Destin, FL May 2024

FOOD + BEVERAGE EXPERIENCE FINE FRESH FOOD WITH MARKET 30A

LOCAL SERVICES MEET 10 OF DESTIN’S LEADING LADIES

IT’S NOT JUST A VACATION...

IT’S A LIFESTYLE

YOUR PREMIER PARTNER FOR BUYING AND SELLING ON THE EMERALD COAST

Experience the unmatched proficiency of Sandestin Real Estate, your premier partner in navigating the Emerald Coast‘s real estate market. With a legacy spanning over 50 years, our dedicated team brings together more than 200 years of combined expertise. For us, guiding you to your dream home or facilitating a lucrative sale is more than a mere transaction; it's a reflection of our longstanding commitment to excellence. Sandestin Real Estate is not just a choice; it's the embodiment of unparalleled service and dedication.

MayLadies Issue

I don’t know about you but I love any opportunity to recognize the women in my life because they make life more rich and beautiful. Mothers, daughters, wives, sisters and soul sisters are some of the most influential women in our lives.

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 role - connecting with and championing the best of the best when it comes to the Destin area's women.

Check out our lineup of Leading Local Ladies in Destin and see how women are impacting the community from all aspects of the business realm and beyond. This month we have the privilege to introduce you to a dreamer and overcomer with Amy Douglas of Enchanting Picnic, a first-rate foody with Pamela Wellborn of Market 30A and a talented designer with Kristin Drohan.

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.

And of course with Mother’s Day this month, all eyes are on moms. 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.

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.

Thanks, CARMEN IONASCU, PUBLISHER @DESTINCITYLIFESTYLE CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/DESTIN

May 2024

PUBLISHER

Carmen Ionascu | Carmen.Ionascu@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Josh Foster | josh.foster@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Savannah Vasquez | savannah.vasquez@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Shanna Magnuson with Davista Photography, Robert Young with Forever Young Images, Mpres Photography & Design LLC, Hannah Salap Photography, Carolyn Orsua with Real Estate Photo Pros

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.

Free Retired K9 Check-ups

Dr. Eric Lafreniere

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: Publisher Carmen Ionascu with Diyana Rosas of Pepitos 2: Mary Cornelison with Joy Adams and Lisa Turpin 3: Bosforo’s Restaurant hosting the cover celebration party for Velia Lala in DCL magazine. 5: Bosforo’s Restaurant owners Shaq and Doruk Gurunlu,Velia Lala, Carmen Ionascu and Josh Foster. 6: Hugh and Kalah Hathcock owners of Destin Health & Fitness 7: Bronwyn and Mike Landis

CAROLYN ORSUA WITH REAL

CAROLYN ORSUA

ROBERT YOUNG-FOREVER

ROBERT YOUNG-FOREVER YOUNG IMAGES

ROBERT YOUNG-FOREVER YOUNG IMAGES

ROBERT YOUNG-FOREVER

ROBERT YOUNG-FOREVER

8: Lucky Nova with Kenny Kweens of Beautiful Creatures/L.A. Guns/Villains of Vaudeville. 11: Rachel and Owner Donna Godwin of Made in the Shade 12: Renovation Flooring owner Mike Anderson and Team 13: Velia Lala celebrating her cover reveal at Bosforo’s Restaurant. 14: Members of Jeffco AC and Refrigeration Inc. Photography by Robert Young-Forever Young Images and Carolyn Orsua

ARTICLE BY SAVANNAH VASQUEZ PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANNA MAGNUSON WITH DAVISTA PHOTOGRAPHY

Market 30A

From the ceiling hang beautiful chandeliers and lining the walls are dozens of fine art paintings by Thomas Arvid. The air smells of freshly baked cookies and savory meatballs and marinara. Friendly staff members greet customers and offer advice on proper food preparation or the perfect sauce and wine pairings.

Walking through Market 30A at the Crossings in Inlet Beach is an experience all its own. One would never guess from the ambiance that this upscale grocery’s focus is Gulf-fresh fish and high-end meats, in fact at Market 30A, the white glove shopping experience is part of what makes it one-of-a-kind.

“It’s different from any seafood market you have ever been in,” said Market 30A Owner Pamela Wellborn. “The concept is to have everything imaginable to make breakfast, lunch and dinner, a little bit of everything but with a big focus on the local fish, quality meats and cheeses and the essential proteins to make dinner.”

Now in their eighth year of business, Pamela said the idea for the store came to her while traveling. Avid boaters, Pamela and her husband Tim would often shop in fine grocery stores in places such as Naples and Key West, but she was not able to find a similar shopping experience at home in 30A.

