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Nakamol Sussman is a jewelry designer that started with humble beginnings when she came to Chicago from Thailand to pursue her Master’s Degree in 2000. Being on a limited income, and with a passion for stones and their array of unique colors and textures, Nakamol started creating jewelry as art. She began selling her jewelry store-to-store to boutiques in and around the Chicago area out of a small box of her jewelry samples. After a great response from her clients, her business quickly became larger than what she could handle on her own. When it came time to expand, she made it a priority to hire people that were less fortunate and/or who needed jobs to maintain dignity and respect within the Thai community. Nakamol Design has become well known as a place to come for people that need a job, as many friends and family are presently employed in our production department. Now with a wholesale office in Chicago and production department in Thailand, Nakamol’s handcrafted jewelry line has been integrated into more than 2,000 boutiques worldwide and its popularity is growing at a tremendous rate. Because we design and produce our own jewelry, we are able to offer our customers a extensive collection in a plethora of colors as well as coordinating earrings, bracelets or necklaces for any of our designs to suit your needs.
We have been fortunate enough to receive a lot of press throughout the years. You can find us featured in magazines such as Brides, Lucky, Glamour, Life & Style, Accessories, and WWD. You will find that we are completely unique to the industry and maintain the highest quality standards with our designs. That is the main reason we have had proven success throughout the years. Our wholesale price points range between $6 and $145, and our retail price points range from $12 to $398. This allows us to service stores with all price points and all types of customers. We are very proud to say that Nakamol is becoming a well recognized brand name in the industry. Nakamol is more than just jewelry. It is artwork that is expressed by an artist appreciating simplicity and beauty in each one of her pieces. She bases her designs on a theory of “turning simple stones into a unique design and expression”. This comes from her passion to offer stylish and affordable jewelry to compliment the beauty of every woman. She does this, because, in her words, “beauty doesn’t always have to come at a high price.” For more information, please contact our wholesale office at 312.332.6077 or email us at nakamoldesign@yahoo.com. 8
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J-na Couture As a haute couture designer, I travel the world and meet dozens of women, many who have shared very intimate pieces of their lives with me, I am struck at how connected many of us are in overcoming major obstacles and trauma in our quest for our dreams. These trials, if we do not let them crush us, can sharpen our intense appreciation for life and freedom, and give us such passion and drive, that life takes on a completely different hue, a strong, new intoxicating fragrance, and even a deeper spiritual meaning! I am passionate about women and children emerging as caring, compassionate, yet powerful adults, who can leave an unforgettable mark on this world. I have devoted my life, not just to being a haute couture designer, but mostly to empowering others and sharing the passion for life, health and exuberant joy with all who cross my path....and I travel a lot! My burning desire to become a haute couture designer, creating amazing couture was, in fact, a result of burning. Literally burning my flesh! When I was 6 years old, I climbed up on the stove to get the Alpha Bits cereal out of the upper cupboard for my little sisters and me. The pilot light caught my nightgown and I went up in flames! Panicking, I ran upstairs to my burning my body all the way. On the way to the 12 emergency room,
I noticed black ashes all over my legs, and I said, “Daddy, am I going to die?” Six months in the hospital and 13 surgeries later, I had to re-learn to walk, as the wounds were so deep that I was bedridden. Leaving me horribly scarred and disfigured on my lower body, those flames completely changed my life forever! No more normal, carefree childhood for me...I worried about how people would react to my scars. The scars on my flesh tried to scar my heart forever. But what a blessing that my parents provided such a rich and culturally saturated life for me and my four younger sisters and baby brother! As the oldest of six children, I had plenty of chores to do, and good grades to get, music and sewing lessons, religious activities, and ohhhhh..the traveling adventures we had! Touring the continent, museums, art, hiking, camping, exploring! I wish all kids could have the concentrated education and training that we had! I began sewing at 9 years of age and developed a hunger for Vogue Designer patterns...always “embellishing” them my own way, started out as my own little haute couture designer. It has been a driving and burning passion of mine to create the most beautiful clothes ever, with a part of me trying to compensate for the shame of being disfigured. I thought, “If people notice my pretty outfit, then they won’t mind the scars on my legs.”
I began sewing at 9 years of age and developed a hunger for Vogue Designer patterns...always “embellishing” them my own way, started out as my own little haute couture designer. It has been a driving and burning passion of mine to create the most beautiful clothes ever, with a part of me trying to compensate for the shame of being disfigured. I thought, “If people notice my pretty outfit, then they won’t mind the scars on my legs.” This drive to survive and thrive really fueled this creative madness that has led me to break all the rules and leap full throttle into the art of couture design after having spent years in company with the greats in couture fashion accessory designers! It has been an exhilarating ride, and I must confess, very gratifying to be appreciated! This constructive mania has been a powerful therapy for my shattered self-esteem!
