TM
August 2014
Carole Gist Stramler WINNING AT LIFE BEHIND THE SCENES AT
MISS USA
Women And Money PLUS! Free Tickets to Houston Antiques+Art+Design Show! Green Juice Recipe and DIY MASK Houston ciaobellamagazine.com
Get inspired.
ON THE COVER:
14 Breaking the Glass Ceiling With A Crown In 1990 Carole Gist Stramler became the first African American Miss USA. After overcoming personal challenges of her own, she now offers insight and inspiration to help other women. By Michelle Leigh Smith (Photo by Michelle Leigh Smith)
contents
AUGUST 2014
features 10 Behind the Scenes at the Miss USA Pageant
ciao bella! Get inspired.
© 2013 by Ciao Bella! Magazine. Ciao Bella! ® and Ciao Bella! Get Inspired ® are Registered Publisher Editor-in-Chief Trademarks. and All Rights Reserved. Ciao Bella! Heidi Suprun reserves the right to edit, reject or comment editorially on all submitted material. We do Assistant Editor not necessarily endorse views expressed in Steve Wiley and advertisements, nor are we the articles responsible for the advertised products and Art Director/Graphic Designer services. Reproduction in whole or part without Tanya Bäck of the publisher is strictly prohibited. permission We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback. Contributing Writers Contact us at info@ciaobellamagazine.com or Jennifer Roosth, Michelle Leigh Smith, call 832.652.9268. Todd Steve Wiley CiaoSwick Bella! MD, is published and delivered monthly to women-centric businesses and to homes
Photographers in a two-month rotated circulation. Ciao Bella!
Kerri Clark, Darren Decker, Greg Harbaugh, is also available digitally each month at www. Eric Kayne, Max Miller, Patrick Prather, ciaobellamagazine.com. Michelle Leigh Smith, Roswitha Vogler, Steve Wiley
Published by ciao bella! Magazine 4660 Beechnut, Suite 214 Houston, Texas 77096 Email: info@ciaobellamagazine.com
Ciao Bella! traveled to Baton Rouge to learn more about the Miss USA Competition and discovered why many believe that the process is more than skin deep. By Michelle Leigh Smith
Website and Digital Version: www.ciaobellamagazine.com
18 Truth or Myth: Women and Money
Phone: 713.825.5662 • Fax: 713.218.0402
Experts say over the next decade women will control two thirds of consumer wealth in the U.S. It's time to uncover the money myths and own our financial power. By Jennifer Roosth
departments 4 Must List Editor's Picks for Fashion, Food and Fun 6 Beauty Buzz Beauty Launches, Spa Finds, Bringing Hope with Hair 17 Beauty Confessional Miss USA 1990, Carole Gist Stramler Tells All to Michelle Leigh Smith 20 Puppy Love Bell-a-doption. Art and Books for Dog Lovers 22 Paparazzi Photos and Recaps of Recent Events
spotlights 7 Houston Antiques + Art + Design Show Two Complimentary Tickets 9 Sleep and Wellness by Todd J. Swick, M.D., F.A.A.N. Fellow, American Academy of Sleep Medicine & Neurology
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“MUST” List!
OR'S T I D E CE! I O CH
The best places to go, things to see, products to try, and more!
fashion!
LESS IS MORE
While living in Paris, BASIQUES owner Sheri Falk, embraced the philosophy of Coco Chanel that less really is more. It was there she learned from French women that a great wardrobe includes classic pieces which shape, contour and showcase a woman’s femininity. Falk launched the BASIQUES collection in Manhattan 12 years ago, and had a store in Uptown Park before she took her business mobile. “My collection is designed for women who don’t have time for shopping and hate getting home with expensive garments that don’t really fit.” said Falk. Her customers choose from beautiful fabric swatches and are measured with a high tech camera that scans the body to ensure a perfectly fitted garment. Falk said, “Most women wear 20% of their clothing 80% of the time, so why not invest in really good basics that can work together?” To learn more about her collection which features ten timeless pieces visit www.basiques.com.
food! A WHOLE LOT OF ZING FROM ZHENG! The wait of two and a half years was well worth it at Tony Zheng’s new Fish & The Knife (7801 Westheimer, 713-677-0220), a visually stunning restaurant that excites your taste buds with everything from braised beef short ribs and BBQ shrimp (The Knife side) to delectable and dramatic sushi presentations (pictured: Flaming Volcano Roll) on The Fish side of the menu. Already famous in NOLA, Zheng created an exquisite, glamorous space in which every meal is like “dinner and a show.” The venue includes a stone entrance and bar nothing short of art, custom lighting throughout, antique glass stalls and flat screen televisions in the restrooms with a brilliant lounge that converts to a gorgeous club (Thursday-Saturday after 11PM) which is soundproofed from the dining area. The club area is highlighted by a Stanley Kubrick-like futuristic mood fireplace (20 feet wide!) The perfect place to hang after a fantastic meal created by a team of expert chefs who have worked together for over ten years. For a delicious experience on many levels get yourself to Fish & The Knife.
FOODIE FUN Foodies it's that time of year! Make your reservations to dine for a cause during the 2014 Houston Restaurant Weeks, August 1 - September 1. The founder of the event, Houston food talk radio and TV personality Cleverley Stone, tells us the event has raised a cumulative total of more than $4.1 million to fight hunger since 2003. Enjoy specially priced prix-fixe menus at Houston's finest restaurants and feel good knowing that a portion of proceeds from your meal will go to the Houston Food Bank. Last year 186 restaurants participated and raised nearly $1.29 million. The Houston Food Bank provides 50 million nutritious meals annually to provide hunger relief in 19 southeast Texas counties. To view the list of participating restaurants this year visit www.HoustonRestaurantWeeks.com and to learn more about hunger relief in our area visit www.HoustonFoodBank.org.
