

While both are super professional and personable, we wonder about working so closely with a family member. “I enjoy working with Jeff, and it really gives our business an advantage,” Jared shares. “I have someone I trust and can bounce ideas off of daily. We also think alike, so we each know what the other would do in most situations. Plus, we get along so well and have the same goals.” In total agreement, Jeff adds, “Having someone you can depend on and trust completely is key in our business.

Having different personalities, we both bring something unique to the table.”

So, how does it work? “As custom homebuilders, we are involved in the planning process and contract negotiations with the owners, and we orchestrate every part of the building process,” Jared shares. “From hiring the subcontractors and overseeing the

details. “Then the home is framed and the electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and home audio system installations begin. Next comes the roof, and then comes the insulation and sheetrock.

From there, it’s time for flooring, all the finishing details, and the home’s outside façade. Lastly, the property is landscaped,” Jared shares.

“From hiring the subcontractors Whew! Easy, right?

And, just when we and overseeing the construction thought it couldn’t get any better, they to helping the owners get settled used most women’s in their new home, we are there favorite word of all time: communicaevery step of the way.” tion. “Communication is key,” Jeff shares.

“Because Jared and I are very hands-on and - Jared Cochran present at our sites daily, we’re able to keep things flowing construction to helping the owners smoothly. Knowing what our customget settled in their new home, we are ers want and being on site ensures there every step of the way.” Most the vision is met,” he says. Laughing, importantly, it all starts with a good Jared adds, “Having a good set of architectural plan and experienced plans and then methodically reviewinterior designer from the start. “Once ing them with the owners and listenpermits are secured, we start with the ing to their expectations is crucial. site work and pour the slab,” Jared From there, you simply execute the

plan. Also, having the great subcontractors we’ve curated over the years really helps bring that vision to reality.”

Of course, everyone wants everything yesterday, so how long does the process generally take? “Timeframes vary, but typically range from 18 to 30 months depending on the scope of work,” Jared says. “A common misconception is that it can happen quickly, but building a fine home is a marathon, not a sprint,” Jeff adds.

“Our clients invest a lot of time and effort in planning their residence, and it takes time with the architect and the interior designer to build. This coordinated approach is crucial, as most of our homes are very detailed and extremely difficult. We understand the importance of service and getting everything right. It’s what we’re paid for, so it’s what we demand,” Jeff says.

As for a favorite project, the brothers agree: it has to be their recent build (pictured) in Mobile’s Spring Hill neighborhood of Ridgelawn. “The detail that Architect Robert McCown put into this home — the curved rafters, the cedar shake roof, the chamfered edges in the sheetrock —

it really set this house apart,” Jared says. “Robert did a beautiful job by adding lots of windows, the special roof, and white stucco,” Jeff agrees.

“The inside is very detailed with plenty of archways and chamfered corners. Julia Sledge and Atchison Home did an outstanding job with the interior décor,” Jeff adds.

For Julia Sledge, an Atchison Home design associate who served as the home’s interior “My overall vision designer, the Cochran was to blend modern brothers were great to work with. “Jeff was my comfort with family ‘yes’ man and Jared was my realist,” she jokes. “It functionality.” was a fun process with a lot of laughs and no drama.” Well, maybe just a little. “Building during - Julia Sledge a pandemic was a challenge, but they handled it like pros, with no ruffled feathers,” Julia boasts. “Working with them from the start provided a relationship built on trust and communication. I knew I could count on a prompt return call or text, which is so important, as sometimes big decisions need to be made on the fly,” she shares. As for the end result? “My overall vision was to blend modern comfort with family functionality,” Julia shares. “I didn’t want to commit to one style, but rather an overall 22 ACCESS Magazine / April 2021

feel of organic glam. I love textures and patterns but kept all the colors throughout pretty similar with a lot of green, black, white, and tan. I’m so proud of how well lived-in every inch of the house is… there’s no wasted space,” Julia concludes.

Working from Mississippi to the beach, the brothers also shared about an incredible vacation home on Ono Island they built for Steve and Karen Chambless. “It was designed

by Robert McCown as well and has a Rosemary Beach theme exterior with a very modern, clean interior,” Jeff details. “We did some really difficult things not typical for a residential project. For example, the bottom floor’s exterior walls are all board-formed concrete with chamfered corners — extremely difficult to produce. The interior is very modern with absolutely no trim. Trim moldings help hide small construction imperfections, so in this case our team had to be perfect. Our guys performed beautifully, and the finished product is amazing,” Jeff beams.

Curious about current trends, we ask about modern vs. classic in the Bay Area. “We love the classics and have built several,” Jeff shares, though recently the duo has been building more homes with that modern feel.

Jeff’s personal favorite part of the home to create? “Definitely the kitchen,” he shares. “The homes we are building now have nice big kitchens, as that’s where families come together. Usually they eat at the bar or island and have their family chats. It’s very important for that space to be just right,” Jeff says. “In addition to energy efficient homes, building stronger and more environmentally friendly homes is becoming popular, as life on the Gulf Coast means bad storms are a reality,” Jared adds. “Building structurally sound fortified homes is simply a good decision.”

Valuing their relationships, Jeff recalls when Julia Sledge presented a planter typically used in landscaping applications and asked them to turn it into a powder room sink. “At first I thought she was crazy, but the result was amazing,” Jeff admits. “It turns out she knew what she was doing, and our guys proved yet again they’re up for anything! At the end of the day, our clients mean everything to us, and they determine if our business continues to grow. In most cases, they and their families become lifelong friends,” Jeff says.

In addition to hard work and long hours, having great relationships with their subcontractors is a major factor in their overall success, as the brothers understand the gravity of getting things right. “I will say this to the very end: You’re only as good as

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The Chambless Ono Island home boasts many examples of custom craftsmanship, this staircase included. the people you employ,” Jared says.

“We pride ourselves on having the very best team in the business. That alone allows us to do anything a client could ask for!”

Obviously, entrepreneurs need a support system at home, too. For Jeff, that comes from his family. “I’m happily married to my beautiful wife, Ashley, and we have a pretty little girl, Savannah, and two dogs, Sadie and Fergie,” he shares. “I would not be here without them. From snow skiing to the Bahamas, I love to travel with my girls,” he says. An avid fisherman and wing shooter as well, when Jeff’s not with the girls, one can often find him with Jared and their buddies baiting hooks or hunting fowl. As for Jared? “I’m not married, but I have

a great girlfriend, Meredith, and in my free time, I love the outdoors,” Jared beams. “I love to fish as much as possible, and every fall I spend time wing shooting. My favorite is a toss-up between fishing and pheasant hunting in South Dakota!”

Down-to-earth and the kind of men you’d like to have a cold beer with, this hardworking duo has it all figured out, and it comes down to integrity.

“I feel a great since of pride,” Jeff shares. “To have someone trust you to build their largest investment — their dream home — means they did a ton of research, asked questions, and probably spoke to some of our former clients. Its means we are doing things the right way and delivering on our word.”

Cochran Builders, Inc. 251.423.9686 CochranBuildersInc.com

feel of organic glam. I love textures and patterns but kept all the colors throughout pretty similar with a lot of green, black, white, and tan. I’m so proud of how well lived-in every inch of the house is… there’s no wasted space,” Julia concludes.

Working from Mississippi to the beach, the brothers also shared about an incredible vacation home on Ono Island they built for Steve and Karen Chambless. “It was designed

by Robert McCown as well and has a Rosemary Beach theme exterior with a very modern, clean interior,” Jeff details. “We did some really difficult things not typical for a residential project. For example, the bottom floor’s exterior walls are all board-formed concrete with chamfered corners — extremely difficult to produce. The interior is very modern with absolutely no trim. Trim moldings help hide small construction imperfections, so in this case our team had to be perfect. Our guys performed beautifully, and the finished product is amazing,” Jeff beams.

Curious about current trends, we ask about modern vs. classic in the Bay Area. “We love the classics and have built several,” Jeff shares, though recently the duo has been building more homes with that modern feel.

Jeff’s personal favorite part of the home to create? “Definitely the kitchen,” he shares. “The homes we are building now have nice big kitchens, as that’s where families come together. Usually they eat at the bar or island and have their family chats. It’s very important for that space to be just right,” Jeff says. “In addition to energy efficient homes, building stronger and more environmentally friendly homes is becoming popular, as life on the Gulf Coast means bad storms are a reality,” Jared adds. “Building structurally sound fortified homes is simply a good decision.”

Valuing their relationships, Jeff recalls when Julia Sledge presented a planter typically used in landscaping applications and asked them to turn it into a powder room sink. “At first I thought she was crazy, but the result was amazing,” Jeff admits. “It turns out she knew what she was doing, and our guys proved yet again they’re up for anything! At the end of the day, our clients mean everything to us, and they determine if our business continues to grow. In most cases, they and their families become lifelong friends,” Jeff says.

In addition to hard work and long hours, having great relationships with their subcontractors is a major factor in their overall success, as the brothers understand the gravity of getting things right. “I will say this to the very end: You’re only as good as 24 ACCESS Magazine / April 2021

The Chambless Ono Island home boasts many examples of custom craftsmanship, this staircase included. the people you employ,” Jared says.

“We pride ourselves on having the very best team in the business. That alone allows us to do anything a client could ask for!”

Obviously, entrepreneurs need a support system at home, too. For Jeff, that comes from his family. “I’m happily married to my beautiful wife, Ashley, and we have a pretty little girl, Savannah, and two dogs, Sadie and Fergie,” he shares. “I would not be here without them. From snow skiing to the Bahamas, I love to travel with my girls,” he says. An avid fisherman and wing shooter as well, when Jeff’s not with the girls, one can often find him with Jared and their buddies baiting hooks or hunting fowl. As for Jared? “I’m not married, but I have

a great girlfriend, Meredith, and in my free time, I love the outdoors,” Jared beams. “I love to fish as much as possible, and every fall I spend time wing shooting. My favorite is a toss-up between fishing and pheasant hunting in South Dakota!”

Down-to-earth and the kind of men you’d like to have a cold beer with, this hardworking duo has it all figured out, and it comes down to integrity.

“I feel a great since of pride,” Jeff shares. “To have someone trust you to build their largest investment — their dream home — means they did a ton of research, asked questions, and probably spoke to some of our former clients. Its means we are doing things the right way and delivering on our word.”

Cochran Builders, Inc. 251.423.9686 CochranBuildersInc.com

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1525 east 1-65 Service road south mobile, AL 36606 | 251-301-001

A Match Made in When it comes to owning a business with your spouse, it’s truly not for everyone, but for Wayne and Vanessa Reyner of Reyner Construction, it’s simply a way of life.

With 10 years of marriage, three kids, and a successful business under their belts, it seems there’s no stopping this power couple that somehow makes it all work.

Photo Stevye Photography, StevyePhotography.com

By Caroline Edmondson Photos Jeff Nelson

Wayne and Vanessa Reyner Vanessa: Blouse, $169; The Holiday, 251.432.4911.

Jeans, $228, Earrings, $52; Rise Boutique, 251.341.7096. Bangles, $98; Debra's, 251.343.7463.

Wayne: Sport Coat Provided By Dillard's

26 ACCESS Magazine / April 2021

CONSTRUCTION HEAVEN

W

ayne and Vanessa Reyner have a mutual friend to thank for their introduction at a Halloween party nearly 14 years ago in 2007. Hitting it off instantly, Wayne asked Vanessa on a date to Felix’s just a couple of days later, ultimately leading to a trip down the aisle in October of 2011. As for their leap into the world of construction, it was Wayne who led the way after graduating from The University of Alabama with a bachelor’s degree in finance and a master’s in economics. “I was looking for a job after college and talked to my old boss who I used to wash boats for at his boat dealership in Orange Beach during the summers,” Wayne recalls. “At the time, he was a partner in a construction company that was remodeling condos in Navarre Beach after Hurricane Ivan. I was hired in 2004, and his partner, Mike Comminskey, became my mentor.”

With a long career in construction, Mike taught Wayne many lessons, the most important of which was to always tell the truth.