Mine must be turned up all the way, because I connect with most people immediately, and most sense that I am an understanding, nonjudgmental, joyful and trustworthy person. This has led to amazing relationships, with them sharing secrets of their souls with me and saying, “I’ve never told anyone this, but.....”It is my deepest satisfaction to keep their secrets and be trusted so! I have enjoyed 42 years now of active community volunteer work, and teaching, speaking publicly, traveling in the glamorous adventures of a seasoned haute couture designer. Giving back is one of the greatest joys of my life, along with raising 3 amazing kids with my dearest and sweetest man in the world, my husband Josh. We are still growing and discovering new facets of each other after 33 years! How much can one human heart hold?
My near-death burning accident has given me another precious tool...the intuition to relate to and connect with others on a very deep soul level. I love people! I want them to be happy and healthy and safe.....and to live abundantly! I believe people and animals can truly sense loving vibrations, and there are degrees of intensity in that loving care. Childhood J-na on the right in yellow 13
J-na Couture Much more than designing pretty clothes to cover my scarred body, my passion for fashion has led me to realize the amazing power to heal one’s fragile self-worth. My message to everyone is this: Do not hold back the burning desire to follow your dreams! Nurture and protect your heart... and find friends who truly love you and will never be jealous of you and your success! Keep evolving your passion...turn up the love and joy in your life....do NOT look back, except if it makes you appreciate how and why you are who you are....forgive, hug, dance, travel, and keep growing! Who knows how much immense power and permission you will give to those around you? Be the “Rising Tide that raises all ships” and flat out refuse to ever back down! YOU can achieve your goals and dreams! With Love and Gratitude, J-na
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Crystal Brooch Bouquets Inc. Crystal Brooch Bouquets Inc. is a luxury crystal bouquet Atelier located in Skokie Illinois just outside Chicago... Offered are a collection of handmade custom designed crystal brooch bouquets and wedding accessories for the most discerning bride. Utilizing luxurious faux flowers, brooches, crystals, silk ribbons and the highest quality materials we design and then hand select every piece that is utilized in your one of a kind crystal bouquet. Every crystal is applied by hand with love. Whether you are selecting a bouquet that has been previously designed and fabricated or ordering a custom bouquet fabricated to your unique specifications, Crystal Brooch Bouquets is committed to your complete satisfaction. I have been on an ever changing journey that has encompassed many professional careers; interior design, home construction, custom sand blasting and stained glass design and fabrication. I have been in the custom design business for many, many years; learning, growing and evolving. I have a passion to incorporate my love of people and the desire (or need) to be creative and artistic into an outlet that has taken many forms. I am constantly seeking out new and exciting avenues to explore. 30
While researching the “Bridal Industry” for a wedding I found myself with a “curious desire” to inject my point of view; “The Bouquet”... You will notice a significant difference between my Crystal Brooch Bouquets and those that are available in the market place. This is no accident; I feel there is an allure, a majesty to the customary floral bouquet. It is steeped in tradition and I adore the essence of it! There is a classic sophistication, a grace that cannot be replaced; however I felt it could be modernized and elegantly altered (sometimes boldly altered). With crisp crystals reflecting light and silk ribbons softening statement brooches there is a delicate balance that is my ode to the traditional bouquet. This is what I love to do... As I have done in the past, I am learning and evolving, pushing the envelope creating new concepts and spins on the bouquet. This has led me to my latest line of bouquets and accessories “The Annemarie”. A bouquet of all crystal brooches and decorative pewter handle with crystal ball detail, highlights the “Annemarie line” followed by sophisticated couture garters and a myriad of other offerings. They are absolutely breath taking!
Thank you for taking an interest in my bouquets and accessories; I invite you to contact us if you have any questions regarding your bouquet or just want to learn more about this intriguing art form.... Sincerely, Karen
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Sisters In Pearl
Beads have been used for personal adornment for over 100,000 years. The earliest beads were made from shell and teeth - the wearers believed these held mystical qualities- that would protect them and ensure good fortune. Throughout history pearls, the gift of lovers, were the ultimate in precious beads due to their rarity and luster and this is still true today. Beads are now made of a wide range of materials, but are still very much desired, and no more so than Swarovski crystals from Austria, being the most renowned and sought after of all cut glass beads. This diverse collection includes traditional, vintage and modern contemporary headpieces for weddings and any other special occasion. The very personal bespoke service offers a truly one off piece designed for and with you to match your colour scheme, flowers, dress or any other element. We aim for our personal product to exceed your expectations. Based in Salisbury, Wiltshire - the two sisters-in-law Joanna and Charon Wolfindale offer an appointment only service either in Salisbury or over the telephone, to discuss bespoke designs and to view our unique range. 36
