ELEGANCE IN Transformation
TIMELESS BEAUTY: IN STYLE WITH DR. SVETLANA HANSON
Over 100
Restaurants across the Panhandle trust us for their Point-of-Sale needs!
Our Third Fashion Issue and Annual Gala: Dive Into Elegance
Dear Readers,
This issue delves into the stories behind the styles, from mermaid-inspired couture to Dr. Hanson’s rejuvenating advice. Turn the pages to explore our stories as we build anticipation for our third annual Fashion Gala, where we’ll immerse ourselves in an enchanting underwater theme.
As your publisher, I am delighted to invite you to celebrate our third anniversary with us during an evening of elegance and purpose, embodying Destin City Lifestyle ’s vision for 2025 to celebrate our collective strength and style. Your participation will support Advanced Sacred Hope Academy and its inspiring mission, reinforcing our dedication to making a meaningful impact in this community.
Our cover story spotlights Dr. Svetlana Hanson of med spa VivanaMD, sharing secrets to maintain youthful, radiant skin, which perfectly complements our aquatic theme. A huge shoutout to Evelyn and Michael Underwood, aka Eve the Wrapper, for crafting my hand-sewn wedding gown cape, which I wore at my Amalfi Coast wedding on September 25, 2024. Their artistry brought my vision to life, adding a magical touch to this journey!
Please join us for our third anniversary gala—stay tuned for the date! The evening will envelop you in a captivating underwater experience, fostering community and creativity through exquisite interactive displays of mermaid-inspired elegance. See you there!
CARMEN FOSTER, PUBLISHER @DESTINCITYLIFESTYLE
September 2025
PUBLISHER
Carmen Foster | carmen.foster@citylifestyle.com
CO-PUBLISHER
Josh Foster | josh.foster@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Laura L. Watts | laura.watts@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Shanna Perret, Emerald Blue Photography, Galina Wells, Ryan de la Peña, Marco Cammertoni, Eric Mull Photography and Gallery
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
Proverbs 3:5-6
The second Ladies Leadership Luncheon, held at Legendary Marina & Yacht Club in June
Photography by Galina Wells & Emerald Blue Photography
Local Author Celebrates New Book Launch
Findyourstrength.Reclaimyourstory.Walkinpower.Whether you’re starting over, standing tall, or searching for that next brave step; this book was written for you. This is more than a book. It’s a wake-up call for every woman who’s ever felt lost, betrayed, or unsure of her next step.
Follow Me:
“The moment you realize you’re not who they told you to be, that’s the moment you begin” www.paulinaaguilar.com
Paulina Aguilar
TIMELESS BEAUTY
Dr. Svetlana Hanson’s subtle art of transformation
ARTICLE BY DESTIN CITY LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMERALD BLUE PHOTOGRAPHY
“Aging gracefully never goes out of style. At VivanaMD, looking great isn’t about chasing trends. It’s about making you feel like you again. We’re committed to personalized care and cutting-edge treatments, ensuring a tailor-made experience just for you. Our results are natural, personal and timeless.”
Dr. Hanson is a visionary who doesn’t just see faces; she sees possibilities. Her goal is to ignite her patients’ excitement for transformative change. Overfilled faces are a thing of the past, while refining natural beauty is the new standard.
Popular treatments at VivanaMD include Sculptra, which stimulates your body's collagen production for volume that looks and feels natural; Morpheus8, which tightens and smooths the skin, redefining contours and improving texture without surgery or downtime; and platelet-rich fibrin, which taps into the body's own healing power for skin rejuvenation and hair restoration.
Dr. Hanson’s goal is to help patients understand their body—not just their weight. As a board-certified obesity medicine specialist, she guides patients who are prepping for a milestone event, wanting to refresh their look or needing hormone optimization to renew energy.