“There wasn’t really anything like that in our area in 2016,” Pamela said. “There were other seafood purveyors, but nothing that carried wine, cheeses and other meats. Now I see it as a win-win for me as I am often inspired by ingredients, menus and shops when I travel. I see ingredients in other places and I wonder if I can get that special ingredient for our store.”

Pamela said her travel inspiration coupled with customer requests has caused the inventory at Market 30A to grow quite a bit over the years. In addition to an impressive wine selection, fresh Gulf seafood, quality meats and cheeses, the market also offers custom made steamer platters, house-made sides and

sauces, a huge selection of olive oils and spices and all the quality dry goods necessary to fill a pantry.

“When you are shopping, you are hunting for the freshest ingredients,” Pamela said. “The fresher the ingredients the healthier and more appealing your food will be for you and your guests. My motto is ‘It’s only going to be good if it’s fantastic and fresh.’”

Everything at Market 30A is high quality, including the staff. Pamela is a certified Sommelier and Chef Alan Balthazar oversees all the cooking and training of food handling on site. Pamela said one aspect that makes Market 30A stand out is the dedication of her staff to excellent customer service. Recently, a customer called Pamela to thank her for having such a knowledgeable staff.

“The woman had bought scallops for dinner, and she said it was the first time she asked the best way to prepare it. Our staff gave her the specific oil to use, the suggested temperature, and even tips on how to season it. She said she never received cooking instructions for scallops that actually worked. She and her husband were so happy, and they had a delicious dinner, not only because of the quality of the product but because the instructions for the preparations were spot on.”

In addition to the fine selection of food, Market 30A also boasts a large selection of fine wine, craft beer and top shelf liquor. In 2019, Market 30A acquired a liquor license and became one of very few grocers in the 30A area to offer the ability to sip and shop.

"It was a big deal, we were one of the first in the area to get that going," Pamela said. "We have a huge selection of spirits both domestic and international, a good craft beer selection and the wine selection is one of the best because I am able to have allocations that aren’t available at other stores. We have a temperature controlled area for the rare and allocated wines; Worthy of anyone's wine cellar or wine collection."

Being part of the 30A community is important to Pamela as she said she loves seeing her work positively impact the area.

“My motto is, ‘It’s only going to be good if it is fantastic and fresh.’”

Whether it be a happy customer returning for more ingredients or a new customer searching for the perfect wine pairing, Pamela wants Market 30A to be a welcoming and upscale place for everyone.

“I love what I’m doing right now, it’s fun work for me. It really does make me happy to be part of a business where people are going home with a quality product," she said. "As a sponsor of Destin Charity Wine Auction, Emerald Lagasse Foundation, Symphonia Gulf Coast and Alaqua Animal Rescue, as well as serving on the Board of Directors for the School of Human Sciences at Auburn University, we have stepped up to be good custodians of our community to help make our community a better place.”

“It makes me happy to be part of a business where people are going home with a quality product.”

30A Wild Mushroom Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1/2 stick butter

• 2 sliced bacon minced

• 1 shallot, minced

• 1 package of exotic mushrooms

• 1 cup water

• 1 cup red wine

• 1 and 1/2 package of More than Gourmet Veal Demi Glacé

Directions:

Cook bacon and set aside. Add butter to bacon drippings and sauce shallot. Add demi glacé, water and wine. On medium heat, stir until all has dissolved then add mushrooms. Reduce down and add water if necessary until the mushrooms are tender. Serve with any game or sliced meat and vegetables. Enjoy with those you love!

Market 30A Deli Selections:

Take a look inside the deli case at Market 30A. Enjoy a selection of chef prepared steakhouse sides such as creamed spinach, twice baked potato casserole, sweet potato and green bean casseroles, lobster mac & cheese, roasted fingerling potatoes, potato salad, coleslaw, cucumber salad, green bean and bacon, pasta salad and other seasonal selections.

Pack to Go!

Another amazing perk of shopping at Market 30A is the option to have items packed to travel. The grocery store is stocked with custom coolers and ice, and can pack any item for a car drive home, or even a flight. Gulf Seafood and Halpern’s Prime Meats are even available for shipping straight to your doorstep. Ask about packing options next time you visit!

Walton

L E A DING

Every year we look forward to the Women’s Issue because it gives us the chance to highlight the strong ladies that build our community, oftentimes from behind the scenes. Let’s take a look at 10 local leading ladies of Destin and the surrounding areas whose impact has gone deep into the fiber of the community and changed the area for the better.