After spending years on the road for a large general contractor, Wayne

28 ACCESS Magazine / April 2021

earned his general contractor license in 2012, turning his focus to putting down roots and raising his growing family in the Bay Area. Simultaneously desirous to be a part of the transformation of Mobile’s existing housing stock in the community he loves so much, Wayne proposed to Vanessa yet again, only this time, the focus was a new business venture. “I don’t believe we ever considered working together in a business sense,” Vanessa admits, despite her current partnership with her husband at Reyner Construction. “We used to own and solely operate separate small businesses, and the more those businesses got busy (and the larger our family became), it just made more sense to throw all of our time and resources behind one business,” she shares.

“For us, the decision was to get completely behind Reyner Construction as a family.” The couple say their favorite part about working together is that it’s a natural extension of their relationship as partners. “We seem to be co-running everything in our world, from our home to our family and our business,” Wayne adds.

At Reyner Construction, Wayne owns, runs, and manages all design

and construction jobs while Vanessa decades — to come,” Wayne says. know what to expect throughout the handles all marketing and commu- But with so many builders in the area, project. Being in somebody’s home nications (and serves as a cheerlead- what makes Reyner Construction is very personal and not a responsibiler for her hardworking husband). stand out from the rest? Vanessa says ity that we take lightly. It takes many Focusing on custom renovation work it’s their attention to detail, superior different tradesmen and subcontracranging from kitchens and bathrooms client communication, and the ease tors to complete a project, so everyto whole house renovabody that works for us tions, Reyner Construction has to meet our company runs on the motto, “Build standards.”

Beautiful.”

“Whether “We’d rather take it project-by-project, Over the years, Reyner redoing a home, building Construction has creating custom, beautiful spaces. It up kids, or investing in completed a slew of your local community, do breathtaking and exciting takes bricks and sticks to make a house, it all beautifully,” Wayne home projects, but one says. Catering to modern but it’s the family in it and neighborhood recent reno stands out to farmhouse designs, each Wayne as truly special. around it that make a home.” home Wayne designs lends “We recently completed itself to a more clean and a historic whole house non-cluttered look. When renovation on a home it comes time to get started that had been occupied - Wayne Reyner on a new build, Wayne by a law firm for the sets out to come up with previous 40 years,” a great design plan. “First Wayne shares. “Every and foremost, I listen to everything of the overall experience that ensures room in the house was updated, from the client has to say,” he shares. “For every project comes out better than the opening up the floor plan to custom many clients, it’s the first time they client expected. “There are so many cabinetry to new beautiful light have ever been a part of a renova- decisions that go into a remodeling fixtures. It’s stunning,” he enthuses. tion project, so they don’t know how project that it can be overwhelming In addition, a recent kitchen renovato start. Most clients will only go for somebody that has never under- tion in the Delwood neighborhood through this process once or twice, so taken one before,” Vanessa shares. of Midtown has a special place in I work to develop a plan and look that “We try to make the process as easy Wayne’s heart, as his grandfather, they will be happy with for years — as possible for the client and let them Oliver Delchamps (founder of the

Prefer Modern? This sleek and clean renovation shows the possibilities and range of talents Reyner Construction provides.

30 ACCESS Magazine / April 2021

large grocery store chain, Delchamps), actually developed the neighborhood back in the day. In fact, Wayne’s own mother grew up there. And with such a successful career thus far, Wayne has learned many valuable lessons over the years — especially after witnessing both a construction boom and recession. “So many people were focused on the ‘bigger is better’ mentality,” Wayne muses. “We’d rather take it project-by-project, creating custom, beautiful spaces. It takes bricks and sticks to make a house, but it’s the family in it and neighborhood around it that make a home.”

Wayne has won multiple awards for his work, including the Alabama Remodeling Excellence Award from the Homebuilders Association of Alabama. He has also been awarded the Certified Graduate Builder designation by the National Association of Homebuilders and has been designated as a Floor Plan and Specification Specialist by the National Kitchen and Bath Association.

In addition, he has won Best in Service

by Houzz.com the past two years.

Outside of construction, Vanessa and Wayne love spending time outdoors with their three children: Virginia (7), Mac (4), and Luke (7 months), whether going to the beach or just walking in the park. Wayne and Vanessa are also deeply rooted in their faith, as Wayne enjoys playing in their church’s worship band and Vanessa spends time teaching Bible Study over coffee. They both admit it’s sometimes hard to find a work/life balance but agree it’s important to find healthy business boundaries so that construction talk doesn’t creep into dinner conversations.

Reyner Construction, LLC Mobile, AL Wayne@ReynerConstruction.com 251.709.4211

R E TA I L SH OWRO O M & D E S I GN S T U D I O 25299 Canal Rd Orange Beach, AL 36561 | 251-974-1907 MONDAY - FRIDAY 9:00AM - 5:00PM OR BY APPOINTMENT ON WEEKENDS

C I N DY M E A D O R . C O M

large grocery store chain, Delchamps), actually developed the neighborhood back in the day. In fact, Wayne’s own mother grew up there. And with such a successful career thus far, Wayne has learned many valuable lessons over the years — especially after witnessing both a construction boom and recession. “So many people were focused on the ‘bigger is better’ mentality,” Wayne muses. “We’d rather take it project-by-project, creating custom, beautiful spaces. It takes bricks and sticks to make a house, but it’s the family in it and neighborhood around it that make a home.”

Wayne has won multiple awards for his work, including the Alabama Remodeling Excellence Award from the Homebuilders Association of Alabama. He has also been awarded the Certified Graduate Builder designation by the National Association of Homebuilders and has been designated as a Floor Plan and Specification Specialist by the National Kitchen and Bath Association.

In addition, he has won Best in Service

by Houzz.com the past two years.

Outside of construction, Vanessa and Wayne love spending time outdoors with their three children: Virginia (7), Mac (4), and Luke (7 months), whether going to the beach or just walking in the park. Wayne and Vanessa are also deeply rooted in their faith, as Wayne enjoys playing in their church’s worship band and Vanessa spends time teaching Bible Study over coffee. They both admit it’s sometimes hard to find a work/life balance but agree it’s important to find healthy business boundaries so that construction talk doesn’t creep into dinner conversations.

Reyner Construction, LLC Mobile, AL Wayne@ReynerConstruction.com 251.709.4211

32 ACCESS Magazine / April 2021

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WHERE CLASSIC

34 ACCESS Magazine / April 2021

Meets New Traditionalist When Cindy Meador Interiors Decorator Allyn Cameron was approached by her parents to aid in the design of their new home in the Firefly division of Fairhope, she was overjoyed at the thought.

More than capable of tackling the challenge, Allyn surpassed her parents’ expectations, turning their new house into a home they can truly be proud of.

By Caroline Edmondson Photos Stevye Photography, StevyePhotography.com Hair Jason Chambers, Headdress Salon, 251.689.7427 Makeup Courtney Matthews Makeup Artistry, youneedblush2020@gmail.com

O

riginally from Hattiesburg, Miss., Allyn Cameron entered the design industry more than 20 years ago, and having served as part of Cindy Meador’s team for the last seven of those years, it’s no surprise her parents (Anne and Rusty Coker) turned to their oh-so talented daughter’s expertise in tackling the design of their new home. Having lived on Fish River for years, Anne and Rusty decided to make the move inland so they could not only be closer to town, but more importantly, to their children and grandchildren as well. For their new home, Allyn’s parents wanted a completely different aesthetic than their previous river home,

Anne Coker and her daughter, Allyn Cameron

settling on a mix between traditional and contemporary. “My mother loves color, so we tried to implement her favorite colors throughout the home,” Allyn shares. “They also enjoy entertaining, so they wanted a great outdoor space in which to entertain guests and for our large family to gather.”

Putting their faith almost entirely

construction, we ordered four green swivel chairs because my parents fell in love with the comfort of the chair style, and my mom fell in love with the color,” Allyn shares. “We decided to specifically design a room for these chairs, and over a year later construction began. We selected our interior color palette pretty early on and stayed true to it throughout the entire process.”

As an experienced designer “We decided to specifically design at Cindy Meador Interiors, Allyn ensured the majority a room for these chairs, and of the furniture brought into over a year later construction the new home was ordered specifically through the began. We selected our interior “With the tall cathedral color palette pretty early on and store. ceilings, we needed taller stayed true to it throughout the furniture,” Allyn says. “This is how we chose the taller entire process.” backed sofas and chairs, and - Allyn Cameron all of the lighting throughout the home was purchased through Cindy Meador Intein Allyn, her parents were willing riors as well,” Allyn adds. Touting to take some chances and give her Allyn as an integral part of her team, a lot of leeway when it came to the Cindy Meador shares, “Allyn is design. “I feel like we worked really such a talented and capable interior well together,” Allyn shares. “It was a designer. When it came to her parents’ true team effort. I tried to stay true to home, I left her to it, and she rose to their desires and dreams as much as the challenge flawlessly. Having a possible.” When it came to the look home store, I was thrilled she chose of the home, Allyn and her parents to use so many of the pieces we work knew one thing for certain: four so hard to source and secure for our green swivel chairs were a neces- clients. I couldn't be prouder," Cindy sity. “A year before we even began beams.

Bailey Chastang Photography

The entire construction and design process took around 10 months to complete, but the finished product is truly a work of art. Allyn says her favorite part of the home has to be the master bedroom, as the gold leaf iron bed is a true showstopper. “I love the mix of the green walls, the warm wood bedside chests, and the dramatic bed, of course,” Allyn gushes, citing her affinity for the custom drapes throughout the home as well. “My parents still tell me how much they love their new home,” Allyn beams.

“My mom’s favorite part of the home is definitely her bedroom as well. My dad loves the back porch and pool — perfect for entertaining!” After living in their new home for a little over a year now, Anne and Rusty say they are enjoying making new memories within their gorgeous walls and are looking forward to many more wonderful years in their dream home thanks to the well-trained eye of their precious daughter.

Cindy Meador Interiors 25299 Canal Rd. Orange Beach, AL 251.974.1907

38 ACCESS Magazine / April 2021

Home to the only VirtueRF and Deka CO2 CoolPeel laser on the Gulf Coast

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Dr. Kimberly Donnellan, the area’s only female, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, uses radio frequency microneedling and CO2 laser technology to stimulate collagen and fade signs of aging in a minimally invasive technique.

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Instant I M PA C T

By Hayley Hill Photos Stevye Photography, StevyePhotography.com

H

aving rounded the bend on a full year hijacked by a global pandemic, you’d have to be living under a rock to not have noticed the “all things home” craze. From new builds to complete and minor renovations, spending so much time at home has left us ready to banish the boring and finally create the spaces we crave. For many, that comes in the form of quick fixes that offer big impacts.

While Tim Burt of LUSH Home “Due to my career, my spare time Garden Event has is limited. I needed something plenty of design to spice up my dining room for projects in homes from New Orleans an event and all I had to do was to Birmingham, send Tim pictures of it from my he loves to help phone. And just like that, ta-da!” those looking for that “just right” piece — the one -Toni Jones that can make their room pop and appear as polished as it would if an interior designer had been at the helm all along. This is refreshing, as many feel ashamed when going rogue without a designer, but it is this customer, in fact, that Tim adores helping the most (and, subsequently, why he opened his store).

“Not everyone can renovate their entire home at once, or even an entire room, so the key is having a plan for the end result so as you take steps toward that goal the final product is what you desire,” Tim shares. “Sometimes just changing out a light fixture can update the entire look of a room.” It’s also easy to deduce that setting up a plan will save money in the long run, as trips to those oh-so affordable home goods stores for fast fixes add up as quickly as they expire.

In business since 2000, LUSH Home Garden Event is a local resource for the homeowner that wants to update their abode.

“People can bring in pictures of an area or room and share their vision with me, and then I can show them

Tim Burt 40 ACCESS Magazine / April 2021

Naturally, most of us wouldn’t turn down the services of an established interior designer, but for some, the prospect alone seems no more than distant dream. Regardless of financial status, time/availability, or the scope of the renovation at hand, options aplenty exist, and that’s exactly what Interior Designer and LUSH Home Garden Event owner Tim Burt set out to do with his “all things home” oasis.

It seems you do have an interior designer, after all.