One of her go-to treatments is EmSculpt, which strengthens and tones muscles while burning fat for a sculpted look from the inside out. Because transformation starts with information, the VivanaMD team uses InBody 580—an advanced body composition analysis device that provides detailed data. With regular scans, changes are monitored and health plans are adjusted to keep patients moving in the right direction.
“Aging gracefully never goes out of style,” Dr. Hanson says. “At VivanaMD, looking great isn't about chasing trends. It's about making you feel like you again. We’re committed to personalized care and cutting-edge treatments, ensuring a tailor-made experience just for you. Our results are natural, personal and timeless.”
Dr. Hanson merges her extensive medical background with an artist's eye, offering much more than surface-level beauty. Discover the transformative difference at VivanaMD with special promotions in September.
SOVEREIGN BLOOM UNVEILED
ARTICLE BY SALLY FOSTER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMERALD BLUE (UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)
ICONIC WEDDING CAPE BLOOMS IN RADIANT, CLASSIC ALLURE
Photo by Galina Wells
Evelyn Underwood’s Sovereign Bloom wedding cape was a floral masterpiece spotlighted at an iconic ceremony on September 25, 2024, at the Hotel Due Torri on the Amalfi Coast of Italy. Handcrafted for Carmen Foster, publisher of Destin City Lifestyle magazine, and her husband, Josh Foster, the cape was adorned with more than 300 handstitched white silk roses. Carmen paired it with a gown sponsored by Simply Elegant Bridal in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.
Evelyn, known as Eve the Wrapper, and her husband, master tailor Michael Underwood, poured countless hours into the piece, with Sally Foster sewing the roses. Born from Carmen’s sketch, the cape’s delicate chiffon and wire-woven roses bloomed—reflecting her vision of romance and individuality.
Evelyn and Michael’s Sovereign Bloom cape began as Carmen’s dream for an iconic look. Her eye for luxury guided her collaboration with Evelyn. The two discussed every detail to complement the Amalfi Coast wedding’s dreamy backdrop. Michael’s tailoring expertise shaped the lightweight, floor-length cape, which flowed from the waist with a pearl clasp and translucent organza base. More than 300 white silk roses, handsewn by Evelyn and Sally, appeared to bloom from the cape. With delicate precision, Evelyn’s skilled fingers wove intricate petals with love and artistry, reflecting her Filipino heritage.
The Sovereign Bloom cape’s creation showcased Evelyn’s wire-woven artistry and Michel’s tailoring precision, with Sally’s seamstress skills adding heart. The lightweight design allowed Carmen to move gracefully from ceremony to reception, twirling under the stars with Josh at the Hotel Due Torri. Paired with minimal pearl jewelry and a bouquet of fresh white roses, the ensemble was a modern classic, captivating guests and photographers. The cape’s delicate roses and cultural motifs made it a timeless masterpiece.
ARTIST’S PALETTE
A hidden Filipino sun ray motif, inspired by Evelyn’s heritage, added a personal touch to the Sovereign Bloom cape. The process was a labor of love, transforming Carmen’s sketch into a piece that balanced bold elegance with timeless grace. “Carmen’s vision pushed us to create something unforgettable,” Evelyn shares. Simply Elegant Bridal’s gown was a match made in heaven with the cape. Social media buzzed with posts praising the ensemble as “a floral fantasy” and “bridal couture at its finest,” cementing its iconic status.
Photo by Galina Wells
Evelyn is a Fort Walton Beach-based artist whose wire-woven techniques transform jewelry, floral design and fashion. She launched her jewelry business in 2022 after an inspiring Santa Fe journey. Evelyn’s designs—a tribute to both her heritage and her love of freestyling colorful creations— are showcased at The Pearl Galleria locations in Destin, Foley and Biloxi, and online at evethewrapper.com.
Crafted with masterful precision and creative attention to detail, the wedding cape fulfilled the bride’s vision and encouraged her to blossom on her Big Day. As Eve says, “It’s about crafting iconic moments.”
