A celebration of innovative businesswomen and spring fashion in a beautifully artistic environment, Solana Fine Art. Each of these ladies are cool, confident and creative. Please meet Chauniqua “Major” Major, Carolina Diplan Flores and Megan Paquin dressed to impress in ensembles from Monkee’s of Winter Park, Neiman Marcus, Siegel’s Clothing Co. and Tuni.
109 Biz Buzz: Women to Watch
This year’s update focusing on the spirit of entrepreneurship, collaboration, learning and camaraderie features Garima Shah, Co-founder and President, Biller Genie; Jill Vaughan, President and CEO, Downtown Orlando Partnership, and Betsy Gardner, President and CEO, Winter Park Chamber of Commerce; Dr. Keita Joy, CEO, Success Uncensored Coaching, Founder I S.E.E. SUCCESS en Español; and Delaina Baker, Founder, 1930Fore.
87 Special Section: Professional Profiles — Leading Businesswomen
This series of special promotions, highlighting outstanding women in Central Florida, focuses on women who are accomplished and dedicated to their careers and community.
on the cover:
Chauniqua “Major” Major, Carolina Diplan Flores and Megan Paquin photographed at Solana Fine Art by Cristy Nielsen Linscott with hair and makeup touchups by
Fashion details on page 108.
Marjorie Robinson.
CRISTY NIELSEN LINSCOTT
10 THE LIST
People, places and things: Gucci expands in a newly designed space at The Mall at Millenia; Make a strong statement with these baubles and bags; The Sweetheart Society’s passionate community members; and Central Florida nonprofits’ very special spring fundraising events that celebrate their missions.
26 BEAUTY, BODY & SPIRIT
A look at popular wellness and cosmetic products; BEAUTY BODY SPIRIT 2026, highlights of a day truly designed for you based on self-love, self-care and positivity, where looking good and feeling good align; Women Are Incredible: Colette Jane Fehr, LMFT, LMHC, addresses an issue being raised often by women during her couple’s counseling sessions.
40 TASTES & EXPERIENCES
Chef Wendy Lopez, Reyes Mezcaleria and Sparrow, has been nominated as Best Chef South by the James Beard Awards; The Abaco Club, a slice of paradise in the Bahamas; Two new social clubs are offering memberships for people who like to mix and mingle while enjoying leisurely pursuits; Vines by H has made its debut on Sand Lake Road offering an elegant, elevated experience; Over 30 years Wine Quest has grown into one of Central Florida’s premier philanthropic wine events.
54 HOME & DESIGN
Celebrate the return of spring at the Orlando Museum of Art during Art in Bloom April 10-12; Designer and Project Manager Chris Druschel, S&W Kitchens, reveals how working with a team, including Katherine Lensmere and Debbie Harrison, KDK Interior Design, and Chat Ricchi, Ricchi Homes, created an open, organic and functional kitchen.
62 AGENDA
Highlighted events include Orange Appeal’s Women of the Year celebration at Judson’s; Love Your Library evening to benefit the Winter Park Library; Jazz Winter Park supporting AdventHealth for Children; Opera Orlando’s Mozart Dinner; Roll for a Cause Bunco tournament; American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Luncheon; and more.
RICKIE AGAPITO
welcome WeMSmallando!
The number one question we have gotten asked for the last 18 years is how do you find your stories? And we always respond the same… we discover people, places and things because we are out, a lot. And we love it.
In this issue alone, we have background stories on many of the ladies. We met Major years ago when she was a PR intern and now, she owns her own successful agency. Carolina entered our sphere when we began planning for a podcast at her recording studio. Megan popped up on our radar when we bumped into her at numerous events and interacted with several of her PR clients.
Garima and I served on the Shepherd’s Hope board for years. I knew her as a committed volunteer but did know then what a biz whiz she was. I watched Betsy and Jill build their organizations and was thrilled
when these two powerhouses formed a partnership. Delaina’s passion for women and golf caught our eye when she was encouraging more ladies to play despite their skill level. But it wasn’t until she launched 1930Fore that her dream was realized.
Keita saved us at the 2021 Orlando Women’s Conference when one of our keynote speakers had to cancel at the last minute. Without missing a beat, she stepped up to do two keynotes. Colette’s name came up at the 2023 Women of the Year when not one, but two longtime friends insisted that I had to meet her to learn more about her upcoming book.
Almost two decades ago I coined the term “Smallando” to describe our vivacious community. A lot of other people have picked it up and for many of us, it just sums up what a collaborative, involved and inclusive “neighborhood” we live and thrive in.
About that podcast… Her Bold Blueprint, a collaborative project combining the strength of ATHENA NextGen, Orange Appeal and AdventHealth for Women officially launch on March 10!
Cheers Smallandoans!
EDITOR & PUBLISHER
Christi Ashby christi@orangeappeal.com
ASSOCIATE EDITOR & PUBLISHER
Kate Slentz kate@orangeappeal.com
OPERATIONS & ADMINISTRATION
Wendy Tramell wendy@orangeappeal.com
CIRCULATION CONSULTANT
Mollie O’Shea
BUSINESS MANAGER
Robert Ashby
PHOTOGRAPHY
Cristy Nielsen Linscott
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR
Rita Tyrrell
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EVENTS
The 16th annual ORLANDO WOMEN’S CONFERENCE will be held September 10, 2026.
For updates and details, visit orlandowomensconference.com For sponsorship information email kate@orangeappeal.com
SPECIAL ORANGE APPEAL EVENTS
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the list
luxe opening
The newly relocated and expanded Gucci boutique at The Mall at Millenia is a redesigned space that spans more than 8,000 square feet, offering an elevated destination and a curated selection of the House’s signature collections. Guests will find an extensive array of men’s and women’s handbags, accessories, shoes, ready-to-wear and pieces from the House’s travel collection, Gucci Valigeria. Highlights include an assortment of signature handbags and accessories such as the Gucci Giglio bag presented alongside the Spring-Summer ’26 collection.
HEAD TO TOE GLOW
Whether you clutch, strap, slide, cinch or dangle, do it with fresh accents. Siegel’s Clothing Co. woven clutch and Sam Edelman gold leather sandals, from Siegel’s Clothing Co., Winter Park; Valentino platform sandals and Oscar de la Renta yellow flower earrings, from Neiman Marcus Orlando, The Mall at Millenia; and Hammered Heart buckle bel, Tuni, Winter Park.
BOLD & GOLD
Make a strong statement with these baubles and bags — and enter the room like you own it. Dolce & Gabbana top handle bag, Valentino small shoulder bag, Alexis Bittar gold and acrylic link necklace, all from Neiman Marcus Orlando, The Mall at Millenia; Pearl ring and Cross bead and stone necklace, from Tuni, Winter Park.
2026 Sweetheart Society
Since the American Heart Association’s founding in 1924, deaths from cardiovascular disease have been reduced by half. Yet there is still critical work ahead. By driving breakthroughs in science, policy and health care, AHA can continue creating meaningful change and improving lives every day.
The Orlando Heart Ball recognizes the community partners whose support fuels the AHA’s mission to ensure longer, healthier lives for all. Dollars raised through the campaign advance priority issues in Orlando such as chronic disease management, nutrition security, cardiac emergency response, maternal health, and addressing the growing challenges of tobacco and vaping.
THE ANNUAL CELEBRATORY EVENT
The 2026 Greater Orlando Heart Ball brings together leaders, advocates and supporters who are committed to building a healthier, more equitable community. This signature event celebrates shared achievements and honors the individuals who champion well-being across Central Florida. This year’s Orlando Heart Ball is chaired by Brittani Acuff, CEO of CREW Health.
The Sweetheart Society is made up of passionate community members dedicated to improving the health of their neighbors. These ambassadors support the American Heart Association’s Heart of Orlando initiative, investing in the wellbeing of families across the region. Not just for couples, the Sweetheart Society includes dynamic duos of all kinds — mother-daughter teams, best friends, survivor-caregiver pairs, and more.
“The strength of the Sweetheart Society lies in the way our community shows up for one another. As a longtime volunteer, I’ve seen firsthand how compassion and action come together to save lives,” says Chris Gearity, 2026 Sweetheart Society Chairperson.