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health & beauty
JUICY We all know that beauty starts from within and drinking cold pressed juices are a good way to get there. Now there's Juicepresso®– a sleek, easier-to-clean machine with a patented one-piece extraction system that reduces moving parts and goes right in the dishwasher. Juicepresso delivers the same nutritious, high-quality juice available at your local juice shop for a fraction of the cost. You get all the benefits of cold press juicing – including 40% more juice volume, 72-hour juice life and a bigger nutritional punch than centrifugal juicers. Juicepresso carries a seven-year warranty on the motor and a one-year manufacturer's warranty on all additional parts. At $449.99 it's well worth the investment. For more information and juice recipes visit www.juicepressousa.com.
JUICY RECIPES Green juice is not only a great afternoon pick me up, it's also great for making a DIY mask. Green Juice Ingredients Two Apples Three Medium Carrots Half of a Cucumber Half of a Lemon One inch of Ginger Instructions: 1. Wash all produce. Chop apples and lemon half into segments, remove seeds. 2. Chop cucumber into chunks (skin may be removed if you prefer). 3. Scrub the outside of your ginger to remove any hard places or fibers. (Or leave the skin on for added nutrition). 4. Press in this order: carrots, cucumber, ginger, apple, lemon. 5. Stir together. Enjoy! Green Juice Mask Ingredients: Cucumber Pulp Carrot Pulp Green Juice Coconut Oil Granulated Sugar Natural Bentonite Clay
entertainment WHAT I KNOW FOR SURE After film critic Gene Siskel asked her, “What do you know for sure?” Oprah Winfrey began writing the “What I Know For Sure” column in O,The Oprah Magazine. Over the last fourteen years, Oprah has penned one column a month, years in which she retired The Oprah Winfrey Show (the highest-rated program of its kind in history), launched her own television network, became America’s only African American billionaire, was awarded an honorary degree from Harvard University and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, watched friends and colleagues come and go, lost beloved pets and adopted new ones, and celebrated milestone birthdays. Throughout it all, she’s continued to offer her profound and inspiring words of wisdom in her “What I Know For Sure” column. For the first time, these thoughtful gems have been revised, updated, and collected in What I Know For Sure, a rare and powerful glimpse into the heart and mind of one of the world’s most extraordinary women. Candid, moving, exhilarating, uplifting, and dynamic, the words Oprah shares aloud in the audiobook What I Know For Sure shimmer with the sort of wisdom and truth that listeners will turn to again and again. Published by Macmillan Audio, What I Know For Sure will be available for sale in September wherever audiobooks are sold for $24.99. A hard cover edition will also be released from Flatiron Books.
Instructions: In a small bowl, mix about a tablespoon each of the carrot and cucumber pulp with a tablespoon of the oil and of the clay. Add the juice as necessary to get a thick consistency and then add your granulated sugar (for a natural exfoliating facial mask). You want the mixture to be moist enough to stay on your skin but not so wet that it falls right off. Leave it on for about 15 minutes and then wipe off with a paper towel to remove the pulp, then wash off with water.
August 2014 | ciaobellamagazine.com 5
beauty buzz
beauty buzz POWERFUL AND PORTABLE Lift your complexion with the new NuFace mini facial toning device. Utilizing soft wave microcurrent technology, the FDA cleared device provides a five minute facial-lift by gently stimulating the underlying structure of the skin to tone facial muscles, creating a more youthful appearance! NuFace mini contours large surface areas of the face including forehead, cheeks, jawline and jowls in minutes, delivering immediate, visible results and continued improvement with regular use. Available at Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Sephora.com and myNuFace.com for $199.
BEVERLYD Beverly Dembroski, better known as BeverlyD, knows a thing or two about making hair fabulous. She has owned a salon, styled the rich and famous and is a respected authority on everything hair. BeverlyD now couples styling with her own hair care line, the BeverlyD Luxe Organic Hair Collection. Composed of pure plant extracts and essential oils, her products transform hair at the cellular level encouraging new growth and sustaining healthy hair. Learn more about BeverlyD and her products at www.beverlyd.com.
ADARA Dermatological Association of Texas has opened Adara Medical Spa, a sleek, contemporary, state-of-the-art facility offering a wide range of invasive and non-invasive cutting edge treatments. Board certified on-site dermatologists combined with the ethereal esthetic of the spa-like atmosphere, creates the most relaxing yet professional medical spa in the area. Located in the Museum District at 1401 Binz, Suite 250, Adara Medical Spa is open Tuesday through Saturday. Visit www.adarahouston.com or call 713.766.3638.
NEONS BY OPI OPI announces the launch Neons by OPI, six new nail lacquers made for summer, and Put a Coat On! – a special white base coat that makes neon shades really pop. Look for Life Gave Me Lemons,You are So Outta Lime!, Juice Bar Hopping, Hotter than You Pink, Push & Pur-Pull and Down to the Core-al. Neons by OPI nail lacquers retail for $9.00 at www.ulta.com. Neons by OPI are also available in GelColor at professional salons.Visit OPI at www. opi.com and become a Facebook fan! 6 ciaobellamagazine.com | August 2014
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PANTENE LAUNCHES “NOT SORRY” VIDEO AND ANNOUNCES GLOBAL SHINE STRONG FUND This summer Pantene is evolving its global Shine Strong campaign with the launch of the global Shine Strong Fund and a new thought-provoking video that tackles a common but unconscious behavior many women engage in everyday: over-apologizing. Pantene’s latest video titled “Not Sorry” is designed to spark a dialogue about how women unknowingly minimize their strength with the subtle, yet powerful behavior of unnecessarily saying ‘sorry,’ when there is no reason to apologize. See the video online at www. youtube.com/watch?v=rzL-vdQ3ObA. “Pantene is committed to helping women across the globe be strong and shine both inside and out,” said Colleen Jay, President, P&G Global Hair Care & Color. “We believe the message of the “Not Sorry” video will resonate with women, encouraging them to be more aware of this diminishing behavior and, in turn, prevent any bias they may be unconsciously creating.” The mission of the Shine Strong Fund is to educate and enable women to overcome bias and/or societal expectations so they may reach their full potential, and to celebrate the many strong women in the world who exemplify the essence of Shine Strong. Pantene’s Shine Strong Fund will kick-off with a collaboration with the American Association of University Women (AAUW), a top-rated charity that has been empowering women on campus and in the work-place since 1881 through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research. The Pantene Shine Strong Fund will provide women with a college grants program, professional training programs and by giving back in the community with free, real hair wigs to women undergoing cancer treatment. Read more about the Shine Strong campaign at www.pantene.com/shinestrong.