Photo by Marco Cammertoni
Carmen & Josh Foster,
photo by Marco Cammertoni
We are unique because we make all our frozen yogurt in-house. Each week, we offer 16 rotating flavors and over 30 toppings, including glutenfree, dairy-free, and sugar-free options.
Kwench Juice Cafe offers fresh juices, smoothies, and açaí bowls made from organic ingredients. We provide a tasty way to support overall health, catering to those seeking detox, digestion support, or natural energy boosts.
With both businesses under one roof, we provide the best of both worlds to our community.
Vesko Stefanov: Fitness Transformer
ARTICLE BY DESTIN CITY LIFESTYLE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
EMERALD BLUE/ RYAN DE LA PEÑA
Vesko Stefanov, a top athlete and trainer, shines in Destin as he blends science-backed methods with personalized training plans. His no-excuses approach builds confidence and strength for clients as he assists them with fat loss, muscle building and competition prep. From competitors wanting to be stage-ready for the next event to everyday people wanting unlocking their potential, Vesko’s vibrant energy inspires clients through dedication and tailored fitness strategies.
FROM BULGARIA TO DESTIN, A CHAMPION SHAPES BODIES AND MINDS WITH GRIT AND HEART.
“SEEING CARMEN WIN FIRST PLACE MEANS I DO A GOOD JOB! SHE EARNED IT WITH HARD WORK.”
Carmen Foster, publisher of Destin City Lifestyle magazine, trained with Vesko and was coached by International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness Pro Tammy Patnode for nine months as she prepared for National Physique Committee’s Riptide Classic competition. Thanks to their guidance, on June 24 in Panama City Beach, Carmen won first place in the bikini 40+ division!
"Seeing Carmen win first place means I do a good job!” says Vesko, whose expert plan for Carmen included mindset coaching. “She earned it with hard work.”
Vesko’s journey began in Bulgaria, where his passion for fitness took root. He became a certified personal trainer through the International Sports Sciences Association and is a middleweight bodybuilding champion. Now a Destin icon, he transforms lives with discipline and motivation, focusing on sustainable lifestyle changes.
"Fitness is self-discovery,” Vesko says. “Every step builds strength and resilience."
“FITNESS IS SELFDISCOVERY. EVERY
STEP BUILDS STRENGTH AND RESILIENCE.”
Vesko’s philosophy blends workouts with science for sustainable gains. He adapts each tailored plan to clients’ individual goals, merging rigorous workouts with nutritional science for lasting results. Vesko fosters physical and mental resilience in his clients while mentoring and inspiring other Destin trainers. His story of perseverance proves that champions can rise through dedication.
Off-season, Vesko strategizes to keep his competitive edge while bulking up and savoring food. As his legacy grows, Vesko continues to inspire the world of fitness with his dedication to physical and mental growth—shaping a stronger, more resilient Destin community.
A BIG THING!
The Next BIG Thing conference attracts business leaders this October
ARTICLE BY ALI WEIL
PHOTOGRAPHY BY WALTON AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Mark your calendar for one of the most anticipated business events of the year! The Walton Area Chamber of Commerce announces The Next BIG Thing conference, presented by Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast and Eglin Federal Credit Union, taking place Monday, October 6, at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa.
This full-day event is designed to inspire, challenge and equip professionals at every level. With powerful keynote speakers, focused growth tracks in leadership development, entrepreneurship and women in business, as well as interactive workshops, this conference is your opportunity to gain valuable insights, build connections and take your business or career to the next level.
Whether you're looking to sharpen your leadership skills, launch bold new ideas or elevate your team's potential, The Next BIG Thing delivers big on business growth. More information is available on the Chamber website at waltonareachamber.com.
L A DIESLEADER SHIPLUNCHE O N
UNLEASHING BOLD CONNECTIONS AND UNSTOPPABLE EMPOWERMENT
ARTICLE BY DESTIN LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY GALINA WELLS
“Dr. Hanson’s insights ignited our confidence!”