42 ACCESS Magazine / April 2021

things I have in stock or can order to fill their needs,” Tim shares. “There’s not much I can’t get! I’m truly thankful for phones, as they’ve made everyone's lives so much easier. Not a day goes by that a customer doesn't come in with a design question and pops out their phone and says, ‘Do you mind giving me your thoughts on this?’ I love it! It saves a trip to their house (and a consultation fee, too)!

Tim says videos are great as well, as they allow him to “walk through” a home and help solve dilemmas homeowners didn't realize LUSH had the resources to solve.

A true design resource reaching far beyond the walls of the store, Tim adds, “From custom upholstery and lighting to that ‘just right’ mirror or side table, I can get it. We represent some of the best manufacturers in the country,” he shares, citing a few of his favorites as Gabby Home, Parkhill Collection, Aidan Gray, and Visual Comfort. “Gabby has over 1,500 fabrics available for any piece of furniture you can imagine, and Visual Comfort has an encyclopedia-sized resource book of available lighting,” Tim adds. “Customers can come in any time and browse the choices, and I’m more than happy to help, as it can be overwhelming.”

Able to meet the demands of most any style preference from traditional to modern, Tim says his personal aesthetic is best described as “timeless, yet stylish,” and “cuttingedge, but not too trendy.” “It’s important in the world of design to know when to go bold or stay neutral,” he shares. “Large purchases like sofas and chairs and projects such as tiling and flooring are decisions “From custom upholstery and lighting that should not be made lightly due to the cost to that ‘just right’ mirror or side table, and longevity buyers expect.” It’s also vital to I can get it. We represent some of the keep in mind the style of the home rather than the best manufacturers in the country.” homeowner. “Pillows, rugs, paint colors and lamps can be a little less - Tim Burt intimidating and costly and a great way to add Perhaps one of the best aspects of advisory boards which provided him an instant wow factor to any space.”

As for what’s trending, Tim says, working with Tim is the fact that he with incredible knowledge regard“Pops of color everywhere! From not only can score you a stop-them- ing such properties. In his free time, your front door to KitchenAid mixers, in-their-tracks light fixture, but he can he enjoys going to his condominiit’s all about color right now. Blue get someone there pronto to install it um in New Orleans and shopping and green are super-hot colors for properly, too. “I tend to be a resource along Magazine Street for inspiration. kitchen cabinets and fit right in with for clients when they need a referral Plus, you’ll never meet a stranger in our coastal lifestyle.” Thankfully, for hanging lighting, delivering furni- his shop, as he’s as welcoming and color is Tim’s specialty! “I’m able ture, painters, landscapers, and more as funny as one would hope. That to help choose the entire pallet from since I work constantly with these (combined with him having owned several other home stores all over the outside to the inside,” he shares. trades,” Tim shares.

“Of course, large light fixtures from Having lived in more houses than we the South) makes Tim a sure bet for sleek, elegant, gold metal frames to can count, Tim knows his stuff. From helping us all create our own slice of wooden, beaded, shabby chic options complete renovations from the ground Southern comfort. are fantastic instant room fixes and up to flipping several homes, Tim has even held seats on several historic affordable luxuries.”

LUSH Home Garden Event 1910 Government St. Mobile, AL 251.473.6121

INSPIRED DESIGN, It’s every woman’s dream (and some men’s, too) to have a gorgeous closet to complete her perfect home, and thanks to Julie and Steve Kenney of Inspired Closets Mobile, that dream is entirely possible. On a mission to design closets that are both organizationally functional and equally beautiful, they are just the pair to design that closet you’ve always wanted.

Photo The Wright Perspective | AutumnWrightPhotography.com

By Caroline Edmondson

Julie and Steve Kenney

G

raduates of Tulane University, Julie and Steve Kenney say they met initially during her freshman year/his sophomore year at a fraternity tea in 1981. They reconnected a few months later at a local New Orleans restaurant. “It all began when I asked to borrow the bottle of ketchup from her table,” Steve recalls. “She said I had to move to her table to use it, and the rest was history,” he jokes. Julie has always loved design and organization, and as a licensed homebuilder since 1991, she’s always loved using her talents to create beautiful homes — especially when it comes to closets. Started as “Custom Closets by Kenney-Moise, Inc.” in 2006, the home organizational side of the homebuilding business grew to become the main focus that it is today. “Several years ago, our manufacturing partner created a national brand called Inspired Closets,” Julie shares. “Each local dealer is an independent, locally owned business, but we share marketing, design ideas, and best practices to make sure we are providing not only a wonderful finished product, but a great experience for our clients throughout the design and installation process.” As Inspired Closets brand dealers, Julie and Steve’s primary mission is to help people by providing organizational solutions that are both practical and beautiful via a collaborative process that is as easy as it is fun.

Though they never expected to go into business together, both Steve and Julie agree that working together is a good thing. “We spend a lot of time together at the office, work, and home,” Steve says. “Working together is wonderful… we share a vision. Julie has most of the ‘ideas’ and enjoys giving me a list of ‘to-do’ items — both for work and home,” Steve jests, while Julie jabs back: “The worst part about working together is that Steve won’t do everything I ask him to… ha!” Both Julie and Steve agree it was Julie’s parents that inspired them the most throughout their career. “They told me several things such as, ‘You need to get a degree in something in which you can find a job,’ and ‘You can do anything if you put your mind to it,’” Julie shares. “I took both of those to heart, and now do something I truly love.”

Custom Installed

46 ACCESS Magazine / April 2021

When it comes to their main roles in the business, Julie says she focuses on the design side of looking at clients’ spaces and creating solutions that fit their needs along with her design team, while Steve handles the operational tasks like product ordering, shipping, receiving, scheduling, and managing the installation team.

Focusing on designing and installing the best organizational storage, the success of their business is based on the value of great design while working with the space available to create a functional and beautiful closet, pantry, laundry room, home office, or garage area. But Inspired Closets Mobile doesn’t just stop at remodeling spaces in existing homes; they will work with builders to make “from scratch” closets in a new construction as well. “When we are involved from the planning stage, the end result is so much better,” Julie says. “We can help with electrical layout, make suggestions for minimum closet sizes, and collaborate with the owners, builders, and designers to make sure that what we build blends seamlessly with the rest of the home.”

Julie and Steve have had the opportunity to work on some gorgeous closets over the years, but Julie says a master bedroom closet that was built over a wall of windows was her favorite design challenge. “The client needed that wall for storage, so we created a system with back panels to hide the windows from the inside and used that wall,” she details. “Yet from the outside it still looks like windows with closed shutters, saving the owners from having to take out windows, add brick, etc.” As for the quirkiest closet she’s designed? “I once designed a

Carley Peckham, Designer

Steve Kenney with Lead Installer Jace Larson

‘cat closet,’ which was lots of fun because I love cats,” she shares.

“It had an easily accessed litter box and alternating holes in the shelves so the cats could climb from the bottom to the top!” Still in the concept phase for a favorite client, it remains to be seen if the kitties will get their special space!

Overall, the couple says they owe their success to the designs they develop and their attention to detail when installation is being completed. “The value of the design, the quality of the product, and careful, professional installation by our team is what makes us a growing business that is respected and appreciated by our clients,” Steve says. “We want our customers to love their closet and to tell all their friends and neighbors what a great experience they had.” And it’s their clients that make all of the hard work worth it. “We are fortunate to work with clients who are excited and happy about what we are doing for them,” Julie shares. “Our clients love their homes, and we are proud to be selected to be a part of their everyday lives.”

Of course, Julie and Steve say none of their success would be possible without their wonderful team of young professionals. “Our business would not be where it is today if it weren’t for them,” Steve insists.

“Jace is our lead installer, and he is bright and hardworking and a fantastic problem solver. Bethany is our showroom designer and keeps everything moving in the right direction, from setting up appointments, meeting with clients, and doing consultations, to making sure all the closet accessories get into the right job box,” he says. They and our other team members love working to make homes more beautiful and functional. “Our clients comment on how much they enjoy working with the team, and that makes us very happy,” Julie adds.

A true family affair, Julie and Steve have even enlisted the help of their three sons over the course of the last 15 years with various closet installations: Kalen (married to wife Elyse), Cam (engaged to fiancé Caroline), and Cole. Off the clock, the family enjoys traveling together and spending time on Dauphin Island, soaking up all the Gulf Coast has to offer.

Having recently opened a second showroom in Daphne, Julie and Steve say they have big plans for Inspired Closets Mobile, so be sure to stop by and let them design the closet of your dreams!

Inspired Closets 7755 Summit Ct. Mobile, AL

Showroom Designer Bethany Tucker

2216 Main Street Suite C Daphne, AL

By Appointment Only InspiredClosetsMobile.com 251.344.0202

48 ACCESS Magazine / April 2021

WAKE UP with BETTER SKIN

The Better Skin Co. is proud to be based in Mobile, Alabama. We look forward to an exciting 2021 and hope to meet you at a local event!

Please take advantage of our exclusive ACCESS Magazine offer. To try our products in person, visit LUSH at 1910 Government Street. Now is the perfect time to refresh your skincare regimen or try something new.

See you around town!

Murphy D. Bishop, II Chief Cream Maker & Head Skincare Guru

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Building Your

FAIRHOPE LIFE Ah, the Bay lifestyle. Everyone wants it, but how to get it is the question — especially when it comes to Fairhope. If it’s serenity you seek in the form of a rural setting close to the downtown scene and our sandy shores, look no further than the custom build-only community of The Verandas and the exciting new development, The Estates at The Verandas. Boasting all the amenities one could hope for, a true community, and more, that coveted Bay lifestyle awaits!

By Hayley Hill Photos Stevye Photography, StevyePhotography.com

50 ACCESS Magazine / April 2021

W

hat is it about Fairhope?

The current real-estate boom has agents scrambling to find those just-right dream homes for potential buyers and the demand just keeps getting bigger. It seems Fairhope offers the life so many desire. With its golf cart-friendly small-town charm, upscale boutiques on tree-lined streets, wonderful restaurants serving Southern comfort in a perfectly relaxed atmosphere, and an incredible public school system, Fairhope is a true community and the ultimate place to be. It’s that place where everyone knows your name. And not only does it offer an easy lifestyle, but the architecture just keeps getting better and the overall city plan has made it a destination for thousands of visitors each year.

For husband-and-wife team Michelle and Bruce Bigler and their partner, Trae Corte, developing an exclusive neighborhood that sprawls over 300 of Fairhope’s most pristine acres was an easy decision. Longtime friends and business partners (and each with their own areas of expertise), this first-rate team is beyond proud of their special project aptly called “The Verandas.” So successful, they are now launching “The Estates at The Verandas.”

Together but separate, The Verandas and The Estates at The Verandas each boast breathtaking properties for custom build-only homes to ensure the integrity of each buyer’s investment. Imagine being able to build your dream home with their experienced top-notch builders and enjoy the many amenities like their resortstyle pool, stocked fishing ponds, fruit tree orchards, community garden, and more — all in a country setting close to downtown Fairhope. With the launch of The Estates at The Verandas comes even bigger opportunities, as the lots are much larger.

Comprised of 3+ acre properties that allow families to not only build their dream home, but to also have more space and privacy for everything from horses and a barn to a carriage house, The Estates at The Verandas are also part of the community and can enjoy all the amenities as well.

When it comes to finding the perfect place to live, Michelle Bigler (Associate Broker at Wise Living Real Estate and The Verandas) can’t recommend Fairhope enough. Joking that she’s the area’s biggest cheerleader, she shares, “I believe with all my heart that Fairhope is one of the most wonderful places to live and raise a family. It’s so special, and I love showing my clients from out of the area how special it is because it’s not just the place itself, but the people as well. It’s so apparent

Bruce Bigler and Trae Corte

“I believe with all my heart that Fairhope is one of the most wonderful places to live and raise a family.”

- Michelle Bigler

when I pull into a neighborhood with a new client and everyone waves at us, strangers and all. They always ask if I know the people, and if I don’t, I always tell them, ‘No; that’s just what we do here.’ It’s Southern hospitality and I don’t know of a place that does it better than we do.”

When the concept for The Verandas was first developed, the team recognized a huge need for custom homes that were reasonably priced, and from there, they were off and running.

