Destin, FL May 2023

May 2023

PUBLISHER

Carmen Ionascu | Carmen.Ionascu@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Josh Foster | josh.foster@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Cheryl Forde | cheryl.forde@citylifestyle.com

Celebrate the Women in Your Life!

I don’t know about you, but I love any opportunity to recognize the women in my life who just make life more rich and beautiful. Our mothers and sisters or daughters are some of the most influential women in our lives.

And, of course, with Mother’s Day this month, all eyes are on moms… But it’s not just the biological mothers but the mother figures in our lives who have made an indelible impact on us. It’s the family members, teachers, friends and neighbors doing awesome things in our communities, pouring into our lives - making themselves unforgettable and irreplaceable.

Mother is a real blessing because there is no match for the life of Mother. She is a superhero and she always has your back!

While it’s always important to shop local and support our area businesses, this month is the perfect time to patronize businesses owned by women in our communities. That’s one of my favorite parts of this roleconnecting with and championing the best of the best when it comes to Destin's women.

They are movers and shakers, builders and makers. They are both seen and unseen. Their silent service blesses those who are under their care. Their attention to detail shows us something about beauty that can’t be seen or understood any other way.

I hope you’ll take a few minutes to send a text, make a phone call or get your kids on a video call with the women in your life who deserve recognition. It only takes a minute to brighten someone’s day and remind them how much you love them.

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Cheryl Forde, Savannah Vasquez, Anthony Malone

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Robert Young, Forever Young Photography; Shanna Magnuson, Davista Photography; Hayleigh Hurt

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

Learn

BEYOND MEASURE JEWELERS

ARTICLE BY SAVANNAH VASQUEZ | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVISTA PHOTOGRAPHY

Engagement ring designing has come a long way in the past 20 years, just ask Ashleigh Woolly of Beyond Measure Jewelers. Gone are the days of jewelry counters and guessing what ring the bride would like best; today ring designing can be done from anywhere and Woolly makes sure every couple she works with gets the perfect engagement ring.

“It is very rare these days that a man picks out the engagement ring,” Woolly laughed. Nine times out of 10, the couple has shopped together or she [the future bride] has come in with friends or family to try on different

Ashleigh Woolly Designs One-of-a-Kind Jewelry

styles. I then keep notes for her fiancé to make the final purchase, that way she gets exactly what she wants, but there is still the element of surprise.”

From a young age, Woolly said she knew that she wanted to create custom jewelry for her career. The girl from Gulf Breeze was enamored by the glittery gems and the way they brought people together. Woolly got her first job in jewelry sales while in high school and quickly fell in love with the gems that seemed to mimic the emerald waters of her favorite beaches in Destin.

“I was drawn to the industry because every day is a celebration,” Woolly said. “In this business, the clients are happy and often celebrating something special.”

Five years ago, Woolly took the plunge and decided to open her own jewelry store, Beyond Measure Jewelers. The name, she said, came from a phrase often said when explaining deep emotion.

“People tend to say they are ‘excited beyond measure’  or ‘blessed beyond measure,’ she said. “It is also a phrase my husband and I have said to each long before we knew we would start the business. Now, I feel blessed beyond measure to get to do what I love for a living in Destin, Florida.”

“I’m very grateful to the community who kept the business thriving during the lockdown,” she said. “During the pandemic, as always, women went through their jewelry boxes and would bring in old jewelry that they no longer enjoy. We then repurpose the materials into a current design they will love.”

When creating her business, Woolly said she wanted Beyond Measure Jewelers to focus on three important things: Create a unique customer experience, focus on custom design and build strong relationships with every client.

“What makes my store unique is truly my personal touch,” Woolly explained. “I meticulously curate my showroom with pieces that I'm proud to see my clients wear. My custom design experience sets my shop apart.”

So what exactly does the custom ring design process look like?