– June attendee
The second Ladies Leadership Luncheon, held on June 26 at the breathtaking Legendary Marina & Yacht Club was a dynamic celebration of women’s empowerment. Svetlana Hanson, MD, of med spa VivanaMD shared transformative skin care insights, and Pepper’s Mexican Grill & Cantina delighted with bold flavors. DJ Nuara (Ara Rudy) and his lively playlist kept mood electric, complemented by Valentina Rella Camacho’s desserts and Felicia of BeachyGlambrides’ exciting door prizes. Galina Wells Photography captured the day’s memories, and Megan Riddle’s hosting at Legendary Marina added sophistication.
The third Ladies Leadership Luncheon, set for August 29 at the Fort Panic beach access on 30A, will feature a vibrant sunset picnic. The beachfront setting, with a glowing bonfire and ocean breeze, will create an unforgettable backdrop for connection
and empowerment. A white party dress code will radiate unity, while pulsating DJ beats will keep the energy soaring. Inspiring speakers will share actionable insights to fuel motivation, and dynamic networking opportunities will welcome new members into our thriving sisterhood. This event promises to strengthen the bonds forged in previous luncheons, fostering a community of women leaders ready to shape Destin’s future. Attendees will leave with renewed purpose, armed with connections and ideas to lead with courage. We extend gratitude to our sponsors and partners for their unwavering support, ensuring each gathering amplifies our collective vision. Join us on August 29 from 6 to 10 p.m. at 5753 W. Scenic Highway 30A for a beachside celebration that will spark inspiration and empower Destin’s women to lead boldly into the future.
Coastal Cowgirl 30A Shines Bright
Blending beach vibes with Western flair
Coastal Cowgirl 30A, founded by Bonnie Krupicka, is a distinctive boutique at 4164 W. County Highway 30A in Santa Rosa Beach, where the salty air of the coast meets the soulful spirit of the West. Explore a curated collection featuring the Coastal Salty Mermaid swimwear line, handcrafted real leather boots and custom-made cowboy hats designed to reflect your unique vision. Breezy sundresses, sun-kissed denim and flowy fabrics in earthy tones pair effortlessly with stylish trucker hats and boho-inspired jewelry, embodying confident femininity. Perfect for dune strolls or dancing under string lights, Coastal Cowgirl 30A offers a lifestyle of freedom, natural textures and rugged-romantic charm.
ARTICLE
Top: Coastal Cowgirl 30A owner Bonnie Krupicka Mid: Summer crochet mini dress in earthy tone with starfish
Bottom: Izzies Bikinies by Coastal Cowgirl
Inspired by her Colorado roots and love for wide-open spaces, Bonnie brought her vision to the Florida Panhandle, blending Rocky Mountain boldness with coastal serenity. Coastal Cowgirl 30A captures this fusion, offering apparel and accessories that celebrate the strength and simplicity of Western spirit alongside the magic of beachside living. From vibrant turquoise jewelry to custom hats, each piece invites you to embrace your inner wild. Visit Coastal Cowgirl 30A to discover a wardrobe that resonates with your spirit, crafted with love and inspired by the perfect harmony of shore and plains.
Top: Best-seller fringed trim maxi skirt with matching top Mid: Holly Stocks x Salty Mermaid swimsuits
Bottom: Bonnie Krupicka in Coastal Salty Mermaid swimwear, leather boots and custom-made hat
Discover timeless, natural beauty at VivanaMD Medical Spa and Wellness Clinic. Led by double boardcertified physician Dr. Svetlana Hanson, our boutique spa offers personalized, evidence-based treatments like Sculptra, Morpheus8, and EmSculpt to enhance your natural glow. Visit us in September for exclusive promotions and experience care that’s as unique as you are.
Address: 1012 Airport Rd STE 4, Destin, FL 32541 /Phone: (850) 353-2564/ www.vivanamd.com