The Sweetheart Society plays a vital role in extending the American Heart Association’s impact throughout the Orlando community. By engaging diverse ambassadors who champion heart healthy living, the Society helps raise critical
Center: Sonja & Tony Nicholson, Dr. Douglas & Chris Gearity 8
Left: William & Mia Poinsette, Paula Hoisington, Kimberly & Kevin Cook
Top: Laura Walda & David Meek, Joan & Paul Kennedy 8
awareness, deepen community connections, and inspire year round support for lifesaving initiatives. Their engagement ensures that the message of prevention, education and equitable health reaches more families across Central Florida. For more information about the Orlando Heart Ball or the Sweetheart Society, visit heart.org/orlandoheartball or email Candace.Goodman@heart.org.
2026 Orlando Heart Ball
Saturday, April 11, 2026, 5:30 – 11pm Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek 14100 Bonnet Creek Resort Lane 8 Orlando, FL 32821
Sweetheart Society Members
Alyce Bartolomeo 8 Stanley Juste & Marlyn Bonzil-Juste 8 Chuck & Wendy Brandon 8 Mike & Lauren Brusca 8 Kevin & Kimberly Cook 8 Nathan Vanags & Scott Johnson 8 Peter & Kari Fleck 8 Dr. Douglas & Chris Gearity 8 Paula Hoisington 8 Paul & Joan Kennedy 8 Keivin Kilgore & Moneaka Bonhmamn Kilgore 8 Julie & Faith Kleffel 8 Tom & Elizabeth Langer 8 Esteban & Alma Lopez 8 Derek Abernathy & Diana Ly 8 Doug & Debbie Magruder 8 Stephen Matzuk & Dana Dougherty Matzuk 8 Tony & Sonja Nicholson 8 Orlando Rolon & Dr. Giorgina Pinedo-Rolon 8 William & Mia Poinsette 8 Glenn & Tracy Swanson 8 Dimitri & Sherrie Gillespie Toumazos 8 David Meek & Laura Walda 8 Dr. James & Imee Warren 8 Dr. Linus & Jennifer Wodi 8 Arnaldo Oliveras & Dr. Eileen Zayas 8
Top: Esteban & Alma Lopez , Alyce Bartolomeo, Jennifer & Dr. Linus Wodi 8
Center: Michael & Lauren Brusca, Elizabeth and Tom Langer 8
Bottom, left: Dana Dougherty Matzuk and Stephen Matzuk, Julie Kleffel, Glenn & Tracy Swanson. Right: Dimitri & Sherrie Gillespie Toumazos, Stanley Juste & Marlyn Bonzil-Juste, Kari & Peter Fleck
HOT TICKETS
This spring season Central Florida nonprofits will be celebrating their missions through very special fundraising events. Here are some you can feel good about adding to your social schedule.
Orlando Shakes 37th Season Gala
Sunday, March 22, Orlando Shakespeare Theater
Denée Benton, Tony Award-nominated actress, who stars as Peggy Scott in the HBOMax series The Gilded Age, will provide a thrilling performance. Guests will also enjoy a culinary tour of some of Orlando’s best restaurant offerings, open bar, and an exquisite silent and live auction.
13th Spa Invitational
Back 9
Friday, April 24, The Spa at Hyatt Regency
Orlando
Now in its 13th year, this beloved golf-inspired spa experience for women to benefit Grace Medical Home is always a quick sellout. But new this year, there is a limited number of Back 9 foursomes available to purchase, perfect for those who want to enjoy an abbreviated version of the experience. Join for the final stretch of the tournament, where curated wellness services await.
Aces for Arts Access, A Night of Play for a Purpose
Saturday, April 25, The Mezz
Not just another charity gala — Central Florida Vocal Arts is hosting a night of fun and fundraising designed to captivate Central Florida’s top business leaders, philanthropists, and performing arts enthusiasts with high-energy casino games, wine, cocktails, food, silent auction and special performances by CFVA.
Seniors First 19th Annual High Tea & Hats
Sunday, April 26, Citrus Club
Find your fabulous hat, gather your friends, and enjoy a proper afternoon with high tea and delicious fare. Take home amazing finds from live and silent auctions, try your luck at the Wall of Wine raffle, and win prizes in the hat and table decorating contests. All proceeds benefit Meals on Wheels and other programs that help seniors live independently.
Quest Inc. 30th Annual Wine Quest
May 8 & 9, Caribe Royale
Orlando
In partnership with Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits, this two-night event combines fabulous wine and exceptional cuisine to support Quest, Inc.’s mission to help people with developmental disabilities experience a full life. Sip and sample more than 200 fine wines and spirits, enjoy a silent auction, and wine-themed festivities at the Grand Tasting Experience on Friday, May 8. Celebrate with a multi-course dinner and wine pairing and live and silent auctions during the Premier Wine Dinner and Celebration on Saturday, May 9.
Spa Invitational
Wine Quest
Orlando Shakes Gala
High Tea & Hats
Second Harvest Food Bank 5th Annual Ultimate Garden Party
Saturday, May 16, Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek
This whimsical afternoon will feature fun entertainment, exciting silent and live auctions, shopping with local vendors, casino style games, delicious bites and libations, sit-down meal, bid from the heart, and more, all to benefit Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida’s efforts to fight hunger in our community.
Runway to Hope 2026 Spring Soirée
Saturday, May 16, Rosen Shingle Creek Resort
Join 2,500+ guests in raising funds that stay local to support families battling pediatric cancer. Bid on luxury products, one-of-a-kind works of art, and jaw-dropping exclusive travel experiences. The program is complemented by an exquisite dining experience that only Rosen Shingle Creek can offer, and the event culminates with young models walking the runway with notable celebrity escorts.
Kids Beating Cancer Hats & Hearts Fashion Show Brunch
Friday, May 22, Four Seasons Resort Orlando
A most splendid affair is set to grace the social calendar. The Heart Society of Kids Beating Cancer presents the Hats & Hearts Fashion Show Brunch at the ever-opulent Four Seasons Resort Orlando. Expect couture, champagne, dazzling auctions—and a purpose far greater than society’s sparkle. Together, we gather not only in style, but in hope, raising vital funds to help save the lives of today’s bravest children.
Make-A-Wish 32nd Annual Wishmakers Ball
Saturday, May 30, Waldorf Astoria Orlando
The 32nd Annual Wishmakers Ball is Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida’s black-tie gala and largest fundraising event of the year, uniting community to help grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses in Central Florida. Guests will enjoy a three-course dinner, open bar, silent and live auctions with exclusive items and experiences, and inspiring stories from local wish children and their families. A lively after-party will conclude the evening.
Hats & Hearts Fashion Show Brunch
Ultimate Garden Party
Runway to Hope Spring Soirée
Wishmakers Ball
HOT TICKETS
ORLANDO BALLET BALL:
THE PARTY of the SEASON
IF YOU ARE FAMILIAR with images and stories from Truman Capote’s overthe-top Black and White Ball in 1966 (if not, we suggest you watch Feud: Capote vs. the Swans), you are in for an exquisite experience on April 18 at The Ballet Ball — A Black & White Affair at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort.
Promising a spectacularly fun evening the three chairs — Colte Debbouza-Suggs, Eric Horner and Ekta Desai — say it will be glamorous and fabulous. “After having the ball for five years at Harriett’s Orlando Ballet Centre, capping off with our 50th anniversary Golden Mask Ball that was a phenomenally successful event, but we realized that in order for the Ballet Ball to continue growing, for it to really reach its potential, we had to find a new home. Last year we moved to the Four Seasons, and it was just a beautiful space that was well received by our attendees. It really helped elevate the experience,” Colte says.
Eric explains it won’t be a direct copy of Capote’s famous ball, “but don’t be sur-
prised if you find some influences. There’s going to be a thread of nostalgia that’s going to be welcome to a lot of people that see things slipping away. And there’s a connection with this ball that is going to resonate in this community, and not just with Orlando Ballet supporters.”
“I’ll add to that and just say that we had fun coming up with the theme and it is definitely going to be a night of ’50s and ’60s glamour. Historically, the ball has been tied to the theme of a production. We decided this year to broaden our horizons and make the Ballet Ball a little bit more intriguing by moving away from that direct connection,” Colte adds.
“Additionally, I think you’re going to find some performance aspects that you’ve never seen before, which we can’t tip our hat to. But that’s going to be a key element that I think people come away really pleased with,” Eric reveals.