DESTIN’S BUSINESS WOMEN SPOTLIGHT

ARTICLE BY SAVANNAH VASQUEZ | PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTED

Velia Lala

An artist, a realtor and a community builder, Velia Lala is a woman of many talents. When she is not working on her newest art piece or designing a beautiful home to sell, you can find her volunteering her time with area nonprofits.

“I donate artwork to a lot of area non-profits such as Alaqua and Habitat for Humanity,” she said. “When I was Honorary Commander at Eglin Air Force Base, I led an Art Team Building event. I’ve also hosted team buildings for other nonprofits and businesses.”

Art has also been a way for Velia to both serve and give back to the Destin community over the years, and Velia said she plans to continue that trend long into the future.

“Being such a transient area, you have the opportunity to meet people from around the country, I love that about our little area,” she said.

Velia always says realty is her job but art is her passion, and she finds every opportunity possible to marry the two. She often incorporates her artwork into her furnished homes and even includes art as an appreciation gift to all of her realty clients.

Camerin Dixon

Camerin Dixon’s illustrious career trajectory is marked by her dedication to justice and commitment to excellence in the legal arena. As the founder of her distinguished personal injury and wrongful death law firm in the heart of Walton County, Florida, Camerin brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her practice.

An alumna of Florida State University, Camerin earned her bachelor’s, master’s, and law degrees with high honors. Upon graduating from law school, Camerin made the decision to devote her practice exclusively to assisting individuals and families grappling with serious personal injuries and wrongful deaths caused by the negligence and deliberate actions of others.

Throughout her legal career, Camerin has litigated cases in both state and federal courts. Her track record speaks volumes, with millions of dollars secured for her clients in compensation for their injuries and losses. The National Trial Lawyers Association has honored her with their prestigious “Top 40 under 40” lawyers’ distinction, underscoring her exceptional skills and contributions to the field at a young age.

At the core of Camerin’s practice are her values of client communication and efficiency. Camerin’s dedication to her clients and relentless pursuit of justice embodies the highest standards of legal advocacy.

Bridgett Hall

Bridgett Hall has always heart for helping animals and people. As a child, she dreamed of becoming a veterinarian and said she has always had a soft spot for animals in need.

“I’m really passionate about animal welfare,” Bridgett said. “I have two rescue dogs, Sandy and Charlie. When I relocated to Panama City in 2010, I found Sandy behind a gas station, and she’s been my best friend ever since.”

Bridgett said her true calling is helping people. As a bilingual Realtor and founder of The Florida Living Team of A List Beach Realty, and most recently a partner in the new Clear Title & Escrow 30A in Alys Beach, Bridgett has found the incredible impact she’s made in the lives of her clients coming from a place of genuine care, earning her trust in the community.

“I’ve always been an advocate for fairness, and I found that, in real estate, people need someone trustworthy because they are making some of the biggest investments of their lives. My true driving force for success is to lead as an example to my two stepson’s, and three nieces showing them we can be a conduit of God’s love by blessing others.”

Barbara Henderson Slocumb

Born and raised in Crestview, Barbara Henderson Slocumb knows the panhandle. She and her husband William traveled extensively due to his job as a commercial pilot, before settling into family property in Shalimar. The two have now been married for 50 years and have raised their two daughters locally.  Barbara has a huge heart for the local community and shares it often through speaking engagements in local nursing homes and assisted living facilities. As a Prearrangement Counselor and Family Services Director for Davis Watkins Funeral Home, Barbara said she wants to equip the community with the tools they need to lighten the extra burdens when grieving.

“I’ve been working since 2007 with people at the worst times of their lives, and I felt like there was a need for people to know what to do,” Barbara said. “It’s not a sad thing, we laugh and have great conversations. I help people prepare for things that they may never have thought about.”

Barbara was named a Woman of Honor by the Okaloosa County Commission on the Status of Women in 2022. This honor is bestowed on women who have shown significant contributions to the status of women in Okaloosa county.

Jessie Orbovich

Owner of the wine brand Slay Rose’, Jessie Orborvich is more than meets the eye. A strong woman of business, Jessie is passionate about people and shows it in all areas of her life. Jessie moved from Boston back to the Destin area three years ago to live near her mom and help raise her 8-year-old niece.

“We are two peas in a pod, she’s my little buddy,” Jessie said of her niece Pierce. “She does everything with me. She likes to cook, we travel together, she’s my favorite little date.”

