2014 Beauty Book

b-metrobeautybook 2014

Birmingham’s 10 Most Beautiful Women

www.b-metro.com

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Selection,Education, Value & Guidance Redefined

MOUNTAIN BROOK • B I R M I N G H A M 2800 Cahaba Village Plaza, Birmingham, AL, 28211 | (704) 532-9041 www.Diamonds-Direct.com 2

b-metro beauty book 2014

www.b-metro.com

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b-metrobeautybook 2014

Birmingham’s 10 Most Beautiful Women

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here’s a lot of talk these days about the world we live in. It’s a hard world, they say, one full of crime and poverty and shadows. There’s the argument that the world is no darker now than it has been in the past, but because of social media and 24/7 news channels, we can’t escape the darkness. Either way, you can’t really argue against the fact that there are an awful lot of hard things to contend with these days.

Perhaps the hardest thing about that is that it makes us feel helpless, like there’s nothing we can do to combat what’s ugly. But that’s not true.

What we can do, in the face of the world these days, is find the beauty. It’s everywhere, if you’re looking for it. It’s more than beautiful women, of course—it’s the afternoon light that fills up your office every day at 4 p.m., and it’s a patch of wildflowers on the side of the Interstate, and it’s a kickass pair of high heels. The secret is that often, we must choose to turn our eyes toward the beautiful; we must be open to it finding us.

They also say that beauty is more than skin deep, and that’s true, of course. What makes the woman rocking kickass high heels even more beautiful is when she is kind and generous, for that changes the world. And still, there’s something to be said for a beautiful woman, a woman who knows who she is and who walks with confidence (whether she’s wearing high heels or Converse sneakers). And we’ve found that sometimes, the trick is simply calling the beautiful beautiful; sometimes, just that reminds us what a lovely world it is indeed. This is more than a book of photos of beautiful women (though it is that.) It’s our celebration of beauty, our noticing it, capturing it, and sharing it with you.

The lovely Anne Frank said, “I don’t think of all the misery, but of the beauty that still remains.” And so we invite you to notice the beautiful things, things like the loveliest shade of red lipstick and the way your mama’s crow’s feet make her eyes sparkle even more. Find the beauty, for it’s what can inspire us to be kinder and more generous, and like I said, if there’s anything the world needs more of, that’s it.

And if you need a place to start, start here, with the 2014 B-Metro Beauty Book.

You’ll find, with a little bit of looking, that it’s a beautiful world after all.

the

METRO

team

Joe O’Donnell Editor/Publisher joe@b-metro.com Cathy Fingerman Assoc. Publisher cathy @b-metro.com Robin Colter Creative Director robin@b-metro.com Lindsey Lowe Associate Editor Lindsey@b-metro.com Joni Ayers Marketing Specialist joni@b-metro.com Gail Kidd Marketing Specialist gail@b-metro.com Laura Fash Marketing Specialist laura@b-metro.com Lauren Lockhart Digital Media Manager lauren@b-metro.com

B–Metro is published monthly by Fergus Media LLC 1314 Cobb Lane South Birmingham, AL 35205 (205)202-4182 Printed by American Printing Co., Birmingham, AL

10 Birmingham’s

12. Rekha Packianathan 14. Brandy Serio 16. Abbey Conlee 18. Jessica Kirkes 20. Valerie Wellborn

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22. Heather VacLav 24. Jodie Thomas 26. Brittany Finley 30. Rachel Tindall 32. Chasiti Shepherd

Photography by Chuck St. John

Red

STUDIO

an organic hair salon

Changing Salons for the better.

Prescriptive hair care, nestled into the quaint village of Edenton off of hwy 280.

Birmingham’s only organic salon We offer prescription hair care with no Ammonia no parabens, no formaldehyde.

100% VEGAN • BOTANICALLY BASED • PARABEN FREE • SULFATE FREE

1011 Edenton St, Birmingham, AL 35242 (205) 991-2099 • studioredsalon.com

Red

STUDIO

an organic hair salon

Packianathan has been a resident of Birmingham, Alabama, since December of 2013. She made this life change to pursue her future with her partner, Amir Shah. Currently, Packianathan is employed by World of Beer in Five Points and works every day to build community and share her love for craft beer.