before BRINGING HOPE WITH HAIR Aunjanea (A.J.) Wiley of Ocean Springs, Mississippi had been growing her silky long hair for years with the intention of donating her tresses to a good cause one day. On a recent vacation to Houston A.J. decided it was time for a change so she visited stylist, Aimee Goldman at Tonsors Hair Designs. Aimee cut off three and a half FEET of A.J.’s hair and followed up with highlights and a new style. Upon the recommendation of Aimee, A.J. decided to donate her ponytail to the Pantene Beautiful Lengths program because the organization donates wigs free of charge to cancer patients. “I love my new look and feel great about making a difference for a cancer patient in need,” said A.J. To date, through the Beautiful Lengths Program, Pantene has donated 24,000 free real-hair wigs to the American Cancer Society’s wig banks, which distribute wigs to cancer patients across the country. For details on how to donate your hair visit www.pantene.com/en-US/ PanteneBeautifulLengths/Details/beautiful-lengths-makethe-cut.aspx. Cancer patients may contact the American Cancer Society’s Wig Bank for eligibility requirements and wig availability at 1-877-227-1596.
after
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Inspiring Promotion
SLEEP and WELLNESS Todd J. Swick, M.D., F.A.A.N. • Fellow, American Academy of Sleep Medicine & Neurology
W
hy we sleep is poorly understood, but the result of disturbed sleep or the amount of sleep one requires, has real implications. Our sleep encompasses a third of our life and is as important as what we do during our waking hours. Over the past 20 years there has been an explosion of research and new treatments in the field of sleep/wake disorders. Do you find it hard to get out of bed or wake up feeling tired? Do you often feel sleepy much of the time? Do you suffer from insomnia, leg twitching, or unexplained muscle weakness? Do you snore? Do you stop breathing? Do you require a nap? Do you have a difficult time getting your teenager out of bed? If your answer to these questions is yes, then you should request a referral for a sleep evaluation from your health care provider. For most people, falling and staying asleep are patterns that have developed over many years. Sleep should come naturally, occurring within minutes of lights out and is maintained throughout the night resulting in a good night’s sleep and feeling refreshed and awake during the next day. When these patterns are altered due to a sleep disorder, this may result in disturbed sleep, leading to daytime sleepiness and fatigue with a multitude of health
complaints which can lead to increased risk for numerous medical and psychological illnesses. Lifestyle factors that can improve sleep include regular exercise before 6:00 p.m., stop smoking, and no heavy meals, coffee, or alcohol at least four hours prior to bedtime. A light snack at bedtime including foods and/or beverages that contain tryptophan (dairy foods, bananas, turkey, yogurt, whole grain crackers and peanut butter) can promote sleep onset. A bedroom should be a sanctuary for pleasure, relaxation and rest. It should not be a place of work, electronics, arguments, or stress. You need to “turn off and turn in” for a good night’s sleep. It needs to be cool, dark and comfortable. Pets should NOT be in the bed and co-sleeping with children is NOT recommended. • Todd J. Swick, M.D. is board certified in neurology and sleep medicine and has been practicing in Houston for close to 34 years. He is Assistant Clinical Professor of Neurology at The University of Texas School of Medicine-Houston and serves as the Medical Director of Neurology and Sleep Consultants of Houston, The North Cypress Medical Center Sleep Disorders and Apnix Sleep Diagnostic Centers in Houston, Texas. www.sleepandneurology.com
August 2014 | ciaobellamagazine.com 9
Photographer: Greg Harbaugh
Behind the Scenes at the
Miss USA T
his year more than 5.5 million viewers watched the three-hour live telecast of Miss USA on NBC until the big moment when Miss Nevada, Nia Sanchez tightly held hands with first runner-up Miss North Dakota, Audra Mari and learned that she would be crowned Miss USA 2014. Donald Trump and NBC Universal co-sponsored the national beauty contest, featuring interview, swimsuit, and evening gown competitions. Following the pageant, an elated Sanchez expressed excitement at the immediate prospect of moving to New York City where she said she looked
Pageant By Michelle Leigh Smith
forward to seeing the sites, especially the Statue of Liberty. Most of all this year the new Miss USA said she looked forward to representing the United States at the Miss Universe Pageant. Sanchez, 24 who is in a relationship with handsome actor Daniel Booko will enjoy an abundant Miss USA prize package. Consider these: Luxury accommodations in a New York City apartment, living expenses and a salary, gifts from the official sponsors, consultations with a professional stylist and access to a personal appearance wardrobe, a one-year scholarship from the New York
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Film Academy, professional skin, hair care and fitness services, representation by the Miss Universe Organization and Rubenstein Public Relations, a modeling portfolio by leading fashion photographer, Fadil Berisha, and the chance to travel the world as a goodwill ambassador and spokeswoman for charitable causes.