Jessie also loves to give back by donating her wine to local charity fundraising events such as Big Brothers, Big Sisters and other local charity wine events. Now in her third year with Slay Rose’, Jessie said she is working to get into more local retail stores and restaurants.

“We are basically in every town in 30A, but this year I want to expand west and east in Destin and Panama City Beach,” she said.

When not working, Jessie can be found hanging out with her family, strength training or cooking.

“I’m a huge cook, that’s my biggest hobby,” she said. “My favorite thing to cook is ethnic foods.”

Lindsay Fretina

Lindsay Fretina is the epitome of a successful local young professional. At 30 years old, Lindsay has proven her skills in the mortgage profession, and has delved into the world of investment properties, with three rental properties already under her belt.

“I graduated with a biology degree, but ended up being in the mortgage profession,” Lindsay said. “I played soccer my whole life, and grew up with a girl whose family were like family to me. When I graduated college, they called me to work for them in the mortgage field and I was excited to get a job right out of college.”

What started out as a post-college gig, has now turned into a profitable career. Lindsay works for Movement Mortgage and said she loves every aspect of serving the community through both her work and charitable events.

“I hosted a pickleball tournament in January for the Women’s Club,” Lindsay said. “Through the tournament, we raised money for the S3 Project, which provides help to homeless students. Through Movement Mortgage, I had the opportunity to be a volunteer on a mission trip last June in El Salvador. I was able to serve in many churches that Movement Mortgage supports.”

Stefania Tozzi

La Famiglia Italian Restaurant is truly that, a family, and Stefania Tozzi said that the tight knit Italian family of hers is what keeps the business successful. Stefania and her daughters Francesca, Michela and Valentina have kept the business together since her husband’s passing last year.

“Our relationship is strong and great, and has become even stronger after my husband passed,” she said. “One sweet thing we do every morning is get together at my house for coffee or if we can’t meet in person we video call each other for it.”

When the Rella family moved to Destin in 2009, they came with amazing Italian recipes and a background of successful restaurants in Italy. And although some might think Stefania would miss her home country, she says her life is here now.

“We go back to Italy every year, but Destin is our home now,” she said. “My daughters are here, my grandkids are here, Destin is a really calm city, perfect for our family life.”

Diyana Nikolova

Diyana Nikolova has a passion for people. As an immigrant from Bulgaria, Diyana has learned how to achieve the American Dream, and said she wants to share that knowledge with others.

“I love to help people start out here in the United States. I also speak four languages, Bulgarian, English, Spanish and Russian, and have a bachelor’s degree in management and economics so I’m good with money.”

As a realtor with EXP Realty, Diyana uses her profession and her degree to uplift others and help them learn how to manage their money in order to buy a house.

“Eighty percent of my clients are international first time home buyers and I am with them for the whole process,” she said. “I begin with the financial side, learning how to obtain a good credit score, manage their finances and finally, learn how to qualify for a mortgage loan.”

When she finds spare time, Diyana said she loves to spend time with her husband, three teenage children and her two year old grandchild.

Anna Kline

Anna Kline has a way with hair. As a color specialist at Destin Blow Out Bar, Anna has a passion that matches her talent. From balayage to a full head of highlights, Anna can do it all; but said she owes her success to salon owner Brianna O’Brien.

“I wouldn’t be where I am without Bri because she has helped me grow so much in my career,” Anna said. “I have had my hair done by Bri ever since I was 16, and when she realized I was going to school for hair and she offered me a job and I’ve been here ever since.”

Hand in hand with her passion for hair, Anna also has an eye for fashion and said when not at the salon, you can find her shopping boutiques for new trends.

“I have an obsession with clothes, that’s another thing I like to do with my spare time is shopping,” she said. “One day I want to open up my own salon and I want to have a boutique inside the salon because I love clothes and making people feel good about themselves.”

Casey Posey

Women’s health is at the forefront of Casey Posey’s mind. It’s her focus, her career and her life. With a 16 year background as a nurse, Casey decided to open Glow Health and Wellness, a clinic focused on holistic care in the heart of Seacrest. With a focus on functional medicine, hormone replacement therapy and medically assisted weight loss, Casey said she hopes to bring health and personalized care into the Destin community.

“I was ready to focus more on keeping people healthy; on preventative care rather than caring for sick people,” Casey said. “I take a holistic approach, and look at the whole body and how it works together, then I offer individualized and personalized care plans for each person.”

Along with her son Eli and her dog Max, Casey moved from Alabama back to the Destin area this year to launch her new business and said she is excited to be back on the Emerald Coast.