Prior to the move to Birmingham, Packianathan lived in Florida with her loving family and loyal cat, Smokie Love. She worked as an apprentice optician for Lenscrafters. She was passionate about giving her customers the gift of sight.

She is the third-born daughter to David and Rajula Packianathan of Benton Harbor, Michigan. She is full-blooded Asian-Indian and was raised with both cultures, as her parents never wanted her to forget her roots.

Packianathan enjoys being active in every aspect of her life from work to leisure. Her goal in life is to grow mentally and spiritually every day. Packianathan would like to take the values and principles she was raised with and start a family one day.

10 Birmingham’s

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Serio recently obtained her Juris Doctorate degree from the Birmingham School of Law. While there, she served as president of the Christian Legal Society. Currently working in the legal field, Serio is preparing to become an attorney.

She plans to practice domestic relations law, serving as an advocate for children and helping with adoption proceedings.

Serio is a member of Church of the Highlands. In the future, she would love to open an animal sanctuary for homeless animals. As a University of Alabama alumna, she enjoys attending Alabama football games with her husband, Michael. She also loves spending time with her pets, Coco and Poppy.

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b-metro beauty book 2014

The Gift that gives back every day.

Don't let your skin care end at the Spa, now you can include ultrasound into your nightly skin care regimen at home.

BENEFITS OF ULTRASOUND *Evens out tone and texture *Reduces fine lines and wrinkles *Helps with product absorption $350 Smart Skin Home and Travel Ultrasound Device includes our exclusive Smart Skin Gel, and for limited time you will receive $200 back in skin care services

32 Church Street Birmingham, AL 35213 (205) 871-8707

10 Birmingham’s

women

This southern belle is no stranger to the camera. Conlee, a local actress and model, has been showing off her talents all her life. She was born in Birmingham, Alabama, and grew up on the stage. Conlee has always been eager to make people laugh and smile, using theater as a way of expressing herself and showing her love for life.

Something that is very important to this actress is being multifaceted. You might see her in a metal music video one day and walking the runway for Birmingham Fashion Week the next.

Conlee has a great appreciation for classic cinema and pulls a lot of her inspiration from studying it. Conlee’s goal is to inspire and challenge others to step out of their comfort zones and see or feel something they normally wouldn’t.

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Relax. Restore. Rejuvenate.

Vitalogy Wellness Center 2704 20th Street South Homewood, AL 35209 Vitalogywellness.com 205-413-8599

BioIdentical Hormone Replacement Pellet Therapy Medically Directed Weight Management Wellness Education & Concierge Services Fitness Classes Botox & Dermal Fillers Massage Therapy Non-Invasive Body Contouring Facials Waxing Services Laser Hair Removal Permanent Makeup Manicures & Pedicures

Kirkes grew up in Odenville, Alabama, graduated from the University of Alabama, and has lived in the Birmingham area for the past 13 years. She left her career in marketing to spend more time with her two young children and to pursue her true passion for fitness. She is now a personal and small group trainer, boot camp instructor, and fitness competitor. She especially loves working with other moms, helping them achieve fitness goals.

Kirkes enjoys traveling, seeing other regions of our country, as well as exploring internationally. One of her favorite things is seeing her children learn something new and getting to relive the discovery with them and through their eyes.

10 Birmingham’s

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b-metro beauty book 2014

Over 4500 square feet of mother of the Wedding Party, Bridesmaids, Prom, and Sorority Rush Dresses. Pageant Gowns and Couture Pageant Gowns. Sportswear and Accessories.

2880 Old Rocky Ridge Road • Birmingham, AL 35243 205.822.1902 THECLOTHESTREEBYDEBORAH.COM

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b-metro beauty book 2014

A native of Eufaula, Alabama, Wellborn graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where she received her bachelor’s degree in marketing.

She is also a graduate of Troy University, where she received her master’s degree in postsecondary education. She works as an instructional designer for Columbia Southern Education Group, where she designs and develops curriculum for Columbia Southern University and Waldorf College.

She enjoys being creative, traveling, playing sports, and spending time with family and friends. She is also co-owner of Beautiful Mindz, a brand that encourages women to be smart and beautiful on the inside and out.