“With a huge demand for homes in Fairhope, I was struggling to find anything for my clients, most of whom at the very least wanted a home with a custom feel. So, by developing a true custom home neighborhood, you get what you really want, and your home will better maintain its value, as all the homes are of the same value as yours. Plus, having strict homeowner association rules and regulations ensures that the neighborhood and the homes maintain their integrity,” she explains.

As a developer, Trae is a true visionary and has been developing neighborhoods on the Eastern Shore for more than 25 years. Think prestigious properties such as Cheval, Rock Creek, Woodlands of Fairhope, Woodlands of Malbis, Summer Lake, and Craft Farms North, just to name a few. Also, as a realtor with partner Wendy Gavras of Fairhope’s Corte & Gavras Real Estate, Trae is a partner in selling and developing all things Verandas. “Both custom homes-on-

The Estates offer 49 lots ranging from 3 to 5.9 acres of idyllic rural living in the center of the city. The streets will be lined with oak trees and a three-rail fence to match existing areas.”

- Trae Corte ly properties, The Verandas and The Estates at The Verandas offer incredible opportunities,” Trae shares. “The Estates offer 49 lots ranging from 3 to 5.9 acres of idyllic rural living in the center of the city. The streets will be lined with oak trees and a threerail fence to match existing areas.”

You can even gate your property for privacy. “Since the neighborhood is in the northeast part of Fairhope where most of the new growth will occur, you can have acreage while still enjoying the conveniences of the city,” Trae shares. “In the Fairhope school, police, and fire department district, a new nearby neighborhood shopping center and medical facilities have been announced as well.”

52 ACCESS Magazine / April 2021

Wendy Gavras and Trae Corte

The Verandas 10821 AL-104 Fairhope, AL

Wise Living

Corte & Gavras

Michelle Bigler

Trae Corte & Wendy Gavras

251.367.1111

251.751.2223

With the housing boom throughout Baldwin County, developer partner Bruce feels Fairhope stands out as the premier location to live for a multitude of reasons, primarily its proximity to Mobile, the beaches, the Bay, and most importantly, the welcoming friendliness of its people. “It’s a great place to live and raise a family or retire and enjoy all the area has to offer,” Bruce says. “We’ve designed The Verandas and The Estates to help maximize the lifestyle that we’re blessed to have here, and The Estates will truly be one of the most unique neighborhoods in Fairhope. There’s nothing like it! While it offers all the amenities of a custom-built neighborhood along with a taste of country living from the extra land on each of the 49 lots we’re offering, you can even add outdoor structures for varied interests to complement the architectural style of your custom-built home.

Don’t let your dreams just be dreams!

It really is the perfect place to build your ideal estate home,” Bruce shares.

As the principle financial investor, Bruce enjoys using his creative background to help develop this unique vision. “While I bring financial stability to the neighborhood, Trae brings the developing expertise,” Bruce says. “Together we have brought this special place to fruition, and people are really loving it. To date, we’ve sold 90 percent of The Verandas from the first two phases. We’re really excited that we’re ready to break ground and taking reservations for The Estates at the Verandas.”

Though the design of your home is entirely up to you, most homes cater more towards the coastal cottage or farmhouse design. And with a group of experienced builders with strong reputations in our community at your disposal, the options are truly endless.

“I encourage buyers to pull pages of homes and home features from magazines they like and keep them in a binder so they can incorporate all of their dreams into their home,” Michelle advises. “Our builders listen carefully so they can provide exactly what each client wants.”

When buying at The Verandas, it’s important to remember you’re not just buying a home; you’re creating a lifestyle, forming a community, and gaining a group of friends that will likely be in your life forever. Michelle and the Corte & Gavras team at The Verandas are here to aid in every step along the way to getting your dream home. From buying and financing to design and builder selection, the entire process is made easy. The end result? No compromises. You’ll have the home of your dreams in the community of your dreams. Now that’s priceless!

Real Estate ROYALTY At first glance, Cameron Weavil has many things in spades. From the right contacts to a killer wardrobe, one might be surprised by what a simple, hardworking guy he truly is. From working in the family commercial real estate business to being a father, he shares the scoop on the Bay’s big boom — real estate — and why he loves his hometown (oh yeah, and that “bubble” everyone is talking about).

By Hayley Hill Photos Stevye Photography, StevyePhotography.com

C

ameron is that guy that seems to have it all. With his GQ magazine-worthy looks, great personality, and phenomenal girlfriend and family in his corner, one would assume he simply glides through life. However, there is so much more to Cameron than meets the eye (and all of it good). Proud to call Mobile home, Cameron serves as vice president for The Weavil Company, and with an unmatched passion for seeing our downtown area reach its full potential, he’s putting in the hard work to ensure that happens.

On any given day there’s a good chance you’ll see Cameron zipping around downtown contributing to the development in this now lively and ever-changing cityscape. Amongst the cranes, blinking orange barrels, and the sounds of construction, Cameron is right at home. A full-service family-owned commercial real estate brokerage and development firm, The Weavil Company consists of commercial, industrial, and investment realtors that handle development, site selection, and leasing. And if that isn’t enough, Cameron also has a residential company called Premier Real Estate Company that handles foreclosures and sales. From storefronts and cool city-life condos to investment property inquiries from Wemo to Ono, Cameron gets it done.

Quick to credit his family for his success, Cameron shares, “My family is everything. My dad, Richard Weavil, might be the greatest person on the planet. He truly is an angel.

He has taught me so much in life and business.” Richard founded The Weavil Company in the 1970s, remaining steady at the helm to this day. “We have worked together every day for 13 years and it’s truly amazing.

We may have had two disagreements

54 ACCESS Magazine / April 2021

in all these years,” Cameron jokes.

“We just work so well together, and for that I am thankful. My parents are also still happily married. My mom, Lane, makes Dad so happy, and he brings that joy to work with him every day,” Cameron shares. “He just glows. That happiness is contagious and makes me smile.”

But being part of the family business wasn’t initially a part of Cameron’s original plan. “After graduating from St. Paul’s Episcopal School in 2003, I went to Ole Miss (University of Mississippi) to study risk management and insurance,” he admits. “I really didn’t want to get into real estate, but I stuck with it. From there, I continued my studies in International Business Law at the University of Innsbruck in Austria,” he shares.

Furthering his commitment, Cameron went on to receive his CCIM designation (Certified Commercial Investment Member) when he was just 30 years old. “This was quite an accomplishment for me, as having your CCIM designation has been compared to having your Masters in Commercial Real Estate or even a PhD,” he shares.

Currently enjoying a local boom, ACCESS naturally asked for the scoop. “From an investing standpoint, passive income is the end goal, or rental income, also known as ‘mailbox money,’” he shares. “For example, interested investors can purchase an apartment complex and collect rent each month with little effort required, thus allowing them the freedom to travel and retire,” Cameron explains. When it comes to commercial vs. residential real estate investments, Cameron shares that both require the same amount of time and effort. “You can either put all your effort in a $50K residential foreclosure and flip it, or you can develop

a commercial building downtown for a tenant for $1M. Both will take the same time and effort, but the commercial development will yield a higher return.”

Curious about downtown areas with growth plans as it relates to commercial space investments, we had to ask. “St. Louis Street is booming,” Cameron shares. “There has been monumental redevelopment and rehabilitation of old buildings, and there are a ton of new residential apartments and condos as well coming downtown.” Cameron adds that the city has become more flexible by using what’s called the ‘form-based code,’ which allows someone to use a building for what they desire. “For example, they can buy a two-story building and have their office on the first floor and an apartment on the second floor,” he details.

And, what about the whole Airbnb craze? “I have the penthouse above the Crescent Theatre on Airbnb, and for the most part it has worked out,” Cameron shares. “There are always a few bad apples that don’t follow the rules and try to throw parties. Each user has a profile that has reviews from other hosts, so you really need to be selective with who you book. I try to make sure they have positive reviews and to ask them the nature of

their visit. If they’re local and have zero reviews, that’s usually a red flag for a party,” Cameron says.

With so many options for an investor to consider, it seems overwhelming.

“I work with my clients to ensure they make smart financial decisions regarding site selection, lease vs. buy, sale valuations, exit strategies, leasing, and buyer representation,” Cameron assures. “We ensure a seamless transition, as I just really love real estate! I also really enjoy the history aspect. Every property has a history, and that story can help us to understand not only what it used to be, but also its future potential. That journey is the thrill!” he shares.

And when it comes to current listings, Cameron’s got a stack of them on his desk ripe for the picking. “I have the Tecnico property for sale on the port of Chickasaw which is 23 acres and 200,000 square feet for $6.9M, so I have been spending a lot of time trying to sell that,” he shares. “I also developed the Serda Brewing property on Government Street. It was an old tire shop that we transformed into the great brewery it is today.” Cameron also sold the iconic “Three Sisters building” on the corner of Dauphin and Royal Streets, which the new owner is renovating and has hired Cameron to help lease the

“My family is everything.

My dad, Richard Weavil, might be the greatest person on the planet. He truly is an angel.

He has taught me so much in life and business.”

- Cameron Weavil

office space. “The Crescent Theater building is for sale for $1.75M and consists of the theater on the ground floor and two condos on the second and third floor,” Cameron shares.

“I’ve also been retained to lease the retail space at the newly renovated Staples Pate Building (think Ruby Slipper Café), and it’s a great example of out-of-town investors renovating a historic building.”

Overflowing with charm, it’s easy to see how professional Cameron is when it comes to real estate. “I’m currently the president of the Mobile Area Association of Realtors, and at 36 years old I am one of (if not the) youngest president in Mobile history,” he beams. “Being part of this organization requires us to take a code of ethics course every year to remind us how important it is to treat others as we want to be treated. We have a fiduciary duty to our clients, and legally we must put their interest above our own.” While in DC, Cameron also spent time working under Congressman Jo Bonner and Senator Jeff Sessions. “I also worked in the Defense Appropriations Department, which was interesting because my grandfather, former U.S. Congressman Jack Edwards, was chairman of the Defense Appropriations Committee when he was in office from 1964 to 1984,” he shares.

Shop talk aside, it’s pretty safe to say Cameron truly is a Bay darling, as you couldn’t meet a kinder person. He recently shared that a family friend helping with the annual Festival of Flowers (a benefit for Providence Hospital) reached out to see if he could gather up some vintage car owners to bring their hot rods to Cathedral Square for added entertainment. Cameron happily obliged, and with a few calls, organized a successful added element to the downtown Mobile festival.

Describing himself as a simple guy, he shares, “In my free time I like going to dive bars like the Garage,

“Traveling, in my opinion, is the best investment you can make.”

- Cameron Weavil Icebox, Brickyard, or Willie’s Place with friends. I love eating at simple places like Moe’s BBQ, Debris Po Boys, and the Bicycle Shop (if they would ever reopen),” he jokes. “I also love being on the water, so taking my boat to places like The River Shack, 56 ACCESS Magazine / April 2021

Sunset Point, and the Florabama Yacht Club are hard to beat.”

Wise beyond his years, perhaps it’s Cameron’s love of travel that has enabled him to envision the overwhelming potential of our Port City.

“Traveling, in my opinion, is the best investment you can make,” he shares. “Traveling to Europe should be required so everyone can see what culture really is. Every year I spend a week in Cabo, and it’s my favorite trip. At the same time, I equally enjoy being on the boat or in the woods in my Jeep. Basically, anywhere I can be ‘off the grid’ is peaceful,” he says.

Knowing just about everyone there is to know locally has definitely helped Cameron out in terms of real estate, but so has giving back. “I had an amazing experience as a youth counselor at JH Ranch Outback for

America for three years, and in 2016, I participated in the Real Men Wear Pink Campaign for the American Cancer Society with 29 other Mobile businessmen,” he shares. “I was also the chairman of Ducks Unlimited for seven years in Oxford and Mobile working to conserve and protect waterfowl,” he adds.

As for the future? “My hope is that everything continues like it is now,” Cameron says. “People are nervous that a bubble is approaching, but my hope is that the Bay Area stays strong. There are many new parameters in place, so what happened in 2008 won’t happen again. I believe we will see more waterfront usage in terms of commercial businesses such as restaurants and bars that will soon occupy the river,” he concludes.