“I’m ready to get to the beach to paddle board,” she said. “My mom and sister live in the area and I love the beach life and how everything is a bit slower paced, it’s nice.”

ARTICLE BY KRISTIN DROHAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANNA MAGNUSON WITH DAVISTA PHOTOGRAPHY

Curated Events

Kristin Drohan Launches 30A Interiors and Events

After moving permanently to Santa Rosa Beach and doing mostly coastal design builds for the last several years, award-winning designer, Kristin Drohan felt inspired to rebrand. Having 20 years of experience doing luxury interior projects and manufacturing her eponymous furniture collection, she felt it was time to also incorporate her love of wine, champagne, cocktails and creating celebrations. Having completed WSET Sommelier classes through the Napa Valley Wine Academy and creating curated wine tastings for years, she was motivated to add event services to the offerings with 30A Interiors and Events. With her background in furniture manufacturing, she designed the bar carts to further enhance any celebration.

Whether it is a beach party, poolside soiree, bachelorette celebration or wedding, an unforgettable moment can be created on or off the beach.

One of the carts was outfitted specifically to traverse the beach. When her brother, who has over 30 years of restaurant and catering background, moved to the area, this was the perfect team addition to craft extraordinary experiences. Whether it is a beach party, poolside soiree, bachelorette celebration or wedding, an unforgettable moment can be created on or off the beach.

Additionally, Kristin is providing designer for a day and half day services as an alternative to a full custom build or remodel. If you need assistance choosing finishes, space plans, accessorizing, or selecting paint colors, her team can assist with your custom needs.

HOW AN IDEA BECAME A PICNIC

ARTICLE BY SAVANNAH VASQUEZ

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBERT YOUNG, FOREVER YOUNG IMAGES

Have you ever had a dream that just wouldn’t go away? That’s exactly what inspired Amy Douglas of Enchanting Picnic Company to finally go all-in and start her luxury picnic business.

“I was in a bookstore and I started reading this children’s book called, 'What Do You Do With An Idea?'" Amy said. "I was tearing up. The book was about this little

boy who had this idea but kept pushing it away, and it was the same for my picnic idea. I started to imagine what it would look like to actually do it, and I felt the greatest joy.”

Amy decided to slow down her 30-year career of working as a decorative artist and thought what better way to channel her inner artist than to put all

that energy into creating unique picnic set-ups. Amy started ordering supplies and filled her garage with pillows and tablecloths, lights and decor; she was determined to pour every ounce of creativity into her dream.

In February 2023, Amy hosted her very first picnic, and it was love at first sight. She knew she was right where she wanted

“I realized, through my picnics, I can give a gift to others.”

to be, and even her husband finally understood what all her odds and ends were for.

“I decided I would do a mock set-up so I could get some photo content and I told him to come down to the beach in an hour and bring the food," she said. "It wasn’t until that moment when he showed up at the beach that he understood."

Enchanting Picnic Company offers services from Inlet Beach to Okaloosa Island and can be set up at the beach, in backyards or

even indoors. Amy has a list of caterers, bakers and photographers you can choose from as those are not included in the picnic bundle. She has umbrellas for the sun, a clear tent for the cold, games, lights, mementos and everything else you never knew you needed for a picnic. But her most unique offering is adding herself to your picnic by way of a private painting party.

“I do a progressive paint picnic, and as an artist, I love that!” she said. “Everybody

starts with a canvas and every few minutes you pass the canvas to the person sitting next to you, so at the end, everyone gets their canvas back but each person at the table has added their own creativity to it.”

In March of 2023, Amy tragically lost her granddaughter, and then in August, she was diagnosed with lung cancer. The first year of business for Enchanting Picnic was a tough one to get through, but amidst the pain and uncertainty, Amy said she always felt that her dream was building joy.

“Last year was filled with so much sadness, but so much joy as well,” Amy said. “During my bout with cancer, I felt my granddaughter present in every moment of my journey. I’m starting out this year cancer-free and after going through all that, I realized that what I can give through my picnics is a gift to other people.”

Amy has now partnered with Sandcastle Kids, a local non-profit organization that gives families with a child battling cancer, an all-inclusive beach vacation. Amy said she also loves to team up with other charities such as Make A Wish Foundation and Shelter House.

“People come to the beach to relax and create memories with loved ones,” Amy said. “Although many years later they may forget what they ate, they will always remember how their intimate picnic filled their hearts with joy. My heart fills up watching their smiley faces stroll up to their picnic. It's magical; it’s simply enchanting.”