Be hot.

But without the sweat.

Be sweat free exclusively at Cahaba Dermatology & Skin Health Center 2290 Valleydale Road, Suite 204 Hoover, AL 35244 205-214-SKIN www.cahabaderm.com

Healthy Skin is Beautiful Skin

If you love your body, you’ll love it drier. Indulge yourself with miraDry®: The first and only FDA-cleared device for lasting treatment of underarm sweat. Immediate, lasting results, a dramatic reduction of underarm sweat, a non-invasive procedure with little to no downtime, and ending your dependency on ineffective antiperspirants. You’ll love your body more, with miraDry.

Underarm sweat? Under control.™ www.miraDry.com miraDry is FDA cleared for the treatment of underarm sweat in individuals 18 years of age and over. Safety and efficacy have been demonstrated in multiple clinical studies. miraDry is a long-lasting treatment as it eliminates sweat glands. When sweat glands are eliminated they do not grow back. Person pictured is a model.

10 Birmingham’s

women

VacLav was born and raised in Boardman, Ohio, and couldn’t be more thrilled to cross the Mason-Dixon Line to call Birmingham home. Schooled in broadcast journalism at Kent State University, and with more than nine years as a communications professional, VacLav now fuses her background as a news anchor and reporter into her work as the director of public relations and social media at Burton Advertising.

She feels most at home in ministry and enjoys singing in the choir at Trinity United Methodist Church in Homewood. VacLav volunteers as a spokesperson and member of the Alabama Advocacy Committee for the American Heart Association and also sits on the executive board for Magic City Miracle, Birmingham’s largest day of service. But VacLav always sets aside time to unplug; whether hiking on adventures or whipping up a meal from her garden and the local farmer’s market, time with friends and family is essential.

Clothing provided by Eddie Bauer Outlet and Merrell at the Outlet Shops of Grand River

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Be Strong.

Be Brave.

Be Beautiful.

— Heather Holladay Breast Cancer Patient Montgomery, AL

I’m a wife with two kids, I’m getting my master’s degree, I teach Zumba—so I was determined to get through my battle without having to give it all up. My team of doctors and clinicians at Cancer Treatment Centers of America®, including my naturopathic clinician and dietician, helped me stay strong during my treatments—and stay on track with my life.

888.845.2484 • cancercenter.com Located in metro Atlanta No case is typical. You should not expect to experience these results.

©2014 Rising Tide www.b-metro.com

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Thomas is 23 years old, and Alabama has always been her home. She proudly serves in the United States Army, which she considers her foundation and her second family. She has a degree in criminal justice from Wallace State Community College and plans to complete her education with a bachelor’s in forensic investigation at Jacksonville State University.

Her hobbies are fitness, swimming, hiking, and anything that will keep her active.

She also enjoys spending time with family and friends. She says she chooses to be a hippie at heart, because she appreciates the simple things that life has to offer. “Though I am easygoing, I take on a serious mindset when it comes to business,” she says. “With that said, I guess I am the typical mixture of both a city and a country girl.”

10 Birmingham’s

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Taneisha LaGrant 803-529-0338

www.taneishalagrant.myitworks.com

Taneisha LaGrant 803-529-0338

taneishalagrant.myitworks.com

Finley is a native of Trussville, Alabama, and a graduate of Hewitt Trussville High School. She is twice a graduate of the University of Alabama with a bachelor’s in dance and a master’s in communication studies. She is a former Miss Alabama contestant and the reigning Alabama Cinderella Woman, and she says participating in these systems has taught her the importance of a good education and the need for positive roles models for our youth.

Over the years she has had the opportunity to partner with many organizations, including Pride of Tuscaloosa, Alabama CASA, and TAASRO to further spread her message of ensuring today’s youth have all possible means of living a substance-free life.

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women

b-metro beauty book 2014

Your veins deserve our expertise.

From cosmetic treatment of spider veins to removal of varicose veins—veins should be handled by experts. UAB’s world-class vein specialists offer both the expertise and the technology to keep your veins feeling healthy and looking beautiful. Trust your veins to UAB Vein Clinic, Alabama’s premier comprehensive vein center and the only vein clinic offering UAB’s world-renowned quality of care.