More Than Skin Deep
“I know there are some who think beauty pageants are trivial,� said Miss Oregon, Emma Pelett, "but to me, this is the gift of a lifetime. It has helped me overcome my
Above: 51 contestants toured the area during pageant week and enjoyed the afternoon at Houmas House. Photographer: Patrick Prather Below: Helen Wisner, Miss Arkansas; Bishara Dorre, Miss Wisconsin and Amanda Soltero, Miss Nebraska enjoyed karaoke at Boudreaux and Thibodeaux in downtown Baton Rouge. Photographer: Patrick Prather
Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired? We can help.
fear of public speaking and helped me think critically about who I am.” Miss Alaska, Kendall Bautista, 21 founded the first chapter of Queen for a Day in Eagle River, where she offers therapeutic opportunities for children with cancer. "Miss Universe Organization is a company dedicated to empowering women," said Paula M. Shugart, President of the Miss Universe Organization. "It is run primarily by women and there are thousands of young women who are a part of our program every year. Our message is simple: 'if you stay focused and work hard, you can achieve your goals'." Miss USA Nia Sanchez will spend her reign raising awareness and funds for breast and ovarian cancer research. “I will also be heavily involved in my own personal platform – empowering
women and children to learn self-defense,” said Sanchez who is a fourth degree black belt in Taekwondo.
A Rich Girl's Sport
Whatever you imagine about the time, energy and money it takes to compete in beauty pageants, triple that and factor in plenty of hair spray, spray tans, and some world class orthodontia. “It’s a rich girl’s sport,” said Pam Pelett. The mother of Miss Oregon, Emma Pelett, 25 was enjoying a late dinner at L’Auberge, the headquarters for the 51 Miss USA contestants on the banks of the mighty Mississippi. The Peletts, who own a furniture consolidation business in Portland flew 38 of their close friends and relatives to Baton Rouge for the pageant. Her daughter had done well in
Since 1989, the Hotze Health & Wellness Center has helped over 30,000 patients regain their health and vitality by utilizing all-natural, bioidentical products that restore hormones to optimal levels, strengthen immune systems, and increase energy levels. We replace what is missing. It’s that simple.
CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE HEALTH ASSESSMENT.
888-447-4058 hotzehwc.com/bella
August 2014 | ciaobellamagazine.com 11
CLIENT: Hotze Health & Wellness Center FILE NAME: 14HTZ112_CiaoBella_3rdPg_V_Sick_GTP TITLE: “Sick and Tired”
Above: Emma Pelett, Miss Oregon paused for the judges during the Preliminary Competition. Photographer: Darren Decker
the preliminary competition where every contestant wore the same style swimsuit and chose her own gown earlier that evening. We’ve spent more than $100,000 getting Emma to this point.” “Emma has a big life,” said Pelett, who insists she is not a pageant mom, but rather a business woman. “We’re just here for a good time.” Both the preliminary and main competitions were held at the Baton Rouge River Center, an older convention center that received an $80K upgrade with Wi-Fi to accommodate pageant needs. “The girls,” as the 51 state titleholders came to be called by the Miss Universe Organization, toured plantations, visited the Governor’s Mansion, sipped high tea, played volleyball, enjoyed a seafood boil and read to sick children at area hospitals. Each day contestants had to be downstairs, in full hair and makeup by 6 a.m. to board the trolleys and did not return to the hotel until after 10:30 p.m. “Our time in Baton Rouge was amazing," said Jackie Shahinian, Manager of Public Relations for the Miss Universe Organization. "The city’s culture and hospitality is something that the entire Miss Universe staff and our 2014 Miss USA contestants will always remember. Baton Rouge offered a $350K economic development package to the pageant that included a waived $80K
Above: Kelsey Miller, Miss Delaware seen enjoying herself at Houmas House. Photographer: Patrick Prather Right: Mekayla Diehl, Miss Indiana sparked Twitters commenting on her "normal"-looking size 4 figure compared to her rail thin competitors. Photographer: Patrick Prather Far Right: Lauren Guzman, Miss Texas in front of the American Cruise Lines’ Queen of Mississippi Riverboat. Photographer: Patrick Prather 12 ciaobellamagazine.com | August 2014
rental fee at the River Center, free police escorts, comped hotel rooms at L’Auberge, as well as tours and meals at many of the city’s finest restaurants. After six years in Vegas, many pageantistas are happy to see the competition in the South. By pageant time next year, Tilman Fertitta’s Golden Nugget will be open and Gerry del Prete says they will definitely bid to be the host hotel.
Miss Texas
Miss Texas, Lauren Guzman, arrived at L’Auberge Baton Rouge with five suitcases, including one filled solely with shoes. She competed against 111 women from Dallas to Del Rio to win the Miss Texas crown in September at the Hilton Post Oak in Houston. In Baton Rouge, Guzman proudly represented the Lone Star State. At 24, the daughter of cardiologist Octavio Guzman, M.D. can certainly look back on some Texas size achievements as she moves forward into a bright future. Although Guzman spends many hours on the road traveling as the reigning Miss Texas USA, she maintains an apartment in Houston to accommodate her schedule of top modeling assignments for Page Parkes. The rest of the time, she calls sun-soaked Laredo home. “I got started because I was interested in modeling and my mom saw an ad in the newspaper for
MISS USA 2014 Nia Sanchez " To give themselves a shot at a pageant title, many girls change their residency and often times win the state title which gives them a shot at the national title," said WinnerViews pageant coach, J.J. Smith. Miss USA 2014 Nia Sanchez entered the Miss California pageant three times before moving to Nevada and entering the pageant there at the request of the Nevada pageant director Shanna Moakler, Miss USA 1995. Smith noted, "Texas is so rich in great pageant contestants that unfortunately it causes a bottleneck. Do not ever believe for one second that oil is our state’s greatest export."
Can’t focus? Stressed? Tired? Can’t focus?