With a mission to continue elevating the evening, “we were very mindful of the feedback we got from last year’s ball. We have carefully curated the after-party experience based on that. There’s going to be a couple of different vignettes for the after party, and we think that it’s going to be great. This is the first year the Ballet Ball committee was chaired by three people, so it’s a really targeted creative group. It’s been a fun journey to work together collaboratively with mutual love and respect,” Ekta explains.
In summary, Colte emphasizes “it is a party to celebrate ballet and the art form of dance. Obviously, it’s a fundraiser, but we want people to have a good time from the moment you step in the door, until the last song plays on the dance floor, and you can go home with a smile on your face.”
THE BALLET BALL:
A BLACK & WHITE AFFAIR
Saturday, April 18 | Four Seasons Resort Orlando | 6–11 pm orlandoballet.org
Special Events Officer Alyssa David, Board Member Colte Debbouza-Suggs and Executive Director Bradley Renner
Board Member Ekta Desai
Board Member Eric Horner
Josie & Mark NeJame Artistic Director Jorden Morris
beauty body&spirit
popular products
Clockwise, from top left: Perfect for lighter coverage, LAURA GELLER NEW YORK BAKED BALANCE-N-BRIGHTEN Color Correcting Powder Foundation provides a demi-matte buildable base without caking. LIFEPRO WAVER VIBRATION PLATE promotes lymphatic drainage, relaxes muscles and may strengthen bones. BIODERMA ATODERM SHOWER OIL makes cleansing and nourishing face and body a one-step process for softer and smoother skin. CHARLOTTE TILBURY MAGIC CREAM MOISTURIZER contains hyaluronic acid to plump the look of skin and diminish the look of wrinkles for a glowing face. The easy-to-use PROSOURCEFIT acupressure mat and pillow set is designed for back/neck pain relief and muscle relaxation. Open up your eyes with UPNEEQ, an FDA-approved prescription eye drop that provides a non-surgical eye lift, quickly lifting eyelids for more awake-looking eyes.
BEAUTY POWER PANEL
How do we define beauty and how does it define us? What are ways we can enhance it? Find out how to let your inner beauty shine through while learning about the latest in cosmetics, treatment, procedures and more.
Moderator: Christi Ashby
Panelists: Dr. Stephenie Poris
Karen Buckalew, ARPN-C Leslie Christin
BODY POWER PANEL
What do we really need to be aware of to take better care of ourselves? From all phases of life to all parts of our bodies, hear what the experts advise to live the longest, healthiest, and even happiest life.
Moderator: Kia Malone Blair
Panelists: Deborah Brown, APRN, CNM
Dr. Arianna Becker
Dr. Catherine Hwang
SPIRIT POWER PANEL
The Road to Recovery — finding peace after trauma, loss, setbacks or obstacles. Discover ways to get back to being yourself, through these tips, tactics and personal stories. Getting mentally back on track can improve your overall well-being.
Moderator: Cherlette McCullough
Panelists: Jayne Williams
Jill Hamilton Buss and Kelly Lafferman
The fourth annual event designed to bring women together for honest conversations about the intersection of beauty, body and spirit in a comfortable, safe space is happening on Tuesday, April 28, at the Winter Park Events Center. In addition to expert power panels and a keynote luncheon, there will be activity breaks and a variety of vendors. It’s your time to breathe, reflect, relax and renew. Come in your athleisure with a fresh face and open mind. Let’s redefine and refine how we think about our well-being. Here are some highlights.
LUNCHEON KEYNOTE with COLETTE JANE FEHR, LMFT, LMHC
The Cost of Quiet: How to Have the Hard Conversations that Create Secure, Lasting Love
COLETTE JANE FEHR is a licensed psychotherapist specializing in couples therapy and an author. She also cohosts the popular podcast Insights from the Couch, and the new radio show Love Thy Neighbor, and her 2025 TEDx talk "Secrets of a Couples Therapist" was a TED editor's pick. She grew up in Rye, NY, and now lives in Orlando with her family.
As a speaker with more than a decade of experience as a psychotherapist and relationship expert, she shares useful ideas that transform how people see themselves and what they believe is possible for their lives — from their careers to their relationships, and everything in between. Colette will share how to break free from avoidant patterns, speak up with confidence and build the deeply connected relationship you’ve always wanted based on her new book, The Cost of Quiet.
TOPICS FROM THE BOOK…
CONFLICT We are terrified of conflict. It’s normal to fear conflict. And not just fear it — avoid it at all costs. Conflict is uncomfortable, it can be scary, and it seems guaranteed to cause harm. We’ve been taught that conflict is a sign that our relationships aren’t working. If we’re in conflict, doesn’t that mean our relationship is broken? Actually, it’s the opposite. Conflict is healthy even inevitable when two people come together with different backgrounds, personalities, wants, and needs. Healthy conflict offers an opportunity for growth and intimacy. If you can navigate it effectively, you can harness its potential to feel closer to your partner than you ever imagined and develop your own emotional maturity in the process. Healthy conflict saves marriages; it doesn’t destroy them.
AVOIDANT BEHAVIOR Avoidant behaviors range from suppressing feelings and self-silencing to loudly projecting blame and anger. It might look like telling your partner you’re fine when you’re actually seething because you’re convinced, they can’t handle hearing what you have to say, or maybe you don’t trust yourself to say it without getting ugly. It may look like allowing frustration to boil over into an explosion of damaging insults you really don’t mean and can’t take back. It can also take the form of incessant bickering or passive aggressive digs.
HOW TO UNLOCK YOUR AUTHENTIC VOICE A healthy, fulfilling relationship is about depth, meaning and connection. It’s honest, open, and real. It’s a union between two people who consciously and intentionally continue to choose each other throughout life — who know each other’s underlying fears, unhealed wounds and embrace each other in these tender vulnerabilities and become a rock-solid team against the outside world.
BEAUTY POWER PANEL
CHRISTI ASHBY is the editor and publisher of Orange Appeal, a magazine for women she founded in 2008 to create a sense of community and promote local women, their interests, and non-profit organizations. She is celebrating 40 years as a publishing and media professional, having managed and operated more than 10 different national and regional publications.
KAREN BUCKALEW is the founder and owner of Boutiq Medical Clinic and has more than 25 years of experience in the healthcare industry. She is a board-certified nurse practitioner, certified in Aesthetics by the American Association of Aesthetic Medicine & Surgery, and a 2018 recipient of the DAISY Award for exceptional service. Driven by her passion to provide accessible healthcare, Karen takes pride in providing quality care and exceptional customer service.
LESLIE CHRISTIN is the founder and creative force behind CARA Cosmetics International. She became a licensed cosmetologist in her early 20s. Leslie has worked on many television shows and feature films allowing her to collaborate with some of this country’s most celebrated actors, models and stars. She has shaped CARA Cosmetics into an exceptional line, where product quality meets the demands of today’s ethnically diverse market, fulfilling the CARA philosophy of “Beauty Everywhere for Everyone at Every Age.”
DR. STEPHENIE PORIS, founder of Orlando’s only female owned and operated plastic surgery practice (Poris Plastic Surgery), is a double board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in elevated, highly compassionate care, where communication and a positive experience are core values. She spent five years in general surgery residency at AdventHealth before completing her plastic surgery fellowship at Summa Health in Akron, Ohio.
Christi Ashby
Leslie Christin
Karen Buckalew
Dr. Stephenie Poris
BODY POWER PANEL
DEBORAH BROWN, APRN, CNM, received her Master of Science in Nursing degree with a concentration in nurse midwifery from East Carolina University. With more than 30 years of experience caring for women with both routine and high-risk pregnancies, Deborah has had the honor of delivering more than 2,000 babies. As a certified nurse-midwife, she has served as both a clinical director for labor and delivery and as a childbirth educator. Deborah collaborates with AdventHealth’s physicians to provide comprehensive, compassionate care to women and their families.
DR. ARIANNA BECKER is a board-certified family medicine physician with specialties in osteopathic manipulative treatment, skin biopsies, cryotherapy, knee injections, suturing lacerations and women’s health issues. Dr. Becker earned her medical degree with honors from the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her residency at AdventHealth, receiving the Heart of Compassion Award.