First, Woolly and her team will have a client try on rings in the store to get a feel for what aspects they like or dislike. Next, it’s time to look at any inspiration photos or sketches the client may have on hand. Then comes the exciting part, Woolly creates a mock-up of the ring using highly realistic imagery software and creates a 3D model of the design. Finally, the ring is cast with the client’s precious metal of choice and the stones are set. The entire process typically takes about 4-6 weeks.

“Custom engagement rings are my absolute favorite because I can design exactly what the bride wants at a budget that works for their needs,” Woolly said. “I also have an endless supply of new design ideas filed away in my head just begging to be created.”

Although in-person designing is still optimal, Woolly said working with the global economy we have today means expanding her business to online designing via social media. Designing custom pieces can now be done remotely thanks to online video calls and social platforms.

At the end of the day, Woolly said it’s not the diamonds, the gems, the creativity, or the location that makes her job the best job in the world.

“The best response to my designs are the relationships they create,” Woolly said. “Oftentimes my clients are so happy with their jewelry that we become genuine friends, and in a small community, that is what it is all about.”

People tend to say they are ‘excited beyond measure’ or ‘blessed beyond measure’...I feel blessed beyond measure to get to do what I love for a living in Destin, Florida.

(850) 424-7011

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

ARTICLE BY CHERYL FORDE PHOTOGRAPHY BY VARIOUS

WOMEN WHO SELL THE PANHANDLE

Velia Lala

REALTOR® at LPT Realty

Website: floridafinehomes.com

Velia Lala is a full-time REALTOR® at LPT Realty and an avid artist. Velia Lala has a gift for helping people buy and sell a desired lifestyle near the beach. Velia has been traveling to the white-sandy beaches of Destin, Florida, long before relocating and purchasing her first piece of paradise in 2008. Since then, Velia has built a strong reputation for her charisma and involvement with the art and philanthropic communities.

Velia stands out with her 30 years of sales and marketing experience. She has always had a passion for beautiful high-end homes and luxury RVs. Through eXp Realty®, Velia has access to thousands of associates across the country to help sell her client’s properties quickly for the most money. She utilizes smart technology and effective marketing strategies to deliver a white-glove level of service to her clients.

Velia’s blends her artworks into high-end real estate properties, accentuating the strong relationship between art and luxury real estate. They breathe life into her property listings helping them to stand out. Practicing the art of real estate is just one of the many ways that Velia manages to exceed her client’s expectations!

Ada Bowman of AB+Production believes optimism and building real relationships with others by delivering genuine value. This is vital in the modern world. She aspires to be a strong leader in her personal and professional life, is a forward-thinking individual with a love for entrepreneurship, business, and investment.

Ada Bowman was born into a family of entrepreneurs and has cultivated her unique brand for many years. She works with other like-minded individuals to grow their businesses by branding them online through social media marketing or developing strategies and campaigns that yield results!

What sets her apart is her knack for understanding the needs and wants of every type and size of business. She has worked with businesses of all sizes, from multimillion-dollar corporations to small mom-and-pop operations.

AB+Production grows businesses with customized social media and video content plans. Ada guides them through content creation, strategy development, advertising campaigns and execution.

She is a go-getter who always has a smile on her face, no matter how busy she is behind the scenes. Whether marketing or branding, you can count on Ada! CONTINUED >

Dr. King is an accomplished optometrist and a bold entrepreneur who designed South Walton Eyecare from the ground up. She incorporated best practices, luxury eyewear and state-of-the-art instrumentation typically only found in specialty clinics. Unlike most clinics, South Walton Eye Care provides on-site diagnostics. Dr. King enjoys all aspects of her practice including day-to-day office management.

“I decided to open my own practice and it has been a game-changer…..it has been enlightening, pleasurable, and rewarding.”