Photographer: Greg Harbaugh
Miss Laredo Top Model. I was 15 at the time. It was so much fun and I won in 2005. One of the prizes for winning that pageant was a paid entrance fee for the Miss Laredo Teen Pageant. I had so much fun doing the Miss Laredo Top Model Pageant, I entered into the next one! I was Miss Texas Teen USA 2008. After my reign came to an end, I took the year off to focus on my freshman year of college. Then it came time to compete for Miss Texas USA. I won on my fourth try,” said Guzman who has strong faith and believes God has opened many doors for her. “She has an awesome personality,” said Erik Bechtol, agency director for Page Parkes. “We book her for Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Tootsies, Francesca’s, Simon Properties, Impression Bridal, JCPenney, Karishma Creations, Academy and many print jobs. We are happy that she has more time now for bookings here.” For the national competition, Guzman was sponsored by Eleese Lester, an on-camera coach who teaches pageant girls how to be more telegenic. Bellaire-based J.J. Smith and his WinnerViews was also one of Guzman's major sponsors. Smith, considered by many to be the best pageant interview coach in the nation is also owner of Think Twice Fashions in Bellaire which carries designer gowns and cocktail dresses. This time of year, there is a beehive of activity inside Think Twice Fashions as contestants make appointments for advice on competition gowns and how to handle the interview questions.
For the Miss USA Pageant, Guzman chose an elegant white gown with nude side panels by Gionni Straccia, a Venezuelan designer who created the gown for the reigning Miss Universe, Miss Venezuela Gabriella Isler. Guzman admitted, “The hardest part of competing is the preparation. You have to be really organized and you have to really train. You have work out and be disciplined all the time. The right diet is important. I spend at least four days a week doing cardio or lifting weights to stay toned.” Looking ahead the bright young woman said, “I have a forensic science degree from St. Mary’s in San Antonio and I am applying for a position with the FBI," When asked if her decision had anything to do with Miss Congeniality’s Sandra Bullock’s portrayal as an FBI agent who entered a national beauty pageant on assignment Guzman answered, “No, I was more inspired by CSI, which was really popular when I started college. My father encouraged me to enter this field.” She continued, "I may try acting and continue modeling for a while. I'm still looking into going to law school or getting my master's degree. I have plenty of time. I want to enjoy the rest of my reign and build on the connections and networking that I made as Miss Texas USA." • Young women interested in entering the pageant can learn more at http://www.missuniverse.com/missusa/info/become_the_next.
Relax. The cause may be as simple as a hormonal imbalance. Since 1989, the Hotze Health & Wellness Center has helped over 30,000 patients regain their health and vitality by utilizing all-natural, bioidentical products that restore hormones to optimal levels, strengthen immune systems, and increase energy levels. We replace what is missing. It’s that simple.
CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE HEALTH ASSESSMENT.
888-447-4058 hotzehwc.com/bella
August 2014 | ciaobellamagazine.com 13
CLIENT: Hotze Health & Wellness Center FILE NAME: 14HTZ112_CiaoBella_3rdPg_V_Focus_GTP TITLE: “Focus”
COVER GIRL Carole Gist Stramler
Photographer: Michelle Leigh Smith
14 ciaobellamagazine.com | August 2014
BREAKING THE
GLASS CEILING
WITH A CROWN
L
By Michelle Leigh Smith
et's face it, millions of women have secretly turned to the mirror to picture themselves wearing the coveted jeweled pageant crown which only a handful will ever wear. Carole Gist Stramler, had the courage not only to look in the mirror and imagine herself wearing the crown, but overcame difficult odds to make her dream a reality. Gist Stramler became the first African American Miss USA in 1990 winning a crown signifying beauty, poise and the determination to not let any barrier, racial or financial, stop her. Picture Detroit 1989, three years before the dawn of the internet. In those days Miss USA was hosted by Dick Clark, was still owned by CBS, and pageant winners accompanied the wellloved actor, Bob Hope overseas to entertain troops with the USO. The organization was based in California, where it would remain until Donald Trump bought the the company in 1996. Gist Stramler's best friend at the time, also a model at the Detroit car shows, said she was signing up for the Miss Michigan Pageant. One of four siblings and the child of a single mother, Gist Stramler entered the Miss Michigan Pageant with dreams of a recording contract. The following March, at age 20, the striking 6'0” Carole Gist Stramler won it all, automatically earning the opportunity to represent the United States in the Miss Universe Pageant. Her story contrasted with the middle class upbringings of most of her competition and of previous Miss USA crown holders. There were hurdles of a different kind to overcome that year, including Miss Texas, Stephanie Kuehne, who makes her home in Houston and is married to attorney Todd Kissner. A Miss Texas had taken the crown for the previous five years in a row, but something inside Gist Stramler pushed her to make her mark. Miss Texas made the Top Ten, but Gist Stramler was the streak breaker winning the title of Miss USA. Moving on to the Miss Universe Pageant she was honored as the first runner up, next to Miss Norway, Mona Grudt who won Miss Universe. That night at the Shubert Theater in Los Angeles, Carole Gist Stramler wowed the international audience in a red floor-length custom $10,000 Bob Mackie gown that sparkled with a million bugle beads. Winning the title of Miss USA brought Gist Stramler over $200,000 in cash, prizes and an apartment in Westwood, CA. The prize package included a car fit for a beauty queen, a Buick Regal which she gave to her mother. Her win inspired countless young women to reach for higher goals and helped transform the image of beauty from sea to shining sea. She is modest and quick to acknowledge others who came before and paved the way for her to enjoy the experience of winning a pageant title. In 1977 Janelle Commissiong took the crown as Miss Universe, in 1984 Vanessa Williams became Miss America and in 1986 Halle Berry was honored as first runner-up at the Miss USA Competition, and came in sixth at the Miss World Pageant. Ciao Bella! visited with the vivacious Michigan beauty at the 2014 Miss USA Pageant in steamy Baton Rouge, where she evaluated the 51 contestants as a Preliminary Judge. When
Once more, just to clarify, daily fatigue is not normal. Since 1989, the Hotze Health & Wellness Center has helped over 30,000 patients regain their health and vitality by utilizing all-natural, bioidentical products that restore hormones to optimal levels, strengthen immune systems, and increase energy levels. We replace what is missing. It’s that simple.
CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE HEALTH ASSESSMENT.
888-447-4058 hotzehwc.com/bella
Carole Gist Stramler was crowned the first African American Miss USA in 1990. She visited Baton Rouge to serve as judge for the 2014 Miss USA Preliminary Competition.
August 2014 | ciaobellamagazine.com 15
CLIENT: Hotze Health & Wellness Center FILE NAME: 14HTZ112_CiaoBella_3rdPg_V_Fatigue_GTP TITLE: “Fatigue”
LEFT: Mariela Pepin, Miss Maryland Teen USA, Carole Gist Stramler, Miss USA 1990 and Iris Robare, Miss Michigan Teen USA getting ready to enjoy the 2014 Miss USA Competition. RIGHT: Wellness Coach and Personal Trainer, Carole Gist Stramler helps women in Detroit to get in shape and feel great.
asked if she felt that her win served to blaze a trail for her successors Gist Stramler said, “I do believe that becoming the first African American to win Miss USA opened doors. It allowed the public to see African Americans on a national level being considered beautiful and showed that we come in all shades.” Since her win she said, “There have been so many pageant winners, biracial and of natural African American lineage, I think it's 11 total.” She added, “You have the power to change whatever is not right.” “My mom Joan was 19 when I was born,” her almond shaped eyes tearing up. Gist Stramler started modeling at age 12 and at 16, Eileen Ford of the Ford Agency invited her to move to New York, be home schooled and live with several other top models. “My mom would not let me go – I didn’t know she was using drugs at the time.” she said. Related issues kept her family in poverty, prohibiting her from taking piano or violin lessons and at one point, Gist Stramler was living in her car. “My grandmother, Oma Turner found me and moved me in with her.” She graduated with honors from Cass Technical High School, where comedian Gilda Radner began acting. Throughout junior high and high school, Gist Stramler modeled for the John Robert Powers agency, worked auto shows in Detroit and did commercials. She finished high school, running the one and two-mile relay and jumping the low and high hurdles. “I knew my mother could not send me to college so I looked at track as the opportunity to get a debt-free education,” she said. “I saved the money I made modeling and entered Northwood University, on an academic and athletic scholarship.” Gist Stramler finished college with two degrees. She holds an Associates Degrees in Hotel Restaurant Management and an Associates Degree in Automotive Marketing Dealership Accounting. After graduation she worked at the Ritz-Carlton, married, started a family and became a stay-at-home mom. “The marriage choice turned out not to be the best, and I stuffed my feelings about how I allowed myself to be treated. His words cut deeper than physical abuse,” she said. “I would have healed faster from a slap on the face.” Gist Stramler confided she was molested at age six, raped at 15 and knows firsthand the toll it can take on body, mind and soul. Healing herself with the power of prayer and regular doses of healthy self-love, she finds herself free of the misplaced shame and stigma that cripple so many women. “Stories like the one Miss Pennsylvania Valerie Gatto shared during pageant week 16 ciaobellamagazine.com | August 2014
about her mother being raped and refusing to give her up have helped me get past that,” she said. Stuffing her feelings with food, her weight crept up to 248 pounds when she realized this was not the life she was intended to lead. “I lost sight of myself when I realized that everything I owned had an elastic waistband. I saw a picture of myself in a sundress and that was my wakeup call. I decided I was not going to spend the rest of my life wearing forgiving sweat pants,” she shared. “I said to myself, `this is not who you are’ and I started jogging again, with tears in my eyes, but I kept pushing, mile after mile.” Gist Stramler began a rigorous discipline, running stairs, walking her children four miles to school, and encouraging her friends to walk with her, helping them become bold and confident enough to do things they had not believed they could do. “With every mile, I had a mantra, 'If you can get me through this, you can get me through everything,'” she prayed. “When I felt like crying or eating ice cream, I kept my eye on the long-term goal – a fit, toned body that I did not have to hide.” Fit, strong and self-determined she said, “I will never settle for anything less than what I deserve.” “A dream denied is only a dream deferred. I did not want Miss USA to be my last achievement,” said Gist Stramler. After transforming her body she became a wellness coach and personal trainer in Detroit and continues to share her passion with others, “Creating my own coaching company, Royal Physique Fitness, reaffirmed who I was. When my clients are at the point where they don’t think they can go anymore, I am there to push. It’s the mental push that gets them through that burn.” Gist Stramler has a son, Keith, 17, who is active in sports and martial arts and a daughter, Tylar, 21, who is a senior at Wayne State University. Tylar left June 20 to spend the summer at the Martha Graham School of Dance in NYC. “She is my beautiful little dancer,” she said. Gist Stramler's days are exciting now, being invited often to speak and share her unique story. She has her hands on the wheel of a vibrant, rich future, but she does not forget her passage through the pain.“I apologized to my children for letting them witness the way I allowed myself to be treated. I told them,‘You do not settle. You are worth so much more than that.’ ” • Gist Stramler may be contacted at missusa1990@hotmail.com.
Beauty Confessional
As confessed to Michelle Leigh Smith
ciao bella! “What are your skin care secrets?”
GIST STRAMLER “I drink a lot of water to keep my skin hydrated from the inside. I also use a strong sunscreen.”
ciao bella! “What is your favorite cosmetic line?”
GIST STRAMLER “I love Mary Kay’s skin care products, the eye makeup remover, the mineral powder and the Downtown Brown lipstick.”
ciao bella! “What hair care products do you use?”
GIST STRAMLER “Sei Bella by Melaleuca, Cantu Shea Butter Conditioning Co-Wash from the Natural Hair Collection, Shea Butter Leave In Conditioning Cream and Coconut Curling Cream.”
ciao bella! “What is your fitness routine?”