UAB VEIN CLINIC Located at UAB Highlands 800.UAB.8816 | uabmedicine.org/vein

HEART & VASCULAR SERVICES

www.b-metro.com

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10 Birmingham’s

women

Rachel Tindall

Tindall was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and then spent 10 years living and working as a hair stylist in Panama City Beach, Florida. She moved to Birmingham a year ago and fell in love. “Birmingham is amazing and feels like home! I’m always finding new things to do and love,” she says.

Tindall has been a personal style blogger for four years and says she’s obsessed with fashion. She attended this year’s Birmingham Fashion Week as a member of the media and hopes to soon start her own personal styling business to help women feel and look beautiful in their clothes and skin.

Blu Pepper dress provided by Von Maur

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"What can I do for you to bring some spring to your hair?"

Sanctuary 1931 29th Avenue South • Homewood,

Alabama, 35209 • 205-879-4757

HourS: TueS-THurS 9Am-9pm Fri 9Am-5pm SAT 9Am To 4pm

sanctuarywebsite.com www.b-metro.com

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Captivating, personable, talented, and ambitious: All terms associated with award-winning sales professional Shepherd. Shepherd is a native of Huntsville, Alabama, but now resides in Birmingham, Alabama. She has an extensive background in sales, marketing, brand awareness, and fashion and loves all things creative.

She is currently a general manager for Regus and the owner of an image consulting firm and advertising firm. She graduated from Stillman College in 2003. While at Stillman, she was inducted into the Delta Sigma chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., on April 12, 2002. Shepherd and her husband, Timothy, are expecting their first child in July.

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Meet our Fashion Blog Team

When it comes to keeping tabs on the chicest fashion and beauty trends to hit Birmingham, these local bloggers are your ticket to ride in style. On their blogs, you’ll find where to score the best shopping deals, how to incorporate new trends into your wardrobe, and why great style is within everyone’s reach. We’d like to introduce you to a few of the fashion-savvy members of the B-Metro blog team. Check out their style mantras and why you should follow them today.

Abby Hathorn Vintage Inspired Passionista Hathorn is a spunky writer, fashion stylist, and blogger who hails from a small town in Mississippi. Don’t let her young age fool you, though— Hathorn has a love for vintage apparel that she showcases on her blog along with beauty tips, DIY projects, home inspiration, and anything else that strikes her fancy. vintageinspiredpassionista.com Best way to follow: abbyhathorn on Instagram Tracy James ChicMadeSimple You know her as our “Style Icon” columnist, but pro fashion stylist James also blogs for those who are style conscious and budget savvy. With her experience working fashion shoots and full-scale runway shows, James dishes on how to bring runway trends to the real world.

chicmadesimple.com Best way to follow: ChicMadeSimple on Facebook Vanessa Culpepper Budding Fashionista A full-time TV news producer and mom of two by day, blogger Culpepper proves that good style is accessible to even the busiest of people. Born in the Philippines and raised in the South, she has a penchant for bargain shopping. Follow Culpepper as she continues to find her well-heeled footing in the fashion world. buddingfashionista.com Best way to follow: buddingfashionista on Instagram Erica Bunker Erica B’s DIY Style While reading Bunker’s fashion sewing blog, you’ll share in her adventures in transforming

generic sewing patterns into one-of-a-kind looks pulled straight from boutiques, runways, and fashion magazines. Bunker’s blog also details her adventures in learning tailoring and couture sewing techniques. ericabunker.com Best way to follow: Erica Bunker DIY Style on Facebook Bertha Hidalgo Chic in Academia Hidalgo is a self-proclaimed fashion “nerd”ista with a real-life Ph.D and an extracurricular passion for fashion. Proving that being fashionable and intelligent aren’t mutually exclusive, Hidalgo’s blog focuses on style in the workplace and academia. chicinacademia.com Best way to follow: chic_in_academia on Instagram www.b-metro.com

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2 1 1 6 2 n d Av e n u e n o r t h ( 2 0 5 ) 2 5 1 - 3 3 8 1 • w w w. l e v y s f i n e j e w e l r y. c o m

Two is better than one.

Now open in English Village.

205.870.4247 tonyajonesalon.com www.b-metro.com

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