DECEMBER 2024/JANUARY 2025
Sangria Season
HOLIDAY SELF CARE TALLAHASSEE
SHOPPING GUIDE
PERSONAL GROWTH
COT TALENT SHAPING TALLAHASSEE IRRESISTIBLE SWEET POTATO MOCHI PIE!
Cozy Chic
TALLAHASSEE FASHION WEEK
BRANDI THOMAS GIFTS OF GRATITUDE
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13th A
NNUAL
OF WOMEN & GIRLS Oasis Center for Women and Girls’ 13th Annual Celebration of Women & Girls on Oct. 18 was an extraordinary success! With music, dance, comedy, performing arts, and more, our community’s talented female artists came together for a captivating performance at Tallahassee State College’s beautiful Turner Auditorium. Guests were treated to an array of local color: Social Catering’s spread of flavorful food and beverages, and amazing chance-drawing baskets curated by Community Thrift Market. Oasis is grateful to all the people and businesses that supported the celebration, and a special thanks to the evening’s performers: Vashai Avionce, Patrice Floyd, Jessica Catherine Fraser, Rachel S. Hunter, Rekonstruktion Dance Troupe Inc., Sarah Matlow, Mahogany Dance Theatre, Elizabeth Milan, Tada Irish Dancers, Sarah Van Amburg, as well as our outstanding emcee Dana Brooks and director Liane Giroux.
T H A N K
Y O U
T O
O U R
S P O N S O R S
Board of Directors
tallahassee woman Photos | 4 | october • november 2024 Photography by Steven Saccio
CONTENTS 10. LETTER FROM PUBLISHER 12. LETTER FROM GUEST EDITOR
CULTURE & CUISINE
14. THE ULTIMATE SHOPPING GUIDE 16. SIP INTO THE SEASON: THE STORY AND SPIRIT OF SANGRÍA 18. CHIC & COMFY 20. IRRESISTIBLE SWEET POTATO BUTTER MOCHI PIE
LIVING LOCAL 22. AROUND TOWN: TWM PRESENT TALLAHASSEE FASHION WEEK
16
ON THE COVER
36. BRANDI THOMAS: THE GIFTS OF GRATITUDE
BUSINESS & LEADERSHIP
42. LEGAL WRITES WITH DANA BROOKS
MIND, BODY & SPIRIT
44. EAT WELL, LIVE WELL: THE ART OF HEALTHY CHOICES AT THE GROCERY STORE 46. HOLIDAY SELF CARE 48. PERSONAL GROWTH
15
LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS
50. CHOOSING QUALITY RELATIONSHIPS
12
36
36. ABOUT THE COVER: | PHOTOGRAPHY: KIRA DERRYBERRY | MAKEUP: LISA DAVIS MAKEUP - GRACE MILLER | HAIR: EIGHT FIVE ZERO SALON | WARDROBE: NARCISSUS
tallahassee woman | 6 | december 2024 • january 2025
Confident, adaptable and strategic – these are just a few of the words used to describe Michelle Hill, the Administrative Supervisor of the City of Tallahassee’s Underground Utilities and Public Infrastructure Department. Born and raised in England, Hill immigrated to the United States at the age of 18. After gaining over 15 years of private-sector construction experience, she joined the City in 2010. She subsequently earned her Certified Public Manager designation from Florida State University and became a Florida Notary. As a key member of department’s leadership team, Hill’s role and impact expand far beyond her primary responsibilities. In addition to serving as the assistant to the General Manager, she oversees human resources and building maintenance within the department with efficiency and foresight.