GIST STRAMLER “I exercise more than 600 minutes a week but the CDC recommends the minimum of 150 minutes a week. I teach fitness classes every day. When I do my own workout I run or walk/jog three miles before doing weights. I split up the upper and lower body for strength training on alternating days and include core and stretching daily.”
ciao bella! “What do you do to manage stress?”
GIST STRAMLER “Movement really helps. Also, a massage doesn’t hurt either.”
ciao bella! "As a trainer what do you recommend for your clients?"
GIST STRAMLER “I recommend two to three workouts a week for maintenance. Spinning is a great way to lean up and burn calories. It's also good for cross-training for swimmers and runners to take spin classes as an alternative cardio workout that will keep them from plateauing. I enjoy using some of the fitness apps like Fit Pal and Fit Day. Always park a little farther from the door. Take the stairs and do mini office breaks. There are some exercises you can do at your desk or in your office like push-ups off the desk or wall, sit/stands from the chair (modified squats), tricep lifts, seated leg lifts, seated bicycles alternating elbow to opposite knee and glute squeezes.”
ciao bella! “What is your diet secret?”
GIST STRAMLER “I eat clean foods, take plenty of Omega-3 vitamins and I eat five or six small meals a day, with a balance of healthy fat, low-carbs and protein in each meal.”
ciao bella! “What is your personal style like and what are your fashion favorites?”
GIST STRAMLER “I choose classic styles. I wear a lot of black and white, red or brights.”
ciao bella! “What are your biggest beauty secrets?”
GIST STRAMLER “Getting plenty of sleep and I think beauty comes from within.Your eyes say it all – if you aren’t happy, your eyes reveal that.” •
August 2014 | ciaobellamagazine.com 17
TRUTH OR MYTH…
WOMEN AND MONEY T By Jennifer Roosth
he relationship between women and money can be complicated, just as any other relationship in our life. With money, however, most issues boil down to two basic needs: security and freedom. Beyond that, there is a lot of mythology out there about women and money. One of the silver linings of the recent recession is that women are taking on a bigger role in managing household finances. Along the way, they’re dispelling the long-held belief that managing money is a male-dominated chore. Unfortunately, not everyone has joined the party. So, consider this is your personalized invitation to come join the fun. Let’s start by figuring which money myths are true and which are not.
Myth #1: Dealing with money issues can be scary and overwhelming. TRUE: Our human instinct is to avoid pain. The subject of money can be charged with emotion. So, if financial issues induce stress, naturally it’s something that women would want to avoid at all costs. We all have a very unique money legacy that affects our feelings about it. It could bring up negative memories of issues with parents, a bad divorce, or loss of a loved one. Antidote: You are human and you can condition yourself to do what’s in your long-term best interest. Think of yourself as Pavlov’s dog and make the topic of money management your bell. Make thinking about financial management fun. Play inspiring music when you’re managing the checkbook or allocating your 401(k) assets; treat yourself to your favorite dessert or a day at the spa when you do something that puts your family on solid financial footing; create a network of friends, like a book club, who are equally focussed on successfully managing their finances. In short,
A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step. –Lao Tzu
make managing money something that’s positive and rewarding instead of just a chore like laundry.
Myth #2: Women are not great with numbers. FALSE: Yes you are! Remember that last sample sale where you calculated 40% off, plus half off the second dress, with the discount for using your frequent buyer’s card? I’ve seen you do long division in your head. And because of your lower levels of testosterone, you are actually better at managing risk than your male counterparts. Nowhere is there a compelling case to be made for the superiority of one gender over another when it comes to daily finances.
Myth #3: It takes forever to learn to be great at investing, why even try? FALSE: Many women are perfectionists and feel like they are farther behind in learning about finances than they actually are. The saying goes, “Men think they are the expert if they just know something about a topic. Women can have a PhD in the topic and are still concerned that they don’t really know enough”. Just keep taking small steps in the right direction to understand your financial picture.
Myth#4: It’s rude to talk about money. TRUE: If you grew up in the South, where manners are very important, Emily Post would tell you that you absolutely do NOT talk about money matters…it’s gauche, crass, and distasteful. Antidote: These days, money is discussed front and center on TV, radio, magazines and newspapers. Etiquette is all about showing other people respect. The recession in 2008/2009 was devastating for many, and it has become increasingly clear that now is the time to remove the stigma around talking about money. It shows respect when you are less judgmental and more compassionate to your peers. If you care about and respect your friends, you can sit down with them and talk about one of the most important tools in your lives…money.
Myth #5: One can do everything right and still lose, so why play? TRUE: Life can be unpredictable. Many are fearful and insecure about investing because of the credit crisis in 2008, one of the worst financial crises in history. Furthermore, we’ve been fed a steady stream of media coverage about Madoff-types who will swindle you and take advantage of you. Antidote: Recovery is not only about economics, it’s about emotional strength that comes from the knowledge that over time markets normalize and basic principles hold true. There is plenty of room for sound investments in the marketplace. And the more you know about general financial concepts and investing language, the better you are able to manage quality control of the people you engage for help and advice.
Myth #6: Prince Charming is coming. TRUE AND FALSE: He might. But 50% of marriages end in divorce, and the average age of widowhood is 56. Even if someone or something does momentarily “rescue” you (a man, a parent, a child, a dream job, an angel investor), there is still a high probability that there will be a time when you are the one dealing with your own or your family’s finances. Even though many women will tell you that they know better, the fantasy of “Prince Charming” is still deep in our cultural psyches. There was a time when women did marry for the purpose of financial security (they had to). Women only got the right to vote in 1920; and by 1975, women could not get loans in their own names or a credit account. Antidote: Let the stories of women who have been left high and dry inoculate you of this mindset. Financial unconsciousness can break up families and lead to serious self-esteem issues. It’s not just smart to learn about money and investing…it’s essential for survival. As essential as finding a husband was in the 1950’s.