Dr. King received her doctorate degree from the State University of New York, College of Optometry. She provides complete continuity of care for complex optical needs, leveraging her rare breadth and depth of practice. Her experiences include eye care for celebrity clients in Manhattan and urgent medical eye care for an underserved population in Atlanta. Her passion is to provide her patients with the best-corrected vision and the most current technology in the therapeutic management of ocular diseases.

Dr. King resides in Inlet Beach with her husband Dave, her son Peter and her pup Jack.

Dr. Bo Yung King, O.D.

Owner & Optometrist, South Walton Eye Care Website: southwaltoneyecare.com

“I decided to open my own practice and it has been a game-changer…..it has been enlightening, pleasurable, and rewarding.”

Heather Curry

Agent and Team Leader

Emerald Coast Home Collective

brokered by Real Broker, LLC

Website: echomecollective.com

Photography by Jaqueline Lucille

Heather’s real estate team of six has hit the ground running. Real Broker LLC provides them with the tools they need to continue growing. ‘Work Hard, Be Kind’ captures their winning attitude. And, their superpower is being able to collaborate with over 9,000 realtors nationwide!

“I’m proud of my team and excited to be in real estate.”

The Air Force brought Heather from Erie, PA to Destin, where she has seen the area flourish. She now is a mother to a 6 year-old daughter and her older daughter Lyric, ECHC’s Marketing Director. Coming from the medical field, Heather is a ‘nurture by nature’ kind of person. Her specialty is really building relationships. Real estate is just the vehicle.

She loves working with the military community, investors, and people preparing for retirement by getting a home in the area and looks forward to reaching the team’s first goal of helping 120 local families make their real estate dreams come true.

Heather’s vision is to establish a one-stop shop for real estate needs including property management.

Sherrie Salas is a consistent, high-performance REALTOR® who has built her career on honesty and integrity. She prides herself on always responding quickly to her clients, knowing that getting them to the closing table quickly is her goal.

She’s been blessed with a profession that allows her to care for her family, serve God and her community. She and her daughter travel to Peru every year with Reimagine Ministries to build homes and love on families there.

She is the 2023 President of the Women’s Council of REALTORS® of the Emerald Coast, previously serving as President-elect (2022), Treasurer (2021), and Secretary (2020). This has been an opportunity to serve others in her profession and inspire others to get involved!

“We are a network of successful REALTORS®, advancing women as business leaders in the industry and in the communities we serve.”

Keller Williams has exceeded her expectations for community involvement. KW Agents worked on ‘Red Day’ in 2022 at the local Boys & Girls Club and she’s served with the Women’s Council of REALTORS® ‘We Care Day’.

Sherrie is also involved with the ECAR Global Committee, RPAC Committee (REALTORS® Political Action Committee), Shoreline Church’s Host Team.

Please contact Sherrie Salas for any questions on how you too can get involved at 325-513-9897

Sherrie Salas, REALTOR®

2023 President of the Women’s Council of REALTORS®

Website: sherriesalas.kw.com

“I will continue to give back to my clients, my community, and my family with my whole heart.”

Diyana Nikolova

General Manager, Pepitos Mexican Restaurants

Sales Associate, eXp REALTY®

diyanaproperties@gmail.com

Diyana Nikolova immigrated from Bulgaria in 2003 with an indomitable spirit. Today, she is a Licensed Florida Realtor with a passion for development and housing and is leading the opening of a new Pepitos Mexican Restaurant as Area General Manager. Her language fluency (English, Bulgarian, Spanish) allows her to assist first-time Hispanic homebuyers. She’s in ECAR’s Global Committee, Commercial Committee and was the Women`s Council of REALTORS®’ 2022 Top Producer! Her family is her inspiration. She brings her business acumen to flipping homes with her husband Leonardo Rosas (Mighty Remodeling). As a mother to two teenagers, she loves to support local schools and children’s organizations.”

Amanda Abbott, REALTOR®

Abbott Martin Group

Website: amandasellsthecoast.com

Amanda continues the Abbott family’s real estate legacy as a third generation REALTOR®. Her family established the first commercial office in Destin in 1970!