DR. CATHERINE HWANG is board-certified in radiation oncology. She specifically focuses on treating breast cancer and has been instrumental in implementing techniques at AdventHealth Cancer Institute that minimize cardiac toxicity from breast radiation. She works closely with medical oncologists and surgical oncologists to ensure that her patients receive their care in a coordinated and timely fashion. She also strives to help her patients understand their disease and minimize the anxiety associated with their treatments.
KIA MALONE BLAIR, an energetic television host known for her bold, engaging style, she’s a national award-winning ballroom champion, community advocate, and Senior Manager of Community Engagement for AdventHealth’s Central Market. Kia serves on the boards of the Michal Foundation, WEC Orlando, and the Orange County Technical College A/V Advisory Council, and is an active member of CFABJ and PEO International. She loves travel, dancing, beach time, and cheering on her Oklahoma Sooners.
Deborah Brown, APRN, CNM
Catherine Hwang, MD
Arianna Becker, MD
Kia Malone Blair
SPIRIT POWER PANEL
JILL HAMILTON BUSS is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who works with clients in a holistic way to create optimal wellbeing for mind and body. She offers traditional in-office psychotherapy, life coaching, and “Walk and Talk Therapy”. She holds master’s degrees from Rollins College and the University of Florida in mental health counseling and communications. She also teaches classes on several areas of specialization at the Center for Health and Wellbeing in Winter Park.
KELLY LAFFERMAN is a licensed therapist and speaker who works with adult individuals, couples and business partners on relationship dynamics, anxiety, trauma support and life transitions. Before becoming a therapist, Kelly built a career as a marketing and communications professional, giving her a deep understanding of the pressure, pace and expectations many high-achievers carry in both their professional and personal lives. She is passionate about helping people get mentally and emotionally back on track so they can feel more grounded and, most of all, relationally connected.
CHERLETTE MCCULLOUGH, LMFT, is an influential author, therapist and media expert dedicated to mental health, wellness and community healing. Known for her work in women’s empowerment, trauma recovery and self-care, she captivates audiences with her personal journey of life, love, loss and healing. She inspires and empowers others to embrace their own path to healing and transformation. She is also the founder of Center Peace Couples and Family Therapy in Winter Park.
JAYNE WILLIAMS is a certified nutritionist, wellness expert, television host, speaker, wellness business strategist, podcast host, and soon-to-be author. Jayne received her bachelor’s degree from Marist College and completed post graduate work from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, Maryland University of Integrative Health, with additional post graduate certifications in Gut Health.
Jill Hamilton Buss
Cherlette McCullough, LMFT
Kelly Lafferman
Jayne Williams
AN A DVENT H EALTH FOR WOMEN SERIES
Colette Jane Fehr Provides a Guide for Difficult Relationship Conversations
When therapist Colette Jane Fehr, LMFT, LMHC, found one issue being raised often by women during her couple’s counseling sessions, she knew the topic was worthy of more than conversations — it was important enough to become the topic of her debut book. And it was something she had experienced in her first marriage.
Recently released by Putnam, an imprint of Penguin Random House, The Cost of Quiet: How to Have the Hard Conversations That Create Secure, Lasting Love, dives into women’s patterns of suppressing their feelings and losing their voices in relationships by not wanting to rock the boat, upset the status quo, or fearing the reaction leads to suffering silently.
Colette always wanted to be a writer and even enrolled in a master of fine arts program, before dropping out to opt for a better paying career. “I ended up becoming a therapist so I could help people prevent what I went through. Then I started to have this idea for the book because I was hearing the same thing from so many women in my office that I related to because of my first marriage,” Colette shares.
She knew she had lost her voice in that relationship and should have spoken up sooner but didn’t think it would go well. “I started to think I’ve got to really eliminate this problem of women self-silencing and suppressing in relationships and offer an actionable solution so I can help more people than I can in my office alone. In 2023, I
found a journal from 2018. In it I had written, ‘I’m going to write this book this year and I don’t care how — self-publish or whatever, I just want to get it out there,’” she adds. Colette decided then and there to begin, starting at 5am each day, even on weekends. And two years ago, she received a publishing contract that was beyond her expectations.
She wanted to give women a planned approach to having the difficult conversations. “We don’t tend to really talk about what we’re struggling with in our marriages. We’ll talk about it when we get divorced. Everyone feels pressure that other couples have these great relationships, but that’s from the outside looking in. Yet we’re all struggling with many of the same things I was in my first marriage. I really felt like the problem was my husband — that’s genuinely what felt true to me. What I had to learn the hard way is that it’s really up to me. It’s my responsibility to communicate vulnerably, clearly, and kindly, and I wasn’t doing that. So, I’ll never know what would have been possible,” she explains.
Although Colette counsels men and women, she sees that women have more
of a tendency to hold back, hesitating to express their feelings. “I think men have been conditioned to not carry the emotional labor in a relationship, which isn’t fair to women, and I hope that we’re changing. Then a lot of us are hyper independent. We don’t want to ask for help, and we are afraid of conflict in our romantic relationships more than any other relationship because they’re so important to us. It’s almost like a double bind — on the one hand, in order to have intimacy you have to share yourself and you have to express what’s bothering you, but on the other hand, it feels like it won’t go well. Then we inevitably contribute to the distance. As women we do have to express our feelings and our needs more clearly and more directly than we have been,” she says.
As Colette explains in the book, the more we hold things in, the less likely we are to focus on the real issues. “When your voice does come out, sometimes it’s an explosion which does not go over well. I call that the Victim Volcano Syndrome, where you’ve taken it and taken it. You just keep telling yourself this isn’t worth it; it’s not a big deal; I can let this go. But those things stack up and they harden into
Colette with her mother, Jane Iacobellis
resentment and then you blow. Your grievances that are legitimate never get addressed because it becomes all about your bad reaction,” she explains.
The book, dedicated to Colette’s two daughters, guides readers through selfassessments and tackles several topics including defining self-silencing, relationship dynamics, healthy communication, identifying triggering patterns, preparing for conversations, dealing with responses, and building a habit of speaking up.
Colette Jane Fehr, LMFT, LMHC, will be speaking at Orange Appeal’s upcoming BEAUTY BODY SPIRT event on Tuesday, April 28 at the Winter Park Events Center. To order The Cost of Quiet visit thecostofquiet.com
ADVENTHEALTH FOR WOMEN:
Colorectal cancer is increasingly being diagnosed in younger adults, which is why experts now recommend starting screening at age 45. Colonoscopy is the most thorough screening method because it can find and remove pre-cancerous polyps, while other options — such as CT colonography, flexible sigmoidoscopy or annual stool tests — may be appropriate depending on your risk factors and your doctor’s guidance.
Common symptoms to watch for include:
• Changes in bowel habits
• Blood in the stool
• Persistent bloating or cramping
• Unexplained weight loss
Regular screening is the best way to prevent colorectal cancer or detect it early, when treatment is most effective. Depending on your test type and results, screenings are typically repeated every 1 to 10 years. Early detection greatly improves outcomes, making timely screening one of the most important steps you can take for your long-term health. Over 45? Schedule your screening at
tastes
&experiences
kitchen kudos
Another year and another nomination for the Good Salt Restaurant Group (Reyes Mezcaleria, The Osprey, Seito Sushi Baldwin Park, The Monroe, Sparrow and recently opened Osteria Ester) as Chef Wendy Lopez, Reyes Mezcaleria and Sparrow, has been nominated as Best Chef South by The James Beard Awards, which have represented the pinnacle of culinary recognition in the U.S. since inception in 1990. Good Salt Restaurant Group founders Jason and Sue Chin received James Beard Award semifinalist honors for Outstanding Restaurateur in 2022 and a finalist nomination in 2025. goodsaltgrp.com
Reyes Mezcaleria Mexican Cobb Salad
Chef Wendy Lopez
THE ABACO CLUB
PARADISE FOUND IN THE BAHAMAS
by Christi Ashby
Imagine your dream scene? Is it peace and tranquility, nature at its finest, sounds of laughter and bird chatter? Maybe there is a tropical cocktail in your hand, or a golf club or pickleball paddle. Maybe it’s a luxurious spa treatment or sunrise exercise session. Or yoga by the water, quiet walks along the shoreline, discovering sea life while snorkeling, or slightly more vigorous activities like paddleboarding and kayaking. Delicious meals are outdoor casual with island favorites or elevated culinary creations overseen by a renowned chef.