Cameron Weavil The Weavil Company 1410 Dauphin St. Mobile, AL 251.209.9000

We are a local company committed to the finest in residential new construction and remodeling. Give us a call to discuss your next construction project!

251.423.9686 | cochran_jeff@bellsouth.net | CochranBuildersInc.com @cochranbuilders

The Road to SOLD With interest rates at a historic low, the real estate market has seen a steady uptick in homebuyers, but with a housing shortage, the market has become chaotic with the disproportion of buyers to sellers.

This imbalance makes it the perfect time to finally list your home, and Roberts Brothers, Inc. Realtor Kyle Malmay is here to help.

By Caroline Edmondson

D

ue to a combination of economic and sociological factors coming to a head (most likely due to the pandemic), this past year has led to the perfect time to buy or sell your home thanks to historically low interest rates and a housing shortage that has sent home prices skyrocketing to a near-historic high.

However, it seems there aren’t enough homes on the market to meet surging demands.

“This may seem like a negative, but for the first time in a long time, a larger number of people are able to buy a home, thus moving out of the rental market and building towards real generational equity,” Roberts Brothers, Inc. Realtor Kyle Malmay shares. “I'll keep saying it: supply and demand. To fix it, more homes need to be built, flipped, or resold,” he explains. Long story short, this means if you were thinking about listing your home, now is the perfect time to do so, as your home is most likely worth more than what you paid for it and may also speed up the time your home spends on the market. Need proof?

According to the Culverhouse College of Business’s Alabama Center of Real Estate, the average number of days a house spent on the market in February of 2021 was 38 days compared to a 20-year average of 75 days.

Talk about fast!

58 ACCESS Magazine / April 2021

So what areas and types of homes are in high demand at the moment? “Most buyers seem to be looking for light, bright, and airy,” Kyle shares, “and a yard with a fence for a dog is a must.”

Kyle notes that Midtown has been “the place to be” for a few years now, and the recent increase in sale prices has reflected that. “Midtown is centrally located to downtown Mobile, five minutes from the closest interstate, and has coffee shops within walking distance,” Kyle shares. “The craftsman architecture is the epitome of Old Mobile.” Though the love for Midtown homes doesn’t seem to be going anywhere, Kyle believes Country Club Village is the next neighborhood to blow up. “To me, it’s Spring Hill’s bestkept secret,” he shares.

But before you list your home, remember that there is a wide scope of benefits to working with an experienced realtor like Kyle as opposed to simply selling by owner. “A realtor is trained to negotiate the seller’s highest and best interest, navigate inspections and repairs, handle title work, and address zoning issues, all without any problems,” Kyle details.

“When I’m hired to help sell a home, my main priority is determining my client’s No. 1 goal and helping them achieve it. I aid the seller throughout the entire

process by preparing them for what to expect, as well as following up and following through.” But with so many realtors in the business it can feel overwhelming deciding whom to trust. “It should feel like you are shopping with a friend,” Kyle says. “It should be fun; do not sign a buyer’s agency agreement until you feel this realtor has your best interest at heart and will find the right home for you. Be honest with the person you are working with — if you don't like a home or an area, tell them. You will not hurt their feelings.”

Kyle loves what he does and says the feeling of seeing that “SOLD” sign go up is unmatched. “To me that ‘SOLD’ sign means a job well done, but not the end,” he shares. “I make sure it’s known at closing that I’m available as a resource whenever needed. I have a network of plumbers, electricians, roofers, and so many more if my clients ever need some direction with what may come up during what we like to call ‘the joys of homeownership.’” And though everyone would like to know what the trajectory of the area real estate market will be moving forward, Kyle would like to remind everyone, “No one knows what the future holds, but as of today, there has never been a better time to buy or sell,” he says.

Kyle Malmay Realtor, Roberts Brothers, Inc. 251.599.5888 KyleMalmay@RobertsBrothers.com KyleMalmay.RobertsBrothers.com

“Marketing has been and always will be a huge part of real estate. As a member of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, when you market with us, we also market your home nationally, thus giving you a leg up on the marketing side. Being a larger company has its advantages, and one of them is having a lot of agents that can help market your home for you as well.”

- Sara Roberts Marketing Director at Roberts Brothers, Inc.

Photo Stevye Photography, StevyePhotography.com

COLOR

YOUR WORLD Mobile’s art scene has long been known for its talented artists, but it was Amber Ivey who helped to pave the way for Bay Area female artists, having introduced the city to timeless, colorful paintings and illustrations starting more than a decade ago. And though her art has adapted and expanded to larger markets over the years, one thing is for sure: Amber Ivey remains a treasured household name.

By Caroline Edmondson

Betty Wallpaper

A

uburn grad Amber Ivey Bostwick first moved to Mobile in 1993, carrying with her a love of art that has spanned more than 30 years of her life. “Art means so much to me,” she shares. “The most important part of art is that there are no rules; it is freedom of expression in colorful form. The passion that I have for designing and creating does not fade or become mundane; I am just as excited today about painting as I was 30 years ago.” In 2008, Amber opted to turn her passion for art into a career, opening Amber Lane Designs as both an art studio and classroom to teach art lessons to eager children and adults. “My purpose in the beginning was to inspire others,” she recalls. “My gift is instilling confidence in people — especially children — just like my mother instilled in me.” But after the birth of her third child, Henry, in 2012, Amber decided to close the studio to focus on family. Luckily, with the rise of social media, the demand for Amber’s art continued to grow and her art career took off, landing her a title as a John-Richard artist and leading her to obtain representation from Alexander and Victor Fine Art.

When it comes to her artistic style, Amber says it was something she developed through trial and error over the years, evolving from a whimsical format to an eclectic collection of abstracts. “I am constantly inspired by our surroundings,” she shares. “I love to experiment with different styles and painting techniques.

My creative process really never stops. I think when you love what you do it becomes a lifestyle.” Recording any and all inspiration she stumbles upon on her smartphone, Amber says she often finds herself looking through notes and pictures she keeps in inspirational folders on her phone to remind her of just what it was she wanted to paint. “Thanks to the pandemic, I’ve had a lot of

60 ACCESS Magazine / April 2021

time to cruise through those inspirational folders and paint totally free, raw material,” Amber jokes.

Most widely known for her one-of-a-kind commissioned pieces, Amber uses a variety of mediums such as encaustic, oil, watercolor, and acrylic, but her favorite types of art to make are done with mixed media. “I use a lot of architectural fragment pieces from antique stores in mixed media,” Amber shares. “These are particularly beautiful in my starbursts.” Being commissioned for a special piece is something Amber says is her favorite part of being an artist. “I ask such extensive questions to ensure I’m meeting their expectations,” she says. “I love it when I hear the piece turned out better than they expected!” Amber says her favorite commissioned work to date is “The Ballerina and Her Husband” commissioned by her rep, Victor. “The inspiration for this piece came from one of my students, Ben Holdberg,” Amber shares. “Ben was 6 years old when he drew his ballerina and her husband in my class. I then painted my inspired version of Ben’s ballerina and named it, ‘The Dance.’ The painting was taken to the John Richard Office in Greenwood, Miss.” In addition, Amber’s first giclée reproduction of “The Ballerina and Her Husband” was later purchased by Neiman Marcus and sold through Horchow while the original was later bought by Grace Pilot for one of her grandchildren’s wedding gifts.

With all of the success from her paintings (and after five years of research in market trends), Amber launched Amber Ivey for the Home, which includes textiles, wall coverings, home décor, and clothing. “I have always loved painting fabric,” Amber shares. “I never dreamed that I could have my art made into fabric and wallpaper. I found my first source and never looked back. It took multiple hours at night to take 30 years of paintings and develop the designs, but once we learned the system, it seemed easier and we were on our way.” Amber

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says the excitement for her new line is contagious, Plate Floral Parade as they are always trying new ideas for products.

“Creating clothing and wallpaper is very different from painting,” Amber admits. “In painting, you have to know the rules of media and what not to mix, how to prepare your canvas, and what finish you desire. In creating a design, you really have to think about your end result. You have to know the repeat size for rove design and how to manipulate these on certain products.” Though it takes time, Amber says seeing her designs on a wall in a beautiful home or even on a mask in the grocery store is very exciting and makes it all worth it.

There are many things Amber should take pride in when it comes to her business, but she says it was the support and loyalty of her customers throughout the pandemic that makes her most proud. “As a small business owner with a nonessential business, you bet I was afraid of closing The Bishop my doors,” Amber shares. “My staff and I were Two-Piece working remotely, and I had three children at home doing virtual school. I knew that I had to keep going and figure out how to keep my employees busy and paid,” she says, so she created online auctions using Instagram (auctions she still holds twice a month to this day).

Though her art means so much to her, Amber says it’s her family that means the world. Married to husband Greg, the pair share a beautiful blended family of five children: Karley and Hunter (from Greg’s previous marriage), Ann Ivey and Bay (from Amber’s previous marriage), and Henry (whom they share together) — all of whom share the same passion for the arts. “Ann Ivey is a competitive dancer for Sheffield’s and is also a talented photographer with an eye for highlighting her subject matter,” Amber details. “Bay has a natural gift with drawing and painting. I have kept all of his work and think the ones he painted when he was just 4 years old could sell now,” she boasts.

“Henry is a natural born songwriter, guitarist, and singing sensation.

The passion that I His grandfather, Bobby Bostwick, created Bay have for designing and Fest in 1995 and has creating does not fade had such an influence on him.” In fact, every or become mundane; I member of Amber’s family enjoys joining am just as excited today in on projects together about painting as I was and sharing their mutual love for the art 30 years ago.” of creating. That said, - Amber Ivey the next time you need a beautiful painting, home furnishings, or even a new item for your wardrobe, make sure to stop by Amber Ivey Fine Art Studio in Mobile — you’ll be glad you did.

Amber Ivey Fine Art 3607 Old Shell Road Suite 3 Mobile, AL AmberIveyFineArt.com 251.767.1312

62 ACCESS Magazine / April 2021

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HOMES

BY DESIGN

Using his fine-tuned illustration skills, President and Chief Creative Officer of Pixallure Design Terry Edeker is quickly becoming known for his gorgeous and extremely detailed home portraits.

By Caroline Edmondson

F

or Terry Edeker, illustration has been a part of his life for as long as he can remember, vividly recalling a classmate in the first grade who could draw battleships better than anyone else and his immediate desire to be on the same level. Though he possessed immense talents of his own, it wasn’t until high school that Terry began to envision a career in art and advertising. “During school I was very active in art, winning a number of state-wide competitions, was the president of the Art Club, and even worked on freelance projects,” Terry shares. “It wasn’t until I started college that I was exposed to a lot of talented students and professionals alike. While I’ve followed a number of professional illustrators and have learned from their styles and techniques, my experience comes from actually doing the work and putting in thousands of hours.”

During the 1990s, Terry worked as a partner in a successful ad agency until moving on to open his own company with his wife, Yvonne, in 2001.

“My wife and I started Pixallure Design to focus on corporate identity and branding,” Terry shares. “We wanted to move away from the full-service ad agency model and focus on a specific niche of creative services. We’ve been successful thanks to a diverse group of clients who range from local businesses to international brands.” Following the success of their business, Terry and Yvonne expanded to create Pixallure Specialty Products, offering promotional products to support their clients’ needs, and adding

64 ACCESS Magazine / April 2021

a Hunstville office (and partner, Paige Rucker Orme) in 2019. They also launched Pixallure Digital Marketing, which has grown to deliver a wide range of digital services. But it was their youngest son’s move to college in 2016 that sparked the new empty nester’s desire to return his focus to illustration, thus providing Terry with an additional creative outlet for his newfound free time. “I renovated my home studio and set out to fine-tune my techniques,” he shares. “It provides a good work/life balance.”

Specializing in mediums such as pencil, color pencil, acrylic, watercolor, marker, and mixed media, Terry has become known for his breathtaking home illustrations, which started when a neighbor asked him to draw her home as a gift to her husband. Word quickly spread of Terry’s immense talent, and since then he has illustrated more than 20 homes ranging from full color to black and white pen and ink, pencil, and mixed media.