Myth #7: Dealing with money is not feminine. FALSE: Handling your finances has everything to do with self love and caring about the people around you. This makes it a very feminine thing to do, to care for your family’s security and well-being. Money is a way to honor your values. Every dollar you spend (or invest) is a vote for what you believe in…believe in yourself, your family, and your future self. Attending to financial matters makes us better caretakers of ourselves, better wives, mothers, daughters, and friends. Being fabulous is never an accident. It is done by design. So ladies, plant the initial seeds of financial awareness and start on your path toward where you need to go in terms of financial knowledge and well-being. Start right where you are. If you think money is boring…fine. If you think it’s too hard to understand…accept that part of yourself. If there is a part of you that REALLY REALLY REALLY wants someone else to do it for you…know that that is normal. Getting to complete financial comfort is a journey, but to use an old cliché, every journey begins with the first step. Fixing everything overnight is not only unnecessary, it’s impossible. But taking that first step forward is something you can definitely do today. • Jennifer Roosth is a Houston native and graduate of The Kinkaid School, Princeton University, and The London School of Economics and Politics. She worked her first Wall Street job at 17 as an intern with PaineWebber. She is currently a financial advisor in the Houston area. August 2014 | ciaobellamagazine.com 19
Puppy Love DOGGIE DECOR New Orleans sculptor and artist, Chris Menconi, is committed to bringing photos of people's pets to life. His whimsical clay dogs each have their own unique and humorous personality. Although many have tried to copy his sculptures, you can always tell a Menconi Original by the comical look on the face and the signature on the right foot of his sculptures. In Houston you can find Menconi's work at BB1 Classic (1101 Uptown Park Blvd.) on the Upper Deck Gallery. To have Menconi immortalize your pet in his playful way contact Calli Saitowitz at BB1 Classic for your custom order. Visit www.bb1classic.com or call 713.395.0830.
YOGA FOR DOGS AND THEIR OWNERS BELL-A-DOPTION Zero Gorgeous Boxer/Boston Terrier mix, Zero is looking for a forever home. She is loyal, compassionate, and ready for adventure. Zero would love to have other doggie sidekicks around, but at two years old she has not had the opportunity to befriend cats or little children. Zero weighs 42 pounds, is spayed, fully vaccinated and microchipped. Her ID code is A16271305. For more information contact Citizens for Animal Protection (CAP) at 281.497.0591 or visit www.cap4pets.org.
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If you want to start spending some quality, 'zen time' with your beloved pet read Blue Moon Doga, a new book written by dog and horse trainer, Marilyn Swick. In her book, the yoga enthusiast with more than 30 years experience working with animals teaches pet owners the principles of yoga, massage and basic obedience for dogs. To schedule appearances and book signing events contact Marilyn Swick 832.573.2217 and visit www.bluemoondoga.com.
We Can Help You Help Yourself CALL TODAY
713-469-2252 2425 West Loop South, Suite 200 Houston, TX 77027 w w w. t h e h y p n o s i s g r o u p. c o m
August 2014 | ciaobellamagazine.com 21
paparazzi
Brazarre
Art lovers showed their support for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life Greater Heights at the fourth annual Brazarre at G Gallery. Guests bid on artistic bra renditions created by local artists and other great auction items while enjoying light bites from Liberty Kitchen and live music by Grifters & Shills and Wendy Jones & The Atomic Nightingales. Photos: Kerri Clark Designs Artist, Thedra Cullar
Chef Joan Roca, Chef Terrence Gallivan and Chef Seth Siegel-Gardner
Gastronomical
World-acclaimed chef Joan Roca of El Celler de Can Roca flew in from Girona, Spain, to treat BBVA Compass execs and Houston’s finest chefs to a private tasting of his world reknown molecular gastronomy at Caracol. BBVA Compass sponsored the reception and is sponsoring Roca’s upcoming world tour which kicks off in Houston on Aug. 4 at the MFAH’s Rienzi. On the scene were BBVA Compass Chairman and CEO Manolo Sánchez, Food Network chef Ingrid Hoffman, Houston chefs, Hugo Ortega, Michael Cordua, Robert Del Grande, Chris Shepherd, Randy Evans, Seth Siegel-Gardner, Terrence Gallivan, and Kate McLean. Photos by Eric Kayne, Courtesy of BBVA Compass
Estelle
Fans of Grammy award winner, Estelle met and mingled with the singer at Mosaic Bar and Lounge while they sipped on sparkling red wine cocktails compliments of sponsor, Rosa Regale. Mini makeovers and mani-pedis were sponsored by Shea Moisture. On the scene were Colour Nail Bar and DJ Supastar. Photos by Roswitha Vogler
Chef Hugo Ortega, Chef Robert Del Grande and BBVA Compass Chairman & CEO Manolo Sánchez.
Screening
Heidi Suprun, Estelle
Monique Hobbs, DJ Supastar
Friends and fans of Richard Finger enjoyed a private screening of his new film Sex, Marriage and Infidelity at Landmark River Oaks Theatre. Finger wrote, directed and starred in the film which includes Caroline Tudor of Houston and reality stars Charlie O’Connell, Shannon Tweed, and Sophie Tweed-Simmons.
Beautiful
Miss US International 2013, Andrea Neu and WinnerViews Coach, J.J. Smith
Pageant winners and hopefuls gathered a few nights before the Miss USA Competition for a private party co-hosted by Houston WinnerViews Pageant Coach J.J. Smith and his colleagues at the at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Baton Rouge. A few nights later the Miss USA Pageant was held at the Baton Rouge River Center where Houston-based CHI was a major sponsor. Photos by Miss Universe 2013, Gabriela Isler; Miss USA 2013, Erin Brady; Farouk Systems Founder & Michelle Leigh Smith and Chairman Farouk Shami, Miss Teen USA 2013, Cassidy Wolf Max Miller
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Elena Davis, Richard Finger, Greg Davis
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