I HAVE ALWAYS HAD AN AFFINITY FOR THE BAHAMAS and have visited many times beginning in the ’80s. I even experienced touch downs in Marsh Harbor on Great Abaco as a flight attendant. I love the slower pace and friendly people, but especially the beautiful waters that are mesmerizing. So, when invited to visit the private enclave of The Abaco Club, I eagerly signed on for the group excursion. I was also curious about the recovery from Hurricane Dorian, which devasted many areas in September 2019. There were many relief efforts spearheaded by Central Floridians, and The Abaco Club, owned by Southworth Development, launched the Abaco-Winding Bay Relief Fund, a 501c3 organization.
However, along the drive to my destination I only saw one fairly wide graveyard of tree remains. Not every area was affected, including the 500-acre sanctuary of natural beauty on Winding Bay I would soon be exploring.
Tucked between gently swaying palms, often filled with colorful, squawking Abaco parrots, and azure waters, The Abaco Club is a private paradise with islandinspired homes, Scottish-style tropical links golf course (home club of PGA pro Darren Clarke), and a two-mile stretch of
pristine beach with powdery sand and a crystal-clear bay among the features. For boaters, the Yacht Club and Marina arranges fishing expeditions and tours of the surrounding seas and cays.
When I arrived, I toured a little of the property via the local transportation mode
tastes &experiences
— a golf cart — before popping into Flippers Beach Bar for a quick bite and a cold one with other members of the group. I was then shown my accommodations, a house appropriately named Heaven on Earth, that sat high above the bay and 18th green. An afternoon hot stone massage on the lanai was enhanced by the rhythmic whooshing of waves crashing on the rocks.
Later we all met for a social with specialty cocktails at the Birdie Bar and enjoyed conversing with some of the club members. Dinner was family-style at The Beach House and included fried lobster tails along with Mediterranean-influenced dishes. We headed to the upstairs Horizon Lounge at the Bay Club for afterdinner drinks.
The next morning, after coffee from the Tipsy Parrot, I joined the morning yoga flow on the dock. We broke poses several times to study the turtles swimming around us. Later in the morning, we went on a real estate tour walking through several of the turnkey — virtually everything is included — home options. We were scheduled for a boat tour next and headed to the Abaco Yacht Club where we met with Glen Kelly, marina director and resident marine biologist. He served as our captain and offered commentary as we made our way past familiar places, including Hope Town and Elbow Cay. Lunch at Firefly Sunset Resort, which sits on the edge of a coral cliff over the Sea of Abaco, gave everyone a chance to sample more
food and drink while sharing observations and favorite activities.
That evening, for our final group get together, we were treated to a wine pairing dinner at Cliff House, the octagonal clubhouse that sits perched above Winding Bay. The ambiance is tropical with a dash of elegance. While each of the dishes was delicious, it was the conversation with the chefs that was the highlight.
On the last morning, I took the golf cart out for one more self-guided tour, passing the pastel homes with colorful names, the lively pickleball courts and family-friendly Wake Field (whiffle ball, kickball and other turf sports), several of the gorgeous green, undulating golf holes (although I missed the taco truck on 5), the golf pro shop (where I bought a few shirts), a final stop at Flippers for a very filling breakfast burrito, and one last walk along the beach.
Abaco, I loved getting to know you and I will return! theabacoclub.com
MEMBERSHIP
The Abaco Club Bahamas offers a variety of membership types. Members at The Club also enjoy reciprocal privileges at all other Southworth properties, with full use of their facilities and amenities. Current memberships offered at The Abaco Club include Resident Membership (for those staying at the Club through the use of the Club rental pool).
MORE FAB AMENITIES
• #1 ranked golf course in The Bahamas
• Tingum on (golf hole) 5 — food truck & beachfront bar
• Resort-style infinity pool
• 4 hard court tennis courts
• 4 padel courts
• Golf practice facility with two-sided range
• El Diablo, a new Darren Clarke putting course
• Tipsy Parrot Wine & Cheese Marketplace
• The Perch, a beachside walking trail and yoga platform
• Concierge services
• 54-foot Palm Beach luxury yacht for cruises, cocktail hour and island hopping; 39-foot Contender Center Console for island-hopping; 33-foot Intrepid Center Console boat for fishing and snorkeling
BITS & BITES
In The Club? tastes &experiences
Two new social clubs are offering memberships for people who like to mix and mingle while enjoying leisurely pursuits.
HAMLIN HOUSE, a Florida-inspired social club reimagining the golden age of luxury racquet clubs, is officially open in Orlando’s vibrant SoDo neighborhood. Designed for those who appreciate sport, style and social connection, Hamlin House
(231 W. Grant Street) spans 28,000 square feet of indoor-outdoor space featuring chefdriven dining, curated events enriching programs, and, of course, premium pickleball. Launched by Ryan and Michelle DeVos, co-owners of Major League Pickleball’s
Orlando Squeeze, Hamlin House is designed as much for connection as it is for play. Signature events, brand collaborations and social mixers aim to bring members together in a refined yet relaxed setting while offering a robust racquet calendar led by dedicated professionals.
“Hamlin House was born from our shared love of hospitality and sport. Now that our doors are officially open, our growing team is bringing that passion to life every day. We’re excited to welcome members into a space designed to elevate experiences on the court, and far beyond it, and to serve this community in an entirely new way,” Michelle says.
The culinary vision was shaped by Chef John Fraser and JF Restaurants, a hospitality group known for innovation, sustainability and creativity across its acclaimed portfolio, including the Michelin-starred Lilac at The Tampa EDITION. hamlinhouse.com
SOLVINO, in downtown Windermere, introduced Solvino’s Private Social Club, an intimate retreat for those who appreciate exceptional wine, exquisite cuisine, and genuine connections. From private tastings to bespoke culinary events, every offering is designed to bring members closer to the stories behind each bottle. To preserve the intimate atmosphere, and respect the quaintness of the Town of Windermere, membership is limited in number and exclusive to locals.
Open to the public, the bottle shop focuses on exceptional, and often hard-tofind wines that may not appear on the shelves of typical wine stores. And the lounge is a space for savoring every sip enhanced with a selection of curated bites and small plates for a palate-pleasing experience. solvino.wine
QUEST, INC. CELEBRATES 30 YEARS OF WINE QUEST
Founded in 1996 by Katie Porta and Tico Perez as an intimate wine-paired dinner benefiting Quest, Inc., Wine Quest has grown into one of Central Florida’s premier philanthropic wine events. Over the past 30 years, the fundraiser has evolved to include grand tastings, premier wine dinners, educational experiences and community partnerships, most notably with Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits. Through changing venues, expanded programming and even a virtual pivot in 2020, Wine Quest has remained rooted in its mission: raising critical funds to support children and adults with developmental disabilities served by Quest, Inc.
Ohver three decades, Wine Quest has grown through the support of dedicated community partners, including Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, which joined in 2006 to introduce the event’s popular Grand Tasting experience. And this year the community can come together and raise a glass on May 8 and 9, at Caribe Royale Orlando, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of this signature fundraiser that supports Central Floridians with developmental disabilities.
Friday’s Grand Tasting Experience will feature more than 60 vendors pouring wines and spirits, along with a silent auction and interactive experiences. Saturday’s Premier Wine Dinner & Celebration includes a reception, multi-course meal with curated wine pairings, and live and silent auctions.
Proceeds from Wine Quest benefit Quest’s comprehensive programs serving children and adults with developmental
disabilities, including children’s therapy and education, employment training and placement, residential communities, life-skills training and summer camp experiences. Wine Quest 2025 raised more than $450,000.
“As we celebrate 30 years of Wine Quest, we’re honoring the community that has made this mission possible,” says John R. Gill, President and CEO, Quest, Inc. “What started as a small gathering of passionate supporters has grown into a powerful movement. Every glass raised helps create opportunities for children and adults with developmental disabilities to learn, work and live with greater independence and dignity.”
Wine Quest tickets are available now: Friday’s Grand Tasting Experience, $195; Saturday’s Premier Wine Dinner & Celebration, $300; Friday & Saturday Combo Ticket, $395. For more information, visit WineQuest.org
ABOUT QUEST, INC.