When it comes to his creative process for every illustration, Terry says it’s much like his design firm’s process. “First, you have to gain the knowledge you need for the project and then develop preliminary concepts and problem solve with the client,” he shares. “Next, you refine the ideas, and finally, you develop the finished art,” he explains, adding that he’s trained himself to find inspiration in everyday imagery. “Ideas come from a variety of sources — everything from my morning walks, brainstorming with staff, time with friends, or simply looking at a problem from a creative stand-

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point,” Terry shares. Depending on the size, technique, medium, and many more factors, each illustration can easily take Terry 30 to 40 hours to complete — no small feat! But what really sets Terry apart from anyone else is his dedication to the clients he is trusted to work with, many of whom Terry says have turned into great friends. “Honesty and good communication are at the heart of every great relationship,” Terry says. “I express all the details of a project including timelines, fees, techniques, etc., and sometimes I will show the stages of a project as it is being illustrated. Most of the time, however, they are surprised when I deliver the finished project. I think I’m addicted to the joy art brings to others.”

Owning a successful business (especially with his wife as partner) can be overwhelming at times, but Terry says he truly loves every aspect of what he does and values his relationship with his family the most. Terry and Yvonne have two sons: Mathew (25), who works in the aerospace industry, and Alan (23), who works in the financial services industry. “We are a close family, and we value our time together regardless of whether we’re traveling or just sitting at home watching movies,” he shares. And as someone who believes in the power of creativity, Terry wants to remind everyone that we all have the ability to be creative... it’s simply a matter of learning how to use that side of our brains.

Terry Edeker, Pixallure Design

TEdeker@pixallure.com Pixallure.com 251.432.6003

66 ACCESS Magazine / April 2021

Ideas come from a variety of sources — everything from my morning walks, brainstorming with staff, time with friends, or simply looking at a problem from a creative standpoint.

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Dress, $289; Rise Boutique, 251.341.7096. Earrings, $130; The Holiday, 251.432.4911

P I CNI C IN THE PAR K

When we met fashionista Jeanie Hope during the whirlwind season of Mardi Gras this past year, we were instantly enamored with her humor, fun-loving personality, and impeccable sense of style. Fun, classy, and just a little bit sassy, we knew this petite, blonde bombshell was the perfect fit for our retro picnic in the park. Shot in Cathedral Square amongst the hustle and bustle of setup for this year’s Festival of Flowers, we couldn’t help acknowledging a brighter future in bloom amongst the blossoms.

By Caroline Edmondson / Photos Stevye Photography Hair / Jason Chambers, Headdress Salon, 251.689.7427 Makeup / Courtney Matthews Makeup Artistry, YouNeedBlush2020@gmail.com

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Jacket, $625, Shorts, $330; Debra’s, 251.343.7463. Blouse, $118, Straw Handbag, $64; Hemline, 251.287.6875. Heels, $79.99; Dillard’s, 251.471.1551. Necklace, $60; The Gallery Shoe Boutique, 251.344.4257.

escribing her own sense of style as a mix of sassy and fun while maintaining a polished look, Jeanie shares, “As I have gotten older, I would say that my fashion has become more mature and elegant. My style consists of more form-fitting clothes rather than flowy, just because when I have very loose clothes on it makes me look even more petite.” Jeanie takes inspiration for all her looks from Kate Middleton, saying it’s her effortless elegance and class that Jeanie hopes to emulate. Closer to home, Jeanie says it was her grandmother who inspired her love for jewelry — an essential she believes everyone needs in their wardrobe.

“I think jewelry and a purse can always tie an outfit together,” Jeanie says. “I am such a jewelry lover, so I always think about the accessories I am going to put with an outfit.”

70 ACCESS Magazine / April 2021

Dress, $95, Earrings, $100, Hat, $139; The Holiday, 251.432.4911. Sunglasses, $73; Hemline, 251.287.6875. Heels, $198; The Gallery Shoe Boutique, 251.344.4257. Scarf, $280, Bangle, $172; Debra’s, 251.343.7463.

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Top, $167, Skirt, $118, Earrings, $20; Hemline, 251.287.6875. Heels, $99.99, Kate Spade Cooler, $36.95; Dillard’s, 251.471.1551. Assorted Chocolates Heart, $21; The Holiday, 251.432.4911.

hen it comes to shopping, Jeanie admits that she prefers browsing in person, as it is far easier to find clothes that fit her petite frame and requires less returns and exchanges. “Some of my favorite places to shop locally are CK Collection, Hemline, Sadie’s, 7 South, SWAY, Debra’s, and The Holiday,” she shares. When it comes to her favorite items in her closet at present, Jeanie says it’s got to be the numerous cocktail dresses she purchased for the Mardi Gras season. “To the actual weekend of Mardi Gras and all other cocktail parties in between, I have loved them all,” she gushes.

In a world where there seems to be a new “hit 72 ACCESS Magazine / April 2021

trend” almost daily, Jeanie says she tends to shy away from them as classic looks never die, but trends tend to fade over time. One trend she could never get behind? “Combat boots,” she jests without hesitation. “They are just not my style, but some people pull them off really well.

I do really like the boyfriend jean style that is happening right now though.”

Having spent a day donning gorgeous fashion pieces provided by our local boutiques, Jeanie admits it’s hard to choose a favorite look from the shoot, but says it has to be the pink shorts and blazer combo, as she loves anything in a fun, bright color. “The color was amazing and it made me feel like a Barbie doll,” she jokes. “The

blazer and shorts look is just so in right now, and I felt like it was so me and my style.”

Outside of the world of tulle and satin, Jeanie is wrapping up her final semester at The University of Alabama and is preparing to embark on a new chapter. “I’m looking forward to applying my hard work in education to find a new job,” she shares. “It is a sad and scary time that I am about to enter into in the real world, but I am excited and ready to start this new chapter of my life.”

For now, Jeanie has plans to move back to her hometown of Mobile and eventually start her career in sales and marketing. We wish her all the best!

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Dress, $228, Blouse, $96, Handbag, $60; Hemline, 251.287.6875. Earrings, $34; The Holiday, 251.432.4911. Cocktail Ring, $95; Debra’s, 251.343.7463. Sandals, $140; The Gallery Shoe Boutique, 251.344.4257.

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As an accomplished and award-winning creative director, graphic designer and illustrator, my talent lies in the ability to captures ideas and transform them into powerful imagery. Specializing in pencil, pen & ink, color pencil and mixed media. Home illustration fees vary based on complexity, subject matter and technique.

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Having danced since before they can remember and performed in various productions from the most recent Beauty and the Beast to fan favorites such as The Little Mermaid and The Nutcracker, these Mobile Ballet ballerinas took center stage to showcase their skills and spring’s most palatable trend: color! All from Mobile’s ‘it’ boutique, THE MIX, these latest looks are sure to brighten up any fashion blahs!

By Hayley Hill / Photos The Wright Perspective, AutumnWrightphotography.com Hair / Jason Chambers, Headdress Salon, 251.689.7427 Makeup / Courtney Matthews Makeup Artistry, YouNeedBlush2020@gmail.com / Shot on location at Mobile Ballet, MobileBallet.org

76 ACCESS Magazine / April 2021

– Mobile Ballet is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and was founded in 1987. Our mission is to provide superior dance education, present quality performances, and promote ballet to the community as an expression of the human spirit.

– The Mobile Ballet School (with two studios located in Mobile and Daphne) provides dance training to more than 300 students annually, ranging from age 3 to adult.

MOBILE BALLET FUN FACTS:

– Mobile Ballet presents three major productions each year for the community, plus additional special events. Productions are performed by Mobile Ballet students and the auditioned Mobile Ballet Company in conjunction with extraordinary guest artists from around the world.

– The Mobile Ballet Company includes 30 to 40 auditioned student positions.

– We offer special full presentations of our productions to students in grades K-12 through our Discover Dance program, which introduces more than 3,000 students per year to ballet and the beauty of live, fully staged performances.

– More than 15,000 area residents are served annually through our programs, including our public performances, our Discover Dance and Share the Dance educational and outreach programs, and Mobile Ballet School.

– Mobile Ballet is proud to receive funding from the Alabama State Council on the Arts, the City of Mobile, and Mobile Arts Council, as well as a broad base of support from state and local foundations, corporate sponsors, and individual donors.

– Donor-supported scholarships also help students pursue training at Mobile Ballet as well as at prestigious and challenging programs around the country.

– Artistic Director Katia Garza and Ballet Master Israel Rodriguez each have more than 25 years of experience performing, teaching, and choreographing all over the world.

– Among other numerous awards, Katia was named Outstanding Teacher of the Year

by Youth America Grand Prix in 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019. In 2020, both Katia and Israel shared the title.

– Katia and Israel’s wedding in 2000 was an actual ballet performance.

– Israel is also an accomplished filmmaker and made a documentary about Katia’s life as a dancer entitled, “Katia Garza: My Life in Dance.”

78 ACCESS Magazine / April 2021

Augusta Lane Jones, 16

Madeline Pitre, 15

Victoria Blakely, 16

80 ACCESS Magazine / April 2021

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Linda Lou knows the Baldwin & Mobile County area inside and out! She is passionate about helping her clients buy and sell homes or property and making their goals become a reality. She is known for her ability to connect people and resources for the very best results. Whether buying or selling, Linda Lou will make it happen.

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FAIRHOPE 7 South Church Street, Suite D Fairhope, AL 36532 251. 929.0015 BIRMINGHAM 2814 18th Street South Homewood, AL 35209 205. 703.8596

FEED THEM LIKE FAMILY Our furry friends are more than just pets; they’re part of our family. And just like any human family member, our dogs have distinct dietary needs to promote a healthy mind and body, thus ensuring they live well into their golden years. But when it comes to proper nutrition, store-bought dog foods and treats often lack important ingredients that our canine friends need, loaded with unhealthy (and often harmful) additives and preservatives — something dog lover Anna Grantham took note of and instantly felt the need to change.

By / Caroline Edmondson Photos / Stevye Photography Hair / Jason Chambers, Headdress Salon, 251.689.7427 Makeup / Courtney Matthews Makeup Artistry, YouNeedBlush2020@gmail.com

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aving studied veterinary technology after high school, Anna Grantham was shocked to learn that the pet food industry is not as regulated as we would like to think. “One major downfall in traditional foods and treats is the lack of whole food nutrients,” she shares. “I am fascinated by the quality of meats that are being used in traditional kibble; the marketing gimmicks used on commercials and packaging; and the misleading ingredient lists. To keep kibble shelf-stable, it is cooked at an incredibly high temperature which depletes the protein of its vitamins, minerals, moisture, and fatty acids.”

Because each bag of food has to meet FDA standards, synthetic supplements are infused to counteract the depleted nutrients, and foods like corn and soy are included to bind the ingredients together. “This (along with artificial food coloring, preservatives, and flavors) makes up the majority of storebought pet foods,” she explains. Most people wouldn’t feed these harmful

84 ACCESS Magazine / April 2021

ingredients to their children, so why would they feed them to their beloved pets? Well, long story short, most dog owners are unaware, which is exactly where Anna comes in.

After becoming a dog mom two years ago when she adopted her two “foster failure” fur babies, Corbin and Nigel, Anna became interested in formulating a fresh diet that would support their growth and wellness. “I believe that a healthy, species-appropriate diet plays a key role in the development of dogs,” Anna says. “I couldn’t offer that to my own pups without educating myself first.” Starting off with a balanced meal plan from a licensed canine nutritionist, Anna began sourcing her own ingredients locally and making her own dog food. “During this time, I followed many ‘homemade feeders’ and groups on social media,” she shares. “I took notes, asked questions, and learned so much from others, and after two months I began formulating my own recipes. I wanted to make sure my dogs’ meals were balanced

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Clothing Courtesy of Dillard’s Mobile

and offered each of the vital minerals and vitamins they needed.” Anna enrolled herself in the Canine Dietary Program shortly thereafter and eventually earned her certification as a Canine Herbalist and Dietician through Dogs Naturally University.

After losing her job due to COVID, “Farm to Treat” was officially born in September of 2020. What started out as a small side hustle has quickly turned into a full-time business in just a few short months. “It’s scary to start your own business; it’s even scarier in the middle of a global pandemic,” Anna admits. “I can vividly remember the way I felt delivering that first bag of treats. I was grateful to the owner of the store for trusting me enough to bring in my products, and although I was confident about the product inside, I was terrified no one would buy them. Soon after, I got a call saying, ‘You’ve sold out. When can you bring more?’ Since then, I’ve been accepted into five other retailers in Baldwin County.”