When Amanda graduated from Florida State University, real estate was far from her mind. She sought adventure in Chicago, Manhattan, and Hawaii. Before long, she was managing over 200 accounts across 27 states as a sales representative for the fashion industry.

Returning home in 2011 for a summer visit, she saw her beautiful hometown with fresh eyes — a place of opportunity with a relaxed lifestyle. Today, Amanda loves introducing people to her hometown through real estate. Her local knowledge sets her apart. Not only does she help people achieve financial success with smart real estate investments, she also loves sharing the healing qualities of the Gulf. Her non-profit, Gulf Therapy, gives her a chance to share her love of the water with others while raising funds for mental health care.

Distinctions: eXp Luxury Agent, Emerald Coast Women’s Council of REALTORS®, Top Producer 2021, AMG Top Production for Women 2022 CONTINUED >

Photography by Raphye Alexius

Sotheby’s International Realty

Sarah.timmons@scenicsir.com

Sarah Timmons grew up in Fort Payne, Alabama, and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the University of Alabama. In 2010, as her professional career was taking off in Atlanta, she found herself drawn to real estate through a local agent helping her find a place to call home.

Sarah grew up visiting her grandparents in Destin, seeing the Emerald Coast as a second home. Although they sold the condo in 1998, Sarah visited to find a painting owned by her grandparents, now proudly displayed in her home office.

Sarah’s lifetime of knowledge about the area helped her to earn “Rookie of the Year” and “Top Individual Agent” honors at her previous brokerage. She earned the “Extraordinary Award” In 2020 and 2021. She was a REALtrends 2022 America’s Best Real Estate Professional. Sarah specializes in guiding investors in communities from Destin to 30A and Panama City Beach.

Sarah is a member of the Women’s Council of REALTORS® and Impact 100 of Northwest Florida.

Dina Haas

Owner of Om Relaxation Spa

Website: omrelaxationspa.com

I have always had a love affair with the Ocean, and a dream of living near the beach.  I grew up in St. Louis and graduated from Missouri State University.  I found Destin on a vacation, and that dream became reality 19 years ago!  Inspired by the beautiful area, and 20 plus years in Healthcare, Om Relaxation Spa was born.  May marks our 4 Year anniversary.

At Om, all people can be nurtured, embraced, and cared for.  Om Relaxation Spa is more than Relaxation Massage, Medical Massage, Aesthetics, and Spa Parties.  Om Relaxation Spa provides an Experience.  A gifted staff, combined with a peaceful, beautiful environment, is the reason Om Relaxation Spa is successful.  We truly live up to the name!

I also enjoy supporting other local businesses.  I am a member of the Destin Woman’s Club and volunteer at Alaqua Animal Refuge.  I see Om Relaxation Spa as a vehicle of change in these crazy times.

Tilly Souriyseng

Owner and CEO at The Beauty Experts

Website: tillysbeautyexperts.com

Tilly is living proof that following your passion is the best path to success. Born in a UN refugee camp in Thailand, she immigrated to America from Laos in 1987! Over time, Tilly started a home-based business, collecting her money in a shoebox to fund her first location! Tilly’s persistent passion for beauty led her to become a Master Esthetician running two locations and a training academy!

Tilly’s spas and beauty professionals specialize in making visitors feel relaxed. Their clients leave feeling great about the way they look. Each spotless location delivers only industry-approved, state-ofthe-art technologies. They offer lash extensions, clinical chemical peels and skin care, body waxing, natural body contouring, and so much more!