For more than 60 years, Quest, Inc. has transformed the lives of thousands of adults and children with developmental disabilities through a range of services proven to increase capabilities and quality of life. From the humble beginnings of a single location serving eight individuals, to currently more than 20 locations, serving more than 800 individuals each day in Orlando and Tampa, Quest continues to build communities where people with development disabilities achieve their goals.
tastes &experiences
VINES BY H
Debuts
on Restaurant Row
From prime steaks and house-made pastas to live jazz, a curated wine list and a relaxed cigar lounge, the H Hospitality Group has ushered in a new era for the former Vines Grille & Wine Bar. After a complete renovation, the restaurant brings together modern American cuisine with subtle Mediterranean and European influences, offering a dinner experience that is both sophisticated and welcoming.
“Vines by H is about creating a space where great food, wine and atmosphere come together effortlessly,” says Fuat Hasoglu, co-founder of The H Hospitality Group. “When we stepped in, it was important to us to honor what longtime guests have always loved about Vines while carrying that legacy forward. With live jazz every night, we wanted to create a highenergy experience, where guests can enjoy great cuisine, exceptional wine, and timeless music in one welcoming setting.”
The menu is overseen by Executive Chef Omer Yildiz, formerly executive sous chef at The H Orlando with experience in Michelin-recognized restaurants in Turkey, and features a selection of enticing starters such as sea bass ceviche with lime and jalapeño, crispy calamari with tartar and harissa sauces, blue crab fingers with a spicy Cajun sauce for dipping, and tender lamb lollipops served with potato salad, pickled cucumbers and gremolata.
Pastas are made from scratch daily using the highest quality ingredients and include linguini bolognese and Tuscan shrimp rigatoni. The grill draws on the steakhouse expertise of sister restaurant The H Orlando with selections including Chilean sea bass, a refined take on Bavarian schnitzel, and premium cuts of filet mignon, 14-ounce ribeye and New York strip with a choice of house-made sauces. The extensive wine list draws from respected Old World regions and standout domestic producers and there is a full selection of craft cocktails. vinesbyh.com
home &design
art in bloom
Celebrate the return of spring at the Orlando Museum of Art during Art in Bloom, April 10-12. Attendees will enjoy stunning floral interpretations inspired by works from the museum’s permanent collection and current exhibits as well as an array of antiques and vintage collectibles offered by highly respected dealers, and a variety of lifestyle and hostess items from local vendors. Special events and daily show features include a Galleries in Bloom: After Hours opening party, Rococo Speaker and Brunch; Cafe de Fleurs: Fresh Herb Basket & Culinary Experience; Runway in Bloom: Fashion Show & Cocktail Party; Mystery Home Tours; Tea in Bloom events; Blooming Kids Activities; The Are of the Cocktail; and more. The event benefits the Orlando Museum of Art. omart.org/events/art-in-bloom/
When two people, each with children, get together, the blended family definitely needs a large, wellfunctioning kitchen. But the icing on that cake is an exquisitely executed layout. Enter designer and project manager Chris Druschel, S&W Kitchens, who working with Katherine Lensmere and Debbie Harrison, KDK Interior Design, and Chat Ricchi, Ricchi Homes, enhanced the vision with his expertise in design and custom cabinetry.
“The home is located in Lake Nona Country Club, so the couple wanted to elevate the design. Per the client's request, we added a large window to open the space up — it’s got beautiful views of a pond, a lake, and the golf course. Before there were two side windows so this did take away about six feet of upper cabinets, but we made up for it with the modernization of all the new cabinets, configuration, and one huge island,” Chris comments.
S&W, a 48-year-old business known for their renovation work, does much more than that, working with custom builders. The
RICCHI HOMES
Photos by Rickie Agapito
By taking down a wall between two smaller windows, the space now takes advantage of the outdoor views.
Adding more storage and a large range were important, but figuring out how to vent the hood was critical.
home &design
team is well-versed in the mechanics and engineering behind design dreams. “I have the expertise as a cabinet and kitchen designer to help bring the amazing vision of an interior design firm to life. They draw up beautiful plans, and I give design advice and feedback. For example, opening up the window in the layout after they provided inspiration photos and swatches. We go back and forth and then obviously the builder makes it work,” he explains.
The floor-to-ceiling storage cabinets conceal refrigerators and appliances. The wine cellar, accessible from the adjacent room, breaks up all the wood.
The outside bar also features natural elements including the tongue-andgroove ceiling.
home &design
One challenge he had to address was how to get the hood to vent outside after its location moved. “It is a very large range, so we had to figure it out. There was a lot of engineering on my end to make that work with the backsplash behind it because that’s natural quartzite the countertop material. We had to run the vent through all the cabinets and soffit which was fun,” he shares.
The overall look and finishes are in keeping with the current trend of sleek, clean lines (hidden appliances and abundant work areas) with the warmth of natural materials that bring an organic
element in. “We used the natural quartzite countertops complimented by the tongue and groove ceiling with thin shaker cabinets in quarter-sawn white oak. There’s a four-foot-wide sink so it’s a true workstation, double dishwashers. It’s very utilitarian,” he shares.
Another beautifully functional kitchen by the pool continues the design style from inside with all the amenities including a large counter island, two large TVs and stools and oversize pendants in natural material. Chris credits the cohesive outcome to the team. “If you don’t have a good cabinet designer, you don’t have a good interior designer and you don’t have a good builder, you’re going to spend a lot of time and money getting things right.”
Designers Chris Druschel, Debbie Harrison and Katherine Lensmere
LOCATION:
Solana Fine Art
PHOTOGRAPHY:
Cristy Nielsen Linscott
HAIR AND MAKEUP TOUCHUPS: Marjorie Robinson
BUSINESS is blooming!
These media professionals were perfectly suited to showcase spring’s latest looks and their individual styles in these selections from Tuni, Monkee’s and Siegel’s Clothing Co. in Winter Park, and Neiman Marcus Orlando in The Mall at Millenia.
MEGAN PAQUIN PAQUIN PUBLIC RELATIONS
Megan Paquin is the founder and CEO of Paquin Public Relations, a nationally recognized strategic communications and crisis-management firm founded in 2023. The agency employs eight team members across Florida, Georgia and South America to serve a high-profile, diverse client base spanning global brands and institutions, nonprofits, and high-visibility individuals. Megan has led award-winning campaigns for some of the world’s most recognized organizations and is trusted to guide clients through their highest-stakes moments — from natural disasters and reputational crises to complex litigation before the U.S. Supreme Court. (more on page 108)
Megan is wearing an Alice + Olivia by Stacey Bendet dress, $660, Valentino Rockstud sandals, $1,230, Oscar de la Renta Petal drop crystal earrings, $490, Alexis Bittar gold and acrylic link necklace, $595, and bracelet, $345, and a Versace medium top handle bag, $2,600, all from Neiman Marcus Orlando, The Mall at Millenia.
CHAUNIQUA “MAJOR” MAJOR WHATEVER’S GOOD PR + MARKETING
Chauniqua “Major” Major is a vibrant, values-driven communicator who helps good brands thrive. With nearly 20 years in media relations, strategy, influencer marketing, community relations, and crisis management, she has worked with companies across the United States, from startups and nonprofits to global brands including Carnival Corporation and Amazon. (more on page 108)
Major is wearing a Marie Oliver Everette dress, $525, Julie Vos iridescent pink tourmaline necklace, $135, Julie Vos Jolie ring, $125, Sheila Fajl small Tranquility 18k gold brushed earrings, $68, and Dolce Vita Merit sneakers, $139, all from Monkee’s of Winter Park.
Carolina is wearing a BCBG Maxazria Tux blazer, $398, and Tux pants, $258, Simon Miller Vietta crop top, $295, Pearl ring, $128, Yochi pearl strand jewel burst necklace, $195, and Lana Wilkinson Shannon heels, $260, all from Tuni, Winter Park.
CAROLINA DIPLAN FLORES HI HELLO LABS
Carolina Diplan Flores is the co-founder of Hi Hello Labs, a premium media production company rooted in downtown Orlando and serving brands nationwide. Over the past four years, Carolina has led brand and content strategy for more than 40 podcasts, helping generate millions of downloads across the agency’s portfolio through intentional storytelling and strategic media execution.