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“G Designs” When it comes to make up, the first thing that comes to mind is Ancient History and back in 4000 B.C. It amazes me how far make-up and cosmetics has come along since Egyptians days, when someone like Cleopatra applied Kohl to her eyelids. Kohl back then was used to outline their eyes and it was believed that eye make-up would ward off evil spirits while improving eye sight. Fast forward 6000 years later, makeup is now the key trend to any upcoming Wedding, Event, day-to-day, and business function. My inspiration for make-up artistry started back when I wasn’t even old enough to wear any. As a little girl I would watch in awe my mother apply her dark mascara on her long eye lashes after the espresso brown eyeliner. And I could never forget that bright red lipstick on those full lips. It amazed me how simple colors added to her skin could transform her whole look. Make-up for me is not something we put on just to hide our imperfections or wear because we think we need it; make-up is an art that creates illusions as well as make us feel better physically and emotionally. Think about a time you went to your first dance, or special event. Your dress and hair style did not just create the look, but the make-up made you feel flawless and completed your overall finished look. When it comes to make-up and cosmetics, there is more than different shades of red and pink, there is a technique when it comes 38
to applying your make-up that also makes the look. Did you know you could make lipstick out of an eye shadow? Or maybe you are a heart-shaped face like Reese Witherspoon and with fabulous cheeks bones you need to highlight them? It is important to know your key face features and bring them out. This is why there are professional make-up artists out there to help. I am not a make-up artist that takes a bunch of different cosmetics lines to your skin and applies them to your face to tell you need to buy this because it looks great on you, but I will go through step by step what line I am using on you as well as the brush I am applying with. Whether a night on the town or your big wedding day, I explain how I am applying the product to your skin as well as giving you a few techniques I have learned through my experiences. Beauty design, art and creativity you can say is in my blood. I grew up in the Beauty business all of my life. It first started when my Grandmother owned her own salon located in Berwyn, IL. In fact both my Grandmother and Mother both still work in the beauty industry. My very first job as a teen was a beauty assistant for my Grandmother. Since being exposed early on to the world of fashion and beauty, I enrolled in Art and Fashion design classes. From there, I received my Certification through the Illinois State Board of Education in Beauty Make-Up.
by Gina Galluzzi I’ve done past photo shoots for the top photographers as well as anything from runways, weddings, proms, and special events like Quinceanera’s. No matter the event, the same rush comes over me each and every time. There is something inside of me that brings pleasure of making a bride-to-be or young adult feel the most beautiful they have ever felt on their special day. When someone continues looking at themselves in the mirror after their look is completed, I know I have done my job to the fullest. There are many beauty, hair and make-up consultants out there to choose from. When it comes to finding the perfect one, consider a professional who has both the experience and fashion sense. A true professional not only understands the look you want, but will take the extra step to spend time teaching you the techniques to complete an overall flawless look. ~ Gina
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Complete Wedding Design, Planning & Production 847.219.1080 sharonringier.com
Setting the standard of excellence, unlike any other, for the most memorable day of your life.
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W-LIMO
We, at W-Limo understand the tremendous pressure associated with planning your wedding details, including transportation for you and your guests, so we decided to give you a little help. Starting on May 1st and ending on May 31st , we are organizing a lottery at W-limo, where the first prize will be completely free transportation for your wedding party on your Big day. Applying for the contest is a simple enough process. Every couple that makes their wedding transportation arrangements (within the Chicago area’s six counties) with W-limo in May, is automatically eligible for winning the prize. Just give us a call and our representative will help you in any way with your transportation needs, giving you the opportunity to ultimately win that transportation for free. So let us summarize: Book your wedding transportation with us, from May 1st through May 31st and have a chance on winning your wedding limo for free. We will announce the Winners of the following prizes on June 5th : 1ST PRIZE FREE WEDDING DAY LIMOUSINE TRANSPORTATION PACKAGE. INCLUDES ALL INCLUSIVE TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM THE CEREMONY (UP TO 4-HOUR SERVICE) . 2nd PRIZE FREE LATE EVENING WEDDING DAY TRANSPORTATION IN A LUXURIOUS SEDAN FOR NEWLYWEDS FROM BANQUET TO HOTEL/HOME 3RD PRIZE FREE HONEYMOON TRANSPORTATION IN A LUXURIOUS SEDAN FOR NEWLYWEDS FROM HOTEL/HOME TO CHICAGO O’HARE OR MIDWAY AIRPORT. So hurry up and a have a chance to win your wedding day transportation –FREE. Give us a call at 847-655-2559 Or send us an email with your inquiry to customerservice@w-limo.com Regards, 44 W-Limo Team
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GIDI “All women should own timeless pieces that transcend seasons and trends!” This is the reigning mantra behind the label, Gidi; a luxury line of elegant evening wear for the sophisticated woman. The label’s owner and head designer, Taneasha Prunty, passionately incorporates vintage sophistication with modern flair. Gidi offers women a lifestyle; one that doesn’t require flashy tawdry pieces that fight for attention, but rather, timeless elegance that accentuates the regal essence of women. From custom wedding gowns to classic day dresses; whether you choose to own a piece from her collection or obtain an exclusive design, specially-made for your specific body measurements, you’re sure to be unforgettable! Check out or website and FB fan page for upcoming trunk shows!
Contact Info: *By appointment Only* 708-259-3658 info@gidionline.com www.gidionline.com facebook.com/Gidi.Online Twitter: @gidionline
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~ Claudia Grace
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