Though her success speaks for itself, so do her products. Each treat is made with Baldwin Countyfarmed ingredients, and Anna takes pride in sourcing the highest quality proteins and produce, with products typically going from the farm to the treat in less than 48 hours! “Every baked treat has a base of fresh pumpkin seed butter, bone broth, and honey,” she details. “Pumpkin seeds offer vitamin K, zinc, and magnesium, and fresh bone broth is my most favorite ingredient! Bone broth is packed with glucosamine, chondroitin, collagen, and gelatin, and offers a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and gut health benefits.” Local honey is the third main ingredient.

“You’re probably familiar with honey having antiallergen effects, but did you know that local honey is a powerful phytonutrient and antioxidant?” she asks.

Some of her most popular treats include her Bakery Boxes filled with pastry-shaped treats like cookies, pies, and donuts, and her Bone Broth Tonic.

Anna absolutely adores her job, saying her favorite thing is watching pups prove their owners wrong.

“Having a pet owner tell me, ‘My dog is the pickiest dog in the world… he/she probably won’t like it,’ and then seeing their pup beg for another five seconds later is the best,” she jokes. “There are so many precious dogs I have gotten to spoil this past year with yummy treats. They make Farm to Treat the best job to have!” When it comes to the future of her business, Anna jokes that her goal list is about as long as her to-do list. “At the moment, I am working towards spreading the word about my new shop on Bancroft Street in Fairhope. My goal is to be the No. 1 spot for natural canine products in Baldwin County!” And by the looks of her success so far, it seems safe to say that goal isn’t too far off.

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The Best M EDICI N E Having cancer or caring for someone who has cancer is hard enough, right? Meet Brittney Carden of the USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute (MCI). An on-site oncology specialty pharmacist, it’s her mission to provide patients and care providers with the most efficient and convienent way possible to receive medications. Compassionate and dedicated to answering questions and ensuring clear directions, she makes it possible to avoid shipping delays and drug store calls, trips, and lines. Smart as a whip and with a killer smile, Brittney’s definitely the pharmacist to have on your side.

S

By Jessica Goolsby / Photos Stevye Photography, StevyePhotography.com Makeup Courtney Matthews Makeup Artistry, youneedblush2020@gmail.com / Hair Jason Chambers, Headdress Salon, 251.689.7427 Wardrobe provided by CK Collection, 320 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL 36532, 251.990.9001

electing the right drug for the right patient based on a cancer diagnosis is essential to improving treatment outcomes. As drug experts, oncology specialty pharmacists in all practice settings have evolved to become integral parts of the cancer care team.

As the Specialty Pharmacy Manager for the USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute (MCI), Brittney Carden is no exception.

Having successfully opened two oncology specialty pharmacies in the area from the ground up, Brittney has been a key player in the inner workings of MCI for the last three years.

Opened in July of 2018, Brittney’s crowning achievement, the MCI Oncology Specialty Pharmacy, has already received dual accreditations from the URAC (Utilization Review Accreditation Commission) and the ACHC (Accreditation Commission for Health Care) with an Oncology Distinction. “Accreditations can be a rigorous and comprehensive process, so I am so happy to be able to see that work pay off in the form of affordable medications for our patients,” Brittney shares, adding that the oncology specialty pharmacy at MCI was also featured nationally as one of three pharmacies to share best practices and processes for other pharmacies across the United States. Not only is this a great achievement for Brittney and MCI, but for the entire Bay Area, as it means we don’t just have local cancer care… we have incredible nationally recognized cancer care.

As an oncology specialty pharmacist, Brittney works closely with nurse practitioners and nurses and MCI oncologists to provide education and information needed surrounding oral oncology medications and supportive care. As part of a multidisciplinary team, her work is an integral part of the treatment plan, and their goal is always the same: to improve patient outcomes and provide evidence-based care to their patients. “I feel having an oncology specialty pharmacy on-site is important to bridge gaps during a cancer patient’s journey throughout treatment,” she shares. “Our patients do not have to leave our facility to 88 ACCESS Magazine / April 2021

get the medication(s) they need. It’s incredibly unique that our team is able to communicate so closely with our patients, and because of this close contact, we’re able to genuinely understand the patient and where they are in their treatment process and how we can help them.”

Passionate when it comes to the management of pharmaceutical side effects (especially preventing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, or CINV), Brittney truly believes in the power of prevention. “I believe that experiencing severe nausea on top of a cancer diagnosis is something that can be avoided, as there are so many ways to prevent this,” she shares. “On the team at USA Health, we have an extensive gynecologic oncology team made up of oncologists, nurse practitioners, and nurses. We are able to work together to ensure the prevention of avoidable side effects like CINV, as young women are at an increased risk.”

Finding herself counseling patients directly and making sure they understand any oral treatment they have been given, Brittney shares that each day the pharmacy is stocked with more than 100 different oral oncology medications — enough to ensure each patient finds the right fit. “I work collaboratively with the physicians to make sure we are accounting for any potential drug interactions as well,” she says.

Hailing from Hartselle, Ala., Brittney says she knew from a young age that she wanted to become a pharmacist.

“I always thought I wanted to be a retail pharmacist, but after rotating in several hospitals during pharmacy school, I realized I enjoyed being a part of the clinical team,” she shares.

“My passion for oncology and my love of interacting with people made specialty pharmacy a natural fit, as I am able to get to know my patients during treatment while also being a part of the multidisciplinary team.”

Brittney says her drive to ensure patients know they are taken care of while simultaneously receiving the best, most personalized treatment and care serve as her greatest motivation in her job. “Each patient I work with,

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OFFICES IN MOBILE AND FAIRHOPE OFFICES IN MOBILE AND FAIRHOPE 5905 Airport Boulevard, Suite H, Mobile 8335 Gayfer Road Extension, Fairhope 5905 Airport Boulevard, Suite H, Mobile251-928-9008 8335 Gayfer Road Extension, Fairhope 251-301-0869 251-301-0869ccarrick@jeffreymatthews.com 251-928-9008 scherniak@jeffreymatthews.com scherniak@jeffreymatthews.com ccarrick@jeffreymatthews.com cbailey@jeffreymatthews.com cbailey@jeffreymatthews.com jlyle@jeffreymatthews.com

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An avid reader, Brittney loves spending her spare time perusing the books at Fairhope gem, Page and Palette.

I make them feel like my family,” Brittney says. “I have personally seen cancer impact some of the strongest people in my life, including my late Pawpaw, who passed away from lung cancer when I was 14. I know patients are given so much information upon receiving a diagnosis - it can be so overwhelming. The team at MCI (including all of us in the pharmacy department) are passionate about supporting our patients in these times to help them move forward feeling informed.”

Brittney shares she’s also dedicated to helping patients stay afloat financially, having personally helped patients save nearly $800,000 on medications in the past two years alone. “I know the cost of medication is such a scary part of the treatment process, and I want to make sure our patients are given the most affordable options possible,” Brittney says. “This is so important to me, because I know that the cost of medications can add an extra layer of anxiety on top of the fear and anxiety patients are already 90 ACCESS Magazine / April 2021

feeling. Financial toxicity is a real concern for oncology patients.”

Cancer is a very complex disease with complex treatments that require a care team with diverse roles and responsibilities. “Specialty oncology pharmacists, like myself, play a variety of roles in meeting patient needs including care coordination, insurance authorizations, financial assistance for high out-of-pocket co-pays, drug interaction checks, patient and caregiver education about medications, medication adherence improvements, and adverse effect monitoring,” Brittney shares. “The increasing popularity of oral oncolytic treatment (further enhanced by COVID19) intensifies the need for strong patient-pharmacist treatment relationships, especially as medication pipelines and patient preferences move away from intravenous drugs.”

The MCI Specialty Pharmacy has also expanded services over the last year to include pediatric oncology. “With the Hope Center located inside Mitchell Cancer Institute, it made perfect sense

to add this service line,” Brittney shares. “The pharmacy provides convenience with stocking different formulations of medications like suspensions, injections, and orally disintegrating tablets to improve acceptability to ensure compliance with the medications. Now parents do not have to go from retail pharmacy to retail pharmacy to find their child’s medications as they are able to pick up at each visit with the pediatric oncology team.”

With a laundry list of services and specialties, MCI really is entirely about the patient. “Patients come first, always,” Brittney says. “MCI has the most comprehensive array of oncology-specific services to provide to our patients: a board-certified genetic counselor, a social worker, a dietician, a mental health counselor, financial counselors, disease-specific nurse navigators, and disease-specific oncologists.” MCI also has the only GYN-oncologists in the region. “We have just opened new clinical space designed specifically for our patients for multidisciplinary planning so that the patient can see all their specialists in one visit to understand and interact with their plan for their cancer treatment,” Brittney boasts. “From the specialty pharmacy perspective, we are in the same building the patient receives the diagnosis and treatment plan, which means the patient can pick up medication and start treatment during their visit.” By contrast, at a retail or mail-order pharmacy, the patient may have to wait much longer for the medication and may not ever even speak to the pharmacist, which is important when they’re taking medications that require careful administration. “We want their medication to be the last thing they have to worry about,” Brittney says.

Overall, the team at MCI’s mission is to learn everything they can about their patients in order to provide them with the care they need. “We want to know their story, so a lot of time is spent counseling and investing in our patients,” Brittney shares.

“When patients finish their treatment here, they leave knowing they have an entire team available to them whenever they need them. We want to see success in every treatment because we care. This is one of the hardest (if not the hardest) battles they will face, and we are there to face it with them.”

Off the clock, Brittney is wife to Coastal Alabama Community College Head Baseball Coach Andrew Carden, with whom she shares two children: Anniston (9), and Archer (4). The family resides in Spanish Fort, where they can often be found spending time outdoors, enjoying the area’s fresh seafood offerings,

or at the beach. Brittney also enjoys working out and Saturday mornings spent with her running group. “It’s so important to keep your body moving and healthy, and I love that I’ve found a group of mothers in the community that have the same passions as me,” she shares. Serving on the board for the Spanish Fort Education Enrichment Foundation (SFEEF), Brittney also helps to plan fundraisers for the

Andrew, Archer, Anniston, and Brittney Carden

school system and works with area parents on ways to enrich Spanish Fort schools. “I definitely believe that as a mom it’s so important to be involved as much as possible in your children’s education,” she shares.

Clearly the complete package, we’re thrilled to have you on our home team, Brittney.

USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute 1660 Spring Hill Ave. Mobile, AL 251-665-8000 usahealthsystem.com/locations/ mitchell-cancer-institute

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THE EXPRESS Way Having spent 15 years dedicated to assisting local job seekers and employers in finding their “perfect fit,” Angela and Chris Ashcraft of Express Employment Professionals have tailored their business to achieve universal appeal (regardless of the color of a worker’s “collar”).

S

erving two distinct (yet collaborative) client populations, Express Employment Professionals was born of a need to assist not only those on their journeys toward employment, but also businesses searching for the ideal employees for open positions. As a franchise, the company is always open to expansion — a fact Angela Ashcraft and her husband Chris took advantage of more than a decade and a half ago after frustrations with Chris’s former company arose. “We were so impressed with everything we heard about Express Employment Professionals from other franchisees, and here we are 15 years later,” Angela shares. “It’s the best decision we ever made!”

Originally from Montgomery, Ala., and Monroe, La., respectively, Angela and Chris became franchise owners when their children (Carson, 20; and Davis, 18) were just boys. “It hasn’t always been easy, especially when you are starting a business,” Angela admits. “I believe Chris and I have done a good job managing and prioritizing our time with the children, especially when they were little.

Our boys were very active in sports growing up and I can honestly say that we have missed very few events, though there were a few summers where the boys spent their time in a back room of our office playing games,” she jokes. Having put down solid roots in the Bay Area, Chris says he loves life on the water and the area’s quaint Southern charm. “The weather is fantastic almost year-round for all the things we like to do,” Chris shares. “The people are very friendly, and the food is great. Mobile offers a great mid-size city with plenty of entertainment, and Baldwin County offers a laid-back beach with lots of outdoor activities. The quality of life is amazing, and we have made many lifelong friends through school, sports, work, and church.”