MICHELLE HILL
Hill plays a key role in coordinating with assistant managers, overseeing daily department operations, preparing commission agenda items and managing special projects and strategic plan initiatives. This department, comprised of approximately 500 skilled professionals, manages all of the City’s water, wastewater, stormwater, streets, sidewalks, traffic management and real estate services. A passionate advocate for the organization and community, Hill has coordinated Habitat for Humanity builds, the annual Relay for Life golf tournament fundraiser, spearheaded a winter coat drive for local elementary students and led hurricane relief drives. Hill is also a champion of exceptional customer service, reflecting the City’s commitment to excellence. Her ability to maintain operational continuity while leading community-focused initiatives underscores her dedication and impact on both the department and Tallahassee. Managing payroll, fixed assets and accounts receivable for an entire organization takes focus, precision and solid leadership. With a sharp mind and humble approach, Taiishina Olds-McQueen, the City of Tallahassee’s Financial Services Manager, does just that. McQueen began her career with the City in 2002 as a Utility Analyst, influenced by friends who spoke highly of the organization. More than 22 years later, she now leads a team of 11, contributing to the financial health and wellbeing of the organization. In her role, McQueen understands that her work to ensure the financial stability of the City’s 4,000 employees through prompt, accurate payroll allows them to focus on delivering higher-quality service to the public. Her team also manages accounts receivable, ensuring timely revenue collection for services provided by the City, such as rentals of the Parkview at Cascades facility. Additionally, McQueen’s team oversees valuable assets, including land, vehicles, equipment, leases and subscription services. Before joining the City, McQueen worked for the State of Florida. She holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s in business administration from Troy University, credentials that helped shape her leadership and expertise. As a forward-thinking leader, McQueen has introduced innovative financial management software to streamline processes and enhance efficiency. She is deeply committed to the professional development of her team, encouraging participation in programs like the Certified Public Manager and New Public Servant Initiative.
TAIISHINA OLDS-MCQUEEN
McQueen takes pride in helping others, both within the organization and in the community. “It always gives me great pleasure to be of service,” she said.
tallahassee woman | 7 | december 2024 • january 2025
WOM A N
MAGAZINE
“LOCALLY OWNED MAGAZINE”
CRISTINA CARTER Relationship Manager
Publisher | Editor-in-Chief Dr. Michelle Mitcham
Executive Editor
OLIVIA HEYWARD Creative Director
TALLAHASSEE WOMAN MAGAZINE is a publication of Mitcham Media Group LLC Post Office Box 16616 Tallahassee, FL 32317-3401 Phone (850) 296-2232 publisher@TalWoman.com Tallahassee Woman is published six times per year and is distributed on a complimentary basis throughout Tallahassee and the surrounding communities. ADVERTISING For advertising, visit talwoman.com, call (850) 296-2232, or e-mail ads@TalWoman.com. The information in this publication is presented in good faith. The publisher does not guarantee accuracy or assume responsibility for errors or omissions. Copyright © 2025 Mitcham Media Group LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction, in part or in whole, without expressed written consent of the Publisher is prohibited.
TALLAHASSEE WOMAN MAGAZINE IS A
PAULA DEBOLES-JOHNSON Director of Leadership Initiatives
CONTRIBUTORS
T A LWO M A N .C O M
LACI SWANN
BRIANA SMITH Creative Consultant
KIRA DERRYBERRY PHOTOGRAPHER
DR. TAVIA REYES WRITER
JANE MARKS WRITER
KAITLYN WALSH WRITER
Kira Derryberry is a Tallahassee-based portrait photographer specializing in families, headshots and boudoir and commercial photography. She books locally in Tallahasee and is available for travel worldwide. View Kira's portfolio online at kiraderryberry.com.
Jane Marks is a licensed psychotherapist "life coach" with more than 50 years of experience specializing in child and adolescent behavior. She is a motivational speaker/lecturer focusing on mental health and adolescents.
CERTIFIED MINORITY BUSINESS ENTERPRISE
tallahassee woman | 8 | december 2024 • january 2025
Dr. Tavia is an applied kinesiologist, certified acupuncturist and yoga teacher. She is deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve as a holistic physician, empowering others through root cause medicine and health education.
Florida State University Intern
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Start your journey at synovus.com. tallahassee woman All loans and lines of credit are subject to approval. Synovus Member FDIC. | 9Bank, | december 2024 • january 2025
PUBLISHER LETTER Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. -Oprah Winfrey
T
he end of the year brings a chance to reflect on the incredible achievements made by the women of Tallahassee. With great excitement, this December/ January issue of Tallahassee Woman Magazine showcases the inspiring journey of Brandi Thomas, a dynamic lawyer, mother, and wife. Her interview with guest editor Heather Thomas is a must-read, filled with insights that will inspire and empower every reader. Last month, the annual RED Fall Forum & Fashion Show was a remarkable success, thanks to the collaboration of so many dedicated women in our community. The partnership with Vino Beano for the kickoff party and the Young Actors Theatre as the main event venue brought together women of all ages, including enthusiastic high school and college students from FAMU. The fabulous RED Fall Forum featured 15 incredible women leaders from the community that shared their journey to being resilient, empowered, and determined. This spirit of unity and support highlights the strength of women lifting each other up. In this issue, readers will find heartfelt articles focused on gratitude, self-care, and the importance of cherishing the small moments in life. As the year comes to a close, it is essential to pause and reflect on what brings joy. As Oprah Winfrey wisely said, “Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more.” This quote encourages everyone to appreciate the blessings, both big and small. So, as 2025 approaches, let the vibrant community of women in Tallahassee continue to inspire one another. Let’s all celebrate each other, nurture relationships, and embrace the future with optimism. There is so much to look forward to, and together, amazing things will happen!