(more on page 108)
Abstract by Ginger Oglesby, duck sculpture by Ben Van Beusekom
Major is wearing a Celia B print dress, $359, and Sam Edelman Langley green canvas and suede sneakers, $110, all from Siegel’s Clothing Co., Winter Park.
Art glass by Cal Breed
Megan is wearing a Needle & Thread Florine one shoulder gown, $860, Oscar de la Renta enamel and crystal ring, $390, Oscar de la Renta yellow flower earrings, $360, Dolce & Gabbana gold heels, $945, and Cult Gaia Rosemary clutch, $598, all from Neiman Marcus Orlando, The Mall at Millenia.
Abstract by Ginger Oglesby, glass bowl by Cal Breed, Happy Hearts by Francisco Adaro
Carolina is wearing a Ramy Brook leopard printed Martini gown, $645, Liliana Sakina crystal heels, $98, Virgins Saints & Angels St. Christo necklace, $225, and gold dangle earrings, all from Tuni, Winter Park.
On the Cover
MAJOR: Siegel’s Clothing Co. cotton dress, $149, Sam Edelman gold leather sandals, $100, gold hoop earrings, and Siegel’s Clothing Co. woven clutch, $89, all from Siegel’s Clothing Co.
CAROLINA: Camilla print dress, $849, Square jewel ring, $80, Snake cuff, $225, Jeffrey Campbell Panacea suede heels, $185, and 3AM Forever round rhinestone fringe bag, $58, all from Tuni.
MEGAN: Etro green print jacket, $1,990, Akris green t-shirt, $415, Versace white denim jeans, $950, Michael Kors leather belt, $78, Valentino platform sandals, $1,270, Alexis Bittar crystal earrings, $375, Alexis Bittar stones choker, $275, and Chloe bracelet mini hobo bag, $2,690, all from Neiman Marcus Orlando.
MEGAN PAQUIN
(from page 102)
“We regularly partner with public relations firms, advertising and creative agencies, government relations teams, law firms and organizational development consultants. This collaborative mindset ensures our clients always have the right expertise at the table while allowing us to grow, learn and deliver stronger outcomes alongside best-in-class partners,” she shares.
Paquin Public Relations was named one of PR Daily’s Top Agencies in 2024, reflecting its rapid growth and impact. Megan holds a doctorate in consumer psychology, bringing a research-driven understanding of human behavior to every engagement, and she teaches strategic communications at Rollins College.
“We invest in continuous learning at every level of the firm, from advanced degrees and professional accreditations to ongoing collaboration with peers across various disciplines. By staying curious, adaptive and forward-thinking, we bring sharper insights, innovation and value to our clients and the communities we serve,” she explains.
“Prioritizing people is a core value that guides how we serve clients, engage stakeholders and lead our team. We are intentional about creating an environment where our team feels supported, trusted and energized because empowered people do their best work. We believe this mindset has been critical to our success, helping us build a thriving public relations firm serving clients internationally in less than three years while creating a place where top talent in our field can also thrive,” she adds.
A proud native Orlandoan, Megan is deeply committed to giving back to the Central Florida community through civic and philanthropic leadership. Megan and her husband, Ben, are proud parents to daughters Ryan and Reese, whose curiosity and spirit inspire her each day and shape her hopes for the future of women in business.
CHAUNIQUA “MAJOR”
MAJOR (from page 103)
Major is the founder of Major’s Project Pop, a nationally recognized popcorn company featured in Forbes and Business Insider, and partnered with Netflix, Calm, and more. Major also leads Whatever’s Good
PR + Marketing, an Orlando-based, womanled creative agency that specializes in food, lifestyle, tech, and nonprofit brands with a mission to make a positive impact. Through her proprietary framework, Communicating with Dignity, her team helps organizations share their stories ethically and authentically.
“I’m truly in the people business,” Major says. “Whether I’m telling stories with brands or serving up snacks for a Netflix premiere, it’s all about connecting with others.” She approaches work with integrity and a relational mindset, believing that when people trust you, you can go far together.
Outside of her professional life, Major is a pilates instructor in training and deeply committed to family, community and wellness.
“Participating in this shoot with Orange Appeal for a women in business issue feels surreal, as I’m usually behind the scenes championing our clients, yet it also feels completely right. I love Orange Appeal and how you all have celebrated the work of women for so many years. I believe that I’m standing in one of the best seasons of my life, and I’m so grateful for this moment,” she adds.
CAROLINA DIPLAN FLORES
(from page 104)
“I approach business with the belief that growth should never come at the expense of people. Clarity is always my starting point — clarity of purpose, clarity of voice, and clarity of values. When those foundations are solid, strategy becomes less about chasing visibility and more about building something sustainable, aligned and honest,” she says.
Her work spans podcasts, digital courses and brand media for founders, industry leaders and vision-driven organizations, with a focus on making content creation both elevated and sustainable. Known for her strategic clarity and heart-forward leadership, Carolina has built a reputation for helping brands articulate their message and show up with confidence and consistency.
“Most recently, my work has expanded beyond production into community and collaboration. Alongside my partner Allison Walsh, I’m helping launch the She Believed She Could media network, a space designed to amplify women’s voices, stories and leadership in a way that feels supportive rather than competitive. It’s deeply aligned with my belief that women thrive when they are seen, supported, and connected to something bigger than themselves,” she explains.
Beyond her professional work, Carolina is a mom of three, co-host of the marriage podcast CoCalled alongside her husband and business partner, Carlos, and a passionate advocate for families raising neurodivergent children through their brand Nico + Bass. Her lived experience deeply informs how she leads, builds and creates, grounding her work in empathy, values, and long-term impact. At the intersection of ambition and humanity, Carolina is committed to building businesses and telling stories that leave room for growth, presence and legacy.
“At this stage of my journey, success looks like integration. Building businesses that create opportunity, tell meaningful stories, and still allow room for family, faith and presence. That balance isn’t always neat, but it’s where the most meaningful growth happens,” she adds.
biz buzz: WOMEN TO WATCH
The Spirit of an Entrepreneur:
Garima Shah
Co-founder and President, Biller Genie
An accomplished entrepreneur, Garima Shah opened her first company at 20. And she hasn’t slowed down since. Garima is co-founder and president of Biller Genie, a cloud-based platform that was started during the pandemic to help small and mid-sized businesses automate their accounts receivable process. Her extensive background in fintech allowed her to flourish in the male-dominated industry. She credits her upbringing for instilling the drive and determination behind her success.
In addition to successfully running businesses, Garima has received numerous accolades including NYC Fintech Women’s CEO of the Year, ETA’s 40 Under 40, Orlando Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 and Forbes’ Next 1000 list of entrepreneurs redefining the American Dream. She is also a nationally-recognized speaker. Her passion project, Brown Girls on a Mission, was created to show how minority women can impact their local communities when they give more than just money but their most valuable asset, time. Her lifelong love of dance has led to performances at Orlando Magic games.
Garima grew up in nearby Melbourne and attended Boston University, earning her degree at 19 and eager to begin her career. “I wanted to do it quickly, so I graduated with a double major at 19. I wanted to get out of the cold because Boston is really cold for a Florida girl. I moved down to Miami because I wanted to get into advertising. I didn’t like the job offers I got because they didn’t pay me enough for a really nice Miami apartment that I wanted. So, I ended up taking a commission-only sales job.
My parents were less than thrilled but I became number one out of 10,000 sales reps for BellSouth,” she shares.
Based on that level of success, she opened a sales and marketing company. “My first client was First Horizon Merchant Services, which is how I entered fintech. Shortly after getting married at 22, I sold my company and joined them full time to build internal sales teams and divisions. Since then, I’ve worked across the corporate side of payments and fintech, from domestic to international markets, and led outbound distribution channels for Century Payments and Direct Connect Merchant Services in Dallas, DC, and New York,” she explains.
Garima kept growing and completed the executive MBA program at Rollins College in 2011 while working full time. By then she was particularly interested in the mergers and acquisition space. “I started consulting projects while I was working full time for a European firm and that’s how Tom [Aronica, her current business partner] and I met because I was doing diligence on behalf of another company to purchase his company. I ended
Garima with Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and her business partner Tom Aronica
up joining that firm and buying his company in 2013,” she says. She was mostly involved on the payment side of fintech working with national businesses and partners, and ended up selling the company to a publicly traded firm in 2018. Due to the terms of the sale, she had to stay out of transitional services for a year. “At that time, Tom had the software idea for Biller Genie. We started working together at the end of 2019, launching the company in 2020,” she adds.