Tilly quickly outgrew her original location, when a few ladies contacted her to work in her spa. Energized by their shared interest and amazing work ethic, she began to employ and train new estheticians. Through The Beauty Experts Training Center, she is able to share this amazing career path! CONTINUED >

Tarra has been on a journey to create the Pink Coyote Dessert Co. since her childhood in the high desert of Colorado. Tarra’s mother from south Louisiana instilled in her a love for homemade foods and treats. Much of what the family ate was made, grown, and hunted by her parents. She continues to be inspired by the quality and scratch-made food at Pink Coyote Dessert Co.. where she hand-crafts ice creams - “tried-and-true favorites (but better)” - and scratch-made baked goods.

“At Pink Coyote Dessert Co. we know that dessert is more than just dessert, dessert is a tradition and an experience. In every scoop of ice cream we make, in every treat we bake; we source the highest quality ingredients from local and small batch makers to create the perfect sweet bite.”

Tarra and her husband, a sixth-generation Floridian and descendant of the town’s namesake, live out this vision together. Choosing to partake in dessert should be a reminder that life is about savoring experiences and moments; despite sometimes the hustle and bustle of our modern existence.

Owner, Pink Coyote Dessert Co.

Website: pinkcoyotedessertco.com

Tarra Wixom Destin

“We hope that with every taste you are transported to a treasured memory or a place where taste and smell introduce you to a new story. Come on in and meet your new favorite dessert!”

Marisol Prado

Owner of Dazzling Ink by Marisol

Email: mary_pmu@yahoo.com

“Creating confidence through the power of ink.”

Marisol Prado is a professional permanent makeup artist and owner of Dazzling Ink by Marisol. “I’m passionate about helping others and keeping them looking their very best! Permanent makeup is both a creative and life-changing service that lets me utilize my skills and experience to make a lasting impact on the lives of my clients.” She also enjoys teaching military spouses this portable career.

From her private Navarre studio, Marisol offers a variety of permanent makeup services - powder Ombré brows, eyeliner, and lip blush tattoo. For anyone balding or with thinning hair, scalp pigmentation creates the impression of a fuller head of hair.

As a paramedical artist, she has the rewarding and unique ability to assist breast cancer survivors. “I specialize in 3D areola tattooing, for breast cancer survivors. With this form of art, I can create the illusion of a protruding nipple/areola.”

Dazzling Ink by Marisol also offers facials, microdermabrasion, and full-body waxing through a licensed esthetician.

Evelyn Underwood

Owner of Eve the Wrapper

Website: evethewrapper.com

I’m a Fort Walton Beach-based artist and a lifelong student.  I dabble in various mediums and have enjoyed creating since childhood. I draw, paint, sculpt wax, sculpt clay, create digital art, virtual reality art, and design florals. After an inspiring trip to Santa Fe, I began to make jewelry. I fell in love with wire woven art and started my jewelry business in March 2022.

Eve The Wrapper LLC is a tribute to the Hip Hop artist Eve, my love of puns, and wire wrapping and my logo represents my heritage displaying a crown of Filipino rays. My Lola Constancia is one of my biggest influences. Her love for Doris Day and retro glam helped shape my love for aesthetics. I love freestyling extraordinary, colorful statement pieces.

My business exists to promote individualism and personal sovereignty. Find my work at The Pearl Galleria locations in Destin, Foley, Biloxi and online at evethewrapper.com.

Photography by Hayleigh Hurt

Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management

Email: nina.mcclanahan@ml.com

Nina joined Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in 2018 with previous experience in the financial industry. A Panama City Beach native, Nina graduated from Florida State University where she received her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. She also holds the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™ designation qualifying her to assist clients with pre- and post-retirement needs, as well as issues related to asset management and estate planning. She has helped a number of clients with advanced retirement planning strategies.

Nina is a member of the Krueger, Fosdyck, and Associates Team based in Destin, Florida and is devoted to a mission of guiding clients onto a path of financial security and success. Nina provides helpful advice to assist clients to get from where they are now financially to where they want to go. She’s committed to building strong client relationships based on trust and personalized service. Clients appreciate her gift for connecting all aspects of their lives to help them prioritize and pursue the goals that matter most to them.