Dr. Michelle Mitcham CEO & Publisher Tallahassee Woman Magazine Photo by Kira Derryberry Photography
HAS
A HEART FOR PETS With nearly three decades dedicated to animal welfare, Erika Leckington’s passion for helping animals reflects the heart of the shelter’s pending upgrades. “The new adoption wing and sunshine yard will drastically improve the animals’ quality of life and create a welcoming space for families to find their new best friend. These changes represent a huge step forward for us.”
Grayson Walters has long been driven by her deep love for animals, and she’s proud to help lead transformational changes at the shelter. “The investment in modernized kennels, sound-reducing upgrades and more speaks volumes about Tallahassee’s commitment to animal welfare. We need the community’s help more than ever as we navigate these exciting changes.”
Erika Leckington & Pencil Animal Services Manager
Grayson Walters & Ginger Assistant Animal Services Manager
ADOPT. FOSTER. VOLUNTEER. SHARE.
Talgov.com/Animals
GUEST EDITOR LETTER
If we want to heal the divides in our relationships, community, and nation, then we must bridge the divides within ourselves. -Heather Thomas What I’ve experienced is that this is quite possibly how we inspire change in our increasingly divided world—by taking off the inner masks we are all doing our part by creating an intricate web of healing and connection. If we want to help transform the outer world then we must unveil what we are hiding from in our inner world. If we want to heal the divides in our relationships, community, and nation, then we must bridge the divides within ourselves. Essentially, writing the Cover Woman story is having a “taking off the masks” conversation with another woman. As much as being a cover woman seems glamorous, it’s also daunting as Brandi Thomas can attest. We peeled back layers of our lives that are a mixture of joy, pain and everything in-between. One of the greatest gifts of the storysharing experience is seeing yourself in another’s journey, and having compassion and gratitude for the women we find there. It’s an “I see you sister” moment because even though we are so different, we have all traveled the roads of love, fear, joy and pain.
I
f I could title my 2024 year-in-review it would be, “The Year I Started to Get Really Naked with Myself.” Even writing that as the first sentence makes me feel a little naked! And we’ve all had those dreams where we somehow forget to put on clothes while suddenly being spawned in to our former high school or some other horrifying, public place. With the end of every year and the birth of a new one, I look deeper into the mirror of what the past year has shown me, about me, and resist the urge to put the clothes or the masks back on. I’m realizing that the more I get naked with myself and see where I’m hiding fear-based patterns on repeat, the more authentic and real I’m becoming. Mask removal is an essential aspect of selfhealing. However, it requires peeling back the layers of armor I’ve placed over my heart so I don’t have to feel pain.
One ‘woman’, who has no problem getting naked, especially at this time of year, is Mother Nature. She shows us that in order to birth new life and opportunities, we must release what we’ve been holding on to. She encourages us to trust and have faith that when we let go of our masks we will receive what’s been waiting to bloom in our lives all along. As a soul sister and I always say, “there’s never an end to getting naked.” This is because there’s always going to be another layer to discover about yourself, the people in your life, and the world around you. The closer you get to unconditionally loving the woman behind the masks, the closer you get to the naked truth of it all—to live in your own authenticity is the greatest gift you can give to yourself and others. Let’s make 2025 a year that we get a little more naked and a lot less afraid to love all that we are and embrace all that we are becoming. Yours in authenticity,
Heather T homas
tallahassee woman | 12 | december 2024 • january 2025
NO DRAINAGE, NO POLLINATORS, NO APPEAL
& HAPPY NEW YEAR
MERRY CHRISTMAS
tallahassee woman | 13 | december 2024 • january 2025
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