Passionate about the opportunity to help businesses grow by increasing the speed of receivables, she is also passionate about the Central Florida community. The talent pool and amazing growth in Orlando made it an obvious headquarters for Biller Genie.
Being part of the local fabric is important to her. “We have 87 employees globally, including 60 in Orlando — about 17 UCF graduates and 10 from Rollins. We considered remaining remote or basing ourselves in South Florida, but it was important to build an in-person team, and the Orlando talent pool is exceptional. Schools like UCF are leading with fintech programs, and the region continues to grow with major employers — from medical centers like Nemours to real estate leaders like Tavistock. We also attract talent through programs like Disney internships — people come and choose to stay,” she adds.
software, we help businesses get paid 30–40 days faster than average. This allows owners to focus on their craft while we ensure they’re paid and reconciliation becomes seamless,” she shares.
Garima has made her mark in the industry, speaking at highlevel conferences and participating in critical conversations about what’s next. A few weeks ago, she attended Skytech in Telluride. “They only invite 120 people — it’s only founders and bankers from financial institutions. You’ve got people from all the major banks and largest players in the industry. There were maybe six to eight women out of 120. I think sometimes there’s just a fear or imposter syndrome that women face trying to get into spaces that they are unsure about and they don’t know how to own that. Whereas fintech is such an emerging technology — it’s such an emerging field in general that everybody’s an imposter. No one knows, especially with AI that changes exactly how it’s supposed to work, so I hope more women just stand up and own their space,” she explains.
Garima has never been afraid of hard work or continuing to learn, and that first sales job may have given her the confidence and perseverance to become a fintech force. She is raising her two daughters with that same ethos.
“I actually tell my daughters all the time that they are going to learn how to do sales, how to cold call on the phone, or go door to door because those are the types of things, in my opinion, that breed success. I come from an Indian family where grades are the most important thing and school is the most important thing. When I went into sales, I realized that no one cares what you know if you’re not willing to work hard. I think that absolutely has changed my perspective a lot. Being in sales and knowing how to present yourself and having that fake-it-till-you-make-it attitude is challenging. But I don’t think AI can sell a product. There’s something about the personal side of sales that develops relationships,” she says.
I think sometimes there’s just a fear of imposter syndrome that women face trying to get into spaces that they are unsure about and they don’t know how to own that. Whereas fintech is such an emerging technology. It’s such an emerging field in general that everybody’s an imposter. No one knows, especially with AI that changes.
As for Biller Genie’s mission to improve cash flow, Garima believes the company’s streamlined invoicing and collections approach can benefit businesses of any size. “We work with companies of all sizes but focus primarily on Main Street America — small businesses. With our automated accounts receivable
Garima loves Orlando, especially for its culture, including great chefs, the Dr. Phillips Center, Orlando International Airport and the fact that it is a tight-knit community. She founded Brown Girls on a Mission two years ago to deepen the connections. “It’s a giving circle for minority women focused on volunteerism — giving time not just money. Last year we donated more than $80,000 and more than 700 hours of volunteer service. I really did it for my daughters to ensure that they’re involved in the community and they give back to the community all the time. And service should just be part of what they do. We involve the whole family,” she explains.
To learn more, visit billergenie.com.
The Spirit of Collaboration: Jill Vaughan
President and CEO, Downtown Orlando Partnership, Betsy Gardner
President and CEO, Winter Park Chamber of Commerce
These women, who know the value of cooperation and partnership, formed an alliance that will benefit each of their organizations and give more access to their members. Jill Vaughan, President and CEO, Downtown Orlando Partnership, and Betsy Gardner, President and CEO, Winter Park Chamber of Commerce, recently announced a new Extended Membership Partnership designed to expand access, opportunity and visibility for small businesses and nonprofits across Central Florida.
The collaborative initiative allows eligible members (small businesses and nonprofit organizations with 1–9 employees) to access the benefits, networks and resources of both organizations through a single membership investment. Rather than choosing between two highly interconnected business communities, members gain seamless access to both.
“Winter Park and downtown Orlando are deeply connected,” Jill says. “Many businesses and nonprofits operate between these communities every day. This partnership reinforces the importance of collaboration across neighborhoods, districts, and
the broader region.”
The Extended Membership Partnership was created to deliver more value without adding complexity, particularly for small teams that benefit most from streamlined access to expanded networks and resources. By aligning programming, advocacy and visibility, the initiative supports a people-first approach to regional economic vitality.
“This extended membership partnership with the Downtown Orlando Partnership opens the door to broader relationships, resources and visibility — especially for our small businesses and nonprofits,” Betsy adds. “It’s a smart, forward-looking approach to strengthening our regional economy together.”
Benefits of the partnership include: networking opportunities, events and programs hosted by both organizations; business development and professional programming from both organizations; and amplified digital exposure across both organizations’ websites, directories and channels. The Extended Membership Partnership is available now to existing and new members that meet eligibility criteria.
To learn more, visit winterpark.org or doporlando.com.
KThe Spirit of Learning:
nown for her energetic, no-nonsense style, Keita Joy is more than a coach. As a speaker she lights up the audience with highly engaging content and actionable steps. From personal growth to leadership and team building, she uses her diverse counseling skill-set and leadership skills to impart important, relevant messages.
Not one to stand still, Keita is constantly evolving — and expanding her brand. Her latest venture comes from a personal epiphany. Even though she grew up in Miami, regularly taking
Spanish classes, she realized she couldn’t really converse. That was the a-ha moment when she realized other businesswomen might be interested in a group course that taught and encouraged them to speak another language.
Enter I S.E.E. SUCCESS en Español, a cohort designed for professionals, executives and businesswomen who want real-world Spanish instruction, not app-based repetition. “Participants practice speaking consistently in engaging, supportive environments while intentionally networking with ambitious, curious women who value growth and global connection. The experience strengthens how you communicate with teams and communities while opening doors that language barriers quietly
close. Duolingo can’t give you conversation, confidence or community — this experience does,” she says.
Her first cohort recently graduated, and she is starting the second in April. “The program blends education, culture, fun and intentional networking in a way that keeps participants excited, engaged, and actually speaking Spanish. You’re not learning alone — you’re learning with people, in community, and in motion,” she explains.
At a special reception in February, graduates engaged guests with their fluency, even encouraging everyone to respond in Español. They were skilled and confident in their newfound ability. And for Keita, another success.
For more information, visit successuncensored.com/product-page/join-the-i-s-e-e-success-beta-2-0-cohort-1 or email successenespanol@gmail.com
The Spirit of Camaraderie: Delaina Baker
Founder, 1930Fore
As an accomplished marketer and social media strategist, Delaina Baker made a bold decision to leave a full-time position to pursue her passion of getting more women on the golf course. Last year, she launched 1930Fore, a golf league and community for women looking to achieve success on and off the golf course.
“One of my core reasons for starting 1930Fore was to build a large network of women golfers to grow our connections whether it be for business or personal reasons. As an empty nester now, it felt like it was the right time to dive all in because if I was going to reach as many women as I possibly could, that was the way to do it. Golf is the excuse, but connection is the goal,” she explains.
She created a beginner series that introduces women to the game of golf through lessons on the driving range. She is currently partnering with Dubsdread in Orlando, who has been a supportive partner. The number of participants in each series is limited to small groups, so there is opportunity for learning and more meaningful connections.
“When the beginner series started, I noticed — you have to be vulnerable and people see you swing a golf club for the first time, but everyone was on the same level — there was this massive connection. Women of all walks of life were meeting and exchanging numbers and getting together. The feedback I got was, when do we do it again?” she says.
In addition to the ongoing beginner series and social events in Orlando, Delaina created an online community available nationwide for female golfers called The Clubhouse. She also started
The Golf Tea, a newsletter about women’s golf with a sense of humor that keeps golf girlies in the know. And coming out soon, there will be a merchandise line that pays homage to the name 1930Fore.
“1934 was the first year the U.S. had a paid, professional female golfer — Helen Hicks. When I read about her story and realized her vibe matched my tenacity and perseverance, I realized that should be the name because it represents the mission of this golf network,” Delaina shares.