By Jessica Goolsby Photos Stevye Photography, StevyePhotography.com Makeup Courtney Matthews Makeup Artistry, youneedblush2020@gmail.com

Chris and Angela Ashcraft Blouse, $195, Earrings, $145; The Holiday, 251.432.4911.

92 ACCESS Magazine / April 2021

Heart care shouldn’t wait — especially now Our doors are open and we’re ready to care for you Delaying heart care can impact your health. Heart specialists at Ascension Providence are ready to deliver the care that’s right for you, whether you need a heart screening, come to us for a cardiac emergency or need treatment for an ongoing condition.

We listen to understand you, your health history and concerns, then together develop a care plan that is right for you. And know that when we do see you for an in-person appointment, we’re maintaining strict precautions to keep you safe in our care. © Ascension 2021. All rights reserved.

Get the heart care that’s right for you at ascension.org/MobileHeart

Angela with her fast and fun convertible and her right hand girls, Alexandra Dubose and Merry Berry

With company values rooted in integ- No. 1 misconception is that employrity, service to others, and Chris- ment agencies only have temporary tian beliefs, it’s no wonder Angela positions available,” Angela shares. and Chris quickly found them- “Nothing can be further from the selves morally aligned with Express truth. While we do offer temporary Employment’s principles.

“An assignment opportunities for those employment agency serves as both interested in flexible employment, the the job seeker’s advocate as well as majority of our staffing is in either the company partner’s workforce direct placement roles, or what we call ‘evaluation hire roles,’ solution provider, regardless of where the employee ‘collar’ or industry,” Chris works on our payroll shares. “While we do To apply, visit for a certain amount provide staffing opporExpressPros.com of time and is then tunities in traditional and select the hired on full-time ‘blue-collar’ roles, Express office nearest you! with the company we also staff for partner.” Angela white-collar roles Applications can also be explains this and everything in made in person, over the option allows the between.” Currentphone, or through the company and the ly, the company ExpressJobs App. employee the time to boasts job offerings in figure out if it is a good call centers, accounting, fit for both parties. “As to finance, administration assistance, engineering, project manage- the benefits of working with Express, ment, IT, sales, and a variety of we have relationships with company skilled trades positions, and there is partners and are aware of their open never a cost to the job seeker or the positions even before they are adveremployee to work with Express. The tised,” she adds. “By working with company partners Express works our recruiters, we can help save job with pay a fee for their services. “If seekers time by getting them in the we do not currently have a job for right door at the right time.” Need you, we will serve as your recruit- proof? During the pandemic last ing advocate and make calls on your year, Express Employment helped behalf to try and find the right oppor- 654 company partners fill their open tunity for you,” Angela assures. “We positions. “We also paid 4,698 people also have specialized recruiters who during that same year,” Angela boasts. are dedicated to helping companies If the stats above weren’t enough, in specific industries, such as light Express Employment’s numerous industrial, office services, skilled accolades and awards should help beef up their resume. Having been trades, and professional.”

Despite their overwhelming reputa- selected as the 2016 Franchisee of tion, naturally, common misconcep- the Year, awarded a spot on the 2020 tions abound surrounding the scope of Chairman’s Club for Top 15 Franservices offered through area employ- chises (out of 850 total), placed on ment agencies like Express. “The the Top 50 Franchises list for 10 94 ACCESS Magazine / April 2021

years, and having placed third in total number of clients billed, it’s safe to say the Ashcrafts and their team know what they’re doing. “Our sales representative in Mobile, Danna Jones, has consistently been in the Top 10 for the past eight years and was No. 1 twice,” Chris shares. “Chris Becnel was a Top 50 sales rep last year and so was Katrese Roberson in the Summerdale office, who was No. 3 overall.”

With so many achievements under their belts, it’s no wonder Express Employment has expanded to include multiple local offices. “It certainly is a challenge to own several businesses, but those challenges melt away when you have the right team in place,” Angela shares. “Between myself, my husband, Chris, and our Operations Manager, Mary Berry, there is a strong chance of at least one of us being at each office during a given week. We are committed to making each team the best it can be, thus making the overall team of three offices a really strong group.”

As the company has grown, the Ashcrafts have also done their best to give back to the communities in which they serve. “Both Chris and I have served on the board of directors for different women’s groups and private school boards,” Angela shares. Express International Headquarters also sponsors the “Brand It Blue Initiative,” through which each Express office selects a cause of their choice to support during the year. “Locally, we have sponsored a barbecue with the children at St. Mary’s home, helped with Feeding the Gulf Coast, and have worked with Ransom Ministries, Prodisee Pantry, and The Waterfront Mission, just to

name a few,” Chris shares. “We are also very involved with the Chamber of Commerce in Mobile and Baldwin Counties.”

As for maintaining a leg-up on her competition, Angela says it’s more so about not worrying about things that can’t be controlled. “Our competitors are one of those things,” Angela shares. “When we concentrate on what makes us a better team, the rest falls into place. My hope is that we give our employees a better experience than anyone else, because we want them to be lifelong members of the Express family.” Striving to provide a higher level of specialized services to their company partners, the Ashcrafts hope when their competitors call on them, those partners will be confident in saying they wouldn’t dream of leaving Express, because Express’s team members know exactly what they need and provide it in a timely manner. “At Express, we are looking for people with a good work ethic who want to work and have a career, and we’re ready to put you to work or put you back to work, both quickly and safely,” Chris says.

Express Employment Professionals 3662 Dauphin St., Suite B Mobile, AL 36608 20210 Hwy. 59, Suite 3 Summerdale, AL 36580 209 Ridley Ave., Suite A LaGrange, GA 30240 Office: 251.476.8210

Bay Business News Business news for Mobile and Baldwin counties

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Almand J. Westbrook, Jr., M.D. 2651 Old Shell Road | Mobile, AL 36607 P (251) 243-7058 | F (251) 243-7059 Dr. Kimberly A. Westbrook, MD 101 Lottie Ln Unit 6, Fairhope, AL 36532 P (251) 990-1980

SOILKIT’S McINNIS NAMED A “TOP THREE ENTREPRENEUR”: Christina Woerner McInnis of Foley-based SoilKit (BBN #19) was recently announced as one of the “top three entrepreneurs” by Lowe’s in its first virtual pitch program, “Making It…with Lowe’s,” hosted by Daymond John of Shark Tank...

JEANNIE TEWELL PHOTOGRAPHY RANKED NO. 1: National rankings blog Kev’s Best recently published “5 Best Wedding Photographers in Alabama,” in which Mobile-based Jennie Tewell Photography is ranked at the top. Tewell began the company in 2013 after discovering a passion for photography and celebrating wedding ceremonies...

WOMEN’S RESOURCE CENTER (WRC) HONORS GRINSTEAD: At the recent annual WRC gala, Dr. Julie Grinstead was presented with the Debbie Campbell Community Life Award. This “award is given each year to the person who exemplifies dedication and vision to take the ministry to the next level,” the nonprofit explained...

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STUDIO CHIC It’s all about the 70s vibes this spring, as pastels, bold floral prints, and tie-dye is all the rage — think everything feminine and chic! Pastels such as lilac, soft yellows, bubble gum pink, orange, and lime are popping up everywhere. You can also mix and match for a fun color block look!

I can’t think of anything more fun than Beach Riot’s spring/summer line! Check out these floral prints that are both dainty and daring.

Tie-dye. We love it, and thankfully, it’s here to stay! Going from the studio to dinner? Throw on an oversized jacket, retro sneakers, and some jewelry, and you’re ready to go!

Fairhope’s Studio Style Owner Emily Zeiger has always had a passion for fashion and fitness.

Having previously worked in fashion, Emily is also a certified Pure Barre and Orangetheory instructor, so when the pandemic hit and all the workout studios shut down, she took the leap and opened her own shop in April, selling hip and trendy workout clothes that make fitness all the more fun.

With spring upon us, Emily is here to help you refresh that wardrobe with some of the season’s cutest trends, from bright workout sets and comfy sweats to retro sneakers and more.

Sweatpants are selling like crazy right now. In the kooky COVID work from home world we live in, it’s no wonder we all want comfort for our everyday style. Sweatpants when paired with the right outfit are totally chic. And surprisingly, the industry stats show sweats are outselling leggings! So here are the three types of sweats to look for: tie-dye, traditional grey, and nylon (your lightweight, sporty option). Pair your sweats with a tank or tee, some gold necklaces, a baseball hat, and retro sneaks, and you have yourself a trending outfit.

It’s time to refine your shoe selection this summer, and there are two particular trends to look out for this year. First, sneakers (PSA: Dad sneakers are out; retro sneakers are in).

Think 70s and 80s. Pair with tall socks and you’ve got the vibe.

Check out Voile Blanche, New Balance, Veja, and Golden Goose.

Second, minimalist flats. Logo pool slides are out and strappy, minimalist slides are in. They’re perfect for wearing all day or for athleisure.

Above all, fashion is all about what you feel good in! Trends are fun to keep up with, but they aren’t law. The most beautiful accessory is always confidence! Whatever your personal style, here at Studio Style we’ll help you find the perfect new season piece(s) for you.

Studio Style

ShopStudioStyle.com @ShopStudioStyle

96 ACCESS Magazine / April 2021

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PINK TABLE TALK hether you’re a traveler or a host, Airbnb has grown tremendously throughout the pandemic. When people realized they could work from anywhere with Wi-Fi and bring their online or homeschooled children along for the ride, a whole new work concept emerged, and single-family travel soared with no signs of stopping. As an Airbnb host since 2016, I thought 2020 was going to be an abysmal year for my side hustle. However, it got really crazy, really fast. I got multiple requests for the same dates, and before I knew it, my property, “Mimosa,” was booked even when it had typically been vacant.

And it continues! Now I’m not bragging, but I have been a super host ever since Airbnb introduced the concept, as I try to provide everything guests may need plus those extra amenities to make their stay more memorable.

An Airbnb hostess extraordinaire, Charlotte Kilborn Carey shares the inside scoop on this hot new side hustle. As real estate in the area continues to boom, she shares her top tips and considerations that leave us wondering if this truly is the next best thing since sliced bread (and if we could be a super host, too).

Surprisingly, guests value amenities over décor. They love nice linens, towels, and toiletries, and really feel special when a pretty spa robe is hanging in the bathroom. Today’s guests also demand great WI-FI and an uber-tricked-out coffee bar. In fact, the No. 1 question I get is on what kind of coffee maker I have (I provide two types, FYI). Most 5-star hosts offer even more niceties like a welcome basket and a letter about the area including restaurant recommendations and local points of interest. Some spectacular local Airbnb listings like Little Point Clear, Lucia Bleu, and my property provide kayaks, paddle boards, bicycles, access to a local gym, and can even book boat trips and on-site massages for guests. Outdoor spaces with fire pits and cocktail pools (a.k.a. hot tubs) are very high on the list of searched amenities, too.

Recently researching exceptional local properties, one new Mobile listing really jumped off the screen. Hosted by Jill and Preston Bedsole, this adorable cottage in Midtown features all the bells and whistles. I tracked down Jill and took a field trip to my old stomping grounds to chat and tour her property. As I pulled up to her two-unit duplex named BAY and BOHO, I said out loud, “This is so stinking cute!” During their renovation, the hosts read all they could about creating the perfect Airbnb. Their work produced the ideal blend of Old Mobile charm and modern amenities. By keeping original tile and built-in corner cabinets, the properties maintain their Southern roots while boasting kitchen upgrades like open shelving. Jill’s hosting mantra is about creating a “home away from home” for guests, and they take pride in creating a beautiful and affordable place for their guests to enjoy. If you read their reviews, you’ll see they do absolutely just that.

All in all, Airbnb is a fantastic and safe option for travelers and for those looking to make extra income during these uncertain times. If you’re looking to get away, jonesing for a staycation, or want to host, the more research you do, the better your results! XO

98 ACCESS Magazine / April 2021

LUNCH Every FRIDAY

and Under $20

Reserve your table www.ruthschris.com | 251.476.0516