She welcomes being a resource for your financial planning and investing needs.

Nina McClanahan, CRPC™

Marisol Gullo Designs Aja Restaurant

ARTICLE BY ANTHONY MALONE PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBERT YOUNG, FOREVER YOUNG IMAGES

Marisol Gullo’s latest design project has attracted nationwide attention in the recently opened restaurant Aja, located in the 30Avenue Shopping Center, Inlet Beach, FL, where Marisol runs her 30A Design Studio. Multiple award-winning restaurateur and renowned Certified Master Chef Tom Catherall brought in the local designer Marisol Gullo for his new 30Avenue restaurant, Aja, showcasing elevated Asian cuisine. When it comes to coastal, contemporary design, few people know how to put it together better than Marisol Gullo of Not Too Shabby. Marisol has owned and operated her two stores for over twelve years - one at her 30Avenue location and 9755 US-98 in Miramar Beach.

Tom’s newest and maybe most beloved restaurant is Aja. He knew this one had to be something extra special, and he also knew he needed an extra special designer to bring his vision to reality. There’s not much that Marisol Gullo can’t do when she puts her mind to it. An attorney by trade, she moved to the area over twenty years ago. She is the 2017 South Walton Artist of the Year, an accomplished interior designer who has personally built and designed many homes and restaurants for her clients, as well as for herself.

We asked Marisol how she approached this high-profile project.

“I knew this one was Tom’s baby, so I also knew that this one had to be special. It took me a few weeks of research and many

Storied Restaurateur Chef Tom Catherall Brings Nationwide Attention to Gullo’s Designs

conversations with Tom about what he wanted to convey to his customers. Listening to my clients is the most important part of the process for me. Designing a space for someone is an intimate process. It’s important to me to get to know my clients so I can help them bring their vision to fruition. After all, this is their space, not mine. My job is to help them to bring it to life.”

We also asked Marisol how this new experience of designing a restaurant compared to designing a house.

“It certainly is different, especially when considering the amount of traffic a commercial space has, as opposed to a residential space. A restaurant, or any commercial space, will be a high traffic area…meaning you must keep in mind that there will be many more people in and out, so the space must flow.”

“However, for me, when I design, the devil is always in the details. That held true for this project, as it does in all others. Attention to detail is one of my most highly-regarded personal strengths, and it is an essential interior design principle. After all, little details can make all the difference.”

Visitors to Aja will see the attention to detail in the fabrics of their seat cushions, the design of the plateware, and the floor color. This parallels a need to carefully select cabinetry handles, and kitchen and bathroom accessories in a home.

One of Aja's wall coverings features an iconic image of a wave and Mount Fuji, Japan’s beloved mountain. It is a perfect example of details matching vision. Although this is seemingly a staple of pop culture, its origin is in a series of woodblock prints by Katsushika Hokusai, c. 1830-1832, titled Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji. It brings in something of the traditional into a modern atmosphere, a perfect parallel to the fusion cuisine of the restaurant.

The goal of great interior design is to unite every element in a space for a seamless and natural, attention-grabbing effect. This is exactly what Marisol Gullo achieved in Aja, a sophisticated restaurant offering an elevated Asian menu. Its modern and stylish atmosphere reflects the vision of Chef Tom Catherall. It’s elevated!

Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation’s Impact

Destin is home to one of the nation’s Top 10 Charity Wine Auctions, the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation (DCWAF). They have a simple, impactful mission “Connecting wine enthusiasts to raise money benefiting children in need in Northwest Florida”. And they have been increasingly successful, reaching $28 Million for Northwest Florida charities. In 2022, they supported sixteen

ONE OF THE NATION’S TOP 10 CHARITY WINE AUCTIONS EXCEEDS GOALS WITH A STELLAR STAFF!

Kara Fridley, President

Kate MacMillan, Director of Marketing and Communications

Mindy Holscher, Director of Events

Brooklyn Bain, Office and Events Coordinator

charities with each charity providing for the care of local children. They press on steadfastly toward their vision to ‘Ensure that all children are thriving’. That’s a broad vision and what a worthy one! In a perfect world, DCWAF wouldn’t be needed, because every child would be safe, happy, healthy, and thriving. What makes this vision meaningful is that it means DCWAF won’t stop at a halfway point, adopting ‘Good enough’ as their rallying cry. Their mission ends when all children are thriving!

One of the reasons DCWAF is so significant is that they keep the number of selected recipients small and the donations big! Raising a record $4 million in 2022, no charity received less than six figures. Each partner reapplies every year and there are thorough quarterly reviews to ensure that recipients are good stewards of the funding provided. The requirements are simple. A charity will need to be local and will need to benefit children.

The partnerships have tended to be enduring with the DCWAF providing support to these non-profit organizations and with the partners supporting the DCWAF’s efforts with volunteers. In this delicate balance, DCWAF needs hundreds of volunteers supplied by their partners or it can’t sponsor its two blowout events year after year or develop other giving opportunities.

There are many ways a person can support their mission. The first way to help is to attend their nationally-recognized Destin Charity Wine Auction happens first. This event happened at the end of April. After the auction concludes, DCWAF begins announcing the auction results and conducting check presentations. Immediately, planning for the other major event begins.

In the fall, the Harvest Wine & Food Festival provides a second opportunity to support DCWAF. It draws over 1,500 participants over a single weekend. This venue is multifaceted, hosting crowds and holding smaller events under the umbrella of one large event.

Other ways to contribute include volunteering to assist at an event, direct donations, and sponsorships.

Their Legacy Society is an enduring way to give to DCWAF.

All of this is powered by the four dedicated ladies on the staff of DCWAF: Karah Fridley-Young, President; Kate MacMillan, Director of Marketing and Communications; Mindy Holscher, Director of Events; and Brooklyn Bain, Office and Events Coordinator. This team of four is small, but mighty.

Their ability to communicate the mission of DCWAF in such a compelling way is laudable. So, too, is their ability to host spectacular events. The talent level of this team is extraordinary. As an example, Kate MacMillan has a well-developed background in marketing and public relations. She had been involved in event marketing for coliseums and arenas. DCWAF provided her with a place to continue to stretch those skills. The Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation is a unique organization that delivers focused help to local charities that benefit children in need.

Website: dcwaf.org

“Connecting wine enthusiasts to raise money benefiting children in need in Northwest Florida”.

DCWAF Staff: Brooklyn Bain, Kate MacMillan, Kara Fridley, Mindy Holscher

ARTICLE BY CHERYL FORDE

Brianna O’Brien OPENS DESTIN’S Only Blowout Bar

Crossing the threshold into adulthood and modeling for hair shows in the Midwest while figuring out her path in life, Brianna O'Brien was exposed to a wide variety of salon brands.

After falling in love with the science and why behind Redken's color lines and styling products, she has taken that passion further. She's now, a Redken Certified Master Specialist, Redken Certified Colorist, Great Lengths Certified Extension Specialist, and Certified Permanent Makeup Artist. The owner/operator and her management team are currently completing a sister program to become a Certified Summit Salon.

A wife and mother, Brianna values work-life balance. Achieving that allows Brianna to pay meticulous attention to every client. Her meticulous attention, paired with patience and understanding that life happens, makes every visit a relaxing break.

Brianna's love for continuing education and support for her growing stylists ensure that you receive the best. When you walk through the door, the entire team radiates a joy that instantly puts you at ease. Their professionalism matches the creativity of the space. Every stylist is encouraged to express themselves and Brianna takes the lead with her signature blue hair.

Book your ideal experience, relax, and learn about proper hair care plus styling tips in a beautiful space that keeps up with the effortless, natural, happy, and healthy team it houses.

CONTINUED >